The Rural Way

Hosted by Tracy Schira-Parker, CPA, CMA, ACC

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May 2026

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About the show

The Rural Way is the podcast for those of us building businesses and leading lives in places where things aren't handed to us and and success often looks a little different. I'm Tracy Schira-Parker, CPA and business strategist, and this podcast is where we talk real strategy, real money, and real leadership for rural entrepreneurs and small-town business owners. I don't believe in fluff or complicating things. Just honest conversations, practical tools, and mindset shifts that helps you grow a strong, profitable business while living the lifestyle that actually feels good to live.

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60 recent

June 16, 2026Episode 78 min

07: The Simple Farm Tool That Could Save You Thousands | Seeding Series #1

Welcome to the first episode of the Seeding Series, a short-form series focused on the challenges and opportunities that show up throughout the farming season. In this episode, Tracy Schira-Parker discusses the value of having a written production plan and why it should be more than something stored in your memory. A production plan isn't about creating complicated systems or expensive spreadsheets. It's about making sure the right information is documented, communicated, and accessible when it's needed most. This episode explores: • Why production plans reduce risk on the farm • The importance of documenting key field activities • How written plans improve communication with family and employees • The role documentation plays in insurance and farm management • Reducing the mental load carried by farmers • Preparing for unexpected illness, injury, or emergencies • Why proactive record-keeping pays off at the end of the season A practical discussion about protecting your operation, improving communication, and setting your farm up for success before problems arise. Facebook: www.facebook.com/tracyschiraparker111 Instagram: www.instagram.com/tracy_schira_parker SKOOL: https://www.skool.com/the-rural-way-7236

June 15, 2026Episode 619 min

06: The Art of Conversations

Have we forgotten how to have a real conversation? In this episode of The Rural Way, Tracy Schira-Parker reflects on the growing decline of meaningful communication and why curiosity may be one of the most underrated skills in business and life. Drawing from personal experiences, leadership lessons, and research on trust and connection, Tracy explores what happens when conversations become one-sided and why asking thoughtful questions can dramatically change relationships. This episode explores: • What creates a high-quality conversation • Why curiosity builds trust and connection • The signs of conversational narcissism • How listening impacts relationships and leadership • Why body language matters during conversations • The role of preparation in business conversations • How coaches and leaders can build stronger trust • The effect of technology on communication skills • Why meaningful conversations still matter A practical conversation about connection, trust, leadership, and the simple habit of becoming more interested in others. Based on Tracy's reflections on intentional conversations and trust-building. Facebook: www.facebook.com/tracyschiraparker111 Instagram: www.instagram.com/tracy_schira_parker SKOOL: https://www.skool.com/the-rural-way-7236

May 21, 2026Episode 512 min

05: My stance on AI tools (at this time)

What happens when AI starts replacing the people behind the content? In this episode of The Rural Way, Tracy Schira-Parker shares her honest thoughts on AI, authenticity, and the growing pressure for creators and business owners to automate everything. This conversation explores the balance between using AI as a helpful business tool versus allowing it to replace real human connection. Tracy breaks down the tools she's personally using, what she finds genuinely useful, and the areas where she believes authenticity still matters most. This episode explores: · The difference between using AI as a tool versus a replacement · Why Tracy won't use AI-generated podcast voices or avatars · The AI platforms she's currently experimenting with in business · How tools like Claude, ChatGPT, Canva AI, and Riverside are evolving · The risks of over-polished and inauthentic content · Where AI can save significant time in operations and planning · The future of AI in agriculture and rural business This is a grounded conversation for business owners, creators, and rural entrepreneurs trying to navigate AI without losing the human side of what they do. Facebook: www.facebook.com/tracyschiraparker111 Instagram: www.instagram.com/tracy_schira_parker SKOOL: https://www.skool.com/the-rural-way-7236

May 19, 2026Episode 433 min

04: The Mental Load Women Carry

"Manic May" is what Tracy Schira-Parker used to call the season where everything collided at once — kids' sports, long drives, farm life, business responsibilities, housework, exhaustion, and the constant mental load of trying to keep everything running. In this episode of The Rural Way, Tracy shares the lessons she learned raising four kids through years of competitive sports while balancing rural life, entrepreneurship, and the pressure to "do it all." This conversation explores the systems, routines, and mindset shifts that helped reduce chaos, along with the things she wishes she had done sooner. This episode explores: · The mental load carried by mothers and caregivers · Decision fatigue and why batching decisions matters · Creating household systems that reduce overwhelm · Delegation, responsibility, and raising capable kids · Managing busy sports seasons and family schedules · The importance of nervous system regulation and recovery · Letting go of perfection during demanding seasons · How to identify what's truly urgent and important This is an honest conversation for women navigating busy seasons of life and trying to build systems that support both their family and themselves. Let's connect! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracyschiraparker111 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracy_schira_parker

May 8, 2026Episode 319 min

03: Why Rural? | The Niche Everyone Told Me Not to Choose

Why rural—and why build something around it when most people tell you to go broader? In Episode 3 of The Rural Way, Tracy Schira-Parker shares the real reason she chose to focus on rural communities. This isn't about limiting yourself—it's about speaking to people whose reality is often overlooked. From access and opportunity to isolation and lifestyle, this episode highlights what makes rural business different—and why those differences matter. If you've ever felt like most advice doesn't quite fit your situation, this will resonate. This episode explores: - Why choosing a clear niche can actually open more doors - What it's really like running a business in a rural setting - The lack of conversations for small town entrepreneurs - Differences between rural and urban life that affect business - The strengths that come with living and working in rural areas - Feeling isolated—and why these conversations matter - Who this podcast is for The Rural Way is for people building something real, wherever they are. Let's connect! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracyschiraparker111 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracy_schira_parker

May 8, 2026Episode 217 min

02: The Way We Roll | Our House Rules and Boundaries

What kind of conversations are we really having here? In Episode 2 of The Rural Way, Tracy Schira-Parker sets the foundation for the podcast outlining the boundaries, expectations, and principles behind the platform. This episode is all about clarity defining how conversations will be approached, what values guide the space, and why growth requires open-minded thinking. This episode explores: - The importance of boundaries in leadership and communication - Why it's okay to change your mind and evolve your beliefs - Creating a respectful and intentional community - Navigating different perspectives without conflict - Who this podcast is designed for - Challenging traditional thinking in rural communities The Rural Way is for those ready to think bigger, lead stronger, and build without limitations; no matter where they're located. Let's connect! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracyschiraparker111 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracy_schira_parker

May 8, 2026Episode 124 min

01: Welcome to The Rural Way | Why Rural Businesses Need Their Own Voice

What does it really take to build a business in a rural community? In this first episode of The Rural Way, Tracy Schira-Parker introduces a new podcast dedicated to rural entrepreneurs, small-town businesses, and life outside the city. She shares her personal journey into consulting and business, and why she believes rural communities need their own space for real conversations. This episode explores: - The realities of rural business and entrepreneurship - The mindset required to grow outside urban environments - The challenges and opportunities in remote communities - Breaking limiting beliefs around small-town success - Building connection and community among rural entrepreneurs The Rural Way is a podcast for those doing business differently where success is built through resilience, community, and a unique way of life. Let's connect! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracyschiraparker111 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracy_schira_parker

January 27, 2026Episode 639 min

The Last Episode of Grit & Grace

This is the very last episode of Grit and Grace with Tracy. Inside this episode I share why this show had to come to an end, and I give you a bit of a peak about what is coming next. Thank you so much to everyone who has tuned in over the years. I have learned so much, and it's been such a great experience.

December 16, 2025Episode 6242 min

E62 Experience vs Wisdom

Have you ever met someone wise beyond their years and wondered how they got there? If you are the kind of person that likes to extract the lessons learned and wisdom from the circumstances in your life, then you will appreciate this episode. If someone you know is going through a hard season, this might also be a good episode to pass on.

December 5, 2025Episode 6128 min

E61 Leader? or Control Freak?

Being a leader can be hard. It's impossible to keep everyone happy, and often women don't own their roles. They will diminish thier roles, and not own their position. In this conversation I explore the difference and what differenciates being a leader vs a control freak.