The Heart of Rural America
Welcome to the Heart of Rural America podcast. I’m your host, Amanda Radke -- a South Dakota cattle rancher, wife, mom of four, children’s book author, and motivational speaker.I started this show with a simple goal in mind -- to share the untold stories of the often-overlooked independent farmer and rancher. On this program, We’ll discuss the challenges that face rural America and the anti-animal agriculture agenda that seeks to eliminate our way of life. But in the face of these ongoing battles, we’ll explore impactful solutions and meaningful pathways to profitability in order to keep produ...
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![Getting in the Arena with Kim Bremmer [REPLAY]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rss.com%2Ftheheartofruralamerica%2Fep_cover_20260421_110415_a976024eb86aca1e15162dbdc9af54ff.png&w=256&q=75)
Getting in the Arena with Kim Bremmer [REPLAY]
<p>Kim Bremmer, of Ag Inspirations, joins me to talk about the challenges facing family farms, how to get involved, and the best tips for pushing back against government overreach. </p><p>Presented by CK6 Consulting | CK6 Source | Real Tuff Livestock Equipment | Meats by Linz |Linz Heritage Angus | Redmond RealSalt</p>
Redmond Real Salt for People & Livestock with Karson Rippstein
<p>Healthy land. Healthy cattle. Healthy people. That’s the focus of today’s show with podcast partner, Redmond Real Salt. I’m joined by Redmond’s Karson Rippstein to talk all things cattle, soil, and steak.</p><p>https://redmond.life/collections/real-salt?srsltid=AfmBOoqiByDHJb1AlUIYL6CBu9CfbcNq8nLj22k6GWq3QUTdofxX_JwV</p><p>Presented by CK6 Consulting | CK6 Source | Real Tuff Livestock Equipment | Meats by Linz | Linz Heritage Angus | Redmond RealSalt</p>
![Battling Washington DC’s Overreach with SD Senator Mark Lapka [REPLAY]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rss.com%2Ftheheartofruralamerica%2Fep_cover_20260408_120431_431969a69a9f5230dcafe216bf6d7529.png&w=256&q=75)
Battling Washington DC’s Overreach with SD Senator Mark Lapka [REPLAY]
<p>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...
![Stand Your Ground with SD Speaker of the House Jon Hansen, Speaker Pro Tem Karla Lems & Senator Mark Lapka [REPLAY]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rss.com%2Ftheheartofruralamerica%2Fep_cover_20260401_020433_2aba891f195a2d6cf43feaf6ec34bcde.png&w=256&q=75)
Stand Your Ground with SD Speaker of the House Jon Hansen, Speaker Pro Tem Karla Lems & Senator Mark Lapka [REPLAY]
<p>Following the conclusion of South Dakota's 100th legislative session, I travel to the Siouxland Republican Women's Meeting in Sioux Falls, SD, joined by South Dakota Speaker of the House Jon Hansen, Speaker Pro Tem Karla Lems & Senator Mark Lapka to discuss the passage of HB1052 to eliminate eminent domain for carbon pipelines and how South Dakota is serving as a beacon of hope for the rest of the nation.</p><p>Presented by Bid on Beef | CK6 Consulting | CK6 Source | Real Tuff Livestock Equipment | Redmond RealSalt | By-O-Reg+ | Dirt Road Radio</p><p>Save on Redmond Real Salt with code...
![Motherhood, Entrepreneurship, & Juggling The Chaos Of It All with Courtney Coughlin [REPLAY]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rss.com%2Ftheheartofruralamerica%2Fep_cover_20260315_040340_97293be670cf8f670972e0c18344c2ba.png&w=256&q=75)
Motherhood, Entrepreneurship, & Juggling The Chaos Of It All with Courtney Coughlin [REPLAY]
<p>Amanda sits down with her sister, Courtney Coughlin, to discuss faith, family, entrepreneurship, juggling it all, and how to find opportunities in agriculture in unique and exciting ways.</p><p>Presented by Bid on Beef | CK6 Consulting | CK6 Source | Real Tuff Livestock Equipment | Redmond RealSalt | By-O-Reg+ | Dirt Road Radio</p><p>Save on Redmond Real Salt with code RADKE at https://shop.redmondagriculture.com/</p><p>Check out Amanda's agricultural children's books here: https://amandaradke.com/collections/amandas-books</p>
![Ranching on the Front Lines: Border Security Realities with Erica Valdez {REPLAY]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rss.com%2Ftheheartofruralamerica%2Fep_cover_20260315_030359_41e2ce44918379241e2fb14b3c224e10.png&w=256&q=75)
Ranching on the Front Lines: Border Security Realities with Erica Valdez {REPLAY]
<p>In this episode of the Heart of Rural America podcast, Amanda Radke speaks with Erica Valdez, a rancher with experience on border issues, about the changing dynamics of border crossings and their impact on ranching communities. Valdez shares her experiences of the increasing dangers posed by drug traffickers and the misconceptions perpetuated by mainstream media. The conversation highlights the importance of education and advocacy for rural communities affected by border security issues.</p><p>Takeaways</p>Erica Valdez shares her experiences as a rancher near the Mexican border.The nature of border crossings has changed significantly over the years...
![Grit and Grace with Fanchon Stinger [REPLAY]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.rss.com%2Ftheheartofruralamerica%2Fep_cover_20260311_020307_6a47fcf430e6f0779f90f8a3aa9a7fea.png&w=256&q=75)
Grit and Grace with Fanchon Stinger [REPLAY]
<p>Fanchon Stinger is the Emmy winning co-host of PBR Now and a contributor to Western Sports Roundup and NFR Tailgate airing on Cowboy Channel and PlutoTV. She is an actress who appeared on God’s Not Dead: A Light In Darkness in 2019. In 2020, Stinger became a bull owner in PBR (Professional Bull Riders), partnering with 12-time Stock Contractor of the Year Chad Berger and Daniel & Melissa Brunner in the ownership of the bucking bulls “Stinger” and “Lill Hott,” who compete on the PBR Tour. In 2021, she co-founded and launched the charitable initiative Grit & Grace Nation, inspiring middle and high school gir...
The Heart of the Farm: Family, Finances & Facing the Hard Stuff Head On with Jolene Brown
<p>In this episode of The Heart of Rural America podcast, Amanda Radke welcomes back esteemed guest Jolene Brown, a nationally recognized speaker known for her expertise in supporting farm and ranch families. The discussion revolves around the unique challenges faced by agricultural families, particularly the balance of personal relationships and farm responsibilities. Jolene shares stories and advice on maintaining mental health, effective communication, financial planning, and the importance of support systems within rural communities. She emphasizes the need for humor, appreciating personal contributions, and having realistic strategies for family farms. The episode provides invaluable insights for ensuring both the...
Livestock & Property Rights Rally at BHSS Part 2 Featuring Shad Sullivan
<p>Takeaways</p>Why Shad Sullivan believes the “war on beef” is really a fight over independent production and private property rightsHow ESG and “sustainable development” frameworks can translate into top-down pressure on agricultureWhat EID/RFID traceability rules could mean for data ownership, markets, and the future of independent ranching<p></p><p>Shad Sullivan joins Amanda Radke on The Heart of Rural America to explain why debates over beef production, climate narratives, and traceability mandates are, in his view, part of a much larger conflict over freedom and property rights. Drawing from personal experience—including a major land seizure his family...
Livestock & Property Rights Rally at BHSS Part 1 Featuring Charles & Heather Maude
<p>In this powerful episode recorded at the Black Hills Stock Show Property Rights Rally hosted by the South Dakota Stock Growers Association, Amanda Radke shares highlights from a day focused on one of the most urgent issues facing rural Americans: property rights.</p><p>The episode features remarks from Charles and Heather Maude, who recount their family’s deeply personal and highly publicized property rights battle involving a fence line dispute, federal criminal charges, and a long road to resolution. They share what they learned, how their case was finally resolved, and why they are now committed to helping pr...
