The Heart of Rural America

Amanda Radke
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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. Stand Your Ground with SD Speaker of the House Jon Hansen, Speaker Pro Tem Karla Lems & Senator Mark Lapka [REPLAY]

    5D AGO

    Stand Your Ground with SD Speaker of the House Jon Hansen, Speaker Pro Tem Karla Lems & Senator Mark Lapka [REPLAY]

    Following the conclusion of South Dakota's 100th legislative session, I travel to the Siouxland Republican Women's Meeting in Sioux Falls, SD, joined by South Dakota Speaker of the House Jon Hansen, Speaker Pro Tem Karla Lems & Senator Mark Lapka to discuss the passage of HB1052 to eliminate eminent domain for carbon pipelines and how South Dakota is serving as a beacon of hope for the rest of the nation. Presented by Bid on Beef | CK6 Consulting | CK6 Source | Real Tuff Livestock Equipment | Redmond RealSalt | By-O-Reg+ | Dirt Road Radio 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

    49 min
  2. Motherhood, Entrepreneurship, & Juggling The Chaos Of It All with Courtney Coughlin [REPLAY]

    MAR 25

    Motherhood, Entrepreneurship, & Juggling The Chaos Of It All with Courtney Coughlin [REPLAY]

    Amanda sits down with her sister, Courtney Coughlin, to discuss faith, family, entrepreneurship, juggling it all, and how to find opportunities in agriculture in unique and exciting ways. Presented by Bid on Beef | CK6 Consulting | CK6 Source | Real Tuff Livestock Equipment | Redmond RealSalt | By-O-Reg+ | Dirt Road Radio 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

    40 min
  3. Ranching on the Front Lines: Border Security Realities with Erica Valdez {REPLAY]

    MAR 18

    Ranching on the Front Lines: Border Security Realities with Erica Valdez {REPLAY]

    In this episode of the Heart of Rural America podcast, Amanda Radke speaks with Erica Valdez, a rancher with experience on border issues, about the changing dynamics of border crossings and their impact on ranching communities. Valdez shares her experiences of the increasing dangers posed by drug traffickers and the misconceptions perpetuated by mainstream media. The conversation highlights the importance of education and advocacy for rural communities affected by border security issues. Takeaways Erica Valdez shares her experiences as a rancher near the Mexican border.The nature of border crossings has changed significantly over the years.Mainstream media often misrepresents the realities of border issues.Ranchers face unique challenges and dangers due to drug trafficking.Community safety is a major concern for ranchers living near the border.Education and advocacy are crucial for addressing border security issues.Ranchers are often armed and take precautions when working at night.The impact of border issues extends beyond the border communities.Valdez emphasizes the importance of understanding the realities of border life.Grassroots efforts are needed to influence policy on border security.Presented by Bid on Beef | CK6 Consulting | CK6 Source | Real Tuff Livestock Equipment | Redmond RealSalt | By-O-Reg+ | Dirt Road Radio 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

    34 min
  4. Grit and Grace with Fanchon Stinger [REPLAY]

    MAR 11

    Grit and Grace with Fanchon Stinger [REPLAY]

    Fanchon Stinger is the Emmy winning co-host of PBR Now and a contributor to Western Sports Roundup and NFR Tailgate airing on Cowboy Channel and PlutoTV. She is an actress who appeared on God’s Not Dead: A Light In Darkness in 2019. In 2020, Stinger became a bull owner in PBR (Professional Bull Riders), partnering with 12-time Stock Contractor of the Year Chad Berger and Daniel & Melissa Brunner in the ownership of the bucking bulls “Stinger” and “Lill Hott,” who compete on the PBR Tour. In 2021, she co-founded and launched the charitable initiative Grit & Grace Nation, inspiring middle and high school girls to lead with courage through exposure to successful female mentors and western values of faith, family, & freedom. Stinger shares her journey, provides mentorship programs and scholarship opportunities nationwide plus appears at PBR events as part of Grit & Grace Nation’s alliance with PBR to honor deserving girls. Grit + Grace: https://thegritandgracenation.org/ Presented by Bid on Beef | CK6 Consulting | CK6 Source | Real Tuff Livestock Equipment | Redmond RealSalt | By-O-Reg+ | Dirt Road Radio Enjoy special discounts from my podcast partners: Earn $25 to shop in your first auction at www.BidOnBeef.com when you register your account.Save on Redmond Real Salt with code RADKE at https://shop.redmondagriculture.com/And mention my name when you buy Real Tuff equipment for a special add-on bonus on your delivery. www.realtuff.com

    58 min
  5. The Heart of the Farm: Family, Finances & Facing the Hard Stuff Head On with Jolene Brown

    MAR 4

    The Heart of the Farm: Family, Finances & Facing the Hard Stuff Head On with Jolene Brown

    In this episode of The Heart of Rural America podcast, Amanda Radke welcomes back esteemed guest Jolene Brown, a nationally recognized speaker known for her expertise in supporting farm and ranch families. The discussion revolves around the unique challenges faced by agricultural families, particularly the balance of personal relationships and farm responsibilities. Jolene shares stories and advice on maintaining mental health, effective communication, financial planning, and the importance of support systems within rural communities. She emphasizes the need for humor, appreciating personal contributions, and having realistic strategies for family farms. The episode provides invaluable insights for ensuring both the success of farm operations and the well-being of those who dedicate their lives to them. 00:00 Welcome to The Heart of Rural America 00:13 Introducing Jolene Brown: A National Treasure 01:14 Challenges Faced by Farm Families 02:48 Balancing Marriage and Farm Life 07:03 The Importance of Self-Care 08:15 Building a Support Network 14:31 Financial Advice for Farm Families 15:49 Emergency Planning and Liquid Assets 16:17 Spending Limits and Transparency 17:04 Caution with Debt and Financial Responsibility 17:32 Preparing for Unexpected Departures 19:15 Communication and Family Meetings 21:20 Balancing Short-term and Long-term Goals 23:13 The Importance of Knowing Your 'Why' 28:00 Tough Conversations and Transition Planning 30:54 Final Thoughts and Parting Advice 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

    38 min
  6. Livestock & Property Rights Rally at BHSS Part 1 Featuring Charles & Heather Maude

    FEB 25

    Livestock & Property Rights Rally at BHSS Part 1 Featuring Charles & Heather Maude

    In this powerful episode recorded at the Black Hills Stock Show Property Rights Rally hosted by the South Dakota Stock Growers Association, Amanda Radke shares highlights from a day focused on one of the most urgent issues facing rural Americans: property rights. The episode features remarks from Charles and Heather Maude, who recount their family’s deeply personal and highly publicized property rights battle involving a fence line dispute, federal criminal charges, and a long road to resolution. They share what they learned, how their case was finally resolved, and why they are now committed to helping protect other families from similar government overreach. Amanda then takes the stage to give a major update on what’s happening in Pierre, South Dakota, including key legislation tied to eminent domain, invasive surveying, tax exemptions for data centers, and constitutional protections for landowners. She also explains why grassroots action has become a powerful force in South Dakota and why these fights matter far beyond state lines. This episode is a rallying cry for farmers, ranchers, and landowners to stay engaged, stay informed, and defend the freedoms that keep rural communities strong. 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

    39 min
  7. Deregulating Beef Inspections To Connect Producers To Consumers with SD Rep. John Shubeck

    FEB 18

    Deregulating Beef Inspections To Connect Producers To Consumers with SD Rep. John Shubeck

    Rep. John Shubeck speaks about his new bill, HB1064, to "provide for the sale of producer-raised meat and meat food products directly to consumers pending legalization under federal law," which passed the House and Senate with a veto-proof majority. Cattle industry divided over lab-grown and direct-to-consumer meat legislation: https://southdakotasearchlight.com/2026/02/06/cattle-industry-divided-over-lab-grown-and-direct-to-consumer-meat-legislation/Read more about HB1064: https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/26577Learn more about the Prime Act here: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4700Follow 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

    27 min
  8. BREAKING: SD Cowboy Gov. Larry Rhoden VETOES Cell Cultured Protein Ban with Rep. Julie Auch

    FEB 11

    BREAKING: SD Cowboy Gov. Larry Rhoden VETOES Cell Cultured Protein Ban with Rep. Julie Auch

    South Dakota Representative Julie Auch talks about her bill to "consider a cultivated-protein food product to be adulterated food." This bill passed through the House and Senate before ultimately being vetoed by SD Gov. Larry Rhoden. A new bill on "fake meat" is still in play for the 2026 legislative session, SB 124, which Gov. Rhoden is calling a "compromise." Learn more about this topic that is happening in real time in this week's episode. Read the bill HB1077 here: https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/26999Read Governor Larry Rhoden's statement here: https://news.sd.gov/news?id=news_kb_article_view&sys_id=ad6169141b0fba14df4edb1de54bcb3dLearn about SB124 here: https://sdlegislature.gov/Session/Bill/27110Who is CJ Foods, what is the SF project? https://www.keloland.com/keloland-com-original/who-is-cj-foods-what-is-the-sf-project/CJ Cheil Jedang Reveals Strategy to Actively Push for Alternative Meat Production https://m.ajupress.com/view/20220329171527456

    36 min
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Trailer

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

Information

  • Creator
    Amanda Radke
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    145
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Amanda Radke 2023
  • Show Website
    The Heart of Rural America

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