Discover how disused rail corridors can transform into vibrant lifelines for rural communities with Eric Oberg, Senior Director of Programs at Rails to Trails Conservancy, as our guide. Eric shares his wealth of knowledge on how trails can foster economic growth and healthier lifestyles by linking people, places, and experiences. You’ll hear how communities like Mountain City, Tennessee, are revitalizing their local economies through outdoor recreation, turning unique local assets into thriving destinations and how you can start the same journey for your community.

Discover how Healthy Flavors is helping to revolutionize school meals and combat health issues with Dan Spatz, co-owner of Healthy Flavors Farms, and Karen Brazil, program manager of the CHEF Program. Listen as Dan reveals their mission to pivot away from industrial food systems towards sustainable farming practices at their farms in Tennessee and Arkansas. By "planting with purpose, harvesting health," they are not only growing culinary herbs for local supermarkets but also advocating for a return to local food systems that once shaped our communities and inspiring a systemic shift towards healthier school meals nationwide.

What if you started your public service journey at the age of nine? On our latest episode, we sit down with Kenneth Korn, the State Director of USDA Rural Development for Oklahoma, to explore his incredible path from a young public servant to a key figure in rural development. Kenneth shares his unique experience of launching a political campaign from Beijing, China at just 22, and discusses his deep-rooted passion for uplifting rural communities. Learn how USDA Rural Development is transforming rural America under Kenneth's leadership.