Today’s conversation is with guests Ladd and Zoey Wahlen, the husband-and-wife duo behind Roots Chips!

This is the first time we’ve had a couple on the podcast together, and their story is such a great example of passion, perseverance, and purpose. From growing potatoes on their farm in Idaho to launching a regenerative, farmer-owned chip brand, Ladd and Zoey are doing business differently.

In this episode, we talk about how they took a big idea (that started as a dream!) and turned it into a thriving consumer product, all while raising four kids, running a farm, and making regenerative agriculture a core part of their mission. We also dive into the behind-the-scenes of building a brand from scratch, navigating the challenges of distribution, hiring a strong team, and the reality of balancing (or not balancing) two full-time businesses.

Resources & Links:

Seven Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey

How to Win Friends and Influence People by  Dale Carnegie

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Connect with Ladd and Zoey:

Follow on Instagram @rootschips 

Visit the website

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Connect with Jessie:

Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv

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I'm so excited for you to hear today’s conversation with Torie Egger!

Torie is a wildly talented western lifestyle photographer with a gift not just behind the camera, but also in how she builds community and shares her craft. In this episode, we talk about how she went from photographing livestock on her family’s feedlot to building a recognizable brand and business with purpose.

Torie shares about the early days of her business, what she wishes she had done differently, and the personal projects that keep her inspired today. We also talk about creativity vs. competition, the myth of gatekeeping in the creative space, and how her “everyone has a seat at my table” mindset has shaped both her personal values and business growth.

This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone trying to build a meaningful brand, overcome imposter syndrome, or stay creatively inspired—whether you're a photographer or not.

Resources & Links:

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I'm excited to have Emily Konkel on the show today!

Emily is the Executive Director of the National Reined Cow Horse Association (NRCHA). In today's episode she shares her journey from starting from the ground up. 

Emily grew up in Michigan with no connection to horses. The horse bug bit her around five years old. After college she followed her heart working her way through various odd jobs in the industry for years until landing long-term at the NRCHA. 

Emily discusses the growth of NRCHA, the challenges of balancing tradition with innovation, and her approach to leadership including authenticity and genuine care for the industry. 

This episode portrays grit and determination to follow your heart and passion. 

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I'm excited to have Elizabeth Thomas on the 100th episode today! 

Elizabeth shares her journey of transitioning from a corporate career to running Thomas Cattle Company's meat business.

Initially working as VP of Marketing at a credit union for 15 years, Elizabeth started the beef business in 2019 while maintaining her corporate job. She managed both roles before leaving her position to focus full-time on growing the family's beef business. The company operates both direct-to-consumer and wholesale channels, serving restaurants and grocery stores. 

Elizabeth also shares the importance of team building, the challenges of managing high market prices and processing logistics, as well as prioritizing tasks.

Today’s episode is inspirational for those looking to make a leap to entrepreneurship or scaling their business!

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I'm excited for the 99th episode today! Thank you to all the listeners for making this possible.

Today I reflect on many different lessons I've learned from my parents. I'll share how they've built a successful cattle operation, the history behind the ranch, and their reputation for consistently raising high-quality cattle.

Some of the lessons I share include: 

I'm so grateful to be my parents' child. Their teachings have influenced and impacted my success in various ventures beyond ranching.

Stay tuned for the 100th episode next week!

Resources & Links:

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In today’s episode, Mark Stewart is sitting down with me. He shares his background and journey to Agriculture Future of America (AFA), explaining how he transitioned from higher education fundraising to his current role through networking connections.

Mark described AFA's mission and highlights how AFA enhances students' networks and aids in career pathway exploration.

We also dive deep into board governance. Mark shares insights from his experience across various organizations. He shares the importance of understanding different board structures and the critical need for proper vetting before joining any board.

Mark stresses the significance of board member characteristics, highlighting critical thinking and objectivity as essential qualities. He cautions against joining boards solely to solve specific problems, emphasizing the importance of believing in the organization's mission.

You'll learn the three main aspects of board responsibilities if you're looking to serve. 

Resources & Links:

Connect with Mark:

• Visit the AFA website

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In today’s episode I’m excited to have Sara Burks join us. I admire the parents that Sara and her husband are to their two girls and I wanted to have a conversation with Sara about all things parenting.

The conversation focuses on parenting philosophy, with Sara sharing how she and her husband, Jacob, established clear boundaries and schedules from the beginning with their daughters. Sara explains their approach of making their children adapt to their lifestyle and doing things as a family.

Sara discusses the importance of maintaining consistency in parenting, setting expectations, and allowing children to face challenges.

We also talk about the significance of letting children experience failure and learn from it. If you’re not winning, you’re learning!

Resources & Links:

Connect with Sara:

• Follow @theboutiquehub

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In today's episode I dive deep into the importance of giving and receiving constructive criticism.

I share my experience raising my two kids and the parallels between parenting different children and training horses, where different approaches are needed for different individuals.

In this episode, I outline several key strategies for receiving criticism effectively, including shifting mindset to view feedback as an opportunity rather than an attack, pausing before reacting, and listening for the lesson rather than focusing on delivery. 

Regarding giving criticism, I share guidance on delivering constructive feedback kindly and directly. This includes leading with empathy, using the feedback sandwich approach (positive-critique-positive), being specific in feedback, and choosing appropriate timing.

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Today we are sitting down with Phyllis Higgins, an Apprenticeship Talent Navigator with Zurich North America. Phyllis shares in-depth details on an incredible apprenticeship program available with Zurich North America that can include working with RCIS.

This apprenticeship program pays you to get your associate or bachelor’s degree while also working with Zurich. The schedule entails working Monday, Wednesday, and Friday and online school on Tuesday and Thursday. Not only do they pay for your schooling, but they also pay you a 40 hour week salary at the same time. In this episode you’ll hear more details about the program.

This program is committed to helping people earn a debt free degree and retain a job during and after the program is complete. Phyllis and I talk about how this program is for everybody: people just out of high school, someone that took college courses but dropped out, or someone who is looking to change careers later in life. Phyllis reiterates that you’re never too old to start over and keep dreaming and this program is a great step to do that.

Resources & Links:

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You all are in for a treat today! We are sitting down with Shaley Ham, maybe better known to you as West Desperado. In this episode we’ll dive into how and why she started out as a content creator and how she became the huge success she is now.

Shaley shares her perspective on what makes her most proud about being a part of the agriculture and western lifestyle. You’ll hear her tips for becoming a content creator and what she credits her success to. 

I admire Shaley’s consistency and business mind and I have no doubt you’ll be inspired by Shaley’s continued drive and determination. 

Resources & Links:

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