Leaders Of The West Podcast By Jessie Jarvis cover art

Leaders Of The West

Leaders Of The West

By: Jessie Jarvis
Listen for free

About this listen

Welcome to Leaders Of The West, a podcast for innovators and change-makers in the ag and western industries. Hosted by Jessie Jarvis, the Founder of Of The West, our mission with Leaders Of The West is to foster a community of pioneers, innovators, and leaders who want to be at the forefront of what’s next. Whether it’s a guest episode where we’re digging into the blueprints behind our favorite industry businesses, discussing the innovation and strategies that have allowed family farming and ranching operations to continue on for another generation, to episodes with honest conversations from entrepreneurs who have risked it all on their dreams, or leaders detailing how to create a company culture so strong that you couldn’t pay your employees to leave … These conversations are meant to encourage the leaders of today and inspire the next generation of trailblazers. In addition to bringing in guests, you’ll also find some solo episodes, where Jessie shares the lessons she’s learned throughout her journey as a rancher, entrepreneur, wife, and mother. Whether you’re a farmer, a rancher, an equine lover, someone headed up the leadership ladder, an ag business owner, a western sports athlete, an entrepreneur, or someone who just loves the western way of life—this is the place for you. You’ll find new episodes, right here, every week. Don’t forget to hit subscribe, so you never miss a show. Let’s go! Website: http://app.ofthewest.co Instagram: @ofthewest.co Instagram: @mrsjjarv Facebook: @jobsofthewest2023 Career Success Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • 106. The Cattle Industry on a Global Scale: A Conversation with PJ Budler
    Jun 3 2025
    This week, I’m joined by PJ Budler—cattleman, international livestock judge, and passionate advocate for balance in the cattle industry. PJ brings a fascinating global lens to our conversation, having judged over 100 breeds in 50 countries. From his early beginnings in South Africa to his current work across the U.S. and beyond, PJ shares what he’s learned about the importance of adapted, functional cattle and the impact of decentralization on rural communities. We talk about the difference between chasing trends and building generational operations, why average cattle are actually the backbone of the industry, and how the U.S. can lead globally by focusing on adaptability and trade. PJ’s philosophy of holding the middle and his advocacy for family farms make this conversation one you don’t want to miss—especially if you care about the long-term sustainability of agriculture. Resources & Links: Man Must Measure by Jan Bonsma Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Join the Of The West ⁠Email List⁠ ⁠List your jobs⁠⁠ on Of The West Connect with PJ: Follow on Instagram @pjbudler Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    49 mins
  • 105. From Apple Seed to Slice: Kait Thornton’s Story
    May 27 2025
    This week’s episode features Apple Girl Kait, also known as Kaitlyn Thornton, a fourth-generation orchardist who’s using her voice to bridge the gap between agriculture and the everyday consumer. Kait shares how selling apricots as a teenager sparked her love for marketing, storytelling, and educating others about life on the farm. From misconceptions about pesticides and labor to questions as simple as “do apples grow on trees?”, Kait has made a name for herself by answering it all with honesty, humor, and heart. We talk about the power of showing up online, why agriculture needs to start playing offense in the digital space, and what leadership looks like in this new era of advocacy. Kait’s approachable style and willingness to share both her knowledge and curiosity remind us that we don’t need to be experts — we just need to be willing to tell our stories. Whether you're in ag or not, this episode will leave you inspired to speak up, support others, and find meaning in the work you do. Resources & Links: The Mel Robbins Podcast Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Join the Of The West Email List List your jobs on Of The West Connect with Kait: Follow on LinkedIn @kaitlynthornton Follow on Instagram @applegirlkait Follow on TikTok @apple.girl.kait Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    41 mins
  • 104. Burnout, Boundaries & Becoming a Better Leader: A Conversation with Sammie McCracken
    May 20 2025
    This week’s episode is a deep and honest conversation with Sammie McCracken, founder of Buckskin Rowe, equine sports marketing expert, and all-around inspiring woman. Sammie brings the realness we all need when it comes to navigating burnout, balancing (or not balancing) business and motherhood, and leading a team with empathy. We talk about how burnout can sneak in without warning, especially for high achievers, and what it actually looks like to recognize it in yourself and your team. Sammie shares her personal story of building a business, hiring the right people, and choosing growth over perfection. You’ll hear us dive into leadership, team dynamics, and the importance of checking in, on others and on ourselves. Resources & Links: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert The Creative Act: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin Born to Run by Christopher McDougall Huberman Lab Podcast Lex Fridman Podcast Shawn Ryan Show The Joe Rogan Experience Dr. Christina Maslach Dr. Michael Leiter Loom Join The Directory Of The West Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship Email us at hello@ofthewest.co Join the Of The West Email List List your jobs on Of The West Connect with Sammie: Follow on Instagram @buckskinrowe and @sammielmccracken Visit the Buckskin Rowe website Connect with Jessie: Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest Check out the Of The West website Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
    Show more Show less
    57 mins
adbl_web_global_use_to_activate_T1_webcro805_stickypopup
No reviews yet