𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Cat Hoth and Anne Landers from Junior Achievement of Arizona to explore Money in Motion, a mobile financial-literacy simulation built specifically for rural and tribal communities. This hands-on experience brings budgeting, critical thinking, and real-world decision-making directly to students—from 3rd grade all the way through high school.
Cat and Anne detail how the simulation travels to even the most remote communities to deliver an immersive lesson on managing money, navigating wants vs. needs, planning for adulthood, and understanding future careers. They also share stories of student “aha!” moments, community partnerships, volunteer involvement, workforce implications, and what they hope the long-term impact will be for rural learners.
This episode is a rich look at how one mobile program is sparking real conversations around money, opportunity, and the “rural advantage” of tight-knit communities rallying behind their schools.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Introduction to Financial Literacy for Rural Families
02:13 Meet the Experts: Kat and Ann's Journey with Junior Achievement
04:59 The Impact of Hands-On Financial Education
10:28 A Day in the Life: Money in Motion Simulation
18:03 Adapting Financial Literacy for Different Age Groups
26:53 Impact of Financial Literacy Programs on Schools
27:29 Heartwarming Feedback from Schools and Families
29:31 Building on a Strong Foundation
30:44 Long-term Benefits and Strategic Partnerships
33:41 Challenges of Serving Rural and Tribal Communities
39:22 Community Engagement and Volunteer Impact
43:09 Connecting Financial Literacy to Workforce Development
46:15 How to Bring Financial Literacy Programs to Your School
51:01 The Rural Advantage and Final Thoughts
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This episode highlights how immersive, real-world financial literacy can transform the way rural and tribal students understand their futures. Through JA’s Money in Motion, kids practice budgeting, evaluating needs vs. wants, planning for families, and envisioning career paths—all within their own school gym.
Cat and Anne remind us that rural communities have a unique advantage: deep relationships, strong community bonds, and the agility to innovate quickly. When these strengths meet real-world learning experiences, powerful things happen for students.
Whether you’re a rural educator, school leader, or community partner, this conversation offers inspiration and practical insight into bringing relevant, meaningful financial education to your students.

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this powerful conversation, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Alissa Hanrahan, principal in Chattooga County Schools (GA), to get real about what school safety actually looks like in rural districts today.
Alissa takes us far beyond hardware, handbooks, and compliance checklists. She opens the door to the daily culture work of safety—emotional intelligence, self-regulation, relationship capital, simple routines, and clear communication that holds when the pressure is highest.
Together, they explore threat assessment practices, mental health realities, crisis-ready routines, partnerships that fill resource gaps, and the emotional load leaders carry long after the event is over. If you're a rural school leader—or love someone who is—this episode is a must-listen.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Introduction to Rural School Leadership
01:35 Alyssa Hanrahan's Journey into School Safety
03:36 Building Relationships for School Safety
04:51 Effective School Safety Practices
10:08 Challenges in Rural School Safety
12:13 Addressing Mental Health in Rural Schools
19:09 The Role of Emotional Intelligence in Crisis Management
22:31 Innovative Partnerships for Student Support
26:07 Evolving Understanding of Emotional Intelligence
27:52 Gathering and Acting on Feedback
28:41 Modeling Calm and Clarity for Safety
30:27 Identifying and Mitigating Risks
33:26 Effective Communication During Crises
35:42 Designing and Messaging Drills
37:23 Reunification Plans and Challenges
40:14 Maximizing Safety Dollars
42:35 Indicators of a Safe School Culture
45:06 Emerging Trends and Risks
48:52 The Rural Advantage
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This episode with Alissa Hanrahan offers a grounded, inside look at the real work of school safety in rural communities. Rather than focusing on equipment alone, Alissa pushes us toward the systems and habits that create security long before a crisis—relationships, emotional regulation, clear structures, human-centered partnerships, and honest feedback.
Her message is clear: 𝑹𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒂𝒇𝒆𝒕𝒚 𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒖𝒊𝒍𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒔𝒎𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒎𝒐𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔, 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒂𝒍𝒎 𝒓𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒆𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒖𝒍𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒆 𝒅𝒂𝒚. 𝑨𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒄𝒆𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝒓𝒖𝒓𝒂𝒍 𝒅𝒊𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒕𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒚 𝒃𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒎𝒊𝒕𝒆𝒅, 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒔𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒕𝒓𝒆𝒏𝒈𝒕𝒉, 𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒖𝒊𝒕𝒚, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝒅𝒆𝒑𝒕𝒉 𝒓𝒆𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒏 𝒖𝒏𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉𝒆𝒅.
If you’re revising your safety plan, leading in a rural place, or supporting someone who is, this conversation is a powerful guide to building a culture that holds on your worst day.

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this inspiring episode of The Rural Scoop, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Beth Benedix, a professor emerita, nonprofit founder, and producer of the documentary North Putnam. Together, they explore the intersection of rural schools, community identity, and the transformative power of storytelling.
Beth shares the surprising journey that led her into filmmaking, how her nonprofit The Castle shaped the documentary’s approach, and why North Putnam School District became the heart of this story. She reflects deeply on rural dynamics, culture building, the importance of relationship-driven education, and why rural communities hold powerful advantages in today’s polarized climate.
Whether you're a rural educator, community leader, or advocate, this conversation offers practical insight, hope, and a blueprint for strengthening school–community partnerships.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Introduction to The Rural Scoop
01:38 Meet Beth Benedicts: Educator, Author, and Film Producer
01:49 The Inspiration Behind the Documentary
04:59 Choosing North Putnam: A Case Study Approach
07:12 Beth's Rural Community Experience
10:24 Surprises and Insights from Filming
13:31 Interdependence of Schools and Communities
19:14 Culture Building in Rural Schools
22:24 Defying Deficit Narratives in Rural Education
27:23 Practical Impact and Action Steps
32:34 The Castle's Mission and Partnerships
45:09 Hope for the Future of Rural Education
46:46 The Rural Advantage: Relationships and Community
48:37 Conclusion and Call to Action
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This episode reminds us that rural schools are not isolated institutions—they are community epicenters. Through Beth’s experiences producing North Putnam, we see how intentional relationships, authentic storytelling, and asset-based thinking can shift narratives about rural education.
Listeners are encouraged to take this episode back to their teams and ask:
“What would it look like for our town to show up for its kids in new ways this year?”
Then choose just one step—and begin.
Rural advantage is not geography.
It’s belonging, shared responsibility, and the everyday decision to see each student clearly.
𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐁𝐞𝐭𝐡 & 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞:
Beth’s LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-benedix-48a4948/
The Castle
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecastlearts/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecastlearts/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.castle.community/
Website: https://www.castlearts.org/
The Stories from North Putnam
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551043263950
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_stories_from_north_putnam/

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with Shelly Munoz, STEM Curriculum Coordinator for Brainerd Public Schools, to explore what real, meaningful STEM looks like in a rural community. Shelly shares how her district builds coherent STEM pathways from elementary through high school, creates community-embedded learning, engages families, designs programs around equity, and fosters true systems thinking without relying on huge budgets or flashy gadgets.
From fish anatomy projects on tribal lands, to 3D-printed lures tested with local fishing guides, to welding, aviation, robotics, forestry, digital literacy, and place-based STEM collaborations—Shelly reveals how rural schools can activate the resources they already have to create rigorous, joyful, hands-on learning that connects directly to real careers and community needs.
She also breaks down:
- How to start a STEM program next month with minimal resources
- What mistakes and “flops” look like and how to turn them into growth
- How to bring families into STEM
- Why early exposure matters (especially before Grade 5)
- The power of teacher collaboration as the number-one systems lever
- How rural strengths—creativity, innovation, problem-solving, and heart—create a unique advantage
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Welcome to The Rural Scoop
00:53 Introducing Shelly Munoz, STEM Curriculum Coordinator
02:26 Defining STEM and Addressing Equity in Rural Communities
04:39 Building Coherent STEM Systems and Early Wins
07:04 The Fishing & 3D-Printed Lure Project: Place-Based STEM in Action
08:57 Shelly’s Journey from Classroom Teacher to STEM Leader
12:04 Innovating in Rural Settings and Embracing Lifelong Learning
13:47 Overcoming Resistance and Supporting Teacher Confidence
15:55 Bringing Rigor to Hands-On STEM Learning
18:14 Partnering with Community Organizations and Local Experts
21:00 Recognizing Teachers as the Backbone of STEM Programs
22:48 Navigating Flops, Failures, and Design Iteration
23:57 Starting a STEM Program with Minimal Resources
26:22 Engaging Families Through STEM Nights and Take-Home Kits
30:14 Equity by Design: Ensuring Families Can Participate
31:58 Mapping STEM Pathways from K–12 to Careers
34:44 Building Industry Partnerships for Student Opportunities
38:12 The Importance of Early STEM Exposure Before Grade 5
40:09 Choosing the Most Important System Lever: Teacher Collaboration
41:45 Identifying Who’s Missing in the Room
44:22 If Given $5,000: High-Impact, Place-Based STEM Projects
46:57 Celebrating Teachers and Starting STEM Programs Small
48:36 Shelly’s Definition of the Rural Advantage
50:14 Closing Reflections and How to Connect with Shelly
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This episode highlights how rural communities already have the raw materials—literally and figuratively—to build powerful STEM programs that connect learning to local industries, natural resources, traditions, and opportunities. Shelly Munoz shows that with intentionality, collaboration, and community partnerships, schools can create rigorous, joyful, and equitable STEM experiences without needing enormous budgets.
The conversation encourages listeners to examine:
- Who is (and isn’t) included in STEM
- How place-based prompts could unlock deeper learning
- How to map curiosity to credentials to real local jobs
- How to build pathways that help students return home and reinvest in their communities
Rural advantage isn’t theoretical—it’s hands-on, community-centered, and deeply human. This episode inspires leaders and educators to start exactly where they are and create STEM that grows from the ground their students stand on.

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this inspiring episode, Dr. Melissa Sadorf welcomes Jayme Braida, principal of Columbus Elementary in Southern Iowa and the 2024 Iowa Elementary Principal of the Year. Jayme shares her deeply personal story — from growing up in a small rural community marked by both strong connections and generational trauma, to leading a school that embodies belonging, purpose, and hope.
Through authenticity and resilience, Jayme illustrates how intentional leadership, community engagement, and a trauma-informed mindset can transform rural education. From her memoir Seen, Heard, Valued: One Child’s Journey from Overlooked to Outstanding to her advocacy for equity, inclusion, and teacher wellbeing, Jayme reminds us that excellence in rural schools isn’t about resources — it’s about relationships.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Welcome to The Rural Scoop
00:48 Introducing Principal Jayme Braida
02:20 Growing Up Rural and Finding Purpose
05:12 Overcoming Trauma and Building Resilience
08:27 The Teacher Who Believed in Me
12:34 Journey from Teacher to Rural Principal
15:40 Returning Home to Serve the Community
18:02 Balancing Leadership and Small-Town Life
20:45 Lessons for New Rural Leaders
23:19 The Challenge of Change and Mindset Shifts
26:48 Building Equity and Representation in Schools
30:07 Addressing Poverty, Trauma, and Resource Gaps
33:41 Funding, Policy, and Rural Realities
36:10 Family Engagement and School as Community Hub
39:28 Creating Positive School Culture with Capturing Kids’ Hearts
42:04 Celebrating Teachers and Building Staff Morale
44:25 Sharing the Story of Rural Excellence
45:42 The Rural Advantage and Closing Reflections
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
Jayme Braida’s story is a powerful reminder that leadership in rural schools is both personal and purposeful. Her journey from a child overcoming adversity to an award-winning principal underscores the power of connection, intentionality, and community pride. As Dr. Sadorf concludes, “The rural advantage isn’t just a phrase — it’s a promise.”

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode of The Rural Scoop, host Melissa Sadorf sits down with Will Westmoreland, a Missouri farmer, rural storyteller, and founder of The Back 40 — a platform dedicated to elevating rural voices and driving practical solutions for rural communities.
Will shares how his journey from TikTok advocate to national rural organizer led to initiatives like “Save the Heartland”, which brings real rural stories to Washington, D.C. Their conversation dives deep into rural education, healthcare, agricultural policy, and how storytelling can bridge the divide between policy and lived experience.
Together, they explore the importance of advocacy, collaboration, and the power of personal stories to inspire change — while reminding listeners that rural America’s strength lies in its people and their shared commitment to community.

𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Welcome to The Rural Scoop
00:27 Introducing guest Will Westmoreland, founder of The Back 40
01:15 Will’s background — growing up on his grandparents’ Missouri farm
02:00 The origins of The Back 40 and what inspired it
03:05 Launching a TikTok presence and building a following
04:25 Creating Save the Heartland and its goals
05:32 The three focus areas: healthcare, education, and ag policy
06:47 Challenges facing rural healthcare funding
08:10 How healthcare issues affect rural education
09:22 The impact of voucher programs on small rural schools
10:30 Why advocacy from rural communities matters
11:47 Turning local stories into national awareness
13:12 Preparing to meet with policymakers in Washington, D.C.
14:36 How to tell rural stories that connect with urban policymakers
16:10 The power of personal stories in advocacy
18:03 Future plans: newsletters, local events, and ongoing partnerships
19:24 Encouraging civic participation and community dialogue
20:48 Guidance for new and bipartisan lawmakers
22:15 Why funding education fairly matters
23:47 Creative collaboration between rural and urban schools
26:04 How teacher-sharing and incentives can strengthen rural education
27:56 Linking healthcare access and school vitality
30:10 How healthcare shortages drive migration from rural towns
31:45 The ripple effect on local schools and communities
33:02 Schools as community centers — the heart of rural life
34:28 Supporting rural students entering the workforce
36:00 Handling difficult community conversations
37:20 The importance of storytelling and local role models
39:00 Will’s personal story: debate tournaments and community support
41:18 What ag policy means for rural economies
43:00 Tariffs, trade, and the impact on farmers and food supply
45:20 Why agricultural struggles affect everyone
46:55 Simple steps listeners can take to advocate for rural issues
48:42 Encouraging local leadership and engagement
49:55 How to get involved with Save the Heartland
50:30 Defining the “Rural Advantage”
52:05 Melissa’s closing reflections on rural schools and communities
53:40 Will’s tribute to teachers and his grandmother’s influence
54:30 Closing thanks and podcast sign-off

𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This conversation with Will Westmoreland captures the heart of rural America — where community, resilience, and storytelling spark real change. Will’s journey from farmer to advocate reminds us that rural issues aren’t political; they’re personal. Whether it’s saving hospitals, supporting teachers, or strengthening ag economies, progress starts when rural people tell their own stories and work together.

Learn more:
The Back 40: https://www.thebackfortyofficial.com/
Save the Heartland: https://www.savetheheartland.com/

𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode, Dr. Melissa Sadorf talks with Joseph “Sepp” Sprietsma about what it truly means to prepare rural students for the future of work — not just for jobs, but for purpose, belonging, and community impact.
Sepp shares stories from nearly 30 years of experience in Cochise County, Arizona, weaving together insights from education, workforce development, and community partnerships. Together, they explore how rural schools can build bridges between education and industry, align K–14 pathways, and create opportunities that keep talent thriving in local communities.
Listeners will come away with powerful examples of collaboration, frugal innovation, and hope for the future of Arizona’s rural workforce.
𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Welcome to The Rural Scoop
00:53 Introducing Joseph SEPs, Freema
02:26 Personal Journey and Career Path
04:39 Connecting Education and Community
08:04 Innovative Projects and Partnerships
15:00 Career Pathways and STEM Initiatives
21:25 Leveraging Technology for Career Exploration
26:41 Economic Development and Community Collaboration
30:07 The Power of Cross-Sector Collaboration
30:41 Launching the Cochise County Healthcare Workforce Community Forum
31:08 Success Stories and Student Engagement
33:39 Challenges in Rural Education
34:45 Building Career Pathways in Rural Schools
36:30 The Importance of Community and Connection
38:01 Policy and Practice for Rural Schools
43:18 The Role of Data and Broadband in Rural Education
47:48 Hope and Innovation in Rural Communities
50:24 Conclusion: The Rural Advantage
𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This conversation highlights how intentional alignment between education, industry, and community can redefine the rural advantage. As Dr. Sadorf reflects, career pathways aren’t just about workforce pipelines—they’re about dignity, belonging, and helping students see themselves as part of their community’s future.
Through Sepp’s stories of collaboration and innovation, we’re reminded that rural communities thrive when they invest in their people, build from their strengths, and lead with care and creativity.

Episode Summary:
In this episode, Dr. Melissa Sadorf sits down with education leader Monica Gilfillan to explore how rural schools can embrace artificial intelligence in a safe, ethical, and community-centered way. Monica, a former special education teacher turned edtech innovator, shares practical strategies for implementing AI that strengthen — not replace — the human relationships that define rural education.
Together, they discuss the concept of “walled gardens” for data safety, the importance of shared governance and teacher involvement, and how AI can ease educator workload while promoting creativity, personalization, and engagement. Monica also highlights real examples of community-driven AI initiatives and offers inspiring advice for rural leaders ready to take their first steps into the world of AI.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to AI in Rural Schools
01:52 Meet Monica Gillin: From Educator to AI Advocate
03:01 Safety First: Implementing AI with Guardrails
04:28 Practical AI Integration: Reducing Teacher Burden
07:25 Ethical AI Use: Questions Educators Should Ask
09:02 AI as a Thought Partner: Enhancing Teacher Creativity
12:32 Family and Community Engagement with AI
16:34 AI Tools for Efficiency in Rural Schools
18:35 Building a Shared Vision for AI Use
26:17 The Rural Advantage: Relationships and Community
29:13 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Closing Summary:
This episode reminds us that technology should never replace the heart of rural education—it should strengthen it. Monica Gilfillan shows how rural schools can lead with safety, collaboration, and compassion when adopting AI. By keeping relationships at the center and giving educators, families, and students a shared voice, rural communities can turn AI into a bridge between innovation and belonging.