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. Sep 8

    Pumpkins, Bluegrass & Pfest Season: North Austin’s Best Fall Festivals

    Fall festival season is here in Central Texas, and if you're looking for the best North Austin fall festivals, pumpkin patches, live music, family activities, and seasonal events, this episode is for you. In this episode of The Texas Current, Tyler Brooks and Maddie Lawson explore some of the best fall events in North Austin and Williamson County, including seasonal celebrations in Georgetown, Leander, Cedar Park, Pflugerville, and the surrounding Central Texas communities. Whether you're searching for a pumpkin patch near Austin, a family-friendly festival for the kids, live bluegrass and folk music, German-Texan traditions, local food, or simply something fun to do on a fall weekend, North Austin has plenty to offer. We take a closer look at several of the area's standout fall experiences, including Sweet Eats Fall Festival in Georgetown, Texas Pumpkin Fest in Leander, the Leander Bluegrass & Folk Festival, Deutschen Pfest in Pflugerville, and Cedar Park's Fall Roundup. Along the way, we talk about what makes each event different, who they're best suited for, and why these festivals have become part of the personality of the communities north of Austin. If you're new to Central Texas, considering a move to the Austin area, or you've lived here for years and want to explore more of your own backyard, this episode is a great starting point for building your Central Texas fall weekend calendar. You'll hear about: Fall festivals near AustinPumpkin patches and fall attractions in Central TexasFamily-friendly events in Georgetown and LeanderThings to do in Cedar Park and PflugervilleLive music and bluegrass festivals in North AustinGerman heritage festivals in Central TexasWeekend activities in Williamson CountyFall date ideas and family outingsThings to do north of Austin with kidsSeasonal events for people moving to or living in Central TexasOne of the best things about living in the Austin–Georgetown corridor is that you don't have to drive into downtown Austin every weekend to find something interesting to do. Communities like Georgetown, Leander, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville have developed their own festivals, entertainment, food scenes, and local traditions. Fall is one of the best times to get out and experience them. So grab the calendar, round up the family, and join us as we explore some of the best fall festivals and autumn activities in North Austin, Texas. Special thanks to our sponsors: Liz Rich with Edge Home Finance Liz helps Central Texas homebuyers understand their mortgage options and navigate the home financing process with confidence. Liz Rich — NMLS #1983319 Edge Home Finance — NMLS #891464 Equal Housing Opportunity Zach Allgeyer with Texas Property Inspections Providing professional home inspections for buyers and homeowners throughout Central Texas, helping clients better understand the condition of the property they're purchasing. The Texas Current is presented by Texas Home Talk, your local guide to the communities, events, restaurants, businesses, real estate, and lifestyle of Central Texas. If you enjoy discovering new places and learning more about what it's really like to live in the Austin area and Texas Hill Country, follow The Texas Current wherever you listen to podcasts.

  2. Sep 2

    COTA Uncovered: Roller Coasters, Race Cars & Garage Condos Hiding Off the Texas Tollway

    Everyone thinks Circuit of the Americas is just a racetrack you visit one weekend a year. It isn't. In this episode, Tyler and Maddie pull back the curtain on the 1,500-acre self-contained campus southeast of downtown Austin — and how it quietly became a year-round Central Texas destination. We cover: - The only purpose-built permanent F1 circuit in the country — and why Turn 1 feels like driving into a wall - How to actually get on the tarmac (and the walk-up karting track next door that hits 55 mph) - COTALAND — the full-scale theme park opening on the racing campus September 26, with a tilt coaster and a coaster that runs backward over an active road - Race-week survival for locals: the new Thursday Grand PrixView and how to enjoy the U.S. Grand Prix without the Sunday price tag - The T11 car condos — 175 deeded garage residences on Turn 11, from 1,500 to 7,000 sq ft, with mezzanine lofts finished like downtown penthouses - Why, for these buyers, the noise is the amenity — not the drawback Whether you're relocating to the Austin–San Antonio corridor, tracking the market as a seller, or already living here and just want to know what's in your backyard — this is a look at how a single sports venue is reshaping the regional map. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS Liz Rich, Mortgage Broker — Edge Home Finance Buying in Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, or Leander? Liz helps Central Texas families navigate financing with confidence — first-time buyers, move-up buyers, refinancing, and more. Tell her you heard about her on Texas Home Talk. Liz Rich NMLS 1983319 · Edge Home Finance NMLS 891464 Equal Housing Opportunity Texas Property Inspections — Zach Allgeyer, Licensed Professional Inspector Before you sign, know exactly what you're buying. Thorough inspections and clear, easy-to-understand reports for buyers, sellers, and homeowners across Central Texas. Tell Zach you heard about him on Texas Home Talk. ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ The Texas Current is produced by Texas Home Talk — hyperlocal real estate media covering 26+ communities across Central Texas and the Hill Country. For people moving to Texas, moving within it, and already living here. texashometalk.com

  3. Aug 25

    Great Live Music in Texas WIthout the Drive to Austin

    Is New Braunfels a music town? On the first episode of Skip the Drive, Tyler Brooks and Maddie Lawson take one ordinary, triple-digit-heat August weekend — no festival, no holiday, nothing special — and test a claim locals love to make. The reflex is hardwired: free Friday night, you want real Texas live music, so you merge onto I-35 and grind north to Austin. This episode argues that instinct is one traffic jam out of date. From the density of stages across the New Braunfels area on an ordinary night, to the weeknight "Thursday sheet" that separates a music town from a festival town, to the corridor of historic rooms running through Gruene, Seguin, San Marcos, and out to Fischer — the payoff is local: the drive you were about to make covers less music than the 30-minute radius you already live inside. The honest verdict: Austin keeps the statewide title on raw per-capita math. But by density, historical weight, and seven-day-a-week consistency, New Braunfels is the live music capital of the Texas Hill Country. And the room that closes the argument is Gruene Hall — built in 1878, the oldest continually operating dance hall in Texas, where George Strait, Lyle Lovett, Robert Earl Keen, and Hal Ketchum all came up. Great Texas live music — no I-35 required. — SPONSORS — This episode is presented by Jeanette Boscamp, broker-owner of Cornerstone Real Estate Advisors, specializing in the New Braunfels and Hill Country luxury market. Call 210-765-0767 or visit https://texashometalk.com/realtors/jeanette-boscamp/ With thanks to Sharon Hayes, Realtor — a retired U.S. Army combat veteran and military relocation professional serving buyers and investors across Central Texas and the Hill Country. Call 808-551-7371 or visit https://texashometalk.com/realtors/sharon-hayes/ Want your business in front of people moving to the Hill Country? Become a Texas Home Talk partner: https://texashometalk.com/become-a-partner — MORE — Full episode page, transcript, and chapters: https://texashometalk.com/podcast/is-new-braunfels-a-music-town/ All episodes of The Texas Current: https://texashometalk.com/podcast/ The Texas Current is presented by Texas Home Talk.

  4. Aug 17

    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.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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

  8. 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.

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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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