The Wakulla County 4-H Podcast

Rachel Pienta
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Wakulla County, FL 4-H members interview area citizens about topics of local interest.

  1. Jun 9

    Episode 21 - State Representative Allison Tant

    In this episode of the Wakulla County 4-H podcast, hosts Lauretta Compton and Laila Brown take you behind the scenes at the Florida State Capitol to interview State Representative Allison Tant. This conversation isn't just about politics; it is a study in civic engagement and the power of "learning by doing." -- Representative Tant reveals her journey from a local volunteer and advocate for individuals with disabilities to becoming a powerful voice in the state legislature. -- Learn the real-world strategy behind securing government funding for community assets like Camp Cherry Lake, and why showing up in a "sea of green" matters. -- Discover how she balances the intense pace of a legislator, managing everything from tornado disaster relief to insurance disputes at 3:00 a.m. -- Gain unique insights into how to build relationships across party lines by focusing on common humanity rather than political divides. -- Hear advice for the next generation of leaders on why you should start serving your community long before you ever consider running for office. This is episode 21. Find more information about the Wakulla County 4-H on Facebook: www.facebook.com/wakulla4h

  2. Jun 2

    Episode 20 - Aiming for Success on and off the Range With the Wakulla 4-H Shotgun Team

    In this packed episode, hosts Caden and Edison, alongside new podcasters Georgia and Gage, interview the remarkable members and coaches of the Wakulla County 4-H Shotgun Team. From twin brothers navigating friendly rivalries to seasoned competitors preparing for the high-stakes environment of Nationals, this conversation digs deep into the mechanics of success. Listeners will discover how these young athletes manage extreme pressure, embrace the constructive criticism of their dedicated coaches, and duplicate their successes through rigorous, intentional practice. -- The mental strategy required to track targets moving up to 100 miles per hour without becoming overwhelmed. -- How first-year shooters overcame humbling early experiences to build lasting confidence. -- The core technical fundamentals of stance, tracking, posture, and why shooting aimless rounds is not what they do. -- The transformative power of the 4-H program in building adult social skills, dissolving shyness, and creating a family-like community. -- Crucial advice from Coach Mike on managing shotgun chokes and staying open-minded when stepping up from state to national competitions. This is episode 20. Find more information about the Wakulla County 4-H on Facebook: www.facebook.com/wakulla4h

  3. May 19

    Episode 19 - Caden Gruebel Senior Tribute

    Join host Emily for a bittersweet episode of the Wakulla County 4-H podcast as she interviews her regular co-host, Caden Gruebel, in a special senior tribute edition. Caden, who recently graduated high school, reflects on his unique five-year journey through homeschooling and 4-H, sharing how these experiences molded him into a creative, outside-the-box thinker and a confident community leader. The conversation dives deep into Caden's remarkable achievements, including his community hygiene project that earned him his Eagle Scout rank, alongside his passion for environmental initiatives and his local leadership as president of FLOW (Future Leaders of Wakulla). He also shares a deeply personal look into his health battles with sleep apnea, Chiari malformation, and a recent narcolepsy diagnosis, offering a profound perspective on how he maintains momentum when life changes lanes. Dr. Rachel Pienta and Doug Apple also bookend the episode to highlight the modern landscape of 4-H, proving it has evolved far beyond traditional agriculture into a powerhouse for STEM, workforce development, and artificial intelligence. Main highlights from this episode include: -- Caden shares the pros and cons of his homeschooling path and how it allowed him to develop creative social skills. -- The heartwarming story behind Caden's love for spam and how it connects him to his grandfather. -- A look back at his historic 13-year-old Eagle Scout project, where he overcame skepticism and COVID obstacles to deliver 400 shower kits to neighbors in need. -- Caden opens up about his medical journey with Chiari malformation and narcolepsy, revealing his secret to moving forward when your planned path changes. -- Moving audio tributes and graduation congratulations from local figures, including Wakulla County Sheriff Jared Miller, club leaders, and international friends. -- Dr. Rachel Pienta explains how modern 4-H serves as the largest youth development program in the country, focusing on public speaking, technology, and leadership. This is episode 19. Find more information about the Wakulla County 4-H on Facebook: www.facebook.com/wakulla4h

  4. Apr 21

    Episode 18 - Prevention Before Intervention With Karen Zak of the Florida Center for Prevention Research

    In this episode of the Wakulla County 4-H podcast, hosts Emily Zak and Caden Gray dive deep into the realities of substance use in rural communities. Featuring Karen Zak from the Florida State University Center for Prevention Research, the discussion moves beyond simple "don't do drugs" rhetoric to explore the biological and social factors that influence teen choices. The episode highlights the upcoming Teen Town Hall on May 16, 2026, an event designed to give youth a voice and a safe space to thrive. -- The Vaping Epidemic: Understanding how marketing targets youth and the staggering nicotine content in a single pod. -- The 25-Year Window: Why the prefrontal cortex is so vulnerable to substance use during the "developing years." -- Debunking Social Norms: Why teens think "everyone is doing it" when the actual data shows a much different story. -- The Power of Healthy Alternatives: How physical activity and belonging to a community can lower cortisol and replace the need for substances. -- Teen Town Hall and Sunset Social: Details on the May 16th event featuring guest speakers, a helicopter landing, dinner, and a safe-space dance. -- Goal Setting for Success: Using personal, possible, positive, and specific goals to reach long-term dreams. Today's hosts are Caden Gray and Emily Zak. This is episode 18. Find more information about the Wakulla County 4-H on Facebook: www.facebook.com/wakulla4h

  5. Feb 10

    Episode 17 - From Hawaii to Wakulla: Meet Our New Extension Director Dr. Clayton Bania

    In this episode of the award-winning Wakulla County 4-H podcast, we introduce Dr. Clayton Bania, the new County Extension Director. Dr. Bania brings a unique blend of academic expertise and hands-on experience, holding a master’s in entomology and a doctorate in plant medicine. He discusses his passion for bridging the gap between university research and the daily lives of Wakulla residents, from helping small farmers find "entrepreneurial side hustles" to launching outdoor survival and bug clubs for local youth. -- Dr. Bania’s background includes managing large-scale agriculture in Maui and conducting state-wide entomology research in Florida. -- His vision for Wakulla involves deep community collaboration, specifically focusing on the county’s 70% protected natural resources. -- He emphasizes that 4-H is about more than just clubs; it is about building "perspective and experience" to create the next generation of leaders. -- New program ideas on the horizon include a "Bug Club," field botany courses, and even outdoor camping and survival training. -- The episode also highlights the upcoming "Wakulla Wonderful" celebration on March 14th, marking the county's 183rd birthday. Today's hosts are Georgia and Gage. This is episode 17. Find more information about the Wakulla County 4-H on Facebook: www.facebook.com/wakulla4h

  6. Jan 27

    Episode 16 - Cultivating the Future at Camp Cherry Lake With Dr. Scott Angle, UF Senior VP for Agriculture and Natural Resources

    The transformation of Camp Cherry Lake represents more than just a renovation of old cabins; it is a strategic pivot toward the future of Florida’s workforce. Dr. Scott Angle outlines how state funding and private partnerships are coming together to create a facility that balances the timeless leadership values of 4-H with the cutting-edge demands of modern agriculture. By integrating AI, drone technology, and advanced genetics into the camp experience, UF IFAS is ensuring that the next generation is equipped to solve global food challenges while maintaining the accessibility and community spirit that has defined the camp for over half a century. -- The Florida Legislature has provided initial funding of $5 million for the renovation of Camp Cherry Lake, with an additional request currently in progress to reach a total of approximately $11 million. -- Improvements include brand-new, air-conditioned cabins and modern dormitories designed to meet all ADA accessibility and state safety requirements. -- The camp is evolving into a "learning laboratory" where youth can gain hands-on experience with drones, satellite data, and robotics. -- Dr. Angle emphasizes that AI is now the primary driver of agricultural change, essential for everything from precision harvesting to plant genetics. -- Beyond youth programs, the upgraded facilities will serve as a community resource available for rent to church groups, football camps, and senior organizations, creating a sustainable income stream. -- 4-H youth are identified as the most effective advocates in Tallahassee, as their personal stories of growth and leadership carry more weight with legislators than professional lobbying. -- The long-term vision includes a transition to private fundraising to ensure the camp remains the premier youth development facility in the state without sole reliance on the legislature. Today's hosts are Caden Gray and Emily Zak This is episode 16.

  7. 09/22/2025

    Episode 15 - Teen Summit Is Monday, Oct. 13, 2025

    Wakulla 4-H’s Future Leaders of Wakulla Club hosting a Teen Summit 2025 that focuses on leadership and life development skills with the help of community members, organizations and fellow youth. The summit will be Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. Speaking are Caden Gray and Emily Zak This is episode 15. Find more information about the Wakulla County 4-H on Facebook: www.facebook.com/wakulla4h

  8. 07/22/2025

    Episode 14 - 4-H Youth Interview Faculty and Volunteers about the 2025 Extension Open House

    4-H members Caden, Destyn, and Edison interview 4-H Advisory Council member and County Commissioner Quincee Messersmith, County Extension Director and Horticulture Agent Daniel Leonard, and 4-H Agent Rachel Pienta about 4-H and Extension programming. This is episode 14. Find more information about the Wakulla County 4-H on Facebook: www.facebook.com/wakulla4h

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Wakulla County, FL 4-H members interview area citizens about topics of local interest.

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