Rural Revival
by Rural Revival
From farming and agriculture to amazing restaurants, vintage markets, and even tech start-ups, people are thinking outside the box, taking risks, and bringing life back to the hometowns and small communities we love. Our hope is this will be a place where you can be inspired to do the same. So jump in, hear the stories of people who are doing life in rural America and loving it, and start dreaming. And then let us know what you're up to so we can share your story, too!
Episodes
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170 | POWER IN THE PIVOT
Join me for an update about the future of Rural Revival. SHOW NOTES Small Town Dreamer book: https://amzn.to/42cKSot The Farm Letters: thefarmletters.com MORE FROM RURAL REVIVAL WEBSITE INSTAGRAM FACEBOOK
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169 | I’m writing a BOOK! And more fun announcements…
Join me for a special episode of the Rural Revival podcast where I’m sharing details about my NEW BOOK — Small Town Dreamer — plus some other fun announcements! SHOW NOTES Book tour and stockist sign up: https://www.ruralrevival.co/book Town rebrand details and application:...
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168 | Tim and Morgann Boettner of A Well Worn Story
Today we’re taking you to the charming little town of New Glarus, Wisconsin (pop. 2,208) where craftsmanship, community, and a whole lot of heart come together. I’m sitting down with Tim and Morgann Boettner of A Well Worn Story, a husband and wife team with a business that’s all about...
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167 | Paige Heaton of No Roots Boots
On today’s episode we're with Paige Heaton of No Roots Boots in Edelstein, Illinois (pop. 1,060). Join us at the Berch House, the charming headquarters of No Roots Boots, where we catch up with the visionary behind the brand, Paige Ehnle Heaton. This episode delves into the journey of No Roots...
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166 | Carli Ullrich of Rural Grit Co.
Today we're with Carli Ullrich of Rural Grit Co. out of Kiron, Iowa (pop. 257). Carli shares her journey of starting her business at just 16 years old while still in high school, how she expanded her product line, and the importance of consistency in growing her brand. Carli also reflects on her...
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165 | Michelle Myers of Dirt Road Candle Co.
Today kicks off a brand new season of the podcast, and as announced, this year we are going back to interview some of the people and businesses featured in our first episodes to find out what they’ve been up to since then! Who better to start off with than Michelle Myers of Dirt Road Candle Co in...
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164 | Michelle Hamilton of Dandelion Naturals
On today podcast episode we're with Michelle Hamilton of Dandelion Naturals in Hayfield, Minnesota (pop. 1,340). After 21 years in nursing, Michelle took a leap of faith two years ago and started making all natural soap and selling at farmer's markets. This business that started in her kitchen…
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163 | Matt Dennis and Michael Stepp of Handlebend
On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we're with Matt Dennis and Michael Stepp of Handlebend in O'Neill, Nebraska (pop. 3,575), where they make handcrafted copper mugs and use their space to bring new creative and entrepreneurial ideas to life. They're sharing how the resurgence of the...
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162 | Jordan Classen of Classen Land & Cattle
On today's episode we're with Jordan Classen of Classen Land & Cattle and Classen Mercantile out of Albion, Nebraska (pop. 1,703), and we're talking all about what it takes to start and grow a beef business from the ground up. Jordan and her husband Travis are building their dream together and...
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161 | Stacy Preston of Stacy Preston Photography
On today's episode, photographer Stacy Preston is showing us how a creative business IS possible in a small town. Based out of Lynchburg, Tennessee (pop. 6,742), Stacy is sharing her love for photography as a way to preserve history, and how she has turned a lifelong hobby and dream into a...
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160 | Taylor Borkowski of The Cottage
Today on the podcast we're with Taylor Borkowski of The Cottage in Denison, Iowa (pop. 8,172). Taylor and her mom bought out an existing business in January 2020, only to shut down six days after their open house celebration due to covid. It's been a wild ride, and Taylor's sharing how they...
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159 | Josh and Sara Holmquist of Normal Roasting Company
Today on the podcast we're with Josh and Sara Holmquist of Normal Roasting Company in Burwell, Nebraska (pop. 1,079). In this episode you'll find out how Josh and Sarah bought a coffee company on a whim and grew it from a hobby to what is now multiple businesses. They talk about how they dealt…
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158 | Jessi Mason of The Market & Mill
On today’s episode of the podcast we're with Jessi Mason of The Market & Mill in Anselmo, Nebraska (pop. 109). Jessi's sharing how she went from being a social worker with no business background to a grocery store owner, and her journey in learning new things like ordering groceries, profit...
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157 | The Ladies of Why Not Us and The Centennial
On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Deb McGinn, Ginny Showman, Jacque Andrew, Sara Ostrander, and Peg Raney of Why Not Us — a group of 72 women who pooled their resources to save a historic downtown building called The Centennial on their town square in Jefferson, Iowa…
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156 | Luke and Jennifer Mahin of Irrigation Ales
On today’s podcast episode we’re with Luke and Jennifer Mahin of Irrigation Ales in Courtland, Kansas (pop. 294). They’re sharing how they have built this business over time, starting with the Courtland Fermentation Club and the process of learning how to brew good, quality beer, as well as the...
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155 | Brett Hubka with A Mural Movement of Clay Center
On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Brett Hubka with A Mural Movement of Clay Center, Kansas (pop. 4,123). Brett's sharing how a simple service project around one mural turned into a movement that has now brought 33 murals to their town. When this all started, the community...
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154 | OABCIG Middle School TAG Students
This week we have a very special episode of the podcast featuring the OABCIG Middle School TAG students from right here in my hometown! I had the honor of getting to speak to them last week about my career path, and then we turned the conversation to them and talked about THEIR dreams for our…
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153 | Eddie and Julie Flores of Nursing Back to Life
On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Eddie and Julie Flores of Nursing Back to Life, which follows their restoration of an old house in Lincoln, Kansas (pop. 1,171) that is now their home. It all started when a free house in Julie’s hometown went viral and they decided they...
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152 | Dakota Dawn Johnson of the Cowgirl Confessions Podcast
On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Dakota Dawn Johnson, host of the Cowgirl Confessions podcast, in Mound City, Kansas (pop. 647). Dakota is a ranch wife, podcast host, and successful saleswoman and is sharing with us about her wonderfully wild and western life, as she…
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151 | Laura Capp of Postscript
On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Laura Capp of Postscript, a stationery shop in Ashland, Nebraska (pop. 3,191). Laura’s sharing how the journey of becoming an English professor turned into an entrepreneurial journey that brought her back to her hometown. We talk about…
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150 | Rural Revival Founder Danna Larson
Today we are bringing you a very special episode of the Rural Revival podcast! This just so happens to be our 150th episode, and I felt like that was worth celebrating, so I asked my dear friend and Rural Revival travel buddy Joni Nash if she would interview me and talk about what all has...
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149 | Beth Simonson of Hydeout Bed & Breakfast
On this episode we’re with Beth Simonson of Highmore, South Dakota (pop. 682), where she and her husband John are owners of a historic home now known as Hydeout Bed & Breakfast. Beth is sharing about the importance of getting involved in the community, and how she as an introvert decided to step...
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148 | Libby Timmerman of Heart and Sole Dance and Performing Arts Studio
On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Libby Timmerman of Heart and Sole Dance and Performing Arts Studio in Cherokee, Iowa (pop. 5,099). Libby’s sharing how she unexpectedly became a dance studio owner at the age of 14, and how she’s grown from teaching 25 students in her…
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147 | Jenna Ramsey of Stanton Community Development and Kevin Cabbage of FMTC
On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Stanton Community Development Director Jenna Ramsey, and FMTC General Manager and CEO Kevin Cabbage, both from Stanton, Iowa (pop. 678). Kevin and Jenna are sharing how Kevin’s company created a role for a community development director…
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146 | Steffany Bettin of The Blue Jay Boutique
On this episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Steffany Bettin of The Blue Jay Boutique in Danbury, Iowa (pop. 320). Steffany’s sharing how she turned an old barbershop in her hometown into a boutique to offer what she calls ‘girl next door’ clothes. She talks about learning her customer...
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145 | Melissa Lyons of Melissa Lyons Art
On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Melissa Lyons of Melissa Lyons Art in Beaufort, South Carolina (pop. 12,960). Melissa was a military wife trying to make more money for her family when she started painting, and now 11 years later her art has landed her in places like…
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144 | Grant and Jane Golliher of Diamond Cross Ranch
On today’s episode we’re with Grant and Jane Golliher of Diamond Cross Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming (pop. 10,849). Grant and Jane are sharing how they’re continuing on the legacy of one of the last remaining historic ranches in Teton County through what they call ‘creative agriculture.’ By…
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143 | Katie Adams of Stuart Flowers & Gifts
Today we’re with Katie Adams of Stuart Flowers & Gifts in Stuart, Iowa (pop. 1,782). Katie’s floral experience comes from an ag class in high school, but her journey took her from being a teacher to 4-H to corporate America before it came full circle as a full time career. Katie’s sharing about...
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142 | Julia Blaine of Strong Arm Baking
Today on the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Julia Blaine of Strong Arm Baking in Oxford, North Carolina. This is our first interview in North Carolina and it did not disappoint! Julia is sharing how it all started with a wood oven and a side hustle at the farmer’s market and a bread share...
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141 | Kayla White of Promise Manor
Today we’re with Kayla White of Promise Manor in Lynchburg, Tennessee. Promise Manor is an historic wedding and event venue that centers around a 160-year-old Southern farmhouse and rich ties to Lynchburg history. As you will learn in today’s interview, entrepreneurship is in Kayla’s blood, and...
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140 | Jaye Wells of True Ranch Collection and Pop Up at O.T.O. Ranch
On this episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Jaye Wells of True Ranch Collection based out of Tuscon, Arizona. Jaye and his crew are doing some incredible work with historic ranch properties in the west and have most recently created a concept called a pop-up dude ranch. It all started...
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139 | Marcy Bergman of Fueled by Faith Coffee
Today we’re with Marcy Bergman of Fueled by Faith Coffee and Marcy Bergman Photography in Sumner, Iowa (pop. 2,021). Marcy is sharing about her coffee shop and photography business, which are both side hustles for her, plus her role in helping revive Sumner along with two of her incredible…
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138 | Shanda Mattix of Barnwood & Bling and M Arrow Ranch
Today we’re with Shanda Mattix of Barnwood & Bling and M Arrow Ranch in Colby, Kansas. Shanda and her husband Caleb are building - and living in - a legacy of agriculture. From her role as the Equine Program Director and Equestrian Team Head Coach at Colby Community College, to turning a creative...
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137 | Josh Smith of Montana Knife Company
We are back for season five of the podcast and we have an incredible interview to kick off the year with Josh Smith of Montana Knife Company and Josh Smith Knives in Frenchtown, Montana (pop. 1,741). Josh started making knives at age 11 and went on to become the youngest Journeyman Smith and...
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136 | Dallas Rosenow of Underestimated Fitness
On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Dallas Rosenow of Underestimated Fitness in Cherokee, Oklahoma (pop. 1,630). Dallas is a personal trainer and certified NASM/CPT life coach. While her business is based out of rural Oklahoma, she serves clients all over the country and...
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135 | Marissa Molland and Melissa Nelson of Rural Route Ramble
On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Marissa Molland of Hardly General and Melissa Nelson of Hungry Canyon to talk about the Rural Route Ramble they put on in Moville, Iowa (pop. 1,687) and the surrounding area every December. The Rural Route Ramble is a curated, self guided...
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134 | Mike McCartney of the Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce
Today we’re with Mike McCartney, director of the Pawhuska Chamber of Commerce for a second time. We’re talking about all things economic development, starting with the revitalization efforts that helped pave the way for the Pioneer Woman Mercantile and the tourism rush that followed, plus…
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133 | Kara Hammes of Brown County Barn Burner
On this episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Kara Hammes of Brown County Barn Burner in Nashville, Indiana (pop. 1,521). Kara is sharing about opening an Airbnb in a tourist destination and strategically building a space that serves both the tourist and the local community. She and her...
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132 | JB Royer of Royers Round Top Cafe
Today on the Rural Revival podcast we’re with JB Royer of Royer’s Round Top Cafe in Round Top, Texas (pop. 90). We met up with JB just as Texas Antiques Week was starting, and we did this interview as they were getting the restaurant ready for the evening dinner guests, so hopefully you feel like...
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131 | Shanna Lindberg of Soul Sister Ceramics
On this episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Shanna Lindberg of Soul Sister Ceramics in Courtland, Kansas (pop. 294). Shanna is telling the story of how she and her business partner, knowing nothing about how to make pottery, bought a kiln and became self taught pottery makers using...
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130 | Matt and Brittany Tedder of Tedder Ag Technologies
On this episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Matt and Brittany Tedder of Walsh, Colorado (pop. 546). Matt and Brittany are entrepreneurs at heart, with their hand in ag technologies, seed sales, a trucking business, a construction and design business, and a catering business where they...
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129 | Kim Ellenz of Old School Seals
On this episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Kim Ellenz of Old School Seals in Tipton, Kansas (pop. 193). Old School Seals custom makes wax seals and stamps for people around the world — all from a small town — and today Kim is bringing us inside to tell us all about it. She shares…
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128 | Amanda Lebeck of Walnut Community Center
On today’s episode we’re with Amanda Lebeck, Chairman of the Walnut Community Center in Walnut, Iowa (pop. 747). Amanda shares how she and members of her community moved quickly to save their recently vacated school building and give it a new purpose and use, which now includes a fitness center,...
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127 | Hair Stylist Rylie Sproul of The Loft
This week we’re with Rylie Sproul, hair stylist at The Loft in Fairview, Oklahoma (pop. 2,600). While Rylie always knew she wanted to be a hair stylist, she didn’t always know she would end up living in her hometown, yet that’s exactly where she’s at and she wouldn’t have it any other way. We…
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126 | Nicky Tiffany of The Territory Ballroom
On this episode of the podcast we’re with Nicky Tiffany of The Territory Ballroom in Council Grove, Kansas (pop. 2,140), where she’s sharing about her hopes and dreams for this business and building when the doors open — as an event space, co-working space, Airbnb, and more. Plus, the big...
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125 | Michael and Sara Floyd of Bryarton Farm
On this episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Michael and Sara Floyd of Bryarton Farm in rural Kansas. Together Michael and Sara shared a dream of owning a historic farmhouse in the country as a creative space for their art and design studio, and today they’re sharing about the…
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124 | Brandi Lahey of Cimarron Prairie Farms and The Tipsy Farmer
n this episode of the podcast we’re with Brandi Lahey of Cimarron Prairie Farms and The Tipsy Farmer in Moscow, Kansas (pop. 272). Brandi is sharing about the journey that’s taken her from being a nurse to a farmer’s wife and mom to now growing hops. This has been quite an adventure, from…
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123 | Lettie McKinney of MC- Ranch, The Roundtop, and McKinney Farms
We’re kicking off our fourth season of the podcast with Lettie McKinney of MC- Ranch, The Roundtop, and McKinney Farms in Johnson, Kansas (pop. 1,464). Lettie is sharing what it’s been like to come back and take over her family farm and ranch and the incredible journey that she’s been living out....
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122 | Madison Lindsey of The Country Cookie
On today’s podcast episode we’re with Madison Lindsey of The Country Cookie in Newell, South Dakota (pop. 603). Madison is sharing how she stumbled into an unexpected business by making cookies out of her home, and as the word got out, the orders came pouring in and her business soon exploded.…
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121 | James Yates of Steerfish Steak & Smoke
On today’s podcast we’re with James Yates of Steerfish Steak & Smoke in Spearfish, South Dakota (pop. 10,494). James has been in the restaurant business since he was a kid and he actually had no plans of opening a new restaurant in Spearfish...until he saw this incredible historic building, and…
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About this show
From farming and agriculture to amazing restaurants, vintage markets, and even tech start-ups, people are thinking outside the box, taking risks, and bringing life back to the hometowns and small communities we love. Our hope is this will be a place where you can be inspired to do the same. So jump in, hear the stories of people who are doing life in rural America and loving it, and start dreaming. And then let us know what you're up to so we can share your story, too!
Hosted by
Rural Revival