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  • 106. The Cattle Industry on a Global Scale: A Conversation with PJ Budler
    2025/06/03
    This week, I’m joined by PJ Budler—cattleman, international livestock judge, and passionate advocate for balance in the cattle industry. PJ brings a fascinating global lens to our conversation, having judged over 100 breeds in 50 countries. From his early beginnings in South Africa to his current work across the U.S. and beyond, PJ shares what he’s learned about the importance of adapted, functional cattle and the impact of decentralization on rural communities. We talk about the difference between chasing trends and building generational operations, why average cattle are actually the backbone of the industry, and how the U.S. can lead globally by focusing on adaptability and trade. PJ’s philosophy of holding the middle and his advocacy for family farms makes this conversation one you don’t want to miss—especially if you care about the long-term sustainability of agriculture. Resources & Links: Man Must Measure by Jan Bonsma 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 PJ: Follow on Instagram @pjbudler 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
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    49 分
  • 105. From Apple Seed to Slice: Kait Thornton’s Story
    2025/05/27
    This week’s episode features Apple Girl Kait, also known as Kaitlyn Thornton, a fourth-generation orchardist who’s using her voice to bridge the gap between agriculture and the everyday consumer. Kait shares how selling apricots as a teenager sparked her love for marketing, storytelling, and educating others about life on the farm. From misconceptions about pesticides and labor to questions as simple as “do apples grow on trees?”, Kait has made a name for herself by answering it all with honesty, humor, and heart. We talk about the power of showing up online, why agriculture needs to start playing offense in the digital space, and what leadership looks like in this new era of advocacy. Kait’s approachable style and willingness to share both her knowledge and curiosity remind us that we don’t need to be experts — we just need to be willing to tell our stories. Whether you're in ag or not, this episode will leave you inspired to speak up, support others, and find meaning in the work you do. Resources & Links: The Mel Robbins 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 Kait: Follow on LinkedIn @kaitlynthornton Follow on Instagram @applegirlkait Follow on TikTok @apple.girl.kait 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
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    41 分
  • 104. Burnout, Boundaries & Becoming a Better Leader: A Conversation with Sammie McCracken
    2025/05/20
    This week’s episode is a deep and honest conversation with Sammie McCracken, founder of Buckskin Rowe, equine sports marketing expert, and all-around inspiring woman. Sammie brings the realness we all need when it comes to navigating burnout, balancing (or not balancing) business and motherhood, and leading a team with empathy. We talk about how burnout can sneak in without warning, especially for high achievers, and what it actually looks like to recognize it in yourself and your team. Sammie shares her personal story of building a business, hiring the right people, and choosing growth over perfection. You’ll hear us dive into leadership, team dynamics, and the importance of checking in, on others and on ourselves. Resources & Links: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin Born to Run by Christopher McDougall Huberman Lab Podcast Lex Fridman Podcast Shawn Ryan Show The Joe Rogan Experience Dr. Christina Maslach Dr. Michael Leiter Loom 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 Sammie: Follow on Instagram @buckskinrowe and @sammielmccracken Visit the Buckskin Rowe 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
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    57 分
  • 103. The Power of Vertical Integration & Regenerative Farming with Ladd + Zoey Wahlen
    2025/05/13
    Today’s conversation is with guests Ladd and Zoey Wahlen, the husband-and-wife duo behind Roots Chips! This is the first time we’ve had a couple on the podcast together, and their story is such a great example of passion, perseverance, and purpose. From growing potatoes on their farm in Idaho to launching a regenerative, farmer-owned chip brand, Ladd and Zoey are doing business differently. In this episode, we talk about how they took a big idea (that started as a dream!) and turned it into a thriving consumer product, all while raising four kids, running a farm, and making regenerative agriculture a core part of their mission. We also dive into the behind-the-scenes of building a brand from scratch, navigating the challenges of distribution, hiring a strong team, and the reality of balancing (or not balancing) two full-time businesses. Resources & Links: Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie 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 Ladd and Zoey: Follow on Instagram @rootschips Visit the website Follow on TikTok @rootschips 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
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    38 分
  • 102. Embracing Creativity & Brand Identity with Torie Egger
    2025/05/06
    I'm so excited for you to hear today’s conversation with Torie Egger! Torie is a wildly talented western lifestyle photographer with a gift not just behind the camera, but also in how she builds community and shares her craft. In this episode, we talk about how she went from photographing livestock on her family’s feedlot to building a recognizable brand and business with purpose. Torie shares about the early days of her business, what she wishes she had done differently, and the personal projects that keep her inspired today. We also talk about creativity vs. competition, the myth of gatekeeping in the creative space, and how her “everyone has a seat at my table” mindset has shaped both her personal values and business growth. This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone trying to build a meaningful brand, overcome imposter syndrome, or stay creatively inspired—whether you're a photographer or not. 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 Torie: Follow on Instagram @torieegger Follow on Tiktok @torieegger Follow on YouTube @torieegger 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
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    43 分
  • 101. From Entry Level to Executive with Emily Konkel
    2025/04/29
    I'm excited to have Emily Konkel on the show today! Emily is the Executive Director of the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA). In today's episode she shares her journey from starting from the ground up. Emily grew up in Michigan with no connection to horses. The horse bug bit her around five years old. After college she followed her heart working her way through various odd jobs in the industry for years until landing long-term at the NRCHA. Emily discusses the growth of NRCHA, the challenges of balancing tradition with innovation, and her approach to leadership including authenticity and genuine care for the industry. This episode portrays grit and determination to follow your heart and passion. Resources & Links: Dare to Lead by Brene 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 Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Join the Of The West Email List List your jobs on Of The West Connect with Emily: Follow on Instagram @thenrcha 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
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    37 分
  • 100. Betting on Yourself with Elizabeth Thomas
    2025/04/22
    I'm excited to have Elizabeth Thomas on the 100th episode today! Elizabeth shares her journey of transitioning from a corporate career to running Thomas Cattle Company's meat business. Initially working as VP of Marketing at a credit union for 15 years, Elizabeth started the beef business in 2019 while maintaining her corporate job. She managed both roles before leaving her position to focus full-time on growing the family's beef business. The company operates both direct-to-consumer and wholesale channels, serving restaurants and grocery stores. Elizabeth also shares the importance of team building, the challenges of managing high market prices and processing logistics, as well as prioritizing tasks. Today’s episode is inspirational for those looking to make a leap to entrepreneurship or scaling their business! Resources & Links: The Mel Robbins Podcast The Game with Alex Hormozi 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 Elizabeth: Follow on Instagram @thomascattlecompany Follow on Facebook @thomascattlecompany Follow on TikTok @thomascattlecompany Check out 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
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    41 分
  • 99. Lessons I've Learned from my Parents
    2025/04/15
    I'm excited for the 99th episode today! Thank you to all the listeners for making this possible. Today I reflect on many different lessons I've learned from my parents. I'll share how they've built a successful cattle operation, the history behind the ranch, and their reputation for consistently raising high-quality cattle. Some of the lessons I share include: Taking pride in possessions Living within means Showing courage Doing whatever it takes to complete tasks Prioritizing work before play Maintaining financial responsibility Avoiding trend-chasing Practicing humility I'm so grateful to be my parents' child. Their teachings have influenced and impacted my success in various ventures beyond ranching. Stay tuned for the 100th episode next week! 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
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    32 分