Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Lieutenant Colonel Don “Doc” Ballard, a Medal of Honor recipient and Vietnam War hero. Doc shares his upbringing surrounded by military veterans, emphasizing the values of caregiving, community support, and gratitude. Despite humble beginnings, Doc started his own business at 14, teaching him the importance of hard work and entrepreneurship. Doc joined the Navy to fund his education and found himself in Vietnam as a corpsman, where he displayed unwavering dedication, compassion, and bravery in treating wounded Marines. The…
Author: Texas FFA
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS Aaron welcomes the listeners to another exciting episode of the Growing Our Future podcast. He emphasizes the importance of guests who share their insights and experiences, highlighting the significance of planting the right seeds in agriculture for a prosperous future. James Huang, President of eXp Commercial, a publicly traded company. James shares his journey, from his childhood in New York City to his role as a commercial real estate leader. He emphasizes the importance of leadership, volunteer work, and building meaningful relationships in his career. James emphasizes that opportunities are boundless for…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS Welcome back to another captivating episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, hosted by the insightful Aaron Alejandro. Today, Aaron sits down with a true luminary in the field of agricultural education, Dr. Gary Moore, a passionate historian and educator whose impact has been felt across generations. In this episode, Aaron and Dr. Moore delve deep into the roots of agricultural education, exploring the very essence of what makes this field unique. Dr. Moore, a distinguished figure in the agricultural education landscape, sheds light on the core principles that set this discipline…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode of the “Growing Our Future” podcast, host Aaron Alejandro welcomes Tucker Brown as their special guest. The podcast aims to explore insights, expertise, and experiences from individuals who are actively shaping the future. As Abraham Lincoln once said, “The philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next,” emphasizing the importance of what we sow today for a better tomorrow. Tucker Brown, the 6th generation of the R.A. Brown Ranch in Throckmorton, Texas, shares his journey and passion for ranching, cattle,…
https://open.spotify.com/episode/2NYFAifDYsyrKxhbjPwydg?si=tRQvTPmYTYaDcVQDHeWHZg Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this week’s episode of the “Growing Our Future” podcast, host Aaron Alejandro is joined by the esteemed CEO of the National FFA, Scott Stump. Together, they embark on a captivating journey through Scott’s life and career, exploring the transformative power of FFA, the importance of saying “yes,” and the pivotal role agriculture education plays in shaping the future. Aaron delves into Scott’s unique journey and career path, highlighting his background in agriculture education and biochemical engineering. Scott shares his early experiences in the FFA, including serving as a state officer,…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS Welcome to the “Growing Our Future” podcast, where Aaron Alejandro invites inspiring guests to share insights on agriculture, advocacy, and making a positive impact. In this episode, Aaron is joined by Michelle Miller, also known as “The Farm Babe,” an influencer, advocate, and social media powerhouse promoting truth in agriculture and debunking myths. Together, they delve into the importance of effective communication, the power of advocacy, and bridging the gap between farmers and consumers. Michelle Miller, the iconic “Farm Babe,” shares her journey from being an urban dweller to embracing agriculture through…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS Welcome to another exciting episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, where Aaron Alejandro brings you subject matter experts to share their insights, experiences, and expertise in the world of agriculture and beyond. Today’s guest is none other than Corey Rosenbusch, the President and CEO of the Fertilizer Institute, a trade association based in Washington, DC, representing the fertilizer industry. Corey’s journey from a small town in Texas to leading a significant industry association is truly inspiring. Aaron and Corey reminisce about their long-standing friendship, with Corey humorously recalling their first meeting…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode of the “Growing Our Future Podcast,” host Aaron Alejandro welcomes Neely Nelson, the Head of Public and Government Affairs, Strategy, and Citizenship for ExxonMobil. Aaron emphasizes the importance of nurturing the future by bringing on exceptional guests who share their time, expertise, and insights. Neely, being no stranger to the FFA and a prominent figure in agriculture and government affairs, joins the show to discuss her journey, gratitude, and leadership experience. Aaron and Neely discuss the transformative power of FFA in shaping the lives of young individuals. Neely mentions…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS Welcome to another exciting episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, where Aaron Alejandro brings you insights, experiences, and expertise to help plant the seeds of greatness for a better future. In this episode, Aaron is joined by Dr. Justin Ransom, the Senior Director of Sustainable Food Policy at Tyson Foods. Dr. Ransom shares his knowledge and expertise on the future of food and how to shape it to meet the growing demand for production and feeding the world. Dr. Ransom’s impressive background in the food industry and agriculture is highlighted, including…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this week’s episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, host Aaron Alejandro brings on a special guest, Tuhon Harley Elmore. Tuhon Harley is not only a successful businessman but also an accomplished martial artist and a true American warrior. Aaron shares his excitement about this unique episode, as Tuhon Harley’s words and presence have deeply intrigued him since their first encounter. Together, they aim to explore various topics and provide valuable insights and experiences for the audience. Harley Elmore takes the audience on a captivating journey through his life, highlighting the…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast , Host Aaron Alejandro is joined by a special guest, Jon Gordon, a renowned author, speaker, and influencer. Aaron emphasizes the importance of nurturing and cultivating the future through the act of growing. Just like in agriculture, to know the future, one must actively plant the right seeds, nurture them, and eventually harvest the fruits. Jon expresses his gratitude for his family, particularly his wife, daughter, and son, highlighting their achievements and resilience. He emphasizes the importance of planting oneself where they are…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Dr. Temple Grandin, a renowned professor of animal science at Colorado State University. Dr. Grandin shares her journey as a severely autistic child and the support she received from mentors and teachers throughout her life. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and nurturing different kinds of thinking, such as visual, pattern-based, and verbal thinking. Dr. Grandin discusses her work in designing livestock handling facilities and developing animal welfare auditing programs for major companies. She highlights the need for hands-on shop classes and the value of technical…