Leaders Of The West

Hosted by Jessie Jarvis

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178

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Leaders Of The West, a podcast for innovators and change-makers in the ag and western industries. Hosted by Jessie Jarvis, the Founder of Of The West, our mission with Leaders Of The West is to foster a community of pioneers, innovators, and leaders who want to be at the forefront of what’s next. Whether it’s a guest episode where we’re digging into the blueprints behind our favorite industry businesses, discussing the innovation and strategies that have allowed family farming and ranching operations to continue on for another generation, to episodes with honest conversations from entrepreneurs who have risked it all on their dreams, or leaders detailing how to create a company culture so strong that you couldn’t pay your employees to leave … These conversations are meant to encourage the leaders of today and inspire the next generation of trailblazers. In addition to bringing in guests, you’ll also find some solo episodes, where Jessie shares the lessons she’s learned throughout her journey as a rancher, entrepreneur, wife, and mother. Whether you’re a farmer, a rancher, an equine lover, someone headed up the leadership ladder, an ag business owner, a western sports athlete, an entrepreneur, or someone who just loves the western way of life—this is the place for you. You’ll find new episodes, right here, every week. Don’t forget to hit subscribe, so you never miss a show. Let’s go! Website: https://ofthewest.co/ Instagram: @ofthewest.co Instagram: @mrsjjarv Facebook: @jobsofthewest

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60 recent

September 1, 202640 min

171. How to Build Customer Loyalty Without Traditional Advertising with Catherine Neumayr of V8 Ranch

This week, I'm joined by Catherine Neumayr of V8 Ranch, one of the most legendary Brahman operations in the world. Catherine grew up in the cattle industry, but she and her husband, Luke, also built a wildly successful wedding photography business, photographing more than 150 weddings around the world and building their first million-dollar business without spending a dime on traditional advertising. Today, Catherine has brought those lessons back home to V8 Ranch. We talk about why the little details matter, how to create an experience that turns customers into lifelong fans, and the four principles Catherine and Luke used to build their business. Catherine also shares how V8 creates meaningful experiences for customers and why agriculture needs people with skills and experience from outside the industry. Whether you're running a ranch, building a business, or wondering if the skills you've developed somewhere else belong in agriculture, this episode is a reminder that there is a place for you here. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Catherine: Visit V8’s website Follow on Instagram @v8ranch Follow on YouTube @V8RanchCattle Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Resources & Links: Purple Cow by Seth Godin Author Freida McFadden Of The West Walk Up Song Playlist 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 Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them) Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Raising a champion takes more than feed. It’s work, time, and passion. Purina Equine Feed

August 25, 202637 min

170. Joining Forces with The League and Dana Jensen

If you work behind the scenes of an equine or Western event, whether you're managing a facility, producing a show, or just getting your foot in the door, this episode is for you. I'm joined by Dana Jensen, Managing Director of The League, an organization dedicated to advancing the equine and ag event industry through education, professional development, networking, and shared standards. Dana shares her own journey from horse-crazy kid to competitor, show producer, facility director, and eventually leader of The League. We also dive into some of the organization's incredible resources, including its Footing Academy and Certified Manager of Equine Centers credential, plus why The League recently expanded its membership to include producers, young professionals, breed associations, and others throughout the industry. And we're sharing something exciting! Of The West and The League are joining forces for a free town hall focused on 2026 hiring trends, tips, and best practices. We'll be talking about the challenges that facilities and event producers face when it comes to finding qualified people, building stronger teams, and hiring full-time, part-time, seasonal, temporary, and contract help. If you're involved in producing equine or Western events at any level, we hope you'll join us. Click here to sign up. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Dana: Visit The League’s website Follow on Instagram @theleaguehub Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Resources & Links: The Ag + Equine Hiring Town Hall from The League & Of The West Of The West Walk Up Song Playlist 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 Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them) Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Raising a champion takes more than feed. It’s work, time, and passion. Purina Equine Feed

August 18, 202620 min

169. Surviving the Unimaginable with Sharon K Beach, Pt 2: How She Forged Ahead

This is Part 2 of a two-part episode with Sharon K. Beach. Listen to last week’s episode where Sharon shared the incredible story of surviving a kidnapping, a life-threatening medical battle, and a decades-long fight within the justice system. This week, we're continuing the conversation by digging into what carried her through it all: mental toughness. Sharon shares her ABCs of surviving: attitude, belief, and choice. She also shares how faith, forgiveness, determination, and a refusal to let her past control her helped her rebuild an extraordinary life. We talk about what it means to keep going when life looks nothing like you planned, why asking for help is a sign of strength, and how even our hardest experiences can become part of someone else's survival guide. If you're walking through your own version of rock bottom, this conversation is a powerful reminder that healing takes time and there are people willing to help. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Sharon K. Beach: Visit her website Sign up for release dates and info for her book Don’t You Dare Let Go Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Resources & Links: Ep 168: Surviving the Unimaginable with Sharon K. Beach, Pt 1: What She Lived Through Same Kind of Different As Me National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 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 Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them) Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Raising a champion takes more than feed. It’s work, time, and passion. Purina Equine Feed

August 11, 202625 min

168. Surviving the Unimaginable with Sharon K Beach, Pt 1: What She Lived Through

Some stories are too important not to tell. This is Part 1 of a two-part episode where Sharon Beach joins me to share the remarkable story that changed her life forever. In 1989, Sharon was kidnapped and held captive for four days and five nights. What followed wasn't just a fight for survival, but years of overcoming life-threatening medical complications and navigating an incredibly difficult justice system. In this episode, Sharon shares how faith and strategy helped her survive, the intense challenges she faced after escaping, and the resilience that carried her through it all. While this conversation is difficult, it is ultimately a story of perseverance. Be sure to come back next week for Part 2, where we dive into the mindset, mental grit, and life lessons that helped Sharon build an extraordinary life after tragedy. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Sharon: Visit her website Sign up for release dates and info for her book Don’t You Dare Let Go Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Resources & Links: National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 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 Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them) Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Raising a champion takes more than feed. It’s work, time, and passion. Purina Equine Feed

August 4, 202636 min

167. Ranch Management Technology Every Producer Should Know with Andrew Fraser of Halter

This week, I'm joined by Andrew Fraser, President of Halter, one of the fastest-growing ag tech companies in the world. We dive into the story behind Halter, how virtual fencing has evolved from an ambitious idea into technology that's transforming cattle operations, and why building products alongside ranchers has been the key to their success. We also talk about labor shortages, succession planning, company culture, and why the future of agriculture depends on creating tools that give producers more time to focus on what matters most. Whether you're curious about ranch technology, looking for career opportunities in agriculture, or simply interested in how innovation is shaping the future of the West, this conversation is one you won't want to miss. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Halter: Visit their website Follow on Instagram @halterhq Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Resources & Links: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry 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 Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them) Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Raising a champion takes more than feed. It’s work, time, and passion. Purina Equine Feed

July 28, 202624 min

166. The Goal I Didn't Hit (And Why That's Okay)

In this week's episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on one of the bigger projects we've built at Of The West and sharing the real numbers behind its launch. I'm talking about why we created the Ag and Western Career Blueprint , the goal I set for its first launch, and what happened when we came up just short of hitting that number. More importantly, I'm sharing why missing a goal isn't the same thing as failing, and how having the courage to set ambitious goals in the first place can completely change the trajectory of your business and your life. I also dive into the importance of creating goals that are backed by a plan, the lessons that come from falling short, and why success isn't always measured by whether you hit an exact number. Sometimes the greatest growth comes from what you learn in the pursuit. If you've ever felt discouraged because you didn't accomplish a goal exactly the way you envisioned, I hope this episode encourages you to keep going, adjust your approach, and remember that progress is still worth celebrating. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Resources & Links: The Ag and Western Career Blueprint Episode 10: How to Set Your Goals Successfully Episode 84: Goal Setting with Jessie Jarvis 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 Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them) Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Raising a champion takes more than feed. It’s work, time, and passion. Purina Equine Feed

July 21, 202626 min

165. If You Can't Beat Them, Build It!

Building a great team doesn’t have to mean you’re competing for talent. This week, I'm sharing the story of how a simple conversation with a friend led Of the West to build a college internship program from the ground up for an agricultural business. What started as a solution to a seasonal hiring problem turned into a strategy that can help businesses attract top talent, develop future leaders, and strengthen their workforce for years to come. In this episode, we talk about why internship programs are often overlooked in agriculture and Western industries, what it actually takes to build one that qualifies for academic credit, and how shifting your mindset from "How do I stop this?" to "How do I make this work for me?" can create opportunities. If you're a business owner looking for better hiring solutions or thinking about the future of your operation, this episode is full of practical ideas you can put into action. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Resources & Links: Email us at hello@ofthewest.co 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 Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them) Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Raising a champion takes more than feed. It’s work, time, and passion. Purina Equine Feed

July 14, 202623 min

164. How Imperfect People Can Still Change the World

In this week's episode, I'm sharing a story that started with an unexpected flood of Instagram messages after Martin Luther King Jr. Day and led me to think more deeply about cancel culture, leadership, and the impossible standards we often place on one another. It made me realize how quick we can be to expect perfection from the people we admire, while forgetting that every person who has made a meaningful impact on the world has also been deeply flawed. Together, we explore why it's possible to respect someone's contributions without endorsing every decision they've ever made, why curiosity is more valuable than assumption, and how demanding perfection ultimately shuts down honest conversations. If we believe imperfect people can change the world, then we also have to make room for imperfect dialogue, extending the same grace to others that we hope to receive ourselves. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website 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 Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them) Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Raising a champion takes more than feed. It’s work, time, and passion. Purina Equine Feed

July 7, 202630 min

163. Clean Product Swaps: Kitchen and Home

In this week's episode, we're continuing the conversation on low-tox living with a look inside my kitchen and around my home. After so many of you reached out following the episode I did on beauty products, I wanted to share the swaps we've made when it comes to everyday items we use most for kitchen and household products. As always, I'm not an expert, just someone who's learning along the way and trying to make practical, sustainable changes for my family. From cast iron cookware and glass food storage to homemade cleaners and laundry detergents, I walk through what has worked for us, what I'm still testing, and why I believe progress is more important than perfection. If you're interested in making healthier choices without feeling like you have to replace everything overnight, I hope this episode gives you a few ideas and resources to help you on your own journey. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Resources & Links: Click Here for All Product Recommendations from this episode Clean Product Swaps for Hair, Skin, & Beauty Blog Post Episode 161. Girl Talk: My Journey to Low-Tox Living (Product Swaps) Follow Jena Ochsner on Instagram @jenaochsner Kent Rollins on YouTube 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 Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them) Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Raising a champion takes more than feed. It’s work, time, and passion. Purina Equine Feed

June 30, 202631 min

162. No Seat at the Table? Build Your Own

This week, we’re airing another popular episode we’ve aired in the past! In this episode, we’re doing some Q&A with our amazing Marketing Director, Sarah Wilson, putting me in the hot seat. I had you guys submit questions about Of The West; whether the questions were about ranch life, personal life, business, or entrepreneurship, nothing was off-limits. These questions are a bit more personal and will hopefully help you get to know me a bit better. I share my answers to these questions: What are my roles as a ranch wife? How do you get your spouse on board with your big dreams and ambitions? Have I ever had people discount my knowledge as a female in agriculture? How do I escape from work at home and be present with my kids? Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Resources & Links: The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman 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 Get our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them) Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers Make Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Subscribe to Of The West's ⁠Newsletters List your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Raising a champion takes more than feed. It’s work, time, and passion. Purina Equine Feed