Deep in the Heart of Texas 4-H

In this episode of Deep in the Heart: Texas 4-H, we visit with Courtney Mercer, Jackson County Extension Agent, 4-H coordinator, and county coordinator, about the people, experiences, and relationships that make a local 4-H program meaningful.

Courtney shares insights from her Extension career, including the importance of meeting young people where they are, recognizing the stories happening within everyday 4-H experiences, and using communication and social media to help others understand the program’s impact. The conversation also explores the commitment, creativity, and teamwork required to serve youth, families, volunteers, and the broader community.

Tune in for an encouraging conversation about celebrating the people behind the program, sharing the 4-H story authentically, and creating experiences that young people will remember long after the event is over.

How does Texas 4-H connect to Texas A&M, and what does that connection mean for young people across the state? Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Director Dr. Rick Avery joins us to talk about his own 4-H story, the importance of local clubs and volunteers, and his vision for the future of Texas 4-H. Plus, he shares one piece of advice for every 4-H member: step outside your comfort zone, try new things, and never say no to an opportunity.

What does it take to prepare young people for success beyond 4-H? Dr. Jeffrey Savell joins us to talk about grit, leadership, mentorship, and why people skills matter just as much as technical knowledge. From the “Ministry of Presence” to building meaningful networks and stepping outside your comfort zone, Dr. Savell shares lessons from a career spent developing and investing in the next generation of leaders.

In this episode, Dr. Megan Shaffer and State Council member, Sullivan Belew, sit down with Dr. Montza Williams, Texas 4-H State Program Director, to talk about Texas 4-H enrollment, the new TX4H system, the rich history of Texas 4-H, and how 4-H helps young people build skills for life. This conversation is a great kickoff to the new 4-H year and a reminder to jump in, get involved, and make the most of every opportunity.

Welcome to season three of Deep in the Heart of Texas 4-H! In this episode, meet some of the new Texas 4-H Council members and catch a bit of a preview for the upcoming season of episodes. We are BEYOND READY to go on this journey with you! Submit questions, shoutouts, or celebrations for the next episode to [email protected].

In this episode, the 2026 Texas 4-H Congress Press Corps interviewed Congress attendees from across the state. 4-H Congress is an immersive experience in which 4-H members get to act as Texas legislators. Enjoy this episode where participants take you behind the scenes and into the bills!

In each episode this season, we asked "what advice would you give to a 4-H member who looks up to you?" We decided the best way to recap the season was to filter back through all of the advice given on our season two episodes. Enjoy this unique episode of nothing but wisdom!

Wendy Scott is no stranger to 4-H and no stranger to helping young adults in life after high school. As an advisor at Texas Texas University, she helps parents and students walk through the next chapter and has words of wisdom to share with any parent or young adult entering that stage. Co-hosted by Texas 4-H Council Alumni Aubrey Smith, don't miss this insightful episode!

Links mentioned in the episode include...

Wendy's Email: [email protected]

Career Coach: https://nam10.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fsouthplainscollege.lightcastcc.com%2Fassessment%3Fregion%3DLevelland%2C%2520TX%26radius%3D10%2520miles&data=05%7C02%7Ccallie.cline%40ag.tamu.edu%7C61374c5ae83f4fc3446f08decbba861d%7C9fd7580a64724d9ca142d131d3a7a116%7C0%7C0%7C639172199144467918%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=wFS8ck2JVKHJBTI5YFz2fMl%2BWCCINIaOaT99xlDkwgE%3D&reserved=0

Two girls. Two organizations. Two different colored jackets. One common goal: youth development. Texas 4-H Council member Ellie Harris and Texas FFA State Officer Kinley Hoelscher sat down to discuss the similarities and differences between Texas 4-H and Texas FFA in this telling episode. Texas 4-H also wants to wish the best of luck to Texas FFA in their upcoming state convention!

Texas 4-H Roundup 2026 is finally here! Listen to Jana Barrett, Cooper Green and Kinleigh Carr chat with Callie about all things Roundup. We discuss it all from contest tips to new experiences you won't want to miss and more. Listen now and get ready to explore your roots, your brand, and your horizons!