In this episode, Whitney Whitaker interviews Megan Blankenship, a prominent figure in livestock photography and the owner of Next Level Images. Megan shares her journey from a shy child on a family farm to a successful photographer in the livestock industry. She discusses the importance of passion, building relationships, and the challenges of balancing work and family life. Megan emphasizes the significance of creating positive experiences for clients and the value of teamwork in her business. She also offers insights into bidding for shows, opportunities for aspiring photographers, and the art of livestock photography. The conversation concludes with advice for creatives on pursuing their passions and avoiding burnout.

In this episode of the Club Cultivate podcast, Whitney interviews Jennifer Shike, the editor and brand leader at Farm Journal. Jennifer shares her journey in agriculture and writing, emphasizing the importance of internships and programs like 4-H and FFA in shaping her career. She discusses her current role at Farm Journal, where she focuses on storytelling across various platforms, including print, podcasts, and social media. Jennifer highlights the significance of authenticity in writing and the role of analytics in content creation. The conversation also covers the dynamics of teamwork and collaboration in the creative process, as well as tips for aspiring writers to find their voice and connect with their audience. In this conversation, Jennifer Shike shares her insights on productivity, work-life balance, and the importance of networking in the agricultural communications field. She discusses how to maximize productivity by identifying personal peak work hours, the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life, and the value of engaging with professional organizations like the Livestock Publications Council. Jennifer also offers advice for young professionals, emphasizing the importance of listening, storytelling, and pursuing passions. She concludes with book and podcast recommendations that have influenced her personal and professional growth.

In this episode of the Club Cultivate podcast, Whitney interviews Allison Burenheide, who shares her unique career journey from her undergraduate studies at Texas A&M to her impactful roles at Merck Animal Health, including her experience moving abroad to the UK. The conversation explores themes of personal branding, the value of graduate education, the importance of networking, and the challenges and growth that come from stepping outside of one's comfort zone. Allison emphasizes the significance of adaptability, cultural awareness, and strategic thinking in both personal and professional contexts, providing valuable insights for listeners navigating their own career paths. In this conversation, Allison Burenheide shares her experiences in merging teams, her current role in a startup, and insights into marketing strategies. She emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs, being adaptable in marketing approaches, and leveraging vendor partnerships. Additionally, she offers valuable advice for young professionals about broadening their opportunities and not being afraid to take risks in their careers.

Episode #7: The Art of Storytelling in Ag Communications with Miranda Reiman

Description:

How writing and storytelling have evolved in ag media

Tips for interviewing, listening, and crafting meaningful narratives

The importance of versatility in communication roles

Navigating work-life balance in a high-demand industry

Internships and how to stand out in your application

Her go-to books, podcasts, and lifelong learning resources

Tune in now and take away practical strategies to strengthen your writing, interviewing, and communication skills—no matter where you are in your journey.

🔗 Resources & Links:

Miranda's Book Recommendations

📌 Connect with Club Cultivate:

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In this episode of the Club Cultivate podcast, Whitney interviews Clancy Gunn, who shares her journey from a native Colorado girl to a successful marketing professional at Vermeer. Clancy discusses her early experiences in college, her pivotal role at the National Western Stock Show, and the creation of a media internship program that has helped many students launch their careers. She emphasizes the importance of personal development, self-awareness, and the value of mentorship in the marketing field. Clancy also shares insights on balancing freelance work with a full-time job and the significance of building relationships in the industry. In this engaging conversation, Clancy and Whitney discuss the evolution of their professional journeys, the importance of building genuine relationships, and the impact of kindness and hard work in achieving success. They reflect on their experiences in the agriculture industry, share insights on leveraging data for business growth, and explore innovative marketing strategies. The discussion emphasizes the value of personal development, effective communication, and the significance of networking in today's fast-paced world.

In this episode of the Club Cultivate podcast, Whitney interviews LaurieAnn Kuntz, an accountant specializing in helping creative entrepreneurs manage their finances. LaurieAnn shares her journey from traditional accounting to creating a firm that focuses on understanding and supporting business owners. The conversation covers essential accounting terms, the importance of hiring the right financial professionals, and practical tips for managing finances, especially for those with inconsistent cash flow. LaurieAnn emphasizes the foundational role of financial understanding in business success and offers insights into building a sustainable financial strategy. In this conversation, LoriAnn Kuntz and Whitney discuss the importance of financial management for entrepreneurs, focusing on how to pay oneself consistently, the nuances of business income, and the significance of setting personal financial goals. They also explore the services offered by Profit Priority, emphasizing the need for clear communication and support in bookkeeping and financial planning. The discussion wraps up with book recommendations and personal mantras that guide their entrepreneurial journeys.

Learn more about LoriAnn Kuntz and the Profit Priority team here: https://www.profitpriority.co/ 

In this episode of the Club Cultivate podcast, Whitney interviews Jace Tarbell, a creative entrepreneur who shares his journey from a pre-vet student to a successful graphic designer and business owner. Jace discusses the challenges and mindset shifts he experienced while building his business, the importance of finding one's unique style, and the value of community and collaboration in the creative industry. He emphasizes the need for aspiring creatives to have faith in themselves, learn from failures, and charge appropriately for their services.

In this episode of the Club Cultivate podcast, Whitney interviews Tori Egger, a Western photographer who shares her journey from a young age in the agriculture world to becoming a successful photographer. Tori discusses the importance of building a portfolio, finding a niche, and the strategic use of social media to grow her brand. She emphasizes the value of education and mentorship in the photography community and advocates for a collaborative mindset where everyone can succeed together. Tori also shares insights on pricing, the significance of creating shareable content, and her philosophy of inclusivity in the industry. In this conversation, Tori Egger shares her journey in photography, emphasizing the importance of finding one's unique style through trial and error. She discusses strategic approaches to photography, including understanding the brands you want to work with and tailoring your style accordingly. Tori provides tactical tips for improvement, such as using Pinterest for inspiration and the significance of practicing regularly. She also delves into pricing strategies, the value of mentorship, and the importance of personality in building a successful creative business. The conversation highlights the power of community and the resources available for aspiring photographers.

In this episode of the Club Cultivate podcast, Whitney interviews Taylor Belle Matheny, Director of Communications for the American Hereford Association. Taylor shares her journey from growing up on a farm in Kentucky to pursuing degrees in agriculture communications and animal science. She discusses her experiences in graduate school, the importance of internships, and the value of networking in building relationships within the industry. Taylor also delves into her role at the American Hereford Association, where she manages various communications tasks, emphasizing the balance between quality and quantity in content creation, particularly in video production. In this conversation, Taylor Belle Matheny discusses the evolving landscape of video in branding, emphasizing the importance of high-quality content over quantity. She shares insights on creating a cohesive brand identity and the challenges of maintaining consistency across various platforms. Reflecting on her college experiences, she encourages embracing opportunities and continuous learning in a fast-paced industry. The discussion also touches on innovative approaches to education and training in the creative field.

In this episode of the Club Cultivate podcast, Whitney interviews Heidi and Charles Anderson, the founders of Legacy Livestock Imaging. They discuss their journey in photography, the organic growth of their business, and the importance of storytelling in capturing the essence of livestock shows. The conversation delves into technical advice for aspiring photographers, the significance of building connections, and the value of internships in the industry. They emphasize the need for passion, authenticity, and hard work in achieving success in photography and livestock.