In this first episode of the Heart of Rural America podcast for 2026, host Amanda Radke reconnects with her friend Calli Thorne, a ranch mom, entrepreneur, and fellow speaker. They discuss the challenges and rewards of operating a USDA federally-inspected beef plant named Yellowstone River Beef, their experiences in the cattle industry, and the importance of a positive mindset in overcoming business obstacles. Calli shares her strategies for balancing multiple responsibilities, including motherhood, business, and public speaking, by using a method of delegating or ditching tasks to focus on what truly matters. The episode delves into themes of entrepreneurship, leadership, and maintaining mental well-being while managing a busy, fulfilling life.

00:00 Welcome to the Heart of Rural America

00:34 Catching Up with Calli Thorne

02:43 Challenges and Triumphs in the Beef Industry

09:09 Balancing Business and Personal Life

14:16 Mastering the Art of Saying No

20:42 Empowering Women in Agriculture

27:49 Final Thoughts and New Year Motivation

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Presented by Bid on Beef | CK6 Consulting | CK6 Source | Real Tuff Livestock Equipment | Redmond RealSalt | Dirt Road Radio | All American Angus Beef | Radke Land & Cattle

Use code RADKE for $10 off your next All American Angus Beef order at www.BidOnBeef.com

Save on Redmond Real Salt with code RADKE at https://shop.redmondagriculture.com/

Check out Amanda's agricultural children's books here: https://amandaradke.com/collections/amandas-books

Learn more about Bulletproofing Your Direct-To-Consumer Beef Enterprise: https://amandaradke.com/products/bulletproof-your-beef-business