Extraordinary Neighbors 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: Carrie Napiorkowski is a Dripping Springs local who doesn’t just live in the Hill Country, she fights for it. She’s a licensed aesthetic educator with a long track record in the skincare world, but around here, she’s just as well known for speaking up when it matters. Carrie has been a vocal advocate on issues impacting the community—from development concerns to protecting displaced citizens and preserving the character of Dripping Springs. She’s not afraid to challenge the status quo, as...

Guest: Aimee Yowell is a seasoned hairstylist, proud military mom, and the kind of woman who can hold your secrets, your hand, and a pair of scissors all at the same time. A self-proclaimed “hair nerd” at Salon Mystique, she’s spent years behind the chair collecting stories as rich and layered as the lives around her. Married for over 30 years after a whirlwind 28-day engagement, she’s built a life rooted in faith, family, and fierce loyalty. After losing her mother to breast cancer, Aimee faced...

Guest: Alex Strenger is a pedicab driver and entertainer based in Austin, Texas who’s carved out a niche as a local provocateur and personality — think equal parts Austin street performer, municipal troll, and self‑styled commentator. He’s known for cranking up chaos at City Council meetings, openly mocking government officials, and hosting an irreverent podcast called Convos on the Pedicab that leans into local satire and “keep‑Austin‑weird” energy. He also makes rap songs about conspiracies an...

Monologue: Drone Cops Raise Massive Funds Online Trolls Suck AI Vending Machine Experiment Goes AWOL Burnt Toast Theory Guest: At just 14, Will Allen has already lived a life that’s reshaped how people see strength. After a 2019 traffic accident left him paralyzed from the chest down, Will refused to let his world shrink. An adaptive athlete from Dripping Springs, Texas, he’s known for his grit, self-awareness, and a perspective well beyond his years. The Will Power Community. Stories that deser...

Monologue: World Travelers December Challenge! Epic City Update 50 Years of Debt? Guest: Jack McClure is a Dripping Springs High School senior known for his leadership, drive, and commitment to making a positive impact. As Student Council President and a longtime community volunteer, he’s helped shape student life while balancing honors courses, DECA leadership, and multiple extracurriculars. Jack is passionate about real estate and business, always looking for ways to grow, learn, and contrib...

Monologue: Central Texas Youth Ballet Marathon Cheaters! Maywald Christmas Display Ends Save The Date For Narcissists Christmas on Mercer Guest: Today we’re joined by Kimberly Lloyd and Kim Yancey — two Dripping Springs moms who have built their families through fostering and adoption, one brave “yes” at a time. Between them, they’ve fostered over 20 children and adopted 11, and their story started when they were each caring for a sibling pair — a little boy and his newborn sister — and decided ...

Monologue: Charlie Kirk Hometown Missions Guest: Chris Kelker-Newlan is the Operations Manager at Hometown Missions in Dripping Springs, where he has served since May 2022 as the organization’s first full-time employee. After nearly three decades in technology support with a global financial firm, and twenty years as a Dripping Springs resident, he now oversees the nonprofit’s “Home in a Month” program and broader operations. His work goes beyond building houses—he emphasizes preparing families ...

Monologue: Austin Logo Flub DSE Shreds The Tavern is Haunted Trash Robots Jim Scarpulla spent 34 years in the cockpit, logging over 26,000 flight hours across seven different aircraft while flying all over the world. Despite his fear of heights, he embraced aviation at 27, thanks to his father’s encouragement, and turned it into a dream career that never followed him home. Now retired, Jim fills his days with bike rides, motorcycles, hobby cars, and adventures made possible by his flight career....

Monologue: Sexy or Not? Breast Milk Ice Cream $25K Checks for Flood Victims Gerrymandering or Just Leading? Paralympics History and Facts Guests: At just 15, Izzy Crew is making history as Dripping Springs High School’s first wheelchair athlete and a record-breaking competitor on the track. A national record holder in the U17 1500m and 5000m, she’s medaled at state, earned bronze at USA Track & Field Nationals, and raced internationally against Paralympians—all while being an honor student, si...

Monologue: Steve and Michelle Have Great Genes Airplane Yucks Presidential Physical Fitness Test Is Back Trapped Water Guest: Kristen Currie, a California native with a big heart, is the morning meteorologist at KXAN in Austin. She’s known for tackling Texas’s wild weather with equal parts science and sass, all while keeping her viewers calm and informed. Off air, Kristen loves good wine, snapping pictures with fans, and soaking up everything the Hill Country has to offer. She’s the kind of mete...

Monologue: Oregon Coast Trail Trip Fireworks and FIX THE ROADS Please! Shout Outs No Paper Plates History of Burke Center for Youth Guest: Steve Fournier, a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, has led the Burke Center for Youth in Driftwood since 2015, beginning as a volunteer before becoming Executive Director. Under his leadership, the center has expanded its capacity, modernized operations, and added transition homes to support young men aging out of foster care. He has introduced new ...

Monologue: Tragedy and Community in Texas Guest: Renee Harper has a deep love for community, sustainability, and her conscious living shines through everything she does. As the owner of an estate sale company, she witnesses firsthand the emotional ties we have to things—and how much we collect, consume, and ultimately let go. A dedicated volunteer, Renee finds purpose at places like Project Connect . Grounded, thoughtful, and community-driven, she’s a quiet force for intentional living in the Hi...

Monologue: DOJ closes Epic City investigation. Make Texas Healthy Again Bezos and Pre-Nups Re-Commerce Economy Benefits of a 55+ Active Community Guest: Marilyn Bell is the warm and joyful Community Manager of Jovie Belterra, where she brings heart, humor, and dedication to every resident she serves. With a deep passion for creating connection, Marilyn goes above and beyond to make the community feel like home. She’s a committed volunteer and natural encourager, always finding ways to give back ...

Monologue: Governor Abbott Veto Phones Outlawed In TX Schools Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders Drone 4th of July Guest: Celena Spry is an Air Force veteran, proud patriot, and passionate small business owner in Dripping Springs. With a heart for service and a commitment to community, she’s a fierce supporter of Patriots’ Hall and its mission to honor veterans. Celena blends her military grit with entrepreneurial spirit, creating impact both in business and beyond. She leads with integrity, heart, and ...

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: Splooting EverywhereDSISD End of School Year RetirementsGuest: Chad Lawson is a former Green Beret and Ranger-certified U.S. Army veteran who spent the final seven years of his distinguished military career in special operations as part of a Special Missions Unit. He reported for boot camp on the morning of September 11, 2001, and medically retired in September 2019. Over the course of his service, Chad completed 15 combat deployments between 2003 and 2018. Chad has received ...

Monologue: Pimeyes Tren De Aragua Microplastics Everywhere! Real Bathrooms at Founder's Day Billionaires In Austin Guest: Patrick Fortner is the voice behind Red Mike Messages, a series of straightforward leadership reflections shaped by years in public service and a deep belief in servant leadership. He’s spent most of his career helping others tell their stories—starting as a newspaper reporter and radio DJ before moving into state government, where he’s written speeches, led communications te...

Monologue: Daylight Savings Time Sucks Fired Wine Adam Carolla Hates Realtors Gnomes in Utah Alpha School in Austin Social Security Changes Guest: From Christmas Town to Wedding Town. Hailing from the enchanting Christmas town of Natchitoches, Louisiana, Morgan Slaughter has always had a heart for hospitality. With a vision as bright as the holiday lights of her hometown, she moved to Dripping Springs, Texas, determined to make her mark in the world of event planning. Through dedication and pass...

Monologue: PSA-Don't Eat The Peanuts Dripping Happenings Don't Lose Your Homestead SW Airlines Does It Again Line-Standers SXSW First Week Wrap Guest: Willem Visser is the Founder and CEO of Amanzi Party Rentals, a Texas-based event rental company serving cities including Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth. Under his leadership, the company has achieved significant growth, earning a spot on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies in America in 2020. In addition ...

Monologue: 2024 is a WRAP Top Dripping News in 2024 Personal End of Year Wishes Guest: Cooper Rummell, a standout baseball talent from Dripping Springs, Texas, made headlines when he signed with the University of Texas as a high school freshman. Despite being deaf, Cooper has shattered barriers with his exceptional pitching, drawing interest from nearly every professional baseball team in the country. Supported by his close-knit family and community, he balances the demands of elite competition ...

Monologue: Fighter Jets and Flying Saucers AZ Property Tax Revolt Body Parts and Trouble Returns Are a Pain in the Ass Stop Saying "Good Luck"! Guest: Sydney Smith, born in South Carolina, raised in Tampa, and thriving in Dripping Springs, has become the Hill Country’s go-to bartender and server. Known for her sassy wit and genuine servant's heart, she keeps spirits high both behind the bar and in the community. Off the clock, she trades mixing drinks for building LEGO masterpieces, proving her ...

Send us a text Monologue: Thankful For??? Aliens in the Water Singles Meeting #IRL Turkey Trots Everywhere Guests: Mark Rutledge and Shelby Eckols are key figures in the Driftwood Historical Conservation Society, dedicated to preserving the region's rich heritage. Mark has a passion for local history, works with Capital Farm and Credit and plays a leading role in restoration efforts and community education. Shelby, a 4th Driftwood resident, is a history-loving Professional Engineer specializing ...