The Bastrop Podcast

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast, Matt sits down with Tyler Hixson of 10th Planet Airlock to talk about jiu jitsu, self-defense, personal growth, and the community they are building here in Bastrop.

Tyler shares how he and his wife, Andrea, traveled the country training at jiu jitsu gyms before making Bastrop home. We talk about what makes no-gi jiu jitsu different, what beginners can expect in their first class, kids training and character development, women’s jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, practical self-defense, and the confidence that can come from consistently showing up and learning something difficult.

More than anything, this conversation is about community. Tyler shares why he believes martial arts can help people build stronger relationships, stronger families, and a greater sense of connection.

Editor's Note: This episode was recorded earlier in 2026. Since recording, Tyler Hixson has been promoted to brown belt, and Coach Mark Geiger now leads 10th Planet Airlock’s striking program.

Location: Bastrop, TX

Guest: Tyler Hixson

Organization: 10th Planet Airlock

Topics: jiu jitsu, no-gi jiu jitsu, self-defense, kids jiu jitsu, women’s jiu jitsu, Muay Thai, confidence, family, community, personal growth, Bastrop TX

Learn more about 10th Planet Airlock:
Website: https://airlockbjj.com/
Instagram: @10pairlock
Tyler: @thixsonlife
Rei: @reivjiujitsu10p
Andrea: @americanjiujiteira

Connect with The Bastrop Podcast:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bastroppodcast

and @wisdomhouse_tx
Website: wisdomhousetx.com
Podcast: The Bastrop Podcast

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, especially when you start hearing terms like pre-approval, option period, appraisal, FHA, VA, USDA, closing costs, seller credits, and down payment assistance.

In this special workshop episode of The Bastrop Podcast, Matt Walker and Jimmy Lomeli of Wisdom House Realty Group sit down with Aaron Barnes of Loan Lab Lending to walk through the home buying process from beginning to end. They talk about what buyers should do before they start touring homes, how mortgage pre-approval works, what lenders look at when reviewing your finances and credit, and the differences between conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA financing.

They also break down down-payment options, preparing your credit, buying new construction versus resale, and why it can be helpful to start talking with a Realtor and lender months before you actually plan to move.

Then we get local.

Matt and Jimmy walk through many of the neighborhoods and communities around Bastrop, including The Colony, Adelton, Double Eagle Ranch, Silverleaf, Pecan Park, Tahitian Village, Circle D, Valverde, Hunters Crossing, Riverside Grove, downtown Bastrop and more. If you're thinking about moving to Bastrop or buying your first home here, this episode is designed to give you a practical place to start.

Location: Bastrop, TX
Guests: Jimmy Lomeli, REALTOR® with Wisdom House Realty Group, and Aaron Barnes with Loan Lab Lending
Host: Matt Walker, Wisdom House Realty Group

Topics: buying a house in Bastrop Texas, first-time home buyers, Bastrop real estate, mortgage pre-approval, conventional loans, FHA loans, VA loans, USDA loans, down payment assistance, credit preparation, closing costs, new construction, Bastrop neighborhoods, moving to Bastrop

Learn more:
Wisdom House Realty Group: https://www.wisdomhousetx.com/
Loan Lab Lending: [email protected]

Connect with The Bastrop Podcast:
Instagram: @bastroppodcast
Wisdom House Realty Group: @wisdomhouse_tx
Website: https://www.wisdomhousetx.com/the-bastrop-podcast

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast, Matt sits down with Bastrop resident and MasterChef contestant Camilo Chavez to talk about his journey from growing up around family meals and homemade tortillas to competing on one of the biggest cooking shows on television. Camilo shares how his Mexican-American and Texas roots shaped his cooking, how his daughter pushed him to apply for MasterChef, and what it was like making the Top 20 and earning an apron on MasterChef: The Global Gauntlet.

Camilo also takes us behind the scenes of MasterChef—from the pressure of the clock and unexpected pantry challenges to friendships among contestants and what Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich, and Tiffany Derry were really like off camera. We also talk about the support he has received from the Bastrop community, his plans to use his platform to give back through culinary education and fundraising, and his 60 Seconds of Wisdom: if you have something you love doing, chase it.

Location: Bastrop, TX
Guest: Camilo Chavez
Instagram/social media: @golfwineguy
Topics: MasterChef, The Global Gauntlet, Bastrop, Texas food culture, cooking, family, Mexican-American cuisine, behind the scenes of MasterChef, Gordon Ramsay, community, entrepreneurship

Connect with The Bastrop Podcast:
Instagram: @bastroppodcast
Wisdom House Realty Group: @wisdomhouse_tx
Website: https://www.wisdomhousetx.com/

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast, Matt sits down with Jeff Connor and Greg Hoffman from The Bridge Bastrop, a young adult ministry designed for 18 to 30-year-olds in Bastrop County.

Jeff and Greg share the story behind The Bridge, why they saw a need for young adults to have a place to grow in their relationship with God and community, and how the ministry has become a weekly gathering point for connection, teaching, small groups, fellowship, worship nights, and social events.

They also talk about the unique season many young adults face after graduating high school, the importance of staying plugged into the local church, and how The Bridge is helping young adults in Bastrop build lasting relationships, ask honest questions, and grow in their faith.

The Bridge meets Thursday nights at Calvary Baptist Church of Bastrop. Doors open at 6:45 PM and the gathering starts at 7:00 PM.

Location: Bastrop, TX
 Guests: Jeff Connor and Greg Hoffman
 Organization: The Bridge Bastrop
 Topics: young adults, faith, community, Bastrop County, local ministry, church, relationships, worship, Calvary Baptist Church, Bastrop TX

Learn more about The Bridge Bastrop:
 Instagram/social media: @TheBridgeYABastrop
The Bridge app: Search “The Bridge Bastrop” in the App Store or Google Play
Meeting location: Calvary Baptist Church of Bastrop

Connect with The Bastrop Podcast:
 Instagram: @bastroppodcast
Wisdom House Realty Group: @wisdomhouse_tx
Website: https://www.wisdomhousetx.com/

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast, Liana Walker sits down with three incredible women helping shape the future of Bastrop: Becki Womble, President and CEO of the Bastrop Regional Chamber of Commerce; Myra Goepp, President of Benchmark Austin; and Kayla Hixon, Development Manager for Adelton.

Together, they talk about women in leadership, faith, community, mentorship, business growth, and what it looks like to step into opportunities with courage. They also share a behind-the-scenes look at Adelton, one of Bastrop’s growing master-planned communities, and the intentional planning behind its homes, amenities, commercial spaces, and future growth.

This conversation highlights what makes Bastrop special: strong relationships, local leadership, thoughtful development, and a small-town spirit that continues to welcome new families, businesses, and opportunities.

Location: Bastrop, TX
 Guests: Becki Womble, Myra Goepp, and Kayla Hixon
 Topics: Women in leadership, Bastrop growth, Bastrop Chamber, Adelton, Benchmark Austin, land development, local business, community planning, faith, mentorship

Learn more:
 Bastrop Regional Chamber of Commerce: https://www.bastropchamber.com/
Adelton: https://www.adeltontx.com/
Wisdom House Realty Group: https://www.wisdomhousetx.com/

Connect with The Bastrop Podcast:
 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bastroppodcast/
 Wisdom House Realty Group: https://www.instagram.com/wisdomhouse_tx/

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast, Liana sits down with Bryan and Claire Turner, founders of Summit Outdoor Leadership, a Bastrop-based nonprofit helping people discover purpose through faith, adventure, and leadership.

We talk about disconnecting from technology, the importance of rest, and how time in the outdoors can create clarity, growth, and deeper connection with God. Brian and Claire also share how their programs work and how you can get involved.

Topics Covered:
• Faith-based leadership and purpose
• The importance of rest and Sabbath
• Disconnecting from technology
• Outdoor retreats and leadership development
• Building stronger community and communication

Guest Info:
Bryan & Claire Turner
Summit Outdoor Leadership

Learn more:
🌐 https://www.summitlead.org
📸 Instagram: @summit.lead

Connect with The Bastrop Podcast:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bastroppodcast

and @wisdomhouse_tx
Website: wisdomhousetx.com
Podcast: The Bastrop Podcast

In this special episode, Liana Walker sits down with Autumn Pyka, co-owner of Community Gardens in Bastrop, to talk about how Community Gardens became a true community hub — part plant nursery, part restaurant, part event venue, and a gathering space where families, small businesses, and local organizations connect.

Autumn shares the unexpected origin story (it started as a search for a warehouse), how the business survived and adapted through COVID, and why Community Gardens is intentionally designed to be family-friendly, community-driven, and supportive of other small businesses.

In this episode, we cover:

• What Community Gardens is (nursery + restaurant + events + community center)
• The original vision—and how it evolved into what it is today
• How they curate partner businesses and keep communication strong
• Why Community Gardens is built for families and kids (and why that’s intentional)
• Event and venue options: backyard, greenhouse, indoor space, stage + concerts, nonprofits, corporate events
• Seasonal transformations (spring/fall plant surges, holiday market, special pop-ups)
• The Home & Garden Show tradition and what it means to the community
• Lessons since opening in 2017: adaptability, faith, doing hard things “afraid”
• Long-term vision: more family entertainment, continued support for small businesses
• 60 Seconds of Wisdom: do it afraid — and do it anyway

Location: Community Gardens, Bastrop, TX
Guest: Autumn Pyka (Co-Owner, Community Gardens)

Learn more:
🌐 https://www.cgbastrop.com/
📸 Instagram: @cgbastrop

Connect with The Bastrop Podcast:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bastroppodcast

and @wisdomhouse_tx
Website: wisdomhousetx.com
Podcast: The Bastrop Podcast

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast, Matt sits down with Bastrop Mayor Ishmael Harris to talk about what it’s really like stepping into leadership during a season of rapid growth — and how Bastrop can move forward without losing the small-town character people love.

Mayor Harris shares what surprised him most after going from campaigning to serving in office, why “boring” city council meetings can actually be a good sign, and how he approaches unity, transparency, and decision-making when residents have strong (and sometimes divided) opinions. The conversation covers smart growth, what city government can and cannot control, and why major projects take longer than most people realize.

We also dig into what’s already in motion behind the scenes — from street repairs and mobility connections (including the Blakey extension discussion) to wastewater capacity planning, and how Bastrop is thinking long-term about healthcare access, recreation, and building a more self-sustaining community where families can live, work, and thrive locally.

Location: Bastrop, TX
Guest: Mayor Ishmael Harris (City of Bastrop)
Topics: Bastrop growth & development, smart growth meaning, city council leadership, community unity & trust, infrastructure and road projects, wastewater planning, traffic and mobility, healthcare access and a regional hospital discussion, recreation and future rec center needs, Bastrop events and community identity (Juneteenth, Homecoming, festivals), civic engagement and voting, Bastrop’s 5–10 year vision

Connect with Ishmael Harris:

Phone: 512-718-5957

Email: [email protected]

Connect with The Bastrop Podcast:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bastroppodcast

and @wisdomhouse_tx
Website: wisdomhousetx.com
Podcast: The Bastrop Podcast

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast, Matt sits down with longtime Bastrop County resident Steve Schroeder — a former educator who now serves families and the community through his work with WoodmenLife and local service organizations.

Steve shares his journey from working in schools for over 15 years to finding new purpose helping families plan for the future while staying deeply involved in the Bastrop community. From supporting local students and teachers to honoring first responders and veterans, Steve’s work is rooted in service and connection.

We talk about what it really means to build a strong community, why giving back matters, and how small acts of service can have a lasting impact.

Location: Bastrop County, TX
Guest: Steve Schroeder (WoodmenLife Representative, Community Volunteer, Former Educator)
Topics: Community service in Bastrop County, supporting local schools & youth programs, WoodmenLife outreach, honoring veterans & first responders, Rotary involvement, family legacy planning, and building stronger local connections

Learn more:
🌐 https://www.woodmenlife.org/

Connect with The Bastrop Podcast:
Instagram: www.instagram.com/bastroppodcast

and @wisdomhouse_tx
Website: wisdomhousetx.com
Podcast: The Bastrop Podcast

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast, Matt sits down with Liana Walker—his wife and business partner at Wisdom House Realty Group—to share their journey into real estate, why they chose Bastrop, and how Liana’s background in advertising shaped their marketing-first approach in a social-media-driven market. They also share the meaning behind the name “Wisdom House” (Proverbs 24:3–4) and what they’re building in the community.

They break down what buyers and sellers need to understand right now in Bastrop County and Central Texas, including why buyers have unusual negotiating power, why sellers must price based on real comps (not wishful thinking), and why having a Realtor matters—especially for new construction. Plus: a quick roundup of Bastrop growth updates, including Sendero, SpaceX expansion, Adelton’s commercial plans, Sprouts opening, and the Agnes Street connection.