What does it take to keep a multi-generational family business thriving for over 75 years? In this episode of Beyond the Gate, we go behind the scenes at Cloud’s Meats in Carthage, Missouri, with third-generation processor Chris Cloud. Chris shares his unique journey from high school agriculture teacher to leading the family plant, offering an inside look at how they balance 1950s-era family values with the modern demands of meat processing.

We break down the "freezer beef" process, discuss the real value of buying locally, and get Chris's expert take on everything from choosing the perfect steak to the secrets of a great backyard barbecue. Whether you are a seasoned producer or a first-time freezer-beef buyer, this conversation is packed with the grit, history, and heart of the rural meat industry.

​​​​​​​Thanks to our sponsor, Co-Angler! 

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Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott joins Beyond the Gate to discuss his nearly four-decade career in law enforcement, from his early days as a reserve deputy to his upcoming transition into the role of United States Marshal. Sheriff Arnott breaks down current crime trends in rural Missouri, including how modern technology like GPS tracking and neighborhood watch networks are essential tools for safeguarding farms and equipment.

Beyond the badge, he shares the personal story behind his three-legged rescue dog, Katie, and explains why he believes the greatest protection for any rural community is a neighbor who looks out for their neighbor.

​​​​​​​Thanks to our sponsor, Co-Angler! 

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Jay Shepherd is much more than an educator; he is a man with many hats. In this episode of Beyond the Gate, Jamie sits down with the Lawrence County native to reflect on a 27-year career dedicated to the "three-circle model" of ag education combining classroom learning, FFA leadership, and hands-on projects.

From teaching the FFA Creed in a neighbor’s kitchen to seeing a student become a Star American Farmer, Jay shares the stories that define his "calling" to the classroom. We dive into the grit required to build an animal science lab from scratch and why modern ag ed is still the key to feeding the world in 2026. It is a raw look at the power of setting high expectations and watching students discover their own potential.

​​​​​​​Thanks to our sponsor, Co-Angler! 

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We are back with the second half of our conversation with Missouri’s 57th Governor, Mike Parson. In this episode, we move past the titles to hear the personal stories that defined his time in office, from the quintuple bypass surgery just days before his swearing-in to the "sobering" drive to Jefferson City after the call that changed everything.

Now back home in Bolivar, he reflects on the grit required for leadership, his lifelong love for the Missouri State Fair, and the faith that guided him through the state’s toughest moments. It is an honest look at life after the daily grind and the lasting values that make Missouri home.

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Justin Raef is a fifth-generation dairyman and poultry producer from Lebanon, Missouri, whose family has been working the same land since 1916. He brings a collection of stories that define the grit of rural life, including the time he was only eight years old and sneaking out of the house at 4:00 AM to beat his grandpa to the milk barn. It's a raw and honest look at the kind of persistence it takes to keep a Century Farm thriving in 2026.

Justin and Jamie explore the high-stakes reality of modern agriculture, highlighting a wild 24-hour window where Justin transitioned from a lifetime in the dairy business to a million-dollar poultry operation. With 20,000 hens now producing thousands of eggs a day alongside his dairy cows, Justin breaks down the daily grind of family teamwork and the market rollercoasters that define his "milk and eggs" lifestyle.

Thanks to our sponsor, Co-Angler!

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Agriculture doesn’t move without trucks... and most of us never think about that.

In this episode, Jamie Johansen talks with Jared Flinn, co-founder of BulkLoads, about the side of agriculture that keeps everything running behind the scenes. Jared shares how working in grain logistics opened his eyes to a bigger opportunity: helping small, independent trucking companies stay profitable and competitive in a tough industry.

They dive into the real challenges owner-operators face, why cash flow can make or break a trucking business, and how BulkLoads grew into more than just a load board. It’s now a trusted marketplace, a funding partner, and a growing media platform telling the stories of rural America. 

Thanks to our sponsor, Co-Angler!

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You’ve heard his name, but now it's time for his story.

Jamie Johansen sits down with former Missouri Governor Mike Parson for his first in-depth interview like this since leaving office. In a wide-ranging, personal conversation, Governor Parson opens up about where he came from, growing up on a small farm in Hickory County, and the experiences that shaped him long before politics ever entered the picture.

He reflects on his path through law enforcement, the military, business ownership, and public service, sharing stories and lessons that rarely get told once the spotlight fades. The conversation goes beyond titles and elections and gets into leadership, humility, family, and what really matters after the job ends. If you’re interested in hearing a side of a former governor you haven’t heard before, this is a must-listen.

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Farm succession planning isn’t just about land and paperwork. It’s about family.

Jamie Johansen sits down with Wesley Tucker of University of Missouri Extension for a real, eye-opening conversation about what happens to a farm when the next generation isn’t prepared. Wesley breaks down why succession planning matters, why waiting too long causes the biggest family conflicts, and how communication can make or break a farm’s future.

They talk about on-farm and off-farm kids, fairness versus equality, sweat equity, and why the hardest conversations are the most important ones to have while everyone is still at the table. This conversation is packed with practical advice, real-life scenarios, and moments that will make you stop and think about your own family plans.

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A quiet day fishing alone sparked something bigger. 🎣 

Jamie Johansen talks with Ozarks native John Bledsoe, founder of Co-Angler, about how a simple idea turned into an app connecting people through fishing and the outdoors. John shares his path from growing up on Missouri waters to building a startup, taking risks, learning to code, and chasing a vision rooted in community. 

They break down what Co-Angler does, why it matters, and how technology can help people get back outside and connect in real life. It’s a great listen for anyone who loves Ozarks stories, entrepreneurship, or the power of a good idea. 

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Jamie Johansen sits down with Heather Mincer, the founder of Yes Honey, and her story is one of those that starts simple and turns into something way bigger. Heather talks about moving her family to rural Missouri, wanting a slower pace of life, and how raising chickens and selling at farmers markets accidentally turned into a full-blown honey-sweetened soda and sauce business.

Heather gets real about her health journey with alpha-gal, reading every label, and realizing just how hard it is to find drinks and treats made with clean ingredients. That challenge pushed her to create something better, and now Yes Honey is showing up in local stores and beyond. They talk branding mistakes, rebranding, pitching to grocery stores, and what it’s actually like building a product business while being a mom and figuring things out as you go. 

Learn more about Yes Honey at https://yeshoneybrand.com

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