The Heart of Rural America

Amanda Radke

Welcome to the Heart of Rural America podcast. I’m your host, Amanda Radke ​-- a South Dakota cattle rancher, wife, mom of four, children’s book author, and motivational speaker. I started this show with a simple goal in mind -- to share the untold stories of the often-overlooked independent farmer and rancher. On this program, We’ll discuss the challenges that face rural America and the anti-animal agriculture agenda that seeks to eliminate our way of life. But in the face of these ongoing battles, we’ll explore impactful solutions and meaningful pathways to profitability in order to keep producers on the land, to safeguard our private property rights, and to keep meat, dairy, and eggs on the dinner table. And in stark contrast to the ugly, divisive headlines in today’s mainstream media, "The Heart of Rural America" will celebrate the faith, family values, patriotism, and work ethic of the incredible people I meet in my travels as an agricultural speaker. I hope you’ll be inspired by these agricultural entrepreneurs and rural families, just as I am. Now let’s hit the dusty trail together as we uncover The Heart of Rural America. - Amanda

  1. 12 Game-Changing Strategies for Rural Business Growth in 2026

    8H AGO

    12 Game-Changing Strategies for Rural Business Growth in 2026

    In this powerful solo episode of The Heart of Rural America, host Amanda Radke shares 12 actionable strategies designed to help small business owners, rural entrepreneurs, and family farmers succeed in 2026. From understanding your business financials to building a brand rooted in authenticity and faith, Amanda lays out a roadmap for sustainable, values-based growth. If you're ready to scale your business, streamline your systems, and lead with clarity and purpose this year, don’t miss this value-packed episode—complete with a free downloadable PDF checklist to help you take immediate action. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to know and use your business financials to make smarter decisionsThe importance of delegation and building a strong, aligned teamSimple systems that save time and increase productivityHow to define and market your rural business authenticallyEmail list strategies and pricing tips for small business ownersSuccession planning and legacy building for family farmsThe role of self-care and faith in business leadershipAmanda’s upcoming bull and female sale event announcementHow to download the free 12-Step Business ChecklistFollow Amanda Radke on social media and subscribe to The Heart of Rural America for more episodes featuring the voices shaping agriculture, rural values, and constitutional freedoms. 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.comSave 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-booksLearn more about Bulletproofing Your Direct-To-Consumer Beef Enterprise: https://amandaradke.com/products/bulletproof-your-beef-business

    37 min
  2. South Dakota Property Rights Rally: A Fight for Freedom and Family

    JAN 21

    South Dakota Property Rights Rally: A Fight for Freedom and Family

    Amanda Radke hosts a property rights rally at the Capitol Rotunda, South Dakota, highlighting the importance of property ownership and the ongoing fight to protect landowners from eminent domain for private gain. The event features speeches from several key figures, including Senator Mykala Voita, Attorney General Marty Jackley, and Senator Mark Lapka who announce a new constitutional amendment to prohibit eminent domain for private gain. The rally celebrates past victories while rallying support for continued efforts to safeguard property rights, emphasizing the unity and determination of South Dakota farmers and ranchers in defending their land and freedoms. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Rally Kickoff 01:21 Opening Prayer and Pledge 02:46 Attorney General Marty Jackley's Speech 08:28 Representative Liz May's Statement 15:20 Charles and Heather Maude's Story 21:27 Senator Lauren Nelson's Address 26:45 Speaker Pro Temp Carla Lems's Remarks 29:53 Rallying for Victory: The Power of Unity 30:19 Key Figures and Their Contributions 31:24 The Fight for Property Rights 32:39 The AI Bill of Rights 34:30 Personal Stories of Struggle and Triumph 40:49 The Legislative Battle 47:27 A Call to Action: Protecting Our Future 54:10 The Power of the People: Achievements and Future Goals Follow Amanda Radke on social media and subscribe to The Heart of Rural America for more episodes featuring the voices shaping agriculture, rural values, and constitutional freedoms. 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.comSave 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-booksLearn more about Bulletproofing Your Direct-To-Consumer Beef Enterprise: https://amandaradke.com/products/bulletproof-your-beef-business

    1h 7m
  3. Senator Mark Lapka's Bold Plan to Protect Rural Landowners from Eminent Domain

    JAN 19

    Senator Mark Lapka's Bold Plan to Protect Rural Landowners from Eminent Domain

    In this powerful episode of The Heart of Rural America, host Amanda Radke welcomes back Senator Mark Lapka of South Dakota for a no-holds-barred conversation on property rights, grassroots activism, and groundbreaking legislation that could reshape the future for rural landowners. Fresh off a record-breaking rally at the South Dakota Capitol, Senator Lapka shares exclusive insights on two major legislative efforts: 👉 HJR 5001 – A proposed constitutional amendment that would ban eminent domain for private gain in South Dakota, protecting landowners from seizure by private corporations. 👉 SB 88 – The Bosley Bill – Named after farmer Jared Bosley, this bill addresses invasive land surveys and aligns South Dakota law with a unanimous Supreme Court ruling that protects private property from unauthorized corporate intrusion. Amanda and Senator Lapka reflect on the rising momentum of the property rights movement, the power of grassroots advocacy, and why farmers and ranchers across the state—and the country—are stepping up to defend their land. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why eminent domain reform is critical for rural communitiesHow the 2026 rally became a turning point for South Dakota politicsThe backstory behind the Bosley Bill and its legal foundationWhat HJR 5001 would change about the state constitutionHow you can get involved through AmericanLandandLegacy.orgLinks & Resources: 💻 Learn more or get involved: AmericanLandandLegacy.org🎬 Watch “Little Pink House” to understand the dangers of eminent domain abuse🎧 Listen to past episodes with Senator Mark Lapka and other rural leadersStay Connected: Follow Amanda Radke on social media and subscribe to The Heart of Rural America for more episodes featuring the voices shaping agriculture, rural values, and constitutional freedoms. 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.comSave 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-booksLearn more about Bulletproofing Your Direct-To-Consumer Beef Enterprise: https://amandaradke.com/products/bulletproof-your-beef-business

    43 min
  4. Delegating, Ditching & Doing: Calli Thorne’s Mindset for Rural Business Success

    JAN 7

    Delegating, Ditching & Doing: Calli Thorne’s Mindset for Rural Business Success

    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 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

    37 min
  5. Entrepreneurship in 2026: Trends, Predictions & Practical Advice for Women

    12/31/2025

    Entrepreneurship in 2026: Trends, Predictions & Practical Advice for Women

    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

    40 min
  6. Resilience, Faith, and the Future of American Beef with Chris Earl

    12/24/2025

    Resilience, Faith, and the Future of American Beef with Chris Earl

    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

    37 min
  7. Is There Room On The Farm For A Child In Need? With Jessi Grote [REPLAY]

    12/17/2025

    Is There Room On The Farm For A Child In Need? With Jessi Grote [REPLAY]

    t’s been said that the farm and ranch is the best place to raise children. As a mom of four kids, I feel so blessed to be able to teach kids about life, faith, family, community, and being true stewards of the land, livestock, and the people around them through the avenue of raising cattle.A calling from God led Tyler and I to become licensed foster parents in 2019, and since then, we’ve had a dozen kids come and go on the ranch. It’s been a humbling experience and a shared family mission that has taught us plenty of lessons and has helped us grow in our faith, empathy, and commitment to serve others well.On this week’s episode, I chat with fellow foster mom and Nebraska cattle rancher, Jessi Grote, to discuss her experiences as a foster mom and the new organization they have started to continue to serve families stepping into these hard spaces.Learn more about Foster The Love With Beef here: https://www.facebook.com/fosterlovewithbeefLearn more about foster care and adoption: https://americaskidsbelong.org/Presented by CK6 Consulting | CK6 Source | Real Tuff Livestock | Meats by Linz | Linz Heritage Angus 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

    42 min
  8. Women in Agritourism and Veterinary Medicine: Insights from Cowgirl Confident

    12/10/2025

    Women in Agritourism and Veterinary Medicine: Insights from Cowgirl Confident

    In this episode of The Heart of Rural America podcast, host Amanda Radke visits Cowgirl Confident in Afton, Oklahoma to explore key topics in agritourism and veterinary practice. Amanda interviews Arielle Honovich from Ridge Ranch, NY, about her journey into livestock breeding and agritourism near New York City. Arielle shares valuable insights on managing farm operations, handling visitors, and the importance of adapting business strategies to local opportunities. Next, Dr. Mindy Mayfield, an Oklahoma veterinarian, discusses her seminar 'Chute-side with Dr. Mindy,' focusing on practical knowledge for new cattle producers and the unique challenges faced by female vets in rural settings. Dr. Mayfield offers an honest look into the financial pressures, emotional stress, and balancing acts required in the veterinary profession. This episode highlights the power of community, mentorship, and resilience among women in agriculture. 00:00 Introduction to The Heart of Rural America Podcast 00:42 Arielle Honovich: From Teaching to Agritourism 02:16 Challenges and Opportunities in Agritourism 05:11 Building a Supportive Community 07:27 Dr. Mindy: Practical Veterinary Advice 10:18 The Realities of Being a Rural Veterinarian 14:07 Balancing Family and Veterinary Practice 15:57 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 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

    25 min
4.9
out of 5
45 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Heart of Rural America podcast. I’m your host, Amanda Radke ​-- a South Dakota cattle rancher, wife, mom of four, children’s book author, and motivational speaker. I started this show with a simple goal in mind -- to share the untold stories of the often-overlooked independent farmer and rancher. On this program, We’ll discuss the challenges that face rural America and the anti-animal agriculture agenda that seeks to eliminate our way of life. But in the face of these ongoing battles, we’ll explore impactful solutions and meaningful pathways to profitability in order to keep producers on the land, to safeguard our private property rights, and to keep meat, dairy, and eggs on the dinner table. And in stark contrast to the ugly, divisive headlines in today’s mainstream media, "The Heart of Rural America" will celebrate the faith, family values, patriotism, and work ethic of the incredible people I meet in my travels as an agricultural speaker. I hope you’ll be inspired by these agricultural entrepreneurs and rural families, just as I am. Now let’s hit the dusty trail together as we uncover The Heart of Rural America. - Amanda

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