Podcasts about rural

 Small towns across America are being flooded by plans for massive ICE detention centers, which Andrea Pitzer, in One Long Night, describes as concentration camps. In this episode of Good Skews, Producer Matt talks with rural organizer and former state House candidate Megan Kocher about what's unfolding in Northeastern Pennsylvania and across the country, why warehouse sites are spreading into small towns with little local input, and how recent reporting on ICE misconduct raises urgent oversight concerns. We also discuss what real organizing looks like beyond protests — from building ICEwatch networks and mutual aid systems to leveraging zoning boards, local officials, and elections to slow or stop detention projects before they take root. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10%  https://www.betterhelp.com/skews 

Today we welcome Sarah Jane to the R2Kast

Since the last time he was on, a lot has changed. Dagan launched the Nomadic Research podcast out of Dixon, Illinois and went all in on building something of his own. Rural northwest Illinois, limestone bluffs, the Rock River, big whitetails, and just enough distance from Chicago to keep your sanity intact. Not a bad place to build a studio and start the next chapter. Evan and Dagan get into the why behind it. Why Illinois. Why leave a long career. Why step out and start talking publicly after years of working inside one of the largest and most misunderstood organizations in the country. Dagan walks through his background growing up in a Marine family, doing 12 years in the Corps across infantry and reconnaissance billets, then making the jump to the Agency where he and Evan worked together for years. They talk candidly about the difference between the tactical side of the house and where the real strategic decisions get made, the infamous seventh floor, and what it is like to be a small cog inside a 23,000 person machine. There is humor, a few shots at California, some perspective on career pivots, and a real look at professional evolution from Marine to operator to podcaster and business owner. This one is about reinvention, loyalty to where you came from, and figuring out what comes next when you have already done a few lifetimes worth of work. Grab a cup of coffee and settle in.

Today, Hunter was joined by Luke Brownfield, the Chief Public Defender in Humboldt County, California. With a shortage of attorneys willing to come to the county and the county being short on funding, Luke and his team face serious issues with workloads. Without more support from the state, it is unclear how Luke and his team will tackle the workload crisis without going unavailable like the San Francisco Public Defender Office.   Guest: Luke Brownfield, Chief Public Defender, Humboldt County, California   Resources: Read the Report https://lostcoastoutpost.com/2025/jul/31/public-defenders-office-overworked-underfunded-and/ Contact the Office https://humboldtgov.org/Directory/Home/DepartmentListing?DID=22     Sign up for the ABA Public Defender Summit https://events.americanbar.org/event/12d07164-1011-4723-9352-e8e3168db945/welcome     Contact Hunter Parnell:                                 Publicdefenseless@gmail.com  Instagram @PublicDefenselessPodcast Twitter                                                                 @PDefenselessPod www.publicdefenseless.com  Subscribe to the Patreon www.patreon.com/PublicDefenselessPodcast  Donate on PayPal https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=5KW7WMJWEXTAJ Donate on Stripe https://donate.stripe.com/7sI01tb2v3dwaM8cMN Trying to find a specific part of an episode? Use this link to search transcripts of every episode of the show! https://app.reduct.video/o/eca54fbf9f/p/d543070e6a/share/c34e85194394723d4131/home  

The fiat currency crash is unavoidable are you prepared for what is coming our way? BE careful where you store your precious metals for the Feds will come for them.

We must be better stewards of history of this nation 250 years strong. God fearing folks need to hold the rest accountable to the corruption.

Bianca Fox Ballara is an indigenous Latina with Taino and Cuban roots who serves on the community leadership team for Pride in Numbers, a groundbreaking statewide research project that's a force for change and community empowerment in Oregon.

Wet weather could impact this year's potato crop though mixing solar farming with growing crops is proving a winner. The morning's rural news with Gianina Schwanecke.

KPIs, NPS, churn—oh my! Data doesn't have to be daunting. Ty Houglum, CIO at ECE Fiber, shares how his team turns numbers into action, building a culture that makes data meaningful, not mysterious.Notes: Filmed at Calix ConneXions conference.

This episode is a rallying cry for anyone who's ever felt the call to make a real difference. Whether you're new to politics or part of the old guard, Amanda Litman's story and insights will inspire you to step up, speak out, and run — for your community, your future, your life!In this episode:Amanda Litman breaks down how "Run for Something" energizes diverse, non-traditional leaders to run for local officeThe key to motivating candidates: focus on their passion, not their willingness to begHow flipping districts in 2025 showed that authentic candidates can beat money and outmoded politicsOvercoming fears: safety, sacrifice, and doubts — and turning them into fuel for changeThe vital role of women, rural leaders, and young people in shaping future politicsPractical tips for everyday citizens to exercise power—door knocking, volunteering, and engaging directly with representativesWhy courage, persistence, and authenticity beat slick campaigns every single timeResources & Links:Run for SomethingRun for WhatAmanda Litman (Google Search)Local ProgressFuture CaucusState Innovation ExchangeConnect with Amanda Litman:TwitterLinkedInThis episode is a call — a declaration — that YOU are part of this movement. Your voice, your vote, your courage can change history. Don't wait — run, speak, act. The future isn't written yet. Let's write it together.The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project. To learn more, visit OneCountryProject.org, or find us on Substack (Onecountryproject.substack.com), and on YouTube, Bluesky, and Facebook (@onecountryproject). (00:00) - Introduction to Run for Something (01:22) - Empowering Young Leaders in Politics (03:23) - The Candidate Recruitment Process (04:45) - Understanding Candidate Success Rates (06:21) - Overcoming Doubts About Winning (08:36) - Addressing Fears of Running for Office (10:29) - Navigating Financial Sacrifices in Campaigning (12:58) - Reframing Fundraising as Public Service (15:30) - Encouraging Women to Run for Office (17:19) - Building a Pipeline for Future Candidates (19:35) - The Importance of Community Engagement (22:11) - Call to Action (23:18) - Minnesota's Political Landscape with Grant Hauschild (29:27) - Addressing Authoritarianism and Civic Responsibility (32:12) - Empowering Citizens to Take Action (34:31) - The Role of Candidate Recruitment in Democracy

Restaurantes prevén hasta 14 mil empleos por Mundial 2026 EU afirma que militares derriban drones de cártelesEste 16 de febrero tiene una cita con Carlos CastellanosMás información en nuestro podcast 

Those who hope to honor God and advance Jesus' Kingdom face powerful opposition from spiritual, physical, and psychological enemies. Successful launching and long term fruitfulness depends on recognizing and, in dependence on the Holy Spirit, waging war against those enemies.

Fears rural school bus changes will hollow out communities and work is progressing on restoring exports of Meyer lemons to Korea. The morning's rural news with Gianina Schwanecke.

This week on Driftwood Outdoors, Brandon Butler and Nathan "Shags" McLeod welcome Texas native and professional photographer Russell Graves.From roaming creeks as a kid to becoming one of the most recognized outdoor photographers in the country, Russell shares stories of wildlife, teaching, hunting, fishing, and why capturing a trophy buck on camera might be harder than doing it with a bow.This episode dives into the intersection of conservation and creativity as Russell Graves discusses wildlife photography, outdoor education, and his passion for protecting public lands.For more info:Hackberry Farm Nature Photography WorkshopsRussell Graves WebsiteThe Wildlife Photo Show YouTubeRussell Graves FBRussell Graves InstagramSpecial thanks to:Living The Dream Outdoor PropertiesSuperior Foam Insulation LLCDoolittle TrailersScenic Rivers TaxidermyConnect with Driftwood Outdoors:FacebookInstagramYouTubeEmail:info@driftwoodoutdoors.com

The attempt at tarnishing the reputation and consumption of beef continues to skyrocket. There is no lie, no rumor they will not attempt in turning folks away from the consumption of the most nutrient dense food product on the planet, BEEF.

HANK VOGLER ON LAND, LABOR, AND THE FIGHT FOR THE WEST On this powerful episode of Rural Route, Trent Loos is joined by Nevada rancher and straight-talking advocate Hank Vogler for a wide-ranging conversation about the future of ranching, land, and food in America. They start by breaking down the global labor crisis, how wage gaps have changed work ethic, and what history—from early American colonies to Spanish Florida—can teach us about today's problems. The talk also dives into the deep roots of American livestock, including Florida cracker horses and Mustangs, and how horses once shaped warfare and the West. The conversation turns to Nevada's federal land battles, where grazing has been pushed aside in the name of preservation, leading to more wildfires and less local control. Trent and Hank explain how politics, especially the influence of Las Vegas, makes it hard for rural counties to get real change. They also raise serious concerns about AI data centers, rare earth mining, water use, and massive energy projects that threaten to push ranchers off the land and reshape wide-open spaces without proper review. Finally, they tackle beef prices and food policy. While beef costs more at the store, Trent and Hank point out it has not risen as fast as many other goods. They question beef imports, outdated dietary rules, and the long-term damage of anti-beef messaging in schools—while also highlighting a positive shift with whole milk returning to lunch menus. This is a bold, no-nonsense episode about land, freedom, food, and the fight to protect rural America.

Episode Notes: *** Complete our short survey by Wednesday, March 11, 2026 to be entered for a chance to win Standlee free product coupons and some fun Standlee swag – https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/btb2026podcast ***_______________________________On this episode of the Feeding Fumbles & Fixes series of Beyond the Barn, host Katy Starr chats with Dr. Kelly Vineyard, PhD equine nutritionist, to break down four simple, practical ways to stretch your hay supply without sacrificing your horse's nutrition, including:Why two hay programs that look identical on paper can produce very different outcomes by the end of the seasonA simple management change that research shows can protect a surprising amount of the hay you already pay forThe overlooked planning step that can turn hay from a seasonal stressor into one of the most predictable parts of your feeding programDr. Vineyard also shares real-world math examples, research-backed insights, and practical tips horse owners can implement immediately, whether you manage one horse or an entire herd.

Recorded live from the Oklahoma Wheat Commission booth at the 2026 KNID AgriFest in Enid, the crew sits down with Jeff Hickman—farmer, longtime ag association leader, Oklahoma higher-education regent, and former Oklahoma House Speaker—for a grounded conversation on where agriculture is headed and why local involvement still matters.Jeff breaks down how ag organizations stay viable in an era of consolidation, why multiple commodity groups working together amplify agriculture's voice, and how public policy and regulation increasingly shape day-to-day farm decisions. The discussion also hits consumer trust, social media misinformation (and how AI can muddy the waters), and why agriculture has to keep educating an audience that forgets fast.They close with what Jeff sees coming next—trade uncertainty, the need for a dependable farm policy, and the importance of building relationships with candidates before they're elected. Practical, candid, and very Oklahoma.Ten TakeawaysAg organizations are stronger together—shared support can keep smaller groups viable and influential.Regulation is often the real battlefield, sometimes more than legislation.Fewer rural/ag lawmakers means ag has to work harder to be understood in policy rooms.Producer involvement doesn't have to be huge—membership alone helps fund representation and benefits.Markets can disappear even after great yields, driving tough planting decisions (sorghum example).Wheat is in a strategy moment: “What's our thing?” like corn has ethanol—new uses/value streams matter.Consumer curiosity is a double-edged sword—interest is good, misinformation is rampant.AI can accelerate fake “credible” ag narratives, raising the stakes for trusted education.Rural issues resonate when you connect the dots (health care access, metro revenue, statewide economy).Election years are relationship years—don't wait until after someone wins to introduce agriculture.Detailed Timestamped Rundown00:00–01:44 — Episode open, setting: Oklahoma Wheat Commission booth at KNID AgriFest (Enid); introductions.01:45–03:35 — Jeff Hickman joins; “many hats” across OK ag organizations and higher ed.03:36–04:44 — Why shared management/back-office support keeps smaller ag groups viable and strengthens ag's voice.04:45–06:53 — Policy reality: more dependence on public policy + regulations; increased focus on agencies/administration.07:03–08:52 — Jeff's background: journalism/OU roles, media work, farm roots; “planting and harvest were my vacations.”09:12–12:44 — Political pendulum swings; how DC trends show up in statehouses; fewer rural/ag-connected legislators.12:45–15:54 — Consumer interest: good and hard; difficulty finding truth; misinformation and AI concerns; supply chain lessons.15:55–18:29 — Global factors hitting ag (tariffs, shipping routes, even piracy) through a real-world retail/cotton example.18:30–20:55 — Benefits/challenges of representing many groups; why having a strong government affairs team matters.21:14–23:59 — What growers are facing: crop choice risk, markets disappearing, wheat's future “what's our thing?”; value of membership (and CFAP example).24:00–27:33 — How to get more producers involved in leadership/politics; timing, family/team approach, candidate mentorship.28:13–32:50 — Translating rural needs for urban lawmakers (rural hospitals example); rural dollars fueling metro projects.33:26–36:31 — Next 6–9 months: trade unresolved, farm bill/farm policy stability, election-year urgency—build relationships now.36:32–38:11 — Wrap-up, thanks, and where to find resources. RedDirtAgronomy.com

The latest rural news with Gianina Schwanecke.

Ten of Oregon’s 34 rural hospitals have no labor and delivery units, and even more are at risk of shutting their doors. This raises concerns for those seeking maternal healthcare in rural areas as residents face high drive times to the remaining providers, limiting their access to prenatal visits and increasing risk in cases of emergency.   Late last month, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek announced $15 million in funding for maternity care in rural hospitals across the state. This will provide payments to rural hospitals with labor and delivery units that have “fewer than 50 beds and may or may not be within 30 miles of another hospital.”   Jeanna Romer is an obstetrician and gynecologist at Grande Ronde Hospital in La Grande. Nora Hawkins is a direct-entry midwife in Wallowa County. They both join us to give us a sense of what that funding might mean, and the general state of obstetric care in Northeast Oregon.    

Efforts to make recycling more accessible to more communities.

In this episode, we head to Thomaston, Georgia, to spotlight one of Flint Energies' Rural Murals projects—and a unique partnership that helped bring it to life. This mural was created in collaboration with the University of Georgia's Color the World program, blending local pride with student-led creativity to transform a downtown wall into a powerful reflection of community identity.More than public art, Thomaston's mural celebrates place, people, and possibility. We talk about how partnerships like this one strengthen rural communities, engage the next generation, and help downtowns become more vibrant, welcoming spaces for residents and visitors alike.

Justice K.J. Wall talks solutions to the declining numbers of attorneys in roughly half of the state of Kansas.

Rural doctors say new funding for emergency care drugs could be lifesaving for those in remote communities. Rebekah Doran from the Rural Health Network spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

A Maori-owned agri-business could move manufacturing overseas and an update from Central Otago cherry growers as the harvest wraps up. The morning's rural news with Gianina Schwanecke.

Megan Warren is a volunteer Bereavement Support Worker who is passionate about reducing the silence and stigma surrounding pregnancy loss. She shares with Liana and Amy about surviving multiple pregnancy losses, journalling, loneliness and how/when she decided to have another baby.  Megan talks about trying for a rainbow baby - when courage and hope outweighs fear.  Special thank you to: -3P StudioHosts: Amy Larsen and Liana QuinlivanPodcast Producer and Glimmer Project Founder: Dr Ashleigh Smith Caroline Renshaw, Fiona Jordan and all our special guests for this season   Social media: @glimmer_project@daydot_midwifery@brisbanegriefcounselling@rednosegriefandloss  Links: Home - Red Nose AustraliaBrisbane Grief Counselling Home - Amy Larsen specialising in loss, grief and trauma. Brisbane Grief Counselling Brisbane Grief CounsellingDay Dot Midwifery 

Bob Zimmerman of Behind the Black discusses Axiom's upcoming ISS missions, various European startups, and critiques crony capitalism regarding government subsidies for Starlink's rural internet access.1958

Dwight is in his 12th year getting into school to explain the Code of the West and what food production is really like in today's world.

Today we come to you from the Sheriff Department of Stark County, ND with Sheriff Corey Lee. We have a very frank discussion about the his role and his take on the ICE actions.

Chinese authorities have issued a plan detailing measures in ensuring stable production of grains and edible oil, modernizing the livestock sector, and developing a diversified food supply system.

Are modern habits around cleanliness, parenting, and social contact shaping your gut health more than you realise?  In this episode, Professor Tim Spector explains how gut microbes are shared between people - through relationships, daily contact, and the environments we live in, and why this matters for long-term health. You'll learn how human contact may be influencing your gut in ways most of us never consider. Tim explains why supporting gut microbiome is less about control and more about balance, and you'll learn simple ways to support a healthier gut through food, social connection and lifestyle habits. If your gut reflects the people you live with and the places you spend time, what small change could you make this week - in your home, your habits, or your social life - that might support your gut for the long term?

From copper wire and irrigation pumps to fencing and remote electrical systems, thieves are targeting farms more aggressively than ever — driven by rising metal prices and the reality that rural law enforcement is stretched thin.We dig into:Why agricultural crime is surging across the U.S.What thieves are stealing most — and why farms are uniquely vulnerableThe true cost of theft beyond scrap value (downtime, crop loss, repairs, and missed irrigation)Why traditional tools like trail cameras and motion lights often fail in remote areasHow new technology is shifting security from reactive to proactiveBobby also shares how real-time theft detection systems like COP-R-LOCK can pinpoint theft instantly, trigger on-site alarms, and provide alerts fast enough to actually stop criminals before the damage is done.With repair costs ranging from $20,000 to $90,000, this conversation is about more than stolen copper — it's about protecting your farm's productivity, infrastructure, and long-term resilience. Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don't forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Dr. Zeshan Anwar, Associate Chief Medical Officer for Pennsylvania hospitals and System Chief of Hospital Medicine at The Guthrie Clinic, discusses the pressures and possibilities facing rural healthcare today. He shares how his team is navigating workforce challenges, federal policy shifts, telehealth uncertainty, and digital transformation to improve patient flow, safety, and reliability.

In this episode, Alan Condon, Editor in Chief at Becker's Healthcare, joins Scott Becker to break down major revenue cycle developments, including Tenet regaining full control of Conifer Health Solutions and new RCM platforms targeting rural providers.

Rural students are unlikely to pursue degrees from private, selective schools. Why? And what happens to the handful of rural students who do attend elite colleges, colleges that may feel worlds away from home? Educated Out shows how geography shapes rural, first-generation students' access to college, their college experiences, and their postgraduation plans and opportunities. These students discover that home and college are very different worlds—and, over time, they start to question both. As they near graduation and navigate a job market in which the highest-paying and most prestigious opportunities are located in urban centers, they begin to feel the complicated burden of their schooling: they've been “educated out.”  In addition to advocating for a higher education landscape that truly includes rural students, Dr. Tieken critiques a system that requires people to leave their rural homes in search of opportunities. Without meaningful change, some students will have to make the impossible decision to leave home—and far more will remain there, undereducated and overlooked. Both engaging and accessible, Educated Out presents important and timely questions about rurality, identity, education, and inequality. Our guest is: Dr. Mara Casey Tieken, who is associate professor of education at Bates College. She is the author of Educated Out; and Why Rural Schools Matter. Our host is: Dr. Christina Gessler, who is an academic writing coach and editor. She is the producer and show host of the Academic Life podcast. Playlist for listeners: The Cornell Sweatshirt Tweet Show Them You're Good Where Is Home The Two Keys To Student Retention The Good- Enough Life How to Get In to the College of Your Dreams Imposter Syndrome Who Needs College? How to College A Meaningful Life Try To Love The Questions Welcome to Academic Life, the podcast for your academic journey—and beyond! You help support the show by downloading and sharing episodes. Join us again to learn from more experts inside and outside the academy, and around the world. Missed any of the 300+ Academic Life episodes? Find them here. And thank you for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

JC once again using that knowledge aquired by living in Latvia from 1992-2010 and living with uncertainty in the financial system including 5 bank failures. Not enough follks are tuned into the chaos coming.

Jay Truitt is deeply involved the entire restructuring the meat packing system. In addition the games being played by a supposed government shut down what is the real story?

Could the rural equivalent of tinder targetted at health professionals help attract doctors to remote areas and keep them there. The boss of one health organisation thinks so.

Rural students are unlikely to pursue degrees from private, selective schools. Why? And what happens to the handful of rural students who do attend elite colleges, colleges that may feel worlds away from home? Educated Out shows how geography shapes rural, first-generation students' access to college, their college experiences, and their postgraduation plans and opportunities. These students discover that home and college are very different worlds—and, over time, they start to question both. As they near graduation and navigate a job market in which the highest-paying and most prestigious opportunities are located in urban centers, they begin to feel the complicated burden of their schooling: they've been “educated out.”  In addition to advocating for a higher education landscape that truly includes rural students, Dr. Tieken critiques a system that requires people to leave their rural homes in search of opportunities. Without meaningful change, some students will have to make the impossible decision to leave home—and far more will remain there, undereducated and overlooked. Both engaging and accessible, Educated Out presents important and timely questions about rurality, identity, education, and inequality. Our guest is: Dr. Mara Casey Tieken, who is associate professor of education at Bates College. She is the author of Educated Out; and Why Rural Schools Matter. Our host is: Dr. Christina Gessler, who is an academic writing coach and editor. She is the producer and show host of the Academic Life podcast. Playlist for listeners: The Cornell Sweatshirt Tweet Show Them You're Good Where Is Home The Two Keys To Student Retention The Good- Enough Life How to Get In to the College of Your Dreams Imposter Syndrome Who Needs College? How to College A Meaningful Life Try To Love The Questions Welcome to Academic Life, the podcast for your academic journey—and beyond! You help support the show by downloading and sharing episodes. Join us again to learn from more experts inside and outside the academy, and around the world. Missed any of the 300+ Academic Life episodes? Find them here. And thank you for listening! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/sociology

Practicing oncologist, adjunct professor at Duke University, and chief medical officer at AccessHope Yousuf Zafar discusses his article "Remote second opinions for equitable cancer care." Yousuf explains how a patient's zip code often dictates their survival odds despite biology showing that rural and urban patients have identical potential for recovery when given the same protocols. He details how the explosion of precision oncology has made cancer care vastly more complex, leaving community practices struggling to keep up with over 100 unique cancer subtypes. The conversation highlights how virtual reviews allow subspecialist expertise to flow from academic hubs to local clinics, changing treatment plans in over 52 percent of cases. Yousuf also emphasizes that this collaborative model supports rather than replaces local doctors by connecting them with just-in-time knowledge and clinical trial opportunities. Learn how technology is redrawing the map of medical expertise to ensure life-saving knowledge travels faster than the disease itself. Partner with me on the KevinMD platform. With over three million monthly readers and half a million social media followers, I give you direct access to the doctors and patients who matter most. Whether you need a sponsored article, email campaign, video interview, or a spot right here on the podcast, I offer the trusted space your brand deserves to be heard. Let's work together to tell your story. PARTNER WITH KEVINMD → https://kevinmd.com/influencer SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST → https://www.kevinmd.com/podcast RECOMMENDED BY KEVINMD → https://www.kevinmd.com/recommended

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Maureen Wheeler, Deputy Director of Livingston County Economic Development, and Tourism Director Ashley Comeau to discuss the strategic moves Maureen's department made to bring tourism under the same roof as economic development. We talk about business retention and expansion, building robust small destinations, and why visitor spending is critical for rural areas. Ashley and Maureen also share more about the business plan contest designed to attract breweries, restaurants, and experiential businesses to the area, and how that initiative has created a pipeline of businesses for the county, leading to multiple collaborations. What You Will Learn in This Episode: How Maureen and Ashley's organizations collaborate in Livingston County to build a stronger local economy Why visitor spending is critical to sustaining small businesses and downtowns in rural areas Challenges Livingston County faced around having enough assets and experiences to keep visitors longer How the business plan contest process worked and why collaboration, even within a competition, was key to its success Why the Libation Loop became a flagship example of coopetition among local beverage businesses, and how it engaged both visitors and residents How branding and product development, including the launch of the LivCo identity, have helped locals embrace Livingston County as a place to be proud of Strategies Maureen and Ashley use to manage partnerships and set up collaborations for long-term success Economic Development Meets Tourism Livingston County's approach combines economic development and tourism efforts under one umbrella. This partnership creates what Maureen calls a virtuous cycle where tourism enhances local life and attracts new businesses, while a strong economy supports a better visitor experience. The end result is a coordinated push to grow both visitor spending and local prosperity, particularly critical for rural areas where businesses rely heavily on both types of revenue. Creativity in Addressing Core Challenges Like many rural destinations, Livingston County faces the challenge of needing more assets to promote, as Ashley explains. Visitors come to the area for headline attractions such as Letchworth State Park, but the county needs more restaurants, breweries, and experiential activities to encourage longer stays. This is what led to the business plan competition, a creative, strategic initiative designed to fill these gaps. By zeroing in on the types of experiences visitors crave (breweries, restaurants, indoor recreation), Livingston County has fueled a pipeline of new businesses, enriching the fabric of the destination. What sets this competition apart is its collaborative nature: participants go through entrepreneurship training together, forging connections and partnerships that last well beyond the contest itself. The Story of the Libation Loop One standout example of coopetition is the Libation Loop, a craft-beverage trail that began with a targeted competition to attract breweries. Rather than isolating single businesses, the team aimed to launch several breweries at once, strategically positioning them to link Livingston County to the wider Finger Lakes craft scene. What surprised the organizers most was the spirit of collaboration among the brewers, who supported one another while offering insights and partnership opportunities. As breweries opened and the trail matured, the baton was seamlessly passed to tourism to promote the new collective asset. The Libation Loop now features 12 participants (breweries, wineries, distilleries, and cideries) and is a highly sought-after product for visitors and locals alike. The involvement of local artists in designing the Loop map and branded merchandise has further strengthened pride and sense of place, with residents even adopting the "LivCo" brand into business names. It's not just about attracting tourists—it's about creating a community locals want to be part of. Resources: Website: https://www.visitlivco.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureen-wheeler-506685a0/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-freeman-comeau-pmp-a710597/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/livingston-county-economic-development/ We value your thoughts and feedback and would love to hear from you. Leave us a review on your favorite streaming platform to let us know what you want to hear more o​f. Here is a quick tutorial on how to leave us a rating and review on iTunes!

How do we protect and advance health equity in a rapidly changing political and legal landscape? In this episode of The Health Disparities Podcast, host Christin Zollicoffer sits down with Dr. Giridhar Mallya — family physician, policy leader, and Senior Policy Officer at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation — to explore the future of health and racial equity work. Dr. Mallya shares how his family's immigrant story shaped his belief in the power of policy, and why funders must stay committed to equity even as restrictive laws and legal challenges grow across the country. He breaks down what organizations can do to stay mission‑aligned, legally sound, and resilient. In this episode, Dr. Mallya discusses: Why health equity remains a core priority for major funders How philanthropy is supporting legal defense strategies Practical ways organizations can navigate legal uncertainty Why equity should be integrated — not hidden — in health initiatives Lessons from states like Florida, Mississippi, and Alabama How personal experience and clinical practice shape Dr. Mallya's approach A powerful conversation for funders, practitioners, and community leaders working to advance equity in challenging times. Subscribe to The Health Disparities Podcast on Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite platform.

Hank continues to be a target for the reason of accessing his water. The saga continues.

In this epsiode I chat with Heather Henderson, a disability advocate from Columbia, TNTimeline:1:00 Introduction2:30 Information and Misinformation4:30 Learning the Systems that support the Disability Community.9:00 Advocacy: Proactive (planning) vs Reactive?12:00 Unapologetic Advocacy14:00 Accountability from Systems that serve the Disability Community14:30 : What is on the Horizon for Heather in 202616:30 Heather, beginning in Architecture and Design - Her mentor, Steve Jacobs.18:00 Resources that ACTUALLY serve the Disability Community. 21:51 Rural vs Urban Needs23:00 Listening to families - Stakeholder vs End User.27:00 Thinking about UNIVERSAL design before houses are built30:30 Resurfacing of Derogatory Terms aimed at the Disability community.31:00 Words of Encouragement and Conclusion.

In this jam-packed episode, Heidi and Joel speak with Nathan Gonzales, editor of Inside Elections, about Democrats' prospects in the Midterm Elections and the collapse of the Trump Coalition.Then, Iowa State Rep. Adam Zabner gives a quick update on turnout for the state's precinct caucuses and the frustration with the Trump Administration among the state's Independent and centrist Republican voters.Finally, Heidi and Joel speak with former Arizona Governor and Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano about the failure of good law enforcement that the Department is exhibiting in Minneapolis and across the country.The Hot Dish is brought to you by the One Country Project. To learn more, visit OneCountryProject.org, or find us on Substack (Onecountryproject.substack.com), and on YouTube, Bluesky, and Facebook (@onecountryproject). (00:00) - Midterm Election Insights with Nathan Gonzales (02:20) - Current Political Landscape and Trends (07:49) - Republican Challenges and Voter Sentiment (11:57) - Polling Dynamics and Election Predictions (14:23) - Rural Voting Patterns and Shifts (18:03) - Key Issues Affecting Voter Behavior (19:49) - Final Predictions for House and Senate (23:09) - Adam Zabner on the Iowa Caucuses (28:08) - Former DHS Sec. Janet Napolitano on the state of Homeland Security

In his final State of the State address, Governor Bill Lee laid out a nearly $58 billion budget for lawmakers. As in past years, his proposal highlights several priorities, including continued investment in agriculture and rural Tennessee.

The transition in Venezuela, redefining membership to the Daughters of the American Revolution, and the challenges facing small rural churches. Plus, Joe Rigney's response to Hillary Clinton, Punxsutawney Phil's prediction, and the Tuesday morning newsSupport The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donateAdditional support comes from The Free Lutheran Bible College (FLBC), Plymouth, MN, which prepares students to live out their calling through the study of God's Word in authentic community since 1964. At FLBC, biblical truth isn't an elective course—it's the foundation of our academic study. Through the study of God's Word in authentic, Christ-centered community, you'll form a biblical worldview that gives you clarity and confidence for whatever comes next—college, career, family, or ministry. Learn more at flbc.edu/worldFrom B&H Academic. Their new resource, God and Country, explores faith and national identity. 40% off ... Lifeway.com/GodAndCountryAnd from Ambassadors Impact Network bringing together Christian entrepreneurs and angel investors who share a commitment to advancing the gospel through business. Entrepreneurs raising growth capital gain access to investors with operational experience who provide more than funding, including mentorship and prayer support. Know an investor seeking to deploy capital into Kingdom-building companies? Share AIN with them at ambassadorsimpact.com

Rural planning advisor Ben Kettle joined me on Ditching Hourly to share his transition from hourly billing “nonsense” to risk-based project pricing. LinksBen's website » https://areteruralplanning.co.uk/Chapters(00:00) - Ben Kettle (00:20) - Meet the Guest: Ben Kettle (00:36) - Ben's Background and Career Journey (02:57) - Challenges with Hourly Billing (09:01) - Transition to Fixed Fee and Value-Based Pricing (13:23) - Implementing the New Pricing Model (25:48) - Client Reactions and Success Stories (34:08) - Conclusion and Future Plans ----Do you have questions about how to improve your business? Things like:Value pricing your work instead of billing for your time?Positioning yourself as the go-to person in your space?Productizing your services so you never have to have another awkward sales call or spend hours writing another custom proposal?Book a one-on-one coaching call with me and get answers to these questions and others in the time it takes to get ready for work in the morning.Best of all, you're covered by my 100% satisfaction guarantee. If at the end of the call, you don't feel like it was worth it, just say the word, and I'll refund your purchase in full.To book your one-on-one coaching call, go to: https://jonathanstark.com/callI hope to see you there!

In this episode, Raaj Kurapati, Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Operating Officer, University of Tennessee Health Science Center shares how the organization has navigated difficult financial decisions, including workforce adjustments, to strengthen its foundation. He also discusses priorities for 2026, with a focus on rural healthcare access, workforce development, and evolving as a collaborative leader.

In this episode, we travel to Buena Vista, Georgia, to highlight one of Flint Energies' Rural Murals projects and the powerful story it tells about place, pride, and community identity.Buena Vista's mural is more than public art—it's a visual celebration of local history that has become a focal point downtown. We discuss how murals like this one help rural communities strengthen their sense of place, attract visitors off the beaten path, and spark renewed interest in downtown shopping, dining, and gathering spaces.Applications are now available for the 2026 Rural Murals Grant—and Flint Energies wants to create a mural for your hometown.The Flint Energies Rural Murals Program is a collaborative effort between Flint Energies and local rural communities to create custom murals that:Celebrate the unique history, culture, and diversity of Middle and Southwest Georgia townsSpark economic development and community conversationStrengthen a community's sense of place and identitySupport talented artists across Middle and Southwest GeorgiaIncrease public murals throughout Flint's service territory