Grit and Grace in the Heartland: Women In Agriculture

Rural Resilience with Michaela Gasseling

In this episode of Grit and Grace in the Heartland, Mary and Leah welcome Nebraska farm wife, healthcare professional, agriculture advocate, and writer Michaela Gasseling.
The conversation begins with a look at current drought conditions across Nebraska, including the ongoing challenges facing western Nebraska producers. Michaela shares firsthand insight into what her family and neighbors are experiencing as drought, wildfire recovery, and difficult agricultural decisions continue to impact daily life.
Michaela discusses her journey from growing up on a Nebraska farm to pursuing a career in healthcare, becoming an ultrasound technologist, and eventually returning to rural life after insisting she would never live on a farm again.
Topics in this episode include:
• Current drought conditions in western Nebraska and their impact on ranching and farming operations
• Feeding cattle through June due to lack of pasture and forage
• The realities of purchasing hay and making difficult management decisions during extreme drought
• Rural communities supporting one another through wildfire response and recovery
• Balancing multiple careers and responsibilities in agriculture
• Working in rural healthcare while also helping operate a family farm
• Why agricultural advocacy matters and the importance of hearing farming stories directly from farmers
Michaela also shares the remarkable story of a life-changing health crisis that unfolded shortly after the birth of her fourth child in 2020.
After months of severe headaches, hearing loss, and balance issues that were initially attributed to pregnancy, Michaela was diagnosed with a six-centimeter brain tumor just days after giving birth. She opens up about emergency brain surgery, recovery during the COVID era, and the incredible support she received from family, friends, and her rural community.
Additional topics include:
• Navigating trauma, recovery, and postpartum life simultaneously
• The importance of mental health support, counseling, and therapy
• Processing gratitude alongside grief and anger after a traumatic experience
• Why it is okay to acknowledge that something difficult happened even when the outcome was positive
• The challenges women face when balancing family, career, and agricultural responsibilities
• Letting go of expectations and defining fulfillment on your own terms
• Returning to healthcare work and rediscovering purpose outside the farm gate
This episode is an honest conversation about resilience, community, motherhood, mental health, and finding the courage to embrace the life that truly fits you.
Connect with Michaela
Facebook
Connect with Grit and Grace in the Heartland
Website: gritandgraceintheheartland.com
Facebook: Grit and Grace in the Heartland Women in Agriculture
Thank you for listening. Until next time, have some grit and grace.

Artificial Intelligence Meets the Heartland

In this episode of Grit and Grace in the Heartland, Mary and Leah begin with a seasonal check-in from the ranch and farm. From branding calves and wrapping up calving season to hopes for much-needed rainfall, they share a glimpse into late spring life in rural America.
The conversation then shifts to a topic Leah has wanted to tackle for a long time: artificial intelligence and the rapid expansion of AI data centers across the United States.
Growing up in agriculture, "AI" meant artificial insemination. Today, it means artificial intelligence, and both hosts have serious questions about how quickly AI infrastructure is expanding and what the long-term consequences may be.
Topics discussed include:
• The proposed PEACE Act in Oregon and concerns about its impact on agriculture and livestock production
• The growing number of AI data centers being built across the country
• Environmental concerns surrounding data centers, including water consumption, energy use, electronic waste, and noise pollution
• Erin Brockovich's involvement in tracking and raising awareness about data center development
• Questions surrounding local control, zoning regulations, and whether communities truly have a voice in approving large projects
• The strain that data centers may place on water resources, especially in regions dependent on aquifers
• The potential costs of infrastructure upgrades and who ultimately pays for them
• Privacy concerns related to AI, data collection, and the storage of personal information
• The growing use of AI in customer service, healthcare, and other industries
• Frustrations with automated systems that replace human interaction
• The impact of technology on jobs, social connection, and community life
• Whether convenience has come at a greater cost than many people realize
Mary and Leah reflect on how technology has changed daily life, from online shopping and digital medical records to automated customer service systems. While both acknowledge the benefits that technology can provide, they challenge listeners to consider the environmental, economic, and social costs that may accompany these advances.
The episode closes with a broader discussion about innovation, unintended consequences, and whether society is asking enough questions before embracing major technological changes.
Questions for Listeners
• What role should local communities have in approving large-scale data center projects?
• Are the conveniences of AI worth the environmental and infrastructure costs?
• How comfortable are you with the amount of personal information stored digitally?
• Have automated systems improved your life, or made everyday tasks more frustrating?
• What technologies have genuinely improved your quality of life, and which ones have not?
Thank you for listening to Grit and Grace in the Heartland. If this conversation resonated with you, share the episode with a friend and continue the discussion in your own community.

Always Trust the Dog

In this heartfelt episode of Grit and Grace in the Heartland, Mary and Leah begin with a conversation about summer weather, humidity, mosquitoes, ticks, and the unique challenges that come with rural life. As often happens between friends, the discussion turns to dogs, their personalities, quirks, and the special roles they play in our lives.
The centerpiece of this episode is a loving tribute to Augustus, known as Gus, the longtime ranch dog who recently passed away at age 14. Leah shares the story of how Gus joined the family during a difficult season, his remarkable work ethic as a 5H composite stock dog, and the unforgettable bond he formed with her father and the entire ranch family.
Listeners will hear stories about:
The unique intelligence and instincts of working dogs
The differences between companion dogs and stock dogs
Gus's endless energy as a young dog and his evolution into a trusted ranch hand
The special relationship between dogs, livestock, and the people who care for them
The challenges of aging pets and making compassionate end of life decisions
The important role veterinarians play in helping families through difficult moments
Why choosing the right dog for your family and lifestyle matters
The joy, responsibility, and heartbreak that come with loving animals
Mary and Leah also reflect on their own experiences with dogs, from puppies and rescue animals to working ranch dogs, and discuss the lessons these loyal companions teach us about love, grief, responsibility, and family.
This episode is a reminder that while our time with beloved pets is never long enough, the memories they leave behind become part of the fabric of our lives.
Memorable Takeaways
"Always trust the dog."
"Dogs are dogs. They all have their own personalities, quirks, and jobs to do."
"When it's done correctly, their last memories are of you."
"Loving something is a risk. It's worth it."
In Memory of Gus
A devoted ranch dog, faithful companion, gentle family member, and the best boy.
Thank you for listening. Have some grit and grace.
grace.

Finding Strength on the Farm with That Fit Agvocate

Episode Show Notes: The Fit Advocate with Andrea
This week, Mary and Leah welcome Andrea, better known online as That Fit Agvocate, for a conversation about agriculture, fitness, mental health, family farming, and finding purpose when life takes an unexpected turn.
The episode begins with a discussion about much-needed rainfall across parts of Nebraska and Minnesota, along with reflections on drought, gratitude, wildlife, and the emotional impact of receiving blessings that are completely beyond our control.
Andrea shares her journey from growing up in rural Minnesota with dreams of becoming a large animal veterinarian to facing the disappointment of not being accepted into veterinary school. What felt like a devastating setback ultimately led her toward a new path that combined her passion for agriculture, fitness, and education.
Today, Andrea works alongside her family on a diversified farm that includes cow-calf cattle, a feedlot, corn, and soybeans. She also runs a successful online fitness coaching business focused primarily on women in agriculture and rural communities.
Topics discussed in this episode include:
• The challenges of getting into veterinary school and the growing shortage of large animal veterinarians across rural America
• How personal setbacks can create unexpected opportunities
• Building a social media platform that educates consumers about modern agriculture
• Working successfully in a multi-generational family farming operation
• Finding strengths within a family business and allowing each person to focus on what they do best
• Balancing entrepreneurship with life on the farm
• Functional fitness for farmers and ranchers
• The connection between physical health, mental health, and resilience
• Managing stress during difficult agricultural seasons
• Creating supportive communities for women in agriculture
• The importance of maintaining hobbies, interests, and identities beyond the farm
• Helping consumers reconnect with agriculture and understand where their food comes from
• New efforts to bring people onto the farm through pumpkin patches, flower fields, and educational experiences
Andrea also shares why helping women become stronger, healthier, and more confident is about much more than exercise. Her work focuses on creating longevity, improving quality of life, and providing tools to navigate the unique stresses that come with rural living and agricultural careers.
Throughout the conversation, Mary, Leah, and Andrea explore the importance of community, connection, and telling agriculture's story in an authentic way.
Connect with Andrea
You can find Andrea, That Fit Agvocate, on:
• Instagram
• Facebook
• YouTube
• TikTok
Search for "That Fit Agvocate" on your favorite platform to follow her farming, fitness, and advocacy journey.
Memorable Moments
"Sometimes life is weird. You pray, you ask, you hope for a blessing, something that you need. When it's a gift given to you that you couldn't pay for, and it's just given to you and you receive it, the feelings of gratitude are overwhelming."
"Your health is your wealth."
"We need all of us healthy and able."
"People want to be connected to where their food comes from."
Thank you for listening to Grit and Grace in the Heartland.
Until next time, have some grit and grace.

In the Kitchen with This Farm Girl Cooks

This week, Mary and Leah welcome Deanne, creator of This Farm Girl Cooks, for a heartfelt conversation about food, family, farming, and finding joy in the kitchen.
Deanne shares her journey from growing up in a small farm town to becoming a farm wife in northern Illinois, raising four children, helping on the family farm, and building a successful food platform that inspires thousands of home cooks. Together, the ladies discuss everything from favorite comfort foods and family recipes to the realities of farm life, meal planning, and preserving connections through shared meals.
The conversation explores how cooking can nourish more than just our bodies. Food brings people together, preserves traditions, and creates lasting memories. Deanne also shares practical insights for busy families who want to cook more at home without feeling overwhelmed.
In This Episode
Spring weather updates from Nebraska and Minnesota
Wildflowers, Dame's Rocket, and roadside blooms
Favorite desserts and comfort foods, including carrot cake and cheesecake
Why food is about more than nourishment
Deanne's journey into farm life and agriculture
Learning to drive tractors and grain carts as an adult
The importance of documenting farm procedures and passing on knowledge
Simple meal planning strategies for busy families
How social media has changed food content and recipe sharing
Raising children who know how to cook
The value of authenticity in both farming and food creation
Challenges facing today's farm families
The future of family farms and agricultural advocacy
Memorable Takeaways
"Food nourishes more than our bodies. It nourishes our spirit, builds community, and creates connection."
"Doing something is better than doing nothing. Cooking does not have to be perfect."
"Get a few meals in your pocket that you feel good about making and build from there."
"Food heals, nourishes, and brings people together."
Resources Mentioned
This Farm Girl Cooks
Meals in Motion cookbook
From Table to Tailgate cookbook
4-H Youth Development Programs
Connect with Deanne
Follow Deanne online at This Farm Girl Cooks across social media platforms and visit her website for recipes, cooking inspiration, and information about her cookbooks.
Connect with Grit and Grace in the Heartland
Facebook: Grit and Grace in the Heartland Women in Agriculture
Website: GritAndGraceInTheHeartland.com
Thank you for joining us for another episode of Grit and Grace in the Heartland. Until next time, have some grit and grace.

From Feedyards to Farm to Fork: McKenzie’s Story

In this episode of Grit and Grace in the Heartland, Mary and Leah welcome McKenzie of Arrow M Cattle Company for a wide ranging conversation about ranching, cattle production, consumer education, social media advocacy, and resilience after a life changing accident.
The episode begins with a discussion about the end of the school year, gardening season, and the challenges of weather across the Midwest and Great Plains. From frost damaged cucumber plants in Minnesota to drought concerns in Nebraska, Mary and Leah share what is happening on their farms and ranches.
McKenzie then joins the conversation and shares her journey into agriculture. Raised in North Mississippi in a multi generation cattle family, she earned a degree in beef cattle production from Mississippi State University before heading west to begin her career in the cattle industry. Her path took her through feedyard management with JBS Five Rivers, heifer development programs in Oklahoma, and eventually to building her own direct to consumer beef business through Arrow M Cattle Company.
Topics discussed in this episode include:
• Growing up in a cattle family and learning from generations of producers
• Working in commercial cattle feeding and the lessons learned from experienced cattlemen
• Why feedyards are located in certain regions of the country
• The growth of direct to consumer beef sales and the rise of consumer interest in where food comes from
• Common misconceptions about beef production and cattle management
• Bridging the gap between producers and consumers through education
• Using research and science based information to answer questions about cattle care
• The importance of respectful conversations within agriculture
• Challenges facing ranch labor and agricultural employment
• The value of mentorship and lifelong learning in the cattle industry
• Women in agriculture and navigating traditionally male dominated spaces
• The role social media can play in educating both producers and consumers
McKenzie also shares the story of a devastating horse related accident that resulted in severe facial injuries and a traumatic brain injury. She discusses her recovery journey, advocating for her own medical care, and the creative writing projects that have become part of her healing process.
Throughout the conversation, Leah highlights Mczkenzie's ability to create meaningful discussions around difficult industry topics while helping producers feel seen, heard, and represented.
Connect with McKenzie
Follow Arrow M Cattle Company on Facebook for educational content, cattle industry discussions, ranch life updates, and information about direct to consumer beef sales.
Connect with Grit and Grace in the Heartland
Follow Grit and Grace in the Heartland Women in Agriculture on Facebook and visit GritAndGraceInTheHeartland.com for more episodes, stories, and conversations celebrating rural life, agriculture, and the women who help sustain it.
Thank you for listening. Until next time, have some grit and grace.

Growing Food, Growing Faith, and Protecting Farmland with Amanda Wells

This week, Mary and Leah welcome Amanda Wells of Wesley Wells Farm in St. Augustine, Florida for a heartfelt conversation about agriculture, family farming, food education, and preserving farmland in the face of rapid development.
Amanda shares how her family accidentally launched a thriving you-pick farm during 2020, and how that unexpected beginning became a mission to reconnect families with where their food comes from.
From potatoes hidden underground to children discovering fresh tomatoes straight from the vine, this episode explores the powerful impact of hands-on agricultural education and why protecting family farms matters now more than ever.
The conversation also dives into:
Florida agriculture and the importance of protecting working farmland
Raising the fourth generation on a family farm
Homeschooling, farm life, and raising six children in agriculture
The surprising number of adults who do not know how potatoes grow
Farm camps and educational experiences for children
CSA boxes, local food systems, and supporting small farmers
Urban sprawl and the loss of agricultural land
Women leading the future of agriculture
Faith, family, and planting both food and gospel seeds
Amanda also shares details about the summer activities happening at Wesley Wells Farm, including farm camp, open play days, and exciting new animals arriving soon.
Memorable Moments
“People don’t even know where their food comes from.”
“Once farmland is developed, you can never turn it back.”
“We don’t just want to plant things in the garden. We want to plant seeds in people’s hearts.”
“Freshly dug potatoes feel like an Easter egg hunt.”
“Little ripples make big waves.”
About Our Guest
Amanda Wells is a Florida farmer, homeschool mom, and agricultural educator helping families reconnect with farming through Wesley Wells Farm. Alongside her husband and children, she grows potatoes, vegetables, flowers, beef, pork, and more while creating meaningful educational experiences for children and families.
Connect with Wesley Wells Farm
Website: wesleywellsfarm.com
Follow along on social media:
Facebook
Instagram
YouTube
TikTok
Listener Love
This episode also celebrates the growing impact of Grit and Grace in the Heartland. Leah shares a touching story from former guest Brandy Von Holten, whose appearance on the podcast directly led to new workshop signups and community connections.
Thank you to every listener who continues supporting rural voices, family farms, and meaningful conversations.
Until Next Time
Thank you for listening to Grit and Grace in the Heartland.
Until next time, have some grit and grace.

Hard Conversations in the Heartland

In this episode of Grit and Grace in the Heartland, Mary and Leah dive into two major issues impacting rural America, agriculture, conservation, and civic engagement.
The conversation begins with spring on the prairie, asparagus patches, rhubarb harvests, wild morels, and the deep connection rural families have to the land and their food sources.
From there, the discussion turns toward two pressing topics:
Minnesota Boundary Waters Mining Debate
Mary shares concerns about the decision to overturn a decades long mining ban near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Topics discussed include:
Copper and nickel mining proposals near protected wilderness
Potential impacts on water quality and wildlife
Concerns over acid mine drainage
Tourism and outdoor recreation economies
The importance of preserving natural resources for future generations
How environmental decisions affect communities far beyond one state
The conversation also touches on the headwaters of the Mississippi River and the broader responsibility Americans share in protecting land and water resources.
Oregon PEACE Act and Agriculture Concerns
Leah explains the proposed PEACE Act initiative in Oregon and why many farmers and ranchers are concerned about its potential effects on agriculture and rural life.
Topics include:
Proposed restrictions involving livestock production
Concerns about hunting and fishing regulations
Artificial insemination in animal agriculture
The economic and emotional impacts on farm families
Outside funding and political influence
Fear of similar measures spreading to other states
Civic Engagement and Responsibility
Throughout the episode, Mary and Leah reflect on:
Low voter turnout and political disengagement
The importance of researching issues independently
Volunteering and community service
Respectful disagreement and critical thinking
Advocacy versus silence
Stewardship of land, water, and local communities
They also discuss the emotional weight of speaking publicly about controversial issues while trying to create space for thoughtful conversation rather than division.
Other Topics Mentioned
Wildfire concerns across the Midwest and Plains
Drought conditions affecting multiple states
Recycling and local environmental efforts
Mental health and public discourse
Multi generational community involvement
Gratitude, prayer, and finding hope during difficult times
Memorable Takeaways
“Water is life.”
“We don’t expect you to think like we do. We expect you to think.”
“Little ripples create big waves.”
“Be a good neighbor. Be a good citizen.”
Connect With Us
Thank you for listening to Grit and Grace in the Heartland. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend and continue the conversation in your own community.
Until next time, have some grit and grace.
 
 

Wildfire on the Ranch

In this deeply personal and powerful episode of Grit and Grace in the Heartland, Mary and Leah welcome Nebraska rancher Naomi Loomis of Circle L Ranch to share the raw reality of surviving the devastating March 2026 wildfires in western Nebraska.
Before the conversation begins, Leah reflects on celebrating her 25th wedding anniversary while Mary shares thoughts on why podcasts resonate so deeply right now. Together they explore how people are craving authenticity, connection, and real stories in a world that often feels overly polished and filtered.
Naomi then takes listeners directly into the chaos of the wildfire that tore through her ranching community. She recounts the eerie weather conditions, the frantic scramble to protect livestock and property, the terrifying drive through smoke and flames, and the miraculous survival of their family home despite fire burning only feet away.
The conversation explores:
The emotional and financial toll of wildfire recovery
The uncertainty surrounding aid, insurance, and rebuilding
The realities of ranching during extreme drought conditions
PTSD in both humans and livestock after disaster
The heartbreaking work of caring for burned calves
Dry lotting cattle and managing herd survival
The importance of community support during crisis
The future of ranching families across the Great Plains
Naomi speaks candidly about the stress of rebuilding fencing, replacing hay, securing feed, and making impossible financial decisions while continuing daily ranch work. She also shares moving stories of neighbors arriving with help, donated hay from across the country, and the determination to rebuild stronger than before.
This episode is an honest portrait of resilience, faith, agriculture, and the people who continue to fight for rural America during unimaginable hardship.
Guest
Naomi LoomisCircle L RanchWestern Nebraska
In This Episode
Nebraska wildfire recovery
Ranch life during drought
Livestock emergency management
Community response after disaster
Faith and resilience in agriculture
The hidden costs of wildfire
Rural mental health and recovery
The future of family ranching
Follow and Connect
You can follow Naomi and the ongoing recovery efforts at Circle L Ranch on social media.
Find more episodes and updates from Grit and Grace in the Heartland:
Facebook: Grit and Grace in the Heartland
Website: gritandgraceintheheartland.com

Celebration Overload

In this heartfelt episode of Grit and Grace in the Heartland, Leah and Mary reflect on a whirlwind weekend packed with milestones, emotions, gratitude, and the realities of rural life.
The conversation begins on Nebraska primary election day with a reminder to appreciate poll workers and the importance of civic engagement. Leah shares about daughter Maggie casting her first ballot and the meaningful influence of teachers who encouraged students to register to vote.
The heart of the episode centers around Maggie’s graduation weekend. Leah recounts the joy and overwhelm of hosting a graduation party surrounded by family, neighbors, teachers, and lifelong community members. She reflects on learning to accept help and the blessing of having others step in so she could fully enjoy the celebration.
Graduation day itself was filled with emotional moments. Maggie, named salutatorian of her class, delivered a moving speech centered on kindness, gratitude, and appreciating life’s small moments. One of the most touching moments came when she honored her younger sister Lucy during the speech, bringing tears to nearly everyone in attendance. The ceremony also included a tradition where graduates present flowers to people who impacted their lives, creating another powerful moment of recognition and appreciation.
Leah and Mary discuss the value of humility, kindness, and teaching children to celebrate others. They talk candidly about the importance of giving and receiving compliments gracefully, overcoming scarcity mindsets, and the need to openly encourage and support one another.
The episode also touches on the realities of agricultural life during historic drought conditions. Leah shares honest concerns about the stress farmers and ranchers are carrying, the difficult decisions facing rural families, and the importance of caring for physical and mental health during hard seasons.
In a tender segment, Leah updates listeners about Peaches the barn cat and the loss of her kittens. The discussion turns reflective as they talk about life, death, resilience, and lessons passed down through generations of farming families.
Mary shares updates from her own homestead, including newly planted gardens, greenhouse progress, and the excitement of another growing season beginning.
Throughout the episode, themes of gratitude, resilience, community, motherhood, and finding beauty in both joyful and difficult moments shine through. The conversation closes with excitement about future podcast guests and continuing to share the stories of rural women across America.
Topics Discussed
Nebraska primary elections
Graduation celebrations and family traditions
Parenting and raising kind children
Community support in rural towns
Accepting compliments and generosity
Farming stress and drought conditions
Mental health in agriculture
The loss of Peaches’ kittens
Gardening and homesteading updates
Friendship, gratitude, and resilience
Memorable Moments
Maggie honoring Lucy during her salutatorian speech
Graduates presenting flowers to loved ones
Reflections on scarcity mindset and kindness
The emotional stories shared at Leah’s nephew’s graduation
The handcrafted wooden photo backdrop becoming an unexpected hit
Quote Highlights
“There’s always enough pie. There’s enough goodness. There’s enough clapping to go around.”
“Life happens in the small moments in between.”
“What you put out into the world does come back to you.”
“All worry does is steal tomorrow’s joy.”
Find More
Visit Grit and Grace in the Heartland for episodes, updates, and more stories from rural America.