Leaders Of The West

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...

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 t...

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 o...

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...

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 mid...

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...

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...

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, function...

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 sim...

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...

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 thi...

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 abo...

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...

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-...

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 wi...

In today’s episode, Mark Stewart is sitting down with me. He shares his background and journey to Agriculture Future of America (AFA), explaining how he transitioned from higher education fundraising to his current role through networking connections. Mark described AFA's mission and highlights how AFA enhances students' networks and aids in career pathway exploration. We also dive deep into board...

In today’s episode I’m excited to have Sara Burks join us. I admire the parents that Sara and her husband are to their two girls and I wanted to have a conversation with Sara about all things parenting. The conversation focuses on parenting philosophy, with Sara sharing how she and her husband, Jacob, established clear boundaries and schedules from the beginning with their daughters. Sara explains...

In today's episode I dive deep into the importance of giving and receiving constructive criticism. I share my experience raising my two kids and the parallels between parenting different children and training horses, where different approaches are needed for different individuals. In this episode, I outline several key strategies for receiving criticism effectively, including shifting mindset to v...

Today we are sitting down with Phyllis Higgins, an Apprenticeship Talent Navigator with Zurich North America. Phyllis shares in-depth details on an incredible apprenticeship program available with Zurich North America that can include working with RCIS. This apprenticeship program pays you to get your associate or bachelor’s degree while also working with Zurich. The schedule entails working Monda...

You all are in for a treat today! We are sitting down with Shaley Ham, maybe better known to you as West Desperado. In this episode we’ll dive into how and why she started out as a content creator and how she became the huge success she is now. Shaley shares her perspective on what makes her most proud about being a part of the agriculture and western lifestyle. You’ll hear her tips for becoming a...

Today I’m sharing lessons I learned while observing a bald eagle in my parent’s horse pasture yesterday. I watched little birds antagonize the eagle as it was minding its own business and it hit me that we need to be the eagle. We don’t need to give attention to the people in our life that aren’t there to support us and cheer us on. At the same time, we can’t be the little birds that are hurting o...

I’m thrilled to have Lexi Hoagland on the podcast today! Lexi is the founder of Cowgirls & Cocktails and works in sales and partnerships for Lane Boots. In this episode, Lexi shares her background of growing up a triplet in Denver, Colorado. She didn’t grow up in the western or agriculture industries but while attending college in Arkansas, she fell in love with the south. From moving to Nashv...

In this episode, I share my strategy for making the most of trips when I am traveling. I first learned this from my mother when we went on ski trips when I was young. She made sure we used every minute of our time doing something we couldn’t do at home. I use that strategy as an adult. When I go on a trip, whether it’s for work or fun, I go all in. I want to encourage you to make the most of the o...

This episode was recorded live at Dallas Market Center! I have four incredible women in the western lifestyle realm sitting down with me in front of a live audience. In this episode we have: Amy Harper, Senior VP of Retail Development & Market Services at Dallas Market Center Jolie Summers, brand owner and clothing designer at Howdy Hanny (formerly Crazy Consuela) Jessica Wahlert, Marketing Ma...

You asked the questions and Justin Bates is here to answer them! Justin Bates of Strategic Financial is joining me to answer your questions about farm and ranch succession planning. We all know this may be an uncomfortable discussion to have with family but Justin is sharing why it is so important that you take the step, get uncomfortable, and get started on succession planning sooner rather than...