Today we’re bringing you a very special episode of the Rural Revival podcast. This just so happens to be our 150th episode, and I felt like that was worth celebrating, so I asked my dear friend and Rural Revival travel buddy Joni Nash if she would interview me and talk about what all has transpired since this first started. So grab a cup of coffee and sit down and enjoy this special 150th episode with Joni and me.

On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Libby Timmerman of Heart and Sole Dance and Performing Arts Studio in Cherokee, Iowa (pop. 5,099). Libby’s sharing how she unexpectedly became a dance studio owner at the age of 14, and how she’s now creating opportunities for others to be part of the studio and stay in their hometown — just like she did!

The Swedish Heritage & Cultural Center celebrates Stanton’s rich Swedish heritage both past and present. Come explore all this museum has to offer!

FMTC is working to bring economic opportunities to these four counties and our regional community in southwest Iowa with access to a world class ultra-fast, reliable broadband fiber optic network. We are a community partner for all the towns and residents in our service areas because we live and work in the area...just like the customers we serve. When you can work from anywhere because your Internet is the best in the world you can choose to have the way of life that you want to have.

While at the bank, I noticed a need for Ag Appraisers in the area. I eventually made the scary decision to quit my banking career to pursue a more independent and growing career in Ag Real Estate selling/appraising/managing. My wife, Susan, and I decided to purchase an office space in Stanton to have a "home base" for me to work from. We chose Stanton because it was where our kids went to daycare/school and it is a very progressive and supportive community.

When we walked into that run down building that day I had joked about cleaning up the building and making it a space for a studio. Boy, did that joke grow into ideas! I sat down and started hand drawing some sketches of how I would want my dream studio to look. Slowly over the next three years we worked on demoing the stuff from the old meat locker in our free time.

We started our business in rural Wyoming and sold firearms and ammo part time up until we moved to Iowa in the spring of 2023. We moved here to be close to friends and be part of a small community. We purchased a building in April and began remodeling and were able to open our doors at the beginning of June.

Stanton, Iowa may be small (population less than 700), but it is rich in history, family values, and adventure — and loves celebrating its Swedish heritage! Read more as we kick off our week-long feature of the success stories happening in Stanton.

On today’s episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Stanton Community Development Director Jenna Ramsey, and FMTC General Manager and CEO Kevin Cabbage, both from Stanton, Iowa (pop. 678). This partnership has allowed them to receive over $5 million in grants in five years — and their Main Street is thriving.

On this episode of the Rural Revival podcast we’re with Steffany Bettin of The Blue Jay Boutique in Danbury, Iowa (pop. 320). Steffany’s sharing how she turned an old barbershop in her hometown into a boutique to offer what she calls ‘girl next door’ clothes. You’re going to love her story!

Today we’re with Katie Adams of Stuart Flowers & Gifts in Stuart, Iowa (pop. 1,782). Katie’s floral experience comes from an ag class in high school, but her journey took her to being a teacher to 4-H to corporate America before it came full circle as a full time floral career.

Restored Nutrition opened up for business on September 24, 2022 and ever since then we have been overwhelmed with the amount of support from the community and the surrounding areas for our Herbalife meal replacement shakes and tea bombs.

Welcome to SWARM Sports Bar & Grille: an experience both you and your taste buds will remember! "Home of Bob's Burger" — A ONE POUND burger, stuffed with bacon and mozzarella cheese, topped with cheddar cheese and MORE bacon — and voted "TOP 5 Best Burger" in Northeast Iowa!

I was born and raised in Sumner and, like most teenagers, I “couldn’t wait to get out of this small town.” I always said I’d never move back here, and I thought that meant I’d “make it” if I landed in a big city or anywhere but here. But now I can’t imagine living anywhere else. I feel passionate about our small town, keeping the businesses we have and creating a community where people love to work, live, and enjoy.

Maker’s Market started as two dreamers dreaming and within a matter of hours resulted in an open storefront with keys in hand. An adventure filled with literal sweat, blood. and tears but resulted in the most creative and fulfilling outcome. With loads of help and determination, two dedicated gals took an outdated hidden gem and turned it into a store that exudes character, charm, and a creative atmosphere.

I opened my doors as The Wild Rose on January 5, 1995 and I haven’t looked back since. I started my 28th year in business this year and what a wild ride it has been! When I bought the business, my goal was to diversify beyond being just a “florist;” although, the floral part of my business continues to grow and be strong.

A group of progressive citizens dedicated to the future of their community have created a culture of free, family fun in Sumner. The group collaborates and brainstorms to host engaging and family-friendly events for people to enjoy and draw visitors to town. Many of our downtown business owners are very active in this movement.

Marcy Bergman of Fueled by Faith Coffee and Marcy Bergman Photography in Sumner, Iowa (pop. 2,021) is sharing about her coffee shop and photography business (both side hustles), plus her role in helping revive Sumner along with two of her incredible friends and how their small wins started building a lot of momentum for revival in the community.

Today we’re with Marissa Molland of Hardly General and Melissa Nelson of Hungry Canyon to talk about the Rural Route Ramble — a curated, self guided shop hop through some of Northwest Iowa’s rural communities every December.

On today’s episode we’re with Amanda Lebeck, Chairman of the Walnut Community Center in Walnut, Iowa (pop. 747). Amanda shares how the community moved quickly to save their recently vacated school building and give it a new purpose and use.