Dr. Arquimides Reyes shares his inspiring journey from a small farm in El Salvador to becoming an associate professor of animal science at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. His story exemplifies how agricultural education, mentorship, and the FFA can transform lives and create leaders who give back to their communities. • Grateful for family, God, teaching opportunities, and the FFA which instilled purpose and passion for agriculture • Grew up on a small dairy and beef farm in El Salvador...
Jun 19, 2025•44 min•Ep. 79
George Couros, author of "The Innovator's Mindset," shares his journey from reluctant teacher to educational innovator and how exceptional leadership transformed his perspective on education. He explores how creating environments where both adults and students can thrive leads to better educational outcomes while preparing communities to navigate an uncertain future. • Originally from a small Canadian town where community shaped his educational philosophy • Found his passion for education throug...
Jun 09, 2025•46 min•Ep. 78
Dr. Justin Terry, Superintendent of Forney ISD, shares how mentorship and innovative educational approaches are transforming students' futures through entrepreneurial mindsets and real-world experiences. • Mentorship as a foundation for leadership development - having both internal and external mentors provides guidance and diverse perspectives • The Opportunity Central (OC) - a 350,000 sq. ft. facility that's student-run, multifunctional, and serves as both educational space and community event...
May 15, 2025•41 min•Ep. 77
Winston Chandler's 27 years as a dorm parent at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch transformed countless lives through his wisdom, faith, and commitment to helping troubled youth find their path. His simple yet profound wisdom—"you're never going to learn anything unless something depends on you"—became the foundation for developing responsibility, work ethic, and character in the boys under his care. • Boys Ranch provided structure, responsibility, and purpose for troubled youth • Winston's philosophy cen...
May 01, 2025•48 min•Ep. 76
In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro sits down with Dr. Coach Nate Hearne, an esteemed coach, educator, and mentor. They discuss the power of mentorship, leadership, perseverance, and faith in shaping young lives. From his humble beginnings to coaching state championship teams, Coach Hearn shares powerful lessons on building a culture of excellence and standing firm in leadership. Story Notes: Grateful for students and their potential to shape the future. Inspi...
Mar 14, 2025•46 min•Ep. 75
In this episode of Growing Our Future , host Aaron Alejandro sits down with Chip Baker, a dynamic speaker, educator, author, and host of The Success Chronicles . Together, they dive into the power of passion, personal growth, and leadership. Chip shares his inspiring journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a nationally recognized figure in education and motivation. His story is filled with lessons on perseverance, faith, and the importance of a strong foundation. Chip’s message is clear...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 74
In this episode, James McLamb joins host Aaron Alejandro to discuss the impact of encouragement—both as a simple word and as a transformative action. James shares his journey from agriculture education to youth leadership development, emphasizing the power of mentorship, servant leadership, and personal growth. From his early experiences in the FFA to founding Generation Youth, James highlights the role of mentorship, life skills, and leadership development in shaping young minds. Whether in the...
Feb 14, 2025•46 min•Ep. 73
On this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, we speak with Steve Durman, an expert in marketing, storytelling, and technology. Steve shares his journey in helping companies share their stories and marketing. Through his journey he shares the importance of taking risk and having faith when determining next steps in life. Steve was a key developer in the creation of the MYTEXASFFA website and promotional videos associated with the project. It was a great interview to hear how he became famil...
Jan 31, 2025•45 min•Ep. 72
In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro speaks with 13-year-old Baxter Whitworth, a young entrepreneur passionate about agriculture and Brahmin cattle. They discuss the importance of trust, teamwork, and core values in leadership, as well as the role of agriculture in feeding a growing population. Baxter shares his insights on encouragement, the significance of working together, and the need for continuous learning in leadership. The conversation emphasizes the im...
Jan 17, 2025•37 min•Ep. 71
In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro engages in a heartfelt conversation with Trenell Walker, who shares his inspiring journey from aspiring NFL player to motivational speaker and life coach after a life-altering spinal cord injury. The discussion emphasizes the importance of gratitude, resilience, and the power of the mind. Trenell introduces his 'Trenell Effect,' a framework for personal growth that includes taking action, being resilient, encouraging others,...
Dec 30, 2024•41 min•Ep. 70
In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro engages with Dr. Curtis Paulson, a pioneer in agricultural communication. They discuss the importance of gratitude, the influence of early life experiences, and the significance of taking risks in education and agriculture. Dr. Paulson shares his journey from a farm boy in Minnesota to a leader in ag communication, emphasizing the value of work ethic, innovation, and the role of technology in shaping the future of agricultur...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 69
In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro engages with legendary rodeo announcer Bob Tallman, exploring themes of gratitude, agricultural heritage, and the importance of education in agriculture. They discuss the role of organizations like 4-H and FFA in shaping young people's futures, the challenges facing the agricultural industry, and the need for conservation and resource management. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding where our food co...
Nov 22, 2024•50 min•Ep. 68
In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro speaks with Dan Taylor, a prominent figure in Texas agricultural education and the FFA. They discuss the importance of gratitude, mentorship, and the journey of Dan's life in agriculture, including his experiences as a teacher, businessman, and philanthropist. The conversation also highlights the significance of the Discovery Center in Lubbock, Texas, and the legacy of the Texas FFA Foundation. Story Notes: Gratitude and Its...
Nov 08, 2024•43 min•Ep. 67
On this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, we meet Jennifer Green, the Public Relations and Events Manager at Cavender's. We discuss Jennifer's journey from her early days shopping at Cavender's to her current role, emphasizing the importance of relationships, research in job interviews, and finding a competitive edge. Jennifer shares valuable insights on leadership skills, the impact of FFA on personal development, and the significance of resilience and adaptability in careers. The conv...
Oct 24, 2024•38 min•Ep. 66
On this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, we meet Colton Kyle, president of American Sniper, discussing themes of growth, leadership, and the importance of discernment. Colton shares his journey, emphasizing the significance of gratitude, vulnerability, and effective communication in leadership. The conversation highlights the value of asking questions and seeking truth in an age of misinformation, while also reflecting on the lessons learned from agriculture and personal experiences. I...
Oct 11, 2024•48 min•Ep. 65
In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro engages with Dr. Sarah Sprayberry, an advocate for agriculture and social media influencer. They discuss the importance of family support, the journey of Sarah in agriculture, and how she uses social media to promote agricultural literacy and advocacy. The conversation emphasizes the need for a positive online presence, resilience in leadership, and the significance of sharing the true stories of agriculture to combat miscon...
Sep 27, 2024•38 min•Ep. 64
In this insightful episode of Growing Our Future, host Aaron Alejandro sits down with Zoee Nolen, a 2022-2023 Texas FFA officer and junior at Texas A&M University. Zoee shares her remarkable journey, from growing up on a traditional West Texas farm to discovering a passion for agriculture through FFA after two major injuries derailed her sports career. Now a double major in Agricultural Communications & Journalism and Agricultural Economics, Zoee reflects on how her family's work in agri...
Sep 13, 2024•44 min•Ep. 63
In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Jackie Hoegger, owner of Hoegger Communications. They discuss the importance of storytelling and empathy in leadership, as well as the value of mentorship and continuous learning. Jackie shares her journey of starting her own company and emphasizes the power of telling personal stories. She also highlights the significance of living your brand and leaving a legacy. Story Notes: Discovering the Power of Storytellin...
Aug 30, 2024•44 min•Ep. 62
In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Ron Kitchens, the CEO of the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce. They discuss the importance of gratitude, the power of a job in changing lives, and the role of agriculture and FFA in creating opportunities. Ron shares his personal journey from poverty to becoming a leader in economic development, emphasizing the value of showing up, lifelong learning, and leaving a positive impact on others. They also address the ...
Aug 16, 2024•53 min•Ep. 61
In this episode of Growing Our Future Podcast, Eddie Priefert, the president of Priefert, shares his journey and the success of the Priefert brand. The company started with 300 acres, one product, and a two-car garage, and has now grown to a 3,500-acre ranch and a campus with 35 acres under roof. Priefert is involved in the ranch equipment and rodeo markets, as well as the steel industry, selling converted steel to other manufacturers. They also offer Priefert Complex Designs (PCD), which helps ...
Jul 26, 2024•47 min•Ep. 60
In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Robert Smith, a magician and consultant in the fair industry. They discuss the importance of gratitude, the positive impact of organizations like FFA, and the power of storytelling and advocacy. Robert shares his journey from being a magician to creating unique experiences at fairs and expos. He also talks about starting the Fair Game podcast to document stories from the industry. The conversation highlights the r...
Jul 12, 2024•48 min•Ep. 59
In this episode, Dale Alexander shares insights on leadership and the qualities that make a great leader. He emphasizes the importance of growth, empathy, and humility in leadership. Dale also discusses the power of influence and how leaders can positively impact others. He encourages listeners to surround themselves with the right people and to think like an owner in order to achieve success. The episode concludes with a reminder to focus on the long road and to stay committed to personal and p...
Jun 28, 2024•41 min•Ep. 58
In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Dale Alexander, a certified financial planner and author. They discuss the importance of gratitude, passion, and purpose in life. Dale shares his journey of personal growth and how he became passionate about financial planning. They also discuss the power of giving and serving others, and how it can bring fulfillment and success. Dale's book, 'The Talk,' is highlighted as a valuable resource for young adults to ma...
Jun 14, 2024•47 min•Ep. 57
In this episode, Aaron Alejandro interviews Madeleine Musick, an Agricultural Science Teacher at Elgin High School and founder of Farmstead Annalise. Madeleine shares her journey from being a non-traditional FFA student to establishing a successful family-run business in the food industry. She emphasizes the importance of students exploring their interests and strengths to shape their career paths, while also highlighting the significance of time management and reliability as essential leadershi...
May 24, 2024•35 min•Ep. 56
In this episode, Aaron Alejandro hosts Sheldon McKinney, Executive Director of the Kentucky FFA Foundation. Sheldon shares her journey from a high school student in Eastern Kentucky to her current role, highlighting the pivotal role of her ag teacher in guiding her career path. She emphasizes the importance of curiosity, hard work, and vision in leadership, drawing parallels between agricultural values and professional success. Sheldon also discusses the unique qualities FFA instills in students...
May 09, 2024•39 min•Ep. 55
In this episode of Growing Our Future, host Aaron Alejandro welcomes Marty Bryan, a multifaceted entrepreneur, seasoned restaurateur, and a beacon of hospitality. Marty shares his journey, beginning with his upbringing in the FFA, through his experiences in the restaurant industry, to his current ventures. He emphasizes the importance of gratitude, faith, and hard work in his success, highlighting his commitment to providing hospitality and building connections through his businesses. Marty's le...
Apr 18, 2024•49 min•Ep. 54
In this episode of the "Growing Our Future" podcast, host Aaron Alejandro welcomes Karissa Jones, a Strategic Account Manager at BASF. Karissa shares her journey from a non-traditional agricultural background to her current role, emphasizing the importance of initiative, learning from setbacks, and developing soft skills through FFA involvement. She highlights networking, effective communication, and being coachable as key to success in any career. Aaron and Karissa underscore the value of FFA i...
Apr 04, 2024•38 min•Ep. 53
In this episode of "The Growing Our Future" podcast hosted by Aaron Alejandro, Gary Joiner, the Director of Communications at the Texas Farm Bureau, shares insights into the vital role of communications in agriculture. Gary reflects on his journey, starting from his chance encounter covering a Farm Bureau event to becoming its communications director. He emphasizes the importance of storytelling in bridging the gap between farmers and the public, especially the youth. The conversation delves int...
Mar 21, 2024•53 min•Ep. 52
In this episode of The Growing Our Future podcast, hosted by Aaron Alejandro with guest Victor Guerra, the conversation delves into the essence of gratitude, resilience, and leadership within the context of agricultural education and personal development. Aaron and Victor begin by emphasizing the significance of gratitude in daily life, highlighting the importance of acknowledging even the smallest blessings. Victor reflects on his upbringing on a ranch and his journey through the FFA program, u...
Mar 07, 2024•40 min•Ep. 51
In this episode of The Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Andrew Christensen, Senior Managing Director at Ascendion. Andrew shares his journey, starting from his passion for veterinary science in high school to his current leadership role. He emphasizes the importance of trying out different activities, networking, and building relationships. Despite growing up in a city, Andrew found his path through FFA, which offered him unique opportunities and a diverse network. He ...
Feb 23, 2024•44 min•Ep. 50
