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.

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast, Matt sits down with Dominica McGinnis and Chris W. Kirby, J.D., of Bastrop Law Group to discuss why they launched the firm in July 2024 and the growing legal needs of Bastrop County. They break down what estate planning really involves beyond a will, why families often wait too long to put plans in place, and how assumptions—especially in blended families—can lead to costly and heartbreaking outcomes. The conversation also explores real estate challenges unique to Bastrop, including inherited property, title issues, and the compounding difficulties that arise when probate and planning are delayed. On the business side, Chris explains why operating agreements matter even for small or single-owner companies, and how proactive legal planning can protect families, businesses, and property while avoiding unnecessary litigation as the county continues to grow.

Location: Bastrop TX
Guest: Dominica McGinnis & Chris W. Kirby, J.D. (Bastrop Law Group)
Topics: Estate planning basics, avoiding common family/legal pitfalls, inherited property & title issues, probate timing, operating agreements for small businesses, and Bastrop County growth
Learn more:
🌐 https://bastroplawgroup.com/
📸 Instagram: @bastroplawgroup

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 Bastrop City Council Member Perry Lowe — a lifelong Bastrop resident with deep roots, a passion for community, and a unique background in music and public service. Perry shares his family’s multigenerational story in Bastrop, what inspired him to run for City Council, and how he approaches leadership through communication, collaboration, and intentional growth. From development conversations at Crossings at 95 to road and flooding improvements, riverbank stabilization, and concerns around Austin’s aquifer storage project, Perry offers an inside look at the decisions shaping Bastrop’s future. He also reflects on how his years as a musician and radio producer influence the way he connects with people and serves the community he calls home.

Location: Bastrop TX
Guest: Perry Lowe
Topics: City Council leadership, intentional community growth, infrastructure & flooding, Colorado River stabilization, development projects, civic engagement, and Bastrop’s future
Learn more:
🌐 https://www.cityofbastrop.org/page/cc.perry_lowe
📸 Instagram: @PerryLoweMusic

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 Jonah Beyer, Executive Director of Feed the Need Missions, to explore how a simple weekly cookout has grown into a powerful movement restoring community across Bastrop County and beyond. Jonah shares the early days of grilling burgers on Main Street, the moments that shaped the mission, and how the organization continues to meet both physical and spiritual needs every single week.

Jonah also opens up about meaningful stories like Alan’s journey, the emotional weight of disaster deployments such as the Kerrville floods, and the heart behind building consistent, long-term community through weekly gatherings. From Gobble Kits to volunteer training to the growing needs in Bastrop, this conversation dives deep into what it truly looks like to love your neighbors with consistency and compassion.

Whether you're curious about getting involved, wanting to understand local needs more deeply, or simply looking for a story of hope and faith in action, this episode will encourage and inspire you.

Location: Bastrop, TX
Guest: Jonah Beyer
Topics: Community, Ministry, Hunger Relief, Disaster Response, Nonprofits, Bastrop County, Faith, Service, Volunteering, Stories, Local Needs

Learn more:
🌐 Feed the Need Missions: https://feedtheneed.org
📸 Instagram: @feedtheneed

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 musician and songwriter Ben Zuniga to talk about his journey from picking up a pawn shop guitar at age eight to becoming a central part of Bastrop’s growing music scene. Ben shares how the community shaped his early years, what inspired him to step into a solo career, and the story behind his debut album People Who Dance and his latest project, the SWEETHEART Sessions.

Ben and Matt also dive into what makes Bastrop’s music culture unique, the joy of creating alongside his brother Theo, and why authenticity is at the heart of everything Ben does—whether on stage, in the studio, or in the community.

Location: Bastrop TX
Guest: Ben Zuniga
Topics: Bastrop, Music, Community, Songwriting, Performance, Albums, Collaboration, Authenticity, Creativity, Family
Learn more:
🌐 https://www.benzunigamusic.com/
📸 Instagram: @benzunigamusic

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 chef and farmer Sonya Cote, owner of Storehouse and Eden East Farm. Sonya shares how moving from East Austin during the pandemic led her to Bastrop, where she built a true farm-to-table experience connecting land, food, and community. From hauling truckloads of topsoil to collaborating with world-class chefs, she talks about her art-inspired approach to cooking, the playful ghost stories tied to Storehouse’s historic building, and the joy of creating seasonal menus that celebrate Bastrop’s abundance.

Location: Bastrop TX
Guest: Sonya Cote
Topics: Farm-to-table dining, building Storehouse & Eden East Farm, creativity in food and art, community connection, and finding sanctuary in Bastrop
Learn more:
🌐 storehousebastrop.com
📸 Instagram: @storehousebastrop | @edeneastfarm

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

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