In this special episode, Liana Walker sits down with Autumn Pyka, co-owner of Community Gardens in Bastrop, to talk about how Community Gardens became a true community hub — part plant nursery, part restaurant, part event venue, and a gathering space where families, small businesses, and local organizations connect.

Autumn shares the unexpected origin story (it started as a search for a warehouse), how the business survived and adapted through COVID, and why Community Gardens is intentionally designed to be family-friendly, community-driven, and supportive of other small businesses.

In this episode, we cover:

• What Community Gardens is (nursery + restaurant + events + community center)
• The original vision—and how it evolved into what it is today
• How they curate partner businesses and keep communication strong
• Why Community Gardens is built for families and kids (and why that’s intentional)
• Event and venue options: backyard, greenhouse, indoor space, stage + concerts, nonprofits, corporate events
• Seasonal transformations (spring/fall plant surges, holiday market, special pop-ups)
• The Home & Garden Show tradition and what it means to the community
• Lessons since opening in 2017: adaptability, faith, doing hard things “afraid”
• Long-term vision: more family entertainment, continued support for small businesses
• 60 Seconds of Wisdom: do it afraid — and do it anyway

Location: Community Gardens, Bastrop, TX
Guest: Autumn Pyka (Co-Owner, Community Gardens)

Learn more:
🌐 https://www.cgbastrop.com/
📸 Instagram: @cgbastrop

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 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