Some weekends leave you tired. Others leave you changed. This past weekend on Grit and Grace in the Heartland was packed full of milestone moments, family gatherings, tears, laughter, hard conversations, and reminders about what truly matters. From primary election day to graduation ceremonies, from Mother’s Day reflections to drought concerns on the ranch, it was one of those weekends that held the full spectrum of life all at once. And maybe that is what life in the heartland really is. Election Day in Rural America The episode opened with a simple but important conversation about voting in rural communities. While some people vote by mail, others still drive ten…

This week on Grit and Grace in the Heartland, Mary and Leah settle in for a heartfelt conversation about graduation season, ranch life, and the strange way time seems to speed up as children grow older. Leah is in the middle of one of the busiest and most emotional weeks of the year. Between calving season, drought concerns, graduation parties, and her daughter Maggie preparing to walk across the stage as salutatorian, life on the ranch feels full in every possible way. What begins as a conversation about chickens digging up radishes quickly turns into a deeper reflection on parenting, marriage, family traditions, and the sacrifices families make for one…

There are some conversations that stay with you long after the microphones are turned off. Our visit with Marilyn Lambert of Silloway Maple in Vermont was one of those conversations. What began as a discussion about maple syrup quickly became something much deeper. We talked about agriculture, stewardship, food systems, healthy living, faith, and the importance of helping people reconnect with the land and the people who care for it. Marilyn’s family has been producing maple syrup in Vermont since the 1940s. Today, Silloway Maple taps approximately 27,000 naturally growing maple trees in the hills of central Vermont. Unlike traditional crops that are planted each season, maple trees are part of a…

Rain has a way of slowing everything down and inviting reflection. In this episode of Grit and Grace in the Heartland, Mary and Leah begin with the simple gift of a steady spring rain and the very different ways people experience it. For some, it interrupts plans. For others, it sustains livelihoods. That contrast opens the door to a larger conversation about perspective and the importance of trying to understand lives that look different from our own. From there, the episode moves into the rhythms of rural life this time of year. There are trees beginning to leaf out, worry about late freezes, and the quiet hope that crops and…

Brandy Von Holten is not easy to summarize, and that is exactly the point. In this episode, we sit down with a Missouri rancher, entrepreneur, former international heavyweight fighter, and mounted archery instructor who has built a life defined by resilience, reinvention, and community. From the very first minutes, the conversation moves from spring planting updates into a story that is equal parts grit and growth. Brandy shares how a difficult upbringing led her to martial arts and a pursuit of the Olympics, a journey that carried her across countries and ultimately to Missouri, where she built her life with her husband on a ranch that now serves people from…

Spring does not ease us in gently. It arrives all at once with mud on our boots, wind in our faces, and a calendar that refuses to slow down. In this episode, Mary and Leah open with an honest look at life in the Midwest right now. Calving season overlaps with planting. Graduation is right around the corner. The weather keeps everyone guessing. It is a lot, and it is real. They are joined by Amy Blum, a rancher and writer from central South Dakota, who brings both perspective and heart to the conversation. Amy shares how she found her way back to agriculture after a career in nonprofit work…

In this episode of Grit and Grace in the Heartland, the conversation begins with a sobering look at wildfires sweeping through Nebraska. Leah shares what it feels like to live through fast-moving fires, high winds, and the uncertainty that comes with them. The discussion highlights the reality of rural emergency response and the heavy reliance on volunteer firefighters who continue to show up for their communities. Amid that backdrop, the episode turns toward connection, compassion, and the power of showing up for others. Mary reflects on the deep friendships that can grow even without meeting in person, reminding us how meaningful shared stories can be. Guest Jessi Grote brings an…

Elle Worley did not plan to stay in the Nebraska Sandhills. What was meant to be a short visit to say goodbye to family land became a life rooted in purpose, resilience, and unexpected opportunity. Her story is one of navigating change, holding onto legacy, and finding meaning in a place far different from where she started. In this episode, Elle shares how she transitioned from life on the East Coast to rural Nebraska, facing challenges like distance from family, limited access to healthcare, and the quiet isolation that often comes with wide open spaces. She speaks honestly about the emotional weight of those changes and the strength it takes…

This week on Grit and Grace in the Heartland, we step into a conversation that is both difficult and deeply important. Mary and Leah sit down with Morgan Cole of Cole Canyon Farm to talk about mental health, suicide, and the realities of life in agriculture. Morgan shares her story as a veteran, a mother, and a first generation farmer building a life in Montana. What comes through immediately is her honesty. She speaks openly about living with PTSD, navigating dark moments, and the long road of learning how to keep going. Her experience reflects a truth many people in agriculture know well. The highs can be incredibly meaningful, but…

Mary and Leah welcome Brenda, a South Dakota farm woman and leader behind Women in Blue Jeans, for a powerful conversation about resilience, community, and life in agriculture. Brenda shares her journey from growing up on a family farm to building a farming operation with her husband and raising a family through the challenges of the 1980s farm economy. She reflects on balancing off-farm work, motherhood, and the evolving needs of their operation over time. The heart of the episode focuses on a devastating windstorm that destroyed their farm, and the long road to recovery. Brenda offers honest insight into the emotional toll across generations, the practical realities of rebuilding,…