Ever wonder what happens when the glamour of rising fame meets the harsh realities of an industry in flux? Pull up a chair and join us for this unfiltered conversation with Texas country star Rich O'Toole at the recording studio.

Rich takes us through his remarkable journey from college freshman teaching himself guitar to touring sensation playing 300+ shows annually. He reveals how early success at 23 came with unexpected challenges—from developing stage presence to managing public scrutiny and navigating personal relationships. "The sacrifice you make mentally to be in the music industry is extremely tough," he shares, offering a glimpse behind the curtain of the touring lifestyle.

What truly distinguishes this conversation is Rich's honest assessment of how streaming has transformed musicians' livelihoods. Despite his audience growing over the past decade, he's making less money than before. "The music industry has turned into all-you-can-eat for $9.99," he explains, helping listeners understand why ticket prices have increased as artists adapt to new economic realities. His perspective illuminates the stark contrast between established musicians who paid their dues over years versus today's TikTok sensations who achieve fame without developing crucial performance skills.

Want to support your favorite musicians in meaningful ways? Listen in as Rich explains how showing up to concerts, buying merchandise, and understanding the value of their art makes all the difference. This episode isn't just for music fans—it's for anyone curious about how creative professionals navigate a world where their passion and livelihood intersect in increasingly complex ways.

The Rambling Gypsy podcast is a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of real Texans doing real sh*t. We're pulling back the curtains on our daily lives - and you're invited to laugh and learn along with us.

Links:
http://www.youtube.com/@TheRamblingGypsy
https://www.facebook.com/GypsyMammaTiff/
https://www.instagram.com/GypsyMammaTiff/
https://www.theramblinggypsypodcast.com/

What happens when two kindred spirits with a shared vibration meet to discuss life, creativity, and authentic living? In this soul-stirring conversation, Tiffany Foy welcomes longtime friend and poet-musician Manzy Lowry to explore the beautiful chaos of living on your own terms.

Manzy shares his journey from West Texas to New Braunfels, describing himself as "uncanny" and "uncommon" – someone for whom music wasn't an early calling but eventually chose him. The conversation takes a profound turn as he reveals the transformative moments at ages 27, 33, and 35 that shaped his approach to life and creativity. "I learned I didn't have to get an attaboy from anybody or impress somebody," he explains, describing how looking himself in the mirror led to greater authenticity.

Both Tiffany and Manzy connect over their deep bonds with animals, sharing touching stories about horses that recognize their presence from a distance and cattle that respond to their unique energy. These connections reveal a language beyond words – the same vibration that connected Tiffany and Manzy from their first meeting.

The discussion challenges conventional notions of selfishness, reframing self-care as essential rather than indulgent. "If you don't have yourself, how can you have it?" Manzy asks, prompting reflection on how we show up for ourselves and others. Their conversation reveals how both have served as emotional catalysts for others, creating safe spaces for vulnerability through direct questions and authentic presence.

The episode culminates with two moving acoustic performances as Manzy shares original songs "Narrow Ain't So Straight" and "Age," demonstrating his raw talent for translating life experience into poetic expression. Each lyric resonates with the themes of their conversation – finding your voice, embracing your uniqueness, and honoring your own journey.

Join us for this remarkable exchange between two free spirits who understand that sometimes, "being lost isn't the same as not wanting to be found." Your perspective on authentic connection might never be the same.

ManzyLowry.com

The Rambling Gypsy podcast is a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of real Texans doing real sh*t. We're pulling back the curtains on our daily lives - and you're invited to laugh and learn along with us.

Links:
http://www.youtube.com/@TheRamblingGypsy
https://www.facebook.com/GypsyMammaTiff/
https://www.instagram.com/GypsyMammaTiff/
https://www.theramblinggypsypodcast.com/

Buckle up for a heart-to-heart catch-up as Kell finally returns to the porch after a long absence! This emotional reunion finds our hosts navigating life's unexpected curveballs while rediscovering their signature sass and strength.

Kell opens up about her father's stroke and miraculous recovery, sharing the all-too-familiar challenges of stubborn parents who refuse to follow medical advice. The parallels between their fathers—those "meanest teddy bears in the entire world"—reveals why these women handle adversity with such characteristic grit and humor. When Kell admits, "I've been missing, I've been sad, I've been checked out," we're reminded how deeply personal struggles can temporarily dim even the brightest spirits.

Meanwhile, Tiffany recounts a frustrating run-in with local law enforcement after her teenage nephew (aka Kell's son) was pulled over on his e-bike. What follows is an enlightening and occasionally maddening exploration of confusing vehicle regulations that vary wildly between counties. Her investigation reveals that these expensive e-bikes are essentially "worthless" outside private property—information that would have been helpful before purchase! This story highlights the absurd gray areas in many local ordinances and the challenges of navigating them.

The conversation takes another turn when Kell shares her experience treating her dog's severe snake bite, forcing her to practice medical skills you wouldn't think a math teacher has. "You never know how strong you are until you have no other choice," she reflects, capturing the episode's underlying theme of finding unexpected resilience when life demands it.

Through laughter, these friends demonstrate how showing up for each other during difficult times strengthens their bond. Whether you're dealing with family health crises, confusing regulations, or emergency pet care, this episode reminds you that sometimes the only way forward is to "buckle down on whatever needs to be done"—preferably with a friend by your side.

The Rambling Gypsy podcast is a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of real Texans doing real sh*t. We're pulling back the curtains on our daily lives - and you're invited to laugh and learn along with us.

Links:
http://www.youtube.com/@TheRamblingGypsy
https://www.facebook.com/GypsyMammaTiff/
https://www.instagram.com/GypsyMammaTiff/
https://www.theramblinggypsypodcast.com/

The raw passion of pursuing music against all odds takes center stage as Bo Brummel joins Tiffany Foy in her "she shed" for a candid, laughter-filled conversation that traces his unlikely path to Texas stages.

Bo pulls back the curtain on his musical journey that began at age five singing in church, influenced by a grandfather who played piano and briefly performed in bands. With disarming honesty, he recounts the crossroads where he abandoned thoughts of baseball and law school to follow his musical calling, despite coming from East Texas towns where "it's not a place that encourages dreamers." The financial struggles of his early career – sometimes down to "ten dollars to my name and one pack of ramen noodles" – reveal the sacrifice behind the spotlight.

The conversation shifts to the formation of Timber Wilde with Garrett Mann, a musical partnership that blossomed from casual jam sessions to recording original music. Bo shares the surprising story behind their current single "Bones," inspired by watching his 13-year-old French Bulldog Daphne sleeping with her toys. This moment of everyday observation transformed into songwriting magic as he composed most of the track in just an hour – though he admits needing Garrett's help to figure out how to play what he'd written.

Listeners are treated to a glimpse of the vibrant New Braunfels music scene, where artists regularly join each other onstage spontaneously, creating unexpected musical moments. The episode culminates with Bo performing an acoustic version of "Bones," showcasing his distinctive raspy vocals that Tiffany playfully warns female listeners about experiencing while their significant others are present.

Whether you're a musician, an animal lover, or someone chasing dreams against practical advice, Bo's story reminds us that authentic passion resonates far beyond conventional success. Follow Timber Wilde on streaming platforms and watch for their upcoming releases throughout the year.

The Rambling Gypsy podcast is a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of real Texans doing real sh*t. We're pulling back the curtains on our daily lives - and you're invited to laugh and learn along with us.

Links:
http://www.youtube.com/@TheRamblingGypsy
https://www.facebook.com/GypsyMammaTiff/
https://www.instagram.com/GypsyMammaTiff/
https://www.theramblinggypsypodcast.com/

When life serves up heartbreak, true friendship becomes the medicine that heals our deepest wounds. In this raw and revealing episode, Tiffany welcomes back her best friend friend Kel to the she-shed for a conversation that touches every emotional note on the spectrum.

What begins as lighthearted catching up—Kel's dramatic hair transformation and tales of Tiffany's upcoming SPF 90 Tour—gradually unveils something much more profound. For the first time publicly, Tiffany courageously shares her painful journey through separation after discovering her husband's extensive infidelity spanning eight years and multiple women. Her vulnerability offers powerful wisdom: "Life is too short to be married to an asshole," speaking directly to anyone who's ever stayed too long in a relationship that diminishes their worth.

Between emotional revelations, the conversation takes delightfully unexpected turns. We learn about the traditions behind Mardi Gras king cakes (including why finding the baby inside is both lucky and costly), the absurdity of Animal Control investigating Tiffany's well-cared-for lemur Fiona (only to discover the officer was connected to her childhood friend), and their upcoming adventures in Fredericksburg wine country.

This episode beautifully demonstrates how friendship creates safe spaces where we can be authentic, whether sharing tears over betrayal or laughing about emergency roadside bathroom breaks. Through it all, Tiffany reminds us that no matter how hard the rain falls on our parade, we always have the choice to dust off our pom-poms and keep dancing.

Join us for this emotional rollercoaster that will leave you reflecting on your own relationships while feeling like you've just shared a glass of wine with your closest friends. And remember—when life gets tough, sometimes all you need is a friend who'll hand you a tissue and help you find your way forward.

The Rambling Gypsy podcast is a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of real Texans doing real sh*t. We're pulling back the curtains on our daily lives - and you're invited to laugh and learn along with us.

Links:
http://www.youtube.com/@TheRamblingGypsy
https://www.facebook.com/GypsyMammaTiff/
https://www.instagram.com/GypsyMammaTiff/
https://www.theramblinggypsypodcast.com/

What makes a life in music truly meaningful? Dallas Burrow's story might just change your perspective on success, creativity, and purpose.

Sitting in Tiffany's "she shed" studio, Dallas opens up about growing up in New Braunfels with deep family roots that trace back to 1797. His musical journey began naturally—a father who wrote songs, a grandmother who taught piano, and his first job at the iconic Lone Star Float House at just 12 years old, where he witnessed artists like Ryan Bingham playing for tips long before fame struck.

The conversation takes a profound turn as Dallas shares his path to sobriety—a turning point after his son's birth when he realized his lifestyle wasn't sustainable for the father and husband he wanted to be. Six years clean, Dallas reflects on how quitting alcohol and drugs coincided with the most successful period of his career, challenging the stereotype that creativity requires chemical enhancement. "It's the magic bullet for anybody looking to improve their life," he says of sobriety, "Getting healthy, getting sober, finding God—they all go hand in hand."

Beyond personal transformation, Dallas reveals the inspiration behind Redbird Listening Room—a venue born from his reverence for songwriting and early experiences at songwriter circles. The intimate space offers what's increasingly rare: an environment where music isn't background noise but the central focus, where stories matter and artists connect directly with audiences.

Perhaps most thought-provoking is Dallas's perspective on music itself—that creating doesn't have to be monetized to be valuable. "Participating in the act of writing music and playing music just for the pure pleasure of doing it is enough," he insists, offering liberation to creators caught in the pressure to turn passion into profit.

Check out Dallas Burrow's music and tour dates at dallasburrow.com, and experience the magic of songwriter showcases at the Redbird Listening Room next time you're in New Braunfels. Your soul might just thank you for it.

The Rambling Gypsy podcast is a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of real Texans doing real sh*t. We're pulling back the curtains on our daily lives - and you're invited to laugh and learn along with us.

Links:
http://www.youtube.com/@TheRamblingGypsy
https://www.facebook.com/GypsyMammaTiff/
https://www.instagram.com/GypsyMammaTiff/
https://www.theramblinggypsypodcast.com/

The Texas Hill Country has a certain magic that can transform retirement plans into entrepreneurial adventures. Just ask Danielle, who along with her husband Jason, moved to Fredericksburg intending to slow down, only to find themselves building a mini-empire of beloved local businesses.

Sitting in the rustic beauty of The Barn at Rock House—a historic property dating back to 1911 with original wood preserved throughout—Tiffany Foy kicks off the Rambling Gypsy podcast's SPF 90 "Wondering Series" tour with a revealing conversation about small business resilience in the face of corporate expansion.

"Main Street is only business owners. They don't let corporate America in on Main Street," Danielle explains, touching on what makes Fredericksburg special. This dedication to preserving local character becomes even more impressive when you learn that The Velvet Lounge—their karaoke bar and now pizza spot—opened quite literally the day COVID lockdowns began.

From blowing up balloons to make empty spaces look occupied to navigating the unexpected boom in bachelorette parties during a time when actual weddings were postponed, Danielle shares the creative pivots that kept their dreams alive. The conversation weaves through their expansion from karaoke bar to adding a buzzworthy pizza kitchen featuring a cauliflower crust with hot honey that's generating serious word-of-mouth.

The 20-acre Barn at Rock House property, just one mile from Main Street, now serves as a sports bar, event venue, and B&B with accommodations for up to 22 people. There's a tangible sense of reverence as they discuss the property's heritage house and plans for adding golf simulators while preserving the historical integrity.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, a fan of Texas Hill Country, or just appreciate stories of intuition-led business decisions, this candid conversation offers a genuine glimpse into the heart of small-town business ownership. Subscribe now and join us as we continue exploring the treasures of small-town Texas on our wandering tour!

The Rambling Gypsy podcast is a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of real Texans doing real sh*t. We're pulling back the curtains on our daily lives - and you're invited to laugh and learn along with us.

Links:
http://www.youtube.com/@TheRamblingGypsy
https://www.facebook.com/GypsyMammaTiff/
https://www.instagram.com/GypsyMammaTiff/
https://www.theramblinggypsypodcast.com/

There's something remarkable about a family legacy that survives across generations, transformation, and even prohibition. In this captivating conversation with Todd from Elk Store in Fredericksburg, Texas, we uncover the extraordinary journey that began when his 14-year-old great-grandfather arrived alone from Moravia in 1895, speaking no English, and eventually established the original Elk Store.

Todd reveals how his family's history during prohibition inspired his own venture into distilling after decades in the wine industry. Having witnessed Fredericksburg's evolution from a sleepy town with just two wineries in the early 1990s to a destination attracting millions of visitors annually, Todd has intentionally preserved something increasingly rare – a business built on craftsmanship rather than scale.

Unlike most distilleries that focus on a signature product, Elk Store embraces the speakeasy concept by producing everything from whiskey and vodka to their famous pecan pie moonshine (based on Todd's grandmother's recipe). Their exquisite cocktail program, featuring house-squeezed juices, handmade syrups, and spectacular presentation, has created a following that keeps visitors returning time after time.

Beyond spirits, Todd continues his négociant winemaking, collaborating with small family producers in France, Italy, Argentina, and California. His stories of working with vintners who step off tractors to unlock their wineries capture the authentic connections he values – a stark contrast to corporate wine experiences.

As Fredericksburg faces increasing corporate development, Elk Store stands as a reminder of what makes small towns special: businesses where owners know your name, remember your favorite drink, and sometimes even receive your mail. Visit Elk Store to experience this unique blend of history, craftsmanship, and community that can only be found in Fredericksburg, where Todd and his team are preserving the art of hospitality one meticulously crafted cocktail at a time.

https://elkstore1895.net/

https://www.facebook.com/elkstore1895/#

https://www.instagram.com/elkstore1895fbg

The Rambling Gypsy podcast is a behind-the-scenes look at the lives of real Texans doing real sh*t. We're pulling back the curtains on our daily lives - and you're invited to laugh and learn along with us.

Links:
http://www.youtube.com/@TheRamblingGypsy
https://www.facebook.com/GypsyMammaTiff/
https://www.instagram.com/GypsyMammaTiff/
https://www.theramblinggypsypodcast.com/