Welcome to Episode 28 of the Good Neighbors of Texas Podcast! Today, I sit down with Adrian Forsyth, owner of Dog for Life Training—a veteran-owned, highly specialized dog training company located right here in Bastrop County.

Adrian’s approach to training is unlike anything you’ve heard before. With an impressive background as a military linguist, a passion for behavioral science, and years of intensive hands-on experience, she brings a level of intentionality, observation, and communication to dogs that borders on an art form. From temperament testing to behavior modification to off-leash reliability, Adrian and her team create a “boutique” training experience that’s transparent, deeply personalized, and rooted in excellence.

In this episode, we talk about common misconceptions in dog behavior, the science behind communication, the difference between obedience and true understanding, and what it really means to build a healthy, lifelong relationship with your dog. We also discuss red flags when choosing a trainer, practical tips for summer safety, why some dogs struggle in silence, and why training is ultimately just as much about the human as it is about the dog.

If you’ve ever wondered what your dog is really trying to say—or how to bring out their full potential—this conversation will open your eyes and maybe even deepen your bond with your four-legged family member.

Welcome to the Good Neighbors of Texas Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Judah Ross of Bastrop Real Estate Group, a relationship-driven realtor who’s helping shape not just the housing market in Bastrop, but the community itself.

Judah shares how his journey from New Jersey and New York to Austin and finally Bastrop shaped his eye for fast-growing areas and long-term opportunity. Drawing on more than 15 years in sales leadership and startup environments, he talks about what it really takes to build trust in real estate, how he guides first-time buyers through the most stressful purchase of their lives, and why being a “therapist with a real estate license” isn’t that far from the truth.

We also get personal—Judah opens up about a challenging childhood, finding his own identity, the importance of mental health, and how that fuels his commitment to creating a peaceful, stable home life for his family and his clients. From negotiating tough deals and navigating crazy markets to flying planes, kayaking the Colorado River, flying drones, and building neighborhoods one relationship at a time, this conversation is full of heart, insight, and genuine love for Bastrop.

Tune in to meet a neighbor who isn’t just selling homes—he’s helping people find their place and their people.

Welcome to Episode 26 of the Good Neighbors of Texas Podcast! In this conversation, I sit down with Laura, owner of Up Closets in Bastrop, a custom closet and home-organization company transforming the way people live — both in their homes and in their minds.

Laura shares how clutter affects mental health, why organization can create a sense of peace, and how her 40-year career in software project management surprisingly prepared her for designing personalized, functional spaces. From closets and pantries to garages and home offices, Laura brings clarity to the places that often hide our greatest chaos.

We also explore her journey into entrepreneurship, the joy she finds in meeting neighbors, and the life lessons that shaped her business philosophy. Whether you’re craving more order in your home or inspiration for your own career pivot, this episode is packed with insight, warmth, and practical wisdom.

Tune in and meet a neighbor who’s helping Bastrop breathe a little easier — one organized space at a time.

Today we’re joined by Jennifer Reynolds, owner of ETX Travel in Elgin, Texas. Jennifer believes travel is for everyone—and that it’s one of the most powerful ways to recharge, grow, and connect across generations. She brings first-hand destination knowledge (think river cruise ship inspections in Vienna), a network of in-destination partners, and a hands-on approach that keeps trips smooth from planning to wheels-up.

She didn’t plan to start a movement—she just wanted to bring women together. Veronica Seaver joins us on the Good Neighbors of Texas podcast to share the raw, real, and beautiful story behind She Women in Business. What began with 94 attendees has grown into a safe, empowering space where women can stop pretending, start healing, and finally feel seen. From battling depression to speaking before crowds with fierce vulnerability, Veronica’s journey is one of strength found in surrender—and joy found in community. If you've ever needed permission to be a little messy, wildly authentic, and fully yourself—this episode is for you.

In this inspiring episode of Neighbors of Texas, host Ron sits down with Shannon Ficklin, a Central Texas-based Realtor and Certified Stager whose work goes far beyond real estate transactions. With heartfelt honesty and wisdom earned through experience, Shannon shares how her path into real estate began not with ambition, but with a divine nudge and a single phone call that changed everything.

Shannon reflects on the pressures of high-volume real estate work and the burnout it caused, eventually leading her to step away and rediscover her purpose: to connect, to guide, and to be a rock for her clients during life’s big transitions. Throughout the conversation, she speaks passionately about the emotional weight real estate carries—be it the joy of buying a first home or the grief of selling after a loss—and how she serves not just as an agent, but as a steady, compassionate presence.

Listeners will be moved by Shannon’s story of personal transformation, from leaving a beloved career at a private school to navigating identity shifts, practicing daily affirmations and meditation, and surrounding herself with a powerful circle of female support. Her message is one of authenticity, resilience, and choosing alignment over hustle.

Whether you’re buying a home, seeking inspiration to pivot in your own career, or simply looking to reconnect with what matters most, this episode is a heart-centered reminder that real success is rooted in relationships—and that the bravest thing you can do is step out of your comfort zone and into your calling.

In this episode of the Good Neighbors of Texas podcast, we’re joined by Elisa Johnson, the head of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School, and Little Sheep Learning Center. Elisa shares the inspiring story behind these faith-based institutions, which provide a nurturing environment for children from six weeks old through sixth grade. With a focus on academic excellence, spiritual growth, and personalized care, Elisa explains how the school has grown significantly since its inception, addressing the community's need for high-quality childcare and education. She discusses the challenges of growth, the importance of building strong relationships with families, and the unique culture that sets Good Shepherd apart. Elisa's passion for service and dedication to the children and families in Bastrop shines through, as she reflects on the impact of the school’s commitment to care and holistic education. See more.

Welcome to the Good Neighbors of Texas Podcast, episode 21! Today, we're joined by Eric Davis, the owner of Mr. Ed Handyman. Eric takes a straightforward approach to providing top-quality handyman services, ensuring every project is completed with reliability and care. From small jobs like light fixture installations to larger renovation projects, Eric aims to bring order to your home, no matter the task. In this episode, we’ll dive into Eric’s journey—from his background in multifamily renovations to his passion for tackling “honey-do” lists. Plus, he shares some renovation horror stories and insights into what sets his business apart. Please tune in to hear more about how Eric's dedication to communication, reliability, and quality sets him apart in the handyman world! Check out more.