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

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast, Matt sits down with James Ringel and Jimmy Brymer, founders of Ringel & Brymer Law Firm in Bastrop, TX. James and Jimmy share how a chance job connection led them to team up, why their motto—small firm service, big firm results—guides their work, and how they’ve built a reputation for responsiveness and results. From a $750,000 presidential campaign dispute resolved in just 24 hours to their push for proactive contracts over handshake deals, this conversation blends entertaining stories with valuable legal advice for local businesses and property owners.

Location: Bastrop TX
Guest: James Ringel & Jimmy Brymer
Topics: Building a law firm in Bastrop, proactive legal strategies, memorable cases, and the impact of Bastrop’s growth on local law
Reach Ringel & Brymer at: https://www.ringelbrymerlaw.com/

📞 (512) 409-3342

info@RingelBrymerLaw.com

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 Becki Womble, President & CEO of the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce. Becki shares her journey from Lockhart to Bastrop, the Chamber’s evolution from ribbon cuttings to real advocacy, and her passion for helping businesses thrive. Tune in to hear about Bastrop’s growth, upcoming infrastructure projects (like the iconic bridge), and why Becki believes connection and advocacy are at the heart of a healthy business community.

Location: Bastrop TX
Guest: Becki Womble
Topics: Becki Womble's journey in The Bastrop Chamber of Commerce, the past & future of Bastrop growth
Reach Becki at: https://www.bastropchamber.com/

(512) 303-0558

info@bastropchamber.com

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, we sit down with Steve Hipe, founder of Hope Valley Tree Farm in Bastrop, Texas. For over 23 years, Steve and his family have cultivated more than just trees—they’ve built a space rooted in faith, community, and purpose. From numerous varieties of Texas trees to stories of resilience, entrepreneurship, and what it really means to “love your neighbor,” Steve shares the heart behind his work and the beauty of dreaming big. Whether you're a tree lover, business builder, or just looking for a breath of hope—you’ll love this conversation.

Location: Bastrop TX
Guest: Steve Hipe
Topics: Steve's business, Hope Valley Tree Farm, his faith and family
Reach Steve at: www.hopevalleytreefarm.com

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, we sit down with Bastrop Mayor Candidate Ishmael Harris to explore his lifelong connection to Bastrop and his vision for its future. Ishmael shares stories of growing up in the tight-knit community, reflects on his experience with Austin Water, and discusses the critical infrastructure and development issues facing Bastrop today. From planning and zoning updates to his decision to run for mayor, Ishmael highlights his commitment to progress, community involvement, and preserving the small-town charm of Bastrop.

Location: Bastrop TX
Guest: Ishmael Harris
Topics: Ishmael's upbringing, Bastrop Infrastructure and development
Reach Ishmael at:

https://www.ishmaelharrisformayor.com

Ishmaelharrisformayor@gmail.com

Facebook at Ishmael Harris for Mayor of Bastrop

Call Ishmael at 512-980-4519

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

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

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast, host Matt Walker sits down with Pastor Ronald Wilson at Anointed Hands Barbershop for a heartfelt conversation about faith, calling, and community. Ron opens up about receiving his first prophetic word as a teen, leading alongside his wife at Celebration Community Church, and helping unify local churches through the Bastrop Christian Ministerial Alliance.

You'll hear stories of fatherhood, barbershop culture, ministry in the margins, and what it means to raise a family with purpose. Ron’s passion for unity, mentorship, and living out the Gospel is contagious—this episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about the heart of Bastrop.

Location: Anointed Hands Barbershop, Bastrop TX
Guest: Pastor Ron Wilson
Topics: Ministry, Family, Unity, Local Leadership
Reach Ron at cccpastorron@gmail.com or on Facebook at Ronald Wilson

Connect with The Bastrop Podcast:
Instagram: @wisdomhouse_tx
Website: wisdomhousetx.com
Podcast: The Bastrop Podcast

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast, Matt Walker sits down with Adam Richerson, owner of House Call Mobile Mechanic, to talk about what it’s really like running a one-man auto repair business in Bastrop County, Texas. Adam shares how stepping into self-employment gave him the freedom to prioritize faith, family, and flexibility—and why he wishes he’d done it sooner. From diagnosing tricky engine issues to navigating entrepreneurship with integrity, Adam brings raw insight into the mechanical trade and the values that drive his work. Plus, he opens up about his faith in Jesus and how it transformed not just his business, but his entire life.

📍 Learn what sets House Call Mobile Mechanic apart, why Adam loves Hondas (and maybe Porsches), and his advice for anyone thinking of launching a business in Bastrop.

Need a mobile mechanic in Bastrop County?
Call or text Adam at 512-934-2233
Email: housecallmobilemechanic@gmail.com

Connect with Matt and Liana Walker:
Instagram: @wisdomhouse_tx
Website: wisdomhousetx.com
Podcast: The Bastrop Podcast