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.

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.

Today on the podcast we're with Josh and Sara Holmquist of Normal Roasting Company in Burwell, Nebraska (pop. 1,079). In this episode you'll find out how Josh and Sarah bought a coffee company on a whim and grew it from a hobby to what is now multiple businesses.

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.

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!

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!

This week on the podcast we’re with Lukas Fricke of ChorChek in Ulysses, Nebraska (pop. 171). Lukas is a sixth generation farmer at Union Farms and the inventor of the new ChorChek technology that’s creating a lot of buzz in the ag world.

This week on the podcast we’re in Wakefield, Nebraska (pop. 1,451) with Hannah Borg, a sixth generation farmer who decided to come home to the family farm after college to make her own path — raising poultry.

This week on the podcast we’re in Ainsworth, Nebraska with Haley Miles of Sandhills Blue. Haley is a small town love wedding photographer serving rural and ranch couples, with a heart for entrepreneurship and a passion for creating opportunity in small towns.

This week on the podcast we’re talking with Hannah Esch of Oak Barn Beef in Unadilla, Nebraska (pop. 311). Hannah started Oak Barn Beef to sell her family’s beef direct to consumer, all while being a full-time student.

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.

My name is Michael Catarineau, and I am a photographer, graphic designer and journalist in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Follow my journey here on Rural Revival to get a glimpse into my world — a big-city Texan in Small Town, Nebraska.

Writing a blog post for Rural Revival was on my to-do list this week but I couldn’t figure out how to get started. Then I saw this quote on their Facebook page, “Remember Why You Started.” Wow.