In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast, Matt sits down with Bastrop Mayor Ishmael Harris to talk about what it’s really like stepping into leadership during a season of rapid growth — and how Bastrop can move forward without losing the small-town character people love.

Mayor Harris shares what surprised him most after going from campaigning to serving in office, why “boring” city council meetings can actually be a good sign, and how he approaches unity, transparency, and decision-making when residents have strong (and sometimes divided) opinions. The conversation covers smart growth, what city government can and cannot control, and why major projects take longer than most people realize.

We also dig into what’s already in motion behind the scenes — from street repairs and mobility connections (including the Blakey extension discussion) to wastewater capacity planning, and how Bastrop is thinking long-term about healthcare access, recreation, and building a more self-sustaining community where families can live, work, and thrive locally.

Location: Bastrop, TX
Guest: Mayor Ishmael Harris (City of Bastrop)
Topics: Bastrop growth & development, smart growth meaning, city council leadership, community unity & trust, infrastructure and road projects, wastewater planning, traffic and mobility, healthcare access and a regional hospital discussion, recreation and future rec center needs, Bastrop events and community identity (Juneteenth, Homecoming, festivals), civic engagement and voting, Bastrop’s 5–10 year vision

Connect with Ishmael Harris:

Phone: 512-718-5957

Email: iharris@cityofbastrop.org

Connect with The Bastrop Podcast:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bastroppodcast

and @wisdomhouse_tx
Website: wisdomhousetx.com
Podcast: The Bastrop Podcast

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast, Matt sits down with longtime Bastrop County resident Steve Schroeder — a former educator who now serves families and the community through his work with WoodmenLife and local service organizations.

Steve shares his journey from working in schools for over 15 years to finding new purpose helping families plan for the future while staying deeply involved in the Bastrop community. From supporting local students and teachers to honoring first responders and veterans, Steve’s work is rooted in service and connection.

We talk about what it really means to build a strong community, why giving back matters, and how small acts of service can have a lasting impact.

Location: Bastrop County, TX
Guest: Steve Schroeder (WoodmenLife Representative, Community Volunteer, Former Educator)
Topics: Community service in Bastrop County, supporting local schools & youth programs, WoodmenLife outreach, honoring veterans & first responders, Rotary involvement, family legacy planning, and building stronger local connections

Learn more:
🌐 https://www.woodmenlife.org/

Connect with The Bastrop Podcast:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bastroppodcast

and @wisdomhouse_tx
Website: wisdomhousetx.com
Podcast: The Bastrop Podcast

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast, Matt sits down with Liana Walker—his wife and business partner at Wisdom House Realty Group—to share their journey into real estate, why they chose Bastrop, and how Liana’s background in advertising shaped their marketing-first approach in a social-media-driven market. They also share the meaning behind the name “Wisdom House” (Proverbs 24:3–4) and what they’re building in the community.

They break down what buyers and sellers need to understand right now in Bastrop County and Central Texas, including why buyers have unusual negotiating power, why sellers must price based on real comps (not wishful thinking), and why having a Realtor matters—especially for new construction. Plus: a quick roundup of Bastrop growth updates, including Sendero, SpaceX expansion, Adelton’s commercial plans, Sprouts opening, and the Agnes Street connection.