Circus Secrets, Music Festival Realities, and The Grit Behind Agricultural Competitions

Welcome back to the 78644 Podcast! In this rich and vibrant episode, host Steven Collins brings together the awe of circus arts, the raw power of songwriting, and the heartfelt stories of Lockhart’s own youth in agriculture. We start with a nostalgic audio tour of a classic circus setup and then dive into the creative life of Xochitl Sosa, a contemporary circus artist sharing her journey from Oakland to Red Rock, from aerial feats to artistic direction.You’ll also meet singer-songwriter Melissa Engleman, who talks about her new album Love and plays a stirring track live in-studio. Later, we get a peek into the world of local students competing in the Caldwell County Junior Livestock Show—with charming stories, helpful advice, and plenty of laughs. Music takes center stage as well, featuring Jonathan Terrell in our Local Tracks segment with his soulful song “Place Out Back.” Finally, Mesh Festival producer Matt Meshbane shares his vision for bringing music to the corners of Texas that need it most.Guests in This Episode:Xochitl Sosa – Circus artist, director, and founder of a contemporary circus company based in Austin.Melissa Engleman – Singer-songwriter sharing music from her new album Love.Celia Stevens, Emory Burton, Nicole Stevens & Hoppy Haden – Highlights from the Caldwell County Junior Livestock Show with students and community voices.Jonathan Terrell – Lockhart musician Jonathan Terrell performs his soulful track “Place Out Back.”Matt Meshbane – Music producer and founder of Texas Mesh Fest.What’s Inside:A look into classic and contemporary circus behind the scenes.How music and heartbreak inspired Melissa Engleman’s new album.What it takes for young people to raise, train, and show livestock in Lockhart.Lockhart Musician Jonathan Terrell shares his heartfelt song “Place Out Back.”The vision behind a grassroots music festival that blends genres and communities.🎪 Don’t Miss Cirque Vida!A night of magic, acrobatics, and unforgettable moments awaits.Get your tickets now: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/cirquevida🎟️Use code 78644 for a discount!Episode Breakdown: [00:00] – Episode Introduction.[00:57] – Meet Xochitl Sosa: From aerial artist to circus director, Xochitl shares her path and passion.[12:34] – Musical Spotlight: Melissa Engleman introduces her new album Love and performs “Say Goodbye.”[22:30] – Caldwell County Junior Livestock Show: Celia, Nicole, Emory, and Judge Haden share highlights and insights from the local youth livestock show.[32:45] – Local Track Feature: A live performance of "Big City Blues" by Jonathan Terrell[37:29] – The Heart of a Festival: Matt Meshbane breaks down his journey and vision for Texas Mesh Fest.[47:39] – Closing Credits: A thank-you to sponsors, artists, and the Lockhart community.Follow Our Guests:🎪Cirque Vida: https://www.cirquevida.com/ 🎪 Xochitl Sosa: https://www.instagram.com/circus_xochitl_🎤 Melissa Engleman: https://melissaengleman.com/🐰 Caldwell County Junior Livestock Show: https://www.ccfaltx.com/👨‍⚖️ Hoppy Haden: https://hoppyhaden.com/about-judge-haden/🎤 Jonathan Terrell: https://www.jonathanterrellmusic.com/🎧 Texas Mesh Fest: https://www.texasmeshfest.com/🎧 Matt Meshbane: https://www.facebook.com/meshbane/ Follow our Host:Steven Collins: https://www.instagram.com/deadmanonline This Episode is Sponsored by:Wella Foods: https://www.instagram.com/wellafoods/Thunderbird Bar: https://www.instagram.com/thunderbirdbar/ PrintingSolutionstx: https://www.instagram.com/printingsolutionstx/ Gaslight Baker Theatre: https://www.instagram.com/gaslightbaker/ Courthouse Nights: https://www.instagram.com/courthousenights/ Crystal Glaze Photography: https://www.instagram.com/crystalglazephotography/ Gray Beard Films: https://www.instagram.com/graybeardfilms/ Texas Hatters - HishatLady: https://www.instagram.com/hishatlady/ Follow 78644 Podcast:Website: https://www.78644podcast.com/Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/people/78644-Podcast/100089192381124/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/78644podcast/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@78644PodcastSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/78644/exclusive-content