Everyone loves an iconic duo, and Jillian Reed has created one of her own at LIT bookbar on Jax & 7th. Uniting cozy craft cocktails and bookshelves full of local authors, LIT bookbar brings everyone in the community together to drink, shop, and most importantly: connect! As the owner of LIT, Jillian walks us through the journey Richmond's new book bar has taken from market stands and pop ups to a brick and mortar hosting events, clubs, parties, and so much more. Looking for your next read? T...
Sep 17, 2025•48 min•Ep. 36
Terri Vela, City Manager at City of Richmond Texas, joins the pod to discuss the coordination behind the scenes of Richmond’s charming city. From infrastructure to events, development to volunteering, no single day looks the same for Terri as she and her team work to build a better and more beautiful Richmond. Talking points include coordinating events like the arts festival and farmers market, strategic partnerships between government and nonprofit groups, and Terri’s future hopes for growth an...
May 02, 2024•45 min•Season 5Ep. 7
Sarah Beth Baca, local artist, author, community liaison and activist, talks about the seasons of her life and the impact art has had throughout. As a wife, mother, and full-time artist, Sarah has learned how to balance art with life and keep an open mind about the journey to making art a profitable and impactful career. From face-painting to expressionism, mixed media to oil and acrylic, Sarah has so many experiences, insights, and advice to share about finding passion in chaos, meeting the nee...
Apr 25, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Sandy McGee, Restaurateur and Owner of Sandy McGee’s Restaurant & Bar, serves up tasty tales and delicious insights on what it’s like to feed Fort Bend. From in-home catering to a little house in Rosenberg to a remodeled restaurant mecca in Historic Downtown Richmond, Sandy has seen it all and still has more cooking up for us to look forward to. Talking points include the highs and lows of the restaurant business, her family and their involvement in Sandy McGee’s, and the infamous broccoli c...
Apr 18, 2024•51 min•Season 5Ep. 5
October Smith, Ranch Manager at Long Acres Ranch, comes inside from the great outdoors to talk about a beautiful private green space in the middle of the bustling suburbs and shops of Richmond. Located in the heart of Richmond, Long Acres Ranch provides a unique, natural environment for educational and recreational activities and promotes the appreciation of nature and open space. Talking points include oodles of ologies for kiddos and adults, outdoor activities for nature lovers of all ages, an...
Apr 11, 2024•41 min•Season 5Ep. 4
Noell Myska and Heather Hernandez join the pod to talk about serving the Fort Bend community through equine-assisted learning and therapeutic horsemanship at Reining Strength. Founded in 2014, Reining Strength Therapeutic Horsemanship provides equine-assisted services for people ages 2 and up, children and adults, with physical, cognitive, social, or emotional needs. Talking points include different groups that benefit from therapeutic horsemanship, how to get involved as a volunteer, and what t...
Apr 04, 2024•58 min•Season 5Ep. 3
Greg Babst, Emergency Management Coordinator at Fort Bend Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management, brings emergency prep to the pod and tackles the tips for hurricane safety. Hurricane season starts this May in Fort Bend, but the impacts of these natural disasters can be felt both before and after this time of heightened awareness. Greg talks through setting up a 72-hour kit, tapping into EOC’s resources, and getting prepared at the upcoming Fort Bend Ready event on April 27th....
Mar 28, 2024•40 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Season 5 has officially arrived, and Em & Aim are so excited to catch up with listeners and look ahead for what’s to come on Born in the Bend! Aimee discusses new additions to the Jax & 7th and Blockhouse Coffee family, including LIT Bookbar and Mugz Coffee. Emily gives listeners a sneak peek of the upcoming Fort Bend Museum gala, “A Night in the Garden” taking place on April 6th. Additional talking points include summer travels, listener recommendations, and home remodels.
Mar 21, 2024•47 min•Season 5Ep. 1
Rebekah Dahl and Brad Scarborough, Founders of The Music Box Theater, bring their musical and comedic talents to the pod and talk about their unique variety show theater. This husband and wife duo work alongside the awesome Houston-based company at Music Box to delight audiences of all ages. Highlights of this episode include getting an in-depth look at upcoming Music Box Theater shows (including A Beatles Holiday Cabaret 2023) and hearing an exclusive musical performance from Rebekah and Brad....
Dec 14, 2023•54 min•Season 4Ep. 8
Rainey Webster, Executive Director of the Rosenberg Railroad Museum (RRM), forgoes the planes and automobiles this week to talk to us about trains and the railroads that have built the Texas we know today. The Rosenberg Railroad Museum educates and engages members of the Fort Bend community of all ages about the importance and impact of railroads and train technology. Stops along our journey include field trips for local schools, the current photography exhibit, and how you can visit and volunte...
Dec 07, 2023•48 min•Season 4Ep. 7
Adam and Jamie Busch from Family Style Design Co spend the season in style with us and talk about the upcoming happenings at their beautiful home decor shop. Inspired by family and influenced by their love of gift-giving, Adam and Jamie bring beautiful things to the Fort Bend community through decor, consultations, design services, and community events. Design elements of this episode include gift-giving as a family love language, community table dinners, and Christmas concerts.
Nov 30, 2023•55 min•Season 4Ep. 6
Dexter L. McCoy, Fort Bend Commissioner of Precinct 4, brings his passion for local politics to the pod this week. Inspired by his past experience as student body president in college, Dexter has forged his career in local government with a focus on helping individuals improve their close-knit community. Talking points include what a County Commissioner really does, exciting political-driven projects in Fort Bend, and how each of us can make our own community impact in our everyday lives....
Nov 23, 2023•57 min•Season 4Ep. 5
Stacy Bourgeois, Founder of Sole Loved, joins the pod from Sugar Land, Texas this week to tell her journey from humble garage setups to full-fledged fundraising for charity. Inspired by her love of children and her passion for helping individuals living in poverty, Sole Loved delivers new and gently used tennis shoes to kids in need. Talking points include nurturing hope in underserved communities, spreading self-esteem to kids across Texas, and expanding her mission beyond her community....
Nov 16, 2023•50 min•Season 4Ep. 4
Charlie Beyl, Freelance Author, Illustrator and Educator in University of Houston’s Digital Media program, explores the dynamic world of creativity, freelancing, and innovation on this week’s episode. Through his work, Charlie shows students and fellow professionals alike how to unlock their unique creative potential and drive innovation in their careers. Talking points include Charlie's memories growing up in the Pacific Northwest, his early days as an artist pre-internet, persistence in pursui...
Nov 09, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 3
Jerry Jones Jr., Economic Development Director for Develop Richmond, sits and sips with Em and Aim this week as they talk about big things on the horizon in the small city of Richmond. With exciting developments and new projects springing up all the time, Jerry channels his expertise into cultivating Richmond's business community and creating people-centric places downtown. Talking points include new businesses, new buildings, and a new idea from Emily on why Richmond should be the Lantana Capit...
Nov 02, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 4Ep. 2
A new season of Born in the Bend kicks off this week with a summer wrap-up and a calendar of exciting upcoming events. Emily recaps a summer of European travel and talks about her work with the Fort Bend Museum. Aimee discusses new happenings at Blockhouse Coffee and dives into some upcoming Richmond get-togethers you won’t want to miss. Additional talking points include: updates from past guests, holiday fun in Fort Bend, and the launch of the new and improved Born in the Bend website.
Oct 26, 2023•45 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Fort Bend native, Em, met Louisiana transplant Aim, in the spring of 2017 and quickly bonded over business, community and motherhood. They came together to create the Born in the Bend podcast out of a desire to build community, foster a sense of place, and instill pride in calling Fort Bend County home. Em & Aim invite you to grab your favorite beverage, be it a cocktail or coffee, and give Born in the Bend a listen. They promise you’ll laugh, learn, and come away from each episode valuing y...
Oct 19, 2023•1 min
Changes are coming to a property on Harlem Road in Richmond, TX. Founding Partners of Meristem Communities, a Houston-based real estate development firm that emphasizes creating places for people, Scott Snodgrass and Clayton Garrett sit down with Em and Aim this week to talk about Indigo, their community project that combines housing and business development in Fort Bend county. Coming to a neighborhood near you in 2024, Scott and Clayton give listeners a heads up on what to expect and why to ch...
May 23, 2023•1 hr 14 min
This week we have a special episode sponsored by the Fort Bend History Association. Join us as we sip and chat about delicious upcoming events. Mark your calendars for good brews, fresh food, music, and community! Experience the holiday season through the lens of quaint downtown Richmond. - - - - For up-to-the-minute updates on all these events and more, follow @jaxand7th, @theguildtx, and @fortbendmuseum on instagram. To purchase tickets to Bites & Brews on November 10 at the Fort Bend Muse...
Oct 27, 2022•35 min
We catch up with Jerry Jones Jr., Economic Development Director for the city of Richmond, and find out what’s new with his department since our last chat in Spring 2021. Initially referred to as the Development Corporation of Richmond, Jerry’s department has been going through a rebrand to refer to itself now as Develop Richmond. Along with their name change comes a renewed focus on small businesses and startups, and an exciting revamp of their upcoming Economic Development Week (May 9th - 13th)...
Apr 19, 2022•47 min•Season 3Ep. 7
We’re joined by Joey Lenderman, owner of Enchanted Gardens, to talk about the plants, animals, gifts, and expert advice that can be found throughout the 13 acres of his incredible nursery. With over 2 decades of experience and a strong following in the Fort Bend community, Joey is proud to offer a wide variety of Texas-grown plants to local gardeners of all skill levels and still finds time in his busy schedule to give back to local nonprofits with causes near and dear to his heart. In this epis...
Mar 29, 2022•52 min•Season 3Ep. 6
We’re joined by Shannan Stavinoha, the Executive Director of Parks Youth Ranch, to discuss her extensive volunteer and development experience in the Fort Bend community. After beginning her career in finance, Shannan soon realized her calling really was to serve, and her areas of focus over the years have been on helping children and developmentally disabled adults receive the essential services and support they need to survive and thrive. In this episode, Shannan, Aimee, and Emily discuss: Tran...
Mar 22, 2022•1 hr 15 min•Season 3Ep. 5
We’re joined by Steve Onstad, owner of Swinging Door, to talk about the almost 50 years his BBQ restaurant has been in business in Fort Bend. As a prominent member of our community, Steve has made a name for himself not only for the incredible food he makes, but for the amazing generosity he has provided for his community. In this episode, Aimee, Emily, and Steve cover: When Steve started cooking Where the idea for the Swinging Door came from Who made notable appearances in the restaurant and da...
Mar 08, 2022•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 4
This week, we’re joined by Roger Adamson, CEO of the George Foundation, to discuss the philanthropic efforts and impact the George Foundation has on Fort Bend County, including numerous grants, scholarships, initiatives, and educational programs designed to provide the very best in aid and assistance. In this episode, Aimee, Emily, and Roger cover: History of the George Foundation and its link to the Old Three Hundred How funds are arranged and divided up amongst nonprofit recipients Portfolios ...
Mar 01, 2022•56 min•Season 3Ep. 3
This week, we’re joined by John Kennedy, Field Development Officer at TSTC and Deacon at St. Theresa Catholic Church, to talk about what the Texas State Technical College does, who it serves, and how different programs and opportunities continue to be created as they expand further into Fort Bend county. In this episode, Aimee, Emily, and John cover: John’s decision to become a Deacon after years in the Catholic faith Transitioning out of a hospitality role into his role with TSTC Scholarship fu...
Feb 22, 2022•35 min•Season 3Ep. 1
This week, we’re joined by Jess Stuart, Community Development Executive at YMCA and descendant of the “Old Three Hundred”, to discuss his extensive family history in texas, passion for historical preservation, and the goals the YMCA has for our community moving forward. In this episode, Aimee, Emily, and Jess cover: Almost 200 years of family history in Texas History of the Old Three Hundred How Jess developed his own interest in family history and Texas history Work Jess has done with numerous ...
Feb 15, 2022•58 min•Season 3Ep. 2
In anticipation of Season 3 launching February 15, we’re replaying some listener favorites from our first two seasons. Season 2’s episode with the ladies of Vintage Hope first aired June 2021, and since then, their business has flourished. After seamlessly transitioning into The Guild’s space, Emily, Katie & Elise decided 611 Jackson Street needed to be the permanent home for their business. Starting this February, Vintage Hope will officially take over the space. We’re re-airing this fun, a...
Feb 08, 2022•1 hr 7 min
In anticipation of Season 3 launching on February 15, we’re replaying some listener favorites from our first two seasons. Since airing the Fort Bend Museum episode from season 1 in June of 2020, so much has changed! The brand-new museum building has opened, Emily has joined the board of the Fort Bend History Association, and after a two-year pause, plans for the History Association’s annual gala, the Lone Star Stomp on Saturday, April 9, are underway. Enjoyed this episode? Support the Fort Bend ...
Feb 01, 2022•32 min
Aimee and Emily introduce you to the themes, motivations, and fresh faces behind the newest season of Born in The Bend.
Jun 10, 2021•2 min
Emily and Aimee meet with Ray and Sarah Smith, founders of Speakerbox Media and producers of Born in the Bend, to discuss starting their own podcasting business, finding a niche in Houston, and understanding the importance of an audio strategy. In this episode, Aimee, Emily, Ray, and Sarah cover: How Ray and Sarah met and started their lives together What drew them towards entrepreneurship and podcasting Where they found their niche and developed their services How they formed a partnership with...
Jun 10, 2021•1 hr 12 min
