Deep in the Heart of Texas 4-H

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 learned. Hosted by Texas 4-H Council 1st Vice President, Cooper Green.

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 thankfulness and making the most of your 4-H career.

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 this special episode co-hosted by Texas 4-H Council member, Johan Grotegut.

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 of wisdom about 4-H, HLSR, and being the best version of yourself. Don't miss out on this very special episode led by Texas 4-H Council member Ella Porter!

McKenna Bush is the Texas Farm Bureau Youth Outreach Coordinator who gives credit to 4-H for her introduction to agriculture. Now, she spends her day serving the youth of Texas and encouraging best practices on personal branding. This episode has it all. Don't miss out on this very special episode led by Texas 4-H Council member Kaden Gordillo!

Dr. Dodd grew up in the 4-H program and has allowed that passion to fuel the trajectory of her career! From County Extension Agent to Associate Director for Families, Community, and Health, Dr. Dodd continues to draw from what she learned in 4-H of commitment and taking advantage of opportunities. Don't miss out on this very special episode led by Texas 4-H Council member Abby Wallis!

Alby Peters began 4-H as a young girl, participating in food and nutrition and sewing related projects. She continued her 4-H journey, eventually serving as a Texas 4-H Council member. While there were Council members before her, Mrs. Peters is the earliest Council member we have contact with. At the young age of 12 years old, she knew she wanted to be get married, have a family, and be a County Extension Agent. After many years of serving 4-H youth, Mrs. Peters retired and watched with joy as her own children and grandchildren thrived through the program. Enjoy this conversation with Mrs. Peters and Council co-host, Cooper Green.

Texas 4-H Council is comprised of 30 youth who represent 4-H'ers across the state. The 2025-26 team met for the first time in July to connect, elect officers, and begin planning events for the upcoming year. Enjoy getting to know a few members of your Council!

Did you know the Texas 4-H Program has an entity specifically focused on fundraising and scholarships? The Texas 4-H Foundation is run by the Foundation Board and we were lucky enough to catch up with long-time member, Angie Carver, to discuss what she does for the Board and how you can get involved. Don't forget about texas4hfoundation.org to learn more!

In this episode, we feature the folks that 4-H couldn't run without - our volunteers! With the volunteer specialist and a long-time volunteer on board, we talk about what volunteers do, why they do it, and how to become one!

4-H Leadership Labs can be a life-changing opportunity for senior level 4-H youth! Education, fun, networking, and memories are wrapped into one summer camp held by each 4-H district. Learn more about making the most of lab this summer!

As we set our minds for Memorial Day, we sat down to talk about Quilts of Valor and how 4-H youth across the state have become involved in this unique and rewarding program. With two state leaders, a youth, and a veteran/past quilt recipient all on board, we talk about what it is, how to do it, and why it's important. Talk about opportunity...This one is one you don't want to miss.

We're in the presence of royalty on this podcast! We have the National Champion Livestock Judger from the American Royal and the National Champion of FCS Quiz Bowl at the FCS Championships. In this episode, we talk about what it takes to get to the top spot. And for folks in Livestock Judging and FCH Quiz Bowl, you'll want to listen in for some specific advice from the experts themselves!

4-H summers are fun, inviting, and BUSY! With endless opportunities in 4-H and time off of school, a 4-H'er's schedule can quickly fill up over the summer. Our guests today discuss why a full 4-H summer can be so valuable and some tips on how to survive a summer FULL of opportunities!

Saddle up for today's discussion about all things agriculture and livestock (and the unique programs within it)! Get ready for a few laughs and a lot of really good ways to get your kiddos already in Ag & Livestock to combine their projects with leadership opportunities. Dr. Zanolini and Paisley share about the projects within, the ambassador programs, and even some breaking news about NBYAP!

We sat down with the Texas 4-H Roundup Coordinator, Mrs. Jana Barrett to discuss all things Roundup registration. This episode is short, sweet, and to the point about how to get registered for Roundup. Youth, parents, agents, and all, give it a listen and head to 4HOnline starting on April 14th!

For many families, 4-H is a tradition passed down through the generations. While not the case for all 4-H members, it is a unique legacy left for those families with multiple generations of 4-H'ers. We sat down with the Mathis-Scott family, the Igo-Fincke family, and the Schott family to learn about what their multigenerational 4-H legacies look like. Settle in for a longer episode because with ages spanning from a 1 year old to grandparents, we had a lot of ground to cover!

"It just feels like home." Join us as our 4-H Center Director and a current camp counselor discuss what to expect at 4-H camp, why you should send your kiddo, and what you can expect at the 4-H Center! Visit texas4hcenter.tamu.edu to learn more about camp!

Enjoy this chat with Texas 4-H Foundation Senior Business Administrator, Sydney Pennington about what the Foundation Development District groups are and the upcoming events including two clay shoots, a fishing tournament, and a concert that you can support to give back to 4-H!

From cooking to fashion and finanical literacy to personal safety, the Family and Community Health project area has something for truly everyone. Learn about some of the opportunities as well as the Healthy Texas Youth and Fashion and Interior Design Ambassador programs in today's episode!

The Leadership and Citizenship project offers the most diverse range of opportunity! From learning to serve, leading your peers, or becoming culturally aware through citizenship opportunities, everyone can find their avenue for involvement!

A skirt made of straws, a 2 million dollar ham, and some very fashionable young people... You hear it all LIVE at the 4-H FCS National Championships & Conference in San Antonio! Give it a listen, no matter where you're from!

Join us for a fun and quick episode with several Texas 4-H Council members! Today, we're talking goals and resolutions for 2025, both personal and 4-H related. Plus, you'll get some tips on making your plans happen!

Join Callie, Natalie, Cari, and Texas 4-H Council Secretary, Cora Ford, for a fun chat about personal and 4-H Christmas traditions and our favorite 2024(H) memories! Press play for some 4-H-inspired Christmas cheer.

As an agent, do you feel stuck or overwhelmed? Find your why, stick to your passion, and help people... Becky Coward uses that mantra to get her through the tough days and we think you can, too. Enjoy this episode learning from a 4-H agent who has a true spark for 4-H!

On today's episode we discuss Thanksgiving traditions and why we're thankful for 4-H with Texas 4-H Council 1st Vice President Ansley Kubecka and Texas 4-H Family and Community Health Specialist, Mrs. Angela McCorkle. With submissions from social media and our own traditions, we cover everything from family time to our favorite ice cream. Don't miss the fun!

The Texas 4-H Foundation Scholarship application is open for hopeful 2025 scholars! Bailee Wright, the scholarship program manager and Payton Branham, a current scholar, drop some major wisdom about the program and share a few tips for success!

In today's episode, we chat with Dr. Williams and special guest, Texas 4-H Council 2nd Vice President, Isabelle Parkey about the scariest parts of 4-H and how to overcome them. It is a longer episode, but only because these two dropped some major wisdom you don't want to miss!

Talking community service and leadership - there's something for everyone! Join us as we chat with Lynn County Agent, Kaci Scott and Jefferson Award Winner and Lynn County 4-H member, Wyatt Jones about his experiences in 4-H and how we can give our all to 4-H.

To celebrate National 4-H Week, we're sat down with a Texas 4-H alumni who can agree wholeheartedly that 4-H made her beyond ready to tackle owning a successful boutique, supporting women in agriculture, and advocating for youth to get out and make it happen. Give this inspiring chat a listen and then go meet someone new.

Learn all about the 4-H STEM project, including projects you may not know about, the STEM Ambassador program, and how these projects overlap with other project areas. Join in on the fun with today's guests: STEM Ambassadors Cassidy and Ruby, and Extension Program Specialist Travis Bell.

What even *is a 4-H project? What is "the big 5"? How do you find what your 4-H passion is? We answer these questions and chat with 2024-25 Texas 4-H Council President, Augustus Sexton, about how he jumped in to 4-H and never looked back.

One Day 4-H is an opportunity to make a difference in YOUR community! Learn all about the event in this episode with guest, Megan Logan.

This is the official podcast of the Texas 4-H Youth Development Program! We'll be talking how to make the most of your time in 4-H as a member, parent, volunteer, or supporter. We'll also be discussing upcoming events and interviewing successful alumni, employees, and members. Join us bi-weekly to get deep in the heart of Texas 4-H!