In this episode of the Good Neighbors of Texas podcast, we’re joined by Elisa Johnson, the head of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and School, and Little Sheep Learning Center. Elisa shares the inspiring story behind these faith-based institutions, which provide a nurturing environment for children from six weeks old through sixth grade. With a focus on academic excellence, spiritual growth, and personalized care, Elisa explains how the school has grown significantly since its inception, addressing the community's need for high-quality childcare and education. She discusses the challenges of growth, the importance of building strong relationships with families, and the unique culture that sets Good Shepherd apart. Elisa's passion for service and dedication to the children and families in Bastrop shines through, as she reflects on the impact of the school’s commitment to care and holistic education. See more.

Welcome to the Good Neighbors of Texas Podcast, episode 21! Today, we're joined by Eric Davis, the owner of Mr. Ed Handyman. Eric takes a straightforward approach to providing top-quality handyman services, ensuring every project is completed with reliability and care. From small jobs like light fixture installations to larger renovation projects, Eric aims to bring order to your home, no matter the task. In this episode, we’ll dive into Eric’s journey—from his background in multifamily renovations to his passion for tackling “honey-do” lists. Plus, he shares some renovation horror stories and insights into what sets his business apart. Please tune in to hear more about how Eric's dedication to communication, reliability, and quality sets him apart in the handyman world! Check out more.

Welcome to the Good Neighbors of Texas Podcast! In this episode, we’re taking you inside Gravity District—Bastrop’s home for total wellness—with founder Stacy Braden. From barre and Pilates to aerial silks, pole fitness, and bungee classes, Gravity District isn’t just about movement—it’s about empowerment, play, and building a community where everyone can soar, no matter their age or experience.

Stacy shares how her own journey from injury to inspiration launched a movement space like no other, debunks common myths about pole and aerial arts, and reveals the surprising magic that happens when people give themselves permission to have fun again.

Whether you're curious about trying something new or looking for a fresh way to connect with your body and community, this conversation is full of laughs, heart, and high-flying inspiration. See More

In this inspiring episode of the Good Neighbors of Texas podcast, Isabel Meijering, founder of Admiring You Wellness and co-owner of Main Street Yoga, shares her journey from veterinary medicine to a life centered on holistic health. Fueled by a desire to create community and provide deeper healing, she discusses her unique integration of acupuncture, herbal medicine, cupping, and sound healing. Isabel addresses common misconceptions about Eastern medicine, explains how emotional and physical pain are deeply connected, and highlights how her work helps clients rediscover life beyond chronic discomfort. Through her personal and professional experiences, she emphasizes the transformative power of being seen, supported, and heard on the path to wellness.

In Episode 18 of the Good Neighbors of Texas podcast, host Ron sits down with Lee Harle, founder of Bastrop River Company, to explore the beauty, adventure, and community connection offered by the Lower Colorado River. Lee shares the inspiring story of how he transitioned from a career in finance to launching a thriving river outfitting service in Bastrop, providing kayak and canoe trips for all skill levels. From relaxing day paddles to multi-day river excursions, Bastrop River Company is passionate about making river recreation accessible, safe, and memorable. Lee also reflects on personal growth, customer experiences, and the mental clarity that comes from time on the water—encouraging locals and visitors alike to experience the river in a whole new way. See his profile here.

In this Good Neighbors of Texas episode, we sit with Kyra Deprez, the heart behind Lost Pines Maids, a trusted residential cleaning service in Bastrop County. Kyra shares how her love for cleaning became a thriving business dedicated to green, customized, and pet-friendly services. From understanding local water quality to the emotional impact of a clean home, Kyra brings wisdom, warmth, and a deep commitment to helping families reclaim peace, time, and joy in their living spaces.

In this insightful episode, Dr. Bon Traeger shares her heart-led approach to optometry, the inspiration behind Small Wonder Eyecare, and how she’s redefining eye care through time, trust, and transparency. From offering infant eye exams to debunking the myth of “vision insurance,” Dr. Traeger explains why personalized, direct-care matters—and how she’s creating an eye care experience that puts patients first.

🔸 Key Topics & Takeaways:

1. Business Overview & Mission

• Provides primary eye care for all ages, including infants (6–12 months)
• Offers vision therapy, contact lens fittings, and emergency eye care
• Mission: Clear, comfortable vision through dedicated time and advocacy

2. The Meaning Behind “Small Wonder”

• Inspired by her sister’s business and the small footprint of her Walmart-leased office
• Aims to surprise patients with high-quality, personal care in an unexpected setting

3. Why She Chose a Direct-Care Model

• Experienced rushed care models driven by insurance constraints
• Opted to go insurance-free to offer longer, more thorough appointments
• Schedules 1-hour appointments to address every concern in one visit

4. Patient Experience Matters

• Shares a touching story of a nervous patient who left overjoyed with her care
• Focus on calm, trust-building, and thorough communication

5. Eye Exams Go Beyond Glasses

• Only ~10% of an eye exam is about the prescription
• Dr. Traeger identifies deeper issues like dry eye, infection, and retinal damage
• Shared stories: a major retinal bleed and patients unaware of blurry vision

6. Debunking Misconceptions

• Myth: She works for Walmart (she doesn’t)
• Myth: Vision insurance covers medical issues (it doesn’t—it’s a discount plan)

7. Personal Backstory: A Visionary Journey

• Grew up with severe vision problems and low depth perception
• Underwent years of vision therapy, which changed her life and inspired her career
• Passion for helping others was born from her own transformation

8. Benefits of Going Insurance-Free

• Offers clarity, time, and better patient outcomes
• Patients can submit for reimbursement or use HSA/FSA
• Focus is on proactive, relationship-centered care

9. Contact Lenses & Technology

• Fits progressive contacts (yes, even for pickleball!)
• Offers myopia control lenses for children to slow nearsightedness progression

10. Life Outside the Office

• Enjoys playing ukulele, running, and teaching English to a friend in Taiwan
• Finds joy in connection, music, and self-care

🔗 Connect with Dr. Bon Traeger & Small Wonder Eyecare

📍 Located inside Elgin Walmart (independent practice)
🌐 https://www.bastropconnect.com/united-states/elgin/medical-services/small-wonder-eyecare
📞 Call: 512-229-5911
📱 Instagram: @smallwondereyecare

Welcome to Episode 15 of the Good Neighbors of Texas podcast! Today we’re joined by Joseph Feminella of Sign and Banner Texas—a local print expert whose journey from screen-printing in Florida to owning a thriving shop in Bastrop is nothing short of inspiring. Joseph shares how he and his partner Janine turned a shared dream into a reality, why he doubled down on his creative roots, and what sets his work apart in a digital age. With a passion for problem-solving, a commitment to client care, and a knack for turning low-res logos into eye-catching designs, Joseph is all about delivering quality and building community through print. From banners to bongo drums, this conversation is full of color, creativity, and wisdom earned through years of hustle.