Beyond the Jacket

By Lacie Evans, Rachel Zumbach, Paige Cruse

Connecting with FFA members & uncovering their journeys beyond the blue corduroy. Stories of passion, purpose & growth in ag. New episodes weekly!... more

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FAQs about Beyond the Jacket:

How many episodes does Beyond the Jacket have?

The podcast currently has 28 episodes available.

Beyond the Jacket episodes:

October 17, 2025 Finding Courage and Patience in the Show Ring with Blake Reed
This week on Beyond the Jacket, we’re heading all the way to the Golden State to meet Blake Reed, a senior from the Reedley FFA Chapter in California! 🌾
Blake takes us through his journey of showing market hogs and the many lessons he’s learned both in and out of the show ring. But what really shines through in this episode is the influence of his dad, a one-of-a-kind supporter who’s always pushing Blake to start new projects and dream even bigger.
And let’s just say… we could not stop laughing during this conversation! Between the stories from the barn and the family moments that make his FFA experience so special, this episode is full of heart, humor, and inspiration.
🎧 Tune in now - you won’t want to miss this lively chat with Blake Reed!
#BeyondTheJacket #FFA #ReedleyFFA #CaliforniaFFA #MarketHogs #ShowPigLife #FutureFarmers #AgEducation #FFAStories #ShopLife #FFACommunity Be sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date!
Got thoughts on today’s episode or want to be a guest?
Email us anytime at [email protected]
See you next time for more conversations on FFA, SAE's and the future of
agriculture!
Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram, X (Twitter), Youtube
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
...more
30min
October 10, 2025 Growing the Future with Shannon Latham and the Iowa FFA Foundation
On this week’s episode of Beyond the Jacket, Rachel and Paige sit down with Shannon Latham, the new Director of the Iowa FFA Foundation, to talk about her journey, her leadership philosophy, and her vision for the future of Iowa FFA. From her deep roots in agriculture and business to her passion for helping young leaders thrive, Shannon brings a wealth of experience and energy to the Foundation.
Together, they explore what it means to invest in the next generation of agricultural leaders - students who are learning, growing, and stepping boldly into their purpose. Shannon shares insights from her career in the seed industry, the importance of mentorship, and how the Foundation continues to create opportunities that keep FFA strong and relevant in today’s world. 🌱
Whether you’re an FFA alum, educator, or simply someone who believes in the power of leadership and community, this conversation is sure to inspire. Tune in and discover how Shannon plans to grow the future of ag - one student at a time.
#BeyondTheJacketPodcast #IowaFFAFoundation #FFAProud #WomenInAg #LeadershipInAg #AgEducation #BlueAndGoldForever #NextGenAg #FFAAlumni #RuralLeadership #GrowingLeaders #Farm4Profit #EmpoweringStudents #AgricultureMatters #FutureOfAg #ShapingTheFuture #PodcastForLeaders #CommunityInAg #LeadServeGrow #IowaAgStrong Be sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date!
Got thoughts on today’s episode or want to be a guest?
Email us anytime at [email protected]
See you next time for more conversations on FFA, SAE's and the future of
agriculture!
Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram, X (Twitter), Youtube
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
...more
47min
October 03, 2025 From Posts to Purpose: Ellie Taylor’s Ag Communications Journey
This week on Beyond the Jacket, we sit down with Indiana FFA member Ellie Taylor to dive into her SAE in Agricultural Communications. 📸📝 From running chapter media to building engagement across multiple platforms, Ellie shows us how storytelling can grow a program and inspire a community. 🌾💙
#beyondthejacket #FFA #AgCommunications #BlueJacketLegacy #IndianaFFA #SAE #AgEducation #Leadership #FutureOfAg #AgAdvocacy Be sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date!
Got thoughts on today’s episode or want to be a guest?
Email us anytime at [email protected]
See you next time for more conversations on FFA, SAE's and the future of
agriculture!
Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram, X (Twitter), Youtube
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
...more
36min
September 26, 2025 Leading the Flock: Abby Walters' Journey in Sheep Showing & FFA Leadership
This week on Beyond the Jacket, we sit down with Abby Walters to talk about her passion for showing sheep, the dedication it takes to bring new breeds into her project, and how her time in the FFA has shaped her into a confident leader. From the show ring to chapter leadership, Abby proves that success comes from both grit and vision. 💙💛
#BeyondTheJacket #FFAStories #SheepShowmanship Be sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date!
Got thoughts on today’s episode or want to be a guest?
Email us anytime at [email protected]
See you next time for more conversations on FFA, SAE's and the future of
agriculture!
Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram, X (Twitter), Youtube
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
...more
26min
September 19, 2025 From the Barn to the Ocean: Hannah’s Journey Beyond the Jacket
This week on Beyond the Jacket, we’re joined by Hannah Thompson, an FFA alum who credits her blue jacket journey for leading her to her dream career as a dolphin trainer. 🐬💙 You don’t want to miss this inspiring episode!
#BeyondTheJacket #FFAAlumni #FromFFAToCareer #AgEducation #Leadership #BlueJacketLegacy #CareerJourney #DolphinTrainer #InspiringStories Be sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date!
Got thoughts on today’s episode or want to be a guest?
Email us anytime at [email protected]
See you next time for more conversations on FFA, SAE's and the future of
agriculture!
Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram, X (Twitter), Youtube
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
...more
27min
September 12, 2025 Triple the SAE, Triple the Impact with Jenna Lawler
This week, hosts Paige and Rachel chat with Jenna Lawler, Indiana FFA State Reporter! 🌟 She shares how not one, not two, but three SAE projects shaped her journey—and how leadership took her story beyond the jacket.
#BeyondTheJacket #FFA #SAE #Leadership #IndianaFFA #AgEducation Be sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date!
Got thoughts on today’s episode or want to be a guest?
Email us anytime at [email protected]
See you next time for more conversations on FFA, SAE's and the future of
agriculture!
Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram, X (Twitter), Youtube
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
...more
45min
September 05, 2025 From Show Ring to Success: Brier Englemann’s Swine Story
Join hosts Rachel and Paige as they sit down with Brier Englemann, a 10th grader with a passion for the show ring and a thriving competitive show swine SAE. 🐖✨ From daily dedication to the big moments in the ring, Brier shares what it takes to succeed, the lessons she’s learned, and why she loves telling her story through FFA.
🎧 Tune in now—you won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation!
#BeyondTheJacket #FFA #SAE #StudentStories #ShowSwine #YouthInAg #AgEducation #FutureOfAg Be sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date!
Got thoughts on today’s episode or want to be a guest?
Email us anytime at [email protected]
See you next time for more conversations on FFA, SAE's and the future of
agriculture!
Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram, X (Twitter), Youtube
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
...more
26min
August 29, 2025 Hard Work, Showmanship, and Success with Cooper Davis of Davis Livestock🎙️ 🐖
This week on Beyond the Jacket, Lacie and Paige sit down with Cooper Davis to dive deep into the world of mentoring livestock showmen. From the lessons learned in the barn to the drive it takes to step into the ring, Cooper shares how mentorship plays a key role in building not only better showmen, but stronger leaders for the future of agriculture.
He opens up about the impact of guiding young people through the highs and lows of competition, the importance of preparation, and the lasting friendships that are built along the way. Whether you’re in the show barn every weekend or just love hearing stories of growth and grit, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight.
👂 Tune in to hear Cooper’s perspective on leadership, mentorship, and the legacy being shaped through livestock shows! Be sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date!
Got thoughts on today’s episode or want to be a guest?
Email us anytime at [email protected]
See you next time for more conversations on FFA, SAE's and the future of
agriculture!
Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram, X (Twitter), Youtube
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
...more
33min
August 22, 2025 Leading the Blue: Thad’s Journey as a National FFA Officer
What does it take to represent hundreds of thousands of FFA members across the nation? On this episode of Beyond the Jacket, we sit down with National FFA President Thad to talk about leadership, service, and staying true to your roots while navigating life on the big stage.
From personal growth to the power of agricultural education, this is one conversation every FFA member, ag educator, and future leader needs to hear!
🎧 Tune in now and get inspired to dream bigger and lead stronger.
#BeyondTheJacket #FFA #NationalFFAOfficers #LeadershipInAg #FutureOfAg #AgriculturalEducation #BlueJacketPride #YoungLeaders #FFAOfficerLife #AgLeadership #BeyondFFA #LeadServeInspire #AgEd #BlueAndGoldPride #FFA2025 #FutureLeaders #BeyondTheBlue #LeadershipJourney #AgPodcast #FFAStory Be sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date!
Got thoughts on today’s episode or want to be a guest?
Email us anytime at [email protected]
See you next time for more conversations on FFA, SAE's and the future of
agriculture!
Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram, X (Twitter), Youtube
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
...more
50min
August 15, 2025 Abbygael joins us on Beyond the Jacket
This week on Beyond the Jacket, we’re featuring Abbygael Whitehead, a proud Dixie FFA member whose SAE focuses on aquaculture — a Florida staple that keeps our agriculture industry thriving! 🐟🌴 Tune in to hear her story and passion for ag. 💙🎙️
#BeyondTheJacket #FFA #DixieFFA #Aquaculture #FloridaAg #BlueJacket #SAE #AgEducation #FFAStories #GrowingLeaders Be sure to follow us on social media to stay up to date!
Got thoughts on today’s episode or want to be a guest?
Email us anytime at [email protected]
See you next time for more conversations on FFA, SAE's and the future of
agriculture!
Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram, X (Twitter), Youtube
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com
for information about our collection and use of personal data for
advertising.
...more
32min

FAQs about Beyond the Jacket:

How many episodes does Beyond the Jacket have?

The podcast currently has 28 episodes available.