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…
Author: Texas FFA
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…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode, Aaron interviews Kay Allison Crews, Certified Professional Parliamentarian-Teacher (CPP-T) and Professional Registered Parliamentarian (PRP). Kay has been serving the FFA as their parliamentarian both in Texas and nationally for several years. Aaron introduces Kay as the subject matter expert behind the scenes, and the audience gets to learn about her pathway to becoming a parliamentarian. In the podcast, Kay talks about the credentials she carries, including the professional registered parliamentarian credential, which she obtained by demonstrating her skills before a small group of her peers. Aaron asks Kay what she is grateful for, and she shares…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS The Growing Our Future podcast welcomes Russell Graves, a professional photographer who shares his experiences and insights about his career. Host Aaron Alejandro introduces Russell as an international superstar in the photography world and begins by asking him what he is grateful for today. Russell expresses his gratitude for his health, family, and being an American. He is also happy about spending a few days in the great outdoors. Russell shares background and how he started his journey as a photographer in high school. He talks about his rural upbringing in Texas, where he fell in love with photography…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro welcomes Chairman Bryan Daniel, Chairman of the Texas Workforce Commission, to discuss his journey to leadership and the importance of helping young people find success. Bryan grew up in the FFA and has now gone on to make a significant impact in his position, and Aaron is honored to have him on the show. They discuss the power of gratitude and being thankful for the opportunities that allow them to make a difference in the lives of others. The conversation also delves into the essence of leadership…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS Director and Chief Operations Officer, and he has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to agriculture and young people. Tune in as Aaron and Si talk about the essence of leadership, Si’s FFA journey, and how to make yourself exceptional. Si Cook is the Executive Director and Chief Operations Officer of the Texas Farm Bureau. He has a degree in agriculture education and has worked in the agriculture industry for over 25 years. Si is a former FFA member and has a deep-rooted passion for young people and agriculture. Watch Full Interview: https://youtu.be/m_O14vmWbxQ Story Notes: What Si is…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Host Aaron Alejandro introduced Dr. Lyda G. Garcia,Associate Professor, Meat Science and Extension Meat Specialist at College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University. Dr. Lyda discussed her educational journey and her experiences as a professor at the Ohio State University. Born and raised in Hebbronville, Texas, Dr.Lyda was surrounded by a strong Hispanic culture that instilled the values of hard work, education, and giving back. Her parents, with their respective third grade and master’s education, were her first role models in perseverance and determination. Dr.Lyda’s…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS This episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast features Justin Bradley Reyes, the Manager of Member Services & Engagement for the Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA). Justin shares his story of how his FFA journey started and how it has contributed to his professional success. He also talks about his experience of working in the public policy field, which led him to his current role. He emphasizes the importance of being resourceful and utilizing contacts and connections within the agriculture world to achieve success. Justin also shares the story of his father’s experience of being part of the US…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS On this episode of Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduced Dan Owolabi, Speaker, Author, Presenter, and Executive Director of Branches Worldwide. Dan talks to us about authentic leadership and how to lead with nothing to hide, nothing to prove, and nothing to lose. He also shares his journey in life, which led him to his current position, and how his parents, both Nigerian immigrants and deaf, impacted his self-perception. Dan also shares his thoughts on cognitive dissonance and how that ties into the insecurity gap. Watch Full Interview: https://youtu.be/AuqAWyqmL3w Story notes: Gratitude for God’s goodness Authentic Leadership Lead…
Subscribe: iTunes / Spotify / Stitcher / RSS On this episode of the Growing Our Future Podcast, Aaron Alejandro introduces Cody Hedge, President, Senior Lending Officer at Graham Savings, and Kyle Anderson, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones. Today’s episode focuses on financial planning and management. They discuss the importance of financial responsibility and how to manage college debt. Cody and Kyle both share their personal experiences and advice on how to build a successful financial future. Watch Full Interview: https://youtu.be/OuUZVdcQszs Story Notes: The Importance of Financial Planning and Management Living within your means Managing College Debt To learn more about the Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org