Layton Blaylock is a filmmaker and cinematographer who has been a part of the local film scene since the late ‘70s. Today we talk about the movies that every Austinite needs to see, including Dazed and Confused, the stoner classic that Layton actually worked on. We also talk about Layton’s award-winning documentary, Art From the Streets. Layton is a super down-to-earth guy, who has seen Austin grow up around him. He has a unique point of view, and I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did.

Key Takeaways:

[1:23] Layton lived in Austin briefly during his childhood, while his dad finished college. He came back while he was in high school and never left.

[3:28] Layton’s interest in film as a career began when he took an “easy elective” in college.

[4:55] Right out of college, Layton got a job with a film lab here in town called Stokes Slide Services.

[6:06] There wasn’t a lot of film production in Austin when Layton was first starting out.

[8:13] Texas Chainsaw Massacre put Austin on the film map.

[9:12] By the ‘90s, there was a lot of film production in Austin.

[11:36] Layton worked on the iconic film, Dazed and Confused.

[13:32] What is the difference between first unit and second unit in film production?

[15:12] It’s almost impossible to tell if a film will be a hit.

[16:16] A lot of the actors in Dazed and Confused went on to become big stars.

[17:25] Does Layton have a favorite project, out of all the ones he has worked on in his career?

[18:13] Art From the Streets was a labor of love.

[19:26] Inside ATX is sponsored by the Papasan Properties Group at Keller Williams.

[20:05] Jay has several paintings from Art From the Streets.

[22:32] You can watch the Art From the Streets documentary on Amazon, and there is also an Art From the Streets website, where it can be purchased.

[23:27] Unfortunately, production has halted on one of the documentaries that Layton did work on.

[27:52] Austinites should experience Roller Derby.

[30:06] What are the films that every Austinite should see?

[32:39] Where does Layton take out-of-town visitors, to give them a glimpse of Austin?

[35:07] Layton is excited for the future of Austin.

[36:38] Layton’s wife makes his favorite tacos, but he also loves Tacodeli.

[38:52] Next week we’ll be talking with event promoter, Dani Thomas.

The Taco:

Tacodeli | Any of their tacos!

Mentioned in This Episode:

Art From the Streets

Art From the Streets on Amazon

Art From the Streets Studio

Papasan Properties

Today we got the chance to talk to talk to Mike O’Hara, the owner of Bigger, Faster, Stronger Training in South, South Austin. Mike played junior college football at Cisco and hoped to become a strength and conditioning coach in a football program somewhere, but instead he fell in love with training. Mike is exceptionally good at what he does, and in 2012, 2014, and 2016 he was voted Austin’s Best Personal Trainer by Austin Fit Magazine. Last year, his gym was also voted Best Strength and Conditioning Gym. Mike believes that everyone is an athlete, and it’s his job to bring their inner athlete out.

Key Takeaways:

[1:42] Mike has always had a knack for personal training.

[3:43] Mike knew he wanted to open a gym in Austin, for several reasons.

[5:10] Mike has been in business for six years.

[5:44] What is a Master Trainer?

[8:07] Austin seems to be more interested in fitness than other cities in Texas.

[12:31] Austin has so many healthy restaurant options.

[14:20] What was it like for Mike to run a training business out of his apartment gym?

[18:03] Mike will be expanding his gym soon.

[18:52] Mike’s attention to detail has been crucial for his success.

[23:02] Bigger, Faster, Stronger Training is located in Manchaca, or South Austin.

[23:39] Mike’s gym offers one-on-one personal training and HIIT classes.

[26:55] Bigger, Faster, Stronger Training also provides nutritional guidance and cardio programming.

[28:24] Mike is excited for growth in Austin.

[30:37] Mike takes out-of-town friends to MoonTower Saloon and Barton Springs.

[32:36] A lot of Olympians call Austin home.

[33:28] Every year, Mike hosts a September 11th event to honor the fallen.

[34:40] Mike’s favorite taco can be found at Valentina’s.

[36:55] Find Mike at WeAreAllAthletes.com.

The Taco:

Valentina’s | Real Deal Holyfield

Mentioned in This Episode:

Bigger, Faster, Stronger Training

Bigger, Faster, Stronger Training on Instagram

WeAreAllAthletes.com

We R All Athletes on Facebook

@WeRAllAthletes on Instagram

@WeRAllAthletes on Twitter

AFM Fittest Games

True Athlete Games

Papasan Properties

In this episode we are privileged to hear from Bridget Dunlap. Bridget is a local serial entrepreneur. She has opened numerous bars around Austin, and is probably the most famous for pioneering Rainey Street. She has since expanded to East Austin and other locations and will even be bringing her unique creative vision to bars in the RiNo District of Denver, Colorado — her first out-of-Austin expansion.

Bridget is down-to-earth, absolutely fearless, and clearly brings a mother’s love to each of her businesses.

Key Takeaways:

[1:38] Where is Bridget from, and what brought her to Austin?

[2:47] Bridget’s first bar was named after Janis Joplin.

[3:21] The chaos of being in the bar business doesn’t rattle Bridget.

[4:41] How did Bridget identify the potential of Rainey Street?

[6:53] Curiosity and word of mouth brought people to Rainey Street.

[8:08] Bridget chose the locations of her bars strategically.

[10:21] The bar industry can be litigious, and that has caused Bridget pain.

[11:59] What was the inspiration for Container Bar?

[14:12] Bridget tells us about her journey from Rainey Street to the East Side.

[17:05] Does Bridget have any regrets, in regards to her bars?

[18:47] Each bar has its own personality.

[19:20] Bridget tells us about a new bar called Collide, which will showcase something different every few months.

[22:11] Bridget doesn’t give up easily.

[22:42] Bridget’s husband, Chris, is very supportive of her, and together they build loyal teams of employees.

[25:25] Bridget is the mother of a 13-year-old boy.

[25:51] Look for Collide, which opened in February.

[26:30] Why is Bridget expanding to Denver?

[30:20] Which of Bridget’s bars should a new visitor go to first?

[31:31] Where do Bridget and her husband go for a cocktail?

[33:09] Bridget loves Barton Springs and the Austin Restaurant scene.

[35:47] Bridget is excited to see Austin grow.

[38:44] Bridget loves the Picadillo taco at El Chilito.

[39:34] Next week we’ll talk to Mike O’Hara, a local trainer and gym owner who has been voted Austin’s best personal trainer three times in the last four years by Austin Fit Magazine.

The Taco:

El Chilito | Picadillo

Mentioned in This Episode:

Dunlap ATX

Papasan Properties

Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette is the president and CEO of Huston-Tillotson University right here in Austin. She has a fascinating story, and through our conversation we get to learn a lot about Austin’s oldest university, which was actually founded as two separate universities in the 1870s. Dr. Colette started out as a black, female engineer in the 1970s — the only one in her graduating class. She spent 17 years as a corporate IT executive, before she realized that her heart was in higher education. She has lived an inspiring life and has been a military wife, raised two children, and has been a pioneer and advocate for women and the black community.

Key Takeaways:

[2:27] Dr. Burnette’s story begins in Cleveland Ohio. Dr. Burnette was the first person in her family to attend college.

[3:48] Dr. Burnette was a pioneer for women in engineering.

[6:52] When Dr. Burnette graduated from Ohio State University, she took a position at Proctor and Gamble. Her husband’s career took her all over the world, and gave her opportunities to explore education.

[11:17] Dr. Burnette took a teaching position at a community college, and her journey as an educator began.

[19:03] Why was it so important for Dr. Burnette to get her doctorate degree?

[22:37] Being a black female made the path to leadership more challenging for
Dr. Burnette.

[24:10] Dr. Burnette Googled, “Am I too old to get my doctorate?”

[28:14] The order in which she did things, made Dr. Burnette uniquely qualified.

[33:04] It was a very intense process to become the president at Huston-Tillotson University.

[34:49] Dr. Burnette was not familiar with Austin, and originally wasn’t sure that Huston-Tillotson would be the right fit for her.

[36:56] The history of Huston-Tillotson intrigued Dr. Burnette, even before she decided to apply for a job there.

[46:35] There is a difference between racism and bias.

[47:32] How can Austinites support Huston-Tillotson’s mission?

[57:20] Jackie Robinson used to be the athletic director at Huston-Tillotson.

[58:42] Dr. Burnette’s favorite taco is the shrimp taco at Takoba.

[59:45] Next week we will talk to Bridget Dunlap of Dunlap ATX.

The Taco:

Takoba | Shrimp Taco

Mentioned in This Episode:

Hidden Figures

Papasan Properties

Zulu is best known as a celebrity tattoo artist — he has tattooed Bruce Willis and Queen Latifah, just to name a couple — but he is so much more than that. Zulu was the first African-American to open a tattoo shop in the United States, and he is famous, not just for his art, but for his unique approach. His motto is, “I never put a tattoo on you, I bring the tattoo out of you.” In today’s episode we are blessed to hear his wise insight on many topics, and especially to hear him talk about why he loves living in Austin.

Key Takeaways:

[2:17] How did Zulu’s journey lead him to tattoo artistry, and eventually to Austin?

[3:41] Zulu moved to Los Angeles because he wanted to be a musician.

[4:25] Zulu had a successful career as a graphic designer, until an assignment for a peanut butter ad made him realize that he should do something else.

[5:27] Zulu had friends who asked him to design tattoos for them.

[6:50] Zulu’s tattoo process is unique.

[10:28] Zulu turns some customers away.

[11:54] Tattooing is an ancient artform, present in almost all cultures.

[13:38] What makes tattooing unique among art forms?

[14:57] The media has changed the culture surrounding tattoos.

[17:58] How and when did Zulu decide to get his facial tattoos?

[19:22] Zulu experienced discrimination when he opened his shop in 1991.

[21:13] What can Zulu tell us about the celebrities he has tattooed?

[23:23] Why did Zulu agree to tattoo two pieces of toast on a man’s arm?

[26:24] Zulu was attracted to the integrity of Austin.

[30:13] Zulu is excited for the future of Austin, because Austin doesn’t fear growth.

[31:30] Zulu likes to take visitors to explore downtown, and then to eat at the food trucks.

[32:47] Zulu loves The Elephant Room.

[33:14] What keeps Zulu up at night?

[37:45] Zulu also owns a painting business.

[39:03] Zulu’s favorite taco is Valentina’s brisket taco.

[40:32] Next week we’ll talk to Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette of Huston-Tillotson University.

The Taco:

Valentina’s | Brisket

Mentioned in This Episode:

Zulu Tattoo

Papasan Properties

The Elephant Room

Dr. Colette Pierce Burnette

Max Elliott is the CEO and Co-founder of Urban Roots, a local youth development non-profit, that teaches kids leadership and entrepreneurial skills, by allowing them to intern on an urban farm. Urban Roots interns learn how to grow, harvest, prepare, and even sell food, and they get the chance to lead adult volunteers every week. I really enjoyed talking to Max about his work with Austin’s youth, and in Austin’s food scene; I hope you’ll enjoy it too.

Key Takeaways:

[1:36] Max was born in Nashville, and has moved a lot since then.

[2:32] Max did a little bit of gardening as a kid.

[3:26] Max fell in love with farming in Colorado and California, but saw opportunity for organic and sustainable agriculture in Austin.

[5:08] Max was drawn to farming for reasons of community, as much as food.

[10:24] How did Max go from working on a couple of small local farms, to being the CEO of Urban Roots?

[15:08] How does Urban Roots appeal to potential interns?

[16:24] It took a village to launch Urban Roots.

[19:00] What is it like to volunteer at Urban Roots?

[23:38] Urban Roots gives teen interns valuable business experience.

[27:15] Who is the ideal internship candidate?

[30:08] Urban Roots interns even learn math skills.

[31:37] Max tells some of his favorite Urban Roots success stories.

[37:17] What are Max’s plans for the future?

[42:14] Max is excited about the future of food in Austin.

[45:15] Max’s favorite taco is the Vaquero from Tacodeli.

[47:00] Next week we’ll catch up with a world renowned tattoo artist, Zulu of Zulu Tatoo.

[47:53] Join the conversation at insideatx.com.

The Taco:

Tacodeli | Vaquero

Mentioned in This Episode:

Urban Roots

The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals, by Michael Pollan

Papasan Properties

Crossfit Central is one of the most successful crossfit boxes in the world, and its owner, Jeremy Thiel is the Austinite behind its success. Jeremy is also an entrepreneur, intellectual, coach, husband and dedicated father. Today he talks to us about goals, fitness, family, and why he is happy to call Austin home.

Key Takeaways:

[1:46] Jeremy was born and raised in West Texas, and visited Austin often. Eventually he moved to Austin to go to college.

[3:24] Jeremy always thought of himself as an entrepreneur, and learned about business early on, while working on his father’s farm.

[8:37] Jeremy used to read fitness books in the library, and was offered a coaching job during his freshman year of college, which eventually led him to crossfit.

[15:22] Jeremy got his crossfit certification in November of 2005, and hasn’t looked back.

[16:07] What makes crossfit different?

[19:05] How did Crossfit Central come to be?

[24:33] Being located in Austin was important to Crossfit Central’s success.

[34:10] Jeremy accomplished his goals, and then he wasn’t sure what to do.

[36:26] What is Jeremy’s vision for the future?

[40:37] Jeremy tells us about his wife, Lisa.

[46:41] Jeremy is excited about the future of health and wellness in Austin.

[48:28] Jeremy and Lisa love to visit Austin parks, especially Barton Springs.

[51:05] Where does Jeremy take his out-of-town friends, when they visit Austin?

[53:28] Jeremy’s favorite taco is the Cowboy at Tacodeli.

[56:06] Next week we’ll hear from Max Elliott, CEO and Co-founder of Urban Roots.

The Taco:

Tacodeli | The Cowboy

Mentioned in This Episode:

Amplify Austin

Crossfit Central

Papasan Properties

Karen Raven and Krista Fredrick swear they’ve known each other in a past life. Karen’s son was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis and Krista was also born with the disease. On today’s show, they discuss what neurofibromatosis does to the human body and why they’re running in their undies to bring awareness to this disease.

Key Takeaways:

[1:45] Who is Karen?

[3:05] Who is Krista?

[4:05] How did the ladies find out about the Cupid Undie Run race?

[6:40] Just like Karen’s son, Krista was born with neurofibromatosis.

[7:25] What is neurofibromatosis?

[9:20] Are people really running in their underwear in February?

[11:30] 350 people came out to run during the first year of the Cupid Undie Run race in Austin.

[13:25] Around 650 people came to the 2016 race.

[14:35] Karen talks about the fun prizes you can earn from fundraising.

[19:35] There are three classification levels to this disease. Karen explains further.

[21:05] There are currently 25 clinical trials for this disease.

[21:35] This disease affects 1 in 3,000 people.

[28:05] Despite the name of the race, it really isn’t that risque. They keep it PG-13, tops.

[28:55] If running isn’t your thing, there are still a million ways you can help out!

[32:10] Jay isn’t sure how his children will react to participating in this race.

[32:50] The event is on Feb 11th. The run itself is at 2pm, and they wrap it up at 4pm.

[33:25] When Karen and Krista think about the future of Austin, what excites them?

[36:15] What place do Karen and Krista take out-of-town folks to?

[37:30] What’s Karen and Krista’s favorite taco spot?

The Taco:

Torchy’s Tacos — The Democrat & The Trailer Park | torchystacos.com

Mentioned in This Episode:

Cupidsundierun.org

Ctf.org

Britt Harris is the Chief Investment Officer for Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), and has more than 30 years of investment experience under his belt. TRS is among the 25 largest investment funds in the world, which does pose some interesting challenges for Britt and his team. Britt discusses who were his key mentors while navigating through his career, and why some of the most successful people in the world are also prolific readers.

Key Takeaways:

[1:00] For Britt to be successful at what he does, his company has to make $5 million dollars an hour.

[3:15] After traveling the world, Britt settled down in Austin and began his work with the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)

[6:30] TRS has to make 40 million dollars per day in order to help teachers comfortably retire.

[9:35] TRS is the second largest for-profit organization in the state of Texas. The first one is ExxonMobil.

[10:20] What inspires Britt?

[16:40] What mentors has Britt had, to help him become the person he is today?

[21:35] You should learn from every single thing that you do. No matter how boring or how ill-prepared the teacher is.

[25:10] There are always reasons, but those reasons should never be used as excuses.

[27:35] The human brain can not be grateful and fearful at the same time.

[30:15] Every successful person that Britt knows is a prolific reader.

[33:25] Who are your mentors? Well, all you have to do is look at your bookshelfs.

[39:45] When Britt thinks about Austin’s future, what gets him really excited?

[43:55] What’s Britt’s favorite local place that he loves to show out-of-town friends and family?

[47:30] Our worst BBQ is better than everybody’s else’s best.

The Taco:

Torchy’s Tacos | The Republican  torchystacos.com/in/austin

Mentioned in This Episode:

Titan's of Investing program

Trs.texas.gov

Allen's boots on South Congress

la Barbecue off E Cesar Chavez

Steve Bercu is the co-owner of BookPeople, and as a resident of Austin for the last 20+ years, he’s seen some fantastic growth and development. People love Austin because it’s unique, different, and filled with community. As big corporations began to move into Austin, he and others rallied behind the ‘Keep Austin Weird’ battle cry, to bring awareness and support to small business owners in the local Austin community. Little did Steve know, this battle cry would be picked up all over the country!

Key Takeaways:

[1:25] Ever noticed those ‘Keep Austin Weird’ bumper stickers? Stay tuned, as Steve knows its origin story!

[1:55] Steve grew up in Dallas, but there was something about Austin that kept drawing him back.

[2:45] BookPeople recently celebrated its 46th’s anniversary.

[2:55] Why did Steve decide to buy a bookstore?

[7:05] At its core, a bookstore is retail, which means the basic rules of retail apply to a bookstore!

[8:00] Steve shares the ‘Keep Boston Weird’ origin story.

[11:50] Everyone in the Austin community seemed to understand how serious the message was.

[13:30] Visitors will immediately notice that there aren’t many restaurant chains in Austin.

[15:30] People love Austin because it’s different.

[19:55] Physical books vs. ebooks? What are Steve’s thoughts on this?

[26:05] What gets Steve excited when he looks at local Austin businesses?

[30:40] What parts of Austin does Steve like to show out-of-town visitors?

[34:10] What keeps Steve up at night, when he thinks about the future of Austin? Traffic and rent!

[38:00] The city itself has to want, and plan for, culture diversity. It’s not going to happen on its own.

[41:40] What’s Steve’s favorite taco place here in Austin? We must know!

The Taco:

Taco Shack | Original location on Medical Parkway http://tacoshack.com/

Mentioned in This Episode:

BookPeople

Austin Independent Business Alliance

Lower Burnet Rd - some great places to try