Episodes

  • 119. Part 2: Virtual Fencing in Action: Real-World Results with Dr. Miranda Meehan

    119. Part 2: Virtual Fencing in Action: Real-World Results with Dr. Miranda Meehan
    Sep 2 2025
    Welcome to part two of our two-part series about Vence. This week I’m joined by Dr. Miranda Meehan, Extension Livestock Environmental Stewardship Specialist at North Dakota State University and one of the leading researchers studying virtual fencing in rangeland systems. Miranda brings a boots-on-the-ground perspective to this technology—literally. She and her team have collared over 400 animals across multiple research projects, and in this episode she shares what they’re learning about cow behavior, grazing patterns, conservation impacts, and how virtual fence compares to traditional fencing and polywire systems. We talk about everything from escapes (yes, it happens with barbed wire, too), to patch grazing, to how heat maps and collar data are being used to improve grazing distribution and livestock performance. Whether you're curious about how Vence works, wondering if heifers follow instructions better than cows, or just love hearing from women in ag who are doing important work—you’ll love this conversation. Resources & Links: Vence The Four Winds: A Novel by Kristin Hannah Books by Erik Larson Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Connect with Vence: Follow on Instagram @sensehubvence Follow on Facebook @sensehubvence Visit their website Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    28 mins
  • 118. Part 1: Virtual Fencing for Ranchers: Inside the Vence System with Grace Inglee

    118. Part 1: Virtual Fencing for Ranchers: Inside the Vence System with Grace Inglee
    Aug 26 2025
    This week I’m joined by Grace Inglee, my Rancher Success Rep from Vence, the virtual fencing company we’ve been using on our own operation since late 2024. After getting so many questions from listeners and followers about how it works, how hard it is to set up, and whether or not it actually keeps cows in, I wanted to bring Grace on to walk through all of it. We break down what virtual fencing is, how it compares to traditional fencing, and the different use cases Vence is seeing across the country—from fire recovery (like ours) to predator monitoring, rotational grazing, and more. Grace also shares how the collars, towers, and herd manager software work together, how long it takes to train cows (spoiler: it’s surprisingly fast), and how even low-tech producers can get up and running with confidence. Whether you’re hearing about virtual fencing for the first time or you’re seriously considering it for your own operation, this episode will answer the questions you didn’t even know to ask. I also share our firsthand experience, what we’ve learned over the last several months, and why we’ve been genuinely impressed by how effective the system is. Resources & Links: ⁠Vence ⁠ ⁠Join The Directory Of The West⁠ Get our FREE resource for ⁠Writing a Strong Job Description⁠ Get our FREE resource for ⁠Making the Most of Your Internship⁠ Email us at ⁠hello@ofthewest.co⁠ Subscribe to Of The West's⁠ ⁠Newsletters⁠ List your jobs on ⁠⁠Of The West⁠ Connect with Vence: Follow on Instagram ⁠@sensehubvence ⁠ Follow on Facebook ⁠@sensehubvence⁠ Connect with Grace: Follow on Instagram ⁠@g_inglee⁠ Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram ⁠@ofthewest.co⁠ and ⁠@mrsjjarv⁠ Follow on Facebook ⁠@jobsofthewest⁠ Check out the Of The West ⁠website⁠ Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    39 mins
  • 117. How to Build Loyalty One Detail at a Time

    117. How to Build Loyalty One Detail at a Time
    Aug 19 2025
    In this solo episode, I’m sharing a surprising business lesson that started in a less-than-stellar wash bay and ended in a car wash that felt more like a spa. From broken vacuums and missing towels to free upgrades and genuine customer care, these experiences reminded me that the little things aren’t so little. I’ll walk you through three takeaways every business can use, whether you’re selling beef, running a boutique, managing a member-based organization, or leading a team. If you want to make your customers feel good about paying you (and keep them coming back), it’s all about consistency, attention to detail, and showing people they matter. Resources & Links: Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    19 mins
  • 116. Hardcore Carnivore: Jess Pryles on Barbecue Innovation, Meat Science, and Her Signature Brand

    116. Hardcore Carnivore: Jess Pryles on Barbecue Innovation, Meat Science, and Her Signature Brand
    Aug 12 2025
    I’m excited to be joined by Jess Pryles, meat expert, live fire cook, author, TV personality, and founder of the iconic Hardcore Carnivore brand. Originally from Australia, Jess shares how a fascination with Texas barbecue sparked a complete life pivot, taking her from Melbourne to Austin and into the heart of America’s meat culture. We dive into her journey from learning butchery basics at a local shop to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in barbecue. Jess shares how she turned her passion for meat into a thriving business, the lessons she learned launching a product line, and how formal meat science education strengthened her credibility. We also talk social media, brand authenticity, hiring the right team, and why diversifying your content can create deeper audience connections. If you love a good origin story, want insider cooking tips, or just need inspiration for following your passion, Jess delivers it all—served up with a side of steak. This episode is packed with actionable advice you can use right now to improve communication at work and beyond. Resources & Links: BPN Yeti Kitchen Items Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Connect with Jess: Follow on Instagram @hardcorecarnivore @jesspryles Check out Hardcore Carnivore website Visit Jess Pryles website Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 mins
  • 115. Turning Byproducts Into Heirlooms: The Story of Cate Havstad-Casad

    115. Turning Byproducts Into Heirlooms: The Story of Cate Havstad-Casad
    Aug 5 2025
    Today I’m joined by Cate Havstad-Casad, hat maker, leather goods founder, regenerative rancher, and all-around creative force. Cate’s story weaves together multiple passions into a life and business that’s as intentional as it is inspiring. From building custom western hats in a horse barn wash stall, to launching Range Revolution, a leather goods brand sourcing hides from regenerative ranches, Cate shares how she’s tackling waste in the meat industry, strengthening supply chains, and creating heirloom-quality products that honor both the land and the people who steward it. We talk about the realities of starting a mission-driven brand, the challenges (and wins) of building a regenerative supply chain from scratch, and how she balances entrepreneurship with motherhood. Cate also shares how slowing down, building the right team, and staying rooted in purpose have shaped her vision for the future of her multiple businesses. If you’ve ever dreamed of blending creativity, agriculture, and impact into your own work, or you simply love a good story about building something beautiful from the ground up, this episode will leave you both inspired and motivated to take your own next step. This episode is packed with actionable advice you can use right now to improve communication at work and beyond. Resources & Links: Small is Beautiful: Economics as if People Mattered by E.F. Schumacher Mountain & Prairie with Ed Roberson Podcast Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Connect with Cate: Follow on Instagram @rangerevolution @havstadhatco @casadfamilyfarms Visit her websites Range Revolution Havstad Hat Company Casad Family Farms Email her at info@casadfamilyfarms.com Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • 114. How to Ask Better Questions, and Give Better Feedback

    114. How to Ask Better Questions, and Give Better Feedback
    Jul 29 2025
    In this solo episode, I’m diving into something we all run into: how to ask for help or feedback in a way that actually gets you what you need, and how to give focused, respectful feedback when someone else asks. We’ve all been there: you crowdsource advice and end up with a flood of tangents, venting, or random noise before you get anything useful. I break down why vague questions lead to scattered responses, share my C + B + F formula (Context + Boundaries + Format), and explain how small changes can improve the way we interact, collaborate, and support each other, whether online, in meetings, or in everyday life. Along the way, I share insights from Amanda Palmer, Adam Grant, Chris Voss, and Priya Parker, plus some relatable stories (including one about asking if anyone’s been to the zoo, you’ll laugh!). This episode is packed with actionable advice you can use right now to improve communication at work and beyond. Resources & Links: TED Talk: The art of asking by Amanda Palmer Give and Take: A Revolutionary Approach to Success by Adam Grant Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It by Chris Voss The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    22 mins
  • 113. How Ambrook Is Modernizing Money Management in Agriculture

    113. How Ambrook Is Modernizing Money Management in Agriculture
    Jul 22 2025
    This week, I sit down with Mackenzie Burnett, co-founder and CEO of Ambrook, for a conversation that blends tech, ag, leadership, and the courage to jump into something new. Mackenzie shares her path from software and policy into agriculture, why building financial tools for farmers and ranchers became her passion, and how showing up with curiosity (and asking plenty of questions) has been key to Ambrook’s success. We also dig into what it takes to build trust in ag communities, why feedback is a gift, and how imposter syndrome shouldn’t keep you from solving problems you care about. We cover everything from the realities of startup life to what it’s like leading in a niche industry, plus Mackenzie’s surprising journey to becoming an amateur boxer. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, ag business owner, or just someone curious about blending industries, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Resources & Links: The Inner Ring by C.S. Lewis Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Join the Of The West Email List List your jobs on Of The West Connect with Mackenzie: Follow on X @ciaomack Visit the Ambrook website Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 mins
  • 112. Ty deCordova on Reinventing Livestock Marketing with Live Ag

    112. Ty deCordova on Reinventing Livestock Marketing with Live Ag
    Jul 15 2025
    Today I’m joined by Ty deCordova, seasoned cattleman, entrepreneur, and COO of Live Ag. Ty brings over 25 years of experience in livestock marketing to the table, from growing up sorting cattle in the pens of his family’s Texas cattle company to now co-leading a forward-thinking livestock and equipment sales platform that’s built on innovation, relationships, and faith. In this episode, Ty and I talk about building a business that prioritizes honesty, customer service, and staying rooted in purpose. He shares why Live Ag expanded into equipment sales, how his team is designing user-friendly tech that truly serves producers, and how they’ve already marketed more than 150,000 head of cattle in less than a year. Ty also gives us his honest perspective on the cattle market, where it’s heading, and the critical role land and water access will play in shaping agriculture's future. Whether you're marketing calves, building a business, or just looking for a grounded and honest conversation, this one is packed with insight you won't want to miss. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Resources & Links: Be A Maker School⁠ Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Join the Of The West Email List List your jobs on Of The West Connect with Ty: Follow Live Ag on Instagram @live.ag.auctions Follow Live Ag on Facebook @liveag Visit the Live Ag website Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 mins