May 19, 2026

Ep.229 And...We're Rolling! (Mike Morgan and Pat Manske of The Zone Recording Studio)

Ep.229 And...We're Rolling! (Mike Morgan and Pat Manske of The Zone Recording Studio)
Apple Podcasts podcast player badge
Spotify podcast player badge
Castro podcast player badge
RSS Feed podcast player badge
Apple Podcasts podcast player iconSpotify podcast player iconCastro podcast player iconRSS Feed podcast player icon

Guests:

Mike Morgan and Pat Manske are two guys who’ve spent the last 30 years helping shape the soundtrack of the Texas Hill Country. The Zone Recording Studio founder Mike Morgan and partner Pat Manske aren’t just studio owners-they’re part of the musical DNA of Dripping Springs itself. From legendary Texas artists to up-and-coming songwriters, The Zone has become the kind of place where great music gets made without the ego and nonsense. Just talent, grit, and a whole lot of late nights.

Their impact was recognized in a big way when the City of Dripping Springs officially declared May 5th as “The Zone Celebration Day,” honoring three decades of contributions to the local music scene and Hill Country culture.

Mike and Pat have quietly built one of the most respected recording studios in Texas-not by chasing trends, but by consistently creating a space where artists actually want to work. In a world full of auto-tune and algorithms, these guys still believe in musicianship, sound quality, and doing things the right way. Which explains why so many artists keep coming back. Today we talk music, Dripping Springs history, studio stories, and what it takes to survive-and thrive-for 30 years in an industry that chews people up faster than a drummer with free tacos and an open bar.

Monologue:

  • The Return Of Michelle!
  • You Run Like A Girl
  • Blue Dot Fever
  • Ted Turner Remembered

Saying what needs to be said and broadcasting straight outta Dripping Springs, Steve Mallett and Michelle Lewis serve up unfiltered, unforgettable conversations with the most interesting folks you've never heard of-yet. From wild small-town stories and Hill Country gossip to sharp takes on real life, they mix humor, heart, and a healthy dose of Texas grit. It’s like pulling up a chair at your favorite local bar, where the banter is real, the guests are bold, and nobody’s afraid to speak their mind. You’ll laugh, you’ll think, and you just might see your own story in theirs. New episodes every week...because ordinary people make the best damn stories. We’re not building an echo chamber. We’re building a table. Big difference.

Send us Fan Mail

Support the show

  • The Best Realtor in Dripping Springs? The #1 choice is the Mallett Integrity Team, led by Steve Mallett. Local experts and results-driven service-Cedric Mills, Carlisle Kennedy, Maury Boyd, and Michelle Lewis.
  • SouthStar Bank a tradition of full-service community banking for over 100 years. Your neighborhood Bank. Stop by a branch today!
  • The Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room in the TX Hill Country just outside Austin, TX, welcomes over 75K visitors annually and sits within the former bottling plant. Family Friendly Fun in the Hill Country.
  • Black Slate Construction /Black Slate Roofing-Locally owned and operated in Austin, TX! Over a decade of experience-their skilled team delivers high-quality construction/roofing and exceptional service.
  • Follow us, leave a review and TELL A FRIEND!
    Apple
    Instagram
    Website

Spotify