The Heart of Rural America

Takeaways Why learning to grow food and understand agriculture builds stronger families and communities. How homesteading teaches resilience, critical thinking, entrepreneurship, and practical life skills. Simple first steps anyone can take toward becoming more self-sufficient without changing their entire lifestyle. Summary of the Episode What happens when a food safety expert, homesteader, and e...

Takeaways Governor Rhoden signed HB 1052 and gave a direct, unambiguous answer when asked if he would uphold it against any attempt to amend or repeal it in the upcoming legislative session: yes. Rhoden does not support special tax exemptions or deals for data centers, but he did sign the Data Center Bill of Rights for Citizens carried by Senator Carr and Speaker Hansen, which requires data center...

Takeaways Toby Doeden opposes any attempt to repeal HB 1052 and has promised the fastest veto in South Dakota history if a repeal ever reaches his desk as governor. On the question of a compromise threshold for eminent domain projects, Doeden is firm: when it comes to God-given constitutional rights, there is no wiggle room and no compromise. Doeden believes true economic development in South Dako...

Takeaways Why creativity and diversification are essential for keeping families profitable in agriculture How JFP Equine transformed Clydesdales into a unique experiential business model Why opening your farm gates can strengthen connections between consumers and agriculture The marketing strategies helping a small rural business attract visitors from across the country How entrepreneurship create...

Takeaways Independent cattle producers are finally seeing leverage after decades of survival mode Strong genetics and strategic breeding decisions are creating massive opportunities in today’s cattle market Ranchers must embrace entrepreneurship and free market thinking to build long term success Amanda Radke sits down with Chris Earl at Meat Stock, surrounded by thousands of beef enthusiasts, to...

Takeaways AI data centers require enormous amounts of electricity and water resources Rural communities are increasingly concerned about property rights and local control The economic promises tied to hyperscale data centers may not match reality AI technology presents both opportunities and risks for jobs, privacy, and national security South Dakota lawmakers debated major legislation involving d...

Takeaways Lawfare is a growing issue impacting farmers and ranchers across America Government overreach can have devastating personal and financial consequences Civic engagement is essential to protect property rights and rural communities In this powerful season premiere, Amanda Radke sits down with rancher Heather Maude to discuss her family’s legal battle with federal agencies over a land dispu...

Takeaways Premium American beef delivers a superior experience worth investing in Bid on Beef empowers consumers to choose quality, ranch, and price Supporting ranchers strengthens families, communities, and food systems In this inaugural episode of Sizzle: The Salty Steak Show , host Amanda Radke sits down with Chris Earl, owner of Bid On Beef, CK6 Consulting, and Reverse Rocking R Ranch, to expl...

One of agriculture’s greatest treasures, a champion for farmers and ranchers, an Iowa farmer, and my dear friend, Jolene Brown joins me on the show to discuss how we can better plan for the future, avoid common pitfalls, and prepare for success in our family businesses. Grab a pen and paper to take notes; you’re going to want to listen to this valuable episode twice! Presented by CK6 Consulting |...

Kim Bremmer, of Ag Inspirations, joins me to talk about the challenges facing family farms, how to get involved, and the best tips for pushing back against government overreach. Presented by CK6 Consulting | CK6 Source | Real Tuff Livestock Equipment | Meats by Linz |Linz Heritage Angus | Redmond RealSalt

Healthy land. Healthy cattle. Healthy people. That’s the focus of today’s show with podcast partner, Redmond Real Salt. I’m joined by Redmond’s Karson Rippstein to talk all things cattle, soil, and steak. https://redmond.life/collections/real-salt?srsltid=AfmBOoqiByDHJb1AlUIYL6CBu9CfbcNq8nLj22k6GWq3QUTdofxX_JwV Presented by CK6 Consulting | CK6 Source | Real Tuff Livestock Equipment | Meats by Lin...

In this powerful episode of The Heart of Rural America , Amanda Radke sits down with South Dakota landowner Senator Mark Lapka to discuss the growing controversy around carbon pipelines, federal eminent domain, and the far-reaching implications of HR 4135. The conversation unpacks how 45Q tax credits may be placing a financial burden on taxpayers, why many in agriculture are skeptical of carbon se...

Following the conclusion of South Dakota's 100th legislative session, I travel to the Siouxland Republican Women's Meeting in Sioux Falls, SD, joined by South Dakota Speaker of the House Jon Hansen, Speaker Pro Tem Karla Lems & Senator Mark Lapka to discuss the passage of HB1052 to eliminate eminent domain for carbon pipelines and how South Dakota is serving as a beacon of hope for the rest of...

Amanda sits down with her sister, Courtney Coughlin, to discuss faith, family, entrepreneurship, juggling it all, and how to find opportunities in agriculture in unique and exciting ways. Presented by Bid on Beef | CK6 Consulting | CK6 Source | Real Tuff Livestock Equipment | Redmond RealSalt | By-O-Reg+ | Dirt Road Radio Save on Redmond Real Salt with code RADKE at https://shop.redmondagriculture...

In this episode of the Heart of Rural America podcast, Amanda Radke speaks with Erica Valdez, a rancher with experience on border issues, about the changing dynamics of border crossings and their impact on ranching communities. Valdez shares her experiences of the increasing dangers posed by drug traffickers and the misconceptions perpetuated by mainstream media. The conversation highlights the im...

Fanchon Stinger is the Emmy winning co-host of PBR Now and a contributor to Western Sports Roundup and NFR Tailgate airing on Cowboy Channel and PlutoTV. She is an actress who appeared on God’s Not Dead: A Light In Darkness in 2019. In 2020, Stinger became a bull owner in PBR (Professional Bull Riders), partnering with 12-time Stock Contractor of the Year Chad Berger and Daniel & Melissa Brunn...

In this episode of The Heart of Rural America podcast, Amanda Radke welcomes back esteemed guest Jolene Brown, a nationally recognized speaker known for her expertise in supporting farm and ranch families. The discussion revolves around the unique challenges faced by agricultural families, particularly the balance of personal relationships and farm responsibilities. Jolene shares stories and advic...

In this powerful episode recorded at the Black Hills Stock Show Property Rights Rally hosted by the South Dakota Stock Growers Association , Amanda Radke shares highlights from a day focused on one of the most urgent issues facing rural Americans: property rights . The episode features remarks from Charles and Heather Maude , who recount their family’s deeply personal and highly publicized propert...

Rep. John Shubeck speaks about his new bill, HB1064, to "provide for the sale of producer-raised meat and meat food products directly to consumers pending legalization under federal law," which passed the House and Senate with a veto-proof majority. Cattle industry divided over lab-grown and direct-to-consumer meat legislation: https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/02/06/cattle-industry-divided-...

South Dakota Representative Julie Auch talks about her bill to "consider a cultivated-protein food product to be adulterated food." This bill passed through the House and Senate before ultimately being vetoed by SD Gov. Larry Rhoden. A new bill on "fake meat" is still in play for the 2026 legislative session, SB 124, which Gov. Rhoden is calling a "compromise." Learn more about this topic that is...

In this special episode of The Heart of Rural America , host Amanda Radke is joined by her husband, Tyler Radke , for a behind-the-scenes preview of their second annual President’s Day Bull Sale at Radke Land & Cattle , located just north of Mitchell, South Dakota. Whether you’re a rancher looking to invest in elite Angus and Limousin genetics , a fan of rural entrepreneurship, or just love a...

In this powerful solo episode of The Heart of Rural America , host Amanda Radke shares 12 actionable strategies designed to help small business owners, rural entrepreneurs, and family farmers succeed in 2026. From understanding your business financials to building a brand rooted in authenticity and faith, Amanda lays out a roadmap for sustainable, values-based growth. If you're ready to scale your...

Amanda Radke hosts a property rights rally at the Capitol Rotunda, South Dakota, highlighting the importance of property ownership and the ongoing fight to protect landowners from eminent domain for private gain. The event features speeches from several key figures, including Senator Mykala Voita, Attorney General Marty Jackley, and Senator Mark Lapka who announce a new constitutional amendment to...

In this powerful episode of The Heart of Rural America , host Amanda Radke welcomes back Senator Mark Lapka of South Dakota for a no-holds-barred conversation on property rights, grassroots activism, and groundbreaking legislation that could reshape the future for rural landowners. Fresh off a record-breaking rally at the South Dakota Capitol, Senator Lapka shares exclusive insights on two major l...

In this first episode of the Heart of Rural America podcast for 2026, host Amanda Radke reconnects with her friend Calli Thorne, a ranch mom, entrepreneur, and fellow speaker. They discuss the challenges and rewards of operating a USDA federally-inspected beef plant named Yellowstone River Beef, their experiences in the cattle industry, and the importance of a positive mindset in overcoming busine...