Deep in the Heart of Texas 4-H

How does Texas 4-H connect to Texas A&M, and what does that connection mean for young people across the state? Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Director Dr. Rick Avery joins us to talk about his own 4-H story, the importance of local clubs and volunteers, and his vision for the future of Texas 4-H. Plus, he shares one piece of advice for every 4-H member: step outside your comfort zone...

What does it take to prepare young people for success beyond 4-H? Dr. Jeffrey Savell joins us to talk about grit, leadership, mentorship, and why people skills matter just as much as technical knowledge. From the “Ministry of Presence” to building meaningful networks and stepping outside your comfort zone, Dr. Savell shares lessons from a career spent developing and investing in the next generatio...

In this episode, Dr. Megan Shaffer and State Council member, Sullivan Belew, sit down with Dr. Montza Williams, Texas 4-H State Program Director, to talk about Texas 4-H enrollment, the new TX4H system, the rich history of Texas 4-H, and how 4-H helps young people build skills for life. This conversation is a great kickoff to the new 4-H year and a reminder to jump in, get involved, and make the m...

Welcome to season three of Deep in the Heart of Texas 4-H! In this episode, meet some of the new Texas 4-H Council members and catch a bit of a preview for the upcoming season of episodes. We are BEYOND READY to go on this journey with you! Submit questions, shoutouts, or celebrations for the next episode to texas4h@ag.tamu.edu.

In this episode, the 2026 Texas 4-H Congress Press Corps interviewed Congress attendees from across the state. 4-H Congress is an immersive experience in which 4-H members get to act as Texas legislators. Enjoy this episode where participants take you behind the scenes and into the bills!

In each episode this season, we asked "what advice would you give to a 4-H member who looks up to you?" We decided the best way to recap the season was to filter back through all of the advice given on our season two episodes. Enjoy this unique episode of nothing but wisdom!

Wendy Scott is no stranger to 4-H and no stranger to helping young adults in life after high school. As an advisor at Texas Texas University, she helps parents and students walk through the next chapter and has words of wisdom to share with any parent or young adult entering that stage. Co-hosted by Texas 4-H Council Alumni Aubrey Smith, don't miss this insightful episode! Links mentioned in t...

Two girls. Two organizations. Two different colored jackets. One common goal: youth development. Texas 4-H Council member Ellie Harris and Texas FFA State Officer Kinley Hoelscher sat down to discuss the similarities and differences between Texas 4-H and Texas FFA in this telling episode. Texas 4-H also wants to wish the best of luck to Texas FFA in their upcoming state convention!

Texas 4-H Roundup 2026 is finally here! Listen to Jana Barrett, Cooper Green and Kinleigh Carr chat with Callie about all things Roundup. We discuss it all from contest tips to new experiences you won't want to miss and more. Listen now and get ready to explore your roots, your brand, and your horizons!

Heads up: long episode ahead! The nine Texas 4-H Ambassador programs include Equine, Fashion and Interior Design, Healthy Texas Youth, Livestock, Photography, Poultry, Shooting Sports, STEM, and Water. While each program works just a little bit different, they're all full of good kids learning life skills in their unique areas of interest while getting great opportunities along the way. Join t...

This week, we "flipped the script!" Texas 4-H Council members Ella Porter and Kate Swain host to interview Callie Cline (the usual host of the podcast) as the guest! Check out this episode where Callie shared about her upbringing in 4-H and how that affects her job with 4-H now, plus life lessons learned along the way and more. Don't miss this fun episode.

Byron Gossett is a Texas 4-H Council President alumni, a leadership consulting business owner, and an author. Using the lessons learned, connections made, and experiences from 4-H, Byron has never stopped "making the best better." With his advice of "follow up and follow through," we hope you enjoy an episode of laughs, wisdom, history, and advice.

Graycie Montfort is a Texas 4-H member with a heart for service. Graycie has never allowed her hearing disability to limit her, but rather to push her into service, growth, and achievement. As a National 4-H Youth In Action winner, Graycie is doing big things, all while sticking to her Texas 4-H roots. Check it out in this episode co-hosted by Texas 4-H Council Member, Stanford Corse.

Julie Bass is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Chief Mission Officer, but her roots tie back to Texas 4-H. As a successful woman in agriculture, Julie shares how she got to where she is and how other young women can aspire to big things in their life, too. Don't miss this inspiring Women in Agriculture episode led by Texas 4-H Council member, Ella Porter.

In our final episode of our 4-H Alumni Clover Club 4 Under 40 winner series, Nathan Spencer drops by. Led by Texas 4-H Council member, Aubrey Smith, Nathan shares how his lessons learned connections made in 4-H helped him land his career. Nathan is proof that 4-H'ers can go on to do anything they set their minds to.

BUC Days, originally a Pirate festival for the Coastal Bend region of Texas, now is a rodeo, educational event, and competitive opportunity for youth and families across Texas! With contests that directly align with 4-H contests, they invite all 4-H members to check out what they have to offer. Plus, Johnny Philipello, BUC Days President & CEO and 4-H alum, imparts some wisdom from lessons lea...

Dr. Lance Kieth grew up in 4-H and FFA and then spent the early years of his career pouring back into kids as a County Extension Agent and ag teacher. Now at West Texas A&M University, Dr. Kieth is the kind of person who you remember - in a good way. Join Texas 4-H Council member Kate Swain as she chats with Dr. Kieth in a fun and wise conversation about all things "good."

In our final episode of the 4 Under 40 series, Texas 4-H Council members chats with Dr. Loni Lucherk. Loni shares how 4-H impacted every part of her life and how she still takes it with her today. Don't miss this engaging and fun episode with tons of wisdom from one of our top 4-H alumni.

2026 will be here soon and it's time for us to set some goals. Join Texas 4-H Council members Abby Wallis, Johan Grotegut, and Kaden Gordillo as they discuss how to properly set and achieve your goals for 2026 and beyond.

This is a quick and fun episode for you, listeners! Texas 4-H Council members took some time at their county Christmas parties and club meetings to chat with a few 4-H members from across the state. Hear from some special kiddos about what they do in 4-H and their favorite parts of Christmas.

4 Under 40 winner Dr. Dottie Goebel bleeds green - and has for her entire life. She not only grew up in 4-H, she turned it into a career. From being in the show ring, to creating systems that uphold ethics within youth livestock projects, Dr. Goebel is a valued 4-H alumni and member of team Texas 4-H. Don't miss the special episode co-hosted by Texas 4-H Council member, Sylee Sulak.

Don't let the silly turkeys fool you - this episode is loaded with wisdom. Don't miss this special episode with Texas 4-H Council members Mason Scott, Aubrey Smith, Ella Porter, Stanford Corse, Callan Nix, Kaden Gordillo, Sylee Sulak, Johan Grotegut, Kate Swain, Eddie Turk, and Ty Carr. The Council members discuss their favorite Thanksgiving dishes and traditions, plus share some wisdom on...

From pumpkin bread to planning a stock show for youth from multiple states, Brady Ragland has never not known 4-H. With his father being a county Extension agent, Brady was born into 4-H and now credits so much of who he is to those experiences in 4-H. As the Tri-State Fair and Rodeo CEO, we are proud to recognize Brady as a Texas 4-H Foundation Alumni Clover Club 4 Under 40 winner. Don't miss...

The Texas 4-H Foundation Scholarship Program awards more than $2 million annually. For many graduating seniors, it feels like a reward for their hard work over the years. Learn about the process and helpful tips from the scholarship manager and a current scholar in this episode.

Dr. Chris Boleman grew up in the 4-H program and then went on to serve as a County Extension Agent, District Specialist, and finally, Texas 4-H Program Director. Dr. Boleman now serves as the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo CEO and President and consistent supporter of the 4-H program. We are incredibly grateful for his time on our podcast and excited to kick off National 4-H Week with his words...