Looking for a little lavish getaway? Today Patty interviews Brent and Daniela Phillips about Milk and Honey Ranch, a luxury farm resort between Houston and Austin near Brenham, Round Top, and Blue Bell Ice Cream. Brent left a tech career after COVID, selling his company, and a Texas freeze exposed how unprepared he felt without power. He bought the land unexpectedly, first for family life and learning practical skills.

After a financial hit, they listed their garage on Airbnb and it grew fast. Daniela survived a severe hydroplaning crash; while she was hospitalized, bookings surged 1300% as millions followed and prayed online. Guests come for animal experiences, especially mini Highland “cuddle cows,” plus alpacas, kangaroos, pigs, and goats. Next: a pond water park, golf simulator, and Promised Land Village for up to 40.

Find out more and connect with Brent, Daniela, and Milk and Honey:

Website: https://milkandhoneyranch.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/milkandhoneyranchtx

IG: https://www.instagram.com/MilkandHoneyRanch/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx3IjbNw1kMIYHYl81hJxNQ

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/milk-honey-ranch/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@milkandhoneyranch

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Meet Brent & Daniela + the viral rooster sculpture story

01:15 What is Milk & Honey Ranch? Luxury farm resort vibes

03:00 Why they left tech life: COVID, family time, and the Texas freeze wake-up call

04:38 Buying the land (without telling Daniela) + the original family-farm plan

06:10 From “just our home” to Airbnb: the financial hit and Round Top’s surprise boost

08:28 Scaling up to 35 stays: reinvesting, risk, and the ‘if you build it’ reality check

10:10 Faith, closed doors, and grinding through doubt to keep the ranch alive

13:30 Cuddle cows & the animal experiences: the $7K risk that paid off

16:39 The real work behind the magic: hospitality + farm life (and doing it all at first)

17:35 How the Kids Pitch In at the Ranch (Guests, Animals & Coffee Bar)

18:47 No Regrets: What Ranch Life Has Taught the Whole Family

19:40 Daniella’s Car Accident: Injuries, Recovery & the 2-Year Anniversary

20:46 Viral Prayer Chain: Social Media Support & 1300% Booking Surge

23:42 “Established by Creation, Inspired for Connection” + The Goat Birth Story

26:10 What’s Next: Water Park, Golf Simulator & Promised Land Village Expansion

28:09 Rapid-Fire Q&A: 2026 Goals, Dream Jobs, Favorite Animals & Chocolate

30:10 Wrap-Up: Visit the Ranch, Share the Episode & Teaser for Next Guest

In this episode of Your Daily Chocolate, Patty welcomes Les Suhayda, author of '12 Bells to Freedom.' He recounts his childhood memories of escaping communist Hungary during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. Les explains how his family navigated through forests and evaded Russian troops to reach Austria. He discusses the historical context of post-World War II Hungary, his family's experiences, and the profound impact of these events on his life.

Beyond his book, Les shares his ventures as an inventor, including the creation of a wine slushie and fire retardant products. This episode is a compelling mix of personal history, resilience, and innovation.

Learn More about and Les and check out his book!

Website 1: http://www.laszlochem.comWebsite 2: http://www.menrathwines.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lessuhaydaLink for Book: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=twelve+bells+to+freedom&crid=2SA3OG5LU498G&sprefix=Twelve+bells+to+Freedom%2Caps%2C106&ref=nb_sb_ss_ab-ac-rank-f5_1_23

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

01:20 Les Suhayda's Early Memories and Family's Escape

02:39 Historical Context: Hungarian Revolution and Soviet Occupation

06:19 Family's Struggles Under Communism

08:16 The Escape Journey to Austria

11:32 Role of Religion and Cardinal Centi

14:33 Les Suhayda's Book: 12 Bells to Freedom

18:38 Family Stories and Name Changes

19:36 Fitting In Through Sports

20:12 College and Navy Achievements

21:06 Mother's Perspective and Family Challenges

22:16 Becoming an Author and Inventor

24:08 The Wine Slushie Business

26:22 Innovative Fire Protection Product

29:46 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Remarks

In this episode of 'Your Daily Chocolate,' John David Graham discusses his extraordinary life. After founding Good Samaritan Home, a program for helping former inmates reintegrate into society, John reflects on his diverse career history and life challenges. He shares how his upbringing in the 50s and 60s and various job experiences, from truck driver to firefighter, shaped him. At 53, he pivoted to nonprofit work, and later at 75, published his debut novel, 'Running as Fast as I Can,' which won 48 literary awards. John highlights the importance of second chances and community support in overcoming life's obstacles.

Find out more and connect with John David Graham:

https://johndavidgraham.com/

https://goodsamaritanhome.org/

https://facebook.com/JGrahamAuthor

https://johndavidgraham.substack.com/

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction to John David Graham

01:22 John's Early Life and Career Detours

02:28 Meeting His Wife and Early Struggles

06:18 Founding Good Samaritan Home

07:29 Challenges and Success Stories

09:50 The Importance of Second Chances

15:14 John's Novel and Its Inspiration

16:09 Lifeboat Safety and Second Chances

16:51 Overcoming Rejections and Finding the Right Audience

18:42 The Sequel: Requiem and Its Themes

19:07 Reflections on Race and Society

20:59 Advice for Overcoming Hardships

22:18 The Importance of Community Support

24:01 Future Plans and Personal Reflections

26:20 Rapid Fire Questions and Fun Facts

29:46 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser