Leaders Of The West

This week, I’m joined by Melinda Underhill, the powerhouse VP of Human Resources at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, aka the largest event of its kind in the world. With over 36,000 volunteers, 109 committees, and a year-round operation, Melinda offers a behind-the-scenes look at how RodeoHouston runs like a well-oiled (and wildly passionate) machine. We talk about how they cultivate volunteer leadership, create accountability without burnout, and keep communication flowing across thousands of people. Melinda also shares her thoughts on leading with integrity, building family-first cultures, and the powerful role that celebration and recognition play in long-term success. This is a masterclass in people-first leadership, whether you’re running a local booster club or the biggest rodeo in the world. Resources & Links: Peloton Dare to Lead by Brené Brown 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 Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them) Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Follow the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo: Follow on Instagram @rodeohouston Visit the 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 honest solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a personal decision I wrestled with for months: getting an upper blepharoplasty. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and felt unsure about whether it’s okay to want a change (especially as a mom or role model), this episode is for you. I walk through what the surgery is, why I chose to do it now, and how I reconciled that decision with my desire to model confidence and self-love for my daughter. I also share my full experience, from cost, healing time, and recovery tips to the unexpected emotional side of cosmetic surgery. Whether you’ve been curious about eyelid surgery, are navigating your own self-care journey, or just want to hear a very real perspective on beauty, aging, and womanhood, this episode is full of heartfelt, unfiltered conversation. Resources & Links: Idaho Eyelid and Facial Plastic Surgery Radiance Rebel 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 Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them) Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make 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 joined by Shada Brazile, barrel racer, horsewoman, business owner, mom, and someone I deeply admire. From growing up in a rodeo family to building one alongside her husband, Shada has lived a life steeped in the Western lifestyle. In our conversation, she opens up about the realities of balancing rodeo life, marriage, motherhood, horses, and hustle, and how she’s learned to do it all without chasing perfection. In this episode, we talk about the highs and lows and everything in between. Shada’s story is proof that you can pursue your own path and still show up fully for the people and passions that matter most. 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 Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them) Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Connect with Shada: Follow on Instagram @shada_brazile 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 Tiah DeGrofft, the first-ever female president of the iconic Pendleton Round-Up. Tiah has lived nearly every chapter of Round-Up tradition: from growing up in the grandstands to serving as a princess, queen, board member, and eventually president of one of the most historic rodeos in the world. In this episode, we talk about the depth of community behind the Pendleton Round-Up, what it really takes to run a legacy event, and the leadership lessons Tiah has learned along the way. She shares what her background in sports marketing and the PGA Tour taught her about rodeo as a business, why hospitality is the best ROI, and how Round-Up’s 1,200+ volunteers make it all possible. We also dive into her favorite rodeos, what every event can do to create a memorable experience, and how women can relentlessly pursue big dreams without giving up their seat at the table. Resources & Links: Pendleton Round-Up How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie Let’er Buck Not Gonna Lie with Kylie Kelce Podcast Calm Down with Erin & Charissa Podcast The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Show Podcast The Chris Harder Show Podcast The Ed Mylett Show Podcast Toter Tales with Coleman Proctor Podcast The Jeff Fenster Show Podcast The Luke Branquinho Show 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 Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them) Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Connect with Tiah: Follow on Instagram @tdegrofft Follow on Facebook @tiah.degrofft 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 most of us wrestle with at some point: when is it okay to quit? Whether it’s a book, a job, a goal, or a season of life, knowing when to push through and when to let go isn’t always clear, and it’s something I’ve been navigating personally. I share the story of a book that triggered way more introspection than I expected, and how that led to deeper questions around alignment, identity, and even whether I still want to say yes to speaking gigs.  This is a conversation about redefining what resilience looks like, checking in with your gut, and giving yourself permission to pivot, even if it means walking away from something you once wanted. 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 Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them) Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make 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 joined by Karoline Rose Bohannan, founder of KRose Company, Cattleman U, The Rancher’s Daughter, North Fork Fizz, and co-owner of Bohannan Cattle Company.  In this episode, Karoline and I talk about growing up in a family full of hustle, learning how to lead without micromanaging, and building multiple companies that blend tradition with innovation. From launching a dirty soda shop in Montana to buying 30,000 feeder calves a year with her dad, Karoline shares what it really takes to chase ideas, manage people, and lead with intention. She talks candidly about what it takes to be a true visionary, how she decides which ideas are worth pursuing, and the leadership lessons she’s learned along the way. We also cover hiring, hustle culture, entrepreneurial identity, and making time for what actually matters. 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 Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them) Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Connect with Karoline: Follow Karoline on Instagram @rose.karoline Visit KRose Company and follow on Instagram @krosecompany and Facebook Visit The Rancher’s Daughter and follow on Instagram @the_ranchersdaughter and Facebook Visit Cattleman U and follow on Instagram @cattlemanu, Facebook, and listen to the podcast Visit North Fork Fizz and follow on Instagram @northforkfizz, Facebook, and TikTok 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 week’s episode, I’m joined by Kelli LeClair, founder of Heritage Style, ranch wife, mom, and the queen of building a loyal community through business. Kelli has grown her jewelry brand with grit, heart, and zero shortcuts, turning Instagram lives into real relationships and consistent connections into lasting success. We talk about how she started Heritage Style as a side hobby (while selling farm equipment by day), what the move from Texas to Wyoming taught her, and how she’s grown a loyal customer base without chasing trends or playing the influencer game. Kelli shares how she balances trade shows, mom life, and ranch life, plus the mindset shifts that helped her stay positive through hard seasons. This one’s full of wisdom for business owners, boutique brands, and anyone looking to build something of their own, without selling out. Resources & Links: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie The Toast podcast The Daily 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 Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them) Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Connect with Kelli: Follow on Instagram @heritage.style Follow on Facebook @heritagestyle Visit the Heritage Style 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 sharing a story I've never told publicly before. It's about a terrifying experience that pushed me to the edge, changed how I define "hard," and taught me what truly matters. It starts with a burst blood vessel in my eye (twice) and ends with me realizing just how much strength we find when we're backed into a corner. Through all the fear, uncertainty, and horror-movie-level side effects, I came away with one thing: perspective. Most of the things we call "hard," like awkward emails, new projects, and tough conversations, aren't actually hard. They're just unfamiliar. And once you've faced something truly difficult, you stop being afraid of the little stuff. We can find strength in ourselves to face anything.  Resources & Links: Episode 28. How to Push Through a Losing Season 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 Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them) Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make 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 Western artist Gina Teichert, a Nevada-born, California-based painter whose work blends tradition, fashion, and a little Clint Eastwood attitude. Her story is a perfect example of what happens when the West meets big-city energy and creativity, and of how art can bridge worlds that don’t always meet. Gina and I talk about what it means to tell the story of the West through art, how the Coors Young Guns shows create space for new voices (and new collectors!), and why she believes the romance of the West is worth preserving, even if some parts of the myth need rewriting. We also touch on her modeling career, her deep respect for ranch women, and how her upbringing in Elko shaped the kind of artist (and human) she is today. If you’ve ever wondered how art fits into agriculture, or why telling the story of our rural life visually still matters in a digital world, this episode will give you a fresh, thoughtful perspective. Resources & Links: Coors Western Art Young Guns Pre-order Drinking Wild Water: Essays (Voice in the American West) 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 Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them) Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Connect with Gina: Follow on Instagram @ginateichert 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 Wyatt Wentz, rodeo videographer, storyteller, and lifelong stock contractor’s son whose passion for Western sports runs deep. If you’ve watched any of the big rodeos in the Northwest lately, there’s a good chance you’ve seen his work. We talk about how Wyatt got started and how he’s grown a full-time career in video since 2020. We hear why his passion isn’t necessarily for content or camera gear, but for rodeo itself. His story is a reminder that you don’t have to be loud to make an impact, and that starting small can lead to something big. Wyatt also shares the lessons he’s learned behind the lens, why his ultimate goal is to produce full-scale rodeos with Western music events included, and how people like Randy Quartieri helped him bet on himself when it would’ve been easier to play it safe. If you’ve ever been afraid to go all in on your own path, this is the episode for you! Resources & Links: Randy Quartieri Jeff Fenster 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 Wyatt: Follow on Instagram @wyatt_wentz 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 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