Podcasts about small towns

In this episode, Tork and Sawyer kick things off with a look at farm life, crop updates, and a hard-hitting market rundown—complete with plenty of honesty about the challenges currently facing agriculture. The guys don't shy away from the tough stuff, diving into topics like tanking grain and meat exports, the impact of tariffs, and the shifting global economy.But it's not all stats and politics. You'll hear about Sawyer's adventures hosting a Fourth of July party, Tork's advice on lasting marriages for newlyweds, and a fiery discussion on whether success means moving to the city—or if small towns really are where it's at.The episode also covers trending listener questions, from market moves and farm management tips to the infamous Epstein list and thoughts on the state of American democracy. As always, the guys throw in some laughs, hard-won wisdom, and an open invitation for you to join in on future Q&As.So grab your seat in the barn—this episode is packed with cornfield common sense, a healthy dose of sarcasm, and plenty of rural real talk.Shop Farmer Grade

On this special episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Karen Kuhl (Executive Director, Tour Cayuga, NY), Lauren Sackett (CEO, Rhinelander Chamber of Commerce, WI), and Roni Weiss (Executive Director, Travel Unity) all about the nuances of inclusivity in the travel and tourism industry. We discuss how destinations can actively create environments where every traveler and resident feels a sense of belonging. Discover the landscape of DEAI (Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion) and gain practical advice on how to make tourism more accessible and authentic. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Implementing DEAI initiatives in rural and small-town tourism communities, and the impact these efforts have on both residents and visitors Why transparency, community input, and vulnerability are critical in making a destination truly welcoming for all, not just in intention but in actionable practice What social impact means through a tourism lens, and how prioritizing inclusivity supports both the local community and the visitor experience How organizations can start with small, meaningful steps—such as improving website accessibility or forming advisory groups—to advance DEAI practices, even with limited resources and staffing What practical strategies destinations can use to measure the success and ROI of their inclusion initiatives How empathy, humility, and realistic goal-setting play a fundamental role in sustaining progress on DEAI efforts, even when facing criticism or limited momentum Shifting from Intentions to Actions Travel professionals often assume they are, by default, welcoming, but wanting to welcome everyone and actually creating a place where everyone feels welcome are two very different things. My guests emphasize that building an authentically inclusive environment requires deep listening, transparency, and sometimes vulnerability. Roni Weiss outlined Travel Unity's perspective, explaining that inclusion isn't just aspirational—it's measurable. He described public standards focusing on three levels: leadership and workforce, community engagement, and the traveler's experience. The overarching message? DEAI isn't merely about not excluding—it's proactive work that touches every level of an organization. Social Impact Beyond the Tourist While tourism is often measured by economic indicators, genuine social impact weaves together the needs of visitors and residents alike. Karen Kuhl stressed that her work in Cayuga County, home to Harriet Tubman's legacy, is community-centric: tourism isn't just for visitors, after all, but for all the residents who live in a destination too. DEAI initiatives must ripple inward before they shine outward. Working in rural northern Wisconsin, Lauren Sackett shared that enhancing accessibility, like mapping out trail accessibility and filtering for diverse-owned businesses, is as much about serving aging and differently abled residents as it is about attracting new visitor demographics. Tourism isn't just about bringing travelers in; it's about the community as a whole. Practical Steps for Small Towns and Rural Destinations Even if you're a limited-budget organization, you can meaningfully implement DEAI. My guests' advice is to start small, but start now. Identify community values, tap into available grants, and build from within—embedding inclusive principles into staff roles, outreach, and even RFPs for outside vendors. DEAI principles should be everybody's work and on everybody's task list, which is why advisory boards are a resourceful way to bring diverse voices into decision-making without overhauling governance structures. Authentic inclusion is a journey, not a checkbox. Be humble, honest, kind, and patient, my guests recommend leading with empathy and listening to those with lived experience. Resources: Karen Kuhl: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-kuhl/ Lauren Sackett: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-sackett-iom-b2a5a59a/ Roni Weiss: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roniweiss/ 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!

Garner thinks everyone needs to adopt one small town. Also, how's your summer lookin'? Is it being funded for you?

Elvira Bary is an author, researcher, and creator working at the intersection of storytelling, self-discovery, and political insight. She also runs an insightful YouTube channel on Russian politics, history, and culture, where she explores how Russia's history continues to shape the choices that the country makes today. Elvira writes historical fiction and dark fantasy rooted in Russian history and imagination, blending rich detail with unexpected twists, very much in accordance with Russian history itself, narrative that are being reshaped and challenged in the light of Putin's decision to invade Ukraine full-scale in 2022.----------LINKS:https://elvirabary.com/about-elvira/ https://www.youtube.com/@elvirabary https://x.com/elvirabary ----------DESCRIPTION:Exploring Russian History, Culture, and Contemporary Politics with Elvira BarryIn this episode, Jonathan interviews Vera Barry, an author, researcher, and creator who specializes in Russian history, culture, and politics. They discuss the intricacies of Russian historical fiction, the current socio-political climate in Russia, and the far-reaching implications of Putin's regime. Vera shares her personal experiences, including her career challenges following her anti-war stance, her battle with cancer, and her journey as an immigrant in the United States. The conversation also delves into the cultural isolation caused by the Iron Curtain, the psychology of Russian wartime narratives, and the lack of Western integration for Russian literary talent.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Elvira Barry00:38 The Impact of Russian History on Modern Politics00:58 Support and Gratitude01:45 Elvira's Background and Motivations03:41 Challenges Faced by Russian Intellectuals05:20 The Emotional Toll of War08:13 The Struggle of Russian Dissidents09:32 Elvira's Journey to YouTube12:14 Exploring Russian History Through Fiction13:42 The Dark Legacy of Russian History17:21 The Russian Revolution and Its Aftermath17:41 Russian Immigrants in China20:50 The Rise of Totalitarianism in Russia24:48 Western Misunderstandings of Russian Intentions28:12 The Philosophical Divide Between Russia and the West31:22 The Legacy of Soviet Intellectual Property34:38 The Cultural Impact of Russian Literature37:35 Cultural Erasure and Fabricated Confidence38:24 A Father's Inventive Spirit41:46 Struggles and Sacrifices in Russia42:28 Conformity and Non-Conformity in Putin's Russia46:10 The War in Ukraine and Its Impact49:42 Life in Small Towns and Military Contracts53:16 Escaping Russia: A Hairdresser's Story57:22 The Psychology of Vatniks and Propaganda01:02:17 Fantasy Literature and Male Identity in Russia01:06:29 Challenges for Russian Authors in the West01:09:57 Promoting Russian Culture and Experience01:13:05 Conclusion and Future Topics----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------TRUSTED CHARITIES ON THE GROUND:Save Ukrainehttps://www.saveukraineua.org/Superhumans - Hospital for war traumashttps://superhumans.com/en/UNBROKEN - Treatment. Prosthesis. Rehabilitation for Ukrainians in Ukrainehttps://unbroken.org.ua/Come Back Alivehttps://savelife.in.ua/en/Chefs For Ukraine - World Central Kitchenhttps://wck.org/relief/activation-chefs-for-ukraineUNITED24 - An initiative of President Zelenskyyhttps://u24.gov.ua/Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundationhttps://prytulafoundation.orgNGO “Herojam Slava”https://heroiamslava.org/kharpp - Reconstruction project supporting communities in Kharkiv and Przemyślhttps://kharpp.com/NOR DOG Animal Rescuehttps://www.nor-dog.org/home/----------

National chains can offer more competition than local shops can handle. But one chain based here is offering a hand to some kinds of small businesses. Plus, the local news for July 2, 2025, and this week's edition of What Where Whens-Day. Credits: This is a production of Nashville Public RadioHost/producer: Nina CardonaEditor: Miriam KramerAdditional support: Mack Linebaugh, Tony Gonzalez, Rachel Iacovone, LaTonya Turner and the staff of WPLN and WNXP

EPISODE 246! - small towns  To listen to the EPISODE IN FULL & to see full video too... join us on PATREON http://www.patreon.com/ffspodcast EDDIE'S NEW PODCAST - APPLE - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oh-hell-yeah/id1747999315 YOUTUBE -  https://www.youtube.com/@OhhellyeahPod SPOTIFY -  https://open.spotify.com/show/2Rb6hiPvMv7AkkotIb4SQg?si=d82e970e803549d8 Follow the For Fact's Sake hosts on Social Media Eddie  -  http://www.instagram.com/eddiedellasiepe Weezy -  http://www.instagram.com/weezywtf

Headlines:  – Welcome to Mo News (02:00) – NYC Election Results (04:00) – Cease-Fire Takes Hold After Trump Rebukes Israel and Iran (10:00) – Debate Over How Much Strike Set Back Iran's Nuclear Program (14:00) – Kennedy Says Health Insurers Promise to Change Prior Authorization Process (34:30) – Kennedy Denies Lying to Sen. Bill Cassidy About Vaccine Panel (38:20) – Choosing ‘Buy Now, Pay Later' at Checkout Will Now Factor Into Your Credit Score (42:00) – Amazon Bringing Faster Delivery to Thousands of Small Towns and Cities (44:00) – On This Day In History (41:20) Thanks To Our Sponsors: – ZocDoc - Book Top-Rated Doctors  – LMNT - Free Sample Pack with any LMNT drink mix purchase – Industrious - Coworking office. 30% off day pass – Athletic Greens – AG1 Powder + 1 year of free Vitamin D & 5 free travel packs – Incogni - 60% off an annual plan| Promo Code: MONEWS – Saily - 15% off any data plan | Promo Code: MONEWS

The battle between Tractor Supply Company and Amazon as Amazon expands its ambitions into the heartland w/ the announcement of its plans to upgrade delivery service into more rural communities. Amazon plans to invest more than $4 billion by 2026 to expand its delivery network into rural America. This is just another clear sign that the power of convenience and favorable pricing when it comes to winning consumer spending trumps all, tough day for any business competing when Amazon shows up in town.

Relebogile Mabotja speaks to Gabbi Brondani a Writer and Travel Correspondent about locals opting for slow winter getaways laid-back road trips, small-town stays, and nature-based escapes that prioritise rest, connection, and a return to simplicity. 702 Afternoons with Relebogile Mabotja is broadcast live on Johannesburg based talk radio station 702 every weekday afternoon. Relebogile brings a lighter touch to some of the issues of the day as well as a mix of lifestyle topics and a peak into the worlds of entertainment and leisure. Thank you for listening to a 702 Afternoons with Relebogile Mabotja podcast. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 13:00 to 15:00 (SA Time) to Afternoons with Relebogile Mabotja broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/2qKsEfu or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/DTykncj Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Jeremy sits down with musician, producer, and DIY lifer Tommy Rehbein to talk about his multi-decade journey through underground music—from the emotive soundscapes of Small Towns Burn a Little Slower, to the alternative grit of Farewell Continental, to his current synth-punk solo project Toilet Rats.Tommy shares how his passion for creating never stopped, even as projects came and went. He opens up about his love for physical media (especially CDs), his experience working with Steadfast Records, and what it's like making records entirely on his own terms from his Minneapolis home studio.The conversation dives into topics like:   •   The evolution of Toilet Rats, and the story behind his newest release Synth Redux Vol. 1   •   Memories and milestones from Small Towns Burn a Little Slower's emotionally raw run in the mid-2000s   •   Playing guitar in Farewell Continental alongside Justin Pierre of Motion City Soundtrack   •   The challenges of staying creative, sane, and self-sufficient as an independent artist in 2025   •   Why making art for the right reasons still mattersWhether you were raised on basement shows and emo singalongs, or you're just discovering the wild, weird world of synth-punk, Tommy's story is a testament to how underground artists survive, evolve, and thrive.⸻Links & Mentions:

Small towns are the heart and soul of Missouri, and what better way to explore this vibrant culture than through the lens of Caitlin Yeager's new book, Small Town Missouri? This episode of Saint Louis in Tune opens to the colorful tapestry of Missouri's lesser-known gems. From charming town squares where everybody knows your name to hidden histories waiting to be uncovered, Arnold and Mark chat with Caitlin about the inspiration behind her book and the unique stories that each small town has to offer. There's a lot more than meets the eye in these communities, and Caitlin highlights the significance of local festivals, historic landmarks, and the nostalgia that these places evoke for lifelong residents. Whether you're looking for a weekend getaway or just a little local history, this episode is packed with insights that might inspire you to hit the road and explore the Show-Me State on your own. Plus, Caitlin shares some hilarious anecdotes about her research process, including the inevitable “why isn't my town included?” questions she faces from locals, reminding us all that every small town has its own unique charm and story to tell.[00:00] Introduction to Small Towns and Hosts[01:15] Sponsor Acknowledgements and Listener Engagement[01:32] Return to Civility: Patience with Elderly Drivers[02:53] Introducing Caitlin Yeager and Her Book[03:41] Exploring Small Town Missouri[04:56] Walt Disney's Connection to Marceline[06:57] Highway 36: A Scenic Road Trip[08:28] The Process of Selecting Towns for the Book[11:50] The Resurgence of Small Towns[14:57] Missouri Humanities Council and Small Town Showcase[16:05] Seasonal Festivals and Community Reunions[17:45] Balancing Growth and Small Town Charm[18:43] Hidden Gems and Surprising Discoveries[22:04] Upcoming Book Signings and Events[22:30] Route 66 Festival Announcement[22:51] Upcoming Book Signings and Events[23:19] Where to Find Caitlin Yeager's Book[24:16] Thank You and Podcast Information[25:06] Better Rate Mortgage Ad[25:54] Dred Scott Heritage Foundation[26:54] Welcome Core Initiative[27:50] Discussion on Small Town Missouri[29:52] St. Louis County Municipalities[37:32] Bizarre Items from 1902 Sears Catalog[42:32] Humor and Fun Facts[46:02] Conclusion and CreditsTakeaways: Small towns have unique charm and character that make them worth exploring. Caitlin Yeager's book, Small Town Missouri, offers a treasure trove of stories and history. The resurgence of interest in small towns has inspired many to return and invest in their communities. Festivals in small towns often serve as family reunions, bringing people back together to celebrate their roots. Book SigningSaturday, June 21, from 10am-2pm Red Cedar Visitors Center, Pacific, MO 1047 E Osage St, Pacific, MO 63069 (636) 271-0500 ext. 222 Free and open to the publicPresentation and Book SigningThursday, June 26, from 7 – 8 p.m. Kirkwood Public Library 140 E Jefferson Ave, Kirkwood, MO 63122 (314)821-5770 Free and open to the publicBook SigningSaturday, July 19, from 11 am-3 p.m. Read the Room Bookstore, Perryville, MO 9 E Sainte Marie St, Perryville, MO 63775 Free and open to the publicSmall Town Missouri – Reedy PressThis is Season 8! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com#missouri #missourismalltown #weekendtrip #daytrip #smalltowns #smalltownsinmissouri

The Marinade's third annual Grounded Summer Tour rolls on! I am on a road trip from Orlando, FL, to Bonnaroo in Manchester, TN, and beyond. The goal of these trips is to unwind, meet cool people, take in some great art, and reflect on life. On this episode I tell tales from going home to visit my family, embarking on an Allman Brothers pilgrimage, and spending some time not watching the clock. Stay tuned to The Marinade on the all of the socials so you don't miss any of the action.  Listen On: Spotify- YouTube- Apple Podcasts-

Cory Hepola has transitioned from a TV and radio personality at KARE and WCCO Radio to producing, writing, and hosting a series of shows on Rural America in the Midwest.    Sponsored by: Broadway Dental (https://smilebroadway.com/), Lexus of Wayzata (https://www.lexusofwayzata.com/) & Lexus of Maplewood (https://www.lexusofmaplewood.com/)

This is a first on the podcast and a great ending to the first part of Season 5 (we'll be back in September with more episodes!) One of Rebecca's children joined us for the funnest episode ever about small towns through the eyes of a kid: what he loves, what he'd like to see, and the frustrations he experiences as a kid in a small town. About Carter: Carter is Rebecca's 13-year-old son, the middle child, and a small-town connoisseur and font of wisdom about how to connect with and make small towns great places for kids. In this episode, we cover: What Carter loves about his small town What he'd like to see in his small town How to connect with kids and involve them in small towns Carter's Shout-Outs: The Butcher Shop, Inc.: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083102392378 The Bakery Shoppe - Oakes: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088962675005 Hearthside Vineyard and Winery: https://www.facebook.com/HeaOakesrthsideWinery Sweets n' Stories: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063629827416 Feel Good Foods: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095018709672 Wild Wolff: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086460336567 Oakes Area Chamber of Commerce: https://www.facebook.com/oakeschamber Irrigation Days FB Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/970957665097391 MacDaddy's Food Vendor: https://www.facebook.com/PhillyandMaceatery Small-Town Shout-Out! We're celebrating the combined communities of Chamberlain and Oacoma. They have a trail system, and they're building their very first bike-optimized trail! Sometimes, trail systems with options for both walking *and* biking aren't prioritized, so major snaps to these communities for getting this done! A Note on Seasons: Our new format means that we'll be taking a break for summer and picking back up in September. Don't worry, we'll still have plenty of content to share and we can't wait to hit the ground running this fall. Follow us on Instagram (@growingsmalltowns) and Facebook (facebook.com/growingsmalltowns)  New Segment Alert! We think some of the best parts about radio shows and podcasts are listener call-ins, so we've decided to make those a part of the Growing Small Towns Podcast. We really, really want to hear from you! We're introducing two new parts to the show:  “Small town humblebrags”: Call in and tell us about something amazing you did in your small town so we can celebrate with you. No win is too small—we want to hear it all, and we will be excessively enthusiastic about whatever it is! You can call in for your friends, too, because giving shout-outs is one of our favorite things.  “Solving Your Small-Town People Challenges”: Have a tough issue in your community? We want to help. Call in and tell us about your problem, and we'll solve it on an episode of the podcast. Want to remain anonymous? Totally cool, we can be all secretive and stuff. We're suave like that.  If you've got a humblebrag or a tricky people problem, call 701-203-3337 and leave a message with the deets. We really can't wait to hear from you!  Get In Touch Have an idea for a future episode/guest, have feedback or a question, or just want to chat? Email us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org Subscribe + Review Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of The Growing Small Towns Show! If the information in our conversations and interviews has helped you in your small town, head out to Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review. Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver relevant, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more small-town trailblazers just like you!  

The Wisconsin State Legislature continues to meddle with the state's election laws, and small communities are having a hard time finding municipal clerks to run the whole election show. Votebeat Wisconsin's Alex Shur joins us with more. The post Small Towns Struggle to Keep up with State Election Mandates appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.

Author Caitlin Yager joins Megan Lynch to talk about her new book "Small Town Missouri."

Stories in this episode: Beware of Small Towns in Florida | zentini (0:40) Security Guard at the Gym | TadpoleConscious975 (7:34) Now Tell Me The Sounds That Scare You | Made4Mordor (12:15) Stalker at Workplace | asdasd_666 (20:39) Internet Girlfriend | Corezone (28:04) One Decision | Dreams (34:20) Being Left Alone at a House in the Middle of the Mojave Desert | 4thdegreeknight (40:26) Extended Patreon Content: Lyft Ride Gone Wrong | B A Shady Neighbor | She Who Has No Name Almost Abducted By A Cult | Lara Sketchy Car in the Shadows | Melisa My Husband's Intuition Was Right | Marie Due to periodic changes in ad placement, time stamps are estimates and are not always accurate.  Want Bonus Weekly Stories? Hate Ads? Join our Patreon for only $5 a month for over 100 hours of bonus content, and it's all ad-free! Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/84WXQud4gE Follow: - Twitch - https://twitch.tv/crypticcounty - Website - https://letsnotmeetpodcast.com/ - Patreon - https://patreon.com/letsnotmeetpodcast - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/letsnotmeetcast/ - TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@crypticcounty Head to https://www.tryfum.com/meet and use promo code meet to kick your bad habit today! Take control of your calls! Block spam, identify unknown numbers, and stay connected securely. Getcontact is available now on the App Store!  and Google Play—download today! This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Visit BetterHelp.com/notmeet to get 10% off your first month. Start your risk-free Greenlight trial today at Greenlight.com/meet. All of the stories you've heard this week were narrated and produced with the permission of their respective authors. Let's Not Meet: A True Horror Podcast is not associated with Reddit or any other message boards online. To submit your story to the show, send it to letsnotmeetstories@gmail.com.   

Small Towns can be fun... until they're not...  BUY MY MERCH PLEASE!  https://southern-cannibal-shop.fourthwall.com/? Send your TRUE Scary Stories HERE! ► https://southerncannibal.com/  OR Email at southerncannibalstories@gmail.com LISTEN TO THE DINNER TABLE PODCAST! ► https://open.spotify.com/show/3zfschBzphkHhhpV870gFW?si=j53deGSXRxyyo9rsxqbFgw Faqs about me ► https://youtube.fandom.com/wiki/Southern_Cannibal Stalk Me! ► Twitter: https://twitter.com/iAmCanni ► Instagram: https://instagram.com/iamreallycanni ► Merch: https://southern-cannibal-shop.fourthwall.com/? ► Scary Story Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL18YGadwJHERUzNMxTSoIYRIoUWfcGO2I ► DISCLAIMER: All Stories and Music featured in today's video were granted FULL permission for use on the Southern Cannibal YouTube Channel!  Huge Thanks to these brave folks who sent in their stories! #1. - Keith  #2. - Anna  #3. - Richard L  #4. - Christine  #5. - Anonymous  #6. - Anonymous #7. - SR Huge Thanks to these talented folks for their creepy music! ► Myuuji: https://www.youtube.com/c/myuuji ♪ ► CO.AG Music: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcavSftXHgxLBWwLDm_bNvA  ♪ ► Kevin MacLeod: http://incompetech.com ♪ ► Piano Horror:  https://www.youtube.com/PianoHorror ♪ https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/us/

Author Caitlin Yager wrote, 'Small Towns Missouri', she visited 50 of them across the state for the book. She joins Chris and Amy with some highlights including Steelville's connection to the Trail of Tears and Marshfield's connection to the space program. She has a book signing event on May 22 at Grants View Branch of the St Louis County Library at 6pm.

Hour 3 includes a visit with author Caitlin Yager about her new book on visits to 50 small towns in Missouri; how irrational are sports fans; Twilight Thursdays are back in Forest Park.

We focus a lot on belonging here at Growing Small Towns, and one of the most important groups (that sometimes gets neglected by traditional community development) is youth. Kids need to feel at home and welcome in our small towns, too, and when our young people are engaged, active, and have good places to hang out with their friends, the effect is like a shockwave in the best way. Today's episode is with the amazing Karen Pifher, who is helping communities support their youth in very real, material ways.  And with lots of food, because apparently that's key for kid hangouts.  About Karen: Karen Pifher is a powerhouse of heart, hustle, and humor, with a Master's in Community Development, a Business Strategy Certificate from Harvard, and as a member of the international "Board of Experts" (what's that- check it out online and reach out with questions). As the founder of Creating Community Consulting, Karen has become a go-to force for turning bold ideas into thriving, people-centered projects. She knows firsthand what it's like to face hardship — as a teen mother, Karen learned resilience, grit, and the power of community early on. Today, she channels that experience into her mission to create stronger, more connected places where everyone belongs. Her secret weapon? A wicked sense of humor, a bias for action, and the ability to make strategy feel exciting — even fun! Outside of her work, Karen is a devoted wife, mom, and outdoor enthusiast, happiest when she's paddling a river, hiking through the woods, or wrangling life's chaos with laughter and love. Creating Community Consulting isn't just a business; it's the evolution of Karen's lifelong passion for community, innovation, and change — built on grit, late nights, and a lot of coffee. She's living proof that small-town roots and big dreams can shake up the world, one project (and one punchline) at a time. In this episode, we cover: Why Karen decided to get involved in making communities better places for youth The whole amazing story behind CornerStone Community & Youth Center How Karen and her organization help other small towns become great places for kids Resources Mentioned and Projects They Serve: Creating Community Consulting and AI Grant Writer tool: https://www.creatingcommunityconsulting.com/ CornerStone Community & Youth Center: https://www.cornerstonefrazee.org/ Wannigan Park: https://wanniganpark.com/ Clay County Family Resource Center: https://claycountyfrc.com/ Economic Development in Frazee Small-Town Shout-Out! This one is from our friend Jerome from Platte, South Dakota, and we're shouting out two things that he shared with us. The first is the community's multi-church youth group: the community recognized the benefit of having one large group of kids coming together rather than a bunch of little ones, and we love this (and the kids do too!) The second is the restored Lyric Theater. It's a beautiful building that was in rough shape, which was purchased by an incredibly generous individual who restored it and brought it back to life, proving that when people care, big things happen. A big high-five to Platte for youth, collaboration, and restoration! New Segment Alert! We think some of the best parts about radio shows and podcasts are listener call-ins, so we've decided to make those a part of the Growing Small Towns Podcast. We really, really want to hear from you! We're introducing two new parts to the show:  “Small town humblebrags”: Call in and tell us about something amazing you did in your small town so we can celebrate with you. No win is too small—we want to hear it all, and we will be excessively enthusiastic about whatever it is! You can call in for your friends, too, because giving shout-outs is one of our favorite things.  “Solving Your Small-Town People Challenges”: Have a tough issue in your community? We want to help. Call in and tell us about your problem, and we'll solve it on an episode of the podcast. Want to remain anonymous? Totally cool, we can be all secretive and stuff. We're suave like that.  If you've got a humblebrag or a tricky people problem, call 701-203-3337 and leave a message with the deets. We really can't wait to hear from you!  Get In Touch Have an idea for a future episode/guest, have feedback or a question, or just want to chat? Email us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org Subscribe + Review Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of The Growing Small Towns Show! If the information in our conversations and interviews has helped you in your small town, head out to Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review. Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver relevant, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more small-town trailblazers just like you!

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson speaks with Deb Brown, co-founder of Save Your Town and author of "From Possibilities to Reality: How to Save Your Small Town." They discuss Brown's workbook-style approach to small town economic development, sharing practical examples of community revitalization, including movie theater revitalization as an economic driver. Brown offers insights on addressing resistance to change by exploring what people truly valued about their towns in the past, and provides actionable strategies for community members who want to make a difference in their small towns. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Implement the "idea friendly method" to bypass traditional committee bureaucracy and mobilize community-driven economic development projects. Organize "Tour of Empty Buildings" events to showcase vacant commercial spaces and connect potential business owners with available properties. Focus on attracting and supporting local businesses to expand into empty downtown spaces rather than solely pursuing large outside employers. Create accessible maps and resources that showcase available commercial properties to potential investors and entrepreneurs. Engage residents outside the "usual suspects" (city officials, chamber members) by hosting informal idea-gathering sessions at local coffee shops or breweries. When communities resist change, dig into what they specifically valued about the past to identify the core needs that modern solutions can address. Develop sustainable business models for community assets (like movie theaters) that create real employment rather than relying exclusively on volunteers. Establish clear pathways from idea generation to implementation that don't require formal committee formation or extensive bureaucratic processes. Prioritize filling downtown vacancies with businesses that serve current community needs while preserving historical character. Leverage success stories from similar small towns as proof-of-concept examples when pitching new development ideas to stakeholders and building owners. Special Guest: Deb Brown.

Will Bardenwerper grew up playing baseball and even was a member of his college team at Princeton. As a result, he has a great perspective to write about baseball as he does in Homestand: Small Town Baseball and the Fight for the Soul of America (Doubleday).That soul, in this book, is partially under attack from private equity firms gobbling up and eradicating minor league baseball teams. It's just one of the many threads of Will's wonderful book.Podcast Specific Substack at creativenonfictionpodcast.substrack.com.Pre-order The Front RunnerNewsletter: Rage Against the AlgorithmShow notes: brendanomeara.com

Daniel Herriges is the Policy Director at the Parking Reform Network, an organization that educates the public about the impact of parking policy on climate change, equity, housing, and traffic. He is a lifelong urbanist and advocate for people-centered places. Daniel lives in his hometown of St. Paul, Minnesota, with his wife and two young children.

This lively pre-Mother's Day episode of Coffee Club is a delicious blend of weather banter, foodie fun, musical guests, giveaways, and wild trivia. Janae and Bonnie, joined by the ever-charming Mark Johnson, dish out hilarious stories, share heartfelt memories, and debate everything from hydrating fruits to vampire-proof Easter eggs. There's even a musical Name That Tune showdown, balsamic coconut cream pie (yes, really), and a dash of Minnesota true crime! Whether you're planning a road trip, hunting for the perfect Mother's Day gift, or just craving some feel-good chatter, this one's a treat.

Are small town rentals a smart strategy—or a ticking time bomb? In this episode of Strategy Saturday, Charles Carillo breaks down the real pros and cons of investing in small town rental properties. While lower purchase prices and less competition may offer higher cash flow, there are also hidden risks that could impact your long-term returns. Charles shares a data-backed framework for evaluating small towns using long-term job growth, population trends, and crime data—plus how to identify warning signs like employer dependence, limited liquidity, and false gentrification signals. You'll learn: Why short-term market data often leads investors astray How to use the “20-Year Rule” to analyze population and crime trends What makes one small town a winner and another a long-term trap How to balance renovation decisions with realistic rent potential When small towns can outperform large cities—and when they won't Whether you're buying your first rental or expanding your multifamily portfolio, this episode will help you choose smarter, invest strategically, and avoid costly small-town mistakes.

Travel Writer Bill Clevlen hit the sites along the 'Great River Road' recently, including Alton, Grafton, and Quincy, IL. https://billontheroad.com/

Small town life is generally easy. That is, unless the town is haunted. Get ready for ghost stories, local lore, and a deep dive into the paranormal legacies of America's most haunted towns. First, we journey to Jerome, Arizona—a once-booming copper mining town turned ghostly relic. Discover the eerie tales of the Jerome Grand Hotel, where a phantom maintenance man lingers in the basement and ghostly footsteps echo through the halls. We'll also step inside a brothel still haunted by the tragic spirit of a murdered madam. Then, we'll head east to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where darkness clings to the walls of the infamous Welles House. Learn how a family was driven from their home by the menacing presence of a well-dressed elderly man with a cane. And don't miss the unnerving legend of the Hoodoo House, where a string of funerals turned one home into a cursed landmark.Glam&Gore on YoutubeFreaky Foot Tours - Discover Jerome, AZWikipedia - Jerome, AZOnly in Your State - Jerome Grand HotelUS Ghost Adventures - Top 10 Haunted Places in JeromeAZCentral - Jerome Grand HotelSurgeon House Website - HistoryThe Haunted Hamburger (before and after pictures)PA Haunted Houses - Welles HousePRWeb - Welles HouseWelles House Ghost VideoTimes Leader articleThe House on Welles Street - YoutubeNEPA Scene articleYou can also use this link to text us your story :)If you have an experience, story, or anything else you'd like to share with us, you can email us at Opeaghost@gmail.com You can also follow us on Instagram, Join our Facebook group : Ope, A Ghost, or Follow us on YoutubeToodles!

Register here now: https://bit.ly/Better-Member Are you finding it tough to recruit passionate and effective board members for your nonprofit or organization in a small town? You're not alone! This episode features Bryan Partee of Nonprofit Marketplace as he shares invaluable insights and practical strategies specifically tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of board recruitment in rural communities. Bryan dives into how to identify hidden talent, overcome common recruitment hurdles, and build a diverse and engaged board that will champion your mission. Whether you're a board chair, executive director, or simply passionate about strengthening your local organization, this episode is packed with actionable advice you can implement right away.

Many rural Ohio communities are receiving small settlements from opioid manufacturers. They're getting creative to ensure the small boost makes a large impact.

We've got the list of cities that rack in the most traffic ticket revenue... as well as the one detail these cities have in common. KSL NewsRadio's Britt Johnson breaks down the cities on the list. Noah Giles, KSL NewsRadio Associate Producer shares his own experience with one small Utah town that is known for catching people speeding. 

In this episode, Hailey ventures to Door County, home to many beautiful communities like Egg Harbor, which is on its lifelong journey towards sustainability. From the village striving towards being a Green Tier Legacy Community to the local businesses and restaurants doing their part with composting and using their own produce, Egg Harbor is truly showing how they are on their way to being a green community. The Bobber is brought to you by Something Special from Wisconsin: https://www.somethingspecialwi.com/Read the blog here: https://discoverwisconsin.com/egg-harbor-a-small-community-making-a-big-difference/Green Tier: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/GreenTier/Overview.html; Greens N Grains: https://www.greens-n-grains.com/; Shipwrecked Brew Pub: https://www.shipwreckedmicrobrew.com/; Village of Egg Harbor Marina: https://eggharbormarina.com/; Wisconsin Clean Marina: https://wisconsincleanmarina.org/; Egg Harbor: A Village's Journey Towards SustainabilityThe Bobber: https://discoverwisconsin.com/the-bobber-blog/The Cabin Podcast: https://the-cabin.simplecast.com. Follow on social @thecabinpodShop Discover Wisconsin: shop.discoverwisconsin.com. Follow on social @shopdiscoverwisconsinDiscover Wisconsin: https://discoverwisconsin.com/. Follow on social @discoverwisconsinDiscover Mediaworks: https://discovermediaworks.com/. Follow on social @discovermediaworksEgg Harbor: https://villageofeggharbor.gov/

Lads lads lads! Nicola's off to Japan, so Running Is BS's Stewart Harding fills in. There's Map Men, a brief overview of a couple of weekend things, phallic things, Stewart dared to go to Aberdare parkrun and Danny just couldn't face touring for once.

We underestimate the power of love–or maybe limit the places where we deem it appropriate–but that's silly because love is the most powerful motivator on the planet. We believe that love can actually be the key to unlocking the answers to some of our biggest questions and challenges in small towns. In this episode, Rebecca talks about all the ways that love can make our communities better places and what it looks like to show up with love. In this episode, we share three challenges for you to start using love as a force for good and change in your communities: Focus on doing more of what you love Ask yourself: What would make me love my town more? Pour out your love on the people who do the things that make you love your small town more.  Links + Resources Mentioned: Jeff Siegler's book: Your City is Sick. Deb Brown's book: From Possibilities to Reality: Save Your Small Town with these Uniquely Do-able Ideas, Projects, and Success Stories Inland Northwest Partners Cougar Cheese Sarah Kane of LaCrosse Community Pride Terri Cooper of Medical Lake Medical Lake's Vacant Buildings Ordinance  Small-Town Shout-Out! This week's shout-out is for the town of Medical Lake, Washington, and its mayor, Terri Cooper. In their small town, they have strong code enforcement policies around vacant buildings on Main Street to eliminate people owning buildings and just sitting on them and letting them fall apart. That takes tremendous courage and bravery because there's no way that was universally popular. This is a bold, audacious move that is rooted in love and pride of place. They want their business district to be vibrant, to look good, and to be the kind of place where people want to have a business and that people want to visit. We salute them, their courage, and their love for the community! New Segment Alert! We think some of the best parts about radio shows and podcasts are listener call-ins, so we've decided to make those a part of the Growing Small Towns Podcast. We really, really want to hear from you! We're introducing two new parts to the show:  “Small town humblebrags”: Call in and tell us about something amazing you did in your small town so we can celebrate with you. No win is too small—we want to hear it all, and we will be excessively enthusiastic about whatever it is! You can call in for your friends, too, because giving shout-outs is one of our favorite things.  “Solving Your Small-Town People Challenges”: Have a tough issue in your community? We want to help. Call in and tell us about your problem, and we'll solve it on an episode of the podcast. Want to remain anonymous? Totally cool, we can be all secretive and stuff. We're suave like that.  If you've got a humblebrag or a tricky people problem, call 701-203-3337 and leave a message with the deets. We really can't wait to hear from you!  Get In Touch Have an idea for a future episode/guest, have feedback or a question, or just want to chat? Email us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org Subscribe + Review Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of The Growing Small Towns Show! If the information in our conversations and interviews has helped you in your small town, head out to Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review. Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver relevant, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more small-town trailblazers just like you!  

The Jay Thomas Show from Monday April 14th, 2025.  Guests include Gov. Kelly Armstrong and Cass County Engineer Kyle Litchy.  Plus your calls and emails.

Episode: 1353 In which we visit a small town.  Today, let's visit a small town.

State Representative Dan Swanson has supported a recently approved House measure aimed at alleviating financial burdens on small municipalities in Illinois. House Bill 1082 proposes amending the Illinois Municipal Auditing Law to exempt towns with populations under 1,000 from mandatory annual audits. Currently, the limited availability of Certified Public Accountants specializing in municipal audits, paired with the high costs, poses challenges for these small communities. The Illinois Municipal League highlights such audits as disproportionately expensive for towns with minimal annual budgets. With House approval secured, the bill now moves to the Senate for further consideration. Representative Swanson emphasized the importance of this exemption during recent debates.

Casey Gregersen is the Founder and CEO of Bighorn Capital Fund, a real estate investment firm based in Laramie, Wyoming. Prior to launching Bighorn, Casey spent over a decade at Shell Oil Company where he held technical, project management and leadership roles. In 2016, Casey transitioned to entrepreneurship, managing seven successful Pure Barre franchises across Texas and California where he gained invaluable expertise in business operations, cash flow management, and strategic growth. Connect with Casey: https://caseygregersen.com/ Highlights: 1:32 - Casey's Background 3:00 - Start as a Bar Franchise 9:50 - Managing Real Estate From Another State 13:03 - How to Grow Into Multi-Family 20:13 - Mitigating Risks In A Small Town 23:44 - Big Plans For The Future (Creative Transactions)   Quote: "What if I didn't have to be away from my family? What if I could be at home, marketing my own schedule?"   Recommended Resources: Accredited Investors, you're invited to Join the Cashflow Investor Club to learn how you can partner with Kevin Bupp on current and upcoming opportunities to create passive cash flow and build wealth. Join the Club! If you're a high net worth investor with capital to deploy in the next 12 months and you want to build passive income and wealth with a trusted partner, go to InvestWithKB.com for opportunities to invest in real estate projects alongside Kevin and his team.  Looking for the ultimate guide to passive investing? Grab a copy of my latest book, The Cash Flow Investor at KevinBupp.com.  Tap into a wealth of free information on Commercial Real Estate Investing by listening to past podcast episodes at KevinBupp.com/Podcast.

On Saturday, large protests took place across the U.S. against Trump administration policies. In one small corner of the rural Northern Neck of Virginia, several hundred people marched on Main Street. Pamela D'Angelo reports.

KVMR News Correspondent Lydia Thomas brings us a tale of two cities with a look at how Nevada City and Grass Valley's respective city councils broached the passing of ceasefire resolutions. Lydia brings us an examination of the symbolic nature and history of small towns weighing in on global conflicts.

Protests and town halls are filling with concerned neighbors in small towns.

In this episode of the Building Better Developers podcast's “Building Better Businesses” season, hosts Rob Broadhead and Michael Meloche explore business networking strategies that go far beyond the typical card-swapping routine. If you're tired of awkward mixers and forced conversations, this episode offers a refreshing take on how to grow your business by forming authentic, lasting connections. Rethinking Business Networking Strategies: Ditch the Script Rob opens the discussion by challenging conventional approaches to networking. Rather than focusing on formal events and elevator pitches, he suggests looking for genuine ways to connect with people—especially through community involvement. Whether it's volunteering at a local shelter or participating in a neighborhood cleanup, these are powerful, low-pressure opportunities to meet people and naturally talk about what you do. The idea is simple: show up, be yourself, and let the conversation evolve. People are more likely to support or refer someone they know personally—and trust. Subtle Business Networking Strategies That Feel Authentic One of Rob's favorite business networking strategies is what he calls the “subtle approach.” Wear your company's branded gear, drop your business into conversation naturally, and be curious about others. When you're helpful and relatable, people will often ask about your work without any need for a hard pitch. Michael backs this up with his own story of relocating to a smaller town during the pandemic. By simply exploring local shops, reading community magazines, and attending charity galas, he found himself embedded in a new business community. He highlights events hosted by local chambers of commerce and business groups as hidden gems for making meaningful connections—often with free food and drinks included. Business Networking Strategies for Small Towns and Tight-Knit Communities Michael emphasizes that effective business networking strategies work just as well in small towns as they do in big cities. In fact, they may work even better. Smaller communities often have tight-knit groups and frequent events where your presence won't go unnoticed. Whether it's a happy hour near a courthouse, a local fundraiser, or a meetup at a co-working space, the key is consistency and curiosity. Rob adds that personal hobbies can double as powerful networking tools. Attending concerts, joining book clubs, or playing weekend sports all provide opportunities to connect with people who share your interests—and may also need your services, or know someone who does. Relationship-Based Networking Beats Traditional Tactics Both hosts stress that business networking strategies should prioritize building relationships over making quick sales. Forget the speed-dating vibe of traditional events. The most valuable connections come from repeated interactions, trust, and shared experiences. Rob points out that seeing the same faces at recurring events—whether it's a community group or a niche meetup—creates space for conversations to deepen over time. You're not just a face with a business card. You become someone they know, like, and trust—which is the real foundation for long-term business success. Weekly Challenge: Put Your Business Networking Strategy into Practice To wrap up the episode, Rob issues a challenge: Think about your favorite activity outside of work. This week, find just one opportunity to casually mention your business during that activity. Whether it's in the form of a funny story, a branded shirt, or a natural mention in conversation—test the waters. If you already do this, challenge yourself to find a new activity or social space to expand your reach. Authentic visibility is key. Want more ideas like this? Visit Develpreneur.com, subscribe to the Building Better Developers podcast, or find them on YouTube and social media. Whether you're in a major metro or a small town, these business networking strategies are your secret weapon for building real connections—and a better business. Additional Resources Business Networking For Introverts Passive Networking and Building Trust Events, Parties and Networking for Passive Income Building Better Businesses – With Bonus Content

When a corporate spreadsheet erased 42 minor league baseball teams from America's map, it didn't just kill baseball in places like Batavia, New York - it threatened to dismantle the last institution where a Vietnam veteran finds peace, political adversaries share beers as friends, and a young man with cerebral palsy washes uniforms by hand until 2 AM. In "Homestand," author Will Bardenwerper, a former Army Ranger, reveals what happens when profit-driven efficiency collides with our deepest need for belonging. As citizens rally to save their century-old Muckdogs, their story exposes a choice facing communities everywhere: surrender our local institutions to corporate consolidation, or fight to preserve the authentic spaces where strangers become neighbors and divided towns discover common ground. Links: "Homestand" Book: https://amzn.to/4iZpWYC Will Bardenwerper Website: https://www.willbardenwerper.com/ Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/80pz_1s6DIA _ Produced by Podcast Studio X.

Rural America's banking needs are changing, and BTC Bank is leading the charge with innovative ideas and a community-first mindset. Cliff Callis welcomes Jonathan Fish to OUTdrive to discuss how BTC Bank is revolutionizing rural banking with mobile branches, youth-focused programs and a dedication to local investment.

Deb Brown is one of our favorite people in the world, and we're so glad to have her on the show with us to share her words, her new book (!!!) and all the work she's doing to help small-town dreamers just like you. This episode is all about approaching big problems in small towns in idea-friendly ways and starting small to build big. About Deb: Deb Brown is a dynamic small-town advocate and community development expert with a wealth of experience empowering rural communities. As the co-founder of SaveYour.Town, she has been working alongside Becky McCray for a decade, providing practical advice and innovative solutions to shape brighter futures for small towns. Deb's background is diverse and practical. She served as a Chamber of Commerce Executive Director for 4 years, holding certification from the Institute for Organization Management. Prior to that, she was a Tourism Specialist for 4 years. Her varied business experience includes roles as a foreign casualty insurance underwriter, retail manager, and bartender. Deb specializes in addressing common rural challenges, including: - Revitalizing empty buildings - Downtown rejuvenation - Youth retention - Marketing and promotion for small towns - Business development and economic growth - Innovative rural business models Deb excels at building connections, storytelling, and active listening. She guides people in taking small steps toward their ideas and helps them find the resources and connections needed to bring those ideas to fruition. Her presentations are interactive and engaging, designed to provide attendees with actionable ideas they can implement immediately. Deb has spoken at local and national conferences, addressing chambers, economic developers, tourism specialists, museum experts, volunteers, residents and business groups. Deb is the author of "From Possibilities to Reality: Save Your Small Town with these Uniquely Do-able Ideas, Projects, and Success Stories," a comprehensive workbook filled with practical strategies and real-world examples for small-town revitalization.  Through her work with SaveYour.Town, Deb provides weekly newsletters focused on small-town challenges and offers exclusive video content to Megaphone Members. Deb Brown's passion for community development and her ability to provide real-world, practical solutions make her an invaluable resource for small towns looking to create positive change and build a thriving future. In this episode, we cover: The process of writing and publishing her book Who and what her book is for Why you don't need permission to do cool stuff Her favorite stories and concepts from the book  Links + Resources Mentioned: From Possibilities to Reality: Save Your Small Town with these Uniquely Do-able Ideas, Projects, and Success StoriesSaveYour.Town - Practical steps your rural community can take now Free Newsletters - Get your tips to address rural challenges Deb's Speaking Site - Take a look at how Deb can help you Andrew Laddusaw's YouTube ChannelTrolls in DL website (from Small Town Shout-Out) Episode 49 with Becky and Deb: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMo32Jzm5aM   Small-Town Shout-Out! The biggest shout-out to Becker County, Minnesota's Project 412. They had the audacious goal of bringing world-renowned Danish recycling artist Thomas Dambo to the area--and it happened! “Trolls in DL” is one of 130 permanent art installations around the world. We love a BHAG (Big, Hairy, Audacious Goal) and we're proud of you, Project 412. Thanks to Cody Piper for sharing this big freaking deal with us.  New Segment Alert! We think some of the best parts about radio shows and podcasts are listener call-ins, so we've decided to make those a part of the Growing Small Towns Podcast. We really, really want to hear from you! We're introducing two new parts to the show:  “Small town humblebrags”: Call in and tell us about something amazing you did in your small town so we can celebrate with you. No win is too small—we want to hear it all, and we will be excessively enthusiastic about whatever it is! You can call in for your friends, too, because giving shout-outs is one of our favorite things.  “Solving Your Small-Town People Challenges”: Have a tough issue in your community? We want to help. Call in and tell us about your problem, and we'll solve it on an episode of the podcast. Want to remain anonymous? Totally cool, we can be all secretive and stuff. We're suave like that.  If you've got a humblebrag or a tricky people problem, call 701-203-3337 and leave a message with the deets. We really can't wait to hear from you!  Get In Touch Have an idea for a future episode/guest, have feedback or a question, or just want to chat? Email us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org Subscribe + Review Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of The Growing Small Towns Show! If the information in our conversations and interviews has helped you in your small town, head out to Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review. Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver relevant, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more small-town trailblazers just like you!  

Joy can feel a little soft, or a little touchy-feely, but helping people find joy is a catalyst for positive change. This week's guest is all about helping teachers and educators with professional development that focuses not on a list of things to do, but rather helps them re-discover their joy and passion for teaching and learning. The best part? This episode applies to anyone who is making a difference, pushing for change, and looking for joy. About Darcy: Darcy is the Founder of The Educators' Lab USA and a board member of The Educators' Lab Global. After more than a decade in the classroom teaching English and theatre, Darcy now creates the type of PD she always wanted, driving change in education and empowering teachers as changemakers. Through her work, teachers reconnect with their purpose, rekindle their spark for teaching, and reignite the JOY of teaching and learning. She specializes in professional development design and implementation, interactive strategies for the classroom, meaningful tech integration, and building relationships with students. Darcy holds a Master's of Secondary Education, is an ISTE Certified Educator, an experienced international presenter, and believer in the power of education. She lives in Fargo, ND with her husband Jeff, and triplets, Kurt, Ben, and Cora. In this episode, we cover: The inspiration for the Joy Lab Why AI isn't going to replace teachers How helping teachers find JOY is so important Why competition and “good enough” can be antithetical to positive change  Links + Resources Mentioned: The Educators' Lab The Teacher Empowerment Incubator Joy Labs   Small-Town Shout-Out! This week we're shouting out Julia McCray and The Market Village in Tionesta, Pennsylvania. The Market Village is a seasonal shopping pop-up “village” that has become an incubator for new small businesses, made even better by being made “cute af,” in Julia's words. It's a creative solution to several problems, is prettier and more interesting than a vacant lot, and serves the community well. We love it! New Segment Alert! We think some of the best parts about radio shows and podcasts are listener call-ins, so we've decided to make those a part of the Growing Small Towns Podcast. We really, really want to hear from you! We're introducing two new parts to the show:  “Small town humblebrags”: Call in and tell us about something amazing you did in your small town so we can celebrate with you. No win is too small—we want to hear it all, and we will be excessively enthusiastic about whatever it is! You can call in for your friends, too, because giving shout-outs is one of our favorite things.  “Solving Your Small-Town People Challenges”: Have a tough issue in your community? We want to help. Call in and tell us about your problem, and we'll solve it on an episode of the podcast. Want to remain anonymous? Totally cool, we can be all secretive and stuff. We're suave like that.  If you've got a humblebrag or a tricky people problem, call 701-203-3337 and leave a message with the deets. We really can't wait to hear from you!  Get In Touch Have an idea for a future episode/guest, have feedback or a question, or just want to chat? Email us at hello@growingsmalltowns.org   Subscribe + Review Thanks for tuning into this week's episode of The Growing Small Towns Show! If the information in our conversations and interviews has helped you in your small town, head out to Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or Spotify, subscribe to the show, and leave us an honest review. Your reviews and feedback will not only help us continue to deliver relevant, helpful content, but it will also help us reach even more small-town trailblazers just like you!

Think the BRRRR method (buy, rehab, rent, refinance, repeat) is dead because of high interest rates and rising home prices? Think again. We're doing BRRRR deals right now that are making us cash flow and serious equity while most investors sit on the sidelines. But how do we FIND these money-making BRRRR deals? We're sharing the new BRRRR formula in today's episode, along with more questions and answers from the BiggerPockets Forums. Besides uncovering our BRRRR secrets, we're helping an investor scale from single-family rentals to multifamily rentals. This is a BIG jump, and there's a smarter way to scale your way up to big, new-build multifamily buildings. Next, an investor finally sees the light, realizing cash flow ISN'T everything. He's about to walk into a nice chunk of equity with his new property, but is the cash flow TOO low (should he worry)? What were you thinking about when you were 18? Maybe you were stressing out about college applications or sleeping in until noon. One ambitious young investor wants to get his first rental at just 18 years old, but on this rare occasion, we advise against it. If you're in his position, too, we'd recommend doing something else first. Finally, are “small towns” too risky to invest in? How small is too small? We're getting into it in this episode! Looking to invest? Need answers? Ask your question on the BiggerPockets Forums! In This Episode We Cover: How to BRRRR in 2025 and how Henry finds his undervalued real estate deals The pitfalls of scaling from single to multifamily rentals and how to do it the right way Is a low cash flow rental worth it for a five-figure equity gain once purchased? How to start investing in real estate at a very young age (18 years old!) Investing in small towns and how to see where the big companies are going first And So Much More! Links from the Show Join BiggerPockets for FREE Let Us Know What You Thought of the Show! Ask Your Question on the BiggerPockets Forums BiggerPockets YouTube Apply to Be a Podcast Guest Try REsimpli, The Only All-In-One Real Estate Investor CRM Software That Helps You Manage Data, Marketing, Sales, and Operations Grab the BRRRR Book, “Buy, Rehab, Rent, Refinance, Repeat” Sign Up for the BiggerPocket Real Estate Newsletter Find an Investor-Friendly Agent in Your Area Ask Your Question on the BiggerPockets Forums Connect with Dave (00:00) Intro (01:00) How to BRRRR in 2025 (09:03) Scaling from Single to Multifamily (15:36) Low Cash Flow Worth It? (20:09) Start Investing at 18? (24:20) Buying in “Small” Towns (31:13) Ask Your Question! Check out more resources from this show on BiggerPockets.com and https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/real-estate-1086 Interested in learning more about today's sponsors or becoming a BiggerPockets partner yourself? Email advertise@biggerpockets.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Charlie returns to taking questions from Charlie Kirk Exclusive subscribers, including:   -Should the Trump Administration prosecute Pennsylvania Democrats who tried to count illegal votes? -Should young people return to small towns? -Are conservatives overplaying their hand right now and underestimating the Democrats?Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.