This summer I was able to take a trip out west, this time to experience the Pop Up Ranch at the O.T.O. — Montana’s first dude ranch. I was so inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of the O.T.O. and how it’s being brought back, after many years of being dormant.

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.

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.

Today on the podcast we’re with Tammy Pate of Ryegate, Montana (pop. 234), creator of Art of the Cowgirl. Art of the Cowgirl is a gathering to celebrate cowgirls and their contributions to western lifestyle and culture, and to raise funds to support up and coming artists to expand their knowledge and skills.

Located a mile from Glacier National Park and far away from everything else, you’ll find one of the last outposts in Montana. 17 miles from Canada, population 168, no electricity, cell service, or wifi. And surrounded by wilderness and breathtaking views.

This week on the podcast we’re with Nicolle Fugere of Missouri River Outfitters in Fort Benton, Montana. Nicolle started as a guide for Missouri River Outfitters when she was 19 and always dreamed of someday owning the company.

I guess you could say I inherited the “junking” gene from my mom, as I spend many weekends as a kid going to garage sales looking for treasures. I started out having a space in a local shop with my mother when my kids were little. And then one day the historic train depot building came up for sale.

Mountain magic and valley bliss, long summer days, and deep fluffy winter months make Columbia Falls, Montana an outdoor enthusiast’s haven. Situated at the edge of the wilderness, hometown hospitality and original small town flare are the norm in this quaint community.

This week we’re in Columbia Falls, Montana (pop. 4,710) with Alyson Dorr of The Red Barn. Alyson is a fourth generation farmer who, with her husband Casey, is helping bring up the next generation of family farm kids.

This week we’re in Harrison, Montana (pop. 137) with Nikki Edmundson of Canty Boots. Nikki’s sharing how a custom pair of boots she made for herself turned into an international business.

This week on the podcast we’re with Natalie Kovarik and JaTanna Williams of Ranch Wives Beef Co., based out of their ranches in rural Nebraska and Montana. From their Montana roots to pharmacy school and now back to the ranch, you’ll love hearing about the ‘why’ behind Ranch Wives Beef Co. and how they make it all work.