Leaders Of The West

In this week’s episode, we’re taking a little break from our usual career and business conversations for a more personal discussion. After sharing on Instagram that I don’t use certain products in my own home, I received a flood of questions about the products we do use and how I’ve approached reducing our family’s overall toxic burden. I’m not a medical professional, and I certainly don’t have all the answers, but I wanted to share what has worked for me, where I started, and why I believe small, intentional changes can add up over time.<...

In this week’s episode, I’m sharing a lesson that came from a foggy drive across southern Idaho and the perspective it gave me about navigating uncertainty in life and business. We all go through seasons where we can’t clearly see what’s ahead, whether it’s a career transition, a business challenge, a relationship struggle, or simply feeling stuck. In those moments, our instinct is often to stop and wait for clarity, but what I’ve learned is that clarity rarely comes from standing still. It comes from continuing to move forward, even when you can only see a f...

I’m back with another episode for our solo summer series. Today, I’m sharing a lesson that started with hard-boiled eggs and ended with a $450 plumbing bill. What seemed like a harmless tip I found online turned out to be completely wrong, and it got me thinking about how often we accept information as fact simply because we saw it on the internet. From social media posts and viral headlines to AI-generated content and misinformation, I’m diving into why it’s more important than ever to slow down, ask questions, and think critically about the information we consume...

Welcome to our very first summer episode of Leaders of the West! For June and July, we’re doing something a little different around here. Instead of guest interviews, I’m spending the summer diving into more solo episodes, talking about life, business, career growth, hiring, job seeking, and the heart behind why Of The West was created in the first place. And to kick things off, we’re re-airing the most downloaded solo episode we’ve ever released, How to Push Through a Losing Season.

Originally recorded in December 2023, this episode is an incredibly personal conversation about wa...

In this week’s episode, I’m sitting down with Brent Turner, founder of Agri-Generational and author of Piece of Land, for a conversation that I honestly think every farm and ranch family needs to hear. We dive into the realities of succession planning, why so many families avoid these conversations, and what’s actually at stake when there’s no clear plan in place.

Brent shares how his background in financial planning and decades of working alongside agricultural families led him to focus exclusively on helping farms and ranches navigate transition, continuity, and legacy. We also talk abo...

I’m so excited for this week’s episode! I’m sitting down with my friend Rachel McGinn, who many of you probably know online as Rachel Joi. Rachel was truly one of the original creators sharing Western fashion online in the early days of Instagram, and in this conversation, we talk about how much life has changed since then.

From fashion and content creation to motherhood, ranch life, music, and silversmithing, Rachel shares what it has looked like to evolve through completely different seasons of life while still staying true to herself. We also talk about confid...

In this week’s episode, I’m sitting down with Sidney Schmidt, a Superior Livestock Auction representative, to talk about what it really looks like to build a career in cattle marketing from the ground up.

Sidney shares his journey from growing up around cattle to working in feedyards and eventually stepping into a role with Superior, where he built his book of business through relationships, trust, and years of industry experience. Superior is one of our Unlimited Hiring partners here at Of The West, and this is exactly the kind of partnership I love because it conn...

In this week’s episode, I’m sitting down with Kristin Kiseljack, founder of Ida Mae Home, to talk about her journey from corporate retail buyer to building a business rooted in heritage, creativity, and American manufacturing. Kristin shares how she got her start working in global retail and import production, and how the challenges of that industry ultimately led her to bring production back to Texas. We talk about what it really looks like to build a product-based business, from managing supply chain chaos to trusting your instincts when creating something new.

We also dive into the...

In this week’s episode, I’m sitting down with Leann Saunders, president of Where Food Comes From. We talk about something that impacts every single one of us in agriculture, whether we realize it or not: third-party verification.

Leann has seen the beef industry from every angle, from working on the buyer side with McDonald's to building one of the earliest USDA process verified programs, and now working directly with producers across the country. We break down what verification actually means, why it matters, and how it connects ranchers, consumers, and the entire food supply chain.

This week, I’m sitting down with Shannon “Mud” Lowery, the artist and founder behind Mud Lowery jewelry. We talk about how he built his business completely self-taught, starting with a need to support his roping lifestyle and turning it into one of the most recognizable names in Western jewelry. From those early days of figuring things out to having his pieces worn by some of the biggest names in country music, this conversation is a real look at what it takes to grow something from the ground up.

We also get into the realities behind the busine...

This week, I’m sitting down with Shelby Clement, and I think this conversation will resonate with so many of you. Shelby built a social media agency from the ground up after walking away from corporate, and we talk about what it actually looks like to chase something bigger that’s been placed on your heart. From taking that leap of faith to navigating growth, burnout, and boundaries, she shares the real, unfiltered version of building a business and life that aligns with your purpose.

We also get into the realities of social media, how it can eith...

This week I’m sitting down with Andrew Coppin, co-founder and CEO of Ranchbot, to talk about how technology is transforming one of the most fundamental challenges in ranching: water management. Andrew grew up in remote Australia and spent years checking wells, pumps, and pipelines, only to later build a company that eliminates that exact inefficiency. We dive into how Ranchbot is helping producers monitor water systems in real time, reduce unnecessary labor, and make better decisions without constantly driving across their operations.

Andrew shares his perspective on the differences between Australian and American ranching, what it ta...

In this final episode of Mentor March, I’m doing something a little different. Instead of bringing on another guest, I’m diving into a topic that completely shifted my perspective after seeing that 67% of you said you don’t currently have a mentor. So today, I’m breaking down how to actually build your own “board of directors” and why mentorship doesn’t have to look formal to be impactful. From people already in your life to those you follow online, I share real, practical ways to start building those relationships.

I cover everything from getting in the right r...

In this week’s Mentor March episode, I’m sitting down with someone who has had a massive impact on my life and career, my longtime friend and mentor, Ashley Alderson, founder of The Boutique Hub. Ashley was actually my boss first, and over the past decade, our relationship has evolved from employer and employee to close friends and trusted sounding boards for each other in business and life. In this conversation, we talk about the power of mentorship, investing in yourself, and how reshaping your mindset around money, success, and worthiness can completely change the path you’re on.

This week on Leaders of the West, Mentor March continues with Laurie Lickley, a rancher from Jerome, Idaho, a former member of the Idaho State House of Representatives, and one of the few women to have led both the Idaho Cattle Association and the Idaho Beef Council.

Laurie shares how growing up along the Salmon River shaped her work ethic and leadership style, and how she and her husband, Bill, built their lives in the beef industry during one of agriculture’s most challenging eras. From crying while moving hand lines to building a legacy in the ca...

This week on Leaders of the West, Mentor March continues with Jillian Murphy, a sales strategist and former food and beverage distribution executive who helped bring brands like Boom Chicka Pop, PopCorners, and Health-Ade Kombucha to market. Jillian shares how she transitioned from corporate sales into building her own multi-seven-figure consulting business and what it really takes for products to stand out and scale in retail.

We also talk about simplifying business growth, the importance of relationship capital, and why entrepreneurs need to focus on the right audience instead of trying to sell to everyone. From 90-day...

I am so excited for this episode and an announcement! This week, we are kicking off something new called Mentor March. Over the next four weeks, I’ll be bringing you conversations with people who have personally mentored me in different areas of my life, from business and agriculture to marriage, leadership, and entrepreneurship. These are the people who have shaped how I think, how I lead, and how I build.

In this episode, I share why mentorship matters so much and why it is not just for entrepreneurs or corporate leaders. We all need a board of...

This week, I had the absolute honor of sitting down with Pam Minick, cowgirl, competitor, broadcaster, history-maker, and one of the most respected women in the Western industry. But more than any title she has held, this conversation is about something deeper. It’s about joy.

Pam shares her journey from growing up riding horses in Las Vegas to becoming Miss Rodeo America and breaking barrier after barrier as one of the first women to hold major broadcasting roles in rodeo. What stood out most to me was not the accolades, but her mindset. After a...

I’m so excited for this week’s guest, Chris Boleman, the President and CEO of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. We’re just weeks away from the gates opening to one of the most iconic events in the country. Chris shares what it’s like to lead an organization of this magnitude, how it’s grown into a year-round economic powerhouse, and why their mission of supporting agriculture, education, and Western heritage remains stronger than ever.

We talk about what goes into planning a month-long live event that draws 2.7 million visitors, the power of 36,000...

In this powerful solo episode, I’m sharing a message that’s been sitting on my heart: how our tightest grips on people, businesses, and outcomes can unintentionally suffocate the very things we’re trying to grow. Inspired by Of Mice and Men, I talk through how love can morph into control, and how that shift can affect family farms, careers, marriages, and leadership dynamics.

This isn’t a “fix it all” episode, but it is a vulnerable look at how letting go just enough might actually allow things to breathe, progress, and flourish. If you’ve ever...

This week, I’m joined by Brian Moates, Head of Farm and Partner Experience at Our Farms, a growing marketplace and movement reshaping how we shop for food and support farmers. Brian has a fascinating background, from motorsports and marketing to building digital-first experiences for brands like Ford and Lincoln, and now he’s bringing that expertise to agriculture.

In this episode, we talk about how Our Farms connects local producers with consumers in a way that’s scalable, human, and values-driven. Brian shares why he’s passionate about storytelling, what shifted his view on food and...

This week, I’m joined by Kacee Bohle, founder of AgriMinds and one of my favorite people to talk real-life leadership with. Kacee is a certified executive coach who helps people in agriculture get unstuck, communicate better, and move forward with clarity and confidence. In this episode, we’re diving deep into decision-making: what holds us back, why perfectionism gets in the way, and analysis paralysis.

Kacee shares tools to help you trust your gut, stop second-guessing, and build momentum. We also talk about parenting and leadership, why taking small actions is the key to conf...

We’re back for Part 2 with Jena Oschner, and this one goes deep. In this week’s episode, we talk about detoxing your home, ditching everyday toxins, and the products we actually use, without shame or fear. From face taping to Tylenol alternatives to artificial dyes, we’re covering the real-life ways we’re learning, adjusting, and finding what works for our families.

Jena also shares about her journey into homeopathy, ozone therapy, functional testing, and the things she keeps with moderation in mind. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by all the swaps, this episode wi...

I’m so excited to be sitting down again with my good friend Jena Oschner for a raw, relatable conversation about health, healing, and doing better for ourselves and our families. Jena’s previous episode was the Leaders of the West most-listened-to of 2025! This week, we’re continuing the conversation with even more honesty, insight, and shared experiences. From navigating autoimmune diagnoses and migraines to learning how to read food labels and remove hidden toxins from our homes, we’re sharing what this wellness journey really looks like behind the scenes.

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We talk about functional medicine...

This week, I’m joined by Andrea Sager, founder of The Legalpreneur, podcast host, mom of two, and one of the most candid, insightful voices in the small business legal world. Andrea’s story is anything but traditional. After walking away from her “dream job” at a big law firm, she built a new model that helps entrepreneurs legally protect their businesses while staying true to who they are.

We talk about why she left big law, how she pivoted after her divorce, and the major mindset shifts that helped her rebuild her life and her comp...

This week, I’m joined by Melinda Underhill, the powerhouse VP of Human Resources at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, aka the largest event of its kind in the world. With over 36,000 volunteers, 109 committees, and a year-round operation, Melinda offers a behind-the-scenes look at how RodeoHouston runs like a well-oiled (and wildly passionate) machine.

We talk about how they cultivate volunteer leadership, create accountability without burnout, and keep communication flowing across thousands of people. Melinda also shares her thoughts on leading with integrity, building family-first cultures, and the powerful role that celebration and recognition pl...

In this honest solo episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on a personal decision I wrestled with for months: getting an upper blepharoplasty. If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and felt unsure about whether it’s okay to want a change (especially as a mom or role model), this episode is for you.

I walk through what the surgery is, why I chose to do it now, and how I reconciled that decision with my desire to model confidence and self-love for my daughter. I also share my full experience, from cost, healin...

This week, I’m joined by Shada Brazile, barrel racer, horsewoman, business owner, mom, and someone I deeply admire. From growing up in a rodeo family to building one alongside her husband, Shada has lived a life steeped in the Western lifestyle. In our conversation, she opens up about the realities of balancing rodeo life, marriage, motherhood, horses, and hustle, and how she’s learned to do it all without chasing perfection.

In this episode, we talk about the highs and lows and everything in between. Shada’s story is proof that you can pursue your o...

This week, I’m joined by Tiah DeGrofft, the first-ever female president of the iconic Pendleton Round-Up. Tiah has lived nearly every chapter of Round-Up tradition: from growing up in the grandstands to serving as a princess, queen, board member, and eventually president of one of the most historic rodeos in the world.

In this episode, we talk about the depth of community behind the Pendleton Round-Up, what it really takes to run a legacy event, and the leadership lessons Tiah has learned along the way. She shares what her background in sports marketing and th...

In this solo episode, I’m talking about something most of us wrestle with at some point: when is it okay to quit? Whether it’s a book, a job, a goal, or a season of life, knowing when to push through and when to let go isn’t always clear, and it’s something I’ve been navigating personally.

I share the story of a book that triggered way more introspection than I expected, and how that led to deeper questions around alignment, identity, and even whether I still want to say yes to speaking g...

This week, I’m joined by Karoline Rose Bohannan, founder of KRose Company, Cattleman U, The Rancher’s Daughter, North Fork Fizz, and co-owner of Bohannan Cattle Company.

In this episode, Karoline and I talk about growing up in a family full of hustle, learning how to lead without micromanaging, and building multiple companies that blend tradition with innovation. From launching a dirty soda shop in Montana to buying 30,000 feeder calves a year with her dad, Karoline shares what it really takes to chase ideas, manage people, and lead with intention.

She...

In this week’s episode, I’m joined by Kelli LeClair, founder of Heritage Style, ranch wife, mom, and the queen of building a loyal community through business. Kelli has grown her jewelry brand with grit, heart, and zero shortcuts, turning Instagram lives into real relationships and consistent connections into lasting success.

We talk about how she started Heritage Style as a side hobby (while selling farm equipment by day), what the move from Texas to Wyoming taught her, and how she’s grown a loyal customer base without chasing trends or playing the influencer game...

In this solo episode, I'm sharing a story I've never told publicly before. It's about a terrifying experience that pushed me to the edge, changed how I define "hard," and taught me what truly matters.

It starts with a burst blood vessel in my eye (twice) and ends with me realizing just how much strength we find when we're backed into a corner. Through all the fear, uncertainty, and horror-movie-level side effects, I came away with one thing: perspective.

Most of the things we call "hard," like awkward emails, new projects...

I’m excited to be joined by Western artist Gina Teichert, a Nevada-born, California-based painter whose work blends tradition, fashion, and a little Clint Eastwood attitude. Her story is a perfect example of what happens when the West meets big-city energy and creativity, and of how art can bridge worlds that don’t always meet.

Gina and I talk about what it means to tell the story of the West through art, how the Coors Young Guns shows create space for new voices (and new collectors!), and why she believes the romance of the West is w...

This week, I’m joined by Wyatt Wentz, rodeo videographer, storyteller, and lifelong stock contractor’s son whose passion for Western sports runs deep. If you’ve watched any of the big rodeos in the Northwest lately, there’s a good chance you’ve seen his work.

We talk about how Wyatt got started and how he’s grown a full-time career in video since 2020. We hear why his passion isn’t necessarily for content or camera gear, but for rodeo itself. His story is a reminder that you don’t have to be loud to make an impac...

In this solo episode, I’m talking about something that feels a little old-school these days: loyalty. We live in a world of next-day shipping, bargain shopping, and endless options. While convenience is great, I believe loyalty is better. Loyalty builds trust, creates long-term relationships, and pays off in ways that cheap never will.

I share personal stories about the Chevron crew that’s serviced my car for over a decade, why my family drives hours to work with one specific salesperson, and why I’ll never go to a different hairstylist. These aren’t just tra...

I'm so excited for this week's episode! I'm joined by Kylie Epperson: entrepreneur, speaker, coach, founder of Farmwives Club, and host of the Boldly Grounded podcast. If you've ever struggled with identity, burnout, or finding your voice in the chaos of farm life, this conversation is going to feel like a big exhale.

Kylie shares the behind-the-scenes journey of building Farmwives Club from a deeply personal season of postpartum anxiety, unmet expectations, and a whole lot of self-doubt. We talk about worthiness, motherhood, redefining ambition, and why investing in ourselves as rural women is not...

This week on the podcast, I'm joined by one of the most respected leaders in Western sports, Linsay Rosser Sumpter, Commissioner of the Women's Rodeo Championships. Linsay has literally done it all: athlete, coach, producer, secretary, marketer, stock contractor, and now a trailblazer in creating real opportunities for women in rodeo.

In this episode, Linsay shares her rodeo roots (shoutout to the legendary Cotton Rosser), how she became commissioner of one of the fastest-growing rodeo events in the world, and why she believes innovation and inclusion are key to the future of the sport. We...

In this solo episode, I'm talking about something I know many of us have experienced: analysis paralysis. You know the feeling: you want to make the right decision, so you research and plan and overthink, and before you know it, months (or years!) have gone by and you've made no progress.

I'm sharing personal stories about dealing with health issues, painting my house, launching Of The West, and how I had to stop waiting for perfection and just start moving forward. Because the truth is, clarity comes from action, not more research.

This week, I’m so excited to be joined by Katie Hollingsworth, ICF-certified professional coach, mental performance expert, and founder of Krave Coaching. Katie has worked with athletes, entrepreneurs, and leaders from rodeo, wrestling, and football to collegiate and pro athletes. She brings a one-of-a-kind blend of grit, neuroscience, and real-life western world experience to her coaching.

With two decades in marketing, communications, and PR, plus years spent in the arena as a coach for the Oklahoma State Rodeo Team and Western Sports Foundation, Katie knows what it takes to perform under pressure and lead wi...