Club Cultivate

This week's guest was actually a listener request AND she also happens to be host, Whitney Dahmer's, bestie. Briley Richard is a freelance agricultural communicator based outside Wichita, Kansas, who has built a thriving business rooted in writing, photography, graphic design, and social media - almost entirely through word of mouth and networking. She grew up in southern Louisiana showing Brahman cattle, found her way to Texas A&M's Ag Communications program, and after stints at the American Angus Association and an advertising agency, took the leap into full-time freelancing two years ago. This episode is honest, funny, and genuinely useful — whether you're in ag comm, considering going freelance, or just trying to figure out what you're building toward. In This Episode: How Briley discovered Ag Communications as a degree path through a Brahman Association leadership program Why Texas A&M's program is particularly writing-focused — and why that foundation matters for every kind of communicator The "you can do anything for a year" rule her mom gave her (and how it shaped every career move since) What she learned working at the American Angus Association and an ag advertising agency before going freelance Why she recommends new grads work in an office setting before going out on their own The loneliness of the creative review process when you're solo — and how she works around it How her business evolved to focus on fewer, longer-term clients (and why that feels more sustainable) Pricing your work as a first-time freelancer when there's no guide anywhere on the internet Setting up business accounts, tracking expenses, and finding a CPA before tax season hits Saying no to projects (and how to do it in a way that still serves the client) Managing travel — the highs, the time zones, and the honest conversation about what it means for the future A "Queenies & Weenies" segment inspired by The Toast podcast Resources & People Mentioned: Nikki Morgan — financial advisor (Texas-based) Tonic Site Shop / Jen Olmsted — website templates for ShowIt + newsletter worth subscribing to Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See — Briley's book of 2024 The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo — bonus rec The Secret Lives of Marjorie Post — another listener favorite

Taylor Fort graduated from Texas Tech with an ag communications degree, went back to the family hog farm, and spent five years figuring out how to photograph baby pigs. Then COVID hit, live sales dried up, and he bet everything on the only skill he had. Nobody was doing it full time. He did it anyway. Today Taylor is a full-time livestock photographer, videographer, live stream producer, and founder of his own online sales platform. In this episode he gets refreshingly honest about what it actually takes to build a creative business from scratch — pricing your work, hiring the right people, surviving a travel-heavy lifestyle, and finding your own style in a crowded industry. Topics covered include: How video changed the show pig industry and why photos still matter Learning live stream production through a competitive gaming obsession Launching the Texas National Stock Show during COVID with a homemade camera rig Pricing your creative work with confidence and knowing when to raise your rates What he actually looks for when hiring — and it has nothing to do with experience Why he thinks you should replace the word anxiety with ambition The real cost of a travel-heavy creative career and what it takes to sustain it Finding your creative style by consuming the content you want to create Connect with Taylor: Instagram & socials: @taylor.a.fort Website & live streams: taylorfort.com Online sales platform: taylorfortsales.com Resources Mentioned: Peter McKinnon, Matti Haapoja & Casey Neistat on YouTube DaVinci Resolve

He was there at 3:30 in the morning on opening day and didn't leave until 1 a.m. He writes 90 pages of copy for a 208-page publication, sends up to 14 news releases a day during the show, manages 60 sponsored social posts across the run, and does it all with a team of four. Oh, and he started the whole thing 13 months ago. Kyler Hardegree is the communications assistant at the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo — one of the largest livestock shows and fifth largest rodeos in the world — and this episode pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to pull off a 23-day event when you're the one holding the camera, writing the captions, pitching the media stories, and building the content calendar all at once. If you've ever wondered what a career in event communications or ag media actually looks like day to day, this one is for you. In this episode, we cover: Growing up on a West Texas cotton farm and cattle ranch and finding photography through a 4-H contest rivalry with his twin sister Judging livestock at Howard College and how it shaped his eye as a photographer How a professor quietly forwarded him a job listing that wasn't posted publicly — and how he beat out his best friend and twin sister for the shot Why he chose to get his master's at Texas Tech and what grad school actually taught him that undergrad didn't Winning a national research conference studying AI use in agricultural communications The full scope of his job: social media manager, on-staff photographer and videographer, news media liaison, copywriter, and more What goes into planning a 23-day event that draws 1.2 million people annually How he builds a content calendar months in advance — and how he stays flexible when an ice storm shows up The strategy behind 60 sponsored social posts and how he decides what actually gets posted Shooting freehand vs. the full production crew — and why both have a place Capturing content during the show that fuels an entire year of social posts Why he wishes someone had told him earlier: social media is not that serious Investing in camera gear that invests back into you Connect with Kyler: Instagram: @kylerstonephoto Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo: fwssr.com

She knew she wanted to go to Oklahoma State University when she was seven years old. She applied nowhere else. And somehow, the girl from Turlock, California who loved English class and Angus cattle ended up exactly where she was supposed to be - managing editor of the Angus Journal in St. Joseph, Missouri, six years and counting. Megan Silveira is one of those people who makes it look easy, but this episode pulls back the curtain on what it actually takes to build a career in agricultural journalism including: the interview prep, the unglamorous office work, the AP style rules she once resented and now swears by, and the secret novel series she published on Amazon without telling a single soul, including her mom. Whether you're an aspiring writer, a creative trying to find your lane, or someone who just wants to hear how one of ag's best storytellers thinks — this one's for you. In this episode, we cover: Growing up in Turlock, California as an Angus kid and knowing OSU was the only option Taking the leap to move across the country at 17 — and what convinced her parents it would be okay Applying to every summer internship and hearing back from exactly one: Angus Media Why the worst they can say is no — and how to get comfortable with that What Megan looks for when interviewing interns for the Angus Media editorial position The interview process from start to finish: prep, field time, the formal sit-down, and when to call back How she knows when she's actually getting a good story versus when to change tactics Adding video to editorial work — how it changes the interview game Her photography philosophy and what makes a great Angus Journal cover The difference between writing a feature story and a technical story — and why both matter Learning AP style, resenting it, and then realizing it made her a better, more creative writer The most monotonous part of her job — and why she shows up for it anyway Her surprise novel series, the Jaded Hearts, that she published on Amazon without telling anyone Why self-publishing on Kindle Direct is shockingly simple and why more people should try it Finding the one thing you care about most and never stopping chasing it Connect with Megan: Instagram & socials: Megan Silveira Work portfolio: angusjournal.net Books: Search Jaded Hearts series on Amazon & Kindle Work email: Available via angusjournal.net Books & Resources Mentioned: Anxious People by Fredrik Backman (recommended by Anna Miller) We Do Have the Angus Conversation Podcast Kindle Direct Publishing (for aspiring authors) AP Stylebook

She started photographing goats at 15 with zero experience, made an ad in Microsoft Word, and somehow convinced herself she had it covered. Spoiler: she did not. But that scrappy, full-send mentality is exactly what built Samantha Rainey of Story Haus Collective into one of the most versatile creatives working in agriculture today. At 24, Samantha is a videographer, graphic designer, web designer, and brand strategist who has worked across livestock, wildlife, real estate, weddings, and reproductive science — all while finishing her degree at Texas Tech online from Kansas and Georgia. In this episode, she gets refreshingly honest about burnout, the unglamorous reality of the creative life, and why she thinks stopping before you feel ready is the biggest mistake you can make. In this episode, we cover: Growing up in Garden City, Texas and getting behind a camera at 15 for Schaefer Farms Why AgCom wasn't the right fit and how switching to Digital Art & Professional Communications changed everything Moving to Kansas as a marketing director before she felt qualified — and why she'd do it again The burnout cycle that creative people almost never talk about How she structures shoot weeks vs. office weeks to protect her energy Switching between photographer brain and designer brain in the same day Her full gear setup: Sony bodies, lenses, ND filters, Pelican cases, and why she flies first class Programs she swears by: DaVinci Resolve, Lightroom Classic, Photoshop, Illustrator, Procreate, PixiSet Why she left Premiere and never looked back The AI editor she worked with who turned out to not be a person at all Her honest fears about AI replacing creatives — and how she's staying ahead of it The difference between what people idolize about creative work and what it actually looks like "Consistency beats intensity" and other lessons from eight years of figuring it out Connect with Samantha: Instagram: @story.haus.co Facebook: Story Haus Books & Resources Mentioned: Atomic Habits by James Clear Anything Everywhere with Emma Chamberlain (podcast) DaVinci Resolve, PixiSet, Better Proposals, Square, Procreate

What happens when a livestock judge who swore she'd never do "creative stuff" ends up building a thriving ag marketing business? You get Linay Williams — founder of Black Creek Innovations, former Director of Marketing at Texas Tech's Davis College of Agriculture, and current VP of Advertising at Texas Farm Credit. In this episode, Linay gets real about the full arc of her career: freelancing right out of Texas Tech, growing Black Creek into a multi-client agency, burning out after baby number two, stepping back into a full-time role, and now consulting again on her own terms. She's the first to say that "doing it all" is a myth — and she's got the glass ball theory to prove it. In this episode, we cover: How internships at Capital Farm Credit and Purina Animal Nutrition shaped her path into marketing Why she started Black Creek Innovations after noticing a gap between ag marketing agencies and actual ag consumers Pricing yourself right when you're fresh out of college — and why being humble early pays off long-term The hard truth about saying no (and how not learning it led to her 2022 burnout) Hiring contractors vs. full-time employees — what she'd do differently The behind-the-scenes chaos of a Rolex-sponsored equine event booth (and duct tape saving the day) Why she stopped taking friends as clients — and the firm boundary she'd set again in a heartbeat Organic vs. paid advertising strategy for small ag businesses The "rifle vs. shotgun" approach to targeted ag marketing Looking outside the ag industry for marketing inspiration (Liquid Death, PRCA, and more) AI in advertising — exciting or terrifying? Why your priorities are allowed to shift — and your business should shift with them Connect with Linay: Instagram (entrepreneurship content): @blackcreekinnovations Instagram (personal): @linayannwilliams LinkedIn: Linay Williams Facebook: Linay Williams Books & Resources Mentioned: Atomic Habits by James Clear Masterclass (especially James Clear's session on building systems) Codie Sanchez — Big Deal Podcast Boss Babe Podcast

Tyler Schuster is a development professional at Texas Tech's College of Agriculture, host of the Basically Famous podcast, and founder of the 501(c)3 nonprofit Brands & Blazers. Born and raised on her family's ranch in Texas, Tyler brings a uniquely grounded perspective on building community, owning your personal brand, and showing up boldly in both life and career. In this episode, Whitney and Tyler dive into what it really looks like to build a life and a brand through intentional action, community-seeking, and a whole lot of showing up. What we cover: Tyler's journey from Tarleton to A&M to Texas Tech - and why stretching into new environments is one of the best things you can do How to intentionally build community when you move somewhere new and don't know a soul The margarita-fueled origin story of the Basically Famous podcast and how it unexpectedly launched a speaking career What "your name is your brand" actually means. Plus the simple, practical steps to start building yours How a student in a blazer sparked the idea for Brands & Blazers, a nonprofit sending free professional blazers to students ages 16–24 Why your first job doesn't have to be your dream job - and what hard seasons are actually teaching you The difference between happiness and joy, and why one is a choice Resources mentioned: 📚 The Mountain Is You — Brianna Wiest 📚 Dare to Lead — Brené Brown 📚 Crushing It — Gary Vaynerchuk 📚 Likable Badass — Alison Fragale 📚 Do It My Way (personal branding) 🎙️ Leaders of the West with Jessie Jarvis / Out of the West 🎙️ Let's Freakin' Rodeo 🎙️ Diary of a CEO 🎙️ Mel Robbins Podcast 📱 Libby app — free audiobooks connected to your library card 🌐 [brandsandblazers.com] — apply for a free blazer (ages 16–24), donate blazers, or join the monthly virtual networking Connect with Tyler: Instagram/TikTok: @tylerkschuster Podcast: Basically Famous Nonprofit: Brands & Blazers Connect with ClubCultivate: Instagram/TikTok: @clubcultivate

Revenue does not equal profit. In this solo episode, Whitney breaks down the Profit First system by Mike Michalowicz and explains how this simple framework can help creative entrepreneurs organize their finances, pay themselves consistently, and build a healthier business. Instead of waiting to see what’s left at the end of the month, this system flips the traditional equation and puts profit first. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why revenue numbers online can be misleading • The simple equation that changes how you run your business • The five bank accounts that make cash flow easier to manage • How to pay yourself consistently as a business owner • Why systems matter more than just “making more money” • How to start implementing Profit First immediately Resource Mentioned Profit First Book – Mike Michalowicz Action Steps Open the five bank accounts Decide your percentage allocations Review your expenses Start implementing on the next 10th or 25th Read the book for the full framework If you enjoy these solo episodes and conversations around building sustainable creative businesses, make sure you're following Club Cultivate wherever you listen to podcasts.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to create content inside a breed association (or how to break into that world), this episode is for you. Kelsey Vejraska shares how she went from “I know nothing about a camera” to Audio Visual Specialist at the American Hereford Association, plus practical advice on storytelling, gear, inspiration, and fast turnaround event coverage. In this episode, you’ll learn… What breed association “content” work actually includes (and why the title rarely says “content creator”) How Kelsey learned video quickly: repetition, mentoring, and “YouTube University” Where to find inspiration outside the ag space without copying How storytelling gets stronger when you research well and ask better questions What gear is truly essential for travel-heavy livestock + event coverage How to balance video vs photo vs graphics so you’re not “making noise to make noise” The mindset shift Kelsey wishes she had earlier: confidence, tunnel vision, and less comparison Kelsey Vejraska — Audio Visual Specialist at the American Hereford Association, creating photo/video/design content for events, digital marketing, and on-farm features across the industry. Links mentioned: American Hereford Association (socials mentioned in episode) Sunny Okanagan Angus: @SunnyOKAngus (Kelsey noted this is the tag) Resources mentioned (tools, gear, books) Book Steal Like an Artist (Austin Kleon) Learning / inspiration YouTube (editing + skill-building) TikTok (especially for graphic design tips) Adobe MAX (conference she wants to attend) Gear (Kelsey’s essentials) Sony cameras: A7R series + A7S III (film-focused) Lenses: 70–200mm f/2.8, 24–70mm f/2.8, 85mm f/1.8 Audio: Rode shotgun mic (on-camera), Sony wired mics, DJI wireless mics (not her favorite) Drone (regularly used for variety/angles) Tripods: lightweight Manfrotto Cases: moving from Pelican to Condition One case (likes the wheels/handle/foam) Editing: Adobe Premiere (referenced) If this episode made you think “I want that job” or “I need to get better fast,” hit follow/subscribe on Club Cultivate so you don’t miss the next creator conversation.

In this episode of the Club Cultivate Podcast, Whitney sits down with social media strategist Taylor Caruso to unpack what’s actually working in social media right now. From building content pillars and planning smarter, to using AI without losing authenticity, this conversation is a tactical and honest look at growing a business online without burning out. If you’ve ever wondered whether social media is “worth it” for your business or how to make it feel less chaotic, this episode is for you. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why content pillars are the foundation of a strong, sustainable social strategy How to blend personal and business content without confusing your audience What planning a month of content really looks like behind the scenes How to track whether social media is actually driving sales Where AI fits into your workflow (and where it shouldn’t) Why “create without consuming” might be your best strategy this year The biggest mindset shift Taylor had to make as a business owner Taylor Caruso Founder of Caruso & Co Marketing Taylor is a boutique social media strategist who works with small to mid-sized businesses across industries including hospitality, fitness, weddings, and personal brands. She specializes in building personalized strategies that prioritize authentic connection while driving measurable growth. Connect with Taylor: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carusoandcomarketing Wedding Content: https://www.instagram.com/blushingbridecontent Personal: https://www.instagram.com/taytaycaruso Resources Mentioned Vista Social – Social media scheduling + analytics platform ManyChat – Automation tool for tracking engagement and clicks Hot Smart Rich Podcast – Founder-focused business podcast The Market Podcast by Sauce Media – Social media + marketing conversations ChatGPT – AI tool for content brainstorming, ideation, and workflow efficiency Connect Follow along for weekly conversations with host, Whitney Dahmer as she visits with creatives in the agriculture and western industries! Instagram: @clubcultivate If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s working to grow their skills in this space.