Rural Revival: Recent Episodes
Rural Revival
From farming and agriculture to amazing restaurants, vintage markets, and even tech start-ups, people are thinking outside the box, taking risks, and bringing life back to the hometowns and small communities we love. Our hope is this will be a place where you can be inspired to do the same. So jump in, hear the stories of people who are doing life in rural America and loving it, and start dreaming. And then let us know what you're up to so we can share your story, too!
On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Dallas Rosenow of Underestimated Fitness in Cherokee, Oklahoma (pop. 1,630). Dallas is a personal trainer and certified NASM/CPT life coach. While her business is based out of rural Oklahoma, she serves clients all over the country and helps them create not only a healthy body, but a healthy lifestyle.
Dallas is sharing about her own personal health and fitness journey and how that passion turned into a business. She’s also sharing some great fitness and diet tips to help you start out the new year right.
You’ll love the story behind Dallas’s business and her heart to serve her clients. Scroll down for some great before and after pictures of her clients, and be sure to check the show notes for ways to contact Dallas if you’re interested in working with her. It’s a great way to start the new year with some accountability in your fitness and health!
Show notes:
Dallas on Facebook
Underestimated Fitness Amazon Shop
On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Marissa Molland of Hardly General and Melissa Nelson of Hungry Canyon to talk about the Rural Route Ramble they put on in Moville, Iowa (pop. 1,687) and the surrounding area every December. The Rural Route Ramble is a curated, self guided shop hop through some of Northwest Iowa’s rural communities.
They’re talking about how they provide a well-rounded shopping experience with food, shopping, coffee, and a little bit of something for everybody. They’re also taking us through their application process and how you can come be a part, too.
You’ll love these ladies and all of their creative ideas to draw people to our small town main streets and businesses, and it’s so great to see how this is taking off for them. This year is going to be a fun event! If you’re anywhere in the area the first week of December, we hope you can make plans to come be a part!
Show notes:
Moville, Iowa
Hardly General
Hungry Canyon
Redneck Limo
Instagram: @ruralrouteramble
Facebook: /ruralrouteramble
Meet Me on Main Street
Today we’re with Mike McCartney, director of the Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce for a second time. We’re talking about all things economic development, starting with the revitalization efforts that helped pave the way for the Pioneer Woman Mercantile and the tourism rush that followed, plus business incubators, people moving in from out of state, finding workers and housing to accommodate growth, and what happens when everybody says ‘somebody should do that’… and how that somebody is you.
You will learn so much from this conversation, and you’ll love that Mike is living his dream, as well as his passion to continue to push the vision forward in Pawhuska. If you find yourself in Pawhuska, stop by the Chamber and say hi to Mike and Reba! They’ll be glad to welcome you to town!
If this conversation gets you excited, you should seriously consider joining our Cultivate community. Inside the group we have conversations a lot like this one! Cultivate provides the community, tools, resources, action steps, and network you need to take your revitalization efforts to the next level and keep gaining momentum.
There are lots of perks for joining this group, and I’ll just let you know, this is where I share my best ideas! For the month of September you can come join our Cultivate community for FREE to see what it’s all about. Find all the details at ruralrevival.co/cultivate, and use code CULTIVATEFREE (all one word) for your free access. I hope to see you in the group!
Show notes:
Pawhuska, Oklahoma
The Pioneer Woman
Wynona, Oklahoma
Osage Outfitters
Killers of the Flower Moon
Kendrick McCartney Johnson Funeral Home
Pawhuska movie facade makeover
On this episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Kara Hammes of Brown County Barn Burner in Nashville, Indiana (pop. 1,521). Kara is sharing about opening an Airbnb in a tourist destination and strategically building a space that serves both the tourist and the local community. She and her husband are doing a great job of blending the two and finding something that serves both. Kara also talks about some of the collaborations she’s done with local businesses, as well as leading the local farmer’s market.
And speaking of that, Kara gave a phenomenal presentation to our Cultivate group about how to put on a farmer’s market, and for the month of September you can come join our Cultivate community for FREE to see what it’s all about.
If you’re ready to take your revitalization efforts to the next level, this is exactly why we created our Cultivate coaching group — to empower you with the community, tools, resources, action steps, and network you need to put revival into action and keep gaining momentum!
Find all the details at ruralrevival.co/cultivate, and use code CULTIVATEFREE (all one word) for your free access. We hope to see you in the group! And while you’re there, be sure to find Kara’s presentation. Kara has been a Cultivate member from the beginning and we’re excited for you to hear her story.
You’ll love Kara’s strategic approach to the Airbnb with the event space and store fronts and commercial kitchen, and how they found a way to work within their town ordinances to make this happen. It’s a very innovative approach and a great example for us to learn from.
Show notes:
Brown County, Indiana
Nashville, Indiana
Brown County Bikes
Trail & Vine
Nashville, Indiana Farmers Market
Brown County Barn Burner
Instagram: @bcbarnburner
Facebook: /bcbarnburner
Today on the Rural Revival podcast we’re with JB Royer of Royer’s Round Top Cafe in Round Top, Texas (pop. 90). We met up with JB just as Texas Antiques Week was starting, and we did this interview as they were getting the restaurant ready for the evening dinner guests, so hopefully you feel like you’re sitting right there in the cafe with us.
We’re talking about the great family history behind the cafe, the importance of relationships, how they’ve made it possible to ship their pies nationwide, plus Texas Antiques Week and more. This is a great family serving up great food and great hospitality, and we can’t wait for you to hear their story.
You’ll love how the Royers are always innovating and trying new things, and also love their heart for serving people. It really does shine through. And can we just say, their food is absolutely amazing — so amazing that we hired them to come cook for a ranch dinner we did out at the Coy T. Ranch in Pawhuska, Oklahoma.
And since we did this interview, the Royers have come out with a new cookbook. It’s called Cooking with JB & Jamie: Royers Round Top Cafe Cookbook. We cannot recommend this enough! So be sure to go grab yourself a copy and give them a follow, and all those links you need are in the show notes.
Today on the Rural Revival podcast we’re with JB Royer of Royer’s Round Top Cafe in Round Top, Texas (pop. 90). We met up with JB just as Texas Antiques Week was starting, and we did this interview as they were getting the restaurant ready for the evening dinner guests, so hopefully you feel like you’re sitting right there in the cafe with us.
We’re talking about the great family history behind the cafe, the importance of relationships, how they’ve made it possible to ship their pies nationwide, plus Texas Antiques Week and more. This is a great family serving up great food and great hospitality, and we can’t wait for you to hear their story.
You’ll love how the Royers are always innovating and trying new things, and also love their heart for serving people. It really does shine through. And can we just say, their food is absolutely amazing — so amazing that we hired them to come cook for a ranch dinner we did out at the Coy T. Ranch in Pawhuska, Oklahoma.
And since we did this interview, the Royers have come out with a new cookbook. It’s called Cooking with JB & Jamie: Royers Round Top Cafe Cookbook. We cannot recommend this enough! So be sure to go grab yourself a copy and give them a follow, and all those links you need are in the show notes.
Show notes:
Goldbelly
Texas Antiques Week
Brenham, Texas
Kevin Fowler
Marcus Lutrell
Royers Round Top Cafe
Royers Cookbook
Instagram: @mayorofroyers
On this episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Shanna Lindberg of Soul Sister Ceramics in Courtland, Kansas (pop. 294). Shanna is telling the story of how she and her business partner, knowing nothing about how to make pottery, bought a kiln and became self taught pottery makers using Kansas clay from the Flint Hills. They started making jewelry, hosting pottery parties, and all kinds of fun things.
She shares about her shop’s cute location in a historic corner gas station and her focus on Kansas-made and small business products. Plus, we talk about the ripple effect of this business on other businesses in the town and the incredible revival happening here, which we’ll be sharing on the blog all week long.
You’ll love how Shanna taught herself to make pottery and started a business from it, and all that it’s become since those early days. And it’s so great what Shanna and her family and so many others are doing in Courtland. For a town of just under 300 people, there is so much going on here and we can’t wait to share the stories of these other businesses too throughout the upcoming week. Be sure to check out the blog and follow along on social media this week!
Show notes:
Courtland, Kansas
Scandia, Kansas
Brackers Good Earth Clay
Courtland Pride Club
From the Land of Kansas
Heartland Lodge
Heartland Gamebirds
Irrigation Ales
Pivotal Wellness Center
Facebook: /soulsisterceramics
Instagram: /soulsisterceramics
soulsisterceramics.com
On this episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Matt and Brittany Tedder of Walsh, Colorado (pop. 546). Matt and Brittany are entrepreneurs at heart, with their hand in ag technologies, seed sales, a trucking business, a construction and design business, and a catering business where they even have their own barbecue sauce!
They’re talking about how they work together as a team and diversify themselves through different seasons, how they’re raising up their kids as entrepreneurs and teaching them to love to dream, and what it’s like to live in a very remote area and make it all work.
And do you remember Lettie McKinney from a few episodes back? Well, Matt is actually Lettie’s brother! And you’ll get to hear more about that in this interview.
Matt and Brittany are an amazing couple who bring so much to their community, and yet they are so humble about it. They don’t see it as something they have to do; it’s simply engrained in their life, and there’s something really special about that.
Show notes:
Walsh, Colorado
Manter, Kansas
Stonington, Colorado
Dave Ramsey
Trimble
Monosem
Channel Seed
Rural Roots LLC
Facebook: /tedderag
Website: tedder-ag.tech
Facebook: Stonington Community Center
On this episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Kim Ellenz of Old School Seals in Tipton, Kansas (pop. 193). Old School Seals custom makes wax seals and stamps for people around the world — all from a small town — and today Kim is bringing us inside to tell us all about it. She shares about the start of the company and how she got involved, moving the business to Tipton, the intricacies of running an online business, and much more. From working with wedding designers in New York and the South to designing seals for some well-known national brands, this is quite the story.
You’ll love learning about this unique business and how they are thriving in their small town of Tipton. Typically we talk to people who are a few years into their entrepreneurial journey, so it’s really great to have the opportunity to hear from a more seasoned small business owner, and there was so much we can learn from Kim!
Show notes:
Ellsworth, Kansas
Lorraine, Kansas
Tipton, Kansas
Given Grace Floral Shop
Norton, Kansas
Miltech Machine
Tanqueray Gin
Instagram: @oldschoolseals
Facebook: /oldschoolseals
oldschoolseals.com
On today’s episode we’re with Amanda Lebeck, Chairman of the Walnut Community Center in Walnut, Iowa (pop. 747). Amanda shares how she and members of her community moved quickly to save their recently vacated school building and give it a new purpose and use, which now includes a fitness center, conference rooms, community kitchen, event spaces, two gyms, and even a bar. She talks about their foundation’s unique partnership with the city that makes this all work, as well as some of their projects and fundraisers. If you have a vacant school building or something similar in your town, this podcast is going to spark some ideas for you!
We can’t say enough good things about Amanda and the members of this foundation and what they’ve done with the Walnut Community Center. And what’s so impressive is that they’ve done all of this in under four years! Incredible work, guys! We can’t wait to see what you do next.
Show notes:
Walnut, Iowa
Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Task Force
AHSTW Community School District
Cultivate by Rural Revival
facebook.com/walnutcommunitycenter
walnutcommunitycenter.org
facebook.com/walnutAMVETS
walnutantiqueshow.com
This week we’re with Rylie Sproul, hair stylist at The Loft in Fairview, Oklahoma (pop. 2,600). While Rylie always knew she wanted to be a hair stylist, she didn’t always know she would end up living in her hometown, yet that’s exactly where she’s at and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
We talk about celebrating 11 years of business in a building that has an incredible history for her family, the relationships she’s built and cultivated with her clients, and the important role that plays in the life of her small town and its people. She also shares about her family’s history of entrepreneurship, plus life on the family farm that was settled in the Oklahoma Land Run.
You’ll love all that Rylie has done with her business and her passion and commitment to her town of Fairview, and how she and her husband are intentional about honoring those that came before them and passing those values on to their kids.
Show notes:
Fairview, Oklahoma
Fairview Republican
Cherokee Messenger
Cherokee, Oklahoma
Nash, Oklahoma
Instagram: @ryliesproul
On this episode of the podcast we’re with Nicky Tiffany of The Territory Ballroom in Council Grove, Kansas (pop. 2,140), where she’s sharing about her hopes and dreams for this business and building when the doors open — as an event space, co-working space, Airbnb, and more. Plus, the big transition that’s happened in downtown Council Grove in a short amount of time and how this has become a great destination, and why she wants to give people the opportunity to move back home and how the ballroom is going to play a role in that.
We recorded this a few months back when they were still in the middle of construction, and are now bringing this to you right before the ballroom’s official grand opening, which we’re really excited for you to learn more about.
You’ll love how Nicky is creating an experience steeped in rich history in the heart of the Flint Hills, and her grand opening derby party and dance sounds amazing! Be sure to go check out the show notes and follow along as this all unfolds over the next few weeks! And all week long we will be featuring stories of rural revival happening in Council Grove, Kansas, so be sure to head over to the blog or check out the show notes for more.
Show notes:
K-State Equestrian Team
Charles Goodnight
Santa Fe Trail
K Construction
Council Grove, Kansas
Flint Hills
Dodge City, Kansas
Riverbank Brewing
Facebook: /theterritoryballroom
Instagram: @theterritoryballroom
theterritoryballroom.com
On this episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Michael and Sara Floyd of Bryarton Farm in rural Kansas. Together Michael and Sara shared a dream of owning a historic farmhouse in the country as a creative space for their art and design studio, and today they’re sharing about the adventure of bringing that dream to life.
From what brought them to Kansas, to Sara’s tips and tricks for finding historic properties, and creative ways to survive a lengthy renovation, this is a journey that celebrates the humble farmer from centuries past and highlights the importance of preserving these places for the generations to come.
Over time this house and farm have become more than just a project for their family of five, it’s a place where they get to witness miracles and the place where love conquers all, and that includes their newly adopted daughter, Ellie. This is a story we know you’re gonna love.
This is an important story in so many ways and we admire Michael and Sara for honoring the history of their home and their intentionality behind preserving the original detail and architecture, plus their perseverance to see this project through.
SHOW NOTES:
Zillow
bryartonfarm.com
Instagram: /bryartonfarm
n this episode of the podcast we’re with Brandi Lahey of Cimarron Prairie Farms and The Tipsy Farmer in Moscow, Kansas (pop. 272). Brandi is sharing about the journey that’s taken her from being a nurse to a farmer’s wife and mom to now growing hops.
This has been quite an adventure, from learning about hops and how to grow them, to cold-calling breweries, to finding ways to diversify the uses for her crop. Plus, how she decided to turn the family camper into a mobile craft beer and cocktail bar.
She talks about the importance of mentorship and how that helped her get going, community over competition, and the big new project she’s working on.
Something that really stands out about Brandi is her perseverance and how she is constantly innovating. You’ll appreciate all the hard work she has put into these businesses and hearing about the success she is having with her hops and The Tipsy Farmer. Something tells us this is just the beginning for her!
SHOW NOTES:
Moscow, Kansas
Kansas Hop Company
Dodge City Brewing
Garden City Brewery
Hop Leaf Tea
Calloused Hands Bounty
The Tipsy Farmer
Facebook: /thetipsyfarmer /cimarronprairiefarms
Instagram: @the.tipsy.farmer
We’re kicking off our fourth season of the podcast with Lettie McKinney of MC- Ranch, The Roundtop, and McKinney Farms in Johnson, Kansas (pop. 1,464). Lettie is sharing what it’s been like to come back and take over her family farm and ranch and the incredible journey that she’s been living out. She talks about getting creative to make extra money as an addition to the family operation, her family’s legacy of grit and their story dealing with chronic illness, plus how she started selling her beef and sort of fell into an event venue.
This is such an incredible story and we are so inspired by Lettie’s perseverance and determination to forge a path forward for her family’s farming and ranching operation, and how she’s carved out her role in that. Lettie also has her own podcast, The Lettie Show, and you can find that on all podcast platforms.
The new project that Lettie mentions at the end of the podcast is now LIVE on her website and we’re excited to share her new customizable cropland budget templates! These templates allow you to easily enter your specific information and stay on top of your budget on the go. And just to let you know, they’re currently 50% off, so definitely go take advantage of that!
SHOW NOTES:
MC- Ranch
The Roundtop
The Grain Bin
Johnson, Kansas
Oklahoma State University
TCU Ranch Management Program
Instagram: @lettie.mckinney @theroundtop
Facebook: /mcbarmeatco /theroundtopks
Website: mc-ranch.com
Brand Camp
Southwest Kansas To Do’s
The Lettie Show
Custom Cropland Budgets
On today’s podcast episode we’re with Madison Lindsey of The Country Cookie in Newell, South Dakota (pop. 603). Madison is sharing how she stumbled into an unexpected business by making cookies out of her home, and as the word got out, the orders came pouring in and her business soon exploded. She talks about learning to scale her business, having boundaries, balancing work and family life, and more.
This is such a fun story, and you’ll love how Madison stumbled into this business that is now giving her so much joy - and so many other people get to enjoy it, too! And you’ll be amazed to learn the time it takes to decorate each cookie. She definitely has a lot of patience! Be sure to go check out her socials and see her incredible designs and creativity.
SHOW NOTES:
Newell, South Dakota
The Barn at Aspen Acres
The Black Hills
Website: thecountrycookie.net
Instagram: @the.country.cookie
Facebook: /thecountrycookie
On today’s podcast we’re with James Yates of Steerfish Steak & Smoke in Spearfish, South Dakota (pop. 10,494). James has been in the restaurant business since he was a kid and he actually had no plans of opening a new restaurant in Spearfish...until he saw this incredible historic building, and the rest is history. James is sharing with us a lot about entrepreneurship, finding your passion, and of course the incredible menu at Steerfish.
And here’s the fun back story on this interview. My friend Joni and I were in the Black Hills for a conference and found ourselves in Deadwood looking for a place to eat. It was around 6:30 on a weeknight and we checked about five different places to find out no one was seating anyone else for the night, and it wasn’t even that busy. So we changed plans to see if we could find a place to eat in Spearfish, since we were staying in that area. That’s when we found Steerfish Steak & Smoke, and we knew from the minute we walked in this was exactly the kind of place we were looking for. Steak, trout, jalapeño poppers, cornbread muffins, you name it — I mean, we really hit the jackpot! We were so impressed that we knew we had to try to find the owner and get an interview. We were heading out of town the next morning, but the manager told us to come by early, knock on the door, ask for James, and see if he would be up for it. He said yes on a whim and you can hear how the rest unfolds in the interview.
If you or your friends are planning a trip to the Black Hills, make sure to plan for a meal (or two!) at Steerfish Steak & Smoke! Yes, it’s that good! We put together a Black Hills Road Trip where you’ll find Steerfish Steak & Smoke on the list, as well as some other great locations we loved around the Black Hills!
SHOW NOTES:
Gillette, Wyoming
Spearfish, South Dakota
Deadwood, South Dakota
Sanford’s Grub and Pub
Sheridan, Wyoming
Sturgis Bike Rally
Cheyenne, Wyoming
Dodge City, Kansas
Certified Angus Beef
Steerfish Steak & Smoke
On today’s podcast episode we’re with Tia Berens of the Barn at Aspen Acres in Spearfish, South Dakota (pop. 10,494). The Barn at Aspen Acres is a stunning wedding venue that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Northern Black Hills, minimalist landscaping, clean lines, and modern aesthetic design features. Originally built as a space for Tia and her husband Dan to host their wedding, the venue has now become the canvas for the vision for other couples’ weddings. Tia is sharing why people are and always will be the main focus, the importance of staying in your lane, what she looks for when hiring, and how her parents influenced her as an entrepreneur.
You’ll love Tia’s drive as an entrepreneur and how intentional she is in running this business. Be sure to go check out The Black Hills Barn on social media to see more of this amazing venue and follow along!
SHOW NOTES:
Spearfish, South Dakota
The Black Hills
Instagram: @blackhillsbarn
Facebook: /blackhillsbarn
Website: blackhillsbarn.com
Instagram: @thebarnfounder
On today’s podcast episode we’re with Katie Cloud-Paulsen of Katie + Company in Anthon, Iowa (pop. 545), where you’ll find painted vintage furniture, candles, a custom fragrance line, and more! It all started out with Katie painting furniture for her dorm room in college, and now she and her husband are restoring a historic downtown building where she’ll operate her shop out of and where they’re renovating three apartments on the upper level. And Katie is bringing something new to the area in just a few weeks — the Made + Found Midwest Market happening on September 25, 2021.
If you live in the area, or you’re looking for a good road trip, mark your calendars, call up a few friends, and make plans to come. And make sure you drive by Katie’s building when you come through town and check out Katie + Company online, and we’ve got all that linked for you in the show notes.
SHOW NOTES:
Maple Valley Anthon Oto
Moville, Iowa
Anthon, Iowa
Made + Found Midwest Market
Junkstock
Facebook: /katieandcompanyhome
Instagram: @katiecloud
Website: katiecofurniture.com
Facebook: /mfmidwestmarket
This week we’re with Molly Knuth of Molly Knuth Media in Cascade, Iowa. From full time teacher to a stay-at-home-mom to now being a social media boss, Molly is sharing how she built her business and how her personable approach resonated with a small town audience on social media. We talk about current trends she is seeing and the role small business social media can play in building momentum for small town revival. Plus some of her best tips for small businesses on social media, and how to avoid burnout. Because burnout is real! Molly is dropping some gold and we’re excited for you to listen in.
It has been so fun to watch Molly’s business grow and you’ll love her heart for her hometown of Cascade. Everybody go follow Molly for some great social media tips that are very applicable to your small town business. She is a great resource!
SHOW NOTES:
Cascade, Iowa
Community Heart and Soul
Facebook Creator Studio App
Small Minded Podcast
www.mollyknuthmedia.com
Instagram: @mollyknuthmedia
Facebook: /mollyknuthmedia
Cascade, Iowa Rural Revival Feature
On this episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re sitting down on the farm for a conversation with Kenzie Ashcroft of Farm Girl — a rural boutique and general store located in the heart of the Oklahoma prairie. After years of operating a main street brick and mortar, Kenzie’s sharing how she has recently transitioned both her brand and her boutique and expanded into the online space. Kenzie is an entrepreneur at heart and you’ll learn a lot from our conversation.
You’ll love how Kenzie made the bold move to shut down her business for a month to rebrand and reset — and her new brand is so amazing! She is offering a special discount for our listeners — be sure to stay tuned until the end for a special offer on Farm Girl goods!
SHOW NOTES:
Ada, Oklahoma
Callison Ranch Beef
Wapiti Sage Design
Farm Girl Home Design
Hayfield Meals
Blake Shelton
Ken Lance Memorial Rodeo
George Strait
Reba McEntire
@farmgirlada
farmgirlboutique.com
farmgirlblogs.com
@the.farmgirl
On this episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Kimberly Joosten of Fourth Street Bakery in Lexington, Texas (pop. 1,177). Fourth Street Bakery, which is only open on Fridays, receives rave reviews from everyone who’s been there, from the locals to the tourists. Kimberly is sharing her story of how she became an accidental baker and also part of a carrot cake explosion, selling over half a million pieces of carrot cake, and her gradual transition into rural life. She also talks about what it means to make everything with love and how to keep going when the unexpected happens.
You’ll love Kimberly’s story and how she’s built this business and created something so special at Fourth Street Bakery. Please go give Fourth Street Bakery and stop by and see Kimberly next time you’re in the Lexington, Texas area — trust us, it’s worth the trip!
SHOW NOTES:
Lexington, Texas
Whole Foods
Thundercloud Subs
Sam’s Fresh Roasted Coffee
Leeco Honey
Taylor’s Farm
6G Heritage Farm
Today we’re with Brett McPherson of Arcadia, Oklahoma (pop. 247). Brett is the interior designer behind Designer’s Brew, where she has been styling incredible spaces since 2004. She’s sharing how her dream of owning her own interior design firm came to life and how she has built and grown her business. We also talk about the value of hard work, following your gut, boundaries, and some of the hard lessons she’s learned through this journey.
You will love Brett and her design style, and there is so much to glean from this conversation! Be sure to go check out her socials, and if you haven’t seen her barndominium yet, we have a link for you in the show notes!
SHOW NOTES:
Stafford, Oklahoma
Butler, Oklahoma
Arapahoe, Oklahoma
McCaleb Homes - Edmond, OK
Lazy E
Farm Credit
Architectural Digest
Cowgirl Magazine
Cowboys & Indians
StoneRidge Homes
Waxahachie, Texas
Cashion, Oklahoma
Southwestern College
Stuart Ranch
The Lark
Instagram: @designersbrew
Facebook: /designersbrew
TikTok: @designersbrew
Barndominium video
www.designersbrew.com
On today’s podcast we’re with Jasmin Stidham of Stidham Outfitters in Johnson City, Texas (pop. 1,656). Stidham Outfitters started in 2014 when Jasmin and her husband Seth opened a brick and mortar to sell home goods, gifts and apparel — including Seth’s handmade leather goods. Jasmin shares about the importance of building relationships, their focus on quality, American-made products, and creating a unique experience for their customers. We also talk about how their business has evolved over the years and how they’re now shifting their focus to better fit their passions.
Something that impressed you about this interview is how Jasmin and Seth are taking the risk to shift their business and embrace change. We’re so excited about what’s ahead for these two, and they’re going to be sharing more and more with you about what’s to come over the next weeks and months, so be sure to go give them a follow.
SHOW NOTES:
Georgetown, Texas
Georgetown Rodeo
Yeti
Stidham Outfitters playlist
Johnson City, Texas
Texas Monthly
Carson Jeffrey
Texas Hill Country
Dripping, Texas
Marble Falls, Texas
Fredericksburg, Texas
Weatherford, Texas
Faire
Etsy
Johnson City Chamber of Commerce
Rural Revival Cookbook Submission Form
On today’s episode we’re with Todd Weber of The Earlham Echo, a weekly newspaper in Earlham, Iowa (pop. 1,450). This publication started out as a group effort involving several community members, and now Todd and his wife Jennifer have taken over ownership. Todd is sharing how the town originally brought in this new newspaper and took a group approach to the editorial process, and even turned a profit in its first year. We talk about what it means to have a printed newspaper in today’s digital age and why this is important to our small towns, and we also touch on the revival currently happening in Earlham.
You’ll love hearing about the success that Todd and Jennifer are having with the Earlham Echo, and it’s so exciting to see a printed newspaper thrive in our digital world, plus the positive approach they’re taking with the news and how that’s resonated so well with the community. Let’s all go show the Earlham Echo some love and give them a like on their Facebook page!
SHOW NOTES:
Earlham, Iowa
Mexico, Missouri
INA - Iowa Newspaper Association
Earlham Echo
On today’s podcast we’re with Francesca Catalini, the photographer and storyteller behind the Sierra Winds Instagram account. Francesca has a passion for capturing some of rural America’s remaining treasures before they are forever gone from our landscape. We talk a lot through Rural Revival about the future our towns, but it’s also important that we honor the past, and we’re so glad we have people like Francesca who are doing just that.
You’ll love what Francesca is doing and how she has found a great way to honor these buildings and stories and their role in history. Let this be an encouragement to you to preserve that town history you have left. Interview the people who know it before they’re gone. Capture that important information and honor your town’s past and its legacy. And if you have a great place for Francesca to come and shoot, send her a DM and let her know about it.
SHOW NOTES:
Cripple Creek, Colorado
Paxico, Kansas
Lost Springs Church
Trinidad, Colorado
St. Aloysius Church
Diamond Springs, Kansas
Bleeding Kansas
Santa Fe Trail
Journey of the Dead Man
Abandoned Colorado
Two Lanes Blog
Michael Raymond-James
Instagram: @sierra_winds
We are soooo excited to kick off the podcast for 2021 and could not have picked a better interview to kick off the year! Today we’re talking with artist Amy Smith and fashion designer Cyndi Sarver of Textile Revival in Leipers Fork, Tennessee (pop. 650). Amy and Cyndi are working together to create wearable art through their one-of-a-kind pieces. They’re sharing about their business journey, their creative process and how they make their partnership work, and how they’re breaking the boundaries and doing things their own way. And let’s just say, if you are a creative, you are going to LOVE this episode!!
SHOW NOTES:
Very Ralph - Ralph Lauren documentary
Picture of photo shoot
The Shops at Leipers Corner
Good Grit Magazine article
Instagram: @textilerevival
Website: textile-revival.com
Today on the podcast we’re with Callie Taylor Dayton of May Tree Farm in Maysville, West Virginia (pop. 2,141). Callie is a tourism pro turned economic developer and has a big heart for small towns and small businesses. She’s sharing about her experiences with May Tree Farm, her family’s mountain grown Christmas tree farm, and also about creating opportunities for her community and why there’s a lot of rural opportunity right now.
You’ll love Callie’s heart for small businesses and everything she does to support other small, local businesses in her area, and we can’t wait to see what she does next! Be sure to check out the show notes and give her a follow on social media!
SHOW NOTES:
Petersburg, West Virginia
Maysville, West Virginia
Pilgrim’s
May Tree Farm
Junior National Hereford Expo
No Roots Boots
Romney, West Virginia
Grant County Convention & Visitors Bureau
South Side Depot
Grant County Development Authority
Mon Forest Towns Partnership
Monongahela National Forest
Dolly Sods Wilderness
HubCAP - Communities of Achievement
Virgin Hyperloop
Tucker County
Instagram: @callietaylordayton
Instagram: @maytreefarm
Facebook: /wvmaytreefarm
Today on the podcast we’re with Abby Roleau of The Gateway Farm in Bristol, Vermont (pop. 3,894). Abby’s talking about how she and her husband are building their dream farm from scratch and starting a business with four kids in tow. She shares how they have gradually built and diversified their farm, including the farm fresh meats they raise and sell and how they’re bringing maple and birch syrup from their trees to your table. Plus you’ll learn how they’re carrying on the family legacy of sugar makers.
You’ll love all the different things Abby and her family are involved in on the farm and how they believed their dream was possible even when others didn’t. Be sure to check the show notes for links where you can follow Abby on the farm and where you can purchase their products!
Also, be sure to hit up our Rural Makers + Creators Gift Guide for some great gift ideas, all made in rural America! And, if you’re a small business owner, we’ve created over 60 social media templates you can download for free to help you encourage your followers to shop small this Christmas season.
SHOW NOTES:
Bristol, Vermont
2020 Rural Makers + Creators Gift Guide
Instagram: @thegatewayfarm
Facebook: /thegatewayfarm
thegatewayfarm.com
Today on the podcast we’re with Tammy Pate of Ryegate, Montana (pop. 234), creator of Art of the Cowgirl. Art of the Cowgirl is a gathering to celebrate cowgirls and their contributions to western lifestyle and culture, and to raise funds to support up and coming artists to expand their knowledge and skills. Tammy shares about growing up in the rodeo world and the inspiration behind Art of the Cowgirl. We also talk about overcoming fear, the important role of mentorship, and preserving the western way of life.
You’ll love what Tammy is doing with Art of the Cowgirl and that the heart of this event is to give back and to lift one another up. Mark your calendars for January 13-17, 2021 at Horseshoe Park in Queen Creek, Arizona and be sure to check out the show notes where you’ll find links to buy tickets and learn more about everything going on at the event. We hope to see you there!
SHOW NOTES:
Ryegate, Montana
Buck Brannaman
The Horse Whisperer
AQHA
Nancy Martiny
Toni Kay Tolli
Encampment, Wyoming
Robin Rich - Wrangler
Corona Ranch
Laveen, Arizona
Queen Creek, Arizona
Horseshoe Park
Amy Raymond
Instagram: @artofthecowgirl
Facebook: /artofthecowgirl
artofthecowgirl.com
Today on the podcast we’re with Stacy Bannor of Bannor Toys in Madrid, Iowa (pop. 2,543). Stacy’s sharing how what started as her husband’s creative outlet to support her daycare quickly turned into a popular wooden toy business. From moving their business from their garage to the city and then to a small town, plus expanding their business line to later refining that into a core line, it’s been quite an exciting journey. We also talk abut what it means to have a family business and advice for couple entrepreneurs who are working together.
Bannor Toys are some of our favorite gifts to give at baby showers, so head on over to their website and check out their product line - because we have a feeling you’ll feel the same way about them as we do!
SHOW NOTES:
Nordstrom
aden + anais
Magnolia Market
East Village
Instagram: @bannortoys
Facebook: /bannortoys
bannortoys.com
Today we’re talking with Nevada Miller of Nevada Watt Brand in Frenchglen, Oregon (pop. 12). Nevada creates eclectic silver jewelry that incorporates traditional Western design with cultural elements on her ranch in Oregon. She’s talking with us today about what it was like growing up in an artistic, entrepreneurial family, how she developed her own style, why she shares her craft with others, and how she balances her work with ranch life. She also shares some encouragement for other makers who are living in remote, rural areas.
Be sure to hit up the show notes where you can check out Nevada’s work and sign up for her Maker’s Mail, where she shares about everything from how to price your work to the everyday tools she uses.
SHOW NOTES:
Frenchglen, Oregon
Coalinga, California
Fusion Silver Show
Brannaman Pro-Am Roping
Pint Sized Expo
Steens Mountains
Profit First
Instagram: @nevadaw
Facebook: /nevada.watt
nevadawatt.com
Nevada Watt Brand Email List
On today’s podcast we’re with Justine Sindt of East of Omaha, a live music venue in Griswold, Iowa (pop. 1,036). Justine shares about how she and her family are bringing live music to Griswold and how that was inspired by some time spent in Nashville. Plus, we’re talking about her heart for her hometown, and how important it is to save our stages and live music venues from the devastating effects of COVID.
You’ll love Justine and her family’s vision and perspective on their hometown and what they’re doing to make sure Griswold is a thriving place for future generations.
SHOW NOTES:
Griswold, Iowa
Pinewood Social
East of Omaha Gift Cards
eastofomaha.com
Save Our Stages
Facebook: /eastofomaha
Instagram: @eastofomaha
On this episode of the podcast, we’re talking with Mindy Crook and Darin Smith of Arch Icon Development Corporation in Woodbine, Iowa (pop. 1,459). Arch Icon specializes in historic renovation and community development projects, and it all started with a Main Street restoration in their hometown. Darin and Mindy share how they, along with Mindy’s husband Dustin, built their business and started a revitalization movement in Woodbine. We also talk about why it’s important to save our historic buildings and how that’s possible, and what they’re doing to make Woodbine a place their kids will want to come back to someday — just like they did.
You’ll love the ripple effect that has come from what the Arch Icon team started with those few Main Street buildings, and hearing how their business has evolved from there. Be sure to check out the show notes to see the amazing transformations of the projects they’ve worked on, including Woodbine’s Main Street!
SHOW NOTES:
Woodbine, Iowa
Buena Vista University
Woodbine Community Betterment & Development Corporation
Main Street America
Facade Masterplan Grant with the Downtown Revitalization Fund in Iowa
Oddfellows Building
The Junction
Lofts on 24th in Omaha
Sioux City Central High School Annex - Aberdeen Apartments
The Everett
The Flats on Howard
State Historic Preservation Office of Iowa
Main Street Iowa
Iowa Economic Development Authority
City of Omaha
Nebraska Historic Tax Credit
Iowa Finance Authority
Nebraska Investment Finance Authority
The CREW Center
Dunlap, Iowa
STEM Center
Tommy Gate
Woodbine Manufacturing
Grato Holdings
Rose Vista
Alegent Clinic
Woodbine Main Street
Eagle Heights
Garage Lofts
Arch Icon Development Corporation
Today on the podcast we’re with Ed Roberson, host of the Mountain & Prairie podcast and Conservation Director at Palmer Land Trust in Colorado. We’re talking about Ed’s journey from real estate and the business world into land conservation, the podcast community that he’s built, and the important work of conservation and how to get involved with conservation in your area. We also touch on the unique opportunities rising up in rural America as a result of COVID.
You’ll love hearing about the work Ed is doing both with Palmer Land Trust and through the Mountain & Prairie Podcast and we highly encourage you to go check out the podcast if you haven’t already! And stay tuned for a fun giveaway we’ll be doing with our listeners with the books on Ed’s 20 Most Influential Books list.
SHOW NOTES:
Tarboro, North Carolina
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Palmer Land Trust
James Decker - Mountain & Prairie Podcast
Allison Ryan - Mountain & Prairie Podcast
The Aspen Institute
Hampton Sides
Blood & Thunder
Live in Boseman! - Mountain & Prairie Podcast
The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt
Leave It As It Is
20 Most Infuential Books I’ve Read in the Past 10 Years
Dr. Mike Bartolo
Rocky Ford, Colorado
Great Outdoors Colorado
mountainandprairie.com
Ed’s Book Recommendations
Good News from the American West
Carrington, North Dakota
Gelato University Immersion Course - Chicago
Van Bedaf Dairy
Cows and Co Creamery
APUC Grant
Facebook: /duchessagelato
Instagram: @duchessagelato
Instagram: @cowsandcocreamery
duchessagelato.com
This week on the podcast we’re with Lukas Fricke of ChorChek in Ulysses, Nebraska (pop. 171). Lukas is a sixth generation farmer at Union Farms and the inventor of the new ChorChek technology that’s creating a lot of buzz in the ag world. ChorChek streamlines farm operations and data collection, allowing subscribers to keep digital records in a simplified, secure way and giving producers more time to focus on the animals. We’re talking about how this new technology helps tell the story of where your meat comes from and how his college entrepreneurship program is what originally sparked this idea. Lukas also shares about opportunity within our rural communities, the importance of connectivity for the future of rural America, and where COVID is presenting opportunity for agriculture.
Lukas is proof that you just never know where your connections will take you, and his ChorChek technology is going to be a game changer in the industry. Be sure to check out the show notes and follow along with Lukas and the latest developments with ChorChek.
SHOW NOTES:
Ulysses, Nebraska
Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program at University of Nebraska
Nebraska Youth Beef Leadership Symposium
Nebraska Beef Council
Blockchain
LoRa
Farm Credit
Farm Bureau
Suiter & Swantz
Lincoln Premium Poultry
David City, Nebraska
Staplehurst, Nebraska
Seward, Nebraska
Surprise, Nebraska
Twitter: @lukasfricke
Instagram: @lukasfricke94
chorchek.com
This week on the podcast we’re with Allison Ryan of Explore Ranches — a web platform of ranch rentals that Allison and her friends Jay and Jesse created that features incredible private properties and experiences and helps people connect to the outdoors. As someone who has always had a passion for the outdoors, Allison is sharing how Explore Ranches is providing a service to both land owners and visitors, and how they are creating interest in conserving and protecting some incredible wild places.
You’ll love how Allison, Jay, and Jesse thought outside of the box to create Explore Ranches, and how they are opening up a new avenue to landowners through hospitality that allows people to exclusively experience these beautiful places.
SHOW NOTES:
Davis Mountains
The Withers
Davis Mountains Nature Conservancy Preserve
Tall Rock Shelter
Fort Davis
McDonald Observatory
Chandler Ranch
Hudspeth River Ranch
Ranch 2810 Marfa
Marfa, Texas
Donald Judd
Rocker B Ranch
Armenderis Ranch
Llano Springs Ranch
Chandler Ranch
Tejon Ranch
Ladder Ranch
exploreranches.com
Facebook: /exploreranches
Instagram: @exploreranches
This week on the podcast we’re with Greg Roskos and Rob Grover of Winghaven Pizza Farm in Galesville, Wisconsin (pop. 1,481). Greg, who grew up always in the kitchen, and Rob, who was looking for a way to bring a new kind of business to his family farm, put their entrepreneurial minds together and created Winghaven Pizza Farm, where you’ll find stone-fired pizzas, local beer and wine, live music — all on the family farm. We’re talking about the importance of supporting local businesses in our rural communities, what it means to have a seasonal business, and creating a new experience for this fifth generation family farm.
You'll love Greg and Rob’s heart for their community and supporting the locals, and how they keep growing and expanding this business. Plus, this concept for a new kind of business and experience built around the family farm. Be sure to check out the show notes and make plans to visit Winghaven Pizza Farm soon!
SHOW NOTES:
Arcadia, Wisconsin
Galesville, Wisconsin
Trempealeau County
Facebook: /winghavenpizzafarm
Instagram: @winghaven_pizza_farm
Website: winghavenpizzafarm.com
This week on the podcast we’re with Shane Riley of J Bar D Canvas and Leather in Oreana, Idaho (pop. 7, or maybe 8). Shane is sharing how he and his wife Amy started their business with $135 and a Facebook post. We’re talking about how they’ve built their business, what it means to have a quality, American-made product, and keeping the cowboy way of life alive.
You’ll love the principles that Shane and Amy have built this business on and their heart for giving and investing in the next generation of cowboys. And it’s going to be exciting to follow along as they start to create their canvas under the stars experience!
SHOW NOTES:
Lehi, Arizona
Oreana, Idaho
Spanish Ranch
Jordan Valley Big Loop Rodeo
Western Horseman
Tom Balding
Riddle Ranch
J.S. Garcia
YP Ranch
Yellowstone
Filson
Schaefer Outfitter
Instagram: @jbardcanvasandleather
Facebook: /jbardcanvasandleather
Website: jbardcanvasandleather.com
This week on the podcast we’re talking with Dan Jurek and Jeff Bajek of True North Basecamp in Crosby, Minnesota (pop. 2,386). Dan and Jeff are friends and, more recently, business partners after they saw an opportunity to create a better camping experience for visitors to the Cuyuna Recreation Area. This increasingly popular destination for mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts, where local abandoned mine pits have been transformed into a recreational playground.
Dan and Jeff are sharing about the experience they provide at True North Basecamp and how that includes the town and local businesses, the transformation they have seen in the area, plus working with a city on new zoning, and the importance of an area not being tied to one industry. You will love how Dan and Jeff have made the town of Crosby a part of their experience at True North Basecamp and how they see the town’s success as part of their success as well. Plus, they’ve created something that’s a little bit outside the traditional Minnesota Lakes experience, and they’re drawing in even more people because of it.
SHOW NOTES:
Hayward, Wisconsin
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
Cuyuna Trails Crew
Crosby, Minnesota
Ironton, Minnesota
Minnesota DNR
Deerwood, Minnesota
Website: truenorthbasecamp.com
Facebook: /truenorthbasecamp
Instagram: @truenorthbasecamp
Twitter: @truenorthbasecamp
This week on the podcast we’re with Nicolle Fugere of Missouri River Outfitters in Fort Benton, Montana (pop. 1,443). Nicolle’s started as a guide for Missouri River Outfitters when she was 19, has worked for them every summer since, and always dreamed of someday owning the company. That dream came true four years ago and she has created a great life around this very special part of Montana. She’s sharing how she’s bringing in new ideas and taking the company even further and bringing a true Montana experience to her customers.
You’ll love how Nicolle has embraced the community in Fort Benton — and how the community has embraced her. Be sure to check out the show notes for some amazing photos of what you can expect to see on the Missouri River Outfitters’ trips and follow along to see Nicolle’s vision of a new company storefront come to life.
SHOW NOTES:
Billings, Montana
Fort Benton, Montana
Stephen Ambrose
Lewistown, Montana
Judith Landing
www.mroutfitters.com
Facebook:/mroutfitters
Instagram: @missouririveroutfitters
This week on the podcast we’re with Darren and Meagan Orsag of Leeco Honey in Lexington, Texas (pop. 1,178). What started out as a hobby has grown into a beekeeping and honey business with products that fly off the shelves and continues to grow. Darren and Meagan are sharing about teamwork, the importance of knowing your beekeeper, and their annual honey harvest and adopt-a-hive program.
You’ll love Darren and Meagan’s focus on community and how they are helping other beekeepers by sharing what they’ve learned. They plan to announce their next honey harvest dates soon, so be sure to go check out the show notes to follow along.
SHOW NOTES:
Brenham, Texas
Giddings, Texas
Lexington, Texas
Victoria, Texas
Snow’s BBQ
6G Heritage Farm
Instagram: @leecohoney
Facebook: /leecohoney
www.leecohoney.com
This week on the podcast we’re with Alise Sjostrom of Redhead Creamery in Brooten, Minnesota (pop. 743) where you will find ridiculously good, farmstead artisan cheese, made by Alise herself. After working out of state for other cheesemakers, Alise brought what she learned back to her family dairy farm and started Redhead Creamery — something that has been her dream since she was 16. She’s sharing about the cheesemaking process, the agritourism part of the farm that includes tours, dinners, and an on-the-farm shop, and how some temporary changes for COVID have been so successful that they will now become a permanent part of the way they do business. Plus, the cows mooing in the background and will make you feel like you’re right there on the farm during this interview!
SHOW NOTES:
Grafton Village Cheese Company
Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese
American Cheese Society
Brooten, Minnesota
Sauk Centre, Minnesota
Facebook: /redheadcreamery
Instagram: @redheadcreamery
www.redheadcreamery.com
This week on the podcast we’re with Andrea Stordahl of Minnesota Rust in McIntosh, Minnesota (pop. 625). Andrea’s sharing her story of how she and her family are giving back to a community that gave so much to her and her family when they needed it most - by restoring main street and bringing in a handful of new businesses. And it’s turning this town of 625 into a destination that both serves the locals and is drawing crowds from all around.
You’ll love Andrea’s story and how her unexpected path was really meant to be all along. Be sure to check out the show notes and the blog for pictures of the transformation that has taken place here!
SHOW NOTES:
McIntosh, Minnesota
Fergus Falls, Minnesota
Fargo, North Dakota
Otter Tail Lake
Shady Hollow Flea Market
Bemidji, Minnesota
Howard Soap Company
The Red Poppy
Stordahl Construction
Neil’s Meat Market
Instagram: @minnesota_rust
Facebook: /minnesotarust
Ronnie’s Barbershop
The Beauty Room
This week on the podcast we’re with City of Jefferson, Iowa Building Official Nick Sorensen. Nick has played a key role in saving and restoring a number of historic buildings in Jefferson (pop. 4,345), and he’s sharing the strategies that have worked to make these projects successful. This episode is jam packed full of information and resources, so if you have dreams of fixing up a historic building in your rural town, get ready to take some notes!
You’ll love hearing Nick break down these projects and how they have come together. It’s a conversation that will spark some ideas for what might be possible in your small town!
SHOW NOTES:
Jefferson, Iowa
Hamlin, Iowa
Darrell’s Place
Exira, Iowa
Leadville, Colorado
International Property Maintenance Code
Iowa Economic Development Authority
Community Development Block Grant
Sensibly Chic
Main Street Iowa Challenge Grant
Preservation Iowa Award
Chris Deal
Jamie Daubendiek - Jefferson Telecom
Jefferson Matters: Main Street
Peg Rainey, Main Street Director
The Forge
Linc Kroeger
Grow Green Gaming Corporation / Wild Rose Casino
Greene County Career Academy
Main Street Iowa
Department of Natural Resources
National Trust for Historic Preservation
Lincoln Corridor
Jefferson Matters Facebook
This week on the podcast we’re talking with Dirt Road Dietitian Sheri Glazier from Loyal, Oklahoma (pop. 79). Shari was just named Oklahoma's Outstanding Dietitian of the Year and is helping us better understand where our food comes from, making the connection between farm life and nutrition. She’s sharing how there is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition, plus food myths, shopping your pantry, and more. Her perspective is refreshing and needed.
Be sure to check out Dirt Road Dietitian socials, and Shari has some great resources that are especially helpful right now during quarantine on her website.
SHOW NOTES:
Oklahoma State University
Digital Download: Pantry Staples
Oklahoma Beef Council
Loyal, Oklahoma
Instagram: @dirtroaddietitian
Facebook: /dirtroaddietitian
www.dirtroaddietitian.com
This week on the podcast we’re in Kilbourne, Ohio (pop. 139) with Josh Scheutzow of The Kilbourne Project. The Kilbourne Project is the story of four Ohio families who are helping preserve the historic town of Kilbourne for future generations. These families are risking it all on this passion project as they seek to restore 11 historic buildings and bring 40 new jobs to the town — including their own businesses. It’s a story of restoration, community, and hope.
You’ll love how this group is committed to building community and even bringing their own small businesses to the town. Be sure to go check out their social media pages, where you can find pictures of the properties and renderings of the transformation we will see take place in Kilbourne.
SHOW NOTES:
Kilbourne, Ohio
Olmsted Falls, Ohio
A Carpenter’s Son
Alum Creek State Park
Instagram: @thekilbourneproject
Facebook: /thekilbourneproject
Kilbourne Market
This week on the podcast we’re talking with Lindsy Trotter of Chilled in Center Point, Iowa (pop. 2,421). Chilled provides freezer meals and menu planning with options for paleo, keto, whole 30, gluten free, vegetarian, and more.
What started out of necessity due to Lindsy’s daughter’s food sensitivities has quickly turned into a booming business. Lindsy’s sharing about her jump into entrepreneurship, how she used a local coffee shop to help build her business after hours, overcoming the fear of telling people no, and some of her best advice.
SHOW NOTES:
The Omnivore’s Dilemma
Garden Oasis
Molly Makes Meals
Brynn Bakes
Center Point, Iowa
Facebook: /chilledfreezermeals
Instagram: @chilledfreezermeals
www.chilledfreezermeals.com
This week on the podcast we’re in Seneca, Kansas (pop. 1,991) with Liz Feldkamp of Liz's Bridal & Formal Wear. Liz’s business all started with her buying a building in downtown Seneca, not really knowing what she wanted to do with it. She soon bought out a local bridal shop and moved it to her building, and now has a second building that is an event space.
Liz is sharing her story and how a main street building unexpectedly led to her finding her passion. It’s incredible how she has grown this business and invested in her main street and her community. Be sure to check out the show notes and give Liz a follow!
SHOW NOTES:
Onaga, Kansas
Seneca, Kansas
Facebook: @lizsbridalformalwear
Instagram: @lizsbridalformal
This week on the podcast we’re in Wakefield, Nebraska (pop. 1,451) with Hannah Borg. Hannah is a sixth generation farmer who decided to come home to the family farm after college to make her own path — raising poultry. As someone who didn’t know anything about chickens until the day 60,000 arrived at her barn, Hannah is sharing her story and teaching us all a thing or two she’s learned along the way!
You’ll love how Hannah has worked hard to learn a completely new industry and how much she loves rural life, as well as her commitment to her town and how she’s getting involved there. Be sure to check out the show notes and give Hannah a follow.
SHOW NOTES:
NAYI - Nebraska Ag Youth Institution
University of Nebraska - Lincoln Ag Program
Costco
Lincoln Premium Poultry
Wakefield Optimists
Wakefield, Nebraska
Home Town Takeover HGTV
Home Town Makeover Wakefield video
Wakefield Train Depot Museum
Wakefield Heritage Organization
FarmHer
World Pork Expo
Michael Foods
Kraft Foods
Instagram: @itshannahborg
Twitter: @itshannahborg
This week on the podcast we’re in Choctaw, Oklahoma (pop. 11,146) with Matt Floyd of Matt’s Bat, where he makes handcrafted custom wood bats. Matt’s sharing how he and his family moved from downtown Oklahoma City to their farm in Choctaw, where he has grown his bat business and started a farmer’s market. They even have a ball diamond in the back yard, where they host team bat making parties that bring kids into the process and give them a hands-on look at skilled trades.
Matt talks about the concept of reneighboring and how they have put that into practice, and his intentionality behind putting people and relationships first. This is an incredible message of loving your neighbor in a time where we need it most. Be sure to go check the show notes to follow Matt on social media and put in an order for your own-custom made bat.
SHOW NOTES:
Choctaw, Oklahoma
Floyd Farmstead
Facebook: @mattsbat
Instagram: @mattsbat
www.mattsbat.com
This week on the podcast we’re in Ainsworth, Nebraska with Haley Miles of Sandhills Blue. Haley is a small town love wedding photographer serving rural and ranch couples. Beyond photography, she has a heart for entrepreneurship and a passion for creating opportunity in small towns.
You will love Haley’s focus on serving her clients and appreciate her perspective on small towns and seeing the opportunities our rural communities hold.
SHOW NOTES:
Ainsworth, Nebraska
Engler Agribusiness Entrepreneurship Program
Nebraska Extension
Nebraska Sandhills
Paige Wallace Photography
Molly Stevens - For the West and Wild
Lyndsey Garber
Unbranded
Facebook: /sandhillsblue
Instagram: @sandhillsblue
www.sandhillsblue.com
This week on the podcast we’re with Keith and Sandi Mitcham of Mitcham Livestock, a custom cattle feeding operation in Cherokee, Oklahoma (pop. 1,498). Keith and Sandi decided to move across the country with a few cattle and their life savings to go all in on reviving this feedlot that had a great past but needed a little love. This is an important story because it’s about an escape from urban sprawl and some of the not so great effects of economic development. It’s also a story of hard work, faith, and chasing your dreams.
You’ll be happy to hear how well things are going for Keith and Sandi in this new venture and that their risk is paying off. And also how happy they are - you can literally hear it in their voices in this interview!
SHOW NOTES:
Southern Sisters
FFA
Covington, Georgia
Cherokee, Oklahoma
Facebook: /mitchamlivestock
Instagram: @mitchamlivestock
For this week’s podcast episode we met up with Tess Maune in Pawhuska, Oklahoma to talk all things outdoors. Tess is an award winning journalist and founding board director for the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation - alongside Blake Shelton, we might add - who works in the city but maintains a rural lifestyle. She is an avid hunter, noodler, and outdoorswoman. Today she’s sharing about her love for hunting and noodling, as well as small towns, and her intentionality behind honoring the animal in every hunt.
You’ll quickly learn about Tess’s passion to showcase the tradition of hunting, and also her advice for anyone wanting to get into hunting or fishing. Be sure to check out the show notes for links where you can follow Tess and everything she is involved with.
SHOW NOTES:
Mannford, Oklahoma
El Reno, Oklahoma
Oklahoma Department of Wildlife
National Wild Turkey Federation
Tulsa, Oklahoma
Pawhuska, Oklahoma
Nowata, Oklahoma
Pawnee, Oklahoma
McAlester, Oklahoma
Quinton, Oklahoma
Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation
Blake Shelton
News on 6
Facebook: @tessmaune
Instagram: @tessmaune
This week on the podcast we’re in Brookville, Kansas (pop. 262) with Ryley Wimer of Savannah Sevens, an online western boutique that mixes mainstream fashion with rodeo and western style. As someone who had never worked a day in retail before this business, Ryley’s sharing about her journey from a degree in construction management to creating an online boutique. Plus, how she’s created a sustainable business and brand, and the value of staying in your own lane.
You’ll love Ryley’s transparency and intentionality behind her brand and business. Be sure to check out the show notes for links and to get on the Savannah Sevens email list and VIP Facebook group for first access and discounts.
SHOW NOTES:
Brookville, Kansas
Ellsworth, Kansas
Shopify
Shipping Easy
Westward Women
All Things Western
Warbonnet Hat Works
Instagram: @savannah7s
Facebook: @savannah7swesternchic
www.savannahsevens.com
Savannah Sevens VIP Experience Facebook Group
This week we’re in Enid, Oklahoma with Kent and Becky Evatt of Red Bird Farm. Red Bird Farm is a working Christmas tree and blackberry farm that also hosts seasonal events and workshops, a petting zoo, and offers fresh produce and apparel. We have a great conversation about the land and returning to our roots, as well as the importance of agritourism and a strong work ethic.
You’ll love Kent and Becky’s focus on authenticity and all of the great plans they have for the farm. The events they’re hosting are so fun, so be sure to go get yourself on the email list and make plans to visit.
SHOW NOTES:
Ralston, Oklahoma
Osage County
Porter, Oklahoma
Oklahoma Christmas Tree Association
Enid, Oklahoma
The Business Boutique
Building A Story Brand
Know What You Are FOR
Joel Salatin
Facebook: @redbirdfarmenidok
Instagram: @redbirdfarmenid
www.redbirdfarmenid.com
This week on the podcast we’re in Virden, Illinois (pop. 3,354) with Katie Dowson of Seed Life. Seed Life is a lifestyle brand and one stop shop for all things seed. From selling seed to treating seed to agronomists on staff and even a great apparel line, Katie’s sharing all about how she’s built this business and carved out her own unique spot in the ag world.
The heartbeat behind this business is really celebrating people and Katie is finding fun ways to do that through her website, events like the Harvest Sip & Shop, and her apparel. And speaking of...you’ll want to be sure to check out the show notes and go get some of your own Seed Life apparel!
SHOW NOTES:
4-H
Effingham, Illinois
Morton Buildings
Divernon, Illinois
Virden, Illinois
FFA
Instagram: @seedlifellc
Twitter: @seedlifellc
Facebook: @seedlifellc
Website: www.seedlifellc.com
Merch: www.shopseedlife.com
Katie Instagram: @kt.dowson
Harvest Sip & Shop Instagram: @harvestsipandshop
Harvest Sip & Shop Facebook
We’re in Riverside, Iowa (pop. 993) this week with Lynne Thomas of Barnstorm Coffee. Lynne is a self-taught barista with a mobile coffee shop, where she does pop ups and events all over the midwest. She loves collaborating with other small, local businesses and has become a favorite everywhere she goes. She’s dishing on how she learned the coffee business and built her brand, and the great people who have helped her along the way.
Lynne has such a fun business, and if you’re in the Midwest, you’ll definitely want to check out her schedule and get yourself some Barnstorm Coffee this year!
SHOW NOTES:
Riverside, Iowa
Windmill Coffee Roasters
The Makers Loft
392 Caffe
Mariah Danielson - Wander Design Company
Miva
The Good Makers Market
Camp Climb
Copper Fox Boutique
Here and Gone Mercantile
No Roots Boots
Little Lights on Main
Living Vintage Iowa
Instagram: @barnstormcoffee
Facebook: @barnstormcoffee
This week we’re talking with Hannah Esch of Oak Barn Beef in Unadilla, Nebraska (pop. 311). Hannah started Oak Barn Beef to sell her family’s beef direct to consumer, and has built this business from the ground up while she has been a full-time student at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. She’s talking about all the things she’s learned along the way about educating customers and working with butchers and how they differentiate their prouduct, plus how she landed her dream internship with Five Marys Farms.
You’ll be impressed with Hannah and how she has made the most of the opportunities available to her as a student. We wish her all the best and are excited to follow along and see how she continues to grow this business when she graduates.
SHOW NOTES:
Unadilla, Nebraska
Longmont, Colorado
Engler Entrepreneurship Program
Five Marys Farms
NeoGen Genomics
FarmHer Be Bold Panel
Shark Tank
Diller, Nebraska
Beatrice, Nebraska
Syracuse, Nebraska
Facebook: @oakbarnbeef
Instagram: @oakbarnbeef
www.oakbarnbeef.com
This week we’re in Moville, Iowa (pop. 1,613) with Melissa Nelson of Hungry Canyon. Hungry Canyon is a farm and ranch-related greeting card business that got its start from a valentine Melissa made for her husband when they were dating in college. She shared the card on social media, and her designs have been in demand ever since. She also talks about the importance of ag education and how she built an ag education non-profit from the ground up, as well as how she juggles all of this along with farm life and a growing family. Melissa also has some great advice on being a newcomer to a small town and how to get involved.
One last thing. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, you’ll want to be sure to go check out the Hungry Canyon valentines. You’ll love them, your kids will love them, and their friends will love them!
SHOW NOTES:
Springfield, Nebraska
Moville, Iowa
Iowa Farm Bureau
Siouxland Agriculture in the Classroom
Morningside College Ag Program
Sioux City Stockyards
Wells Blue Bunny
Sue Bee Honey
Seaboard Triumph
Tyson
Katie & Co.
Pierson, Iowa
Kingsley, Iowa
Danbury, Iowa
Woodbury County Fair
Dine at the County Line
Katie Pinke - Ag Week
Common Ground
Instagram: @hungrycanyon
Facebook:@hungrycanyondesign
Website: hungrycanyondesign.com
Farm Kid Book List
This week we’re with David Hernandez and Tereasa Surratt of Camp Wandawega in Elkhorn, Wisconsin (pop. 10,084) — a camp with a very storied past that includes the mob, a madam, and the Vatican. David and Tereasa have transformed the camp from a dilapidated property into what has now been listed as one of the top 100 hotels in the world. Throughout this adventure they have found themselves right ahead of the latest trends - or maybe even setting them — making the camp a creative playground and landing them in the center of some epic brand collaborations and product lines.
You’ll love how David and Tereasa followed their passion and while they didn’t even have plans of operating it as a business, their passion was contagious and it overflowed into all of these amazing opportunities. Their creativity just keeps fueling more creativity - from the camp itself to their books and their brand collaborations, it’s pretty amazing to watch. So if you’re in need of a little creative inspiration, go check out their Instagram and find links to everything we talk about in the show notes.
SHOW NOTES:
Beardstown, Illinois
Elkhorn, Wisconsin
Camp Wandawega history
Gant
Land of Nod
Ural Motorcycle
A Very Modest Cottage
Found, Free, and Flea
Ogilvy
The Forever Tree
Frank Lloyd Wright Trust
Instagram: @campwandawega
Website: www.wandawega.com
This week on the podcast we’re in West Salem, Wisconsin (pop. 5,026) with Cassie Everson of Wanderlust Skulls. Cassie’s sharing about her journey from agronomist to stay-at-home-mom to entrepreneur, which came together when a skull she decorated for herself started getting a lot of attention on Facebook, and the idea to make more would just not leave hear alone. She talks about how she’s reached an audience that’s primarily outside of where she lives, the process of valuing her craft and how that relates to pricing, and so much more.
You’ll love how Cassie has built her business and her transparency about what she’s learned along the way. And her generosity in donating a gorgeous pink buffalo skull to Cowgirls with Cancer. Tickets are currently being raffled off for $25 each, with the proceeds going directly to Brooke Clay Taylor of Rural Gone Urban and Kaidra Froelich of Froelich Ranch. The winner of the raffle will receive over $1500 of amazing western products from Wanderlust Skulls, Kippylou's Leather, The Sparkling Spur, Savannah Sevens, and Macie Bean Boots. Head to our blog post for episode 75 at ruralrevival.co for all the details and go support these Cowgirls with Cancer.
SHOW NOTES:
Bangor, Wisconsin
West Salem, Wisconsin
Ed Mylett
Cowgirls with Cancer
Brianna Bigbee
The Bleacher Babe
Brooke Clay Taylor / Rural Gone Urban
Kaidra Froelich / Froelich Ranch
Instagram: @wanderlustskulls
Facebook: @wanderlustskulls
wanderlustskulls.com
This week on the podcast we’re in DeSoto, Iowa (pop. 1,050) with Jason and Nicole Smith of DreamDirt, a Midwestern-based farmland auction and real estate company. They’re sharing about their journey from careers in law enforcement and computers to land auctions. From being among the first to have online auctions to creating their own online auction software and expanding into online machinery auctions, they have used technology and modern marketing methods to forge a new path for farm and machinery sales in the auction industry. We talk about the importance of technology in their business and in the future of rural America, and the key roles mentors have played in their journey.
You’ll appreciate how Jason and Nicole broke out of the typical auction framework and have built such a great business, and how they went all in in an industry where they didn’t have previous experience, but believed in their dream and have worked hard to bring their vision to life. Be sure to check out the show notes and if you’re looking to buy or sell farmland, the DreamDirt team is ready to help.
SHOW NOTES:
Odebolt, Iowa
Missouri Valley, Iowa
Loess Hills
Fremont County, Iowa
DreamDirt
Farm Bid
eBay
Tom Bradley
Iowa State University
Winterset, Iowa
Paul Behr
World Wide College of Auctioneering
National Auctioneers Association
Mondamin, Iowa
dreamdirt.com
bid.dreamdirt.com
Facebook: @dreamdirt
Nicole: @onlinelandauctions
Twitter: @dreamdirt
YouTube: @dreamdirt
We’re in Red Oak, Iowa (pop. 5,415) this week on the podcast with Daric and Jill O’Neal of JMercantile and Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture. We’re talking all things community revitalization and development - including expanding Daric’s architecture company from the city to a small town, and Jill getting to bring her dream of a design and home decor shop to life, from a pop up to a storefront and now even more. Now they’re making a space for future entrepreneurs to be able to explore their dreams and are focused on making the most of their town’s potential.
If you see the potential in your small town but aren’t sure where to go next or even where to start, you are going to get so much out of this interview! You’ll love how Daric and Jill’s heart for small towns and properties eventually led them back to Daric’s hometown, and how they are all in on their community’s revitalization and their dreams for a thriving future there — and having a lot of fun along the way. You will absolutely want to check out the show notes and be sure to follow along with Daric and Jill as they continue to help bring rural revival to Red Oak.
SHOW NOTES:
Henderson, Iowa
Red Oak, Iowa
Alley Poyner Macchietto Architecture
JMercantile
Red Oak Grand Theatre
Junction Days
Wilson Performing Arts Center
ROOT - Red Oak’s Ongoing Transformation
Downtown Facade Improvement Project
Rural Revival Mastermind
Montgomery County Family YMCA
Historic Preservation Commission
Red Oak Community School
Red Oak Community School Foundation
Iowa State University Extension Community and Economic Development - Steve Adams
Iowa State University Extension Community and Economic Development - Lynn Adams
Community Foundations of Southwest Iowa
Hotel/Motel Tax
Community Development Block Grant
Downtown Urban Renewal District
TIF
Downtown Red Oak - National Register of Historic Places
Bank Iowa
City of Red Oak
Iowa Economic Development Authority
Montgomery County Development Corporation
Southwest Iowa Planning Council
Southwest Iowa Art Tour
Facebook: @jmercantile
Instagram: @jmercantile
Instagram: @dariconeal
This week on the podcast we’re in Natoma, Kansas (pop. 334) with Adam and Dayna Kocinski of French Press Coffee. They’re sharing how their journey as entrepreneurs came to life when they decided to turn a literal dream that Adam had into reality. Now they’re serving the community more than just coffee — they’re creating a space where they can invest in people, make a space for local artists, and pay it forward.
You’ll love how invested Adam and Dayna are in their community and their heart to give back, and their plans to bring the letterpress back to their building that used to house a print shop. We can’t wait to see that come to life! Be sure to check out the show notes, where you’ll find links to French Press Coffee on social media and can keep up with Adam and Dayna there.
SHOW NOTES:
Natoma, Kansas
Rooks County Economic Development
Rooks County E-Community Loan Program
Plainville, Kansas
Natoma Food Bank
Natoma Labor Day 5K
Natoma’s Annual Labor Day Celebration
Brant’s Meat Market
Lucas, Kansas
Russell, Kansas
Perfect Print
Instagram: @frenchpressltd
Facebook: @frenchpressltd
This week on the podcast we’re in Lenox, Iowa (pop. 1,407) with Bonnie Ramsey of Ramsey’s Market and Ramsey’s Ace Hardware. Bonnie’s telling us all about how she and her husband Theo have turned a grocery store into an entertainment business that’s focused on providing a unique, one-of-a-kind experience for their customers. We also talk about why grocery stores are so important for our rural communities, how they compete against the big box stores in a small, rural town, and how they opened the first Ace Hardware in the US with a bar - where you can literally have a beer and buy a lawnmower at the same time.
You’ll love Bonnie’s heart for this community and her passion to give back. It really shines through in everything she and Theo are doing. She also has a great perspective on how to set your retail business apart and stay relevant in our rural communities. Bonnie and Theo truly are making Lenox a fun destination and it’s one you’ll want to put on the list for your next road trip.
SHOW NOTES:
Lenox, Iowa
Ramsey’s Market
Ramsey’s Ace Hardware
Tiger Taco
Facebook: @ramseysmarket
We’re in Cody, Wyoming (pop. 9,885) this week on the podcast with Maggie Haron of Iron & Pine Design. Maggie makes beautiful, custom-made handlettered and handpainted signs using old barn wood. Today she’s sharing how what started out as a fun way to make some extra cash eventually turned into a dream that wouldn't quit — and a legit, full-time business! She also talks about the unique way she gained her Instagram community, and her passion to use her gifts and talents for others.
We got to be there to celebrate with Maggie a major milestone in her business, which you’ll hear more about on the podcast. One look at her Instagram feed and you’ll see things are going great for Maggie — she recently got married and she’s gearing up for Christmas orders, which you’ll want to be sure to get in soon so they’re back in time for Christmas!
SHOW NOTES:
Cody, Wyoming
Nelson Log Restoration
The World Race
Red Lodge, Montana
Sheridan, Wyoming
Olive & Pearl
Instagram: @ironandpinedesignco
Facebook: @ironandpinedesignco
ironandpinedesignco.com
Welcome to the Rural Revival podcast. I’m your host Danna Larson. We’re in Brimfield, Illinois (pop. 933) this week on the podcast with Mikaela Endress and Kami Stahl of Kamaela’s Kreamery. Mikaela is a student and Kami is a farmer, and together these two best friends have a pop up ice cream shop in a vintage trailer called Little Dipper, and can be found hitting up fun locations across Illinois all summer long. Kami and Mikaela are sharing about how this all started as a dream when they were four years old and riding their bikes to the local ice cream store.
You will love everything about this story, and how much fun these girls - and their customers - are having with this business. And while Kamaela’s Kreamery may be closed for the winter and Little Dipper tucked away on the farm, they’ve got some great things coming when they open again in the spring. They will definitely be on our road trip route next summer, and we hope you put them on yours as well!
SHOW NOTES:
Cinnamon Tree Farm
Illinois Central College
Illinois State University
No Roots Boots
Rock Island Trail
Instagram: @kamaelaskreamery
Facebook: @kamaelaskreamery
This week on the podcast we’re in Underwood, Iowa (pop. 917) with sixth generation farmers Kevin and Sara Ross. We’re talking about Kevin and Sara’s important role in connecting with farmers and advocating for agriculture, including Kevin’s new role as President of the National Corn Growers Association. We also touch on life on the farm with their four boys, the importance of technology and connectivity in farming and rural America, Sara’s involvement with CommonGround, and some great stories around her transition to farm life.
You may also learn a few things, like how corn is the only crop grown in all 50 states, and there are over 4000 uses of corn! We’re excited to follow along with Kevin as the President of the National Corn Growers Association, and encourage you to do the same, so head to the show notes for those links. We want to wish all of our Iowa Corn farmers - and farmers everywhere - a safe and successful harvest.
SHOW NOTES:
Underwood, Iowa
Commodity Classic
Iowa Corn
CommonGround
Iowa Corn Growers Association
National Corn Growers Association
UMBA - Underwood Memorial Building Association
Twitter: @krossfarms
Twitter: @nationalcorn
Twitter: @iowa_corn
Instagram: @the_mrssaraross
www.saras-house.com
This week on the podcast we’re in College Grove, Tennessee (unincorporated) with Mary Morgan Gentry of Gentry’s Farm and Hatcher Family Dairy. From growing up on the farm in Franklin, Tennessee to working in several shops on Franklin’s historic Main Street, Mary Morgan has had a front row seat to the revival that’s happened here. Now she’s stepping fully into the ag world as the new wife of a dairy farmer, and she’s telling us all about it, including the important role agritourism has played in bringing both her and her husband’s family farms into the next generation.
You’ll love Mary Morgan’s perspective on the growth that’s happened in Franklin, and how Gentry’s Farm has embraced the changes that have come along with that growth. Her new house on the Hatcher Family Dairy farm really is amazing, and you’ll want to hit up her Instagram and new blog to see more of that. And, if you’re anywhere near the Franklin area, you won’t want to miss Gentry’s Farm, open weekends in October. It’s the perfect place to pick pumpkins and have a great fall experience!
SHOW NOTES:
Franklin, Tennessee
Mary Morgan Gentry Design Co.
Anthropologie Franklin
Holly Williams
White’s Mercantile
Mike Wolfe
Gentry’s Farm
Franklin Heritage Foundation
Downtown Franklin
Hatcher Family Dairy
Williamson County, Tennessee
Charlie Hatcher, Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture
Nashville
Frothy Monkey
Puckett’s
Chattanooga
Hatch Farm & Home
Instagram: @marymorgangentry
We’re celebrating FarmHers everywhere this week on the podcast, and we’re so excited to have Marji Guyler-Alaniz, creator of FarmHer, with us to share her story and how she has built the FarmHer brand. From quitting her corporate job to start what she didn’t know at the time would be FarmHer, Marji talks about how she somewhat unexpectedly turned her passion for photography and writing into a household name. She’s giving us an inside look at how she has made a career out of creating content for women about women through words, photos, radio, and videos.
You’ll love Marji’s passion and commitment to honor women in ag, and all she has done to create awareness around these hard-working women. As she mentions, Season 4 of FarmHer is now airing on RFD-TV, so be sure to check out the show and the stories of these amazing women for yourself.
SHOW NOTES:
Grand View University
So God Made a Farmer
Huffington Post article
Modern Farmer article
Grow by FarmHer
Lexi Marek
RFD-TV
FarmHer TV show
FarmHer podcast
Suggest a FarmHer
RanchHer
The Cowboy Channel
Website: www.farmher.com
YouTube: @farmher
Facebook: @farmher1
Instagram: @farmher1
This week we’re in Columbia Falls, Montana (pop. 4,710) with Alyson Dorr of The Red Barn. Alyson is a fourth generation farmer who is helping bring up the next generation of family farm kids. She and her husband Casey share their little slice of heaven through The Red Barn, their luxury loft vacation rental, their farm-grown peppermint oil, raw honey, and pastured, all-natural pork. And she’s telling us all about it on today’s podcast.
You’ll love hearing about the amazing legacy that Alyson and her family get to carry on and what they’re doing to preserve that. She also has a great take on 4-H livestock and land stewardship. Alyson is being featured in the Where Women Cook Holiday magazine, which will be on news stands October 1. Be sure to go grab a copy and check out the links below. We’ll also be featuring stories of rural revival on the blog this week, so go to ruralrevival.co to follow along.
SHOW NOTES:
Glacier National Park
Flathead Valley
The Red Barn
Columbia Falls, Montana
The Shops at Station 8
Columbia Falls Community Market
Fulbright Memorial Fund Scholarship
Glacier Raft Company
4-H
Five Marys Small Business Course
Five Marys Farms
Farm Kid & Co.
Jeremiah and Rachel Spray
Where Women Cook Holiday
Instagram: @theredbarn_mt
Facebook: @theredbarnatglaciercountry
Website: www.montanaredbarn.com/
We’re in Pawhuska, Oklahoma (pop. 3,589) this week with Callie Lee of Osage Outfitters. Callie and her husband Joey moved to Pawhuska in 2013 to open their store, and since then have helped completely transform the town’s historic downtown and bring the best quality boots and highest end of western fashion in the area. Callie’s talking about why they chose Pawhuska, how Ree Drummond has helped romanticize the cowboy lifestyle, and when the Real Housewives of New Jersey came to town.
Callie has some great stories to share, and you’ll love how she and Joey saw something in Pawhuska BEFORE it became a major tourist attraction, and the role they’ve played in helping bring a revival here. The quality of items at Osage Outfitters really is second to none, so be sure to check out their social media and make plans to stop by next time you’re in Pawhuska. And with their fall open house coming up in October, that would be a great time to stop by!
SHOW NOTES:
Ponca City, Oklahoma
The Territory
Guthrie, Oklahoma
Lazy E Arena
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Cavalcade Rodeo
The Pioneer Woman
The Pioneer Woman Mercantile
Tolson Agency
Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce
WRCA World Championship Ranch Rodeo
Rios of Mercedes
Anderson Bean
Olathe Boots
Osage County
Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Loan
Frontier Hotel
Real Housewives of New Jersey
Sheridan, Wyoming
Instagram: @osageoutfitters
Facebook: @osageoutfitterspawhuska
www.osageoutfitterspawhuska.com
This week we’re in Cody, Wyoming (pop. 9.885) with Jesse Renfors of Cody Coffee Roaster. From a professional luger to a stay-at-home dad turned coffee roaster, Jesse is sharing about his journey and how he has grown his company from a side hustle to an international success. Whether it’s turning an older service station into the ultimate Cody Coffee shop, to opening two locations in a month, to his unique experience working his way up in the restaurant industry, this episode is packed with value.
You’ll love Jesse’s heart for community over competition, and his perspective on what it’s like doing business - and living in - a tourist town and how that plays into his business. He has definitely created a great experience for his customers and he’s just getting started! So get to planning your trip to Cody Yellowstone and be sure to make Cody Coffee a stop along the way!
SHOW NOTES:
U.S. National Luge Team
Park City, Utah
Canyons Village
Park City Coffee Roaster
Cody, Wyoming
Cody Area Classifieds
Choice Aviation
Blackrocks Brewery
Bill White Restaurant Group
Chester Chu of Taiwan
Sunlight Sports
Wyoming Business Council
Sleeping Giant Ski Area
Yellowstone Quake Hockey
Beartooth Rally
codycoffee.com
Instagram: @codycoffeeroaster
Facebook: @codycoffeeroaster
This week we’re back in Harrington, Washington with Karen Allen of Hotel Lincoln, The Electric Hotel. Karen and her husband Jerry have a love for restoration and their work on this hotel, originally built in 1902, is a labor of love that is ten years in the making. It was called The Electric Hotel because the building was provisioned for electricity before the City of Harrington had electricity supplied to the town. At the time it was very innovative and a cornerstone for the development of Harrington. Now Karen and Jerry want it to be the cornerstone for redevelopment.
Karen and Jerry have a vision for this hotel that is way beyond themselves, and you’ll love this restoration story and how invested they are in the future of Harrington. If you want to help contribute to their efforts, they are continuing to accept donations for their window project, and would love to have another investor who shares the vision of promoting restoration and rural entrepreneurs. You can find more information through the links in the show notes, and be sure to check out their social media to see all their progress.
SHOW NOTES:
Odessa, Washington
Lake Roosevelt
Washington State Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation
Institute for Washington’s Future
Riverpoint Academy
The Weinhard Hotel
Spokane Preservation Advocates
Facebook: @hotellincolntheelectrichotel
Instagram: @hotellincolntheelectrichotel
www.theelectrichotel.com
This week on the podcast we’re in Harrington, Washington (pop. 424) with Justin and Heather Slack of The Post & Office — a local coffee shop and co-working space. As self-described ‘accidental business owners,’ Justin and Heather are sharing about their quick move to Harrington and the adventures that have followed — from opening up new businesses to Justin’s new role as mayor. Plus, you’ll appreciate the perspective they gained from their time spent living in a big city, and the ‘why’ behind everything they’re doing: to bring the community together.
You’ll love their perspective on looking at their small town from a place of opportunity rather than a place of lack. There are big things ahead for Harrington, and all week long we’ll be featuring stories of rural revival happening in Harrington on our blog. Be sure to check out ruralrevival.co to follow along.
SHOW NOTES:
Harrington, Washington
The Studebaker Garage
Instagram: @thepostandoffice
Facebook: @thepostandoffice
www.thepostandoffice.com
This week we’re in Harrison, Montana (pop. 137) with Nikki Edmundson of Canty Boots. Nikki’s sharing how a custom pair of boots she made for herself turned into an international business. You’ll love Nikki’s perseverance as a business owner - from establishing her trademark to pursuing the stores she knew were the right fit for her product. She’s also sharing about her new store that opened this summer and life as a working mom.
As you would expect, her new store in Harrison is amazing - and so is the view from her front window - so definitely stop by next time you’re in the area. And be sure to check out the links in the show notes to see Nikki's designs and order YOUR custom Cantys.
SHOW NOTES:
Butte, Montana
NFR Cowboy Christmas
Kemo Sabe
Moo Country
Inland
Victoria’s Secret
Katy Perry
Ralph Lauren Aspen
Instagram: @cantyboots
Facebook: @cantybootsmt
www.cantyboots.com
This week we’re in Chugwater, Wyoming with Jill Winger of The Prairie Homestead. After growing up in the suburbs, Jill and her husband Christian knew they wanted a life in the country. So they went all in and started building what we now know as The Prairie Homestead. Jill’s sharing all about her life as a homesteader, what she has learned as this brand and business has grown and expanded, and how, as someone who didn’t love cooking, she ended up with a cookbook. You’ll love Jill’s passion and intentionality, and it shows in everything she’s doing.
SHOW NOTES:
The Prairie Homestead Cookbook
theprairiehomestead.com
Facebook: @theprairiehomestead
Instagram: @theprairiehomestead
YouTube: @theprairiehomestead
This week we’re in Belleville, Kansas (pop. 1,991) with Dan Douglas of Belleville Hometown Lumber. Dan is sharing about his unlikely path as an entrepreneur, and how he was able to come back to his hometown and open a business. We touch on community over competition, what it means to bring jobs to his hometown, and how their business growth is having an impact beyond their community.
You’ll be impressed by the way Dan runs his business and his willingness to help and pour into others. Investing in the next generation is such an important role in the future of our rural communities and Dan is setting an example that we can all learn from and bring to our small towns as well.
SHOW NOTES:
Hutchinson Community College
Cloud County Communty College
Kansas State University
Belleville, Kansas
Clyde, Kansas
True Value
Milwaukee Tools
Facebook: @BellevilleHometownLumber
This week on the podcast we’re in Fairfax, Oklahoma (pop. 1,380) with Emily Myers of Lantana Made. Emily is a ranch wife and mom who crafts western handmade bags out of her home on the ranch. From an internship at the Fort Worth Stockyards to a job at Miranda Lambert’s Pink Pistol store, she’s sharing about the journey that led to Lantana Made. Since starting her business she’s put her own mark on the western fashion world and she’s telling us all about it.
Emily’s craftsmanship is so good that she has to be intentional about telling people she makes these bags out of her home on the ranch, and she has some great advice on the importance of marketing yourself and your story.
SHOW NOTES:
Fairfax, Oklahoma
Fort Worth Stock Yards
Rios Interiors
Stuart Ranch
Waurika, Oklahoma
Caddo, Oklahoma
Durant, Oklahoma
Tishomingo, Oklahoma
The Pink Pistol
Osage County
Hominy, Oklahoma
Cowgirl Magazine
Cowboys & Indians
Western Horse and Gun
Chrome
Pawhuska, Oklahoma
Pioneer Woman Mercantile
Facebook: @lantana.designs
Instagram: @lantanamade
www.lantanamade.com
This week on the podcast we’re in Pawhuska, Oklahoma (pop. 3,377) with Steven and Tiffany Poe, owners of The Grandview Inn. Steven and Tiffany are sharing how a homeschool group connection introduced them to Ree Drummond — who we all know as The Pioneer Woman — which led to them moving to Pawhuska, and how they now have their own piece of Drummond history at the Inn. The Inn is a place that radiates charm — complete with a dance floor, sunroom, and incredible architectural elements. Steven and Tiffany make a great hospitality team, and after seven years of running The Grandview Inn, they have a very fun announcement that you won’t want to miss!
These two have a very busy life, as you will find out, and we were lucky enough to get to sit down with them for a few minutes before the next day’s guests arrived! As they share their story, you’ll appreciate how they’ve always felt like the community owns this house and that it was a place to be shared, and how they’re now involving the community in an amazing giveaway. So, if you are someone who loves people, food, hospitality, and small town America, and want to be part of the incredible rural revival happening in Pawhuska, you will want to check out this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
SHOW NOTES:
Pawhuska, Oklahoma
Ree Drummond, The Pioneer Woman
The Lodge on Drummond Ranch
Throwdown with Bobby Flay featuring Ree Drummond
Osage Nation
Oklahoma State University Culinary Arts
Osage County
Gastrotourism
Website: www.thegrandviewinnoklahoma.com
Giveaway: www.grandviewinnoklahoma.com/giveaway
Facebook: @grandviewinnbedandbreakfast
Instagram: @grandviewinnok
We road tripped to Prairie Grove, Arkansas (pop. 4,380) for this week’s podcast with Zack and Laura Kraus, creators and owners of Flamingo Springs Trailer Resort. Zack and Laura are sharing how they decided to quit their multiple jobs in LA, sell their stuff, and ultimately move to Arkansas and open a trailer resort that really is as awesome as it sounds. From astroturf to Atari to a beebee gun range, plus the incredible vintage decor and themed trailers, they have thought of all the details in making Flamingo Springs an incredible, fun, and relaxing experience for their guests. You will definitely want to put Flamingo Springs on the list for your next road trip!
SHOW NOTES:
Cal State, Fullerton
Riverside Community College
Rose Bowl Flea Market
Long Beach Antique Market
Parker’s Anchor
Little Yellow Typewriter
Fayetteville Arts Scene
Prairie Grove, Arkansas
Instagram: @flamingosprings
Facebook: @flamingosprings
flamingospringstrailerresort.com
The Junk Ranch
This week on the podcast we’re in Bedford, Iowa (pop. 1,440) with Sandy Schubert of Hedgie’s Books, Toys, and More. Sandy and her husband moved to Bedford a little over four years ago. From taking a chance on a new town, to the success of her store, to the way this community has embraced her and her husband, you’ll love hearing Sandy’s story and how this move was so right, in so many ways. She is a true example of how everyone benefits when you get involved in your small town.
SHOW NOTES:
Washta, Iowa
Dordt College
University of Northern Iowa
Stratford, Iowa
Bull Shoals Lake
Bedford, Iowa
Clarinda Head Start
Jan Brett
You’ve Got Mail
Marcus Sikora
Black Day: The Monster Rock Band
Taylor County
Clarinda, Iowa
Independent Bookstore Day
Pete the Cat
IEDA Downtown Exchange
Malvern, Iowa
Garland Hotel
Catalyst Grant
CDBG Grant
Community Visioning Group
Bedford Fest
Fall for Bedford farm-to-table dinner
Taylor County Historical Museum And Round Barn
Bonnie and Theo Ramsey
Business Boutique by Christy Wright
Compendium
What do you do with an idea?
Facebook:@shophedgies
Instagram: @hedgies9
www.shophedgies.com
This week on the podcast we’re with Natalie Kovarik and JaTanna Williams of Ranch Wives Beef Co., based out of their ranches in rural Nebraska and Montana. We met up on the road when they were in Kansas City to speak at the American Hereford Association’s Brand Marketing Summit, and we got to have a great conversation about how their lifelong friendship has turned into a business and partnership.
From their Montana roots to pharmacy school and now back to the ranch, you’ll love hearing about the ‘why’ behind Ranch Wives Beef Co. and the ins and outs of their partnership and how they make that work. Plus a great discussion about the power of the internet and social media and how that makes this all possible for them on so many levels.
SHOW NOTES:
Three Forks, Montana
Ord, Nebraska
Swiss Steak Recipe
Instagram: @ranchwivesbeefco
www.ranchwivesbeefco.com
We’re in Corning, Iowa this week with Anne Greenwalt of Carver’s Ridge. Anne is a fifth generation entrepreneur and is sharing how she and her husband Tyson started a boulder engraving business that has since grown into an amazing product line of handcrafted, personalized gifts. They recently moved the entire business to Anne’s hometown of Corning and are loving the small town life there - and Anne’s telling us all about it!
Anne’s passion for her community goes beyond just having a business, but being a part of the community on every level. We want to give a huge shout out to Anne and Tyson on ten years of business - that’s an incredible accomplishment and we can’t wait to see what the next ten years bring!
SHOW NOTES:
Pella College
Applied Art & Technology
Bow & Arrow Productions
Stuart, Iowa
Market Down Davis
Primrose
Facebook: @carversridge
Facebook VIP Shopping Group
Website - carversridge.com
Pinterest - @carversridgegifts
Instagram - @carversridge
Twitter - @carversridge
We’re in New Glarus, Wisconsin this week with Morgann McCoy - Owner, Designer, and Seamstress at A Well Worn Story. Morgann creates high quality, handcrafted goods - including durable bags, aprons, and home goods - by transforming textiles into heirloom pieces to tell a unique story.
We love how Morgann took a sewing machine and a dream and $5000 and created this amazing company, and her intentionality around handmade and ethically produced pieces and bringing jobs to her community. Something tells us this is only just the beginning for her!
SHOW NOTES:
Harley Davidson
Urban Farmgirl
Horween Leather Company
Specialty Leather Productions
A Well Worn Story - The Homestead Collection
Sa Voix
New Glarus, Wisconsin
New Glarus Brewing Company
Spotted Cow
Instagram: @awellwornstory
Pinterest: @awellwornstory
Website: https://www.wellwornstory.com/
This week on the podcast we’re talking with Belle Golden of Belle’s Flower Truck in Tifton, Georgia. She’s sharing how, as someone who never had arranged flowers or even had dreams for a flower truck, knew in her heart this was something she was supposed to do and brought it to life in a matter of days. The result is now one of the hottest things in her small town - Belle’s Flower Truck. It’s awesome to see how Belle and Justin’s dream is fueling other dreams and how the town is embracing everything they’re doing. And how the possibilities really are endless as an entrepreneur.
SHOW NOTES:
Sylvester, Georgia
Espresso 41
Amelia’s Flower Truck
Albany, Georgia
Tifton, Georgia
Plantation 59
Thomasville, Georgia
Instagram: @bellesflowertruck
Facebook: @bellesflowertruck
Website
We’re in Vian, Oklahoma this week talking with Lyndsey Sullivan, who recently opened a lifestyle gym called The Field House. She’s sharing how she brought what had been a dream in her heart for over five years to life by restoring a vacant building on main street.
Typically a gym membership is looked at as a luxury item that can only be found in a city, but Lyndsey’s shifting that mindset in her rural town by offering affordable price points and educating members that her gym is an all-around healthy lifestyle option - and her community is really embracing it. You’ll love not only what Lyndsey is doing with her business, but what she’s doing for her town.
SHOW NOTES:
Oklahoma City University
Morning Sky Boutique
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE)
Lake Vian Trail System
Lake Tenkiller
Lake Vian Trail Run
Instagram: @thefieldhouseok
Facebook: @thefieldhouseok
www.fieldhouseok.com
We’re on the farm outside of Atlantic, Iowa with Michelle Myers of Dirt Road Candle Company for this week’s podcast. Michelle started a side hustle making soy candles - and with scents like Iowa Back Roads, Small Town Gossip, and County Fair - her business has quickly taken off. She’s sharing how she’s built her brand and business, and about her Iowa Farm girl roots and life on the farm.
Michelle has such a heart for giving back - whether it be to the local 4-H or to flood victims in the Midwest.
SHOW NOTES:
Tipton, Iowa
Iowa State University
Doe A Deer
Instagram: @dirtroadcandleco
Facebook: @dirtroadcandleco
Etsy
This week on the podcast we’re in Cimarron, New Mexico (pop. 1,021) with entrepreneurs Colin and Erin Tawney - and what happened to be a fortuitous stop on our road trip to California earlier this year. We pulled into town just as the Super Bowl was ending and stopped by the only place that happened to be open, and as we got to talking to the owners, we realized we really needed them to share their story on the podcast. So I grabbed my recording equipment and we did this completely on the fly!
Colin and Erin are sharing what led them to bringing a bed and breakfast, brewery, and bike race to their historic town, plus all they’re doing to help bring economic development and positive change to the community. They are a great example of what it looks like to really seize the opportunities their small town has to offer, and even established a nonprofit and scholarship program as a way to give back.
SHOW NOTES:
Cimarron, New Mexico
Taos, New Mexico
Angel Fire, New Mexico
Philmont Scout Ranch
Waite Phillips
Main Street Program - Frontier Communities Initiative
Santa Fe Trail Association
Chandler, Arizona
Pawhuska, Oklahoma
Lucien Maxwell
Kit Carson
Philbrook Museum of Art
Cimarron Cycle Works
Blue Dragonfly Inn
Blu Dragonfly Brewing
Facebook - @bluedragonflyinn
Facebook - @bludragonflybrewing
Valle Vidal
Vermejo Park Ranch
Leadville Trail 100
Cimarron Challenge
Land Run 100
This week on the podcast we’re in Versailles, Kentucky (pop. 9,292) with entrepreneur Emily Riddle. Emily and her husband have invested into their small town square by bringing in several new businesses, and in just a year and a half it has evolved into a vibrant, thriving destination that’s attracting young people — and most recently Hollywood — as the site for a Drew Barrymore movie set.
Emily is an entrepreneur at heart and you’ll love her creativity and all the ideas she’s been able to bring to life in Versailles in just a short amount of time!
SHOW NOTES:
Lexington, Kentucky
Versailles, Kentucky
The Amsden
Gathered Living
Gathered Mercantile
Amsden Bourbon Bar
The Yoga Room
Casey & Sara Pictures
Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Midway, Kentucky
Woodford County, Kentucky
Keeneland
This week we’re in Metamora, Illinois (pop. 3,732) with Paige Ehnle of No Roots Boots. Paige has combined her passion for travel, meeting people, and high quality western and fashion boots into a boot store on wheels. She now road trips with her vintage Airstream to markets, fairs, festivals, concerts, and other events - selling her boots all over America. She’s sharing all about how she built her business and what she’s learned along the way.
The work ethic and character Paige learned growing up on the farm in Illinois is the foundation she has built her business upon. You’ll love learning how she took a risk to try something completely new and trusted her vision for No Roots Boots - and how that’s led to her success today!
SHOW NOTES:
EntreLeadership Podcast - Episode #138: How to Market Without Everyone Hating You
Paige on Spotify
Geneseo, Illinois
Kansas City Fashion Week
Instagram: @norootsboots
Facebook: @norootsboots
www.shopnorootsboots.com
We’re in Penn Valley, California this week on the podcast with fiber artist Cassidy Fisher of The Northern Craft. She’s sharing about how she turned her passion for art into a full-time profession, and about how she uses inspiration from the beautiful things around her to create her collections. Plus, she’s dishing about her incredible experience at Magnolia’s Silobration and the impact that’s had on her business.
Even though Cassidy’s journey as an artist is different than what she had expected as a kid, she chose to push through into something new - and the result is beautiful and amazing! She introduced her Truckee Collection shortly after our interview which is now live on her website, and her next collection is dropping the first week of April. So be sure to go check out her website and follow along on Instagram to see her work and keep up with what’s coming next.
SHOW NOTES:
Yuba River
Yuba River Collection
Mount Shasta
Mount Shasta Collection
Magnolia Silobration
Truckee Collection
Instagram: @thenortherncraft
thenortherncraft.com
This week on the podcast we’re in Pawhuska, Oklahoma with Luke and Kenyon Lomax of Prairie Sky Jewelry Company. With a fairly new business and products that have quickly become high in demand, we have an incredible conversation on how they have built their business and their life, and how they transitioned from life on the road to their new home on the farm in Pawhuska. From learning their trade to social media to customer service and so much more - they have a lot of gold to share that any small business owner can learn from.
SHOW NOTES:
Pawhuska, Oklahoma
Osage County
Bluestem Lake
Bartlesville, Oklahoma
Tucson, Arizona
Fritch, Texas
Wichita Falls, Texas
Osage Outfitters
Joni Nash
Natoma, Kansas
Tucson Gem Show
Turley, Oklahoma
Windle’s Rock & Jewelry
Woody Crumbo
Lonesome Dove Miniseries
Lonesome Dove Novel Series
Ree Drummond
Warbonnet Hatworks
Whitney Benton of Western Couture
Western Skies Handmade
Bobby Ford of Leatherhead Custom Leather
Instagram: @prairieskyjewelryco
https://prairieskyjewelryco.com/
This week on the podcast we’re in Gridley, California (pop. 6,937) with third generation rice farmer Matthew Sligar. Matthew started Rice Farming TV to help promote and educate people on the California rice industry through weekly videos on YouTube, and he’s gained quite a following.
He’s talking all things rice farming and how his videos have opened up some great opportunities for him, including some fun, new projects. He’s even working on a children’s book about rice farming that will be coming out soon!
Be sure to go check out and subscribe to the Rice Farming TV channel on YouTube.
SHOW NOTES:
Gridley, California
The World’s Largest Rice Krispies Treat Farmer
FFA
USA Rice Federation
California Rice Commission
Rice Farming TV
ricefarmingtv.com
Twitter: @ricefarmingtv
Facebook: @ricefarmingtv
Instagram: @ricefarmingtv
Designer Regan Doely of Doe A Deer in Stuart, Iowa (pop. 1,648) is talking about how she’s grown her business from a side hustle on Facebook into a full product line that’s now being sold by national retailers. She’s also sharing how her handmade-focused brand is inspired by her love for vintage and why she loves to work with small shops and businesses in rural America.
It’s so fun to hear how Regan’s business has literally grown overnight, and her motto is one that we can all put to good use - just ask! Because you never know what that could lead to. Regan launched her new spring towels last week and has another fun towel launch coming next week, so be sure to check that out on her website.
SHOW NOTES:
Magnolia Silobration
Von Maur
Third & Main
Governor’s Empower Rural Iowa Initiative
Stuart, Iowa
Rescued Junk
Rescued Junk - Rural Revival Podcast Episode 4
Doe A Deer Hearts Vintage Facebook Group
JB Knacker
Central Iowa Junk Jaunt
Instagram: @doeadeerdesign
Facebook: @doeadeerdesign
www.doeadeerdesign.com
This week on the podcast we’re on the ranch in Datil, New Mexico (pop. 54) with cowboys and love stories photographer Lyndsey Garber. We talk about what it’s been like for Lyndsey to grow her rural business from a side hustle to a portfolio with national clientele. Plus she has some great things to say about the power of story, and even shares her own cowboy love story.
Lyndsey has a unique perspective on rural business - that sometimes serving the people outside our community allows us the opportunity to stay in our community. And we are so excited to hear about Lyndsey’s plans to teach more, which she has started doing on some of her recent blog posts. There are links to that in the show notes so be sure to go check it out! Huge thanks to Lyndsey for being on the podcast and for opening her home up to us as we were passing through!
SHOW NOTES:
Datil, New Mexico
“Harry the Cowdog” by David. R. Stoecklein
lyndseygarber.com
Instagram: @lyndseygarber
Facebook: @lyndseygarberphotography
In today’s episode we’re sitting down with Mary Heffernan of Five Marys Farms. We met up at their M5 Burgerhouse in Fort Jones, California to talk about all things Five Marys. Like, how she first discovered her love for small business, why she loves the rural life, the power of Instagram, and so much more. Mary is an entrepreneur at heart and you’ll love hearing how she and her family have built Five Marys from the ground up.
Mary’s can-do approach to marketing and branding and tackling every part of their business is so impressive. And that’s why we love so much that she is sharing what she’s learned through her new Small Business Workshop. Enrollment for her eCourse actually starts next week! So be sure to go check out the Five Marys website for more information on that. And while you’re there, you can also check out the ways that you can experience Fort Jones and the ranch for yourself.
SHOW NOTES:
Donald Doverspike, Burns, Oregon
eBook: “They Can Do It. What I Learned About Raising Kids by Moving to the Country."
Fort Jones, California
Siskiyou County
M5 Burgerhouse
Five Marys Guesthouse on Airbnb
You Can Do It - Small Business from Scratch
Camp Five Marys Retreats
Carhartt at Five Marys
The Five Marys Story: By Verizon
www.fivemarysfarms.com
www.shopfivemarys.com
Instagram: @fivemarysfarms
Facebook: @fivemarys
We recently met up with Brooke Clay of Rural Gone Urban as our travel paths were crossing in Tulsa, Oklahoma. We had a great conversation about the power of story, her Rural Influencer Project and what makes someone an influencer, and why the narrative is changing for rural America. Plus we let you in on the story behind The Ruralist and how that came to be.
We talk a lot about entrepreneur life, and how Brooke’s ad agency and travel and writing experience have all blended together into Rural Gone Urban, where she’s telling some pretty great—and important—stories. Definitely go check out her website and blog and you’ll see how she’s helping shine a light on great things happening in rural America.
And don’t forget to nominate your favorite rural influencer for The Ruralist!
SHOW NOTES:
Johnson County, Indiana
Perkins, Oklahoma
Chickasaw Country
North Carolina Tourism
Project 543
The Ruralist
Gore, Oklahoma
Rural Influencer Project
Smashing Steaks video
Rural Gone Urban
Instagram: @ruralgoneurban
Facebook: @ruralgoneurban
Twitter: @ruralgoneurban
We’re taking you to the farm outside of New Providence, Iowa with lifestyle photographer and leathers Ali Nelson. Ali has so many cool things going on and she’s giving us a look at her life as a farm wife, creative, and small town entrepreneur.
Ali has chosen her own creative path that just keeps expanding into new things! And you guys, she’s so good at all of them!
SHOW NOTES:
Tom Christopher, Artist
Ali Nelson Photography
Dos Rios Leather Co.
Hardin County Young Professionals
Rachael Ostrem, Miss Rodeo Iowa
Instagram: @alinelsonphoto
Instagram: @dosriosleather
Facebook: @ANelsonPhotoDesign
Facebook: @ANleatherdesign
If you’re looking for rural development strategy, then this week’s podcast is for you! We’re sitting down with Chris Deal from Jefferson, Iowa (pop. 4,345) to talk about the amazing revitalization happening here. Chris moved back to his hometown to help with the family business, Deal’s Orchard, but his role in the community has since expanded way beyond that. He has had a key role in the revitalization of Jefferson and some exciting projects happening here. While there’s no script out there for how to do rural development, Chris says there are certain pieces that you need to get right. He shares a lot about the strategies that have worked to revitalize Jefferson - strategies that can benefit your rural community as well.
SHOW NOTES:
Jefferson, Iowa
Deal’s Orchard
Deal’s Orchard Hard Cider
Pella, Iowa
Career Academy - Pella Community Schools
Jefferson Matters: Main Street
Peg Raney, Main Street Program Director
Community Development Block Grant
Greene County, Iowa
Paton, Iowa
Scranton, Iowa
HyVee
The Forge
Pillar Technology
Linc Kroeger
Iowa Central Community College
Zach Mannheimer, Creative Placemaking
Vision 20/20 Project
Three Block Project
Silicon Valley in Jefferson
Deal’s Orchard Facebook
Deal’s Orchard Instagram
Jefferson Main Street Facebook
Jefferson Main Street Instagram
Greene County Community School District Facebook
We’re so excited to bring you this week’s interview with Joni Nash, the Executive Director of the Pawhuska, Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce. Pawhuska just happens to be the home of Ree Drummond - The Pioneer Woman, and Joni has been right in the action as this small town has been revived literally overnight. She’s sharing about what the Pioneer Woman Mercantile has done for this community, along with the unexpected series of events that led to her moving here. She also has some amazing advice for anyone thinking about making the move to rural America.
Joni is such a life-giving presence wherever she goes, and that really shines through on this interview. You’ll love hearing about the generosity of the Drummond family and their investment into the community of Pawhuska, and the fascinating history this place holds. Pawhuska is constantly changing as it continues to grow and expand as a hot tourist destination. With the Christmas rush over, now is the perfect time to visit Pawhuska and check out all it has to offer!
SHOW NOTES:
Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce
The Pioneer Woman
Miss Rodeo Georgia
PRCA
Cavalcade Rodeo
Pioneer Woman Mercantile
Osage Nation
Killers of the Flower Moon
National Register of Historic Places
Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve
Johnston County Chamber of Commerce
Tishomingo, Oklahoma
Miranda Lambert
The Pink Pistol
The Ladysmith
Cowboy Coffee
Cowgirl Coffee
Frontier Hotel
This week on the podcast we’re sitting down with Jeremy Mahler of The Nineteen14 in Minburn, Iowa (pop. 365). The Nineteen14 is an old railroad depot that Jeremy turned into a restaurant that draws thousands of people each year — mostly through the local bike trail. As a creative and an entrepreneur, Jeremy is always involved in lots of fun projects, which you’ll get to hear more about. He’s also sharing why, after living and traveling all over the world, he decided to return to his roots in small town Iowa.
Plus, you’ll find out how Jeremy and The Nineteen14 helped inspire the idea of the Rural Revival podcast, and why there is a creative movement just waiting to happen in rural America.
SHOW NOTES:
Minburn Depot
Minburn, Iowa
National Register of Historic Places
Des Moines Bacon & Meat Company
Perry Farmer’s Market
Raccoon River Valley Trail
Minburn Airbnb
BACooN Ride
BRR Ride
Perry, Iowa
Court Avenue
Bacon Jewelers
The Nineteen14
Instagram: @mahler
Facebook: @jeremymahler
Norm and Teresa Gielda are the new owners of The Davis General - a modern day general store in the rural community of Boston, just on the outskirts of Franklin, Tennessee. This week on the podcast Norm and Teresa are sharing their story about how they chose to relocate from California to Tennessee and return to Teresa’s southern roots, and how becoming small business owners has helped them build community in a new place.
If you love a great experience, you definitely want to put The Davis General on your road trip list. It really is just as charming as it sounds. And with great food and great company, you can’t go wrong!
SHOW NOTES:
Franklin, Tennessee
Tom Murray, Realtor
Leipers Fork
Natchez Trace Parkway
Raven Cliff
Grumpy Old Goat
Bratton Farms
Instagram: @thedavisgeneral
Facebook: @thedavisgeneral
Website: www.thedavisgeneral.com
This week on the podcast we’re taking you to New Providence, Iowa, where we’re sitting down with Blake Richie, owner of BR Designs. Blake is one of several millennials who has decided to call New Providence home. He’s talking about why he chose this town of 250 people as the place to start his business, why no town is too small for revival, and how he started a county-wide young professionals group to help people learn and connect.
You are going to love what’s happening in this town. And check out some photos from the Christmas Tree Lighting and Soup Supper on our website and catch some of the Christmas magic we experienced there!
SHOW NOTES:
Blake Richie Designs
The Rustic Rose
New Providence Hardware
Images by Mosch
Des Moines Register feature article
New Providence Hertiage Festival
Honey Creek Design Build
Facebook: @brdesigns
Instagram @blakerichiedesigns
Hardin County Young Professionals
Lexi Marek is an ag communicator and influencer and sixth generation Iowa farm girl. She’s talking about why she’s passionate about women in agriculture, why competing for Miss Iowa changed her life, why she’s a big advocate for branding - including how she has had to rebrand herself, and what it’s like to trust the process.
You’ll also hear Lexi share how a college scholarship application idea evolved into an entire events division for her company, why she thrives off of conversations and being inspired by people, and why the heart of the farmer is so amazing.
SHOW NOTES:
FarmHer
Grow by FarmHer
Hunger Fight at Iowa State University
Miss Greater Des Moines
Miss Iowa
Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship
Lexi Marek Website
Lexi Marek Instagram
Lexi Marek Facebook
Thanksgiving is all about gathering around the table to share a meal and celebrate the blessings and many reasons we have to be thankful in our lives. So for this special Thanksgiving edition of the Rural Revival podcast, we’re sitting down with someone who actually makes the tables we gather around - Walt Henson, Owner of Red Tower Design and Manager of Henson Ranch in Canyon, Texas (pop. 13,303).
Walt builds custom wood furniture that tells your story and is built to last. He’s sharing how a traumatic brain injury led to him discovering his new passion for woodworking, and how he has built his custom furniture building business on word of mouth over the past two years. He also talks about managing the family ranch and why it’s important to protect your dream.
SHOW NOTES:
Happy Hereford Ranch
Canyon, Texas
Shop Talk Live
Against the Grain
Devon Evers podcast episode
Website: redtower.design
Instagram: @redtowerwalt
Facebook: Red Tower Design
We’re sitting down with Randa Starnes of Tennessee River Music Company, a registered Hereford and Angus operation in Fort Payne, Alabama. Randa’s talking about life on their family’s cattle production farm, what it’s like to grow up with a famous dad, and how they unexpectedly grew their operation with a new business venture. She shares about what it means to work alongside her husband John every day and how they’re involving their kids in the family business, and also how they’re navigating the transition of passing along the family farm to the next generation.
SHOW NOTES:
Alabama Band
Fort Payne, Alabama
American Hereford Association
Dixieland Delight Angus & Hereford Production Sale
High Cotton Angus & Hereford Bull Sale
Lookout Mountain Genetics
Tennessee River Music Website
Tennessee River Music Facebook
Tennessee River Music Instagram
We’re sitting down with Justin Christman of Roadside Que in Fort Payne, Alabama. Justin made the move to Fort Payne from Denver, Colorado and introduced the first food truck to this rural area. His business has now grown into a new brick and mortar restaurant, right on Main Street in Fort Payne, where they just recently celebrated their grand opening.
SHOW NOTES:
Fudge Family Farms
Fort Payne Chamber of Commerce
Main Street Program
Cigar City Brewing
Fort Payne Farmers Market
Avondale Brewing
Good People Brewing
Roadside ‘Que Facebook
Roadside ‘Que Instagram
Roadside ‘Que Website
Madison County, Iowa
Bridges of Madison County
Pammel Park
Covered Bridges Scenic Byway
1st Avenue Collective
Iowa Theater
Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Iowa Farm Dinner
Winterset Farmers Market
The Grateful Chef
Pammel Park Coffee Company website
Pammel Park Coffee Company Facebook
Pammel Park Coffee Company Instagram
Holstein State Theatre
Okoboji
Holstein, Iowa
Boulders Inn & Suites
Holstein Travel Center
Kohl’s
NYDJ Jeans
Square Reader
Facebook: Rooted Boutique Holstein
Instagram: @rooted.boutique
CornerHaus 101
Rehabd
Billy’s Backdraft Bar & Grill
Stamford, Texas
Shahan Guevara Decker Arrott
Grand Theatre Stamford
Texas Cowboy Reunion
Luke 12:48
Twitter: @jamesdecker2006
Instagram: @jamesmdecker
Facebook: @jamesdecker
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