Rural Revival

On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Eddie and Julie Flores of Nursing Back to Life, which follows their restoration of an old house in Lincoln, Kansas (pop. 1,171) that is now their home. It all started when a free house in Julie’s hometown went viral and they decided they just might be the ones that wanted to save it! Eddie and Julie are sharing how they got the house and moved it to its new location and are taking us through the restoration process. You’ll learn how they repurposed different elements of the house, why this was important for their community, and how this project has given them a fresh perspective on small towns and inspired them to get involved in the community.This is such a fun project and fun conversation! We share a similar part of our story where covid was the catalyst to getting us back to our hometowns, and I know we’re not alone in that, so it’s nice to see some good things come out of that season. Be sure to go check out Eddie and Julie’s episode on In With the Old and follow along with them on social media. I’m excited to see what happens next for them!Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:Lincoln, KansasCheap Old HousesFor the Love of Old HousesIn With The Old - HBO Max and Discovery+FOLLOW NURSING BACK TO LIFE:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOKBE A PART OF OUR BOOK!Yes that’s right, we’re launching a book! And we want YOU to be a part of it! Imagine all the Rural Revival stories you love, now all together in the form of a beautiful coffee table book! Over the years we’ve collected so many great stories and we know there are so many more out there, so we’re asking you to submit YOUR Rural Revival story to be included in this new book. We want this to be a source of inspiration that you can keep going back to, or that you can give to help inspire someone else’s story! We are accepting submissions through May 31, 2024. Submit your rural revival story here!MORE FROM RURAL REVIVALWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK

On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Dakota Dawn Johnson, host of the Cowgirl Confessions podcast, in Mound City, Kansas (pop. 647). Dakota is a ranch wife, podcast host, and successful saleswoman and is sharing with us about her wonderfully wild and western life, as she likes to call it. We’re talking about sales and sponsorships and why that doesn’t have to be as hard as you think, and Dakota’s giving us some great keys to making ourselves better in these areas by making sales skills life skills. She’s also talking about the cowgirl state of mind and inviting other people into this lifestyle, and what it looks like to find your calling and live that out.Dakota truly is one of the most encouraging people I know and I love the way she champions women and shares their stories to inspire us. She talks about being a light, but we are so thankful for her bright light and positive outlook on our rural way of life!And be sure to check out her podcast because if you love this podcast, I have a feeling you’re gonna love her podcast, too!Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:Mound City, KansasAriat InternationalThe Kickstart Guide to SponsorshipsOf the WestCowgirl Confessions PodcastFOLLOW DAKOTA:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOKBRANDED BY RURAL REVIVALI have a fun announcement - we’ve now expanded our design services at Branded by Rural Revival to offer logos, branding, and marketing assets! So, if you need a logo or brand refresh, we’d love to help you build a brand you love. You can find out more at brandedbyruralrevival.co/design.MORE FROM RURAL REVIVALWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK

On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Laura Capp of Postscript, a stationery shop in Ashland, Nebraska (pop. 3,191). Laura’s sharing how the journey of becoming an English professor turned into an entrepreneurial journey that brought her back to her hometown. We talk about why she chose a small town over the nearby city, learning how to market a new business in a small town, the importance of an email list and good photography, and more!You’ll love what Laura has created with her shop and how she’s shown us a niche store like this really can work in a small town! While I was in Ashland I discovered some really fun shops there, so I put together a Small Town Shopping Guide for Ashland on the blog. This is a really fun destination for a small town shopping day! You’ll find that in the show notes, as well as links where you can follow Postscript.Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:Ashland, NebraskaCenter for the Book - University of IowaHome Ec WorkshopRSVPGlacial TillThe Gift NicheWillow Point GallerySalt Creek MercantileFariner BakeryHeather Hall PhotographyPoetry by PostTo the Lighthouse by Virginia WoolfTask Pad by Shorthand PressFOLLOW POSTSCRIPT:WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOKBRANDED BY RURAL REVIVALSince the beginning of Rural Revival I’ve worked hard to find ways to tap into my experience in marketing and communication, apply that to strategies that work for small towns and small businesses, and empower you to take that information and run with it. Honestly, it’s always been a dream of mine to have a rural-based design agency that employs people who also live in and love small towns. I now have the right team in place, and we have officially launched Branded by Rural Revival - a rural design studio for small businesses and small towns!Right now we’re primarily focused on websites and social media. Our premium website templates and packages are designed to help you quickly build and launch your website so you can start attracting your dream clients, reaching people in and beyond your small town, and doing what you were made to do. And our social media course will teach you to leverage engagement so you can authentically reach your audience. Find out more at brandedbyruralrevival.co. We can’t wait to help you grow your business online!MORE FROM RURAL REVIVALWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK

Today we are bringing you a very special episode of the Rural Revival podcast! This just so happens to be our 150th episode, and I felt like that was worth celebrating, so I asked my dear friend and Rural Revival travel buddy Joni Nash if she would interview me and talk about what all has transpired since this first started.It was so much fun to relive all of that and I think it’s always good to go back and remind yourself of where you came from, so thanks for allowing me that opportunity today. Whether you’re a new listener or one who has been with me from the very beginning, I just want to thank you for being part of this community. It is you all who inspire me every day, so keep doing what you’re doing, living out your dreams. And remember, what’s the best that could happen?Grab a cup of coffee and sit down and enjoy this special 150th episode with Joni and me.BRANDED BY RURAL REVIVALSince the beginning of Rural Revival I’ve worked hard to find ways to tap into my experience in marketing and communication, apply that to strategies that work for small towns and small businesses, and empower you to take that information and run with it. Honestly, it’s always been a dream of mine to have a rural-based design agency that employs people who also live in and love small towns. I now have the right team in place, and we have officially launched Branded by Rural Revival - a rural design studio for small businesses and small towns!Right now we’re primarily focused on websites and social media. Our premium website templates and packages are designed to help you quickly build and launch your website so you can start attracting your dream clients, reaching people in and beyond your small town, and doing what you were made to do. And our social media course will teach you to leverage engagement so you can authentically reach your audience. Find out more at brandedbyruralrevival.co. We can’t wait to help you grow your business online!MORE FROM RURAL REVIVALWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK

On this episode we’re with Beth Simonson of Highmore, South Dakota (pop. 682), where she and her husband John are owners of a historic home now known as Hydeout Bed & Breakfast.Beth is sharing about the importance of getting involved in the community, and how she as an introvert decided to step out and do just that. Through that she’s seen a lot of her own personal and business dreams come true, as well as some of the town of Highmore’s.She’s now helping position Highmore as a sunflower field tourist attraction through things like a photography workshop, Sunflower Festival, and more. We also talk about creating an arts council to bring in front porch music concerts and art shows, plus what they’re doing to encourage graduates to come back to Highmore.You’ll love Beth’s story and learning how brave she was to start getting involved in the community, and then seeing how rewarding that has been for her!Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:Highmore, South DakotaMarketing Hometown AmericaPioneer Woman Magazine - 25 Best Sunflower Fields Across the U.S.Dignity SculptureFaulkton Grain Elevator MuralDakota PlayersHyde County Parks and RecreationFOLLOW HYDEOUT BED & BREAKFAST:FACEBOOK | WEBSITEBRANDED BY RURAL REVIVALSince the beginning of Rural Revival I’ve worked hard to find ways to tap into my experience in marketing and communication, apply that to strategies that work for small towns and small businesses, and empower you to take that information and run with it. Honestly, it’s always been a dream of mine to have a rural-based design agency that employs people who also live in and love small towns. I now have the right team in place, and we have officially launched Branded by Rural Revival - a rural design studio for small businesses and small towns!Right now we’re primarily focused on websites and social media. Our premium website templates and packages are designed to help you quickly build and launch your website so you can start attracting your dream clients, reaching people in and beyond your small town, and doing what you were made to do. And our social media course will teach you to leverage engagement so you can authentically reach your audience. Find out more at brandedbyruralrevival.co. We can’t wait to help you grow your business online!MORE FROM RURAL REVIVALWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK

On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Libby Timmerman of Heart and Sole Dance and Performing Arts Studio in Cherokee, Iowa (pop. 5,099). Libby’s sharing how she unexpectedly became a dance studio owner at the age of 14, and how she’s grown from teaching 25 students in her first year to now having a multifaceted performing arts studio with 145 students and a staff of 10 that offers tap, jazz, ballet, musical theater, hip hop, tumbling, acrobatics, and more. WOW! She’s also expanded from one studio to three and restored two historic buildings in the process. Libby is all about creating opportunities for others to be part of the studio and stay in their hometown — just like she did. You’ll love her heart to impact future generations through dance and provide artistic opportunities for all ages in her community!Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:Cherokee, IowaFOLLOW HEART AND SOLE DANCE AND PERFORMING ARTS STUDIO:WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | LIBBY FACEBOOKBRANDED BY RURAL REVIVALSince the beginning of Rural Revival I’ve worked hard to find ways to tap into my experience in marketing and communication, apply that to strategies that work for small towns and small businesses, and empower you to take that information and run with it. Honestly, it’s always been a dream of mine to have a rural-based design agency that employs people who also live in and love small towns. I now have the right team in place, and we have officially launched Branded by Rural Revival - a rural design studio for small businesses and small towns!Right now we’re primarily focused on websites and social media. Our premium website templates and packages are designed to help you quickly build and launch your website so you can start attracting your dream clients, reaching people in and beyond your small town, and doing what you were made to do. And our social media course will teach you to leverage engagement so you can authentically reach your audience. Find out more at brandedbyruralrevival.co. We can’t wait to help you grow your business online!MORE FROM RURAL REVIVALWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK

On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Stanton Community Development Director Jenna Ramsey, and FMTC General Manager and CEO Kevin Cabbage, both from Stanton, Iowa (pop. 678). Kevin and Jenna are sharing how Kevin’s company created a role for a community development director, a role that Jenna now fills, in partnership with their city. This partnership, along with Jenna’s hard work and the help of many others, has allowed them to receive over $5 million in grants in five years — and their Main Street is thriving. The theme that resonates throughout this interview is people and partners. If you want strategies for getting your community to work together on a greater vision and get projects completed, you are going to love this interview! We are excited to be featuring success stories from Stanton all week long, so be sure to check out our socials and website each day for new inspiration! Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTESFMTCSwedish Heritage & Cultural CenterOld Lumberyard Event CenterCDBG Downtown Facade GrantSWIPCOCommunity Catalyst GrantGibbs ChophouseStanton Child Resource CenterGovernor’s Empower Rural Iowa Task ForceIowa Rural Development CouncilRural Ideas NetworkViking Lake State ParkIowa Thriving Community DesignationFika Coffee + Bake ShoppeStanton FriendsFOLLOW STANTONWEBSITE | FACEBOOKNOW BOOKING FOR 2024!It’s hard to believe that we are nearing the end of the year for 2023! I’ve had the BEST time traveling around to so many of your towns this year and getting to meet so many of you! Whether it’s speaking at your conferences or annual member celebrations, bringing a workshop to your group, or coming to do podcast interviews or town features — it’s truly an honor to get to come encourage and inspire your communities and spark some ideas. We are now booking dates for 2024, so if you’d like to bring Rural Revival to your town next year, visit our website or send us a message, and let’s talk more about making that happen!MORE FROM RURAL REVIVALWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK

On this episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Steffany Bettin of The Blue Jay Boutique in Danbury, Iowa (pop. 320).Steffany’s sharing how she turned an old barbershop in her hometown into a boutique to offer what she calls ‘girl next door’ clothes. She talks about learning her customer base and what they want, expanding her space, launching an app, attracting customers beyond her small town, and more.She also talks about what it means to bring this business to her hometown, and I’ll warn you, you might want to get your tissues ready for this one. It’s been really cool to watch Steffany really grow a big local following and bringing all these people to HER small town.You’re going to love her story!Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTESSiouxland’s Best Boutique online votingRural Route RambleKatie & Co.FOLLOW THE BLUE JAY BOUTIQUEFACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITE | APPHOLIDAY MASTERCLASS SESSIONI wanted to tell you our Holiday Masterclass Session that we just hosted, where we talked about Five Ways to Win in Retail this Holiday Season WITHOUT Offering Discounts — and we got on a roll so it was actually more like 8-10 ways. We know this is such an important time of year for your business, so we brought some ideas to the table that you maybe haven’t thought of that can be a big WIN for your business this season. We’ve made the replay available for a short time, and you can find it here. And in case you’re listening to this after the fact, we’ll be doing more of these next year so go get signed up for our email list to know when we’re making those available.MORE FROM RURAL REVIVALWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK

On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Melissa Lyons of Melissa Lyons Art in Beaufort, South Carolina (pop. 12,960). Melissa was a military wife trying to make more money for her family when she started painting, and now 11 years later her art has landed her in places like Hobby Lobby and Target, and she’s hosting creative weekends to help teach others everything she knows. She shares her powerful story and what she has walked through to get to where she is today, and how those dreams and desires that are in all of us for a reason. You’ll love to see how all of this has unfolded in Melissa’s life to get where she is today, and her creative weekends look amazing! They are selling out quickly, so if you want in, don’t wait on it.Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:Beaufort, South CarolinaFOLLOW MELISSA LYONS ART:FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITEBRANDED BY RURAL REVIVALSince the beginning of Rural Revival I’ve worked hard to find ways to tap into my experience in marketing and communication, apply that to strategies that work for small towns and small businesses, and empower you to take that information and run with it. Honestly, it’s always been a dream of mine to have a rural-based design agency that employs people who also live in and love small towns. I now have the right team in place, and we have officially launched Branded by Rural Revival - a rural design studio for small businesses and small towns!Right now we’re primarily focused on websites and social media. Our premium website templates and packages are designed to help you quickly build and launch your website so you can start attracting your dream clients, reaching people in and beyond your small town, and doing what you were made to do. And our social media course will teach you to leverage engagement so you can authentically reach your audience. Find out more at brandedbyruralrevival.co. We can’t wait to help you grow your business online!MORE FROM RURAL REVIVALWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK

On today’s episode we’re with Grant and Jane Golliher of Diamond Cross Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming (pop. 10,849). Grant and Jane are sharing how they’re continuing on the legacy of one of the last remaining historic ranches in Teton County through what they call ‘creative agriculture.’ By taking risks and following dreams, they’ve brought corporate events, weddings, photo shoots, merch, and more to the ranch, bringing guests an unforgettable experience AND breathtaking views of the Grand Tetons. You’ll love hearing from this incredible couple and incredible family, and to see how they are using creative agriculture here at the ranch is amazing. And if you can find a way to come experience Diamond Cross Ranch, do it! You will not be disappointed!Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:Moran, WyomingDubios, WyomingThink Like a HorseTeton CabinsFOLLOW DIAMOND CROSS RANCH:FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITEBRANDED BY RURAL REVIVALSince the beginning of Rural Revival I’ve worked hard to find ways to tap into my experience in marketing and communication, apply that to strategies that work for small towns and small businesses, and empower you to take that information and run with it. Honestly, it’s always been a dream of mine to have a rural-based design agency that employs people who also live in and love small towns. I now have the right team in place, and we have officially launched Branded by Rural Revival - a rural design studio for small businesses and small towns!Right now we’re primarily focused on websites and social media. Our premium website templates and packages are designed to help you quickly build and launch your website so you can start attracting your dream clients, reaching people in and beyond your small town, and doing what you were made to do. And our social media course will teach you to leverage engagement so you can authentically reach your audience. Find out more at brandedbyruralrevival.co. We can’t wait to help you grow your business online!MORE FROM RURAL REVIVALWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK

Today we’re with Katie Adams of Stuart Flowers & Gifts in Stuart, Iowa (pop. 1,782). Katie’s floral experience comes from an ag class in high school, but her journey took her from being a teacher to 4-H to corporate America before it came full circle as a full time career. Katie’s sharing about what it looks like to transition a long-time business to a new owner, how she’s bringing out her creative side, what success looks like to her, and what we can all do to help out local brick and mortar flower shops. So here we go with Katie Adams.You’ll love how all the dots connected to get Katie to where she is today. And it leaves me with question for you, and it’s the same one Katie asked herself in this interview: what would you do if you could not fail? And I really encourage you to think about that and actually write down your answer somewhere. And if you need someone to share that with, you can always write it down in a DM me. I love hearing your dreams and cheering you on as you go after them. Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTESStuart, Iowa Doe A Deer Maven Blush Boutique The Stuart Scoop Bonnie & Clyde Bank Ruthie’s Parlor Ruby’s Pub & Grill Johnny’s Tap Stuart Iowa Home Town Ken Coleman podcast -  Good Egg DaysFOLLOW STUART FLOWERS & GIFTS:FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | WEBSITESMALL TOWN DREAMER CHALLENGEFor those of you listening to Katie’s story and that stirred something inside of you, that thing you would do if you could not fail, I believe those dreams are in our heart for a reason. I’ve created the Small Town Dreamer Discovery Course to help you explore those dreams a little more and see if they can actually become a reality for you! Go to ruralrevival.co/dreamercourse for more info. A year (or even a month) from now, you’ll be so glad you did!MORE FROM RURAL REVIVALWEBSITE INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK

Today on the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Julia Blaine of Strong Arm Baking in Oxford, North Carolina. This is our first interview in North Carolina and it did not disappoint! Julia is sharing how it all started with a wood oven and a side hustle at the farmer’s market and a bread share program, and has since turned into a booming brick and mortar with over 68 employees! We also discuss the power of an email list, a recognizable brand, and creating great small town experiences. Julia and her husband Thomas are proof that you really don’t have to have it all figured out, you just have to start and take it one step at a time. You’ll love hearing how this business has grown through all the stages and just how innovative and adaptive Julia and Thomas have been as they have sought to best serve their community throughout this growth.Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTESOxford, North Carolinastrongarmbaking.comFOLLOW STRONG ARM BAKING:FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAMSMALL TOWN DREAMER CHALLENGEFor those of you listening who have a dream burning inside of you to start a side hustle or a brick and mortar business like Julia has done, and just listening to this stirs something in your soul, I believe those dreams are in our heart for a reason. I’ve created the Small Town Dreamer Discovery Course to help you explore those dreams a little more and see if they can actually become a reality for you!Go to ruralrevival.co/dreamercourse for more info. A year (or even a month) from now, you’ll be so glad you did!MORE FROM RURAL REVIVALWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOK

Today we’re with Kayla White of Promise Manor in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Promise Manor is an historic wedding and event venue that centers around a 160-year-old Southern farmhouse and rich ties to Lynchburg history. As you will learn in today’s interview, entrepreneurship is in Kayla’s blood, and she’s just getting started with everything she is going to bring to Promise Manor. She’s sharing about the heartwarming story behind the name, her connection to the land and saving our family farms for future generations, and the importance of vision. You’ll love the story of how all of this has come together with Promise Manor, and if you are looking for a great destination, put this one on the list because this place is absolutely stunning!Check out more on the blog.Show notes:Lynchburg, TennesseeMiss Mary Bobo’s Boarding HouseSoul SeriesRooted CollectionAllen Farm Adventures Children’s Bookpromisemanor.comFOLLOW PROMISE MANOR:FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAMFOLLOW SILOS AT PROMISE MANOR:FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAMCheck out the blog for this episode here!Small Town Success Masterclass Series

On this episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Jaye Wells of True Ranch Collection based out of Tuscon, Arizona. Jaye and his crew are doing some incredible work with historic ranch properties in the west and have most recently created a concept called a pop-up dude ranch. It all started last summer at the historic OTO Ranch in Montana, just north of Yellowstone, and it’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen.Jaye has also had a career as a preservation architect and his perspective is one you will all appreciate. Now he’s combining his background in preservation architecture and hospitality with ranching, and today he’s sharing why it’s so important to save these places and preserve this authentic lifestyle of dude ranching, all while providing an unforgettable experience in the west.You’ll be inspired by Jaye’s efforts to save and steward these important pieces of western history and the lifestyle that surrounds them, and you’ll appreciate the perspective he shared on historic preservation. Check out the blog and show notes to see some incredible pictures of the OTO and the Pop Up Ranch experience, go give them a follow, and be sure to book your stay soon if you want to experience this for yourself!Check out more on the blog.Show notes:True Ranch CollectionOTO RanchNational Forest Service - MontanaGardiner Community FundCircle Bar Guest RanchCharles Marion RussellTombstone Monument RanchRancho de la OsaKay El Bar Guest RanchRillito Park Racetrack Ranch Preservation FoundationPresumido PassFOLLOW TRUE RANCH COLLECTION:FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOKSOCIAL FOR SMALL TOWNS COURSE

Today we’re with Marcy Bergman of Fueled by Faith Coffee and Marcy Bergman Photography in Sumner, Iowa (pop. 2,021). Marcy is sharing about her coffee shop and photography business, which are both side hustles for her, plus her role in helping revive Sumner along with two of her incredible friends, and how their small wins started building a lot of momentum for revival in the community.You will love everything Marcy is involved with and all of the great things going on in Sumner. And don’t you think we all need a library meeting group of friends in our towns, wouldn’t you agree? Each of these ladies is amazing in their own right and together they are a power team! All week long we will be featuring businesses in Sumner on our blog, so be sure to check out our socials and website each day for new inspiration (links are below).As we mentioned in the interview, the Farm Dinner and What Could Be Tour have been big wins for the group in Sumner in gaining momentum for their town. Rural Revival offers kits for both of these events to help you with every part of your planning including guides, templates, and tips to set you up for success and get a big win in your community.Check out more on the blog.Show notes:Sumner, IowaFredericksburg, IowaNortheast Security BankCamp ClimbCoffee School of TexasWhat Could Be TourFarm Dinner Event KitBarnstorm Coffee, Episode 79Small Town Dreamer ChallengeIowa Economic Development AuthorityMakers MarketGrain & ThreadTwisted SistersWood & RustInstagram: @fueledbyfaithcoffeeFacebook: /fueledbyfaithcoffeemarcybergmanphotography.comInstagram: @mbergman25Facebook: /marcybergmanphotographyFacebook: /excelaratingsumner

Today we’re with Shanda Mattix of Barnwood & Bling and M Arrow Ranch in Colby, Kansas. Shanda and her husband Caleb are building - and living in - a legacy of agriculture. From her role as the Equine Program Director and Equestrian Team Head Coach at Colby Community College, to turning a creative outlet into a western home decor and fashion business, to selling their meat locally, we are covering it all. And you will find a common theme throughout this conversation: the heart behind everything Shanda and Caleb are involved in is to intentionally serve a need in their community, and that’s pretty special.Shanda is one of the most involved people I know and I love how she and her family are immersed in ag and are maximizing their opportunities on their land. I got to witness this firsthand in the few days I had the opportunity to spend in Colby. Colby has a lot to offer, and if you’re looking for a fun girls shopping trip down a historic small town Main Street, or are looking for a great place to stop when you’re headed west to the mountains, you’ll want to make Colby part of your plans.Check out more on the blog.Show notes:KStateSigma AlphaAGR / Alpha Gamma RhoCheyenne County, KansasSheridan County, KansasColby Community CollegeDraper Family Commercial CattleM Arrow RanchKansas Farm Bureau - Young Farmers and Ranchers CommitteeFarm Bureau Family of the YearPrairie Barn MarketColby Museum and Historical SocietyFoster FarmsColby, KansasInstagram: @barnwoodandblingFacebook: /barnwoodandblingInstagram: @cmportablewelding

We are back for season five of the podcast and we have an incredible interview to kick off the year with Josh Smith of Montana Knife Company and Josh Smith Knives in Frenchtown, Montana (pop. 1,741). Josh started making knives at age 11 and went on to become the youngest Journeyman Smith and youngest Master Smith. Fast forward to two years ago and a meeting with country artist Thomas Rhett where he got the push he needed to quit his job and go all in with this business, and from there it exploded practically overnight. He’s sharing how he organically grew the company, why American made matters, what sets MKC apart as a knife company, and so much more.Everything Josh does is done with excellence and his company and everything it stands for is so impressive. This was a business 20+ years in the making, and Josh persevered and kept going and kept building this until the timing was right to go all in. And then, when he did, everything fell into place.Be sure to check out the show notes and follow Josh and Montana Knife Company on socials so you can keep up with the latest blade drops and other info!Check out more on the blog.Show notes:Frenchtown, MontanaLincoln, MontanaWinterstrongThomas RhettBig SkyTotal Archery ChallengeBlack Rifle CoffeeInstagram: @montanaknifecompanyFacebook: /MontanaKnifeComontanaknifecompany.comInstagram: @joshsmithknivesjoshsmithknives.comPodcast - The Josh Smith Show

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!Check out more on the blog.Show notes:Dallas on FacebookUnderestimated 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!Check out more on the blog.Show notes:Moville, IowaHardly GeneralHungry CanyonRedneck LimoInstagram: @ruralrouterambleFacebook: /ruralrouterambleMeet 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!Check out more on the blog.Show notes:Pawhuska, OklahomaThe Pioneer WomanWynona, OklahomaOsage OutfittersKillers of the Flower MoonKendrick McCartney Johnson Funeral HomePawhuska movie facade makeover