Tanner Vaughan and Friends

I’m a bit of an old soul, and like many of my elders, I’m a creature of habit. If I find a pattern that works for me, I’ll repeat it over and over again until it ceases to work, sometimes for years on end, over and over. I’ve found this saves me lots of time and little decision-making.I like to take the long way into town because it’s a prettier drive. I pray every morning before my feet hit the floor, and I make the same coffee in the same pot. I read in the same corner of my couch, under the same lamp. Early every Saturday morning, as early as I can tolerate getting out of bed, I have coffee with my old man on his back porch.Every Wednesday, I have breakfast with the same group of older men, sitting in the same chair, at the same table, in the same old café in Bastrop. All my friends outside of the breakfast group know it as my “old man breakfast,” but the friends in the group know it simply as breakfast.If you’ve followed any of these episodes, you’ve been introduced to some of my elders, starting with my very first episode with my grandpa, RV. Episode one, who’s still going strong in his ninety-fifth year, I might add.Jim Whither, Joe Myers, and Jim Berkner are all in the breakfast group, and my goal is to get everyone in the group to join me in the studio at some point this year. If you’re watching and haven’t been on the show yet, consider yourself warned.Today’s guest is another long-time member, Dain Whitworth. I’d classify Dain as the quiet one of the group, but when you get him one-on-one, he has plenty of great stories and wisdom to offer. And if you can coax a laugh out of him, it feeds an old soul.I hope you’ll enjoy this visit as much as I did.This is my friend, Dain Whitworth.

Becky is a friend from Colorado who lives with her husband in Mississippi

It’s been a minute since I last posted. I’ve been on sabbatical for a few months, but I’m back, and this time we’re trying something new… an audio-only podcast. And who better to kick it off with than Philip Cole — back for round three.

Jess is the owner of Texas Coffee Works and Austin Coffee Roasters

Athan Schindler is a purpose-driven entrepreneur and performance coach whose journey—from Airborne Ranger to social worker, strength coach, and podcast host—reflects an unwavering commitment to personal growth and real human connection. As the Owner and Coach at Strive Bastrop and Co-Founder of op1.speed, Athan leads with precision, compassion, and a steadfast belief in doing the work. Through his podcast Doing the Work, he invites listeners to live a self-led, deeply expressive life anchored by values like prioritization, resilience, and kindness over everything.

Aaron Cooper is a lifelong cattleman and a genuinely good man. I recently met Aaron while pursuing my own generative ranching project in Bastrop County, and I was immediately struck by his deep knowledge of all things agriculture. Aaron holds a PhD from Texas A&M University, where his studies focused on philosophy and animal science. He runs several cattle-related businesses here in Central Texas, and it’s easy to recognize his passion for the animals under his care.When you spend time with Aaron and his family, you quickly realize just how much of a family affair ranching is for them. Aaron is an open book, with a love for growing his cattle businesses, an even greater love for his family, and most of all a deep connection to his Creator, which you’ll hear referenced multiple times in our conversation.It’s a special story, and I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did.This is Aaron Cooper, owner of 33 Ventures and Cooper Family Akaushi.

I’m about to use a word to describe Jonas Wilson that I know is incredibly subjective, maybe one of the most subjective words you can use for a person. But I think, no matter how you define it, it still applies: Jonas Wilson is cool.He knows who he is. He’s someone who has consistently poured his energy into the things that inspired him from an early age, and it shows. Jonas is a musician by trade and an artist by nature.He picked up a guitar at eight years old and was already playing songs by Antonio Carlos Jobim. He wouldn’t describe himself this way, but people who know him — his parents, friends, and collaborators — have called him a prodigy.He has done just about everything a professional musician can do, from writing and recording his own material to producing for other artists, and even founding a record label based out of his studio in Texas.He has traveled, played legendary venues like Antone’s and Red Rocks, and has what I’d call an unwavering commitment to professionalism and craft.In this conversation, we talk about everything from his early days on stage as a kid to performing for massive crowds, and the difference between being a musician and being an artist. We dig into the idea of stage parents, live performance, and how he has seen the world evolve throughout his life.I hope you enjoy this conversation with my friend, Jonas Wilson.

Chris Coy is back for another podcast! If you didn't see the first one, go check it out!

This episode is a re-release from the earlier Live Oak Podcast archive.Dr. Chris Coy is the Head of School at Hyde Park Baptist Schools in Austin, Texas, with nearly two decades of experience in education. He holds advanced degrees in Educational Leadership and has served as a coach, teacher, and principal. Dr. Coy is deeply involved in the Austin community, leading service projects and working with local non-profits. He and his wife, Heather, an EMT paramedic, are active members of Austin Oaks Church and have three sons attending Hyde Park Lower School.

Peter Gaudreau is a seasoned restaurateur and restaurant executive with over 30 years of industry experience. He’s held leadership roles at Snooze A.M. Eatery, Punch Bowl Social, Freebirds World Burrito, and Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, where he specialized in scaling operations and building strong team cultures. As the former CEO of Ruby Slipper and founder of his own consulting firm, Peter brings a sharp eye for growth strategy and brand development.In 2024, he joined Tacodeli as CEO, leading the company into a new phase of expansion while preserving its commitment to high-quality, Texas-sourced ingredients. Known for his results-driven leadership and passion for people, Peter is helping shape the future of one of Texas’s most iconic taco brands.