Podcast
Leaders Of The West
Welcome to Leaders Of The West, a podcast for innovators and change-makers in the ag and western industries. Hosted by Jessie Jarvis, the Founder of Of The West, our mission with Leaders Of The West is to foster a community of pioneers, innovators, and leaders who want to be at the forefront of what’s next. Whether it’s a guest episode where we’re digging into the blueprints behind our favorite industry businesses, discussing the innovation and strategies that have allowed family farming and ranching operations to continue on for another generation, to episodes with honest conversations from entrepreneurs who have risked it all on their dreams, or leaders detailing how to create a company culture so strong that you couldn’t pay your employees to leave … These conversations are meant to encourage the leaders of today and inspire the next generation of trailblazers. In addition to bringing in guests, you’ll also find some solo episodes, where Jessie shares the lessons she’s learned throughout her journey as a rancher, entrepreneur, wife, and mother. Whether you’re a farmer, a rancher, an equine lover, someone headed up the leadership ladder, an ag business owner, a western sports athlete, an entrepreneur, or someone who just loves the western way of life—this is the place for you. You’ll find new episodes, right here, every week. Don’t forget to hit subscribe, so you never miss a show. Let’s go! Website: https://ofthewest.co/ Instagram: @ofthewest.co Instagram: @mrsjjarv Facebook: @jobsofthewest
- Episodes
- 188
- Releases
- Weekly
- Typical length
- 34 min
- On air since
- 2023
- Latest episode
- 23 hours ago
Episodes
188 episodes, newest first
-
39 min
180. Rebuilding the Iconic Brand with Genuine Billy Cook CEO Adam Trenk
Episode 180
Show notes
What does it take to bring an iconic Western brand back to life, especially when everything seems to be working against you?
This week, I'm joined by Adam Trenk, attorney, entrepreneur, lifelong horseman, and owner and CEO of Genuine Billy Cook Saddles. Adam shares how a childhood connection to the legendary saddle brand eventually led him to purchase the struggling company in 2019, determined to restore its reputation for quality and craftsmanship. From navigating COVID and rebuilding the business to losing the entire factory in a devastating 2024 tornado, Adam's story is one of incredible perseverance.
We talk about the challenges of reviving a heritage brand, the importance of knowing when to change course, and how Adam's commitment to his employees has grown into an effort to help revitalize the entire community of Sulphur, Oklahoma. Plus, we discuss Genuine Billy Cook's exciting partnership with the NFR, its expansion into Western lifestyle products, and why Adam believes that anything worth doing is going to be difficult.
Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!
Connect with Adam:
• Visit the Genuine Billy Cook Saddles website
• Follow on Instagram @genuinebillycookConnect with Jessie:
• Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv
• Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest
• Check out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:
• Sulphur Stampede
• Join The Directory Of The West
• Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description
• Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship
• Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)
• Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make
• Email us at hello@ofthewest.co
• Subscribe to Of The West's Newsletters
• List your jobs on Of The WestMentioned in this episode:
Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS):
-
36 min
179. Rethinking Animal Science Education with Dr. Jodi Sterle
Episode 179
Show notes
What happens when agriculture's future demands a different set of skills than the ones we've traditionally taught? At Iowa State University, they're doing something about it.
This week, I'm joined by Dr. Jodi Sterle, Associate Chair of the Department of Animal Science at Iowa State University, to talk about the university's innovative new Animal Enterprise and Innovation major. Developed with input from graduates and industry employers, this program combines animal science with business, entrepreneurship, technology, and data analytics to prepare students for the changing needs of agriculture
We also dive into the importance of internships, why students should explore career opportunities early and often, and how Iowa State is addressing the shortage of large animal veterinarians through a new early acceptance program. From rethinking traditional education to creating new pathways into the workforce, this conversation is a great reminder that preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders means being willing to do things differently.
Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!
Connect with Jodi:
• Email her at jsterle@iastate.edu
Connect with Jessie:
• Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv
• Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest
• Check out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:
• Iowa State University Animal Enterprise and Innovation Major
• Iowa State University Production Animal - Veterinary Early Acceptance Program
• Join The Directory Of The West
• Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description
• Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship
• Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)
• Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make
• Email us at hello@ofthewest.co
• Subscribe to Of The West's Newsletters
• List your jobs on Of The WestMentioned in this episode:
Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS):
-
20 min
178. The Hidden Reason You Can't Finish Anything
Episode 178
Show notes
Have you ever started your day with a full to-do list, bounced between a dozen different tasks, and somehow ended the day feeling like you accomplished absolutely nothing? You're not alone, and our constant connection to technology might have more to do with it than we realize.
In this solo episode, I'm talking about the mental overload that comes from nonstop notifications, endless distractions, and our tendency to multitask our way through life.
I'm sharing the simple changes that have helped me regain my focus, including doing one thing at a time, recognizing when I'm avoiding a difficult task, and making room for slower, more intentional activities. Because sometimes the best way to get more done, feel less overwhelmed, and be more present is to slow down.
As the saying goes, slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.
Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!
Connect with Jessie:
• Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv
• Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest
• Check out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:
• Join The Directory Of The West
• Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description
• Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship
• Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)
• Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make
• Email us at hello@ofthewest.co
• Subscribe to Of The West's Newsletters
• List your jobs on Of The WestMentioned in this episode:
Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS):
-
42 min
177. Holistic but Realistic Gut Health with Lindsey Renteria
Episode 177
Show notes
This episode has a little bit of a different topic, but it’s important nonetheless! Gut health is about a whole lot more than bloating, gas, or how often you poop. It can be connected to everything from stress and energy to skin, hormones, and how you feel day to day.
This week, I'm joined by Lindsey Renteria of Lindsey Marie Wellness to talk about her own health journey and how it eventually led her out of conventional medicine and into helping others improve their digestive health. Lindsey shares why she takes a "holistic but realistic" approach, looking beyond symptoms to nutrition, stress, lifestyle, mindset, and the relationship we have with food.
We also tackle some of the gut health advice that seems to be everywhere online. Lindsey shares her thoughts on elimination diets, food sensitivity testing, coffee on an empty stomach, probiotics, parasite cleanses, and why there is rarely a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to taking care of your health.
Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!
Connect with Lindsey:
• Visit her website
• Follow on Instagram @lindseymariewellnessConnect with Jessie:
• Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv
• Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest
• Check out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:
• Of The West Walk Up Song Playlist
• Join The Directory Of The West
• Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description
• Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship
• Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)
• Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make
• Email us at hello@ofthewest.co
• Subscribe to Of The West's Newsletters
• List your jobs on Of The WestMentioned in this episode:
Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS):
-
34 min
176. Sarah Calhoun on Building Red Ants Pants From the Ground up in Rural Montana
Episode 176
Show notes
What happens when you need something that doesn't exist? If you're Sarah Calhoun, you build it yourself.
This week, I'm joined by Sarah Calhoun, founder of Red Ants Pants, a women's workwear company she started in 2004 after years of struggling to find work pants that actually fit women doing physical labor. With no background in apparel, manufacturing, marketing, or business, Sarah taught herself what she needed to know and built a national brand from the tiny rural community of White Sulphur Springs, Montana.
We talk about starting small, building a business in rural America, creating products designed to last, and why Red Ants Pants has become so much more than a pair of work pants. From a music festival and foundation to leadership programs and hands-on skills courses for women, Sarah shares how one simple idea has grown into something that supports women, agriculture, and rural communities across Montana.
Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!
Connect with Red Ants Pants:
• Check out the website
• Follow on Instagram @redantspantsConnect with Jessie:
• Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv
• Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest
• Check out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:
• This House of Skyby Ivan Doig
• Small Business for Dummiesby Eric Tyson and Jim Schell
• Join The Directory Of The West
• Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description
• Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship
• Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)
• Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make
• Email us at hello@ofthewest.co
• Subscribe to Of The West's Newsletters
• List your jobs on Of The WestMentioned in this episode:
Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS):
-
25 min
175. Knowing Your Superpower
Episode 175
Show notes
What is the thing people always come to you for? Not what you went to school for or what your job title says, but the thing that comes so naturally to you that you might not even realize it's special. That just might be your superpower.
In this solo episode, I'm breaking down what superpowers actually are, how to identify yours, and why understanding them can change the way you show up in your career and your life. I share a few of my own superpowers and how they work together, plus the self-assessment tools and reflective questions that can help uncover the strengths you may have been overlooking.
Whether you're job searching, building your personal brand, or simply trying to understand yourself a little better, knowing what makes you uniquely valuable can help you communicate it with confidence. Your superpower isn't just a career strategy. It's a tool for becoming more intentional in every area of your life.
Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!
Connect with Jessie:
• Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv
• Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest
• Check out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:
• CliftonStrengths
• DISC
• Myers-Briggs
• Enneagram
• Episode 35. Understanding Yourself and the Enneagram with Terryn Drieling
• Join The Directory Of The West
• Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description
• Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship
• Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)
• Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make
• Email us at hello@ofthewest.co
• Subscribe to Of The West's Newsletters
• List your jobs on Of The WestMentioned in this episode:
Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS):
-
43 min
174. What’s Really Happening with the Large Animal Vet Shortage with Dr. Leslie Easterwood
Episode 174
Show notes
If you own horses or cattle, chances are you've felt the large animal veterinarian shortage firsthand. Maybe your longtime vet retired with no one to take their place, or getting an appointment that once took a phone call now means waiting weeks.
This week, I'm joined by Dr. Leslie Easterwood, clinical educator at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and longtime leader with the American Association of Equine Practitioners. She shares her path from livestock show kid to equine veterinarian and educator, then takes us inside the challenges facing large animal veterinary medicine today.
We talk about why veterinarians are leaving equine and rural practice, the impact of student debt, work-life balance and mental health, and what organizations are doing to change that trajectory. Dr. Easterwood also shares how clients can better support their veterinarians and why she remains incredibly optimistic about the future of the profession. Whether you're a livestock owner, horse owner, or a student considering veterinary medicine, this is an important conversation about a shortage that affects all of agriculture.
Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!
Connect with Dr. Easterwood:
• Visit the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) website
• Visit The Foundation for The Horse websiteConnect with Jessie:
• Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv
• Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest
• Check out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:
• How Full is Your Bucket?by Tom Rath and Don Clifton
• Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Veterinary Science Certificate Program
• The Future of Equine Practitioners Symposium OEPS
• Texas Equine Veterinary Association (TEVA)
• Join The Directory Of The West
• Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description
• Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship
• Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)
• Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make
• Email us at hello@ofthewest.co
• Subscribe to Of The West's Newsletters
• List your jobs on Of The WestMentioned in this episode:
Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS):
-
35 min
173. Jake Nelson Is Rewriting How Cattle Get Sold
Episode 173
Show notes
What happens when a rancher sees a hurdle in the cattle industry and decides to build the solution himself?
This week, I'm joined by Jake Nelson, rancher, Army veteran, and founder of CattleQuest. Jake shares how his background in ranching, military service, and entrepreneurship led him to create a tool that brings cattle market data from multiple stockyards into one place, helping producers make more informed decisions about when and where to buy and sell their cattle.
We talk about taking an idea from a conversation to an actual product, the challenge of introducing new technology into an industry that can be resistant to change, and why Jake chose to launch before everything was perfect. Jake also shares how his military experience shaped the way he approaches leadership, fear, and adversity, and why pushing through uncomfortable situations can leave you more capable on the other side.
Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!
Connect with Jake:
• Visit the CattleQuest website
Connect with Jessie:
• Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv
• Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest
• Check out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:
• Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on Itby Chris Voss
• Join The Directory Of The West
• Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description
• Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship
• Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)
• Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make
• Email us at hello@ofthewest.co
• Subscribe to Of The West's Newsletters
• List your jobs on Of The WestMentioned in this episode:
Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS):
-
26 min
172. Are You Actually a Fit for That Job?
Episode 172
Show notes
This week we’re tackling an uncomfortable conversation in the job-seeking world: If you're applying for many positions and never hearing back, you simply might not be qualified for that job.
In this solo episode, I'm breaking down how to honestly evaluate whether you're a good fit for a role before you hit apply. We're talking about the "spray and pray" approach, why more applications don't necessarily equal better odds, and how to separate must-have qualifications from skills you can learn along the way. I also dig into technical skills, transferable experience, career transitions, and why sometimes taking a strategic step back can actually move your career forward.
This isn't about shrinking your goals or settling for less. It's about protecting your time, energy, and confidence by focusing on opportunities where you can genuinely compete. If you're job searching or trying to break into agriculture or the Western industry, this episode is for you.
Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!
Connect with Jessie:
• Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv
• Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest
• Check out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:
• The Ag + Western Career Blueprint
• Join The Directory Of The West
• Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description
• Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship
• Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)
• Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make
• Email us at hello@ofthewest.co
• Subscribe to Of The West's Newsletters
• List your jobs on Of The WestMentioned in this episode:
Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS):
-
42 min
171. How to Build Customer Loyalty Without Traditional Advertising with Catherine Neumayr of V8 Ranch
Episode 171
Show notes
This week, I'm joined by Catherine Neumayr of V8 Ranch, one of the most legendary Brahman operations in the world. Catherine grew up in the cattle industry, but she and her husband, Luke, also built a wildly successful wedding photography business, photographing more than 150 weddings around the world and building their first million-dollar business without spending a dime on traditional advertising.
Today, Catherine has brought those lessons back home to V8 Ranch. We talk about why the little details matter, how to create an experience that turns customers into lifelong fans, and the four principles Catherine and Luke used to build their business. Catherine also shares how V8 creates meaningful experiences for customers and why agriculture needs people with skills and experience from outside the industry.
Whether you're running a ranch, building a business, or wondering if the skills you've developed somewhere else belong in agriculture, this episode is a reminder that there is a place for you here.
Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!
Connect with Catherine:
• Visit V8’s website
• Follow on Instagram @v8ranch
• Follow on YouTube @V8RanchCattleConnect with Jessie:
• Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv
• Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest
• Check out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:
• Purple Cowby Seth Godin
• Author Freida McFadden
• Of The West Walk Up Song Playlist
• Join The Directory Of The West
• Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description
• Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship
• Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)
• Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make
• Email us at hello@ofthewest.co
• Subscribe to Of The West's Newsletters
• List your jobs on Of The WestMentioned in this episode:
Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS):
-
39 min
170. Joining Forces with The League and Dana Jensen
Episode 170
Show notes
If you work behind the scenes of an equine or Western event, whether you're managing a facility, producing a show, or just getting your foot in the door, this episode is for you. I'm joined by Dana Jensen, Managing Director of The League, an organization dedicated to advancing the equine and ag event industry through education, professional development, networking, and shared standards.
Dana shares her own journey from horse-crazy kid to competitor, show producer, facility director, and eventually leader of The League. We also dive into some of the organization's incredible resources, including its Footing Academy and Certified Manager of Equine Centers credential, plus why The League recently expanded its membership to include producers, young professionals, breed associations, and others throughout the industry.
And we're sharing something exciting! Of The West and The League are joining forces for a free town hall focused on 2026 hiring trends, tips, and best practices. We'll be talking about the challenges that facilities and event producers face when it comes to finding qualified people, building stronger teams, and hiring full-time, part-time, seasonal, temporary, and contract help. If you're involved in producing equine or Western events at any level, we hope you'll join us. Clickhere to sign up.
Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!
Connect with Dana:
• Visit The League’s website
• Follow on Instagram @theleaguehubConnect with Jessie:
• Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv
• Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest
• Check out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:
• The Ag + Equine Hiring Town Hall from The League & Of The West
• Of The West Walk Up Song Playlist
• Join The Directory Of The West
• Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description
• Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship
• Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)
• Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make
• Email us at hello@ofthewest.co
• Subscribe to Of The West's Newsletters
• List your jobs on Of The WestMentioned in this episode:
Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS):
-
22 min
169. Surviving the Unimaginable with Sharon K Beach, Pt 2: How She Forged Ahead
Episode 169
Show notes
This is Part 2 of a two-part episode with Sharon K. Beach. Listen to last week’s episode where Sharon shared the incredible story of surviving a kidnapping, a life-threatening medical battle, and a decades-long fight within the justice system. This week, we're continuing the conversation by digging into what carried her through it all: mental toughness.
Sharon shares her ABCs of surviving: attitude, belief, and choice. She also shares how faith, forgiveness, determination, and a refusal to let her past control her helped her rebuild an extraordinary life. We talk about what it means to keep going when life looks nothing like you planned, why asking for help is a sign of strength, and how even our hardest experiences can become part of someone else's survival guide.
If you're walking through your own version of rock bottom, this conversation is a powerful reminder that healing takes time and there are people willing to help.
Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!
Connect with Sharon K. Beach:
• Visit her website
• Sign up for release dates and info for her bookDon’t You Dare Let GoConnect with Jessie:
• Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv
• Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest
• Check out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:
• Ep 168: Surviving the Unimaginable with Sharon K. Beach, Pt 1: What She Lived Through
• Same Kind of Different As Me
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
• Join The Directory Of The West
• Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description
• Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship
• Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)
• Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make
• Email us at hello@ofthewest.co
• Subscribe to Of The West's Newsletters
• List your jobs on Of The WestMentioned in this episode:
Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS):
-
28 min
168. Surviving the Unimaginable with Sharon K Beach, Pt 1: What She Lived Through
Episode 168
Show notes
Some stories are too important not to tell.
This is Part 1 of a two-part episode where Sharon Beach joins me to share the remarkable story that changed her life forever. In 1989, Sharon was kidnapped and held captive for four days and five nights. What followed wasn't just a fight for survival, but years of overcoming life-threatening medical complications and navigating an incredibly difficult justice system.
In this episode, Sharon shares how faith and strategy helped her survive, the intense challenges she faced after escaping, and the resilience that carried her through it all. While this conversation is difficult, it is ultimately a story of perseverance.
Be sure to come back next week for Part 2, where we dive into the mindset, mental grit, and life lessons that helped Sharon build an extraordinary life after tragedy.
Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!
Connect with Sharon:
• Visit her website
• Sign up for release dates and info for her bookDon’t You Dare Let GoConnect with Jessie:
• Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv
• Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest
• Check out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:
• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
• Join The Directory Of The West
• Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description
• Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship
• Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)
• Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make
• Email us at hello@ofthewest.co
• Subscribe to Of The West's Newsletters
• List your jobs on Of The WestMentioned in this episode:
Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS):
-
38 min
167. Ranch Management Technology Every Producer Should Know with Andrew Fraser of Halter
Episode 167
Show notes
This week, I'm joined by Andrew Fraser, President of Halter, one of the fastest-growing ag tech companies in the world. We dive into the story behind Halter, how virtual fencing has evolved from an ambitious idea into technology that's transforming cattle operations, and why building products alongside ranchers has been the key to their success.
We also talk about labor shortages, succession planning, company culture, and why the future of agriculture depends on creating tools that give producers more time to focus on what matters most. Whether you're curious about ranch technology, looking for career opportunities in agriculture, or simply interested in how innovation is shaping the future of the West, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.
Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!
Connect with Halter:
• Visit their website
• Follow on Instagram @halterhqConnect with Jessie:
• Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv
• Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest
• Check out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:
• Lonesome Doveby Larry McMurtry
• Join The Directory Of The West
• Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description
• Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship
• Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)
• Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make
• Email us at hello@ofthewest.co
• Subscribe to Of The West's Newsletters
• List your jobs on Of The WestMentioned in this episode:
Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS):
-
26 min
166. The Goal I Didn't Hit (And Why That's Okay)
Episode 166
Show notes
In this week's episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on one of the bigger projects we've built at Of The West and sharing the real numbers behind its launch. I'm talking about why we created the Ag and Western Career Blueprint, the goal I set for its first launch, and what happened when we came up just short of hitting that number. More importantly, I'm sharing why missing a goal isn't the same thing as failing, and how having the courage to set ambitious goals in the first place can completely change the trajectory of your business and your life.
I also dive into the importance of creating goals that are backed by a plan, the lessons that come from falling short, and why success isn't always measured by whether you hit an exact number. Sometimes the greatest growth comes from what you learn in the pursuit. If you've ever felt discouraged because you didn't accomplish a goal exactly the way you envisioned, I hope this episode encourages you to keep going, adjust your approach, and remember that progress is still worth celebrating.
Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!
Connect with Jessie:
• Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv
• Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest
• Check out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:
• The Ag and Western Career Blueprint
• Episode 10: How to Set Your Goals Successfully
• Episode 84: Goal Setting with Jessie Jarvis
• Join The Directory Of The West
• Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description
• Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship
• Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)
• Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make
• Email us at hello@ofthewest.co
• Subscribe to Of The West's Newsletters
• List your jobs on Of The WestMentioned in this episode:
Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS):
-
28 min
165. If You Can't Beat Them, Build It!
Episode 165
Show notes
Building a great team doesn’t have to mean you’re competing for talent. This week, I'm sharing the story of how a simple conversation with a friend led Of the West to build a college internship program from the ground up for an agricultural business. What started as a solution to a seasonal hiring problem turned into a strategy that can help businesses attract top talent, develop future leaders, and strengthen their workforce for years to come.
In this episode, we talk about why internship programs are often overlooked in agriculture and Western industries, what it actually takes to build one that qualifies for academic credit, and how shifting your mindset from "How do I stop this?" to "How do I make this work for me?" can create opportunities. If you're a business owner looking for better hiring solutions or thinking about the future of your operation, this episode is full of practical ideas you can put into action.
Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!
Connect with Jessie:
• Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv
• Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest
• Check out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:
• Email us at hello@ofthewest.co
• Join The Directory Of The West
• Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description
• Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship
• Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)
• Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make
• Email us at hello@ofthewest.co
• Subscribe to Of The West's Newsletters
• List your jobs on Of The WestMentioned in this episode:
Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS):
-
25 min
164. How Imperfect People Can Still Change the World
Episode 164
Show notes
In this week's episode, I'm sharing a story that started with an unexpected flood of Instagram messages after Martin Luther King Jr. Day and led me to think more deeply about cancel culture, leadership, and the impossible standards we often place on one another. It made me realize how quick we can be to expect perfection from the people we admire, while forgetting that every person who has made a meaningful impact on the world has also been deeply flawed.
Together, we explore why it's possible to respect someone's contributions without endorsing every decision they've ever made, why curiosity is more valuable than assumption, and how demanding perfection ultimately shuts down honest conversations. If we believe imperfect people can change the world, then we also have to make room for imperfect dialogue, extending the same grace to others that we hope to receive ourselves.
Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!
Connect with Jessie:
• Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv
• Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest
• Check out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:
• Join The Directory Of The West
• Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description
• Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship
• Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)
• Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make
• Email us at hello@ofthewest.co
• Subscribe to Of The West's Newsletters
• List your jobs on Of The WestMentioned in this episode:
Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS):
-
32 min
163. Clean Product Swaps: Kitchen and Home
Episode 163
Show notes
In this week's episode, we're continuing the conversation on low-tox living with a look inside my kitchen and around my home. After so many of you reached out following the episode I did on beauty products, I wanted to share the swaps we've made when it comes to everyday items we use most for kitchen and household products. As always, I'm not an expert, just someone who's learning along the way and trying to make practical, sustainable changes for my family.
From cast iron cookware and glass food storage to homemade cleaners and laundry detergents, I walk through what has worked for us, what I'm still testing, and why I believe progress is more important than perfection. If you're interested in making healthier choices without feeling like you have to replace everything overnight, I hope this episode gives you a few ideas and resources to help you on your own journey.
Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!
Connect with Jessie:
• Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv
• Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest
• Check out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:
• Click Here for All Product Recommendations from this episode
• Clean Product Swaps for Hair, Skin, & Beauty Blog Post
• Episode 161. Girl Talk: My Journey to Low-Tox Living (Product Swaps)
• Follow Jena Ochsner on Instagram @jenaochsner
• Kent Rollins on YouTube
• Join The Directory Of The West
• Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description
• Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship
• Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)
• Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make
• Email us at hello@ofthewest.co
• Subscribe to Of The West's Newsletters
• List your jobs on Of The WestMentioned in this episode:
Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS):
-
33 min
162. No Seat at the Table? Build Your Own
Episode 162
Show notes
This week, we’re airing another popular episode we’ve aired in the past! In this episode, we’re doing some Q&A with our amazing Marketing Director, Sarah Wilson, putting me in the hot seat. I had you guys submit questions about Of The West; whether the questions were about ranch life, personal life, business, or entrepreneurship, nothing was off-limits. These questions are a bit more personal and will hopefully help you get to know me a bit better.
I share my answers to these questions:
• What are my roles as a ranch wife?
• How do you get your spouse on board with your big dreams and ambitions?
• Have I ever had people discount my knowledge as a female in agriculture?
• How do I escape from work at home and be present with my kids?Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!
Connect with Jessie:
• Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv
• Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest
• Check out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:
• The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
• Join The Directory Of The West
• Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description
• Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship
• Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)
• Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make
• Email us at hello@ofthewest.co
• Subscribe to Of The West's Newsletters
• List your jobs on Of The WestMentioned in this episode:
Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS):
-
38 min
161. Girl Talk: My Journey to Low-Tox Living (Product Swaps)
Episode 161
Show notes
In this week’s episode, we’re taking a little break from our usual career and business conversations for a more personal discussion. After sharing on Instagram that I don’t use certain products in my own home, I received a flood of questions about the products we do use and how I’ve approached reducing our family’s overall toxic burden. I’m not a medical professional, and I certainly don’t have all the answers, but I wanted to share what has worked for me, where I started, and why I believe small, intentional changes can add up over time.
I talk about my philosophy on low-tox living, the apps I use to research products, ways to support your body’s natural detoxification systems, and some of my favorite swaps for hair care, skincare, makeup, deodorant, sunscreen, and more. Most importantly, I share why I believe this journey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. You don’t have to throw everything away overnight. Sometimes the best approach is simply replacing products one at a time as they run out and making choices that feel realistic and sustainable for your family.
Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!
Connect with Jessie:
• Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv
• Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest
• Check out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:
• Click here for all product recommendations from this episode
• Episode 85: Journey to Wellness with Jenna Ochsner
• Episode 138: Girl Talk (with Jena Oschner): Rethinking “Healthy,” Part 1
• Join The Directory Of The West
• Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description
• Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship
• Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)
• Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make
• Email us at hello@ofthewest.co
• Subscribe to Of The West's Newsletters
• List your jobs on Of The WestMentioned in this episode:
Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS):
Careers lists
More Careers shows picked out from the charts
More in Careers
Placed highest on Apple Podcasts' Careers chart right now