Mallett and Michelle on Dripping Springs Podcast
Based in Dripping Springs, Steve Mallett and Michelle Lewis invite you into their world of engaging conversations with guests who bring fresh ideas, humor, and wisdom to the table. They dive into everything from life’s absurdities to community quirks, adding their signature twist of small-town charm and bold candor. Think of them as the funny neighbors with the best stories, the ones who always tell it like it is. With a healthy dose of Hill Country spirit, they explore local gossip and topics that connect us all—proving you don’t need to be famous to be extraordinary; you just ne...
Ep.251 Know Your Dose With Haley Hunt Of Haus Of Jayne
Guest:
Haley Hunt, owner of Haus of Jayne in Dripping Springs, joins us for a conversation about entrepreneurship, the evolving hemp and CBD industry, and what happens when government regulations threaten to turn your business upside down. With Texas cracking down on hemp-derived THC products, Haley shares the challenges of navigating an industry where the rules can change faster than you can update your inventory. We talk about the realities of running a small business, the controversy surrounding these products, and what the future may hold for entrepreneurs caught in the middle. Because apparently...
Ep.250 The Mayor Of The County With Geoffrey Tahuahua
Guest:
Geoffrey Tahuahua is a Dripping Springs City Council member, public policy professional, and candidate for Hays County Judge. From tackling explosive growth and infrastructure challenges to navigating the sometimes messy world of local politics, Geoffrey has a front-row seat to the issues shaping our community. We get personal about his West Texas roots, family life, and what drives him to take on an even bigger political challenge. With three boys at home and a countywide campaign underway, we have to ask: Does this guy ever sleep?
Monologue:
<...Ep.249 Good Always Wins With Kirsta Melton Candidate for Hays County DA
Guest:
Kirsta Melton is running as an Independent for Hays County Criminal District Attorney, and she comes to the race after spending her career inside the courtroom. She’s prosecuted everything from domestic violence and child abuse to sexual assault, capital murder and human trafficking. Fighting trafficking is also a family affair - Kirsta, her mom and sisters helped found what became Truckers Against Trafficking, and she now leads the Institute to Combat Trafficking. She’s spent her career taking on hard things and today we’re going to find out what keeps her doing...
Ep.248 Dr. Horse Doctor Matt Evans-Vet and Stand Up Comedy
Guest:
Dr. Matt Evans is what happens when one career and one hobby just aren’t enough. He’s a Texas A&M–trained equine veterinarian practicing outside Austin, a stand-up comedian performing around Central Texas and beyond, a writer, and because apparently he still had free time, an oil painter. He’s been married for more than 25 years and has two daughters, all of whom he freely admits are better than he deserves. By day he handles thousand-pound patients who can kick him, and by night he gets onstage in front of audiences who can...
Ep.247 The Pace Of Peace With Brock Stamps Of Stone Oaks Church
Guest:
Brock Stamps is a Christian pastor, church planter, and founder of Stone Oaks Church, a new local church focused on biblical teaching, authentic relationships, and building strong community connections (Wildwood Elementary Campus). He calls Dripping Springs home with his wife, Stephanie, and their three children. At the heart of his work is a desire to create a church where people can grow in faith, find real community, and feel genuinely known.
Monologue:
Taco Deli Is COMING!Boots, Barrels, and Heroes Is Postponed...Ep.246 Semper Paratus- Always Ready With BH Galvan
Guest:
B.H. Galvan is the Flotilla Commander of the Austin U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and has served with the organization since 2013, which is pretty impressive considering Austin is still very much landlocked. His professional background spans technology, operations, security, executive protection and private investigation, so he’s basically made a career out of noticing things the rest of us miss. A native of Falfurrias, Texas, the heart of everything he does is service, preparedness and leaving the world a little better than he found it.
Monologue:
...Ep.245 Back From The Dead With Steve And Michelle
Monologue:
September 11th, 2001 RememberedDivide Or Unite! You Decide! Open Heart Surgery And What We KnowThank you Dripping Springs!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 loca...
Ep.243 When Life Throws Up A Detour Sign with Steve and Michelle
Guests:
Life is mostly a series of unplanned events, interrupted by brief moments when we fool ourselves into thinking we’re in control. Steve shares his recent diagnosis of a heart defect requiring open-heart surgery and the lessons he’s learning along the way. Family and friends are what matter most, yet they’re often the easiest things to take for granted. Sometimes it takes an unexpected, mandatory slowdown to pull us out of the day-to-day grind and remind us what really matters. Life will throw curves at all of us. The real test is how...
Ep.235 Bird Nerds Of Dripping Springs (Amanda and Hector Bustillos of WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED)
Guests:
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 feeders and seed. Their family-owned store has earned a reputation for exceptional...
Ep.240 Eat, Drink, Laugh, Write With Jessica Dupuy-Author, Writer, Speaker
Guest:
Jessica Dupuy has one of the toughest jobs in Texas—someone has to eat the barbecue, sip the bourbon, judge the wine, and travel the world looking for unforgettable experiences. As one of Texas' most respected food, wine, spirits, and travel writers, she's authored cookbooks including The Salt Lick Cookbook, Uchi: The Cookbook, and Jack Allen's Kitchen, while telling the stories behind the chefs, winemakers, distillers, and destinations that define Texas. If it's worth eating, drinking, or visiting, chances are Jessica's al...
Ep.242 Become Your Best Self with Ashley Vachon
Guest:
Ashley Vachon Sweeney is the author of You Are Worthy of Happiness: 31 Days of Encouragement to Become Your Best Self, a daily guide built around healing, growth, resilience, and learning to recognize your own worth. Drawing from truths that helped her through challenging seasons in her own life, Ashley offers practical encouragement for anyone ready to quiet the self-doubt, move forward, and become a stronger version of themselves.
With a background spanning fashion, beauty, aesthetics, marketing, and relationship-building, Ashley brings a real-world perspective to personal...
Ep.237 The State Of Dripping Springs (Mayor Bill Foulds)
Guest:
Being mayor of Dripping Springs isn't for the faint of heart. Bill Foulds has a front-row seat to the growing pains, big decisions, and occasional controversy that come with leading one of the hottest communities in Texas. Whether it's development, traffic, infrastructure, or protecting the town's identity, Bill is helping write the next chapter of Dripping Springs. Join us as we go beyond the council dais for a candid conversation about leadership, growth, Target, roads and the future of the town we all call home.
M...
Ep.233 AI Is Thirsty! (Gary Hargraves-Author of AI Shock and Technology Consultant)
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 Gary about the opportunities, challenges, and future of the AI revolution.
Monologue:...
Ep.239 The Queen Of Snark (Rita Ballou-Radio Personality)
Guest:
Rita Ballou is one of the most recognizable voices in Texas Country radio. As the longtime afternoon host on Austin's KOKE-FM, she's built a loyal following with her sharp wit, unapologetic opinions, and deep knowledge of the Texas and Red Dirt music scene. Before radio, Rita founded the influential Rawhide & Velvet website, earning a reputation as one of the most plugged-in voices covering Texas music. Whether she's interviewing artists, breaking industry news, or making listeners laugh, Rita brings authenticity, humor, and a genuine l...
Ep.244 Be Memorable With Shelly Graby and Jody Wynn of ADJACENT PODCAST
Guests:
Shelly Silvey Grabe and Jody Silvey Wynn are sisters, storytellers, podcast hosts, and the creative force behind Shody Media and the Adjacent Podcast—an Austin-based show built around real people, real conversations, and very few filters. On Adjacent, Shelly and Jody tackle just about everything they find themselves “adjacent” to: Austin culture, relationships, food, travel, hiking, RV life, music, local characters, and the wonderfully random stuff that makes life interesting. Their chemistry is exactly what you’d expect from sisters with microphones—funny, candid, occasionally chaotic, and never shor...
Ep.244 Be Memorable With Shelly Graby and Jody Wynn of ADJACENT PODCAST
Guests:
Shelly Silvey Grabe and Jody Silvey Wynn are sisters, storytellers, podcast hosts, and the creative force behind Shody Media and the Adjacent Podcast—an Austin-based show built around real people, real conversations, and very few filters. On Adjacent, Shelly and Jody tackle just about everything they find themselves “adjacent” to: Austin culture, relationships, food, travel, hiking, RV life, music, local characters, and the wonderfully random stuff that makes life interesting. Their chemistry is exactly what you’d expect from sisters with microphones—funny, candid, occasionally chaotic, and never shor...
Ep.242 Become Your Best Self with Ashley Vachon
Guest:
Ashley Vachon Sweeney is the author of You Are Worthy of Happiness: 31 Days of Encouragement to Become Your Best Self, a daily guide built around healing, growth, resilience, and learning to recognize your own worth. Drawing from truths that helped her through challenging seasons in her own life, Ashley offers practical encouragement for anyone ready to quiet the self-doubt, move forward, and become a stronger version of themselves.
With a background spanning fashion, beauty, aesthetics, marketing, and relationship-building, Ashley brings a real-world perspective to personal...
Ep.243 When Life Throws Up A Detour Sign with Steve and Michelle
Guests:
Life is mostly a series of unplanned events, interrupted by brief moments when we fool ourselves into thinking we’re in control. Steve shares his recent diagnosis of a heart defect requiring open-heart surgery and the lessons he’s learning along the way. Family and friends are what matter most, yet they’re often the easiest things to take for granted. Sometimes it takes an unexpected, mandatory slowdown to pull us out of the day-to-day grind and remind us what really matters. Life will throw curves at all of us. The real test is how...
Ep.241 Find Your Peace With Weslea O'Connor
Guest:
Weslea O'Connor knows what it means to have life rewritten overnight. A former real estate professional turned healthcare executive, she is now the founder and voice behind The Survivor's Edit, a deeply personal blog chronicling her journey through cancer with equal parts honesty, humor, and hope. Rather than offering clichés, Weslea explores the messy middle—the fear, resilience, relationships, and unexpected lessons that come with surviving. Her writing has resonated with readers looking for something real: not polished inspiration, but authentic humanity. Today, she joins us to...
Ep.240 Eat, Drink, Laugh, Write With Jessica Dupuy-Author, Writer, Speaker
Guest:
Jessica Dupuy has one of the toughest jobs in Texas—someone has to eat the barbecue, sip the bourbon, judge the wine, and travel the world looking for unforgettable experiences. As one of Texas' most respected food, wine, spirits, and travel writers, she's authored cookbooks including The Salt Lick Cookbook, Uchi: The Cookbook, and Jack Allen's Kitchen, while telling the stories behind the chefs, winemakers, distillers, and destinations that define Texas. If it's worth eating, drinking, or visiting, chances are Jessica's al...
Ep.239 The Queen Of Snark (Rita Ballou-Radio Personality)
Guest:
Rita Ballou is one of the most recognizable voices in Texas Country radio. As the longtime afternoon host on Austin's KOKE-FM, she's built a loyal following with her sharp wit, unapologetic opinions, and deep knowledge of the Texas and Red Dirt music scene. Before radio, Rita founded the influential Rawhide & Velvet website, earning a reputation as one of the most plugged-in voices covering Texas music. Whether she's interviewing artists, breaking industry news, or making listeners laugh, Rita brings authenticity, humor, and a genuine l...
Ep.238 The Secret I Carry (Jennifer West-Recovering Alcoholic-Community Liason for Positive Recovery)
Guest:
For years, Jennifer West was the person everyone thought they knew. She built a successful career, formed lasting friendships, and smiled through a battle with alcoholism that very few people ever saw. Today, as the Community Outreach representative for Positive Recovery Center, Jennifer has transformed her greatest struggle into her greatest purpose, helping others find hope, healing, and the courage to begin again. Her story is one of resilience, faith, loss, redemption, and the powerful reminder that no one is ever too far gone to rewrite their future. Reach out to her at...
Ep.237 The State Of Dripping Springs (Mayor Bill Foulds)
Guest:
Being mayor of Dripping Springs isn't for the faint of heart. Bill Foulds has a front-row seat to the growing pains, big decisions, and occasional controversy that come with leading one of the hottest communities in Texas. Whether it's development, traffic, infrastructure, or protecting the town's identity, Bill is helping write the next chapter of Dripping Springs. Join us as we go beyond the council dais for a candid conversation about leadership, growth, Target, roads and the future of the town we all call home.
M...
Ep.236 Your Biography Becomes Your Biology (Becca Kyle-Holistic Obsession-Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner)
Guest:
Becca Kyle doesn't believe in slapping a Band-Aid on symptoms and calling it healthcare. As the founder of Holistic Obsession, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner, and Board-Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, she's on a mission to help women get answers after years of being dismissed, misdiagnosed, or told their symptoms are "just part of getting older." Wife, mom, author, speaker, and equal parts science nerd and straight shooter, Becca is changing the conversation around hormones, burnout, and what it really means to feel healthy.
Monologue:
<...Ep.235 Bird Nerds Of Dripping Springs (Amanda and Hector Bustillos of WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED)
Guests:
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 feeders and seed. Their family-owned store has earned a reputation for exceptional...
Ep.234 It's A Beautiful Day To Be Alive (ABOVE THE LAW Band Members Quiesean Wilson and Michael Lawsage)
Guests:
Quiesean Wilson is the powerhouse lead vocalist of Above the Law, known for his incredible versatility, stage presence, and ability to connect with audiences. Whether he's singing rock, country, or R&B, Quiesean brings an energy that has helped make Above the Law a staple of the Dripping Springs music scene.
Michael Lawsage is the founder of Above the Law and has been the band's rhythm and acoustic guitarist since day one. A passionate supporter of the local music scene, Michael has helped build one of...
Ep.233 AI Is Thirsty! (Gary Hargraves-Author of AI Shock and Technology Consultant)
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 Gary about the opportunities, challenges, and future of the AI revolution.
Monologue:...
Ep.232 Heads In Beds (Pam King-Tourism Manager for City of Dripping Springs)
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 Hill Country. Today, Pam joins us to talk about what it...
Ep.231 The Court Of The People (Joseph Jamieson-Candidate-Elect Hays County Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace)
Guest:
Joseph Jamieson isn’t a career politician—he’s a longtime Wimberley paramedic, business owner, and community guy who’s spent years showing up when people needed help most. Now, as Candidate-Elect for Hays County Precinct 3 Justice of the Peace, he’s bringing that same calm-under-pressure approach to public service. A Wimberley native and graduate of Wimberley High School, Joseph has deep roots in the community and a reputation for practical leadership, fairness, and common sense. Whether he’s responding to emergencies, running local businesses, or talking about the fu...
Ep.230 Speak Softly And Carry A Big Stick (Hunter Dolinger-Black Slate Construction/Roofing)
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, there’s a good chance he’s somewhere near water trying t...
Ep.229 And...We're Rolling! (Mike Morgan and Pat Manske of The Zone Recording Studio)
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 recogni...
Ep.228 When You Raise Your Right Hand (Robert Parker II-Commander VFW POST 2933)
SPECIAL GUEST HOST CARLISLE KENNEDY FILLS IN FOR MICHELLE
Guest:
Today’s guest is Robert Parker II, Commander of VFW Post 2933 in Dripping Springs — a guy who went from growing up on a tiny island in Maine and commercial fishing to serving 30 years in the U.S. Army as a Military Policeman, Drill Sergeant, Recruiter, and Command Sergeant Major. Basically, if leadership had a uniform, Rob wore it. Now he’s serving veterans and the local community here in the Hill Country with the same steady, no-dra...
Ep.227 Instead of Complaining...(Carrie Napiorkowski Great Neighbor and Community Advocate)
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, ask tough questions, and push for accountability when growth starts to...
Ep.226 The Dymanic Duo (Susan Kimball and Eustacio Lara-DS Chamber of Commerce)
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 actually working together. Eust...
Ep.225 A Soft Heart And A Hard Head (Pastor Randy Phillips- Church Leader, Music Legend, Author)
Guest:
Randy Phillips is the founding pastor of Life Family Church in Austin, a longtime voice in ministry, and a founding member of the Dove Award–winning contemporary Christian group Phillips, Craig and Dean, whose music has reached millions over the past three decades. With a background that spans church leadership, television, and worship music, Randy has spent his life helping people connect faith to everyday living. Now, as the author of Guppy and the Silvery Hook, he brings that same heart into storytelling, tu...
Ep.224 Who Will Take Care Of My People? (Aimee Yowell-Brave, Proactive, Family-First Fighter)
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 her own BRCA...
Ep.223 Skin in the game- Kylie Zschiesche
Guest:
Kylie Zschiesche may be young but already rewriting the script most twenty-somethings are being handed. Raised in the piney woods of East Texas, she grew up with grit, faith, and a front-row seat to real life, not some curated version of it. While the world keeps telling her generation to stay unattached, chase chaos, and “figure it out later,” Kylie built a life on purpose, married young, grounded in her values, and focused on work that actually matters. She’s traded the idea of endless wandering for commitment, clarity, and a vision of a futu...
Backstage At SWAMPY TONK 2026 With All The Artists
Swampy Tonk Backstage with Uncle Lucius, Adam Hood, Noah Derrick, The Cunningham Sisters, Logan Papp and Jack Bennett. Get a behind the scenes peek into what makes these great artists tick and how they brought LIVE MUSIC back to Drippin'!
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 wi...
Ep.222 Human Being, Not Human Doing (Meagan Tubb-Gospel Music and Family)
Guest:
Meagan Tubb is a gospel artist whose voice carries both power and purpose, blending heartfelt faith with a sound rooted in tradition but alive with fresh energy. Deeply grounded in her faith and family, Meagan draws inspiration from the people and values that matter most, making her music intensely personal and unmistakably spiritual. Her songs aren’t just performed—they’re lived, shaped by real experiences, conviction, and a calling that runs deeper than the stage. In this episode, Meagan shares the story behind her music, the role family plays in keeping her ground...
Ep.221 Conservative and Confused (Olivia Barnard-DSISD School Board)
Guest:
Olivia Barnard brings a fresh, thoughtful voice to the Dripping Springs School Board, pairing a deep love for her hometown with a genuine commitment to its future. As part of a new generation stepping into leadership, she’s focused on supporting students, strengthening schools, fiscal responsibility and helping the district grow without losing what makes it special. Approachable, engaged, and grounded in community values, Olivia represents the kind of leadership that listens first and leads with purpose-working to make sure every student in Dripping Springs has the opportunity to thrive.
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