Hello Austin County
Podcast
…where local voices, stories, and solutions take center stage with thoughtful, long-form conversations.
Hosted by Greg Stuessel and Shelley Stuessel-Brian, the Hello Austin County Podcast brings you thoughtful, long-form conversations with the people shaping life in Austin County, Texas. Episodes take their time — allowing us to dig beneath the headlines and explore stories, challenges, and ideas in depth.
From elected officials and educators to business leaders, first responders, and passionate residents, guests share perspectives on the issues and opportunities influencing our towns and neighborhoods. Whether we’re unpacking public policy, discussing local history, or spotlighting homegrown talent, this podcast is a deeper look at the heart of our region — informative, inspiring, and always grounded in community.
Episode 32: Austin County CPS with Marcia Bluitt
In this episode of Hello Austin County, we sit down with Marcia Bluitt from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to talk about the mission of Child Protective Services (CPS) and how the community can help prevent child abuse...
Episode 31: Austin County APS with Eunice Adejo
In this episode of Hello Austin County, we welcome Eunice Adejo from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to discuss the vital work of Adult Protective Services (APS) and how the community can help prevent abuse, neglect, and...
Episode 30: Austin County APS & CPS with with Eunice Adejo and Marcia Bluitt
In this episode of Hello Austin County, we sit down with Eunice Adejo and Marcia Bluitt from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services to discuss the vital work being done through Adult Protective Services (APS) and Child Protective...
Episode 29: Newman’s Castle With Chad and Amanda Welty
In this episode of Hello Austin County, we sit down with Chad and Amanda Welty, the castle keepers of Newman’s Castle in Bellville, Texas. They share the fascinating story of how a small-town baker, Mike Newman, turned his dream into one of Texas’s...
Episode 28: Volunteering With The THC With Tynan Shadle & Chandler Wahrmund
In this episode of Hello Austin County, we’re joined by Tynan Shadle and Chandler Wahrmund from the Texas Historical Commission, who share their experiences with volunteering and as ambassadors for preserving Texas history through community...
Episode 27: The Bellville Public Library with Aimee Drake
In this episode of Hello Austin County, we’re joined by Aimee Drake, Director of the Bellville Public Library, who takes us on a colorful tour of literacy, creativity, and community connection in the heart of Austin County...
Episode 26: The Sealy American Legion with David and Kat Littmann
In this episode of Hello Austin County, we’re joined by David and Kat Littmann of the Sealy American Legion Post 442 and its Auxiliary, who share the legacy, mission, and ongoing community impact of one of Austin County’s most enduring veteran...
Episode 25: Livestock, Pets & Hurricanes: Are You Ready? With Stephen Burnett
In this episode of Hello Austin County, we’re joined by returning guest Stephen Burnett, Disaster Assessment and Recovery Specialist with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. With hurricane season fast approaching, Stephen shares critical advice...
Episode 24: Friends of Stephen F. Austin State Park with Vinnie Mercado & Scott Tufts
In this episode of Hello Austin County, we’re joined by Vinnie Mercado, Park Interpreter at Stephen F. Austin State Park, and Scott Tufts, President of the Friends of Stephen F. Austin State Park. Together, they share the story of one of Texas’...
Episode 23: Austin County EMS with Chief Walter Morrow and Assistant Chief Rhonda Ritchey
In this episode of Hello Austin County, we’re joined by Chief Walter Morrow and Assistant Chief Rhonda Ritchey of Austin County EMS, who take us inside the world of rural emergency medical services and the people who keep it running 24/7...
Episode 22: Hostage Negotiation with Lieutenant Donald Darracq, A.C. Sheriff’s Office
In this episode of Hello Austin County, we’re joined by Lieutenant Donald Darracq of the Austin County Sheriff’s Office, who offers a compelling look inside the world of crisis negotiation — often misunderstood as simply “hostage negotiation.”...
Episode 21: Homeschooling In Austin County with Kate Mize
In this episode of Hello Austin County, we’re joined by Kate Mize — a local small business owner and homeschooling mom — who shares her candid and inspiring journey into homeschooling in Austin County...
Episode 20: Wild Hog Management Special with James “Jay” Long & Stacie Villarreal
Today, we’re bringing you the definitive guide to wild hogs - everything you need to know to protect your land, your crops, and your community from this destructive invasive species. Whether you're a rancher, farmer, hunter, or just a concerned...
Episode 19: Raising Academic Performance (RAP) with Brenda Stewart
In this episode of Hello Austin County, we’re joined by Brenda Stewart, Executive Director of Raising Academic Performance (RAP) — a local nonprofit that’s making a life-changing difference for students across Austin County.
Brenda walks us through...
Episode 18: Texas A&M AgriLife Master Gardener Program with Stacie Villarreal
In this episode of Hello Austin County, we sit down with Stacie Villarreal, County Extension Agent for Agriculture and Natural Resources with the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service – Austin County...
Episode 17: Sam Houston Memorial Museum with Meagan Buro
In this episode of Hello Austin County, we’re joined by Meagan Buro, Marketing Manager for the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and the Republic of Texas Presidential Library in Huntsville, TX!...
Episode 16: City of Bellville Police Chief Jason Smalley
In this episode of Hello Austin County, we sit down with Chief Jason Smalley of the Bellville Police Department. Chief Smalley takes us behind the scenes of local law enforcement, sharing insights on community safety, the challenges of modern...
Episode 15: San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site with Bryan McAuley and Nicole Shadle
In this episode of Hello Austin County, we sit down with Bryan McAuley and Nicole Shadle of the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site—a hidden gem right here in Austin County, Texas. From the roots of Texas settlement to the fiery days of the...
Episode 14: Transforming Lives Through Prison Ministry with Pastor Rusty Griffin
In this episode of Hello Austin County, we sit down with Pastor Rusty Griffin, lead pastor of Christian City Fellowship, to discuss his remarkable prison ministry. For over 18 years, Pastor Rusty has worked with some of the most notorious prisons in...
Episode 13: Meals on Wheels of Austin County with Carolyn Bilski & Cookie Curry
In this episode of Hello Austin County, we sit down with Carolyn Bilski, Chairman of the Board, and Cookie Curry, Executive Director of Meals on Wheels of Austin County. Together, they share the heart and mission behind this vital nonprofit...
Episode 12: Mana House With Ryan Orbin & Jeremiah Campbell
In this episode of Hello Austin County, we interview Ryan Orbin (Executive Director) and Jeremiah Campbell (Operations Director) from Manna House. For nearly 28 years, this Christian residential program has helped men break free from addiction...
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