Lean In Leander

I sat down with the braintrust behind the Leander Film Festival to learm more about the planning behind this event and the benefits to Leander now and going forward. This ended up a two part episode, with this episode featuring Mike Herrera & Laura Davis. The Leander Arts & Film Alliance exists to promote arts, film, culture, and creative expression across Central Texas. Through festivals, screenings, exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs, we bring artists, filmmakers, students, and neighbors together to tell our stories, preserve our shared history, and open new doors to imagination for people of every age.
Learn more at https://leanderfilmfestival.com/tickets/

Find out more about the team behind the dream: https://leanderfilmfestival.com/about/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lean-in-leander--4783524/support.

I sat down with the braintrust behind the Leander Film Festival to learm more about the planning behind this event and the benefits to Leander now and going forward. This ended up a two part episode, with this episode featuring Sasha Yelaun. An award-winning film producer and member of the Producers Guild of America with more than a dozen feature films to his credit. After beginning his career at ABC/Touchstone Television and Paramount Studios, he earned his M.F.A. from the New York Film Academy, where he produced the award-winning short A Relative Stranger.

The Leander Arts & Film Alliance exists to promote arts, film, culture, and creative expression across Central Texas. Through festivals, screenings, exhibitions, workshops, and educational programs, we bring artists, filmmakers, students, and neighbors together to tell our stories, preserve our shared history, and open new doors to imagination for people of every age. 

Learn more at https://leanderfilmfestival.com/tickets/

Find out more about the team behind the dream: https://leanderfilmfestival.com/about/

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lean-in-leander--4783524/support.

Stephanie Bergara, founder and frontwoman of Bidi Bidi Banda, joins the podcast for a conversation about music, culture, community, and the enduring legacy of Selena Quintanilla.We talk about how Bidi Bidi Banda came together, Stephanie’s connection to Selena’s music, the importance of celebrating Hispanic culture, and how the band has built a passionate following across Texas and beyond.Stephanie also gives us a preview of what audiences can expect when Bidi Bidi Banda takes the stage as the featured artist at Leander’s Día de los Muertos celebration on November 1.It’s a conversation about more than music — it’s about memory, representation, cultural pride, and bringing people together.Join us for the episode, then come experience Bidi Bidi Banda live in Leander this Día de los Muertos.#BidiBidiBanda #DiaDeLosMuertos #LeanderTX #Selena #TejanoMusic #LatinoCulture #Community #LiveMusic

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lean-in-leander--4783524/support.

What happens to a father-son relationship when both decide to put themselves before the public at the same time? While their respective campaigns provide the backdrop for the conversation, this is not intended to be a traditional political or policy-focused interview. Instead, the episode centers primarily on their father-son relationship, their individual journeys, and the unique experience of both entering the public arena during the same election cycle. The conversation was a relaxed, personal, conversational, and occasionally humorous. The goal?  Allow listeners to get to know Justin and Matthias beyond their roles as candidates and to hear the story of two members of the same family experiencing an unusual moment in their lives together in the standard Lean In Leander style you know so well. 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lean-in-leander--4783524/support.

Last year’s disaster may be over as a weather event, but for many families, the legal and financial recovery continues. Questions about home ownership, FEMA decisions, wills, and what happens to property after a death can determine whether a family keeps a home or faces years of uncertainty. A free legal clinic coming to Leander on August 4 (2026) aims to help eligible residents address those issues. We’re joined on the podcast by Brittanny Gomez of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, a nonprofit law firm providing free civil legal services to qualifying Texans. We’ll discuss the upcoming Protect Your Property Clinic, what residents can expect, and why property documentation is an important part of disaster preparedness and recovery.

• Event: Protect Your Property Clinic
• Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2026
• Time: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Location: Round Mountain Community Center, 14340 Round Mountain Road, Leander, Texas 78641
• Cost: Free for eligible participants
• Registration: Required; call 830-774-8309
• Eligibility stated on the event flyer: Low-income Texans residing in Burnet, Guadalupe, Kerr, Kimble, McCulloch, Travis, or Williamson County
• Potential services: Wills, transfer-on-death deeds, FEMA appeals or questions, property-tax exemptions, disaster-recovery matters, and related civil legal concerns

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lean-in-leander--4783524/support.

Last year’s disaster may be over as a weather event, but for many families, the legal and financial recovery continues. Questions about home ownership, FEMA decisions, wills, and what happens to property after a death can determine whether a family keeps a home or faces years of uncertainty. A free legal clinic coming to Leander on August 4 (2026) aims to help eligible residents address those issues. We’re joined on the podcast by Brittanny Gomez of Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, a nonprofit law firm providing free civil legal services to qualifying Texans. We’ll discuss the upcoming Protect Your Property Clinic, what residents can expect, and why property documentation is an important part of disaster preparedness and recovery.

• Event: Protect Your Property Clinic
• Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2026
• Time: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
• Location: Round Mountain Community Center, 14340 Round Mountain Road, Leander, Texas 78641
• Cost: Free for eligible participants
• Registration: Required; call 830-774-8309
• Eligibility stated on the event flyer: Low-income Texans residing in Burnet, Guadalupe, Kerr, Kimble, McCulloch, Travis, or Williamson County
• Potential services: Wills, transfer-on-death deeds, FEMA appeals or questions, property-tax exemptions, disaster-recovery matters, and related civil legal concerns

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lean-in-leander--4783524/support.

I know it can be hard to imagine but I remember the Bicentennial. I was 10 years old and recall events that were defining the year included obviously Bicentennial celebrations. Many described as the biggest celebration ever. As we started to look towards the Semiquincentennial most often referenced as 250 I found myself thinking about how much had happened over the 50 years since 1976. Actually it got me thinking about a lot of things but mostly centered around how much we have progressed as a country since I was born and how we are reflecting those things in our celebrations today. 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lean-in-leander--4783524/support.

This episode includes AI-generated content.

Since 1988, there has been an institution here in Leander called the Central Texas SPCA, a small nonprofit adoption center, doing the good work of rescuing cats and dogs. In June of 2025, a new foundation was poured for an expansion of that facility. I wanted to sit down with the president of the board, Heather Gandy, to talk a little bit about what's going on with Central Texas SPCA and how you can here in Leander help them close the gap on their fundraising efforts.

On Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the Ben Hur Shrine Temple, the 38th Annual Anniversary event with the theme "Tails of Hope," honoring the animals rescued, the lives changed, and the hope we create together.

Mother's Day Photos with Mom — Saturday, May 9th, 12–3pm @ Dog House Drinkery, Leander



Join me for the latest episode of Lean In Leander

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lean-in-leander--4783524/support.

Northline is Leander’s new downtown district - a unique destination where contemporary design meets the character and charm of Texas Hill Country tradition. From restaurants, retail and residential, to offices, a hotel and public gathering spaces, this urban mixed-use community will become the heart and soul of Leander and transform Williamson County. I sit down with Alex Tynberg to talk about the City of Leander's $4 Million dollar investment and what that means to the project 5 years removed from our original sit down. 

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lean-in-leander--4783524/support.

I sat down with Kent Huntsman to talk about Light The World and the idea behind the Giving Machines. They are special red vending machines put up during the Christmas season where donors can purchase goods for those in need around the world, such as clothing for children or livestock such as a goat for a family. One drop makes all the difference. ​Experience the joy of giving to those in need this Christmas season. Donate at a Giving Machine near you.
2025 Giving Machine Information




Dates Open:
November 18 – December 7
 
Location:
The Crossover
1717 Scottsdale Drive
Cedar Park, TX 78641
The Giving Machines can be found in the ice rink lobby.

 
Holiday Hours:
Closed on Thanksgiving (Nov. 27)





Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/lean-in-leander--4783524/support.