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Episode 167 // Paige Heaton of No Roots Boots

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 Boots, highlighting the growth, challenges, and community collaborations that have shaped the business since our last conversation.

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Episode 166 // Carli Ullrich of Rural Grit Co.

On this episode 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, how she expanded her product line, and the importance of consistency in growing her brand. Carli also reflects on her unique approach to business, explaining why she enjoys traveling to meet customers over having a brick-and-mortar store — at least for the time being!

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Episode 165 // After the Episode

If you’re inspired by Michelle’s story from Episode 165 and want to dive even deeper into how to apply some of these strategies to your own business, this new bonus episode is for you! In After the Episode, I’ll be breaking down the key takeaways from today’s interview and sharing actionable steps you can use to level up your own hustle. From setting goals to building a brand that feels truly you, it’s packed with practical tips and insights!

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Episode 165 // Michelle Myers of Dirt Road Candle Co.

I first talked to Michelle back in 2019 when her candle business was still a side hustle. Fast forward to today, and Michelle has not only made her dream a full-time reality, but she’s built an incredible brand, expanded her shop, and even hosted farm-to-table dinners on her farm. In today’s conversation, we’ll dive into how she made the leap to entrepreneurship, the importance of protecting her creativity, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

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Episode 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 and started making all natural soap and selling at farmer's markets. This business that started in her kitchen two years ago has now grown into an extensive product line and its own main street commercial building!

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Episode 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.

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Episode 162 // Jordan Classen of Classen Land & Cattle

On today's episode of the Rural Revival podcast 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. It all started with three head of cattle, and now has their beef finding its way to tables around the country and in their local schools.

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Episode 161 // Stacy Preston of Stacy Preston Photography

On today's episode of the Rural Revival podcast, 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 profitable business.

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Episode 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 overcame the covid challenges, brought a massive change to their product line, filled a gap in the community, and recently moved locations.

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Episode 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 margins, diversifying, and even how her social work background still plays a role.

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Episode 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 (pop. 4,182).

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Episode 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 cool story behind their branding.

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Episode 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 had no public art. Now they're drawing in artists from around the nation and expanding their efforts beyond Clay Center to the entire county!

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

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Episode 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 just might be the ones that wanted to save it!

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Episode 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 likes to call it.

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Ashland, Nebraska Small Town Shopping Guide

We’ve got a fun new shopping destination for you! Ashland, Nebraksa is conveniently positioned between Omaha and Lincoln, right off of Interstate 80 — and also happens to be halfway between Denver, Colorado and Chicago, Illinois. This small town is brimming with amazing shops, restaurants, and more!

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Episode 151 // Laura Capp of Postscript Press

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!

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