n this episode of The Bastrop Podcast, Matt sits down with Bastrop resident and MasterChef contestant Camilo Chavez to talk about his journey from growing up around family meals and homemade tortillas to competing on one of the biggest cooking shows on television. Camilo shares how his Mexican-American and Texas roots shaped his cooking, how his daughter pushed him to apply for MasterChef, and what it was like making the Top 20 and earning an apron on MasterChef: The Global Gauntlet.

Camilo also takes us behind the scenes of MasterChef—from the pressure of the clock and unexpected pantry challenges to friendships among contestants and what Gordon Ramsay, Joe Bastianich, and Tiffany Derry were really like off camera. We also talk about the support he has received from the Bastrop community, his plans to use his platform to give back through culinary education and fundraising, and his 60 Seconds of Wisdom: if you have something you love doing, chase it.

Location: Bastrop, TX
Guest: Camilo Chavez
Instagram/social media: @golfwineguy
Topics: MasterChef, The Global Gauntlet, Bastrop, Texas food culture, cooking, family, Mexican-American cuisine, behind the scenes of MasterChef, Gordon Ramsay, community, entrepreneurship

Connect with The Bastrop Podcast:
Instagram: @bastroppodcast
Wisdom House Realty Group: @wisdomhouse_tx
Website: https://www.wisdomhousetx.com/

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast, Matt sits down with Jeff Connor and Greg Hoffman from The Bridge Bastrop, a young adult ministry designed for 18 to 30-year-olds in Bastrop County.

Jeff and Greg share the story behind The Bridge, why they saw a need for young adults to have a place to grow in their relationship with God and community, and how the ministry has become a weekly gathering point for connection, teaching, small groups, fellowship, worship nights, and social events.

They also talk about the unique season many young adults face after graduating high school, the importance of staying plugged into the local church, and how The Bridge is helping young adults in Bastrop build lasting relationships, ask honest questions, and grow in their faith.

The Bridge meets Thursday nights at Calvary Baptist Church of Bastrop. Doors open at 6:45 PM and the gathering starts at 7:00 PM.

Location: Bastrop, TX
Guests: Jeff Connor and Greg Hoffman
Organization: The Bridge Bastrop
Topics: young adults, faith, community, Bastrop County, local ministry, church, relationships, worship, Calvary Baptist Church, Bastrop TX

Learn more about The Bridge Bastrop:
Instagram/social media: @TheBridgeYABastrop
The Bridge app: Search “The Bridge Bastrop” in the App Store or Google Play
Meeting location: Calvary Baptist Church of Bastrop

Connect with The Bastrop Podcast:
Instagram: @bastroppodcast
Wisdom House Realty Group: @wisdomhouse_tx
Website: https://www.wisdomhousetx.com/

In this episode of The Bastrop Podcast, Liana Walker sits down with three incredible women helping shape the future of Bastrop: Becki Womble, President and CEO of the Bastrop Regional Chamber of Commerce; Myra Goepp, President of Benchmark Austin; and Kayla Hixon, Development Manager for Adelton.

Together, they talk about women in leadership, faith, community, mentorship, business growth, and what it looks like to step into opportunities with courage. They also share a behind-the-scenes look at Adelton, one of Bastrop’s growing master-planned communities, and the intentional planning behind its homes, amenities, commercial spaces, and future growth.

This conversation highlights what makes Bastrop special: strong relationships, local leadership, thoughtful development, and a small-town spirit that continues to welcome new families, businesses, and opportunities.

Location: Bastrop, TX
Guests: Becki Womble, Myra Goepp, and Kayla Hixon
Topics: Women in leadership, Bastrop growth, Bastrop Chamber, Adelton, Benchmark Austin, land development, local business, community planning, faith, mentorship

Learn more:
Bastrop Regional Chamber of Commerce: https://www.bastropchamber.com/
Adelton: https://www.adeltontx.com/
Wisdom House Realty Group: https://www.wisdomhousetx.com/

Connect with The Bastrop Podcast:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bastroppodcast/
Wisdom House Realty Group: https://www.instagram.com/wisdomhouse_tx/