In this first episode of the Heart of Rural America podcast for 2026, host Amanda Radke reconnects with her friend Calli Thorne, a ranch mom, entrepreneur, and fellow speaker. They discuss the challenges and rewards of operating a USDA federally-inspected beef plant named Yellowstone River Beef, their experiences in the cattle industry, and the importance of a positive mindset in overcoming business obstacles. Calli shares her strategies for balancing multiple responsibilities, including motherhood, business, and public speaking, by using a method of delegating or ditching tasks to focus on what truly matters. The episode delves into themes of entrepreneurship, leadership, and maintaining mental well-being while managing a busy, fulfilling life.

00:00 Welcome to the Heart of Rural America

00:34 Catching Up with Calli Thorne

02:43 Challenges and Triumphs in the Beef Industry

09:09 Balancing Business and Personal Life

14:16 Mastering the Art of Saying No

20:42 Empowering Women in Agriculture

27:49 Final Thoughts and New Year Motivation

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Presented by Bid on Beef | CK6 Consulting | CK6 Source | Real Tuff Livestock Equipment | Redmond RealSalt | Dirt Road Radio | All American Angus Beef | Radke Land & Cattle

Use code RADKE for $10 off your next All American Angus Beef order at www.BidOnBeef.com

Save on Redmond Real Salt with code RADKE at https://shop.redmondagriculture.com/

Check out Amanda's agricultural children's books here: https://amandaradke.com/collections/amandas-books

Learn more about Bulletproofing Your Direct-To-Consumer Beef Enterprise: https://amandaradke.com/products/bulletproof-your-beef-business

In this episode of The Heart of Rural America podcast, host Amanda Radke welcomes her middle sister, Courtney Coughlin, a businesswoman, entrepreneur, and homeschooling mother of four. They discuss Courtney's various ventures, including her boutique CCXO and her cut flower business, Three Sisters Blooms. The sisters reflect on the importance of family, faith, and community, and share their predictions for business trends in 2026. They also offer practical advice for female entrepreneurs, emphasizing the value of authenticity, intentionality, and habit stacking. The episode concludes with a look ahead to 2026 and a special surprise for listeners.

00:00 Introduction and Special Guest Announcement

00:59 Wedding Preparations and Sisterly Competition

01:50 Entrepreneurial Ventures and Family Business

03:29 Flower Business and Community Engagement

05:51 Beauty Products and Coaching Team

07:41 Social Media Strategies and Predictions for 2026

11:38 In-Person Events and Shopping Trends

16:07 Grandma Core and Embracing Slow Living

18:18 Family Time and Work-Life Balance

18:45 Scheduling Meaningful Moments

19:19 Involving Kids in Work

20:20 The Importance of Community and Family Farm

21:07 Habit Stacking for a Better Life

23:39 Admin Nights: Combining Work and Socializing

26:26 Faith and Family Values

28:39 Intentional Living in 2026

29:59 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Shop Red Aspen: https://redaspenlove.com/pages/incentive?srsltid=AfmBOopNOkswz8PWWlG-dJfmkmIG30focRh90PpRD91xzZowMyvRnzNJ&pws=amandaradke

Presented by Bid on Beef | CK6 Consulting | CK6 Source | Real Tuff Livestock Equipment | Redmond RealSalt | Dirt Road Radio | All American Angus Beef | Radke Land & Cattle

Use code RADKE for $10 off your next All American Angus Beef order at www.BidOnBeef.com

Save on Redmond Real Salt with code RADKE at https://shop.redmondagriculture.com/

Check out Amanda's agricultural children's books here: https://amandaradke.com/collections/amandas-books

Learn more about Bulletproofing Your Direct-To-Consumer Beef Enterprise: https://amandaradke.com/products/bulletproof-your-beef-business

In this episode of The Heart of Rural America podcast, Amanda Radke welcomes back Chris Earl of CK6 Consulting to discuss the current state of the American beef industry. They review the past year's sales and reflect on the significant improvements in beef pricing for producers. Chris shares his insights on the economic and political factors that are shaping the industry, the importance of resilience, and the fundamental role of faith in his personal and professional life. They also delve into their collaborative projects like Bid on Beef and the All American Angus Beef brand. Chris emphasizes the essential values of family, mentorship, and hard work, urging young cattle producers to leverage these favorable times for the industry. The episode concludes with a heartfelt reflection on the challenges and blessings of the cattle business, framed by their shared faith and commitment to service.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:44 Reflecting on a Successful Year

02:49 Market Challenges and Opportunities

07:12 Faith and Business Philosophy

11:14 Family and Mentorship in Ranching

15:35 Bid on Beef and Market Evolution

25:02 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Presented by Bid on Beef | CK6 Consulting | CK6 Source | Real Tuff Livestock Equipment | Redmond RealSalt | Dirt Road Radio | All American Angus Beef | Radke Land & Cattle

Use code RADKE for $10 off your next All American Angus Beef order at www.BidOnBeef.com

Save on Redmond Real Salt with code RADKE at https://shop.redmondagriculture.com/

Check out Amanda's agricultural children's books here: https://amandaradke.com/collections/amandas-books

Learn more about Bulletproofing Your Direct-To-Consumer Beef Enterprise: https://amandaradke.com/products/bulletproof-your-beef-business