Some visits feel special before the cameras ever roll.
When Texas Country Reporter came to Cat Spring, Texas, it wasn’t just a filming day—it felt like a genuine meeting of kindred spirits. Anyone who’s watched the show knows it has a way of honoring everyday stories with heart, curiosity, and deep respect for place.
Still, there’s always that quiet question when you meet people you’ve only known through a screen.
With Bob Phillips and Kelli Phillips, there was no need for worry.
They were exactly who they appear to be—warm, thoughtful, generous with their time, and genuinely interested in listening.
A Visit Rooted in Curiosity
Bob and Kelli came to Cat Spring to learn more about yaupon and the story behind CatSpring Yaupon. What they brought with them was curiosity—the same curiosity that has defined Texas Country Reporter for decades.
They asked questions. They listened closely. They let the place speak for itself.
In true Texas Country Reporter fashion, they told our story better than we ever could—capturing not just what we do, but why we do it.
Seeing Our Story Through Their Lens
Having cameras on the ranch is one thing. Having someone truly see what you’re doing is another.
The episode highlighted:
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The landscape that shaped our work
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The native yaupon plant growing where it always has
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The quiet rediscovery of a forgotten American tea
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The people behind the process
It was thoughtful, unruched, and deeply human. Exactly the way stories deserve to be told.
A Compliment We’ll Always Remember
And then there was the tasting.
If Bob Phillips says, “That is a good black tea. I really like it,” we’re not about to argue. Coming from someone who’s tasted his way across Texas for decades, that simple endorsement meant more than any marketing language ever could.
It was a moment of affirmation—not just for our roasting style, but for yaupon itself.
Why This Feature Matters to Us
Being featured on Texas Country Reporter felt like a homecoming of sorts. The show has long celebrated the people, places, and stories that make Texas what it is—often the ones hiding in plain sight.
To have yaupon included in that tradition felt deeply meaningful.
It wasn’t about being “discovered.”
It was about being recognized.
With Gratitude
We’re incredibly grateful to Bob and Kelli Phillips for their kindness, curiosity, and care in telling our story. Their visit remains one of those moments we still smile about—a reminder that when stories are told with sincerity, they linger.
If you haven’t yet, we encourage you to watch the full episode and hear their encouraging words for yourself.
Some stories are worth slowing down for.
