When we moved from Las Vegas to Tulsa almost 30 years ago, Michelle told friends and family we were headed for full-on ranch life. Chickens, cows, pigs, maybe a prairie dog or two. We’d raise our own beef and pork, and Bessie would handle the fresh milk. Because that’s what everyone in Oklahoma does… right?

Turns out, not so much. We never “bought the farm,” so to speak. But the idea of living off the land still has its pull - and watching Yellowstone over the years definitely didn’t help.

We do have a friend who’s actually living the dream. Greg Ganzkow, his wife Rachel, and their three kids run a working ranch in Osage County. A couple years back, we toured Keystone Ranch for an episode of American Dream TV. Let me tell you… it’s the real deal. And Greg? He looks a lot like Rip from Yellowstone. He even told us there is a train station nearby - thankfully he didn’t take us to it.

We also recorded a podcast with Greg in 2023. He shared some eye-opening stories about real ranch life - the highs, the lows, the life-and-death moments, and rescuing calves in sub-zero temperatures. Ranching is tough, but it’s meaningful work.

I tip my rarely worn Stetson to the ranchers and farmers who do it every day. Plenty of people romanticize the lifestyle, just like we did. But how many are truly built for it?

Watch this and ask yourself: Is this for me?