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 small towns. We decided it would be fun to record this and share it with you here on the podcast!

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 just might be the ones that wanted to save it!

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 likes to call it.

Meet 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 why she chose a small town over the nearby city, learning how to market a new business in a small town, the importance of an email list and good photography, and more!

Today we’re 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 transpired since this first started. So grab a cup of coffee and sit down and enjoy this special 150th episode with Joni and me.

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 out and do just that!

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 now creating opportunities for others to be part of the studio and stay in their hometown — just like she did!

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). This partnership has allowed them to receive over $5 million in grants in five years — and their Main Street is thriving.

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. You’re going to love her story!

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 Hobby Lobby and Target, and she’s hosting creative weekends to help teach others everything she knows.

On today’s episode we’re with Grant and Jane Golliher of Diamond Cross Ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. 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.’

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 to being a teacher to 4-H to corporate America before it came full circle as a full time floral career.

Today on the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Julia Blaine of Strong Arm Baking in Oxford, North Carolina. Julia is sharing how it all started with a wood oven and a side hustle at the farmer’s market and a bread share program, and has since turned into a booming brick and mortar with over 68 employees!

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. Entrepreneurship is in Kayla’s blood, and she’s just getting started!

On this episode 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 last summer at the historic OTO Ranch in Montana, just north of Yellowstone, and it’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen.

Marcy Bergman of Fueled by Faith Coffee and Marcy Bergman Photography in Sumner, Iowa (pop. 2,021) is sharing about her coffee shop and photography business (both side hustles), plus her role in helping revive Sumner along with two of her incredible friends and how their small wins started building a lot of momentum for revival in the community.

Josh Smith started making knives at age 11 and went on to become the youngest Journeyman Smith and youngest Master Smith. Fast forward to two years ago and a meeting with country artist Thomas Rhett where he got the push he needed to quit his job and go all in with this business, and from there it exploded practically overnight.

Josh Smith started making knives at age 11 and went on to become the youngest Journeyman Smith and youngest Master Smith. Fast forward to two years ago and a meeting with country artist Thomas Rhett where he got the push he needed to quit his job and go all in with this business, and from there it exploded practically overnight.

On today’s episode we’re with Dallas Rosenow of Underestimated Fitness in Cherokee, Oklahoma. 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 helps them create not only a healthy body, but a healthy lifestyle.

Today we’re with Marissa Molland of Hardly General and Melissa Nelson of Hungry Canyon to talk about the Rural Route Ramble — a curated, self guided shop hop through some of Northwest Iowa’s rural communities every December.