Rural Revival

Scott Stebner of Scott Stebner Photography is a nationally published agricultural photographer and videographer. Or, to put it more simply, Scott creates photos and videos of people with grit. Scott’s sharing about some of the amazing projects he’s been involved with, why he has started to focus more on video, and why he’s not afraid to fail. Plus you’ll learn how an unlikely ag background led to where he is today and has given him a really unique perspective. It’s a great - and fun - conversation.Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:4-HSan Diego County FairCal PolyFFAKansas Farmer bookFstoppersPBR ProjectInstagram: @scottstebnerWebsite: scottstebner.comThe Ruralist

Stephanie Bradley Fryer is a lawyer and cattle producer from both Stamford, Texas and Chattanooga, Oklahoma - who also happens to be a fifth generation landowner. She’s telling more about how she makes it work splitting her time between two places, and how she’s established her place as a woman in both ag and law. Her background and experience gives her a unique perspective as an ag lawyer, and she is a role model in every way!Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:USDA Farm Service AgencyStamford, TexasChattanooga, OklahomaFryer Cattle Co.Stephanie on TwitterStephanie on Instagram

Christy Jo of The Strawberry Patch and The Fruit Tea Chicks is sharing about her journey of learning to express herself though art, which eventually led to these two fun, creative businesses that she started out of Hartsville, Tennessee. With a fall show coming up in September and some exciting things on the horizon for The Fruit Tea Chicks, you’re gonna love our conversation with Christy Jo.Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:Country Living FairGina Bishop, Home GirlOle MissUniversity of Tennessee at KnoxvilleOne Man’s Treasure in HendersonvilleStarlite FarmBarn HouseHartsville, TNMacon County, TNSwanky PlankThe Strawberry Patch websiteThe Strawberry Patch FacebookThe Strawberry Patch InstagramThe Fruit Tea Chicks FacebookThe Fruit Tea Chicks Instagram

Music has always been a huge part of who Roger Cowan is, and he's sharing how that led to the start of his company, Dog Tired Guitars, on this week's podcast. We talk with Roger about why he believes in charity work and music education, and why the story behind the guitar is so important.Based in Perkins, Oklahoma (pop. 2,831), Roger builds custom guitars that inspire, and out of the most amazing materials. From concrete to old barn wood to baseball bats - no texture or material is off limits. His products are 100% American made, and people are loving Dog Tired Guitars so much there’s now a two-year waiting list!Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:Perkins, OklahomaJoel's Heirloom BarncasterMatt Holliday Baseball Bat GuitarNEEDTOBREATHEThe NEEDTOBREATHE Classic by Commonwealth Cares FoundationTulsa Public Schools Music Education / Cain's Ballroom GuitarCain’s BallroomTulsa Band InstrumentsConn-Selmer FactorySweetwaterDog Tired Heritage SeriesDog Tired Guitars FacebookDog Tired Guitars InstagramDog Tired Guitars Website

If you are a creative in a small town, you’re going to love this episode of the podcast! We’re sitting down with JoAnna Robertson of Clarendon, Texas. JoAnna manages the Western Heritage Classic Ranch Horse Sale in Abilene, and operates a wedding and portrait photography business throughout the Texas Panhandle. She is amazingly talented and has had some amazing creative experiences, and we're excited for you to get to know her!Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:Western Heritage Classic Ranch Horse SaleNational Sorghum ProducersClarendon, TexasParie DesignsKasey LeeInstagramWebsiteFacebook

This week we’re bringing you a very insightful interview from Jaime England, owner of The Market Place in Manning, Iowa. From physical therapist to home store and coffee shop owner, Jaime’s telling the story behind what motivated her to take on the biggest storefront on Main Street in Manning, Iowa. And it just so happens that this week they’re celebrating their three year anniversary! You’ll love hearing her story and what she shares about all the great things happening in her small town of just 1500 people. It’s so exciting to see how young people are involved in this town, and how Jaime is helping lead the way for a bright future for Manning, Iowa. Congratulations to Jaime and The Market Place on three amazing years, and many more to come.Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:Iowa State UniversityIowa National GuardDes Moines UniversityMain Street Manning ProgramMain Street Program Challenge GrantOmahaDes MoinesFort DodgeBest Interior Rehabilitation - Main Street Iowa AwardsCarrollKinderfestManning Betterment FoundationManning City Revolving Loan FundSmall Business Development Center (SBDC)Venture SchoolMarket Place Manning FacebookMarket Place Manning InstagramMarket Place Manning website

Georgia Clamping Company is putting a whole new spin on camping as we know it. Owners Nate and Bek Self believe that luxury and comfort should not be sacrificed while enjoying the great outdoors, and they are creating unique, one-of-a-kind getaways where people can explore on their own terms. You’ll see how this company really knows how to celebrate the things we love about rural areas and the outdoors, and why they believe in community over competition.Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:Lake LanierShady Grove CampgroundUnicoi State ParkVogel State ParkCalista Rain PhotographyMeghan Stewart PhotographyDaniel McCullough Creative@52_forsythUp In Cumming MagazineGeorgia State ParksGeorgia Glamping Company InstagramGeorgia Glamping Company FacebookGeorgia Glamping Company Website

We are beyond excited to bring you this week's podcast interview with Katie Harvey Martinez of Harvey’s Diner in Redfield, Iowa (pop. 826). Katie's story is what first inspired us to start the Rural Revival podcast, and you will quickly understand why. From the Iowa farm to Broadway and back, Katie's life is one amazing adventure. But her most recent move back to Iowa to open Harvey’s Diner is quite possibly her most exciting adventure yet.Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:Harvey’s Diner & PubRedfield, IowaR. Joe SmithJustin Ahlberg, ChefAmber (Herrera) Rowley, Head Baker in ChargeBerry Fresh FarmsSkeeter Creek FarmsSyscoHarvey’s Diner on InstagramHarvey’s Diner on Facebook

This week on the podcast we’re taking you to an exciting new destination in downtown Grinnell, Iowa (pop. 9,151) in our interview with Angela Harrington, owner of Hotel Grinnell. Here she has led the charge in converting a former school building into an incredible contemporary boutique hotel. During the interview we found out Angela also happens to have a lot of experience in small town economic development, so this episode is packed with great advice for small towns and business owners!Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:Federal Historic Preservation Tax CreditBill MennerJake Christensen of Christiansen DevelopmentDes Moines East VillageParachute Home - Bedding and Bath LinensChris Conyers - The Design GroupFaulconer GalleryGrinnell CollegePrairie Canary Restaurant & BarSpaulding Lofts

This week on the podcast we’re taking you to an exciting new destination in downtown Grinnell, Iowa in our interview with Angela Harrington, owner of Hotel Grinnell. Here she has led the charge in converting a former school building into an incredible contemporary boutique hotel. During the interview we found out Angela also happens to have a lot of experience in small town economic development.Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:Federal Historic Preservation Tax CreditBill MennerJake Christensen of Christiansen DevelopmentDes Moines East VillageParachute Home - Bedding and Bath LinensChris Conyers - The Design GroupFaulconer GalleryGrinnell CollegePrairie Canary Restaurant & BarSpaulding Lofts

This week on the podcast we’re taking you to Boaz, Alabama to talk with the girls of The BoxTruck Boutique. From starting with their own individual businesses of shirts, clothes, jewelry, and home goods, they eventually combined to form what is now The BoxTruck Boutique. The business has taken off and they’ve never looked back! They’re also passing on what they’ve learned to their kids, who have now started The BoxTruck Juniors. We had the best time and you'll love hearing their story!Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:Boaz Harvest FestivalThe Lion’s Den restaurantThe Pawn ShopComment SoldNatural LifeThe BoxTruck JuniorsChristy Farmer, Citizen of the YearThe BoxTruck Boutique Facebook pageThe BoxTruck Boutique Facebook GroupThe BoxTruck Boutique InstagramThe BoxTruck Boutique SnapchatThe BoxTruck Boutique Website

Emma Hicks is the inspiring entrepreneur behind Iowa Gathering, Main + Second, and Camp Climb. From opening up a storefront to starting an online business to shooting a pilot for a TV show, Emma shares about what it looks like to build a life around what works for you and your family. She also speaks about having pride in your small town and the importance of a supportive community.Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:Main and SecondSmall Town, Big PickJunk JubileeIowa GatheringVintage and Made FairKalona shopWest End Salvage on DIY NetworkAshton Hill FarmThe Barn at Bunker HillThe Barn at Brophy Creek FarmCamp ClimbCamp LibertyDannie FountainJenna KutcherGoal Digger PodcastLittle Lights Events

Alice Pettyjohn is the owner of an art studio and boutique called Alice Circle, which offers everything from art classes and art parties to a variety of creative gifts and clothing. Alice is all about encouraging creativity through her art studio and shop, but you’ll see why this is more than just a creative business to Alice. She shares about how her passion turned into a full time job, the importance of art in schools, and what's behind her love for maps and globes. And you'll learn how she’s fulfilling a unique role to bring art to the community of Rainsville, Alabama.Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:Rainsville, AlabamaHenagar, AlabamaHandwriting classSand MountainAlice Circle websiteAlice Circle InstagramAlice Circle Facebook

Today we bring to you a fascinating conversation with Linc Kroeger of Pillar Technology and The Forge in Des Moines, Iowa to talk about bringing tech jobs to rural America, and in this case, specifically to rural Iowa. Linc and his company are pioneering a concept that is truly forging the future and changing how we approach jobs and education in rural America.Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:Pillar TechnologyIndependence, IowaJefferson, IowaIowa Central Community CollegeDMACCSenator Chuck GrassleyCongressman David YoungGovernor Kim ReynoldsSTEMAppleHistoric Tax CreditsPillar Academyfuturereadyiowa.com (contact Linc here)futurereadyiowa.gov

On this week’s podcast, we have the amazing opportunity to meet Karmen Smith: entrepreneur, author, speaker, prayer warrior, farmer, wife, and super mom. She talks about life with her husband Jason and their kids, their unexpected journey as entrepreneurs, what happens when you pray big, overcoming your fears with Facebook live (anyone??), turning your farm into a business, and doing scary things.Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:Fort Payne Feed & GardenFort Payne Feed & Garden FacebookFort Payne Feed & Garden InstagramWhen You Pray Big Things Happen bookKarmen Smith FacebookKarmen Smith Instagramkarmensmith.comEmily Freeman#adventuresoftuckandjakeSmith Creek FarmHeartlandSimon Sinek

It all started with an Instagram post, when Alabama cotton farmer Mark Yeager posted a video of a forklift moving a cotton bale. His sister saw the video and commented, “I’d love to have some sheets made from that good looking Alabama cotton.” And with that, the idea for Red Land Cotton was born. Mark's daughter, Anna Brakefield, is sharing the story about how she and her dad decided to take on a new adventure with the family cotton farm to bring American made linens and towels back to our homes with Red Land Cotton. Where else can you buy cotton sheets that are 100% made in America? Turns out, not really anywhere. Which is what makes Red Land Cotton so special, and it's catching the attention of people all across the country.Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:Cotton Inc.Moulton, AlabamaRed Land Cotton in the PressRed Land Cotton WebsiteFacebookInstagramYouTube

Entrepreneurs at heart, Kasey and Jordana Henke have tried a little bit of everything when it comes to the world of vintage and junk, not only trying but succeeding in pretty much everything they've put their hand to. Today they own and operate Rescued Junk in Earlham, Iowa. They're sharing how they've grown their business and also had to learn to scale back along the way to make room for what matters most.Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:Rescued JunkFacebookInstagramMeredith CorporationDIY Magazine/Do It Yourself MagazineVintage and Made FairEarlham SchoolHometown Market (grocery store)Bricker Price Block/Project

As the go-to Realtor in central Iowa, Amy Lucht has a unique perspective on both the rural and urban markets in her area. In this conversation we talk about: - How this digital age we live in is giving people the ability to work and thrive in rural communities- What small communities are doing to attract people- How we can study what cities are doing and apply that to our small townsAnd here’s a little tip for those of you who don’t live in Iowa but want to learn from what Amy’s talking about: you might want to pull up Iowa on your Maps app so you can get a better visual. (We’re not kidding, that’s how much you can learn from this podcast.) We promise you’ll walk away with a head full of ideas and the fire in your heart to really go after your small-town dreams!Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:Adel, IowaCoon Rapids, IowaIowa State UniversityMaytag CorporationIowa Association of RealtorsAdel tax abatementHotel Grinnell (former school turned into hotel)Raccoon River Bike TrailLanesboro, MNGarst CompanyModville ToursEarlham, IowaRescued [email protected]

Devon Evers of Crossgrain Woodworking shares how his business got started when a picture of a hutch he had built for himself went viral on Facebook. Becoming an almost overnight entrepreneur has come with its share of risks and challenges, and Devon tells about some of the inspiration and lessons that have been part of this journey. Be sure to check out the Crossgrain Woodworking Facebook page and the work they did for The Stables at Copper Ridge - it's a great showcase of the craftsmanship and creativity of everyone involved in this business!Crossgrain Woodworking was also honored recently as a recipient of the Iowa Small Business Development Center’s (SBDC) Business of the Month award and you can read about that at the link in the show notes.Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:Schleswig, IowaCrossgrain Woodworking WebsiteCrossgrain Woodworking FacebookCrossgrain Woodworking InstagramCDCStables at Copper RidgeStables at Copper Ridge StoryIowa Small Business Award

April Wilks from Vintage Pickin' has built up an incredible business turning her family's farm into a twice-a-year vintage barn sale in Fyffe, Alabama. Not only that, but her business is now expanding, which you'll hear more about in the podcast. It's a true family business where everyone has jumped in to make this dream of Vintage Pickin' come true. April shares her perspective - including the joys and the challenges - of being an entrepreneur in a small town.Check out more on the blog.SHOW NOTES:Fyffe, AlabamaSavvy City FarmerCity Farmhouse NashvilleFranklin, TennesseeCountry Living FairJennifer Allwood’s Inner CircleStart Up Camp by Dale PartridgeThe Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurstVintage Pickin' WebsiteVintage Pickin' FacebookVintage Pickin' Instagram

Here we go! Thanks for joining us on this journey. Let's start a Rural Revival!