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

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