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Growing Our Future
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/
Episodes
83 episodes
Great History to Greater Opportunities
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 l...
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Episode 83
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42:02
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Don't Be Scared to Try
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 me...
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Episode 82
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50:17
Grow Good
🎙️ 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 j...
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Episode 81
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36:06
Agriculture ... Chase the Dream
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’l...
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Episode 80
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34:21
Gratitude Builds Pride!
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, an...
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Episode 79
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43:49
What Does Success Look Like?
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 adu...
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Episode 78
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45:41
Values Drive Behavior
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 ...
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Episode 77
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41:23
We Just Need a Chance
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...
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Episode 76
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48:13
There Is No One Like You
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 li...
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Episode 75
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46:05
It's Life Changing to Change Lives
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, an...
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Episode 74
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1:01:20
Ignite the Future ... With Heart
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, emphasizi...
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Episode 73
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45:41
Do Amazing Work. Work with Amazing People.
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 s...
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Episode 72
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45:10
A Single Word or a Big Action ... Encouragement
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 val...
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Episode 71
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36:38
Temporary Defeat Does Not Mean a Permanent Failure ... Be About It!
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-alter...
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Episode 70
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41:01
Utilize All Your Senses ... Things Can Be Better
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 signifi...
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Episode 69
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1:00:24
I Wanted to be a Cowboy
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 r...
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Episode 68
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50:18
You Have to "Want To"
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 ...
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Episode 67
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43:11
Passion is a Competitive Edge
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 impo...
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Episode 66
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38:09
Smart. Humble. Hungry.
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 gratitu...
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Episode 65
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48:11
Have Grit
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 agricultu...
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Episode 64
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37:52
"Grit and Humility"
In this insightful episode of Growing Our Future, host Aaron Alejandro sits down with Zoee Nolen, a 2022-2023 Texas FFA officer and junior at Texas A&M University. Zoee shares her remarkable journey, from growing up on a traditional West Te...
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Episode 63
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43:55
Chance Favors Those in Motion
In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Jackie Hoegger, owner of Hoegger Communications. They discuss the importance of storytelling and empathy in leadership, as well as the value of mentorship and co...
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Episode 62
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44:25
Always Forward
In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Ron Kitchens, the CEO of the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce. They discuss the importance of gratitude, the power of a job in changing lives, and the role of a...
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Episode 61
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52:30
You Can't Be Afraid to Fail Guest: Eddie Priefert
In this episode of Growing Our Future Podcast, Eddie Priefert, the president of Priefert, shares his journey and the success of the Priefert brand. The company started with 300 acres, one product, and a two-car garage, and has now grown to a 3,...
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Episode 60
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46:56