Leaders Of The West

In this solo episode, I’m talking about something that feels a little old-school these days: loyalty. We live in a world of next-day shipping, bargain shopping, and endless options. While convenience is great, I believe loyalty is better. Loyalty builds trust, creates long-term relationships, and pays off in ways that cheap never will. I share personal stories about the Chevron crew that’s serviced my car for over a decade, why my family drives hours to work with one specific salesperson, and why I’ll never go to a different hairstylist. These aren’t just transactions, they’re relationships. And those relationships have brought me peace of mind, priority service, and people who genuinely care. Whether you’re a business owner trying to build a loyal customer base or a consumer wondering if that extra $20 is worth it, this episode is a reminder that loyalty always pays off in the long game. Resources & Links: Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description  Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm so excited for this week's episode! I'm joined by Kylie Epperson: entrepreneur, speaker, coach, founder of Farmwives Club, and host of the Boldly Grounded podcast. If you've ever struggled with identity, burnout, or finding your voice in the chaos of farm life, this conversation is going to feel like a big exhale. Kylie shares the behind-the-scenes journey of building Farmwives Club from a deeply personal season of postpartum anxiety, unmet expectations, and a whole lot of self-doubt. We talk about worthiness, motherhood, redefining ambition, and why investing in ourselves as rural women is not only important, but essential. She opens up about how one retreat changed her entire career path, what it's like hosting a 200-woman event in small-town Missouri, and the ROI of investing in spaces where women can feel seen, supported, and celebrated. Whether you're knee-deep in farm chores, raising babies, building a brand, or doing all of the above, Kylie's bold honesty and warmth will resonate deeply.   Resources & Links: Powerhouse Women Podcast Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description  Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West   Connect with Kylie: Follow on Instagram @kylieepperson_  Visit her website Find more info on the 2026 Farm Wives Club The Event Listen to her podcast, Boldly Grounded    Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website    Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the podcast, I'm joined by one of the most respected leaders in Western sports, Linsay Rosser Sumpter, Commissioner of the Women's Rodeo Championships. Linsay has literally done it all: athlete, coach, producer, secretary, marketer, stock contractor, and now a trailblazer in creating real opportunities for women in rodeo. In this episode, Linsay shares her rodeo roots (shoutout to the legendary Cotton Rosser), how she became commissioner of one of the fastest-growing rodeo events in the world, and why she believes innovation and inclusion are key to the future of the sport. We talk about breakaway roping, equal payouts, fan experience, and how Linsay balances deep respect for rodeo's heritage with a clear vision for what's next. We also dive into topics like animal welfare, Title IX, competing rodeo calendars, and what the rodeo industry can learn from women's basketball and even Taylor Swift. Linsay holds nothing back, and her passion for the sport, its athletes, and the next generation is contagious.   Resources & Links: Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description  Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West    Connect with Linsay: Visit Women’s Rodeo Championships Follow Linsay on Instagram @linsaylee   Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website    Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode, I'm talking about something I know many of us have experienced: analysis paralysis. You know the feeling: you want to make the right decision, so you research and plan and overthink, and before you know it, months (or years!) have gone by and you've made no progress. I'm sharing personal stories about dealing with health issues, painting my house, launching Of The West, and how I had to stop waiting for perfection and just start moving forward. Because the truth is, clarity comes from action, not more research. This episode is full of real talk, gentle nudges, and 10 practical takeaways you can use when you're stuck in overthinking mode. If you've been circling an idea, this is your sign to stop talking about it and start being about it.   Resources & Links: Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description  Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West   Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website    Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, I’m so excited to be joined by Katie Hollingsworth, ICF-certified professional coach, mental performance expert, and founder of Krave Coaching. Katie has worked with athletes, entrepreneurs, and leaders from rodeo, wrestling, and football to collegiate and pro athletes. She brings a one-of-a-kind blend of grit, neuroscience, and real-life western world experience to her coaching. With two decades in marketing, communications, and PR, plus years spent in the arena as a coach for the Oklahoma State Rodeo Team and Western Sports Foundation, Katie knows what it takes to perform under pressure and lead with clarity. She’s helped hundreds of people sharpen their focus, overcome self-doubt, and unlock a competitive edge, and in this episode, she brings that insight to you. We talk about redefining success through different life stages, navigating burnout, and the moment Katie realized her own workaholic tendencies weren’t serving her or her family. We also explore how mindset shapes performance, how to build internal self-trust, and what it looks like to parent kids in a way that nurtures healthy self-talk. Whether you’re leading a team, raising a family, or working on your own goals, this conversation is packed with clarity, encouragement, and actionable tools. Resources & Links: Mind Gym by Gary Mack With Winning in Mind by Larry Bassham You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero  Patrick Lencioni books Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description  Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West   Connect with Katie: Follow on Instagram: @kravecoaching Follow on Facebook: @kravecoaching  Visit her website Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website   Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week I’m joined by Lizzy Bentley, founder of City Boots and one of the coolest women in the Western fashion industry. From her early days in Amarillo to her 10-year journey building a handcrafted boot brand, Lizzy shares the story behind creating a product that blends timeless Texas heritage with modern style. We talk about how City Boots started as a creative outlet, how social media helped her find her first manufacturers, and why she’s always kept her focus on making high-quality, long-lasting, good-looking boots that actually feel good on your feet. Lizzy also shares how she navigated the devastating loss of her husband in 2019, how grief changed her life and leadership, and why she ultimately decided to keep the business going. You’ll hear about her favorite collaborations (LoveShackFancy! Megan Moroney! Sydney Sweeney!), how she handles competition in the fashion space, what advice she has for founders feeling overwhelmed, and why pink is absolutely a neutral. Resources & Links: The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Show Podcast The Skinny Confidential Shop Buy Back Your Time by Dan Martell FreedomPark Valet at DFW Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Connect with Lizzy: Follow City Boots on Instagram @citybootsofficial  Follow Lizzy on Instagram @lizardboots Visit City Boots website Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode, I’m telling a story about watering my neighbor’s flowers and how it taught me one of the clearest lessons I’ve had lately about leadership, responsibility, and why “doing the job” is never enough. There’s a difference between following instructions and owning the outcome. Whether you’re a freelancer, an employee, a business owner, or a team leader, this episode is all about why critical thinking, thoughtful initiative, and caring about the end result are what truly set people apart. I also flip the lens and challenge leaders to think about whether their instructions are still aligned with the actual goals, and whether they’re rewarding the people who get creative, solve problems, and think beyond the checklist. If you’re navigating team dynamics, delegation, project ownership, or even just wondering what makes someone great to work with, this episode is for you. Resources & Links: Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to part two of our two-part series about Vence. This week I’m joined by Dr. Miranda Meehan, Extension Livestock Environmental Stewardship Specialist at North Dakota State University and one of the leading researchers studying virtual fencing in rangeland systems. Miranda brings a boots-on-the-ground perspective to this technology—literally. She and her team have collared over 400 animals across multiple research projects, and in this episode she shares what they’re learning about cow behavior, grazing patterns, conservation impacts, and how virtual fence compares to traditional fencing and polywire systems. We talk about everything from escapes (yes, it happens with barbed wire, too), to patch grazing, to how heat maps and collar data are being used to improve grazing distribution and livestock performance. Whether you're curious about how Vence works, wondering if heifers follow instructions better than cows, or just love hearing from women in ag who are doing important work—you’ll love this conversation. Resources & Links: Vence  The Four Winds: A Novel by Kristin Hannah Books by Erik Larson Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description  Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Connect with Vence: Follow on Instagram @sensehubvence  Follow on Facebook @sensehubvence Visit their website Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week I’m joined by Grace Inglee, my Rancher Success Rep from Vence, the virtual fencing company we’ve been using on our own operation since late 2024. After getting so many questions from listeners and followers about how it works, how hard it is to set up, and whether or not it actually keeps cows in, I wanted to bring Grace on to walk through all of it. We break down what virtual fencing is, how it compares to traditional fencing, and the different use cases Vence is seeing across the country—from fire recovery (like ours) to predator monitoring, rotational grazing, and more. Grace also shares how the collars, towers, and herd manager software work together, how long it takes to train cows (spoiler: it’s surprisingly fast), and how even low-tech producers can get up and running with confidence. Whether you’re hearing about virtual fencing for the first time or you’re seriously considering it for your own operation, this episode will answer the questions you didn’t even know to ask. I also share our firsthand experience, what we’ve learned over the last several months, and why we’ve been genuinely impressed by how effective the system is. Resources & Links: ⁠Vence ⁠ ⁠Join The Directory Of The West⁠ Get our FREE resource for ⁠Writing a Strong Job Description⁠  Get our FREE resource for ⁠Making the Most of Your Internship⁠ Email us at ⁠hello@ofthewest.co⁠ Subscribe to Of The West's⁠ ⁠Newsletters⁠ List your jobs on ⁠⁠Of The West⁠ Connect with Vence: Follow on Instagram ⁠@sensehubvence ⁠ Follow on Facebook ⁠@sensehubvence⁠ Connect with Grace: Follow on Instagram ⁠@g_inglee⁠ Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram ⁠@ofthewest.co⁠ and ⁠@mrsjjarv⁠ Follow on Facebook ⁠@jobsofthewest⁠ Check out the Of The West ⁠website⁠ Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode, I’m sharing a surprising business lesson that started in a less-than-stellar wash bay and ended in a car wash that felt more like a spa. From broken vacuums and missing towels to free upgrades and genuine customer care, these experiences reminded me that the little things aren’t so little. I’ll walk you through three takeaways every business can use, whether you’re selling beef, running a boutique, managing a member-based organization, or leading a team. If you want to make your customers feel good about paying you (and keep them coming back), it’s all about consistency, attention to detail, and showing people they matter. Resources & Links: Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description  Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m excited to be joined by Jess Pryles, meat expert, live fire cook, author, TV personality, and founder of the iconic Hardcore Carnivore brand. Originally from Australia, Jess shares how a fascination with Texas barbecue sparked a complete life pivot, taking her from Melbourne to Austin and into the heart of America’s meat culture. We dive into her journey from learning butchery basics at a local shop to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in barbecue. Jess shares how she turned her passion for meat into a thriving business, the lessons she learned launching a product line, and how formal meat science education strengthened her credibility. We also talk social media, brand authenticity, hiring the right team, and why diversifying your content can create deeper audience connections. If you love a good origin story, want insider cooking tips, or just need inspiration for following your passion, Jess delivers it all—served up with a side of steak. This episode is packed with actionable advice you can use right now to improve communication at work and beyond. Resources & Links: BPN Yeti Kitchen Items Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description  Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Connect with Jess: Follow on Instagram @hardcorecarnivore @jesspryles Check out Hardcore Carnivore website Visit Jess Pryles website Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I’m joined by Cate Havstad-Casad, hat maker, leather goods founder, regenerative rancher, and all-around creative force. Cate’s story weaves together multiple passions into a life and business that’s as intentional as it is inspiring. From building custom western hats in a horse barn wash stall, to launching Range Revolution, a leather goods brand sourcing hides from regenerative ranches, Cate shares how she’s tackling waste in the meat industry, strengthening supply chains, and creating heirloom-quality products that honor both the land and the people who steward it. We talk about the realities of starting a mission-driven brand, the challenges (and wins) of building a regenerative supply chain from scratch, and how she balances entrepreneurship with motherhood. Cate also shares how slowing down, building the right team, and staying rooted in purpose have shaped her vision for the future of her multiple businesses.  If you’ve ever dreamed of blending creativity, agriculture, and impact into your own work, or you simply love a good story about building something beautiful from the ground up, this episode will leave you both inspired and motivated to take your own next step. This episode is packed with actionable advice you can use right now to improve communication at work and beyond. Resources & Links: Small is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered by E.F. Schumacher Mountain & Prairie with Ed Roberson Podcast Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description  Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Connect with Cate: Follow on Instagram @rangerevolution @havstadhatco @casadfamilyfarms Visit her websites Range Revolution Havstad Hat Company Casad Family Farms Email her at info@casadfamilyfarms.com Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo episode, I’m diving into something we all run into: how to ask for help or feedback in a way that actually gets you what you need, and how to give focused, respectful feedback when someone else asks. We’ve all been there: you crowdsource advice and end up with a flood of tangents, venting, or random noise before you get anything useful. I break down why vague questions lead to scattered responses, share my C + B + F formula (Context + Boundaries + Format), and explain how small changes can improve the way we interact, collaborate, and support each other, whether online, in meetings, or in everyday life. Along the way, I share insights from Amanda Palmer, Adam Grant, Chris Voss, and Priya Parker, plus some relatable stories (including one about asking if anyone’s been to the zoo, you’ll laugh!). This episode is packed with actionable advice you can use right now to improve communication at work and beyond. Resources & Links: TED Talk: The art of asking by Amanda Palmer Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success by Adam Grant Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It by Chris Voss The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description  Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, I sit down with Mackenzie Burnett, co-founder and CEO of Ambrook, for a conversation that blends tech, ag, leadership, and the courage to jump into something new. Mackenzie shares her path from software and policy into agriculture, why building financial tools for farmers and ranchers became her passion, and how showing up with curiosity (and asking plenty of questions) has been key to Ambrook’s success. We also dig into what it takes to build trust in ag communities, why feedback is a gift, and how imposter syndrome shouldn’t keep you from solving problems you care about. We cover everything from the realities of startup life to what it’s like leading in a niche industry, plus Mackenzie’s surprising journey to becoming an amateur boxer. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, ag business owner, or just someone curious about blending industries, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration.  Resources & Links: The Inner Ring by C.S. Lewis Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description  Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Join the Of The West Email List List your jobs on Of The West Connect with Mackenzie: Follow on X @ciaomack Visit the Ambrook website Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I’m joined by Ty deCordova, seasoned cattleman, entrepreneur, and COO of Live Ag. Ty brings over 25 years of experience in livestock marketing to the table, from growing up sorting cattle in the pens of his family’s Texas cattle company to now co-leading a forward-thinking livestock and equipment sales platform that’s built on innovation, relationships, and faith. In this episode, Ty and I talk about building a business that prioritizes honesty, customer service, and staying rooted in purpose. He shares why Live Ag expanded into equipment sales, how his team is designing user-friendly tech that truly serves producers, and how they’ve already marketed more than 150,000 head of cattle in less than a year. Ty also gives us his honest perspective on the cattle market, where it’s heading, and the critical role land and water access will play in shaping agriculture's future. Whether you're marketing calves, building a business, or just looking for a grounded and honest conversation, this one is packed with insight you won't want to miss. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Resources & Links: Be A Maker School⁠ Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Join the Of The West Email List List your jobs on Of The West Connect with Ty: Follow Live Ag on Instagram @live.ag.auctions Follow Live Ag on Facebook @liveag Visit the Live Ag website Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, I’m sharing a topic that’s been on my heart: why taking pride in our appearance still matters. This isn’t about vanity or having the latest trends. It’s about intention, discipline, and the message we send to others and ourselves when we choose to show up well. Whether you’re heading to a meeting, school event, or just running errands, how we present ourselves speaks volumes. I’m also offering simple, practical tips for getting dressed with confidence, without needing a huge budget or closet full of clothes. It’s not about being fancy, it’s about being intentional. And when we take the time to show up with care, it reflects the pride we have in our work, our families, and our roles in this industry. If we want others to take our industry seriously, we need to take ourselves seriously first.  Resources & Links: ⁠Be A Maker School⁠ Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description  Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Join the Of The West Email List List your jobs on Of The West Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today I’m joined by the one and only Click Thompson, three-time PRCA Photographer of the Year, creative powerhouse, and someone who’s helping shape the future of Western sports through a lens of trust, grit, and storytelling.  Click’s journey is anything but typical. Originally from Virginia and a former Department of Defense employee, he left a stable government job to chase something most people couldn’t understand: rodeo photography. From the bright lights of the NFR to the quiet, behind-the-scenes moments most people never see, Click has documented rodeo with purpose and passion. And he’s only just getting started. In this episode, we talk about falling in love with the process, the reality of “overnight success,” and what it really takes to build a creative career in the Western industry. Click shares how obsession with your craft (not just your subject) is key, why the Western industry thrives on relationships, and how staying committed when no one’s watching changes everything. Whether you’re a photographer, entrepreneur, or just someone grinding toward your goals—this one’s a masterclass in resilience, storytelling, and heart. Resources & Links: The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Join the Of The West Email List List your jobs on Of The West Connect with Click: Follow on Instagram @clickthompson  Follow on Facebook @clickt  Visit his website Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, I’m joined by the vibrant and faith-filled Skylar Richardson, founder of SkyGardens in West Texas. Raised on a cotton farm, Skyler’s journey took a turn from law school ambitions to flower farming—thanks to a canceled LSAT, a supportive family, and a deep sense of purpose rooted in faith and community. In this episode, we dive into what it really takes to grow delicate blooms in the middle of dust, drought, and 30 mph winds. Skyler shares the miracle moments behind her flower farm’s beginnings, the challenges of farming in unpredictable conditions, and why inviting the community to experience the farm firsthand has been such a powerful part of her mission. If you’ve ever felt called to pivot your plans, lean into your faith, or just want to hear a story about beauty blooming where it “shouldn’t,” this one’s for you. Resources & Links: Bible Mysteries Podcast Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Join the Of The West Email List List your jobs on Of The West Connect with Skyler Follow SkyGardens on Instagram @skygardenstx  Follow SkyGardens on Facebook @skygardenstx Watch SkyGardens on YouTube @skygardenstx Visit SkyGardens website Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, I’m behind the mic solo sharing two podcast episodes that really challenged and inspired me, and I think they’ll do the same for you. Both come from The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast, and while the guests (Piers Morgan and Emma Grede) couldn’t be more different, they left me thinking about two things we all need more of: the ability to really listen to people we don’t agree with, and the willingness to put in the work if we want to build a life of freedom. From creating meaningful conversations to embracing the grind, these episodes hit on lessons that are so relevant in both our personal and professional lives. I’m sharing why those interviews stuck with me, how they apply to leadership in ag and western industries, and why I think we’ve got to stop shaming hustle and start owning the season we’re in. Whether you’re just starting out or building your next chapter, I hope this episode is a reminder that growth isn’t always comfortable, but it’s always worth it. If something’s been challenging you lately, a book, a podcast, a conversation—I’d love to hear it. Let’s keep learning, listening, and leading with purpose. Resources & Links: The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast Episode 838: Piers Morgan Unfiltered - Advice To Society, Meghan & Harry, Political Chaos, & Bouncing Back In The Era Of Cancel Culture The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast Episode 841: Emma Grede On Pt. 2 Work Life Balance Truths, Successful Traits, Finding Your Strengths, & Hustle Culture Aspire with Emma Grede Podcast Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description  Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Join the Of The West Email List List your jobs on Of The West Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I’m excited to be joined by Terrell Miller, co-founder of Cattlesoft and the force behind CattleMax, one of the most trusted software platforms in the cattle industry. What started as a student project between him and his wife in 1999 has grown into a suite of rancher-focused tools used across the country and internationally.  In this episode, Terrell shares the humble beginnings of CattleMax, how he mailed out software CDs before laptops were common, and what it’s taken to earn the trust of ranchers over 25+ years. We dive into how smartphone adoption shifted the ag tech landscape, where AI is headed in the livestock industry, and why genomic testing is becoming a game-changer for commercial producers. We also talk about the entire Cattlesoft ecosystem: CattleTags, CattleScales, CattleDNA, and the popular Ranching.com newsletter, and why they’ve remained committed to customer choice, compatibility, and helping producers manage records their way. Terrell’s down-to-earth leadership style, combined with his passion for technology and cattle, makes this a conversation full of insight and inspiration. Resources & Links: Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Join the Of The West ⁠Email List List your jobs⁠ on Of The West Connect with Terrell: Visit Cattlesoft, CattleMax, CattleTags, CattleScales, CattleDNA, Ranching.com Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices