The Inn Between Podcast

Today Jake & Leah sit down with previous guest Henry and Heather to discuss what art projects they are currently working on.

Learn more about Henry G. Sanchez here www.bioartbayoutorium.org

Learn more about Heather L. Johnson here www.heatherljohnson.com

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Find Jessica Love on

Instagram @stardustranchtx , @TheUrbaneDesign

Web- https://urbanedesignstudios.com/

Follow @theinnbetweentx to see when the next podcast episode is released, events happening in the Frio Canyon and beyond, and much more!!!

Ryan is the founder of a consulting company specializing in organizations challenged by their success. Also a meeting facilitator @ Luna Expansion, practioner of Zen, and an entreprenuer, Ryan loves connecting people and all things Austin.

Ryan can be reach through his LinkedIn profile

Special Thanks To Our Sponsor

Songs On The Frio

https://www.songsonthefrio.com/

Frio Canyon Vineyard was founded by lifelong friends with a mission to craft wines that reflect the rugged beauty of the Frio Canyon in Real County. Rooted in the limestone soils and canyon breezes of the Edwards Plateau, our estate produces hand-harvested, French oak-aged wines made enitrely onsite in our winery cave. Each bottle is estate grown, thoughtfully made, and deeply tied to the land we call home.

Book your wine tatsing today or give Frio Canyon Vineyard a shout to learn more about their wines and wine memberships.

https://friocanyonvineyard.com

Email - [email protected]

Ph- (830) 890-0840

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR

Songs On The Frio

https://www.songsonthefrio.com/

Kayla Kennedy is a self-taught abstraction artist based in Austin,TX. Originally from Long Beach, and raised in Portland, Kayla's journey has taken her from coast to coast, shaping her unique artistic perspective.

Her work is deeply inspired by the people and places she has encountered along the way,with each experience adding to the richness of her creative community.

Kayla's passion for art emerged during her pursuit of a career in interior design, sparking a newfound avenue for self-expression. While she primarily works with acrlyic on canvas, she experimenting with various mediums to create works that rich in texture and depth.

Through her art, Kayla aims to inspire creativity and foster meaningful connections within her community, leaving a lasting impact on those who experience her work.

Contact Kayla

Email- [email protected]

IG- @KK_inspired

Meet Doogie Roux, a Cajun-Texan based in Houston,TX and a big fan of good food and music plus anything with wheels and a motor. He's a creative Swiss Army knife- curating vibez, hosting experiences, capturing moments and telling stories while connecting communities across the world.

Connect with Doogie

[email protected]

Socials- @doogieroux

Join Jake and Leah as they sit down with Kristi Gerdes, the brand-new Executive Director of the Texas Hill Country River Region (THCRR), to talk about the future of tourism, hidden gems along the Frio River, off-season adventures, and the importance of preserving dark skies.

Whether you're planning a summer float, a cozy fall getaway, or curious about family-friendly activities in Uvalde County, this episode is packed with local insight, history, and inspiration.

👉 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories from the heart of Texas Hill Country!

00:00 – Welcome + Spotlight on Camp Riverview in Concan, TX 01:00 – Meet Kristi Gerdes, new Executive Director of Texas Hill Country River Region 02:00 – Growing up in Uvalde + early river memories 03:00 – The opening of House Pasture (1998) and local traditions 04:00 – How the area has grown & the role of social media in tourism 05:00 – Why travelers trust TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube over Google blogs 06:00 – Kristi's vision for Visit Uvalde County social media 07:00 – Building tourism beyond summer: fall, winter, and spring opportunities 09:00 – The magic of off-season camping, hiking, and campfires 10:30 – Lower lodging rates + quieter river experiences in fall/winter 11:30 – Hidden gem: Lost Maples State Park & nearby Utopia 13:00 – Kayaking, Chalk Bluff Park, and water adventures beyond the Frio 15:00 – Uvalde Nature Park & family-friendly activities 16:00 – Local history, Briscoe-Garner Museum, and the Opera House 18:00 – Tourism challenges: seasonal closures & siloed businesses 19:30 – Kristi's strategy to bring partners together for bigger events 21:30 – The role of social media & bridging generational marketing gaps 22:30 – Birding tourism opportunities and community collaboration 24:00 – Astro-tourism & preserving dark skies 🌌 27:00 – Advocacy for clean rivers, landscapes, and skies 29:00 – Building off-season tourism & uniting visionary locals 31:00 – Exciting new interactive website for Visit Uvalde County 32:00 – Wrap-up + Kristi's warm welcome into the community

Kristi Gerdes is the newly hired Executive Director of The Texas Hill Country River Region (THCRR), a DMO founded in 1998 with the mission of promoting Uvalde County as an overnight year-round tourism destination and to increase off-season occupancy in the region's accommodations.

📧 Email: [email protected] 🌐 Website: https://visituvaldecounty.com/ 📱 Text Questions To: (830) 834-5534

• Camp Riverview – friocampriverview.com

• Songs On The Frio – songsontherfrio.com

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Show Notes – Divine Disasters w/ Hailey Gearo 🎨✨

In this episode of The In-Between Podcast, Jake and Leah sit down with Austin-based abstract artist Hailey Gearo (Divine Disasters). Hailey opens up about her creative journey, navigating the business of being an artist, mental health, and building community in the art world. From experimenting with glitter and vibrant abstractions to tackling the realities of marketing, residencies, and solo shows, this conversation dives into the beauty and challenges of a modern artist's life.

👉 If you're an artist, creative, or mental health advocate, this episode will inspire you to embrace your unique story, experiment boldly, and lean into community.

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Welcome + Camp Riverview sponsor shoutout 🌊🏕️

01:00 – Introducing guest artist Hailey Gearo

02:00 – Rest, writing, and creating during residency

03:00 – Preparing for solo shows & exhibitions in Austin

04:00 – Show details at Dougherty Arts Center + Carver Museum

05:00 – Hailey's background: From Nebraska to Austin art scene

06:00 – Pandemic shift: Taking the leap into full-time art 🎨

07:00 – Finding community through Creative Cuties & Rich's Art Gallery

09:00 – Meeting her husband & building support systems

10:00 – How to actually "become an artist" (business & marketing)

12:00 – The role of community and asking questions

14:00 – Professionalism & reputation in the art world

15:00 – Why art school leaves out business skills 📚

16:00 – How Hailey describes her art (abstract expressionism + surrealism)

17:00 – Mental health themes in her artwork & storytelling layers

19:00 – Influences: Yayoi Kusama, DPR Ian & personal lore

21:00 – Using color, motifs, clouds, and symbols for expression

23:00 – Experimenting with portals, patterns, and evolving style

25:00 – Future ideas: Installations & immersive art experiences

27:00 – Inspiration from residency: freedom to play & explore

29:00 – Sketches, portals, and trial & error process

30:00 – Mediums: Spray paint, acrylic, and… glitter ✨

32:00 – Breaking rules in art school & embracing glitter

33:00 – Building creative connections in Austin (Kayla, Carmen, NetDo community)

35:00 – Exploring Texas Hill Country for inspiration

37:00 – Upcoming shows & projects (Cathedral Women's History Month, nail tech side quest)

38:00 – Creating compulsively & full-time art career

39:00 – Where to find Hailey's work: divinedisasters.com 🎨

Guest Bio – Hailey Gearo Hailey Gearo is the abstract-expressionist artist behind Divine Disasters, where chaos and beauty collide on canvas. Working in acrylics and glitter, her pieces explore mental health, resilience, and dreamlike landscapes. Her work has been featured at The Cathedral, the Carver Museum, and the San Antonio Airport, reflecting her mission to transform life's messiness into something luminous and unforgettable.

📌 Connect with Hailey

🌐 Website: www.divinedisasters.com

📸 Instagram: @hailey_gearo

📧 Email: [email protected]

🙏 Special Thanks To Our Sponsors Orange Blossom Realty – https://www.orangeblossomland.com/ Camp Riverview – https://friocampriverview.com/

🔑 Keywords for SEO Hailey Gearo, Divine Disasters art, Austin artist, abstract painting, surrealism art, Yayoi Kusama influence, DPR Ian inspiration, artist mental health, creative community Austin, art residency, how to become a full-time artist, Dougherty Arts Center Austin, Carver Museum Austin, Rich's Art Gallery, women artists, contemporary art podcast, glitter in art, storytelling in abstract art.

🎧 About The In-Between Podcast Hosted by Jake & Leah, The In-Between Podcast shares inspiring stories from creatives, entrepreneurs, and dreamers who are finding beauty in the space between where they are and where they're going.

🚀 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to:

👍 Like the video 💬 Comment your favorite part

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with incredible creatives

Full Title (Podcast Platforms): How One Birthday Party Sparked a Beloved Music Festival – The Story of Songs on the Frio w/ Jan Larsen & AnaLisa Glass

• 00:00:02 – Discovering Hamper Review Campground in Concord, TX

• 00:00:49 – Welcome back to the InBetween Podcast

• 00:00:58 – Introducing Jan Larsen & AnaLisa Glass

• 00:01:29 – The story behind Rio Bella Resort

• 00:02:35 – Growing up in Lakey, TX and becoming a teacher

• 00:05:10 – Jan's journey from Mississippi to Lakey, TX

• 00:07:28 – A milestone birthday that sparked Songs on the Frio

• 00:09:43 – Experiencing Nashville songwriters up close

• 00:14:17 – Trial runs that led to the first public event

• 00:15:43 – Raising funds for Frio Canyon EMS

• 00:20:23 – Planning the annual festival (Veteran's Day Weekend)

• 00:22:12 – Education & youth involvement in the festival

• 00:25:19 – The Sunday gospel sing tradition

• 00:28:19 – Inspiring the next generation of songwriters

• 00:31:10 – Friendship, community, and collaboration

• 00:35:16 – Songwriters as "healing doctors" of music

• 00:38:17 – The powerful energy of Danny Myrick & Megan Linville

• 00:40:02 – How to get tickets & support Songs on the Frio

• 00:42:32 – Free community events and youth showcases

• 00:44:44 – Encouraging young artists to perform

• 00:46:50 – Rio Bella Resort as a wedding & event destination

• 00:47:02 – Contact & donation details

Founded in 2021, Songs on the Frio is an intimate songwriter festival held every Veterans Day weekend (November 8–10, 2025) at Rio Bella Resort in Leakey, TX. It features hit Nashville songwriters and Texas country artists performing their original songs, sharing the backstories, and raising funds for Frio Canyon EMS.

🎟️ Tickets go on sale late summer 2025 at SongsOnTheFrio.com.

Rio Bella Resort is a riverfront vacation and wedding venue nestled on the Frio River. Known for its scenic beauty and magical atmosphere, it hosts weddings, family getaways, and special events year-round.

📍 Learn more: RioBellaResort.com

• 📧 Contact AnaLisa Glass at: [email protected]

• 🌐 Visit: www.RioBella.com

• 📧 Contact Jan Larsen at: [email protected]

• 🌐 Explore: SongsOnTheFrio.com

This episode is made possible thanks to our amazing sponsors who support community, music, and the magic of the Frio:

• 🏡 Orange Blossom Realty – orangeblossomland.com

• 🌲 Camp Riverview – friocampriverview.com

• 🌐 SongsOnTheFrio.com

• 📸 Instagram: @SongsOnTheFrio

• 👍 Facebook: Songs on the Frio

• 📧 Email: [email protected]

• Music is medicine—hearing songwriters tell the stories behind hit songs creates deep emotional connection.

• Community impact matters—every ticket helps fund local emergency services in rural Texas.

• Intimate experiences win—listening room settings and smaller crowds make the festival unforgettable.

• Inspiration for the next generation—young musicians and teens are encouraged to perform and dream big.

Frio River camping, Rio Bella Resort, Songs on the Frio, Texas Hill Country music festival, Nashville songwriters, Lakey TX events, Frio Canyon EMS fundraiser, Texas RV camping, songwriter festival 2025, family friendly Texas getaways, Concord TX campground, Phraya River camping.