Mallett and Michelle On Dripping Springs Podcast
Every week from Dripping Springs, Texas, Steve Mallett and Michelle Lewis sit down with fascinating guests-from entrepreneurs and musicians to elected officials, authors, and community leaders-for conversations that are funny, authentic, and full of stories worth sharing. They dive into everything from life's absurdities to community quirks, adding their signature blend 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 happenings and universal topics that connect us all, proving you don't need to be famous to be extraordinary-you just need a microphone and the courage to share your voice. Every episode delivers laughter, insight, and genuine connection. New episodes every week...because ordinary people make the best damn stories.
Mallett and Michelle Podcast
Every week from Dripping Springs, Texas, Steve Mallett and Michelle Lewis sit down with fascinating guests-from entrepreneurs and musicians to elected officials, authors, and community leaders-for conversations that are funny, authentic, and full of stories worth sharing. They dive into everything from life's absurdities to community quirks, adding their signature blend 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 happenings and universal topics that connect us all, proving you don't need to be famous to be extraordinary-you just need a microphone and the courage to share your voice. Every episode delivers laughter, insight, and genuine connection.
New episodes every week...because ordinary people make the best damn stories.
New to Mallett and Michelle On Dripping Springs Podcast?
226
April 28, 2026
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 ac
227
May 5, 2026
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, as
229
May 19, 2026
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. Thei
230
May 26, 2026
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, ther
Feb. 17, 2026
Ep.216 You Don't Have To Suffer- (Gretchen Palmer-Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner)
Guest: 🎙️ Gretchen Palmer, Ascension Seton OBGYN Gretchen Palmer cuts through the noise around women’s health with clarity, compassion, and zero fluff. As a provider with Ascension Seton OBGYN, she tackles the stuff people whisper about—or Google at 2 a.m.—with straight talk and real expertise. On the podcast, she breaks down reproductive and hormonal health in a way that’s honest, empowering, and refreshingly human. Smart, grounded, and unafraid to go there, Gretchen brings the kind of perspect
Recent
Aug. 3, 2026
Ep.240 Eat, Drink, Laugh, Write (Jessica Dupuy-Author, Writer, Speaker)
Guest: Jessica Dupuy https://www.jessicadupuy.com/ 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
239
July 28, 2026
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,
July 27, 2026
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 laug
July 22, 2026
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 o
July 21, 2026
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 powerf
238
July 21, 2026
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 powerfu
237
July 14, 2026
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
July 7, 2026
Your Biography Becomes Your Biology (Becca Kyle-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
236
July 7, 2026
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 h
July 2, 2026
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 feeder
235
June 30, 2026
Ep.235 Bird Nerds Of Dripping Springs (Amanda and Hector Bustillos of WILD BIRDS UNLIMITED)
sGuests: 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 feeder
234
June 23, 2026
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 help
Recent Blog Posts
Sept. 15, 2025
Almost 200 Episodes In!
What started as a fun project in January of 2021 quickly became a labor of love and a local phenomenon in Dripping Springs, TX. The Mallett and Michelle Podcast will surpass 200 Episodes in October this year and the list of guests has been a who's…
April 5, 2022
Everyone Has An Interesting Story
We started our podcast because we know only a tiny fraction of the experiences the people in our community have lived through. If you sit down with anyone and listen you can learn so much more than the public persona portrayed by people in your li…
March 25, 2022
What I learned PODCASTING
When we decided to do a podcast in October 2021 I didn't know what an audio interface or an RSS feed were. I had no idea what it entailed to create a podcast and quickly learned how to be a host, audio engineer, post production editor and marketing…
About the Hosts
Steve Mallett
Owner and Host
Host, Producer and Director Steve Mallett has lived in Dripping Springs since 2003 and has raised three kids in the Dripping Springs School District. He loves his community and believes everyone has a great story to tell. Steve is an avid "aging athlete" and regularly competes in triathlons and running races. Steve is a commissioner on the Historic Preservation Commission of Dripping Springs and is the President of the DRIPPING SPRINGS ELITE REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS. He started the Mallett Integrity Team in 2007 and it quickly became one of the top real estate teams in the Austin area.
Michelle Lewis
Host
Host Michelle is a 6th generation Texan and resides here in Dripping Springs with her husband Todd. Her three children have all graduated Dripping Springs Tigers. Her oldest, Logan is in Neuro-medicine, middle son Tate is an AST (Rescue Swimmer) in the United States Coast Guard and her youngest daughter, Kendall, is an Esthetician and models professionally. Michelle is also a staff officer in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and a founding member of Dripping Springs Elite Real Estate Professionals.Along with Steve, she Co-hosts Mallett and Michelle on Dripping Springs Podcast. Listen on every major podcast platform.
Sponsors
