Hosted by Aaron Alejandro, the Growing Our Future podcast is focused on strengthening agricultural science education in America so that students can develop their potential for personal growth, career success and leadership in a global marketplace. This show is sponsored by the Texas FFA Foundation. Learn more at https://mytexasffa.org/
Reading the feed…
A man sits quietly for a moment, then speaks about the weight of gratitude—not as sentiment, but as a choice. How to give thanks for futures not yet arrived, to see what hasn't happened and honor it as already real. The room holds that pause. That's where faith and gratitude meet. Tom Ziglar carries forward the legacy of his father, Zig Ziglar, one of the most influential motivational voices of the twentieth century. As CEO of Ziglar and key collaborator on his father's 30th book, Born to Win, Tom Ziglar embodies a profoundly simple philosophy: "You can have everything in life you want, if you
A car gets repossessed. A bank account empties. A choice gets made in desperation that becomes the hinge of everything that follows. Three sales that day. Decades forward from there, a $2 billion enterprise across five companies. This is what happens when someone learns to read the patterns that separate those who break through from those who don't. Billy Cox built his empire on a single discovery: success leaves fingerprints. In this conversation on Growing Our Future (FFA), he reveals the specific architecture behind sustainable growth—the daily skill deposits that compound, the clarity that
There's a moment when someone stops talking about success and starts living it so visibly that the room shifts. It happens quietly—not in grand statements, but in the way a person describes picking up trash from a factory floor at dawn, or remembering the name of the one employee who sweeps each morning. This is what happens when values aren't decorations on a wall; they're reflexes. Keith Mundee, president of American Hat Company since 2011, brings a legacy built on something larger than commerce—a cattle brand turned mantra, a symbol that means "positive times," and a commitment to the next
Author, speaker, and life coach Brad Lomenick sits down to discuss life strategies like the "who factor" people in life that encourage, equip, and empower. Be a positive catalyst in an organization and the importance of being humble, hungry, and full of hustle. We explore how gratitude beats entitlement, why access plus hustle changes careers, and how H3—humility, hunger, hustle—becomes a durable edge for students, educators, and leaders in agriculture. Brad shares the “who factor,” feedback loops, and the art of creating mile markers that last. • gratitude as a leader’s temperature setter • e
On this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, we have the chance to sit down with Kerri LeDoux, Executive Director of the Live Like Johnny Organization and mother to the late Johnny Callan. Kerri shares a heartfelt testimony of Johnny's life and the example he led. She shares his desire to help others and how the FFA became the vehicle for him to live his brand. At the time Johnny was a Ford Leadership Scholar and President of the Area IV FFA Association, Tyler Koch was the Leadership Development Coordinator. He shares the following about Johnny, "Johnny Callan wore the blue jacket like s
On this episode of Growing Our Future, host Aaron Alejandro welcomes Lorie Vincent, Founder & President of ACCELERATION by Design LLC. Lorie shares her inspiring journey from the Texas Panhandle to national leadership, her mission to empower rural communities, and why gratitude, collaboration, and bold vision are essential to growth. 🎥 In the video, Lorie shares her journey from growing up in the Texas Panhandle to leading efforts that empower rural communities nationwide. 💡 What you’ll learn:- Why gratitude is the foundation for building strong communities How listening and collaboration sp
Aaron Alejandro sits down with Kat Villarreal, an agricultural science teacher and FFA advisor in South Texas, to trace her journey from a non-farm kid to building a thriving IDEA Public Schools FFA program (now ~350 members). Kat shares how mentorship, grit, and student leadership took her chapter from zero to state-level achievements. What You’ll Learn • Three leadership skills Kat drills into students: confidence, responsibility, vulnerability • How to build a program from scratch in an urban, non-traditional ag setting • Why mentorship and access (college visits, contests, public speaking)
🎙️ On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, host Arron Alejandro sits down with Melissa Rosenbusch-Spicer, a lifelong educator and champion of agricultural science. 🌱 👩🏫 Melissa shares her journey from growing up in a family of ag teachers to shaping lives as a 29-year ag educator, and now carrying her passion into her work with Bloom for Good. ✨ What you’ll learn:- Why faith, family, and purpose are the foundation of lasting leadership. How agricultural education builds life skills that go far beyond the classroom. The leadership traits every student—and professional—should pra
In this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, host Aaron Alejandro sits down with Kade and Morgan Hodges, owners of Hodges Livestock, to share their inspiring journey from meeting in college to running a thriving family ranch. You’ll hear how they: ✅ Turned major setbacks—like losing half their leased land—into breakthrough opportunities ✅ Pivoted into innovative solar grazing with 1,300 sheep ✅ Built their business on faith, resilience, and creativity ✅ Lead with purpose as stewards of God’s creation 💡 What you’ll learn: Practical leadership tips, how to adapt in challenging markets, an
Dr. Arquimides Reyes shares his inspiring journey from a small farm in El Salvador to becoming an associate professor of animal science at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. His story exemplifies how agricultural education, mentorship, and the FFA can transform lives and create leaders who give back to their communities. • Grateful for family, God, teaching opportunities, and the FFA which instilled purpose and passion for agriculture • Grew up on a small dairy and beef farm in El Salvador before coming to the United States at age 11 • Initially viewed agriculture as "the job of the poor
George Couros, author of "The Innovator's Mindset," shares his journey from reluctant teacher to educational innovator and how exceptional leadership transformed his perspective on education. He explores how creating environments where both adults and students can thrive leads to better educational outcomes while preparing communities to navigate an uncertain future. • Originally from a small Canadian town where community shaped his educational philosophy • Found his passion for education through an exceptional principal who gave teachers ownership • Focuses on developing all learners in an or
Dr. Justin Terry, Superintendent of Forney ISD, shares how mentorship and innovative educational approaches are transforming students' futures through entrepreneurial mindsets and real-world experiences. • Mentorship as a foundation for leadership development - having both internal and external mentors provides guidance and diverse perspectives • The Opportunity Central (OC) - a 350,000 sq. ft. facility that's student-run, multifunctional, and serves as both educational space and community event center • Creating a culture of innovation through consistent messaging and values like "people firs
Winston Chandler's 27 years as a dorm parent at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch transformed countless lives through his wisdom, faith, and commitment to helping troubled youth find their path. His simple yet profound wisdom—"you're never going to learn anything unless something depends on you"—became the foundation for developing responsibility, work ethic, and character in the boys under his care. • Boys Ranch provided structure, responsibility, and purpose for troubled youth • Winston's philosophy centered on hard work, faith, and caring for something beyond yourself • Accountability in agriculture
In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro sits down with Dr. Coach Nate Hearne, an esteemed coach, educator, and mentor. They discuss the power of mentorship, leadership, perseverance, and faith in shaping young lives. From his humble beginnings to coaching state championship teams, Coach Hearn shares powerful lessons on building a culture of excellence and standing firm in leadership. Story Notes: - Grateful for students and their potential to shape the future. Inspired by the educators who mentored him in his youth. The power of testimony: "We stand on the shoul
In this episode of Growing Our Future, host Aaron Alejandro sits down with Chip Baker, a dynamic speaker, educator, author, and host of The Success Chronicles. Together, they dive into the power of passion, personal growth, and leadership. Chip shares his inspiring journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a nationally recognized figure in education and motivation. His story is filled with lessons on perseverance, faith, and the importance of a strong foundation. Chip’s message is clear—success leaves clues. By learning from others, taking ownership of your actions, and maintaining a st
In this episode, James McLamb joins host Aaron Alejandro to discuss the impact of encouragement—both as a simple word and as a transformative action. James shares his journey from agriculture education to youth leadership development, emphasizing the power of mentorship, servant leadership, and personal growth. From his early experiences in the FFA to founding Generation Youth, James highlights the role of mentorship, life skills, and leadership development in shaping young minds. Whether in the classroom, in mission work, or coaching the next generation of leaders, he believes in empowering o
On this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, we speak with Steve Durman, an expert in marketing, storytelling, and technology. Steve shares his journey in helping companies share their stories and marketing. Through his journey he shares the importance of taking risk and having faith when determining next steps in life. Steve was a key developer in the creation of the MYTEXASFFA website and promotional videos associated with the project. It was a great interview to hear how he became familiar with the Texas FFA and is now proud to help us tell our incredible story in an incredible way. S
In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro speaks with 13-year-old Baxter Whitworth, a young entrepreneur passionate about agriculture and Brahmin cattle. They discuss the importance of trust, teamwork, and core values in leadership, as well as the role of agriculture in feeding a growing population. Baxter shares his insights on encouragement, the significance of working together, and the need for continuous learning in leadership. The conversation emphasizes the importance of youth in agriculture and the potential for future leaders to inspire change. Story Notes
In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro engages in a heartfelt conversation with Trenell Walker, who shares his inspiring journey from aspiring NFL player to motivational speaker and life coach after a life-altering spinal cord injury. The discussion emphasizes the importance of gratitude, resilience, and the power of the mind. Trenell introduces his 'Trenell Effect,' a framework for personal growth that includes taking action, being resilient, encouraging others, and never quitting. The conversation also touches on the significance of leadership and making impa
In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro engages with Dr. Curtis Paulson, a pioneer in agricultural communication. They discuss the importance of gratitude, the influence of early life experiences, and the significance of taking risks in education and agriculture. Dr. Paulson shares his journey from a farm boy in Minnesota to a leader in ag communication, emphasizing the value of work ethic, innovation, and the role of technology in shaping the future of agriculture. The conversation highlights the impact of land-grant universities and the collaborative efforts t
In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro engages with legendary rodeo announcer Bob Tallman, exploring themes of gratitude, agricultural heritage, and the importance of education in agriculture. They discuss the role of organizations like 4-H and FFA in shaping young people's futures, the challenges facing the agricultural industry, and the need for conservation and resource management. The conversation emphasizes the significance of understanding where our food comes from and the opportunities available in agricultural careers. Story Notes: - The Importance of G
In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro speaks with Dan Taylor, a prominent figure in Texas agricultural education and the FFA. They discuss the importance of gratitude, mentorship, and the journey of Dan's life in agriculture, including his experiences as a teacher, businessman, and philanthropist. The conversation also highlights the significance of the Discovery Center in Lubbock, Texas, and the legacy of the Texas FFA Foundation. Story Notes: - Gratitude and Its Impact on Life Dan Taylor's Journey in Agriculture The Influence of Mentorship in Agriculture Edu
On this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, we meet Jennifer Green, the Public Relations and Events Manager at Cavender's. We discuss Jennifer's journey from her early days shopping at Cavender's to her current role, emphasizing the importance of relationships, research in job interviews, and finding a competitive edge. Jennifer shares valuable insights on leadership skills, the impact of FFA on personal development, and the significance of resilience and adaptability in careers. The conversation concludes with fun questions about concerts and personal reflections. Story Notes:- Jennife
On this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, we meet Colton Kyle, president of American Sniper, discussing themes of growth, leadership, and the importance of discernment. Colton shares his journey, emphasizing the significance of gratitude, vulnerability, and effective communication in leadership. The conversation highlights the value of asking questions and seeking truth in an age of misinformation, while also reflecting on the lessons learned from agriculture and personal experiences. In this conversation, Aaron and Colton discuss the importance of connections, competitive edges, and
In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro engages with Dr. Sarah Sprayberry, an advocate for agriculture and social media influencer. They discuss the importance of family support, the journey of Sarah in agriculture, and how she uses social media to promote agricultural literacy and advocacy. The conversation emphasizes the need for a positive online presence, resilience in leadership, and the significance of sharing the true stories of agriculture to combat misconceptions. Story Notes: - The Importance of Family Support Sarah Sprayberry's Journey in Agriculture
