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Have you ever started your day with a full to-do list, bounced between a dozen different tasks, and somehow ended the day feeling like you accomplished absolutely nothing? You're not alone, and our constant connection to technology might have more to do with it than we realize. In this solo episode, I'm talking about the mental overload that comes from nonstop notifications, endless distractions, and our tendency to multitask our way through life. I'm sharing the simple changes that have helped me regain my focus, including doing one thing at a time, recognizing when I'm avoiding a difficult task, and making room for slower, more intentional activities. Because sometimes the best way to get more done, feel less overwhelmed, and be more present is to slow down. As the saying goes, slow is smooth, and smooth is fast. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West website Resources & Links: Join The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at [email protected] to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS): Ag + Western Career Blueprint

This episode has a little bit of a different topic, but it’s important nonetheless! Gut health is about a whole lot more than bloating, gas, or how often you poop. It can be connected to everything from stress and energy to skin, hormones, and how you feel day to day. This week, I'm joined by Lindsey Renteria of Lindsey Marie Wellness to talk about her own health journey and how it eventually led her out of conventional medicine and into helping others improve their digestive health. Lindsey shares why she takes a "holistic but realistic" approach, looking beyond symptoms to nutrition, stress, lifestyle, mindset, and the relationship we have with food. We also tackle some of the gut health advice that seems to be everywhere online. Lindsey shares her thoughts on elimination diets, food sensitivity testing, coffee on an empty stomach, probiotics, parasite cleanses, and why there is rarely a one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to taking care of your health. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Lindsey: Visit her websiteFollow on Instagram @lindseymariewellness Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West website Resources & Links: Of The West Walk Up Song PlaylistJoin The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at [email protected] to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS): Ag + Western Career Blueprint

What happens when you need something that doesn't exist? If you're Sarah Calhoun, you build it yourself. This week, I'm joined by Sarah Calhoun, founder of Red Ants Pants, a women's workwear company she started in 2004 after years of struggling to find work pants that actually fit women doing physical labor. With no background in apparel, manufacturing, marketing, or business, Sarah taught herself what she needed to know and built a national brand from the tiny rural community of White Sulphur Springs, Montana. We talk about starting small, building a business in rural America, creating products designed to last, and why Red Ants Pants has become so much more than a pair of work pants. From a music festival and foundation to leadership programs and hands-on skills courses for women, Sarah shares how one simple idea has grown into something that supports women, agriculture, and rural communities across Montana. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Red Ants Pants: Check out the websiteFollow on Instagram @redantspants Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West website Resources & Links: This House of Sky by Ivan DoigSmall Business for Dummies by Eric Tyson and Jim SchellJoin The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at [email protected] to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS): Ag + Western Career Blueprint

What is the thing people always come to you for? Not what you went to school for or what your job title says, but the thing that comes so naturally to you that you might not even realize it's special. That just might be your superpower. In this solo episode, I'm breaking down what superpowers actually are, how to identify yours, and why understanding them can change the way you show up in your career and your life. I share a few of my own superpowers and how they work together, plus the self-assessment tools and reflective questions that can help uncover the strengths you may have been overlooking. Whether you're job searching, building your personal brand, or simply trying to understand yourself a little better, knowing what makes you uniquely valuable can help you communicate it with confidence. Your superpower isn't just a career strategy. It's a tool for becoming more intentional in every area of your life. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West website Resources & Links: CliftonStrengthsDISCMyers-BriggsEnneagramEpisode 35. Understanding Yourself and the Enneagram with Terryn DrielingJoin The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at [email protected] to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS): Ag + Western Career Blueprint

If you own horses or cattle, chances are you've felt the large animal veterinarian shortage firsthand. Maybe your longtime vet retired with no one to take their place, or getting an appointment that once took a phone call now means waiting weeks. This week, I'm joined by Dr. Leslie Easterwood, clinical educator at Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine and longtime leader with the American Association of Equine Practitioners. She shares her path from livestock show kid to equine veterinarian and educator, then takes us inside the challenges facing large animal veterinary medicine today. We talk about why veterinarians are leaving equine and rural practice, the impact of student debt, work-life balance and mental health, and what organizations are doing to change that trajectory. Dr. Easterwood also shares how clients can better support their veterinarians and why she remains incredibly optimistic about the future of the profession. Whether you're a livestock owner, horse owner, or a student considering veterinary medicine, this is an important conversation about a shortage that affects all of agriculture. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Dr. Easterwood: Visit the American Association of Equine Practitioners (AAEP) websiteVisit The Foundation for The Horse website Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West website Resources & Links: How Full is Your Bucket? by Tom Rath and Don CliftonTexas A&M AgriLife Extension Veterinary Science Certificate ProgramThe Future of Equine Practitioners Symposium OEPSTexas Equine Veterinary Association (TEVA)Join The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at [email protected] to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS): Ag + Western Career Blueprint

What happens when a rancher sees a hurdle in the cattle industry and decides to build the solution himself? This week, I'm joined by Jake Nelson, rancher, Army veteran, and founder of CattleQuest. Jake shares how his background in ranching, military service, and entrepreneurship led him to create a tool that brings cattle market data from multiple stockyards into one place, helping producers make more informed decisions about when and where to buy and sell their cattle. We talk about taking an idea from a conversation to an actual product, the challenge of introducing new technology into an industry that can be resistant to change, and why Jake chose to launch before everything was perfect. Jake also shares how his military experience shaped the way he approaches leadership, fear, and adversity, and why pushing through uncomfortable situations can leave you more capable on the other side. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Jake: Visit the CattleQuest website Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West website Resources & Links: Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It by Chris VossJoin The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at [email protected] to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS): Ag + Western Career Blueprint

This week we’re tackling an uncomfortable conversation in the job-seeking world: If you're applying for many positions and never hearing back, you simply might not be qualified for that job. In this solo episode, I'm breaking down how to honestly evaluate whether you're a good fit for a role before you hit apply. We're talking about the "spray and pray" approach, why more applications don't necessarily equal better odds, and how to separate must-have qualifications from skills you can learn along the way. I also dig into technical skills, transferable experience, career transitions, and why sometimes taking a strategic step back can actually move your career forward. This isn't about shrinking your goals or settling for less. It's about protecting your time, energy, and confidence by focusing on opportunities where you can genuinely compete. If you're job searching or trying to break into agriculture or the Western industry, this episode is for you. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West website Resources & Links: The Ag + Western Career BlueprintJoin The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at [email protected] to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS): Ag + Western Career Blueprint

This week, I'm joined by Catherine Neumayr of V8 Ranch, one of the most legendary Brahman operations in the world. Catherine grew up in the cattle industry, but she and her husband, Luke, also built a wildly successful wedding photography business, photographing more than 150 weddings around the world and building their first million-dollar business without spending a dime on traditional advertising. Today, Catherine has brought those lessons back home to V8 Ranch. We talk about why the little details matter, how to create an experience that turns customers into lifelong fans, and the four principles Catherine and Luke used to build their business. Catherine also shares how V8 creates meaningful experiences for customers and why agriculture needs people with skills and experience from outside the industry. Whether you're running a ranch, building a business, or wondering if the skills you've developed somewhere else belong in agriculture, this episode is a reminder that there is a place for you here. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Catherine: Visit V8’s websiteFollow on Instagram @v8ranchFollow on YouTube @V8RanchCattle Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West website Resources & Links: Purple Cow by Seth GodinAuthor Freida McFaddenOf The West Walk Up Song PlaylistJoin The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at [email protected] to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS): Ag + Western Career Blueprint

If you work behind the scenes of an equine or Western event, whether you're managing a facility, producing a show, or just getting your foot in the door, this episode is for you. I'm joined by Dana Jensen, Managing Director of The League, an organization dedicated to advancing the equine and ag event industry through education, professional development, networking, and shared standards. Dana shares her own journey from horse-crazy kid to competitor, show producer, facility director, and eventually leader of The League. We also dive into some of the organization's incredible resources, including its Footing Academy and Certified Manager of Equine Centers credential, plus why The League recently expanded its membership to include producers, young professionals, breed associations, and others throughout the industry. And we're sharing something exciting! Of The West and The League are joining forces for a free town hall focused on 2026 hiring trends, tips, and best practices. We'll be talking about the challenges that facilities and event producers face when it comes to finding qualified people, building stronger teams, and hiring full-time, part-time, seasonal, temporary, and contract help. If you're involved in producing equine or Western events at any level, we hope you'll join us. Click here to sign up. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Dana: Visit The League’s websiteFollow on Instagram @theleaguehub Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West website Resources & Links: The Ag + Equine Hiring Town Hall from The League & Of The WestOf The West Walk Up Song PlaylistJoin The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at [email protected] to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS): Ag + Western Career Blueprint

This is Part 2 of a two-part episode with Sharon K. Beach. Listen to last week’s episode where Sharon shared the incredible story of surviving a kidnapping, a life-threatening medical battle, and a decades-long fight within the justice system. This week, we're continuing the conversation by digging into what carried her through it all: mental toughness. Sharon shares her ABCs of surviving: attitude, belief, and choice. She also shares how faith, forgiveness, determination, and a refusal to let her past control her helped her rebuild an extraordinary life. We talk about what it means to keep going when life looks nothing like you planned, why asking for help is a sign of strength, and how even our hardest experiences can become part of someone else's survival guide. If you're walking through your own version of rock bottom, this conversation is a powerful reminder that healing takes time and there are people willing to help. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Sharon K. Beach: Visit her websiteSign up for release dates and info for her book Don’t You Dare Let Go Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West website Resources & Links: Ep 168: Surviving the Unimaginable with Sharon K. Beach, Pt 1: What She Lived ThroughSame Kind of Different As MeNational Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233Join The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at [email protected] to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS): Ag + Western Career Blueprint

Some stories are too important not to tell. This is Part 1 of a two-part episode where Sharon Beach joins me to share the remarkable story that changed her life forever. In 1989, Sharon was kidnapped and held captive for four days and five nights. What followed wasn't just a fight for survival, but years of overcoming life-threatening medical complications and navigating an incredibly difficult justice system. In this episode, Sharon shares how faith and strategy helped her survive, the intense challenges she faced after escaping, and the resilience that carried her through it all. While this conversation is difficult, it is ultimately a story of perseverance. Be sure to come back next week for Part 2, where we dive into the mindset, mental grit, and life lessons that helped Sharon build an extraordinary life after tragedy. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Sharon: Visit her websiteSign up for release dates and info for her book Don’t You Dare Let Go Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West website Resources & Links: National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233Join The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at [email protected] to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS): Ag + Western Career Blueprint

This week, I'm joined by Andrew Fraser, President of Halter, one of the fastest-growing ag tech companies in the world. We dive into the story behind Halter, how virtual fencing has evolved from an ambitious idea into technology that's transforming cattle operations, and why building products alongside ranchers has been the key to their success. We also talk about labor shortages, succession planning, company culture, and why the future of agriculture depends on creating tools that give producers more time to focus on what matters most. Whether you're curious about ranch technology, looking for career opportunities in agriculture, or simply interested in how innovation is shaping the future of the West, this conversation is one you won't want to miss. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Halter: Visit their websiteFollow on Instagram @halterhq Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West website Resources & Links: Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtryJoin The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at [email protected] to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS): Ag + Western Career Blueprint

In this week's episode, I'm pulling back the curtain on one of the bigger projects we've built at Of The West and sharing the real numbers behind its launch. I'm talking about why we created the Ag and Western Career Blueprint, the goal I set for its first launch, and what happened when we came up just short of hitting that number. More importantly, I'm sharing why missing a goal isn't the same thing as failing, and how having the courage to set ambitious goals in the first place can completely change the trajectory of your business and your life. I also dive into the importance of creating goals that are backed by a plan, the lessons that come from falling short, and why success isn't always measured by whether you hit an exact number. Sometimes the greatest growth comes from what you learn in the pursuit. If you've ever felt discouraged because you didn't accomplish a goal exactly the way you envisioned, I hope this episode encourages you to keep going, adjust your approach, and remember that progress is still worth celebrating. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West website Resources & Links: The Ag and Western Career BlueprintEpisode 10: How to Set Your Goals SuccessfullyEpisode 84: Goal Setting with Jessie JarvisJoin The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at [email protected] to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS): Ag + Western Career Blueprint

Building a great team doesn’t have to mean you’re competing for talent. This week, I'm sharing the story of how a simple conversation with a friend led Of the West to build a college internship program from the ground up for an agricultural business. What started as a solution to a seasonal hiring problem turned into a strategy that can help businesses attract top talent, develop future leaders, and strengthen their workforce for years to come. In this episode, we talk about why internship programs are often overlooked in agriculture and Western industries, what it actually takes to build one that qualifies for academic credit, and how shifting your mindset from "How do I stop this?" to "How do I make this work for me?" can create opportunities. If you're a business owner looking for better hiring solutions or thinking about the future of your operation, this episode is full of practical ideas you can put into action. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West website Resources & Links: Email us at [email protected] The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at [email protected] to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS): Ag + Western Career Blueprint

In this week's episode, I'm sharing a story that started with an unexpected flood of Instagram messages after Martin Luther King Jr. Day and led me to think more deeply about cancel culture, leadership, and the impossible standards we often place on one another. It made me realize how quick we can be to expect perfection from the people we admire, while forgetting that every person who has made a meaningful impact on the world has also been deeply flawed. Together, we explore why it's possible to respect someone's contributions without endorsing every decision they've ever made, why curiosity is more valuable than assumption, and how demanding perfection ultimately shuts down honest conversations. If we believe imperfect people can change the world, then we also have to make room for imperfect dialogue, extending the same grace to others that we hope to receive ourselves. Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarvFollow on Facebook @jobsofthewestCheck out the Of The West website Resources & Links: Join The Directory Of The WestGet our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job DescriptionGet our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your InternshipGet our FREE resource: 10 Resume Mistakes (and how to fix them)Get our FREE resource: How to Avoid the 7 Biggest Hiring Mistakes Employers MakeEmail us at [email protected] to Of The West's ⁠NewslettersList your jobs on ⁠Of The West Mentioned in this episode: Click below to buy your Ag + Western Career Blueprint (Code: LEADERS): Ag + Western Career Blueprint