“Rural, Unrecognized is a podcast in which we showcase the inspiring stories of small business owners from the Flagstaff Region and beyond. We dive deep into the journeys of these entrepreneurs who have turned their dreams into a reality, and hear about the struggles, successes, and lessons learned along the way. Each episode, we will feature a different small business owner and discuss their unique experiences in starting and running their business. From brick-and-mortar shops to online stores, we'll cover a variety of industries and share valuable insights and advice for anyone looking to start or grow their own business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or just interested in learning more about the small business community, "Rural, Unrecognized" is the podcast for you. Tune in and get inspired by the amazing stories of these passionate and dedicated individuals who are making a difference in their communities and beyond.”
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31 recent
June 16, 2026Episode 3042 min
The Harty Locomotive Works Story
Send us Fan MailHow does a blacksmith in the middle of nowhere build a global business? The forge is the craft, but the phone is the storefront.Jessica sits down with Ethan Harty, a first-generation blacksmith who started at 11, dropped out of high school at 16, and now ships work around the world from rural Alberta. He breaks down Damascus steel, the 800-pound jobs and the steam locomotive he’s restoring on camera, and the one idea behind it all: social media is his “accessible storefront,” and the way to win on it is to provide value, not to sell.In This Episode• Becoming a first-generation blacksmith at 11, and dropping out at 16 to go all in• Why social media is his “accessible storefront,” with a direct link between videos and orders• The principle that beats marketing: provide value, don’t be pushy about selling• Damascus steel, 800-pound forging jobs, and restoring a steam locomotive on YouTube• What Rural Unrecognized means: being rural and recognized at the same timeConnect with Ethan Harty• Website: ethanhartyblacksmith.com• YouTube: youtube.com/@EthanHarty• Instagram: @_ethanharty• Facebook: Ethan Harty BlacksmithLearn MoreFlagstaff County: www.flagstaff.ab.caHost, Jessica Janzen: jessicajanzen.caCreditsHost: Jessica Janzen | Produced & Edited by: jcefilms.com
May 13, 2026Episode 291 hr 3 min
The KR Counselling & Psychotherapy Story
Send us Fan MailKR Counselling and Psychotherapy: Breaking the Stigma & Building Mental Health in Rural Communities | Krysta RathwellWhat if therapy didn't feel intimidating… but felt like coming home to yourself?In this episode of Rural Unrecognized, released for Mental Health Awareness Month, Jessica sits down with Krysta Rathwell, founder of KR Counselling and Psychotherapy in Forestburg, Alberta, a village of just 800 people in Flagstaff County. After 20 years in education, including a principalship, Krysta made the leap into full-time therapy practice. The village rallied around her so fully that the CAO and mayor literally built her an office above the medical and dental clinic in downtown Forestburg.Krysta walks us through the difference between a psychotherapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, and counsellor, and shares the personal wake-up call (a terrifying paralysis episode that turned out not to be a stroke) that reshaped how she shows up for her clients, her kids, and herself. She offers practical, honest tools you can actually use: how to define your self-care so it serves you, how to set boundaries that hold, and a simple phrase ("that's not my story") that protects your peace without closing your heart.This conversation explores narrative therapy, parenting in a digital era, the rural resources we often overlook, and what it really takes to slow down and tend to your mental health… one small, intentional step at a time.In This EpisodeThe difference between a psychotherapist, psychologist, psychiatrist, and counsellorLeaving a 20-year career in education to follow her heart into full-time therapyWhy the village of Forestburg built her an office, and what that says about rural communityHow narrative therapy helps clients separate themselves from labels like "anxious" or "depressed"The new Forestburg Connect Group, launching with two other local business owners to combat rural isolationWhy "self-care" doesn't work unless your time is definedKrysta's personal health scare and the moment she realized she had to start serving herself, tooHard boundaries vs. soft boundaries, and the people-pleasing that gets in the wayThe "that's not my story" tool you can start using todayParenting in the digital era: modeling and admitting your mistakesFree, accessible mental health resources for rural familiesKrysta's joy-driven side hustle: coffee, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and small-town livingResources MentionedKids Help Phone: free, 24/7 support for young people across Canada by phone or text. Visit kidshelpphone.ca or text CONNECT to 6868689-8-8 Suicide Crisis Helpline: call or text 988 anywhere in Canada for free, confidential support. 988.caPsychology Today: directory for finding therapists, psychologists, and counsellors. psychologytoday.comThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: recommended reading, especially for those navigating traumaAnxious People by Fredrik Backman: another favourite readConnect with Krysta RathwellInstagram: @krcounsellingandpsychotherapyPsychology Today profile: search Krysta Rathwell, Forestburg, AB on psychologytoday.comLocation: The Brick Centre, downtown Forestburg, Alberta (Flagstaff County)Learn MoreTo learn more about Flagstaff County visit: www.flagstaff.ab.ca To learn more about our host, Jessica Janzen visit:
April 20, 2026Episode 2825 min
The Country Cupboard Farm Store Story
Send us Fan MailWhat if shopping wasn’t something you rushed through… but something you experienced?In this episode of Rural Unrecognized, Jessica sits down with Trish Muirhead, founder of The Country Cupboard Farm Store, a unique rural destination just outside Sedgwick in Flagstaff County. What started as a simple love for wildflowers and a few backyard chickens quickly grew into a thriving farm store which is now home to 80+ chickens, sheep, ducks, and a thoughtfully curated selection of local products.Trish shares how her business evolved organically, without a rigid plan, and why she’s passionate about creating a space where people can slow down, connect, and truly experience where their food comes from. From feeding sheep peanuts to chatting with customers about local producers, The Country Cupboard is redefining what it means to “run to the store.”This conversation explores the shift away from hustle culture, the beauty of rural life, and the power of building something meaningful … one intentional step at a time.In This Episode:From wildflowers to a full farm storeGrowing from 6 chickens to 80+Creating a shopping experience vs. convenienceLeaving hustle culture behindSupporting local producers + sharing their storiesThe value of slowing down in a fast-paced worldVisit The Country CupboardLocated just off Highway 13 near Sedgewick, Flagstaff CountyConnect with The Country CupboardInstagram: @countrycupboardfarmstoreFacebook: The Country Cupboard Farm StoreWebsite: The Country Cupboard Farm StoreLearn MoreTo learn more about Flagstaff County visit: www.flagstaff.ab.ca To learn more about our host, Jessica Janzen visit: jessicajanzen.caCreditsHost: Jessica JanzenProduced & Edited by: www.jcefilms.com
March 16, 2026Episode 2723 min
The ZS Farms Story
Send us Fan MailSometimes innovation starts with a simple question: What if there’s a better way?In this episode of Rural Unrecognized, Jessica sits down with Bryan of ZS Farms, whose curiosity and willingness to think differently led him to rethink the way food is produced. What began with reading old books and asking new questions quickly turned into a bold decision to build a completely different kind of system…one that connects soil health, animal care, and food quality into a full-circle approach.Bryan shares the journey of challenging industry assumptions, taking risks, and building something new in rural Alberta. Along the way, he reflects on what it means to try something different when others are watching, how innovation often starts quietly, and why more entrepreneurs are beginning to rethink traditional systems.This conversation isn’t only about farming - it’s about curiosity, leadership, and the mindset it takes to build a better way forward.To learn more about Bryan and ZS Farms visit ZS Farms, Local Whole Grain Feed and SeedInstagram Facebook Viral Post mentioned in the episodeTo learn more about Flagstaff County visit www.flagstaff.caTo learn more about our host, Jessica Janzen visit Jessica Janzen | Keynote Speaker, Mindset Coach, Philanthropist, Mental Health Advocate & Joy ExpertThis episode was produced and edited by jcefilms.com
November 12, 2025Episode 2640 min
The Sarah Wells Story
Send us Fan MailOlympian Sarah Wells joins Amanda after delivering her keynote at the Flagstaff Celebrate Success Gala to talk about what it really means to pursue excellence — not for applause, but for who we become in the process.Sarah shares how her journey from the track to the stage taught her that excellence isn’t about medals or titles, but about choices, resilience, and redefining success when the plan falls apart. From missing her second Olympic qualification to finding purpose in failure, Sarah opens up about identity, discipline, and why hope matters more than winning.Whether you’re chasing a business goal, raising a family, or just figuring out what’s next, Sarah’s message hits home: excellence is who we become when no one’s watching.To learn more about Sarah Wells:Website www.thesarahwells.comInstagram: @sarahwells400mhTo learn more about Flagstaff County visit www.flagstaff.ab.caTo learn more about the host, Amanda Wager Amanda WagnerThis episode was produced and edited by JCE Films
October 20, 2025Episode 2535 min
The Rusty Daisy Gift Co. Story
Send us Fan MailIn this episode, Amanda sits down with Mandy, the “unapologetically real” florist and founder behind The Rusty Daisy Gift Co. in Daysland, Alberta. What starts as a conversation about running a floral and gift shop quickly blooms into a heartfelt discussion about figuring it out: motherhood, small-town business, and building a true sense of community.Mandy shares how her “village” helped her balance entrepreneurship and parenting, why loyalty matters in rural business, and how she’s built a store that’s as bright, cheeky, and down-to-earth as she is.If you’ve ever wondered how small-town businesses keep going through all the pivots and plot twists, then this one’s for you!To learn more about The Rusty DaisyWebsite :www.rustydaisy.caInstagram: @rustydaisycoFacebook: FacebookTo learn more about Flagstaff County visit www.flagstaff.ab.caTo learn more about the host, Amanda Wager Amanda WagnerThis episode was produced and edited by JCE Films
September 23, 2025Episode 2437 min
The Hohm and Co Story
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Rural Unrecognized, we sit down with Tylene, co-founder of Hohm and Co. What started as a small family project selling at farmers’ markets has grown into a storefront in Hardisty, Alberta, with an online presence reaching customers across Canada. Tylene shares how the business is rooted in community, fueled by a passion for beautiful, Canadian-made products, and built with an intentional focus on organic growth.From juggling careers outside the shop to leaning on family support, Hohm and Co is proof that rural entrepreneurs can create city-quality experiences without leaving small towns behind. Tylene also reflects on the opportunities that come when you’re willing to take risks, say yes at the right time, and trust that even in rural Alberta, innovation and resilience can open unexpected doors.To learn more about Hohm and Co: WebsiteInstagramFacebookTo learn more about Flagstaff County visit www.flagstaff.ab.caTo learn more about the host, Amanda Wager Amanda WagnerThis episode was produced and edited by JCE Films
September 2, 2025Episode 2349 min
The Align and Release Wellness Story
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Rural. Unrecognized., Bobbi Delowsky talks honestly about how her career has changed over the years, from starting as a massage therapist to running her own wellness space called Align and Release Wellness.Bobbi shares how her interest in fitness grew out of her own need to take care of her body. She never planned to teach fitness, but after trying a class that pushed her way out of her comfort zone, something shifted. That moment helped her realize that movement could be powerful, emotional, and healing, not just physical.She also talks about the challenges of being in a small town, balancing business with family, and learning to trust herself when making big decisions. One of those decisions was buying a house and an old church to turn into a wellness space. She was scared, but she asked for support and went for it anyway.Throughout the conversation, Bobbi opens up about body image, confidence, and how hard it can be to start something new. But she also shows how worth it it is to show up for yourself, even if it’s just an hour at a time.To learn more about Align and Release Wellness:Facebook: The B ClassFacebook: MassageEmail MassageTo learn more about Flagstaff County visit www.flagstaff.ab.caTo learn more about the host, Amanda Wager Amanda WagnerThis episode was produced and edited by JCE Films
July 17, 2025Episode 2234 min
The Busy Bees Early Childhood Learning Story
Send us Fan MailJoanne McMahon has been a pillar in early childhood education in Flagstaff County for over 30 years, but when the pandemic hit, she tried something new: she brought her enthusiasm, experience, and spark to the screen. What started as a way to connect during COVID became Busy Bees Early Childhood Learning, an online program connecting families through playful, developmentally rich learning sessions for preschoolers, and their parents.In this episode, Joanne shares how she built Busy Bees from the ground up with the support of Flagstaff County’s Entrepreneur Empowerment and Mastermind programs, overcoming business fears like pricing and structure while staying rooted in her true passion: helping kids thrive through play.She explains the deep value of play-based learning, the science behind songs and nursery rhymes, and the magic of watching a child light up when “Joanne said…” becomes part of their everyday vocabulary. Her vision? To bring Busy Bees across Canada, from farming communities in Alberta to living rooms in Newfoundland, and to help families everywhere feel connected, supported, and ready for kindergarten.Joanne’s warmth is contagious, her sessions are packed with meaning, and her mission is clear: bloom where you’re planted, and help kids grow—one song, story, and pair of scissors at a time.To learn more about Busy Bees Childhood LearningWebsite: www.busybeeslearning.caInstagram: Busy Bees LearningFacebook: Busy Bees FacebookTo learn more about Flagstaff County visit www.flagstaff.ab.caTo learn more about the host, Amanda Wager Amanda WagnerThis episode was produced and edited by JCE Films
June 18, 202537 min
The Tiny Co Pottery Story
Send us Fan MailWhat started as a casual afternoon class quickly turned into a full-blown pottery journey for Morgan, founder of Tiny Co Pottery. In this episode, she shares how a spontaneous workshop opened the door to a creative life rooted in intention, values, and community.Morgan walks us through the transition from dental hygienist to potter, how she unexpectedly found herself buying a kiln, and the decision to let her hobby evolve into a business. We talk about the challenges of pricing art, working from home, and setting boundaries as a creative and a parent.Grounded in the legacy of her great-grandmother—“Tiny”—Morgan shares how family, faith, and generosity shape her work, her business decisions, and her definition of success. We also talk about the slow, meditative nature of pottery, letting go of the “growth at all costs” mindset, and why sometimes, small is just right.Morgan’s work is personal, functional, and full of heart. She reminds us that rural doesn’t mean limited—it means connected, supported, and deeply rooted.To learn more about Tiny Potter CoWebsite: tinycopottery.comInstagram: Tiny Pottery StudioPodcast Morgan Referenced Better Than BigBook Morgan Referenced Build The Life You WantTo learn more about Flagstaff County visit www.flagstaff.ab.caTo learn more about the host, Amanda Wager Amanda WagnerThis episode was produced and edited by JCE Films
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