The Texas Current Podcast presented by Texas Home Talk

Texas Home Talk
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There's Texas, and then there's the Texas locals actually live in — the Thursday night pickin' circle in Wimberley, the new brewery in Cibolo nobody's writing about yet, the best breakfast taco in a town you've never driven through. The Texas Current Podcast brings you the food, events, music, and community stories from 24+ towns across the I-35 corridor and the Hill Country. It's the stuff your neighbor would tell you over the fence — if your neighbor happened to spend every week driving between New Braunfels, Boerne, Kyle, and Cedar Park. New episodes from the team at TexasHomeTalk.com.

  1. 2d ago

    Central Texas High School Football: A Newcomer's Guide to Friday Night Lights

    In Central Texas, Friday night high school football isn't a hobby — it's a civic institution. It's the town square, and if you're moving here, it quietly shapes your fall calendar, your community, and how fast you go from "new arrival" to "neighbor." Hosts Tyler Brooks and Maddie Lawson open with a true story from Texas Home Talk's own backyard: the Smithson Valley Rangers of Comal ISD, who lost five state championship games across more than two decades before finally winning back-to-back UIL Class 5A Division I titles in 2024 and 2025 — under a coach who'd been there since 1993, at the Dallas Cowboys' AT&T Stadium. From there they map the whole culture for newcomers: how the UIL and its 1A–6A classifications actually work, why the state plays its high school championships in an NFL stadium, what six-man football is, and what a Friday night really feels and smells like in the stands. Plus the marquee programs across the region — Lake Travis, Cibolo Steele, and Wimberley — celebrated by tradition, never ranked. The payoff is practical, not promotional: showing up to a game your first fall is the fastest, cheapest way to actually belong somewhere. The 2026 UIL season kicks off Thursday, August 27. Explore the community guides at TexasHomeTalk.com to learn more about the towns behind these programs. — This episode is presented by Liz Rich, mortgage broker with Edge Home Finance, serving Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Leander. NMLS #1983319. Equal Housing Opportunity. Closing sponsor: Sharon Hayes, Realtor with Dalton Wade Real Estate Group — a retired U.S. Army combat veteran and military relocation professional serving Central Texas and the Hill Country.

  2. Aug 11

    What’s Eating Your House? The Central Texas Pests That Can Cost You Thousands

    Are you about to buy a home in Texas, or looking to protect the property you already own? In the finale of our three-part series on Central Texas property pests, hosts Tyler Brooks and Maddie Lawson dive deep into the hidden structural threats that can cause tens of thousands of dollars in hidden damage. From subterranean termites to the dreaded "tree roaches," this episode covers: Subterranean Termites vs. Formosans: Key differences, regional risks, and why termites are actually nature's ultimate recyclers.The 60-Second Identification Rule: How to instantly distinguish between a harmless flying ant and a destructive termite swarmer.Treatment Truths: Why post-construction termite treatments are classified as "partial" and what home buyers need to know.The "Transplant Panic": Why finding a giant American or Smoky Brown cockroach doesn't mean your home is infested—and how simple weatherstripping saves the day.The Homeowner Prevention Checklist: Practical steps to secure your foundation, grade your soil, manage mulch, clean gutters, and switch up your exterior lighting.WDI Reports Explained: Why a standard home inspection isn't enough and why a separate Wood-Destroying Insect (WDI) report is essential before closing.Special thanks to our sponsor, Zach Allgeyer at Texas Property Inspections, providing thorough home inspections and clear reports across Central Texas. Learn more or schedule an inspection at Texas Property Inspections. Sponsor Note: This episode is also brought to you by Jeanette Boscamp, Broker/Owner of Cornerstone Real Estate Advisors. Serving New Braunfels luxury markets and Hill Country gated communities. Reach Jeanette at (210) 765-0767.

  3. Aug 3

    The Bite You Never Felt: Central Texas Pests That Strike Hours—or Decades—Later

    What if the most dangerous bug bite is the one you never even feel? In Part Two of our Central Texas pest series, Tyler Brooks and Maddie Lawson investigate the region’s delayed-reaction pests—the insects and arachnids that can leave you feeling fine at first, only for the real consequences to appear hours, days, months, or even decades later. We begin with the kissing bug and the parasite responsible for Chagas disease. While human transmission remains rare in Texas, the threat is much more significant for outdoor dogs, especially in the Hill Country. Then we tackle one of the strangest consequences of a tick bite: alpha-gal syndrome. A bite from a lone star tick can cause the immune system to react to beef, pork, dairy, or gelatin—sometimes producing hives, severe stomach problems, or anaphylaxis several hours after dinner. You’ll also discover: • Why chiggers do not actually burrow beneath your skin • What causes their maddening, weeklong itch • Why some “mosquito bites” near Central Texas rivers may actually come from black flies or no-see-ums • The seasonal lakefront midge problem many homebuyers do not learn about until after closing • How a black widow bite can be mistaken for appendicitis • Why the familiar violin marking is not a reliable way to identify every Texas recluse • Why many supposed brown recluse bites are actually MRSA infections • How fleas can transmit murine typhus • Practical ways to reduce exposure around your home and yard • Four warning signs that mean it is time to stop experimenting with home remedies and seek medical attention It is unsettling, occasionally gross, and surprisingly useful—because in Central Texas, the thing that sends you to the doctor may not be the rattlesnake you saw. It may be the tiny bite you forgot ever happened. Be sure to subscribe so you do not miss Part Three, when we turn our attention from the pests that attack people to the structural invaders that attack the house itself—including termites and those infamous Texas tree roaches. SPONSOR RECOGNITION This episode is brought to you by Liz Rich, Mortgage Broker with Edge Home Finance. Liz helps homebuyers and homeowners throughout Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Leander navigate the mortgage process with confidence. Whether you are purchasing your first home, moving up, refinancing, or comparing loan options, Liz takes the time to educate her clients and find a financing strategy that fits their goals. Connect with Liz using the link in these show notes, and tell her you heard about her on Texas Home Talk. Liz Rich Edge Home Finance NMLS 1983319 Equal Housing Opportunity This episode is also brought to you by Sharon Hayes, Realtor. Sharon combines two decades of United States Army discipline with patient, detail-oriented real estate service. A retired combat veteran and licensed Realtor since 2017, Sharon specializes in luxury homes, new construction, land, investment properties, and military relocation throughout the Texas Hill Country. To connect with Sharon, call 808-551-7371. Medical disclaimer: This episode is provided for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for diagnosis or medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Seek immediate medical care for severe allergic reactions, difficulty breathing, significant abdominal cramping, unexplained cardiac symptoms, or expanding and darkening skin lesions.

  4. Jul 26

    Living in Texas: What Bites Back

    Living in Texas Means Learning What Bites Back: Asps, Swarms, Fire Ants and More Texas offers wide-open spaces, beautiful rivers, legendary barbecue—and a surprising number of creatures capable of turning an ordinary afternoon into a story you will be telling for years. In the first episode of our three-part series on Texas pests, we meet the stingers, biters and creepy-crawlies that announce themselves immediately. From the deceptively furry asp caterpillar and aggressive Africanized honey bees to fire ants, red paper wasps, scorpions and the infamous “cow killer,” this episode separates the genuinely dangerous from the merely terrifying-looking. You’ll learn why an asp should never be touched, what to do if a swarm of bees comes after you, why fire ant bites seem to happen all at once and whether the enormous wasp dive-bombing your head can actually sting you. We also tackle some of the biggest Texas pest myths, including: Why the “red hornet” in your yard probably isn’t a hornetWhich Texas creature in this series has actually killed peopleWhy jumping into water will not save you from attacking beesWhat every Hill Country resident should shake out before putting it onWhich nightmare-looking insects are mostly harmlessWhat you should do during the first 60 seconds after a stingThe symptoms that mean it is time to seek medical attentionWhether you were born in Texas, recently arrived or are thinking about making the move, consider this your practical—and occasionally unsettling—introduction to the wildlife sharing your yard, porch and occasionally your shoes. Coming next in the series: the Texas pests whose damage does not show up immediately, followed by the creatures that would rather eat your house than sting you. Thanks to Our Sponsors Sharon Hayes — Realtor with Dalton Wade Real Estate Group A retired U.S. Army combat veteran and certified Military Relocation Professional, Sharon brings discipline, patience and firsthand relocation experience to every transaction. She helps homebuyers, sellers and military families navigate the Central Texas real estate market with confidence. TREC #683930-SA Liz Rich — Edge Home Finance NMLS 891464 Mortgage broker Liz Rich helps Central Texas homebuyers understand their financing options and move confidently toward homeownership. NMLS #1983319 | Equal Housing Opportunity

  5. Jul 20

    The Ultimate Central Texas Rodeo Guide: Austin, San Antonio, and the Hill Country Circuit

    Welcome to the definitive audio roadmap for the Central Texas and Hill Country rodeo circuit! In this episode of The Texas Current Podcast, hosts Tyler Brooks and Maddie Lawson hand you a completely comprehensive guide to the region’s incredible Western sports landscape. Geographically, we are casting a wide net—stretching down the I-35 corridor from Georgetown to Converse, pushing deep west into the rugged hills of Fredericksburg, and tracking all the way east over to the piney woods of Bastrop.  Rodeo culture in Central Texas is anything but monolithic. It is a living, breathing map of an evolving regional identity, operating on its own unique economic, environmental, and cultural rhythms. Together, Tyler and Maddie explore how two completely different realities can coexist in the exact same month:  The High-Tech Indoor Spectacle: Stepping out of 105-degree August heat into the crisp, air-conditioned concourse of a modern sports arena like the Cedar Park Pro Rodeo, complete with video boards, high-definition instant replays, and cutting-edge halftime acts. The Century-Old Outdoor Heritage: Sitting on wooden bleachers covered in dust at an outdoor track like the Gillespie County Fair and Rodeo in Fredericksburg, experiencing the raw rumble of the horses and the thrill of live, community-driven pari-mutuel track betting. Beyond the dust and the adrenaline, this episode takes a hard look at the mechanics, logistics, and unsung history of the sport. We pull back the curtain on the complex judging math behind a perfect 100-point rough stock ride (where up to half the score belongs entirely to the horse or bull), explain the sudden-death pressure of bracket-style tournaments like Rodeo Austin, and demystify "Slack"—the stripped-down, sunrise qualifying rounds where the real cowboy grit is tested away from the bright lights and the funnel cakes.  Most importantly, we look at how these events serve as vital economic anchors for their communities. From funding million-dollar youth agricultural scholarships via livestock auctions to supporting local veterans organizations and preserving hyper-local historical landmarks like the Chisholm Trail, rodeos are the lifeblood of the Hill Country's social infrastructure. We also confront the sobering reality of rapid urbanization along I-35 and what the concrete creep means for the future survival of these historic dirt arenas.  Whether you are a seasoned circuit fan or looking to attend your very first night under the stadium lights, pull up a chair, grab your boots, and join us on the trail!  Chapter Timestamps 00:00 - Episode Sponsor Introduction 00:45 - Welcome to the Circuit: From Georgetown to Converse 02:30 - The Big Leagues: Winter, Spring, and the PRCA 05:15 - The Code of the Dirt: How Scoring and Brackets Work 08:45 - The Summer Ground: Slack, Open Formats, and Local Legends 13:20 - The Ultimate Contrast: Air Conditioning vs. Pari-Mutuel Racing 16:40 - Protecting Hyper-Local Identity & The Urban Expansion Threat 20:15 - Episode Sponsor Conclusion A Special Thank You to Our Episode Sponsors Yvonne Hoffman, Realtor A sixth-generation Texan and Central Texas Hill Country native, Yvonne has been helping buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals since 2001. Known for her truly Texan star service, expert negotiation skills, and deep local market knowledge, she's earned the trust of generations of clients who continue to send their friends and family her way. Whether you're buying your first home, relocating to the Hill Country, or preparing to sell, Yvonne is ready to help. Give her a call today at 830-626-8900 and put her experience to work for you.  Steve Tomaselli, Texas Mortgage Broker With 33 years of lending through every kind of market, Steve has learned the job isn't selling you a loan—it's getting you to the closing table on time with no surprises. Whether you're moving to the Hill Country, moving out, or buying your next place in Central Texas, Steve will guide you through a smooth, predictable transaction. To get started, visit him at homequalify.ai. Steve Tomaselli, NMLS number 358920. Edge Home Finance LLC NMLS 891464 Equal housing opportunity.

  6. Jul 13

    Why French Wine Stands on Texas Legs

    Why French Wine Stands on Texas Legs | The Incredible Story Behind Texas Wine's Global Rise What if we told you that some of the world's most prestigious French wines are quite literally standing on Texas roots? In this fascinating episode of The Texas Current, hosts Tyler Brooks and Maddie Lawson uncork one of the most surprising stories in Texas history. They explore how the Texas Hill Country has transformed from an overlooked wine region into an international powerhouse, earning historic recognition at the 2026 Decanter World Wine Awards—the world's most prestigious blind wine competition. You'll discover why Texas wineries are no longer trying to imitate France and instead are embracing grape varieties perfectly suited to the state's unique climate, limestone soils, and rugged landscape. Along the way, Tyler and Maddie explain the science of terroir, why Mediterranean grape varieties are thriving in the Texas Hill Country, and what makes Texas wines increasingly competitive on the global stage. But the story doesn't stop there. Travel back to the late 1800s as you learn how a devastating vineyard plague nearly wiped out the entire European wine industry—and how native grapevines growing in the limestone hills of Central Texas ultimately became the biological lifeline that saved French vineyards. The work of Texas botanist T.V. Munson forever changed the future of winemaking, and his legacy continues to support an estimated 80% of the world's commercial vineyards today. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, history buff, traveler, or someone considering a move to the Texas Hill Country, this episode offers an unforgettable look at one of the Lone Star State's greatest—and least-known—success stories. In this episode, you'll learn: Why Texas earned worldwide recognition at the 2026 Decanter World Wine AwardsThe grape varieties driving Texas wine's explosive growthHow Texas limestone soils compare to Europe's most famous wine regionsThe fascinating story of the Phylloxera crisis and how Texas saved French wineWhy the Texas Hill Country has become one of America's premier wine destinationsWhere to experience award-winning Texas wines for yourselfIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to The Texas Current, leave us a review, and share it with someone who loves Texas history, travel, wine, or discovering the remarkable stories hidden across the Lone Star State. Special Thanks to Our Sponsors A sincere thank you to our sponsors for helping make The Texas Current possible: Liz Rich – Mortgage Broker with Edge Home Finance, helping families confidently achieve homeownership throughout Texas with expert guidance and personalized mortgage solutions. Liz Rich NMLS #1983319 | Edge Home Finance NMLS 891464  Zach Allgeyer of Texas Property Inspections, providing thorough, professional home inspections that give buyers peace of mind before they invest in one of life's biggest purchases.

  7. Jul 4

    The Truth About Central Texas Snakes: What Every Resident Should Know

    Welcome back to The Texas Current podcast with your hosts, Maddie Lawson and Tyler Brooks! Whether you're relocating to Central Texas, moving to the Texas Hill Country, or you've lived here for years, sooner or later you'll encounter one of the region's most misunderstood neighbors—a snake. In this episode of The Texas Current, hosts Maddie Lawson and Tyler Brooks separate fact from fiction as they explore the snakes that call Central Texas home. You'll learn how to identify the area's venomous species, recognize the harmless look-alikes that are often mistaken for them, and discover practical ways to coexist safely with local wildlife. If you live in Austin, San Antonio, New Braunfels, Canyon Lake, Georgetown, Round Rock, San Marcos, Fredericksburg, or anywhere across the Texas Hill Country, this episode is your practical field guide to understanding the snakes you're most likely to encounter while hiking, gardening, tubing the rivers, walking neighborhood greenbelts, or simply enjoying your own backyard. The biggest takeaway? Snakes aren't hunting people. Nearly every bite occurs because a snake feels threatened. With a little knowledge and a healthy respect for wildlife, you can safely enjoy everything that makes living in Central Texas so special. In This Episode The Big Four Venomous Snakes Learn how to identify the four medically significant venomous snakes found in Central Texas:  Western Diamondback Rattlesnake  Broad-Banded Copperhead  Cottonmouth (Water Moccasin)  Texas Coral Snake We explain the key identification features—including the Diamondback's distinctive "raccoon tail," the Copperhead's famous "Hershey's Kiss" markings, the Cottonmouth's defensive display, and the Coral Snake's unmistakable color pattern. Harmless Look-Alikes Not every snake is dangerous. You'll learn how to identify several beneficial non-venomous species that are commonly mistaken for venomous snakes, including:  Texas Rat Snake  Diamondback Water Snake  Bullsnake You'll also discover simple behavioral clues that make identification easier, including how harmless water snakes swim differently from Cottonmouths. Snake Safety Around Your Home Learn practical ways to reduce snake encounters naturally by:  Keeping grass trimmed  Removing brush piles and rodent habitat  Managing pet food outdoors  Understanding why habitat management works better than commercial snake repellents The Three-Step Rule One of the simplest—and most effective—safety techniques you'll ever learn. Discover why simply taking three large steps backward is often all it takes to safely end an encounter with almost any snake. Protecting Your Dogs Because dogs investigate the world with their noses, they're much more likely to experience defensive snakebites. We discuss:  Snake aversion training  Backyard safety  Trail awareness  Reducing risks for pets Snake Myths Debunked We separate fact from fiction by answering questions like:  Are baby snakes really more dangerous?  Will a rattlesnake always rattle before striking?  Do mothballs or sulfur actually repel snakes?  Why do harmless snakes imitate rattlesnakes? Perfect For This episode is especially helpful if you're:  Moving to Texas  Relocating to the Austin or San Antonio area  Buying land in the Texas Hill Country  Living near greenbelts, creeks, lakes, or wooded neighborhoods  Hiking, fishing, tubing, camping, or spending time outdoors  A dog owner concerned about snake safety  Simply curious about Texas wildlife A Special Thank You to Our Episode Sponsors: This educational episode of The Texas Current was made possible by the dedicated local professionals who support our community and keep our families moving forward safely: Sharon Hayes, Realtor with D. Lee Edwards Realty (TREC #683930-SA): Sharon Hayes pairs deep local knowledge with two decades of U.S. Army discipline. As a retired combat veteran and a certified Military Relocation Professional (MRP), Sharon provides the patient, detail-driven service that relocating buyers and military families depend on. Specializing in new construction, acreage, and Hill Country homes, Sharon proudly covers Canyon Lake, Cibolo, and Seguin.Liz Rich, Senior Mortgage Loan Originator with Lending by Liz (Edge Home Finance — NMLS #1983319): Navigating the home buying or refinancing process in Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, or Leander? Partner with a local lending expert who guides Central Texas families with transparency and tailored financial care. Click here to connect with Liz Rich and let her know you heard about her right here on the podcast!Connect With Us & Stay Informed Want to learn more about the unique lifestyle, local real estate markets, and structural features of living across our 26 Central Texas communities? Explore our digital directory: TexasHomeTalk.comFollow the Show: Don't forget to hit the follow or subscribe button on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode of The Texas Current. Leave us a review and let us know what local topic you want Maddie and Tyler to tackle next!Disclaimer: The information provided in this episode is for educational and general safety awareness purposes. Always maintain an active awareness of your surroundings when outdoors in Texas, and seek immediate professional medical attention in the event of any venomous snakebite.

  8. Jun 27

    Straws in the Ground: Why Your Central Texas Water Isn’t a Pipe, It’s a Rock

    Welcome back to The Texas Current podcast with your hosts, Maddie Lawson and Tyler Brooks! If you are looking to relocate to Central Texas, buy a piece of Hill Country acreage, or purchase a home in the rapidly growing Austin-San Antonio corridor, there is one critical question you need to ask that will never show up on a standard property listing: Which rock are you sitting on? In this episode, Maddie and Tyler unpack a comprehensive breakdown of the unique water mechanics of Central Texas. For newcomers and long-time residents alike, understanding where your water comes from is a game-changer. Here, your water isn’t a pipe—it’s a rock. And the exact rock beneath your feet dictates your daily lifestyle, your property values, your private well security, and your legal watering rules. What We Cover in This Episode: The Sieve vs. The Clay Pot: Why a waterfront property reliant on the steady, spring-fed Comal River in New Braunfels experiences a completely different reality than a private acreage well over the tight, slow-recharging Trinity aquifer in Wimberley.The Edwards Aquifer (San Antonio Pool): A closer look at the highly regulated, fast-moving lifeline that feeds our tubing economy, triggers strict Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) pumping cuts via the J-17 index well, and why a brown lawn is actually legally protected under Texas Property Code §202.007.The Trinity Aquifer: The high-stakes, "buyer-beware" reality for acreage buyers in Dripping Springs, Spring Branch, and Canyon Lake. Learn the essential due diligence steps regarding well depth, flow rates, and localized groundwater conservation districts before you sign on the dotted line.The Flashy Edge (Barton Springs Segment): Exploring the volatile boom-and-bust cycles of the northern edge near Austin and Hays County, where beautiful swimming holes like Jacob's Well can swing from pristine to bone-dry.Straws in the Ground: How population growth has put roughly 3 million straws into the exact same underground milkshakes, turning water conservation from a temporary drought response into a permanent feature of Texas Hill Country living.A Massive Thank You to Our Episode Sponsors: This episode of The Texas Current is proudly brought to you by the local professionals who keep our community moving: Liz Rich, Mortgage Broker with Lending by Liz (Edge Home Finance — NMLS #358920): Thinking about buying a home in Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, or Leander? Navigate the home financing process with confidence. Liz takes the time to educate her clients and find the right structural loan solution for your long-term family goals. Click here to connect with Liz Rich and let her know you heard about her on Texas Home Talk!Jeanette Boscamp, Broker-Owner of Cornerstone Real Estate Advisors: Serving Texas real estate since 1994, Jeanette is a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist focusing on New Braunfels’ premier luxury market. From gated Hill Country estates in Havenwood to properties in River Chase, Jeanette knows these communities at an elite resident level. To buy or sell at the high end of the Central Texas market, visit Jeanette on Texas Home Talk, or call Jeanette directly at 210-765-0767.Connect With Us & Explore More Local Insights Want to dive deeper into community hubs, neighborhood updates, and localized data blocks across our 26 Central Texas communities? Visit our main hub: TexasHomeTalk.comFollow the Show: Hit subscribe on your favorite podcast player so you never miss an update on the Central Texas lifestyle, local real estate trends, and the hidden mechanics of the Hill Country.Disclaimer: Content provided by Texas Home Talk is for educational and editorial purposes only. Always consult with localized groundwater conservation districts and professional inspectors when conducting real estate due diligence.

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There's Texas, and then there's the Texas locals actually live in — the Thursday night pickin' circle in Wimberley, the new brewery in Cibolo nobody's writing about yet, the best breakfast taco in a town you've never driven through. The Texas Current Podcast brings you the food, events, music, and community stories from 24+ towns across the I-35 corridor and the Hill Country. It's the stuff your neighbor would tell you over the fence — if your neighbor happened to spend every week driving between New Braunfels, Boerne, Kyle, and Cedar Park. New episodes from the team at TexasHomeTalk.com.

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