Mary and Leah reflect on a gentle, much needed rain and how perspective shapes how we value it, from golfers to farmers. They discuss the importance of stepping outside personal silos to better understand others’ realities.

The conversation shifts to spring on the farm, including crop and tree concerns, and a joyful recap of a daughter’s birthday celebration filled with friendship, gratitude, and simple moments.

They explore traditions like small town baking, cottage food producers, and supporting local businesses, along with a deeper look into cattle management practices such as pelvic measuring and responsible breeding decisions.

A difficult story about livestock loss highlights the realities of animal husbandry and the dangers of mismatched breeding, leading into a broader discussion about social media behavior, online criticism, and the erosion of etiquette.

Mary and Leah emphasize the importance of respect, personal responsibility, and modeling good behavior, both online and in person. They share personal stories about kindness, manners, and raising children with strong values.

The episode takes a serious turn into concerns about artificial intelligence, including misuse of likeness and voice, misinformation, and the potential loss of human judgment and creativity. They question the long term societal impact and the balance between progress and ethics.

The episode closes with reflections on community, upcoming celebrations, and excitement for future podcast guests and stories from women in agriculture.

Topics Covered:

• Perspective and rural versus urban viewpoints
• Spring weather and farming updates
• Celebrations, family, and traditions
• Supporting local food producers
• Cattle health and breeding practices
• Social media culture and etiquette
• AI concerns and ethical challenges
• Community, connection, and storytelling

Planting season is underway and this episode opens with a real time snapshot of spring in the Midwest, from corn going in for next year’s silage to the rollercoaster of rain, frost, and greening fields.

Leah and Mary are joined by Brandy Von Holten, a Missouri based entrepreneur, horsewoman, and self described “shot of whiskey.” Brandy shares her journey from a tough upbringing to competing internationally as a heavyweight fighter, and how that drive for success shaped everything she does today.

The conversation covers:

• Spring planting updates and weather challenges across the region
• Brandy’s path from martial arts and Olympic dreams to life on a ranch
• Discovering horses early in life and returning to them with purpose in her 30s
• Building a multi faceted business including mounted archery, clinics, events, and agritourism
• Creating community through programs like Chicks in the Sticks and Country Tough Trail Versatility
• The realities of running a rural business including insurance, marketing, and wearing all the hats
• Advocacy for women, especially those rediscovering themselves later in life
• Health, strength, and longevity, from ice baths to fitness accountability
• Handling criticism online and creating safe, supportive digital spaces
• The impact of showing up authentically and inspiring others to change their lives

Brandy also shares her passion for writing children’s books with agricultural life lessons, her plans to grow the horse industry in Missouri, and her belief in turning hard chapters into powerful stories.

This episode is a mix of grit, humor, honesty, and motivation for anyone building a life on their own terms.

Find Brandy online at her website and on social media under Brandy Von Holten, author, speaker, instructor.

For more from Leah and Mary, visit gritandgraceandtheheartland.com

Until next time, keep showing up with grit and grace.

Mary and Leah catch up during a hectic spring in the Midwest, sharing updates on unpredictable weather, calving season, and the realities of rural life. They reflect on everything from late snow and drought concerns to the emotional weight of graduation season and shifting family roles.

This episode features a thoughtful conversation with Amy Blum, a South Dakota rancher, writer, and mother of four. Amy shares her journey into agriculture, her transition from nonprofit work to full-time ranch life, and how her role has evolved over the years. She opens up about raising kids in agriculture, preparing them to leave home, and the importance of letting them choose their own paths.

The discussion explores the challenges of multigenerational ranching, caring for aging parents, and navigating identity as both family and business partners. Amy also talks about her writing, how it began as a way to combat isolation, and why storytelling matters in agriculture.

Throughout the episode, themes of community, mental health, resilience, and connection take center stage. The conversation highlights the quiet strength of rural communities and the importance of supporting one another through both hardship and change.

Amy can be found online at The Writing Rancher on Facebook and at thoughtfullyamy.com.

As always, Mary and Leah close with encouragement for listeners in the thick of busy seasons and a reminder to carry both grit and grace.