Leaders Of The West

Hosted by Jessie Jarvis

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167

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Jun 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: http://app.ofthewest.co Instagram: @ofthewest.co Instagram: @mrsjjarv Facebook: @jobsofthewest

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June 16, 202616 min

160. The Only Way Out Is Through

In this week’s episode, I’m sharing a lesson that came from a foggy drive across southern Idaho and the perspective it gave me about navigating uncertainty in life and business. We all go through seasons where we can’t clearly see what’s ahead, whether it’s a career transition, a business challenge, a relationship struggle, or simply feeling stuck. In those moments, our instinct is often to stop and wait for clarity, but what I’ve learned is that clarity rarely comes from standing still. It comes from continuing to move forward, even when you can only see a few feet ahead.I also share why I think there are different types of “fog” in life, the temporary kind that clears quickly and the heavier kind that settles in for a season. We talk about the power of momentum, why movement creates clarity, and the lesson we can learn from buffalo, which instinctively run into a storm instead of away from it. If you’re navigating a season of uncertainty, this episode is a reminder that the road ahead still exists, even when you can’t fully see it yet.Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!Connect with Jessie:Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:Join The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at hello@ofthewest.coSubscribe to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The WestMentioned in this episode:Click below to check out open jobs on Of The West.Open Jobs on Of The West

June 9, 202627 min

159. The $450 Lesson I Learned that Changed the Way I Use the Internet

I’m back with another episode for our solo summer series. Today, I’m sharing a lesson that started with hard-boiled eggs and ended with a $450 plumbing bill. What seemed like a harmless tip I found online turned out to be completely wrong, and it got me thinking about how often we accept information as fact simply because we saw it on the internet. From social media posts and viral headlines to AI-generated content and misinformation, I’m diving into why it’s more important than ever to slow down, ask questions, and think critically about the information we consume and share.I talk about confirmation bias, fact-checking, AI, social media algorithms, and the responsibility we all have to protect our credibility and the industries we care about. More than anything, this episode is a reminder that just because something sounds true doesn’t make it true. If you’ve ever shared an article without reading it, believed a viral headline, or wondered how to navigate an internet that feels increasingly difficult to trust, this conversation is for you. And yes, you’ll also leave with my foolproof 10-5-10 hard-boiled egg method.Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!Connect with Jessie:Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:Join The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at hello@ofthewest.coSubscribe to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The WestMentioned in this episode:Click below to check out open jobs on Of The West.Open Jobs on Of The West

June 2, 202635 min

158. The Season That Nearly Broke Me and What I Learned From It

Welcome to our very first summer episode of Leaders of the West! For June and July, we’re doing something a little different around here. Instead of guest interviews, I’m spending the summer diving into more solo episodes, talking about life, business, career growth, hiring, job seeking, and the heart behind why Of The West was created in the first place. And to kick things off, we’re re-airing the most downloaded solo episode we’ve ever released, How to Push Through a Losing Season.Originally recorded in December 2023, this episode is an incredibly personal conversation about walking through difficult seasons in both life and business. I share some of the hardest experiences my family faced, what helped us keep moving forward, and the mindset shifts that carried us through uncertainty and loss. We also talk about recognizing patterns, preparing for hard seasons before they happen, and why resilience is something we build over time. Whether this episode finds you in a difficult season right now or simply preparing for whatever life may bring next, I hope it reminds you that hard seasons never last forever.Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!Connect with Jessie:Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:Join The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at hello@ofthewest.coSubscribe to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The WestMentioned in this episode:Click below to check out open jobs on Of The West.Open Jobs on Of The West

May 26, 202641 min

157. Legacy, Land, and Letting Go with Brent Turner

In this week’s episode, I’m sitting down with Brent Turner, founder of Agri-Generational and author of Piece of Land, for a conversation that I honestly think every farm and ranch family needs to hear. We dive into the realities of succession planning, why so many families avoid these conversations, and what’s actually at stake when there’s no clear plan in place. Brent shares how his background in financial planning and decades of working alongside agricultural families led him to focus exclusively on helping farms and ranches navigate transition, continuity, and legacy. We also talk about the emotional side of succession, the different “hats” operators wear inside a business, and why the role of “chief wisdom officer” may be one of the most important positions in a family operation. More than anything, this episode is about building something that lasts, empowering the next generation, and making sure the future of your operation is determined by design instead of default. Whether you’re actively involved in succession conversations or hoping to create something different for your own family one day, this episode is packed with perspective and practical takeaways.Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!Connect with BrentVisit the Agri-Generational websiteConnect with Jessie:Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:Agri-Generational QuizPeace of Land by Brent TurnerLonesome Dove by Larry McMurtryJoin The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at hello@ofthewest.coSubscribe to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The WestMentioned in this episode:Click below to check out open jobs on Of The West.Open Jobs on Of The West

May 19, 202634 min

156. Girl Talk: Life, Kids, and Fashion with Rachel Joi McGinn

I’m so excited for this week’s episode! I’m sitting down with my friend Rachel McGinn, who many of you probably know online as Rachel Joi. Rachel was truly one of the original creators sharing Western fashion online in the early days of Instagram, and in this conversation, we talk about how much life has changed since then.From fashion and content creation to motherhood, ranch life, music, and silversmithing, Rachel shares what it has looked like to evolve through completely different seasons of life while still staying true to herself. We also talk about confidence, identity, creativity, and the reality that sometimes growth means letting go of old versions of yourself in order to step fully into the life you’ve prayed for.Rachel also shares how she taught herself silversmithing through YouTube and online maker communities after becoming a mom of four, and why continuing to chase your own passions alongside parenthood matters. This episode is an honest conversation about reinvention, perspective, and learning to embrace the season of life you’re in rather than constantly looking backward.Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!Connect with Rachel:Visit her websiteFollow on Instagram @racheljoiConnect with Jessie:Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:Episode 21. How To Cultivate Confidence with Lindsay BranquinhoBe A Maker SchoolWalk Up Songs Spotify PlaylistJoin The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at hello@ofthewest.coSubscribe to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The WestMentioned in this episode:Click below to check out open jobs on Of The West.Open Jobs on Of The West

May 12, 202642 min

155. What It Takes to Be a Superior Rep with Sidney Schmidt

In this week’s episode, I’m sitting down with Sidney Schmidt, a Superior Livestock Auction representative, to talk about what it really looks like to build a career in cattle marketing from the ground up. Sidney shares his journey from growing up around cattle to working in feedyards and eventually stepping into a role with Superior, where he built his book of business through relationships, trust, and years of industry experience. Superior is one of our Unlimited Hiring partners here at Of The West, and this is exactly the kind of partnership I love because it connects the right people with the right opportunities in our industry.We also dive into the realities of earning trust in the cattle industry, balancing the needs of both buyers and sellers, and why humility and consistency matter more than any sales pitch. From lessons learned the hard way to the importance of long-term relationships and reputation, this conversation is a powerful reminder that in agriculture, people do business with people, and how you show up every day matters. If you’ve ever been curious about a career with Superior, whether as a rep or working within one of their offices, this episode gives you a real look at what that path can look like.Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!Connect with Superior Livestock Auction:Visit the websiteFollow on Instagram @superiorlivestockFollow on YouTube @superiorlivestockauctionConnect with Jessie:Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:Of The West Unlimited + Concierge Jobs Of The WestWhen a Man’s a Man by Harold Bell WrightJoin The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at hello@ofthewest.coSubscribe to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The WestMentioned in this episode:Click below to check out open jobs on Of The West.Open Jobs on Of The West

May 5, 202632 min

154. Sewn in the USA: The Ida Mae Home Story with Kristin Kiseljack

In this week’s episode, I’m sitting down with Kristin Kiseljack, founder of Ida Mae Home, to talk about her journey from corporate retail buyer to building a business rooted in heritage, creativity, and American manufacturing. Kristin shares how she got her start working in global retail and import production, and how the challenges of that industry ultimately led her to bring production back to Texas. We talk about what it really looks like to build a product-based business, from managing supply chain chaos to trusting your instincts when creating something new.We also dive into the creative side of the business, including where she finds inspiration and how trends start. This conversation is all about building something meaningful, staying adaptable, and creating products that connect with people on a deeper level.Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!Connect with Kristin:Visit Ida Mae HomeFollow on Instagram @idamaehomeConnect with Jessie:Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:Tony LamaSavannah 7’sMaverick Fine Western WearTeskey’sCavender’sDillard’sJoin The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at hello@ofthewest.coSubscribe to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The WestMentioned in this episode:Click below to check out open jobs on Of The West.Open Jobs on Of The West

April 28, 202637 min

153. Verification, Value, and the Future of Beef Production, with Leann Saunders

In this week’s episode, I’m sitting down with Leann Saunders, president of Where Food Comes From. We talk about something that impacts every single one of us in agriculture, whether we realize it or not: third-party verification.Leann has seen the beef industry from every angle, from working on the buyer side with McDonald's to building one of the earliest USDA process verified programs, and now working directly with producers across the country. We break down what verification actually means, why it matters, and how it connects ranchers, consumers, and the entire food supply chain.We also talk about what this looks like from the actual verification process to the financial return, and why this isn’t about changing your operation but validating what you’re already doing. From direct-to-consumer brands to global export markets, this conversation really highlights where the industry is headed and why building trust with consumers is only going to become more important moving forward.Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!Connect with Leann:Visit Where Food Comes FromCall (866) 395-5883Connect with Jessie:Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:2026 Power of Meat Study (Ann-Marie Roerink)The Nightingale by Kristin HannahJoin The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at hello@ofthewest.coSubscribe to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The WestMentioned in this episode:Click below to check out open jobs on Of The West.Open Jobs on Of The West

April 21, 202644 min

152. From Self-Taught to Stardom with Shannon "Mud" Lowery

This week, I’m sitting down with Shannon “Mud” Lowery, the artist and founder behind Mud Lowery jewelry. We talk about how he built his business completely self-taught, starting with a need to support his roping lifestyle and turning it into one of the most recognizable names in Western jewelry. From those early days of figuring things out to having his pieces worn by some of the biggest names in country music, this conversation is a real look at what it takes to grow something from the ground up.We also get into the realities behind the business, including rising silver costs, navigating creativity versus commercial demand, and what it looks like to stay true to your work in an industry that can be quick to copy. More than anything, this episode is about values, building something with integrity, and keeping your priorities straight, because at the end of the day, success doesn’t mean much if it comes at the expense of the people who matter most.Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!Connect with Shannon “Mud” Lowery:Follow on Instagram @mudloweryFollow on Facebook @mudloweryFollow on TikTok @mudloweryVisit his websiteConnect with Jessie:Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:Episode 137. Someone Copied You, Now What? With Attorney at Law, Andrea SagerHow I Built This with Guy RazJoin The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at hello@ofthewest.coSubscribe to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The WestMentioned in this episode:Click below to check out open jobs on Of The West.Open Jobs on Of The West

April 14, 202647 min

151. Finding Your God-Given Purpose in Life and Business with Shelby Clement

This week, I’m sitting down with Shelby Clement, and I think this conversation will resonate with so many of you. Shelby built a social media agency from the ground up after walking away from corporate, and we talk about what it actually looks like to chase something bigger that’s been placed on your heart. From taking that leap of faith to navigating growth, burnout, and boundaries, she shares the real, unfiltered version of building a business and life that aligns with your purpose.We also get into the realities of social media, how it can either serve you or completely consume you, and the moment Shelby hit a breaking point that changed everything. We talk about health, autoimmune struggles, and how those challenges can actually become part of your purpose. This episode is equal parts motivating and grounding, and a reminder that you get one life, so you might as well go after what you’re meant to do.Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!Connect with Shelby:Follow on Instagram @itsshelbyclementVisit her websiteListen to her podcast, Shelby ClementConnect with Jessie:Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West websiteResources & Links:Shop NUUDS Code: SHELBY12969Shelby Clement: Episode 150. How Jessie Jarvis Built a Faith-Driven BusinessJoin The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at hello@ofthewest.coSubscribe to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The WestMentioned in this episode:Click below to check out open jobs on Of The West.Open Jobs on Of The West