The Rural Podcast Network was born out of a passion for amplifying rural voices and creating meaningful connections across agriculture and small-town America. Founded by a marketing and podcasting expert with deep roots in storytelling and strategy, the network offers a supportive platform for farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, and rural creators to share their stories, grow their audiences, and make an impact. With a clear focus on community, clarity, and sustainability, the Rural Podcast Network exists to make sure rural voices aren’t just heard, but valued.

What’s your background, and what is the Rural Podcast Network about?

I’m a marketing expert, podcast manager, and editor with deep roots in the rural space. I’ve worked across multiple facets of the agriculture industry—from storytelling to strategy—and what I’ve consistently seen is that rural voices are often underrepresented in the media landscape. The Rural Podcast Network was born from the belief that those voices deserve not only to be heard, but also amplified and respected.

The network is a platform that showcases rural stories, agriculture insights, and creative entrepreneurship through podcasting. It’s home to shows that celebrate the people who live and work in rural America—farmers, ranchers, educators, small business owners, and more.

What was the motivation behind starting the Rural Podcast Network?

Honestly, it started with a fire in my gut. I saw so many rural and ag-based podcasters working in silos, often without the resources or community they needed to thrive. I wanted to change that.

Podcasting is more than content—it's a connection. It gives farmers and rural entrepreneurs a platform to share their stories, challenge stereotypes, educate others, and spark collaboration. I started the Rural Podcast Network to help bridge the digital divide and elevate these voices in a way that feels authentic, strategic, and sustainable.

What went into launching the initial podcast network?

It took a lot of grit, clarity, and conversations. I started by identifying existing rural and agriculture podcasters who aligned with the mission. Then I focused on infrastructure—finding the right hosting platforms, building out branding and digital presence, and creating onboarding systems to help shows plug into the network easily.

I also leaned heavily on my background in marketing to shape a brand that felt both modern and grounded in rural values. We weren’t trying to be flashy—we wanted to be impactful.

How have you attracted listeners and grown the podcast network?

Growth has come from community and clarity. We’ve leaned into cross-promotion between shows on the network, shared seasonal and regional content, and encouraged collaborations between hosts. Social media, newsletters, and local partnerships have been crucial.

We also prioritize SEO, email strategy, and audience engagement—things many rural podcasters aren’t always taught to think about. It’s not just about downloads; it’s about building relationships that matter.

What’s your business model, and how have you grown your revenue with the Rural Podcast Network?

The business model is multi-faceted:

We support podcasters through paid production services, coaching, and launch packages.
We monetize via brand sponsorships, network-wide advertising, affiliate marketing, and strategic partnerships with ag brands and rural-serving organizations.
We offer branded content creation for agriculture companies wanting to break into podcasting without launching a show from scratch.

Revenue growth has come by treating podcasting like a business—not just a passion project. That includes consistent pricing, clarity around deliverables, and helping podcasters position their shows as platforms for community and commerce.

What are the biggest challenges you’ve faced and obstacles you’ve overcome when it comes to running the podcast network?

One of the biggest challenges has been educating people on the power of podcasting in agriculture. It’s still a newer medium in rural spaces, and some folks don’t see it as worth their time or investment—until they see what it can do.

Another challenge has been capacity. I’m a multipassionate entrepreneur, and early on I was trying to wear every hat. So building out systems, outsourcing editing, and creating scalable processes were game changers.

If you had to start over, what would you do differently?

I would have gotten clearer on the monetization strategy earlier. At first, I was so focused on building community that I didn’t create a strong enough container for revenue. I’d also invest sooner in tools and partnerships that could help me scale without burning out.

And I’d remind myself to take up space sooner. Rural creators often play small, but we don’t have to.

Have you found anything particularly helpful or advantageous?

Community is everything. The moment I stopped trying to do it all myself and started inviting collaboration, things grew faster and felt more aligned.

Also: Templates, SOPs, and batching content. Those are lifesavers.

What’s your advice for podcasters who are just starting out?

Start messy—but start. Your first episode won’t be perfect, and that’s okay. Focus on consistency, clarity of message, and building trust with your audience.

Also, don’t be afraid to niche down. The more specific your voice, the more people will find and connect with you. And remember: podcasting is a long game. Keep showing up. Your story matters—and rural voices are more important than ever.

If you're ready to build a podcast that connects, informs, and inspires, the Rural Podcast Network is here to help. Whether you're a first-generation rancher, a rural entrepreneur, or an agriculture brand looking to expand your reach, we bring the strategy, support, and storytelling expertise you need to succeed. We understand the unique challenges—and opportunities—of rural podcasting, and we're committed to helping you grow your voice, your audience, and your impact. When you work with the Rural Podcast Network, you’re not just launching a podcast—you’re joining a movement.

Why Build a Network for Agriculture Podcasts?