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 route takes you through the Flint Hills, the Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, on to Osage County and the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, ending in Pawhuska, Oklahoma — a great cowboy town and home of the Pioneer Woman.

This week on the podcast we’re with Allison Ryan of Explore Ranches — a web platform of ranch rentals providing a service to both land owners and visitors, and creating interest in conserving and protecting some incredible wild places.

This week on the podcast we’re with Greg Roskos and Rob Grover of Winghaven Pizza Farm in Galesville, Wisconsin (pop. 1,481). They put their entrepreneurial minds together and created Winghaven Pizza Farm.

This week on the podcast we’re with Shane Riley of J Bar D Canvas and Leather in Oreana, Idaho (pop. 7, or maybe 8). Shane is sharing how he and his wife Amy started their business with $135 and a Facebook post.

Some call it one of Iowa’s last wilderness areas. Some call it one of the state’s most underrated regions. We’re fine with calling it both. Tucked away in the heart of western Iowa you’ll find breathtaking landscapes, charming small towns (most with a population of 250 or less), miles of back roads, and endless opportunity for outdoor adventure.

This week on the podcast we’re talking with Dan Jurek and Jeff Bajek of True North Basecamp in Crosby, Minnesota (pop. 2,386). Dan and Jeff are friends and, more recently, business partners after they saw an opportunity to create a better camping experience for visitors to the Cuyuna Recreation Area.

Every major crisis creates unexpected problems. Every major crisis also creates unprecedented opportunities. So where is the opportunity within our current situation as we emerge from the coronavirus pandemic? I believe the answer to this question has the capability to bring a monumental shift to our rural communities.

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.

This week on the podcast we’re with Darren and Meagan Orsag of Leeco Honey in Lexington, Texas (pop. 1,178). What started out as a hobby has grown into a beekeeping and honey business with products that fly off the shelves and continues to grow.

This week on the podcast we’re with Alise Sjostrom of Redhead Creamery in Brooten, Minnesota (pop. 743) where you will find ridiculously good, farmstead artisan cheese, made by Alise herself.

We first began childcare research in 2013, when we realized it was very hard to find an infant spot when we were looking for daycare for our own son. I then decided to open my own home daycare, while continuing to dream bigger and keep looking for the opportunity to open a childcare center.

Rural America is deeply rooted in my DNA. Growing up on a fourth-generation farm, our town’s population barely broke 100. After graduating, I left to pursue my dreams of college and a career, but the novelty of the large cities eventually wore off.

I have always had a great interest and love of all things skin care and scent and I’ve always loved to DIY pretty much anything and everything.

Welcome to McIntosh, Minnesota. Population 625 (give or take a few 😉). We are small rural community that has always had its roots in agriculture and are surrounded by similar-minded communities.

This week on the podcast we’re with Andrea Stordahl of Minnesota Rust in McIntosh, Minnesota. Andrea and her family are giving back to a community that gave so much to her and her family when they needed it most - by restoring main street and bringing in a handful of new businesses.

This week on the podcast we’re with City of Jefferson, Iowa Building Official Nick Sorensen. Nick has played a key role in saving and restoring a number of historic buildings in Jefferson, and he’s sharing the strategies that have worked to make these projects successful.

This week on the podcast we’re talking with Dirt Road Dietitian Sheri Glazier from Loyal, Oklahoma (pop. 79). Shari was just named Oklahoma's Outstanding Dietitian of the Year and is helping us better understand where our food comes from, making the connection between farm life and nutrition.

This week on the podcast we’re in Kilbourne, Ohio (pop. 139) with Josh Scheutzow of The Kilbourne Project — the story of four Ohio families who are helping restore 11 historic buildings and bring 40 new jobs to the town — including their own businesses.