The Bastrop Podcast

Matt Walker, Wisdom House Realty Group

The Bastrop Podcast — real people, real stories, all from right here in Bastrop, Texas. Hosted by Matt & Liana Walker of Wisdom House Realty Group & Bastrop Drone & Media Co., we bring you weekly convos with the locals shaping our town. From city leaders to Main Street business owners, we cover real estate, new developments, small-town entrepreneurship, Bible reading journeys, digital marketing, and more. Sponsored by Wisdom House Realty Group. Follow @WisdomHouse_TX and reach out if you know someone we should feature!hello@wisdomhousetx.com

  1. Women Who Shape Bastrop: Leadership, Growth & Community

    May 20

    Women Who Shape Bastrop: Leadership, Growth & Community

    In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast, Liana Walker sits down with three incredible women helping shape the future of Bastrop: Becki Womble, President and CEO of the Bastrop Regional Chamber of Commerce; Myra Goepp, President of Benchmark Austin; and Kayla Hixon, Development Manager for Adelton. Together, they talk about women in leadership, faith, community, mentorship, business growth, and what it looks like to step into opportunities with courage. They also share a behind-the-scenes look at Adelton, one of Bastrop’s growing master-planned communities, and the intentional planning behind its homes, amenities, commercial spaces, and future growth. This conversation highlights what makes Bastrop special: strong relationships, local leadership, thoughtful development, and a small-town spirit that continues to welcome new families, businesses, and opportunities. Location: Bastrop, TX  Guests: Becki Womble, Myra Goepp, and Kayla Hixon  Topics: Women in leadership, Bastrop growth, Bastrop Chamber, Adelton, Benchmark Austin, land development, local business, community planning, faith, mentorship Learn more:  Bastrop Regional Chamber of Commerce: https://www.bastropchamber.com/ Adelton: https://www.adeltontx.com/ Wisdom House Realty Group: https://www.wisdomhousetx.com/ Connect with The Bastrop Podcast:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bastroppodcast/  Wisdom House Realty Group: https://www.instagram.com/wisdomhouse_tx/

    43 min
  2. Community Gardens: Autumn Pyka on Building a Family-Friendly Community Hub

    Mar 3

    Community Gardens: Autumn Pyka on Building a Family-Friendly Community Hub

    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 todayHow they curate partner businesses and keep communication strongWhy 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 eventsSeasonal transformations (spring/fall plant surges, holiday market, special pop-ups)The Home & Garden Show tradition and what it means to the communityLessons since opening in 2017: adaptability, faith, doing hard things “afraid”Long-term vision: more family entertainment, continued support for small businesses60 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

    42 min
  3. Bastrop Mayor Ishmael Harris on Smart Growth, Infrastructure, and Bastrop’s Future

    Feb 18

    Bastrop Mayor Ishmael Harris on Smart Growth, Infrastructure, and Bastrop’s Future

    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

    47 min
  4. Bastrop Law Group: Protecting Your Estate, Protecting Your Family

    12/19/2025

    Bastrop Law Group: Protecting Your Estate, Protecting Your Family

    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

    32 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Bastrop Podcast — real people, real stories, all from right here in Bastrop, Texas. Hosted by Matt & Liana Walker of Wisdom House Realty Group & Bastrop Drone & Media Co., we bring you weekly convos with the locals shaping our town. From city leaders to Main Street business owners, we cover real estate, new developments, small-town entrepreneurship, Bible reading journeys, digital marketing, and more. Sponsored by Wisdom House Realty Group. Follow @WisdomHouse_TX and reach out if you know someone we should feature!hello@wisdomhousetx.com