This week, I sit down with Mackenzie Burnett, co-founder and CEO of Ambrook, for a conversation that blends tech, ag, leadership, and the courage to jump into something new. Mackenzie shares her path from software and policy into agriculture, why building financial tools for farmers and ranchers became her passion, and how showing up with curiosity (and asking plenty of questions) has been key to Ambrook’s success. We also dig into what it takes to build trust in ag communities, why feedback is a gift, and how imposter syndrome shouldn’t keep you from solving problems you care about.

We cover everything from the realities of startup life to what it’s like leading in a niche industry, plus Mackenzie’s surprising journey to becoming an amateur boxer. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, ag business owner, or just someone curious about blending industries, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. 

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Today I’m joined by Ty deCordova, seasoned cattleman, entrepreneur, and COO of Live Ag. Ty brings over 25 years of experience in livestock marketing to the table, from growing up sorting cattle in the pens of his family’s Texas cattle company to now co-leading a forward-thinking livestock and equipment sales platform that’s built on innovation, relationships, and faith.

In this episode, Ty and I talk about building a business that prioritizes honesty, customer service, and staying rooted in purpose. He shares why Live Ag expanded into equipment sales, how his team is designing user-friendly tech that truly serves producers, and how they’ve already marketed more than 150,000 head of cattle in less than a year. Ty also gives us his honest perspective on the cattle market, where it’s heading, and the critical role land and water access will play in shaping agriculture's future.

Whether you're marketing calves, building a business, or just looking for a grounded and honest conversation, this one is packed with insight you won't want to miss.

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This week, I’m sharing a topic that’s been on my heart: why taking pride in our appearance still matters. This isn’t about vanity or having the latest trends. It’s about intention, discipline, and the message we send to others and ourselves when we choose to show up well. Whether you’re heading to a meeting, school event, or just running errands, how we present ourselves speaks volumes.

I’m also offering simple, practical tips for getting dressed with confidence, without needing a huge budget or closet full of clothes. It’s not about being fancy, it’s about being intentional. And when we take the time to show up with care, it reflects the pride we have in our work, our families, and our roles in this industry. If we want others to take our industry seriously, we need to take ourselves seriously first. 

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Today I’m joined by the one and only Click Thompson, three-time PRCA Photographer of the Year, creative powerhouse, and someone who’s helping shape the future of Western sports through a lens of trust, grit, and storytelling. 

Click’s journey is anything but typical. Originally from Virginia and a former Department of Defense employee, he left a stable government job to chase something most people couldn’t understand: rodeo photography. From the bright lights of the NFR to the quiet, behind-the-scenes moments most people never see, Click has documented rodeo with purpose and passion. And he’s only just getting started.

In this episode, we talk about falling in love with the process, the reality of “overnight success,” and what it really takes to build a creative career in the Western industry. Click shares how obsession with your craft (not just your subject) is key, why the Western industry thrives on relationships, and how staying committed when no one’s watching changes everything.

Whether you’re a photographer, entrepreneur, or just someone grinding toward your goals—this one’s a masterclass in resilience, storytelling, and heart.

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This week, I’m joined by the vibrant and faith-filled Skylar Richardson, founder of SkyGardens in West Texas. Raised on a cotton farm, Skyler’s journey took a turn from law school ambitions to flower farming—thanks to a canceled LSAT, a supportive family, and a deep sense of purpose rooted in faith and community.

In this episode, we dive into what it really takes to grow delicate blooms in the middle of dust, drought, and 30 mph winds. Skyler shares the miracle moments behind her flower farm’s beginnings, the challenges of farming in unpredictable conditions, and why inviting the community to experience the farm firsthand has been such a powerful part of her mission. If you’ve ever felt called to pivot your plans, lean into your faith, or just want to hear a story about beauty blooming where it “shouldn’t,” this one’s for you.

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This week, I’m behind the mic solo sharing two podcast episodes that really challenged and inspired me, and I think they’ll do the same for you. Both come from The Skinny Confidential Him & Her Podcast, and while the guests (Piers Morgan and Emma Grede) couldn’t be more different, they left me thinking about two things we all need more of: the ability to really listen to people we don’t agree with, and the willingness to put in the work if we want to build a life of freedom. From creating meaningful conversations to embracing the grind, these episodes hit on lessons that are so relevant in both our personal and professional lives.

I’m sharing why those interviews stuck with me, how they apply to leadership in ag and western industries, and why I think we’ve got to stop shaming hustle and start owning the season we’re in. Whether you’re just starting out or building your next chapter, I hope this episode is a reminder that growth isn’t always comfortable, but it’s always worth it. If something’s been challenging you lately, a book, a podcast, a conversation—I’d love to hear it. Let’s keep learning, listening, and leading with purpose.

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I’m excited to be joined by Terrell Miller, co-founder of Cattlesoft and the force behind CattleMax, one of the most trusted software platforms in the cattle industry. What started as a student project between him and his wife in 1999 has grown into a suite of rancher-focused tools used across the country and internationally. 

In this episode, Terrell shares the humble beginnings of CattleMax, how he mailed out software CDs before laptops were common, and what it’s taken to earn the trust of ranchers over 25+ years. We dive into how smartphone adoption shifted the ag tech landscape, where AI is headed in the livestock industry, and why genomic testing is becoming a game-changer for commercial producers.

We also talk about the entire Cattlesoft ecosystem: CattleTags, CattleScales, CattleDNA, and the popular Ranching.com newsletter, and why they’ve remained committed to customer choice, compatibility, and helping producers manage records their way. Terrell’s down-to-earth leadership style, combined with his passion for technology and cattle, makes this a conversation full of insight and inspiration.

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This week, I’m joined by PJ Budler—cattleman, international livestock judge, and passionate advocate for balance in the cattle industry. PJ brings a fascinating global lens to our conversation, having judged over 100 breeds in 50 countries. From his early beginnings in South Africa to his current work across the U.S. and beyond, PJ shares what he’s learned about the importance of adapted, functional cattle and the impact of decentralization on rural communities.

We talk about the difference between chasing trends and building generational operations, why average cattle are actually the backbone of the industry, and how the U.S. can lead globally by focusing on adaptability and trade. PJ’s philosophy of holding the middle and his advocacy for family farms make this conversation one you don’t want to miss—especially if you care about the long-term sustainability of agriculture.

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This week’s episode features Apple Girl Kait, also known as Kaitlyn Thornton, a fourth-generation orchardist who’s using her voice to bridge the gap between agriculture and the everyday consumer. Kait shares how selling apricots as a teenager sparked her love for marketing, storytelling, and educating others about life on the farm. From misconceptions about pesticides and labor to questions as simple as “do apples grow on trees?”, Kait has made a name for herself by answering it all with honesty, humor, and heart.

We talk about the power of showing up online, why agriculture needs to start playing offense in the digital space, and what leadership looks like in this new era of advocacy. Kait’s approachable style and willingness to share both her knowledge and curiosity remind us that we don’t need to be experts — we just need to be willing to tell our stories. Whether you're in ag or not, this episode will leave you inspired to speak up, support others, and find meaning in the work you do.

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This week’s episode is a deep and honest conversation with Sammie McCracken, founder of Buckskin Rowe, equine sports marketing expert, and all-around inspiring woman. Sammie brings the realness we all need when it comes to navigating burnout, balancing (or not balancing) business and motherhood, and leading a team with empathy.

We talk about how burnout can sneak in without warning, especially for high achievers, and what it actually looks like to recognize it in yourself and your team. Sammie shares her personal story of building a business, hiring the right people, and choosing growth over perfection. You’ll hear us dive into leadership, team dynamics, and the importance of checking in, on others and on ourselves.

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