Business & Entrepreneurship Episodes

sGuests: Amanda and Hector Bustillos are the owners of Wild Birds Unlimited of Dripping Springs, where they've turned a passion for nature into one of the Hill Country's favorite local businesses. Born and raised in Dripping Springs, Amanda grew up feeding birds with her family, while Hector, a former teacher, brings his love of education to helping customers create thriving backyard habitats. Together, they've built a business that's as much about conservation and community as it is bird feeder...

Guest: Gary Hargraves is a technology consultant, business leader, and author of the book AI Shock: How Artificial Intelligence Touches Everything.With more than 25 years of experience in technology and infrastructure, Gary brings a practical perspective to the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. His book explores how AI is transforming business, society, energy, communications, and everyday life—and why its impact reaches far beyond computers and software. Today, we'll talk with ...

Guest: Pam King serves as Tourism Manager for Destination Dripping Springs, the tourism department of the City of Dripping Springs. In her role, she helps showcase everything that makes Dripping Springs special—from its rich history and vibrant arts scene to its wineries, breweries, live music, outdoor recreation, and reputation as the Wedding Capital of Texas. She also plays a key role in community initiatives and events that attract visitors while celebrating the unique character of the Texas ...

Guest: Hunter Dolinger of Black Slate Roofing and Black Slate Construction is the kind of guy who can talk roofing, construction, and coast fishing with equal intensity and probably judge your gutters before he even rings the doorbell. A Texas outdoorsman through and through, he’s built a reputation for helping homeowners navigate storms, repairs, and construction chaos without the smoke-and-mirrors nonsense people expect from the industry. When he’s not climbing roofs or managing projects, ther...

Guests: President Susan Kimball and Board Chair Eustacio Lara are two of the driving forces behind the Dripping Springs Chamber of Commerce—and if you think that just means ribbon cuttings and name tags, think again. Between them, they’ve got a front-row seat to the growth, grit, and growing pains of one of the fastest-evolving communities in the Texas Hill Country. Susan brings a sharp eye for community connection and the kind of leadership that keeps local businesses not just surviving, but ac...

Guest: Ian Evilsizor is back- and this time he’s dragging a little mud onto the dance floor. In this episode, we dive into his newest project, Swampy Tonk, a gritty blend of back-porch soul, honky-tonk twang, and the kind of storytelling that smells like mud bugs and neon lights. Ian talks about where the sound came from, why it matters, and what happens when you mix Texas roots with a little swamp swagger. It’s raw, it’s rhythmic, and it’s proof that country music still has some dirt under its ...

Monologue: DSISD News Cheap Mortgages and More Expensive Houses The Anxious Generation Smoking Makes A Comeback Guests: Alexis Gallivan and Casey Gage are two of the driving forces behind Oakwood Public Market, bringing big vision and deep passion to Dripping Springs’ newest community hub. Alexis, a former international development pro turned entrepreneur and creator of Over Yonder, blends corporate savvy with small-business heart. Casey, a lifelong restaurant leader who has opened concepts arou...

Monologue: Contest Mushy Steak Town Lake Toxins Short Mama's Cloning? Good Idea? Guest: Even young people need this info so they can make sure their parents and grandparents are in a good place. Chad Hardy is the guy who somehow makes Medicare make sense. (We know. Miracles are real.) As the founder of Oakline Benefits, he’s built a reputation for guiding seniors and their families through Part A, B, C, D, and all the fine print in between, with clarity, patience, and just enough humor to keep e...

Monologue: Homeless Explanation Anti-Trump Protests Crowds on Demand Invite to Protesters AI Sexting-What Could Go Wrong? Classic Cars Education Guest: Tim Untalan is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, entrepreneur, and founder of Tactical Integrations LLC, a company built on precision, integrity, and relentless work ethic. A self-described extreme introvert thriving in the world of sales, Tim is known for his long hours, drive, and commitment to helping others find purpose through discipline and fait...

Monologue: Hostages Home Am I A Hypocrite? Ludite Trend Pizza History Guest: Darius Aram, founder of Slice Street Pizza in Dripping Springs, Texas, ditched the mortgage world for the far more rewarding pursuit of perfect dough and happy customers. Raised in a Greek-Persian family where every gathering revolved around food, he built his pizzeria on simplicity, quality ingredients, and a 48-hour cold ferment that gives his crust its cult following. Known for creative spins like blueberry-brie and ...

Monologue: Old Farmers Almanac TX Roadside Memorials No On The Leaseholds RR12 Protester Invite Forgiveness and Healing Guest: Brandon Sparks is a straight-shooting branch manager at Nautilus Lending in the Austin–Dripping Springs area who makes mortgages make sense. He translates the alphabet soup—non-warrantable condos, land and construction, portfolio loans—into plain talk and practical steps. In this episode, Brandon shares real-world playbooks, the common “gotchas” to dodge, and what actual...

Monologue: Old Austin Cheap Realtors UT VS. Ohio State 9-9-9 Challenge Guest: Founded in 2002, Lakota Water Company has become a go-to name in rainwater harvesting and water treatment across the U.S. Known for smart design and reliable service, Lakota serves both homes and businesses nationwide. CEO and founder Alan Rossing—a proud member of the Lakota Sioux tribe—brings 40+ years of water expertise, from nuclear plants to bottled water systems. A published authority on ultrapure water and susta...

Monologue: Don't Speed in Texas Trump Exec Order Cameras Everywhere Cancelled Contracts The New Boob Job Guest: Barbara Higginbotham and her husband are the co-owners of Kingdom Sound and Moon Lab Studios. Kingdom Sound is a family owned sound production and rental company located in Dripping Springs Texas. Committed to bringing your projects to life with the highest quality of service, professional gear and standards. Among the many projects they provide sound for is the Dripping Springs Sing...

Monologue: Epic StormDripping Sprints Art League GalleryState Bills UpdateWomen Can Wear PantsJune is Title IX MonthGuest: Dusty is a West Point graduate with a degree in mechanical engineering and an MBA from SMU. He served in Army field artillery as a top 10% performer, then built a successful business career as a banker and C-level executive, including roles in oil, gas, and clean tech overseas. Following a series of spiritual awakenings, Dusty trained in reiki and shamanic energy work. Af...

Monologue: Michelle Whistle BottomMETA ScamsSay Goodbye To The PennySummer Pool SafetyGuest: Juana Searcy is a Dripping Springs resident and native of the Houston area who owns Plumb Projects, a trusted local contracting company. She is also the founder of Pride of Dripping Springs, an initiative dedicated to creating safe, inclusive spaces for youth and allies. Juana is passionate about protecting kids and strengthening community unity in a town she proudly calls home. Her work blends crafts...

Monologue: DS Art League Upcoming EventsSchool Choice Bill signed into lawMeme's are illegal in TX?Starbase TX to Mars and BackShowering 101 is Hard Work!Guest: Sasha Vasquez was born in Volgograd, Russia and emigrated to Canada at age 15. When she came to Texas she started her real estate career and brings a grounded, thoughtful approach to everything she does. Her years in the corporate world in Toronto taught her the value of being prepared, staying calm under pressure, and following throu...

Monologue: Grand Canyon Rim to Rim to Rim (49 Miles and 12,100 feet of Climbing) Make Believe Astronauts Robot Half Marathon Dakota Meyer Re-Enlists to Marine Corp. Monkee’s of Dripping Springs is a high-end women’s boutique located in the heart of Dripping Springs, Texas. Owned and operated by Elona Appleby, the boutique features a carefully curated selection of clothing, accessories, gifts, and shoes from a range of premium brands and designers. Elona’s passion for fashion and dedication to bu...

Monologue: DOGE Freakout National What Day? Text Tag Twist Gluttony, Greed and Diabetes Guest: Joan Daniels is a passionate coach, speaker, and mentor with 20+ years of experience helping people unlock their potential and achieve their dreams. From one-on-one coaching to motivational workshops and the inspiring Dream Catalyst Podcast, Joan brings energy, wisdom, and a whole lot of heart to every journey. Whether guiding business owners, leaders, or dreamers, Joan’s mission is simple: empower, in...

Monologue: Local Short Updates and Closures Economic History and Forecast Wildwood Springs Beats BlueBonnet Springs Social Media Good for Teens? Guest: Texas native Becky Atkins has been cooking up unforgettable dining experiences since her 20s, running beloved restaurants in El Paso and Portland. She and her husband, Ian, met in Austin during college and later combined their love of food, wine, and hospitality to create Summer Revival in Dripping Springs. With a cozy vibe, stellar wine selectio...

Monologue: Dripping Updates-HEB and Dreamland Wasted $ on Home Upgrades Southern Girls Boomer-Asking The Way Gym Etiquette Guest: With 17 years of experience in business development, Will Rivera values building trust and strong connections with the people he works with. As a former Marine and platoon leader in Iraq, he understands the importance of morale, teamwork, and having a clear mission. Will believes inspiration is more powerful than fleeting motivation. His most recent venture is Publish...

Monologue: Someone Cares About You-Reach Out Mental Approach to Aging Inauguration Highlights Dirty 6th Plan to Fight Homeless Go Fund Me Issues Guest: Ben Ingram, a native of Dripping Springs, has been deeply rooted in the community for over 30 years. Now raising his own family here, he also serves as the Vice President of Programs for the Dripping Springs Education Foundation, contributing to local educational initiatives. Ben is the First Vice President at Texas Regional Bank in Dripping Spri...

Monologue: Gulf Of America? Take In A Disaster? AI Gone Too Far? Tik Tok Refugees Guest: Retired Colonel Jay Miseli, from San Francisco, began his Army career in 1995 after graduating from West Point. He’s served in key leadership roles, including tank platoon leader, company commander, and operations officer, with deployments to Iraq during major operations like the 2003 invasion. He later earned a master’s in operations research at Georgia Tech and taught math at West Point, where he also serv...

Monologue: Krispy Kreme and Pop-Tarts The Four Agreements Postal Office Gangs Breaking Marathon Records Guests: Meet Janie Ruiz and Lara Elizabeth, your Pilates powerhouses at Club Pilates Belterra. They’re passionate about fitness, dedicated to your health, and experts at making you regret skipping leg day. Whether it’s precision or encouragement, they bring the perfect balance to every class—and maybe a little extra core burn! Based in Dripping Springs, Steve Mallett and Michelle Lewis invite...

Monologue: News Years Resolutions How To Offend Your Husband Black Bears Invade Texas New TX State Laws Predictions for 2025 from 100 Years Ago Guest: For over 35 years, Trey Schmidt and Twisted Electric have been powering up Texas and New Mexico with top-notch electrical work. Family-owned and community-focused, they’re all about fair prices, quality work, and getting it right the first time. Trey talks about his path to becoming a Journeyman Electrician and how it has impacted his life and fam...