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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
75 episodes
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
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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
Fail Faster
In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Robert Smith, a magician and consultant in the fair industry. They discuss the importance of gratitude, the positive impact of organizations like FFA, and the po...
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Episode 59
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47:30
Play on the Team or Own the Team
In this episode, Dale Alexander shares insights on leadership and the qualities that make a great leader. He emphasizes the importance of growth, empathy, and humility in leadership. Dale also discusses the power of influence and how leaders ca...
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Episode 58
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40:45
The Talk
In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Dale Alexander, a certified financial planner and author. They discuss the importance of gratitude, passion, and purpose in life. Dale shares his journey of pers...
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Episode 57
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46:49
Pay Attention to What You Are Good At
In this episode, Aaron Alejandro interviews Madeleine Musick, an Agricultural Science Teacher at Elgin High School and founder of Farmstead Annalise. Madeleine shares her journey from being a non-traditional FFA student to establishing a succes...
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Episode 56
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35:01
Figure it Out ... A Competitive Edge
In this episode, Aaron Alejandro hosts Sheldon McKinney, Executive Director of the Kentucky FFA Foundation. Sheldon shares her journey from a high school student in Eastern Kentucky to her current role, highlighting the pivotal role of her ag t...
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Episode 55
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38:30
Life Rewards Action
In this episode of Growing Our Future, host Aaron Alejandro welcomes Marty Bryan, a multifaceted entrepreneur, seasoned restaurateur, and a beacon of hospitality. Marty shares his journey, beginning with his upbringing in the FFA, through his e...
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Episode 54
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49:12
Don't Ignore a Hunch
In this episode of the "Growing Our Future" podcast, host Aaron Alejandro welcomes Karissa Jones, a Strategic Account Manager at BASF. Karissa shares her journey from a non-traditional agricultural background to her current role, emphasizing th...
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Episode 53
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38:18