Growing Our Future

Welcome to the "Growing Our Future" podcast, where Aaron Alejandro invites inspiring guests to share insights on agriculture, advocacy, and making a positive impact. In this episode, Aaron is joined by Michelle Miller, also known as "The Farm Babe," an influencer, advocate, and social media powerhouse promoting truth in agriculture and debunking myths. Together, they delve into the importance of e...

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, where Aaron Alejandro brings you subject matter experts to share their insights, experiences, and expertise in the world of agriculture and beyond. Today's guest is none other than Corey Rosenbusch, the President and CEO of the Fertilizer Institute, a trade association based in Washington, DC, representing the fertilizer indust...

In this episode of the "Growing Our Future Podcast," host Aaron Alejandro welcomes Neely Nelson, the Head of Public and Government Affairs, Strategy, and Citizenship for ExxonMobil. Aaron emphasizes the importance of nurturing the future by bringing on exceptional guests who share their time, expertise, and insights. Neely, being no stranger to the FFA and a prominent figure in agriculture and gov...

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, where Aaron Alejandro brings you insights, experiences, and expertise to help plant the seeds of greatness for a better future. In this episode, Aaron is joined by Dr. Justin Ransom, the Senior Director of Sustainable Food Policy at Tyson Foods. Dr. Ransom shares his knowledge and expertise on the future of food and how to shap...

In this week's episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, host Aaron Alejandro brings on a special guest, Tuhon Harley Elmore. Tuhon Harley is not only a successful businessman but also an accomplished martial artist and a true American warrior. Aaron shares his excitement about this unique episode, as Tuhon Harley's words and presence have deeply intrigued him since their first encounter. Togethe...

In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast , Host Aaron Alejandro is joined by a special guest, Jon Gordon, a renowned author, speaker, and influencer. Aaron emphasizes the importance of nurturing and cultivating the future through the act of growing. Just like in agriculture, to know the future, one must actively plant the right seeds, nurture them, and eventually harvest the fruits. Jon e...

In this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Dr. Temple Grandin, a renowned professor of animal science at Colorado State University. Dr. Grandin shares her journey as a severely autistic child and the support she received from mentors and teachers throughout her life. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and nurturing different kinds of thinking, such...

In this episode, Aaron interviews Kay Allison Crews, Certified Professional Parliamentarian-Teacher (CPP-T) and Professional Registered Parliamentarian (PRP). Kay has been serving the FFA as their parliamentarian both in Texas and nationally for several years. Aaron introduces Kay as the subject matter expert behind the scenes, and the audience gets to learn about her pathway to becoming a parliam...

The Growing Our Future podcast welcomes Russell Graves, a professional photographer who shares his experiences and insights about his career. Host Aaron Alejandro introduces Russell as an international superstar in the photography world and begins by asking him what he is grateful for today. Russell expresses his gratitude for his health, family, and being an American. He is also happy about spend...

In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro welcomes Chairman Bryan Daniel, Chairman of the Texas Workforce Commission, to discuss his journey to leadership and the importance of helping young people find success. Bryan grew up in the FFA and has now gone on to make a significant impact in his position, and Aaron is honored to have him on the show. They discuss the powe...

Director and Chief Operations Officer, and he has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to agriculture and young people. Tune in as Aaron and Si talk about the essence of leadership, Si's FFA journey, and how to make yourself exceptional. Si Cook is the Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer of the Texas Farm Bureau. He has a degree in agriculture education and has worked in the agriculture...

On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Host Aaron Alejandro introduced Dr. Lyda G. Garcia,Associate Professor, Meat Science and Extension Meat Specialist at College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University. Dr. Lyda discussed her educational journey and her experiences as a professor at the Ohio State University. Born and raised in Hebbronville, Te...

This episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast features Justin Bradley Reyes, the Manager of Member Services & Engagement for the Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA).  Justin shares his story of how his FFA journey started and how it has contributed to his professional success. He also talks about his experience of working in the public policy field, which led him to his current...

On this episode of Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduced Dan Owolabi, Speaker, Author, Presenter, and Executive Director of Branches Worldwide. Dan talks to us about authentic leadership and how to lead with nothing to hide, nothing to prove, and nothing to lose. He also shares his journey in life, which led him to his current position, and how his parents, both Nigerian immigrant...

On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces Codie Hedge, President, Senior Lending Officer at Graham Savings, and Kyle Anderson, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones. Today’s episode focuses on financial planning and management. They discuss the importance of financial responsibility and how to manage college debt. Codie and Kyle both share their personal experiences...

On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces Marla Calico, President and CEO of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE). Marla had worked as general manager of the Ozark Empire Fair before joining IAFE, first as Director of Education and then as COO. IAFE is a voluntary, not-for-profit corporation serving state, provincial, regional, and count...

On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces John Sharp, Chancellor of Texas A&M University. John Sharp has served over a decade as the Chancellor of Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. His journey began at Bloomington High School’s FFA (Future Farmers of America) Program that grounded him in foundational principles that gave him the confidence...

On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces Kent Hance, Founding Partner at Hance Scarborough, LLP & Chancellor at Texas Tech University. In December 2006, Hance became the third chancellor of the Texas Tech University System, which was comprised of Texas Tech University and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center at the time. Under his leadership, the sy...

In this Growing Our Future Podcast episode, Aaron Alejandro introduces Mike Rowe,TV host, writer, narrator, producer, actor and spokesman. Mike’s performing career began in 1984, when he faked his way into the Baltimore Opera to get his union card and meet girls, both of which he accomplished during a performance of Rigoletto. His transition to television occurred in 1990 when to settle a bet ,he...

In this Growing Our Future Podcast episode, Aaron Alejandro introduces Cleophus (Cleo) Franklin Jr., Founder, President & CEO of Franklin Strategic Solutions. Cleo is an author, keynote speaker, educator, and entrepreneur. Business advisor, executive coach, strategy consultant, and brand builder.   He is the CEO and Founder of Franklin Strategic Solutions (FSS) and the Franklin Leadership...

The National FFA Organization works to strengthen science and agricultural educational opportunities for students across the country. The Texas FFA Association and Texas FFA Foundation are the largest state organizations in the country. In this Growing Our Future Podcast episode, Aaron Alejandro introduces Steve Mosley, President of the Past State Officers Organization (PSOs) and Barbie Mosley, Vi...

The National FFA Organization works to strengthen science and agricultural educational opportunities for students across the country.  The Texas FFA Association and Texas FFA Foundation are the largest state organizations in the country. On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces Jennifer Jackson, Executive Director at Texas FFA Association. The National FFA...

On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces Les Hudson, Statewide CTE Coordinator at Texas Education Agency. The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leaders...

On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces Ray Pieniazek, Executive Director of the Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas, an organization devoted to supporting teachers through professional development opportunities, mentorship, and legal guidance.  Drawing on his decades of experience with agricultural education , Pieniazek gives listeners a rare look...

On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces John Howley, Director of Communications for Montana State University Extension. Born and raised in Texas, Howley's experience as a county Extension agent and a farm to school specialist in Utah, Indiana, and Montana gives him a unique perspective on agriculture and communication. Story Notes: Extension: Forging Connectio...