4-H Volunteer Vibe

Grady Ruehling didn't set out to become a leader — he just wanted to show pigs. But somewhere between the barn and the stage, 4-H changed everything. In this episode, Grady opens up about the volunteers who believed in him before he believed in himself, what it really means to earn a green jacket, and how setbacks taught him more than any ribbon ever could. His story is a reminder that 4-H isn't just about livestock and projects — it's about building people who feel compelled to give back.

In this episode of Volunteer Vibe, Steven and Caydance sit down with Katie Hogan, Northeast Region Youth Development Specialist, and explore the vital role of reflection in the 4‑H experiential learning model (do, reflect, apply) and why intentional reflection accelerates youth development. Through her wealth of experience, Katie offers easy, low-prep strategies that volunteers can use—such as project records, group project reports, dice/card games, notebooks, and recognition forms—to make reflection routine, fun, and age-appropriate. The conversation highlights how reflection connects project skills to life and career readiness, builds confidence, and helps youth and volunteers make thoughtful decisions about growth and goals. 

Volunteer leader Heather Gooch and her two daughters, Lilly and Hannah, join the show to share their expertise on how to make 4-H project meetings an exciting and engaging platform for nurturing teen leaders.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Clay Hurdle, Missouri 4-H’s State Specialist in Leadership and Civic Engagement. From his own 4-H beginnings to his research and statewide leadership, Dr. Hurdle shares how his scholarship is strengthening and expanding 4-H programming that helps young people grow into confident, community-minded leaders. Drawing on both his personal 4-H journey and current research, he discusses what the data reveal about how youth develop as leaders and active citizens—and how these insights are shaping new opportunities across Missouri. We also explore the vital role volunteers play in nurturing leadership and civic engagement in today’s 4-H youth.

In this episode, Dr. Lupita Fabregas, outgoing Senior Program Leader of Missouri 4-H, offers a look into her incredible journey from Mexico to the United States. Lupita shares departing words of wisdom and gratitude to Missouri 4-H volunteers, as well as her hopes for the future of the program.

In this episode of Volunteer Vibe, we celebrate the success of recent 4-H graduate Lindsay McDonald, a 6th-generation agriculturalist from Mount Vernon, Missouri. Lindsey reflects on her journey through 4-H and FFA—from raising livestock and judging competitions to advocating at the Missouri State Capitol—and shares how the two programs shaped her leadership, confidence, and career goals in agriculture. She speaks candidly about the mentors and volunteers who supported her along the way, and why she’s committed to giving back. This episode is a tribute to our new batch of 4-H graduates and the volunteers who have helped them thrive. This episode is a tribute to a new batch of 4-H graduates and the volunteers who have helped them thrive!

In this episode of Volunteer Vibe, Dr. Kellie Seals—Missouri 4-H State Specialist in Career and College Pathways—joins us to talk about the rollout of Beyond Ready in Missouri 4-H. Dr. Seals explains what volunteers can expect from the initiative, how they can support its implementation, and how Beyond Ready is designed to equip 4-H youth with the skills, confidence, and direction they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. Look out for the official roll-out of Beyond Ready in Missouri this October! 

In this episode of Volunteer Vibe, we chat with 4-H Teen Leader Rosalina Albaladejo. In the spirit of "Beyond Ready", Rosalina discusses practical strategies for recruiting diverse youth into 4-H and shares insights on how the volunteers she works with have helped foster a sense of belonging, empowerment, and connection within and beyond 4-H. Rosalina also reflects on her love of animals and agriculture and how her leadership experiences in 4-H have shaped her thoughts on future career paths.

Kaycie Hollrah, 4-H Youth in Action Award winner, joins Steven on Volunteer Vibe to share her experiences with the award-winning St. Charles County Extension Council Youth Leadership program.