🎙 Episode 3: Through the Fire – Friendship, FFA, and Finding Ourselves Host: Jazmyn Dods | Guest: Juliana Luis

In this heartfelt episode of The Owl’s Nest, I’m joined by someone who walked beside me through every season of FFA — my friend, teammate, and fellow ag alum, Juliana Luis.

From last-minute speeches in hotel lobbies to late-night pep talks before contests, Juliana and I reflect on the real, raw, and rewarding moments of our FFA journey — the ones that shaped who we are today.

We talk about:

🔥 The pressures and growth that came from competing

🌱 How FFA helped us find our voice and build confidence

💙 The importance of leaning on friendships through the hard stuff

🎯 Our favorite memories (and a lightning round of fun FFA throwbacks)

Whether you're currently navigating your own leadership path, or just need a reminder that growth is never linear — this episode is for you.

👉 Follow, rate, and share the podcast to keep growing this community of future ag educators and lifelong learners.

Until then — stay rooted, stay curious, and keep becoming the best version of you. 🌾💛

Welcome to The Owl’s Nest — where new owls land. I’m Jazmyn: Ag Ed major, former FFA member, and future agriculture teacher, here to share the real journey from student to educator.

In this episode, I’m reflecting on how joining FFA “just to skip school” turned into a life-changing experience. From poultry judging to public speaking, I share the contests, challenges, and mentors that shaped me—not just as a leader, but as a person.

You’ll hear:

• Why I joined FFA (and how it completely surprised me)
• The contests that challenged me in ways I didn’t expect
• How leadership lessons and late-night pep talks shaped my teaching style
• What I’ll do differently as a future ag teacher
• The FFA moments that changed my life — from failure to friendships

Whether you’re a current member, a future ag teacher, or just curious about life in the blue jacket — I’m glad you’re here.

Next Episode Sneak Peek: “Through the Fire: Friendship, FFA, and Finding Ourselves” — I sit down with a fellow FFA alum to talk about the real ups and downs of growing through leadership.

Follow the show, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone walking their own ag journey.

Until next time: stay rooted, stay curious, and keep growing. 🌱

In this episode:

• My non-traditional ag story
• How FFA gave me purpose and confidence
• The ag teacher who inspired me to lead
• Why I created The Owl’s Nest
• 3 things I’m excited about as I start college (and 3 things that honestly scare me)

Next Episode Preview:“FFA Shaped Me — Here’s How.” I’ll share stories from my years in the blue jacket and how those moments continue to shape the teacher and leader I’m working to become.

Stay rooted. Stay curious. Keep becoming the best version of you.