Club Cultivate

DESCRIPTION:
Whitney sits down with Kara Dadson of Dadson Farms to talk about turning real barn life into impactful content. Kara shares how posting showmanship videos to sell pigs evolved into educating the public, helping new families level up, and building a fast-growing multi-platform presence. We dig into what to post, where to post, and how to keep it positive, useful, and consistent—without burning out.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Starting in 2020 and the first viral hit (why showmanship content resonates)
Educating non-ag audiences and empowering beginners in the ring
Content pillars, trends, and cross-posting (TikTok, IG, Facebook, YouTube, Snapchat)
Dealing with platform quirks: music rights, originality flags, muting, and fake accounts
Phone vs. camera (stability, lenses, gimbals) and real-world capture tips at shows
Editing flow (CapCut), storage headaches, and batching vs. posting in the moment
Monetization basics on TikTok/YouTube and what “the algorithm” really feels like
Mindset: consistency over perfection, finding inspiration (even from comments), and staying positive
CONNECT:
Follow Dadson Farms on TikTok/Instagram/Facebook/YouTube
Follow Club Cultivate: @clubcultivate 
Love the episode? Share it, tag us, and leave a review to help more ag creatives find the show.

Episode 11: Building a Creative Business with Emma Masur of Lookout Co
In this episode of the Club Cultivate Podcast, Whitney Whitaker sits down with Emma Masur, designer and founder of Lookout Co, to talk all things branding, graphic design, and client experience. Emma shares her journey from job hunting during the pandemic to building a thriving design studio, and why branding is more than just a logo.
We dive into:
The difference between branding and logo design
Why client experience is the foundation of a strong creative business
How TikTok and social media became her #1 lead source
Transparency in pricing and attracting the right clients
Advice for creatives on overcoming fear and just starting
Whether you’re a graphic designer, creative entrepreneur, or someone curious about building a brand, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.
🎧 Listen now and learn how to start, scale, and sustain your creative business.

In this episode, Whitney Whitaker interviews Megan Blankenship, a prominent figure in livestock photography and the owner of Next Level Images. Megan shares her journey from a shy child on a family farm to a successful photographer in the livestock industry. She discusses the importance of passion, building relationships, and the challenges of balancing work and family life. Megan emphasizes the significance of creating positive experiences for clients and the value of teamwork in her business. She also offers insights into bidding for shows, opportunities for aspiring photographers, and the art of livestock photography. The conversation concludes with advice for creatives on pursuing their passions and avoiding burnout.

In this episode of the Club Cultivate podcast, Whitney interviews Jennifer Shike, the editor and brand leader at Farm Journal. Jennifer shares her journey in agriculture and writing, emphasizing the importance of internships and programs like 4-H and FFA in shaping her career. She discusses her current role at Farm Journal, where she focuses on storytelling across various platforms, including print, podcasts, and social media. Jennifer highlights the significance of authenticity in writing and the role of analytics in content creation. The conversation also covers the dynamics of teamwork and collaboration in the creative process, as well as tips for aspiring writers to find their voice and connect with their audience. In this conversation, Jennifer Shike shares her insights on productivity, work-life balance, and the importance of networking in the agricultural communications field. She discusses how to maximize productivity by identifying personal peak work hours, the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life, and the value of engaging with professional organizations like the Livestock Publications Council. Jennifer also offers advice for young professionals, emphasizing the importance of listening, storytelling, and pursuing passions. She concludes with book and podcast recommendations that have influenced her personal and professional growth.

In this episode of the Club Cultivate podcast, Whitney interviews Allison Burenheide, who shares her unique career journey from her undergraduate studies at Texas A&M to her impactful roles at Merck Animal Health, including her experience moving abroad to the UK. The conversation explores themes of personal branding, the value of graduate education, the importance of networking, and the challenges and growth that come from stepping outside of one's comfort zone. Allison emphasizes the significance of adaptability, cultural awareness, and strategic thinking in both personal and professional contexts, providing valuable insights for listeners navigating their own career paths. In this conversation, Allison Burenheide shares her experiences in merging teams, her current role in a startup, and insights into marketing strategies. She emphasizes the importance of understanding customer needs, being adaptable in marketing approaches, and leveraging vendor partnerships. Additionally, she offers valuable advice for young professionals about broadening their opportunities and not being afraid to take risks in their careers.

Episode #7: The Art of Storytelling in Ag Communications with Miranda Reiman
Description:In this episode, Whitney sits down with Miranda Reiman, a seasoned ag writer and communications professional at Angus Media. From her early days at Certified Angus Beef to managing a full-time career and motherhood, Miranda shares insights into:
How writing and storytelling have evolved in ag media
Tips for interviewing, listening, and crafting meaningful narratives
The importance of versatility in communication roles
Navigating work-life balance in a high-demand industry
Internships and how to stand out in your application
Her go-to books, podcasts, and lifelong learning resources
Tune in now and take away practical strategies to strengthen your writing, interviewing, and communication skills—no matter where you are in your journey.
🔗 Resources & Links:
Miranda's Book Recommendations
On Writing by Stephen King
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
📌 Connect with Club Cultivate:
Instagram: @clubcultivate
⭐️ Love this episode? Share it with a friend, leave a review, or tag us while you listen! Every bit helps us grow the community. #ClubCultivate #MadeToMake

In this episode of the Club Cultivate podcast, Whitney interviews Clancy Gunn, who shares her journey from a native Colorado girl to a successful marketing professional at Vermeer. Clancy discusses her early experiences in college, her pivotal role at the National Western Stock Show, and the creation of a media internship program that has helped many students launch their careers. She emphasizes the importance of personal development, self-awareness, and the value of mentorship in the marketing field. Clancy also shares insights on balancing freelance work with a full-time job and the significance of building relationships in the industry. In this engaging conversation, Clancy and Whitney discuss the evolution of their professional journeys, the importance of building genuine relationships, and the impact of kindness and hard work in achieving success. They reflect on their experiences in the agriculture industry, share insights on leveraging data for business growth, and explore innovative marketing strategies. The discussion emphasizes the value of personal development, effective communication, and the significance of networking in today's fast-paced world.

In this episode of the Club Cultivate podcast, Whitney interviews LaurieAnn Kuntz, an accountant specializing in helping creative entrepreneurs manage their finances. LaurieAnn shares her journey from traditional accounting to creating a firm that focuses on understanding and supporting business owners. The conversation covers essential accounting terms, the importance of hiring the right financial professionals, and practical tips for managing finances, especially for those with inconsistent cash flow. LaurieAnn emphasizes the foundational role of financial understanding in business success and offers insights into building a sustainable financial strategy. In this conversation, LoriAnn Kuntz and Whitney discuss the importance of financial management for entrepreneurs, focusing on how to pay oneself consistently, the nuances of business income, and the significance of setting personal financial goals. They also explore the services offered by Profit Priority, emphasizing the need for clear communication and support in bookkeeping and financial planning. The discussion wraps up with book recommendations and personal mantras that guide their entrepreneurial journeys.
Learn more about LoriAnn Kuntz and the Profit Priority team here: https://www.profitpriority.co/ 

In this episode of the Club Cultivate podcast, Whitney interviews Jace Tarbell, a creative entrepreneur who shares his journey from a pre-vet student to a successful graphic designer and business owner. Jace discusses the challenges and mindset shifts he experienced while building his business, the importance of finding one's unique style, and the value of community and collaboration in the creative industry. He emphasizes the need for aspiring creatives to have faith in themselves, learn from failures, and charge appropriately for their services.

In this episode of the Club Cultivate podcast, Whitney interviews Tori Egger, a Western photographer who shares her journey from a young age in the agriculture world to becoming a successful photographer. Tori discusses the importance of building a portfolio, finding a niche, and the strategic use of social media to grow her brand. She emphasizes the value of education and mentorship in the photography community and advocates for a collaborative mindset where everyone can succeed together. Tori also shares insights on pricing, the significance of creating shareable content, and her philosophy of inclusivity in the industry. In this conversation, Tori Egger shares her journey in photography, emphasizing the importance of finding one's unique style through trial and error. She discusses strategic approaches to photography, including understanding the brands you want to work with and tailoring your style accordingly. Tori provides tactical tips for improvement, such as using Pinterest for inspiration and the significance of practicing regularly. She also delves into pricing strategies, the value of mentorship, and the importance of personality in building a successful creative business. The conversation highlights the power of community and the resources available for aspiring photographers.