The Heart of Rural America

In this episode of The Heart of Rural America podcast, host Amanda Radke interviews Dr. Liz Fiedler Mergen, a lifelong friend and agritourism entrepreneur. Liz shares her journey from growing up on a beef farm, pursuing a career in nursing, to eventually purchasing a family farm and starting a successful flower farming business.

She discusses the challenges she faced, including the sudden death of her husband and becoming a single mother. Liz also delves into her battles with local government officials to protect and grow her agritourism business, providing valuable insights for aspiring farmers. The episode highlights Liz's determination, resilience, and the importance of community support in her journey.

In this episode of 'The Heart of Rural America' podcast, host Amanda Radke reconnects with country music artist and agricultural advocate Clare Dunn. Clare shares important updates about the ongoing challenges facing rural America, including the threats posed by eminent domain and environmental policies that could devastate family farms and ranches. The conversation also touches on the controversial death of political activist Charlie Kirk and its impact on the movement for conservative values. With passion and eloquence, Claire discusses the importance of speaking out, preserving private property rights, and uniting communities to defend the American way of life against political and environmental overreach. The episode concludes with information on how to support Clare's music and advocacy work.

In this episode of the Heart of Rural America podcast, Amanda Radke discusses strategies for agricultural entrepreneurs to finish 2025 strong. She emphasizes the importance of understanding one's 'why', measuring success through data, building relationships, and managing finances effectively. The conversation also covers the significance of seasonality in marketing, celebrating successes, and the necessity of building a supportive team. Amanda encourages listeners to surround themselves with positive influences and to remain authentic in their entrepreneurial journey.

In this episode of the Heart of Rural America podcast, Amanda Radke discusses various pressing issues in the agriculture sector, particularly focusing on the beef industry. She highlights the current state of beef prices, consumer demand, and the challenges posed by carbon pipelines and USDA policies. Amanda also shares insights on upcoming agricultural events and legislative updates that impact rural communities. The episode emphasizes the importance of maintaining quality in beef production and the need for producers to adapt to changing consumer preferences.

In this episode of the Heart of Rural America podcast, Amanda Radke and Chris Earl discuss the current state of the Angus cattle industry, the importance of independent ranching, and the implications of corporate influence on agriculture.

They emphasize the need for ranchers to tell their stories, market their products effectively, and maintain control over their genetic resources. The conversation also highlights the upcoming Genetic Allies Sale and the importance of community and collaboration among cattle producers.

In this powerful episode of The Heart of Rural America, Amanda Radke sits down with South Dakota landowner Senator Mark Lapka to discuss the growing controversy around carbon pipelines, federal eminent domain, and the far-reaching implications of HR 4135. The conversation unpacks how 45Q tax credits may be placing a financial burden on taxpayers, why many in agriculture are skeptical of carbon sequestration efforts, and how grassroots movements in South Dakota are rising up to protect property rights. Mark shares firsthand insights on the importance of preserving local control and urges citizens to get involved, stay informed, and make their voices heard in the face of federal overreach. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about rural land rights and the future of American agriculture.

In this conversation, host Amanda Radke sits down with Jeb Smith, a multi-generational farmer and the president of the Florida Farm Bureau, to unpack the rich history and diverse landscape of Florida agriculture. Together, they discuss the enduring legacy of farming families, the pressures of urbanization, and the fight for water rights in a state facing increasing environmental and economic challenges. From over 300 commodities to the legacy of Florida’s cattle industry, Jeb provides an inside look at the resilience and innovation of the state’s agricultural community. This episode sheds light on the realities of farming in a rapidly changing world and underscores the importance of advocacy, sustainability, and community engagement.

In this episode, Amanda Radke celebrates the two-year anniversary of her podcast, Heart of Rural America. She reflects on her journey from journalism to podcasting, the challenges faced by rural communities, and the importance of faith in her life. Amanda shares her experiences with Beef Magazine, the lessons learned, and her commitment to advocating for independent farmers and ranchers. The episode emphasizes the need for unity and action in the face of challenges in the agricultural sector.

In this episode of the Heart of Rural America podcast, Amanda Radke discusses the challenges and opportunities facing rural communities, particularly in agriculture. Joined by Senator Mark Lapka and attorney David Begley, they delve into the controversial topics of wind and solar energy, federal subsidies, and the implications of climate change policies. The conversation emphasizes the importance of protecting private property rights and the need for a reliable energy supply, while also critiquing the current energy policies that may not serve the best interests of rural America.

In this episode of the Heart of Rural America podcast, Amanda Radke interviews Liz May, a representative from South Dakota, who shares her journey from ranching to politics. Liz discusses the challenges faced by the livestock industry, the impact of government policies on agriculture, and the importance of representation for producers. The conversation covers various topics including economic development, the carbon pipeline controversy, and the implications of electronic identification (EID) for cattle ranchers. Liz emphasizes the need for a fair playing field in agriculture and the importance of grassroots advocacy to protect the rights of small business owners in the industry.

In this episode of the Heart of Rural America, Amanda Radke discusses the critical issues surrounding property rights and eminent domain with Brett Tolman, a former U.S. attorney. They explore the Maude family case in South Dakota, the Henry family farm in New Jersey, and the broader implications of government overreach on individual rights. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community advocacy, the role of social media in raising awareness, and the need for legislative changes to protect citizens from unjust government actions.