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Behind the Byline: Shelby Shank’s Unfiltered Story
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We're BACK for season THREE!
From Cincinnati to Cowgirl Magazine’s 30 Under 30: Meet Shelby Shank | Kick Your Boots Up Podcast
In this episode of the Kick Your Boots Up Podcast, we're sitting down with Shelby Shank, Field Editor for the Texas Farm Bureau, Cowgirl Magazine’s 2025 Class of 30 Under 30 honoree, and proud dog mom to Boots the Golden Retriever. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Shelby shares her journey from growing up in the Midwest to becoming a leading voice in agricultural journalism.
We dive into Shelby’s roots in 4-H, what inspired her to pursue a career in media, and the steps she took to land a role at one of the most respected farm bureaus in the country. She opens up about life as a Texas Farm Bureau Field Reporter, her favorite stories, and what it’s really like working in ag communications across Texas, Virginia, and Washington.
Get to know the woman behind the byline—Shelby talks skincare, heartbreak, and the reality of being a young, single journalist navigating her 20s. Plus, she shares her best advice for aspiring storytellers, how she overcomes writer’s block, and the fun side of her life outside of work.
Whether you’re a journalism student, a fellow farm kid, or just love hearing from strong women shaping the Western world—this episode is for you.
Follow Shelby:
Instagram & TikTok: @shelbybeth_427
Follow Texas Farm Bureau: @texasfarmbureau
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Transcript
Introduction to Season 3
00:00:00
Speaker
It feels weird to say that it's my favorite, but it's when we covered the Panhandle Wildfires last year. That one was really cool just because, i mean, it was a very heartbreaking situation, but it was really cool to be like, oh, I'm being a part of like writing history for people.
00:00:15
Speaker
Hey, everybody. Thank you again for tuning in to the Kiki Roots Up podcast. You guys, this is season three of the podcast. It has been a long time
Listener Engagement and Challenges
00:00:25
Speaker
coming. I know I personally have learned so much from you guys, our loyal listeners. The best thing that I've learned from season one and season two has been how kind you guys are. I felt like when I was doing some teaser stuff preparing for season three, you guys just reached out with the kindest words, the best advice that I truly appreciate. So keep it coming. I'm never um going to be offended if you send me a DM or write a comment.
00:00:50
Speaker
That's good or bad. I want to hear it all. So thank you again. And speaking of a big thank you, I've got to give a shout out to our top three states that are the most listened to. So Texas is number one, it's a given, we're here in Fort Worth.
00:01:04
Speaker
um But I really challenge the other states because I feel like Texas has like a big target on its back. So I don't know about you guys, but step it up, maybe we can kick Texas out at number one. and then Virginia and Washington. Thank you guys so much. I don't know what you're doing, but keep doing it, keep sharing it with your friends.
00:01:21
Speaker
And if you're not in the top three states, this is officially a challenge. I challenge you to like, subscribe, share this with at least three friends today. Let's get your state mentioned in the next episode. I would so
Introducing Shelby Shank
00:01:34
Speaker
appreciate it. And um I can't say thank you enough.
00:01:37
Speaker
So without further ado, we're gonna get started for our first episode of season three and we're starting it off with a bang. This is one of my good friends. We go back about five years, but it feels like with social media, when we've been able to keep in touch and get to know each other even better over the years.
00:01:53
Speaker
I have so many things that I'm gonna introduce this lady to you guys with, but I think I'm gonna lead with my favorite fun fact about Shelby. Shelby is a dog mom to a golden retriever named Boots that um is honestly equally as cool as her. Like if she was a dog, it would
Shelby's Recognition and Career Path
00:02:09
Speaker
be Boots. Like um I just love keeping up with their adventures and everything that they do. So ladies and gentlemen, this is Shelby Shank. She's the field reporter for the Texas Farm Bureau. And I'm so excited to have you here on the podcast.
00:02:21
Speaker
Awesome. Thank you. That was a really sweet intro. Boots also has its own Instagram. It's at Boots underscore Scootin' Boogie. That's right. I forgot. I'm his like personal manager, but yeah, honestly, it's about time that they start earning their money and paying for rent. I know he really does need to, especially with like recent events. I've had to like take him to the vet. He really had allergies.
00:02:43
Speaker
Okay. Yeah. So that's fun to navigate. um Yeah. ah Yeah. I hate that for you, but, um, I can't wait to hear more stories about it because one of my friends has a golden retriever that has to go to the vet a lot and it's like a dramatic experience and you should probably form a support group for other golden retriever moms. I probably should.
00:03:01
Speaker
No, but, um, Something that's really cool about you, and I'm so thankful that I was able to catch you here in Fort Worth this week, is um by the time this podcast is out, Shelby will have been inducted into Cowgirl Magazine's 30 Under 30, the class of 2025.
00:03:14
Speaker
Huge accomplishment. First of all, congratulations. you Thank you. Thank You're welcome. That is so fun. um i know about a year ago this time, you we were you were talking about it, like, what can I do? What's going on? And I'm so happy to see you here. What do you think this weekend is going to, like...
00:03:29
Speaker
What do you think is to happen this weekend? what do you think you're going to do? i think this weekend I'm just really excited to one, get to know everyone. and This is such a like big life accomplishment for me and in very like answered prayer.
00:03:42
Speaker
yeah So just really excited to be a part of it, get to see everyone, and get to know everyone. um And just learn from the women around me and then to further God's kingdom and um and just really bring awareness to the Western way of life and to agriculture. And yeah.
00:04:00
Speaker
And it honestly, this feels whenever we sit here and talk about it, it feels like two girls being fake about like spending time with other girls or whatever. But like genuinely, you know, it's one night or like the gala, the gala is at least one night, but this year it's like a whole week weekend situation, but you just are fulfilled with women that are running towards the same goals as yours. And it's, it's not competition.
00:04:22
Speaker
They're not, you know, there to be ugly to each other. It's literally honestly like a positive pink bubble or something like shout out to Cal girl magazine for doing it because there's only 30 every year and it's, it only started in like 2020. 30 times five,
00:04:36
Speaker
thirty times five Like there's only that many women. And um so it's, it's really cool. So I'm very proud of you. And that's it. I know it's going to be the best weekend. It's going to be exhausting. So my best advice, I guess, is like drink all the coffee, drink all the things. Espresso martinis. There we go. You get a little coffee, little alcohol, whatever. tip Okay. But the question shall be that I have like wanted to ask you and shame on me for not sending you a voice text or like texting you about it. But I'm so glad that we got to save it for the podcast because About a year ago, my coworker who is very in tune with like pop culture and what Gen Z is doing.
00:05:12
Speaker
um She was teaching me a
Shelby's Background and Interests
00:05:14
Speaker
new language that Gen Z is speaking. And I was like, this is the craziest thing I've ever heard. But then I used it in real life at the swimming pool at my apartment. And these kids that definitely know like what some of the like skippity toilet and stuff. They were like, what? She she's old and she knows that.
00:05:29
Speaker
OK, but you're the first person that is from Ohio, Cincinnati, Ohio. You guys, um you're the first person that is from Ohio that I've been able to talk to because there's a phrase that Gen Z is saying now. And it's like, oh, that's so Ohio.
00:05:43
Speaker
what is your thoughts about that? How does that make you feel being from Ohio? um I'm honestly like a little indifferent on it okay um I am really grateful that I grew up in Cincinnati Ohio I was I grew up on the outskirts of it so not in the city was more in like a suburban kind of area um so that's kind of like where my ag tie comes in yeah but um yeah I'm really indifferent to it I'm grateful to be from there there's things back home that like I still hold true to myself like Skyline Chili, which is where we put chili on spaghetti noodles.
00:06:14
Speaker
A lot of people think that's gross, but hey, when you grew up with it, like it's good. ok hang on. I grew up calling it Chili Three-Way. Okay, yeah. Okay. look Oklahoma and Ohio are the same. What? Okay. Okay. This makes me happy because my coworkers, they give me such a hard time about it. Skyline chili. Okay.
00:06:34
Speaker
That's interesting. But yeah. So grateful for Ohio, but really grateful to be living in Texas. I don't foresee myself moving to Ohio again. um you know very much so yeah i very much claim Texas as home.
00:06:49
Speaker
Wow. And i'm I mean, I'm selfishly glad you're here being from Oklahoma transplant as well in Texas. We just discovered when I was booking you for the show that you're actually in Waco, which I don't know why I was thinking you were further. So shame on us for not actually hanging out more than we do. But there's people in Fort Worth that I don't even see. So shame on us. But that's Anyways, um I am so glad that we started it off talking about this because tell us a little bit more about how you grew up, what it was like, um especially because you were in rural America, but you still had some inner city, you know, I think school, did you go to school in the city? Okay, so talk about that.
00:07:20
Speaker
Yeah, so um originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, didn't really grow up in agriculture. And I always tell people this, that I got started in agriculture because I wanted a pet pig.
00:07:32
Speaker
But it also goes a step further than that, that I don't really tell my mom, but now she like knows it and it's funny. But there was a cute boy in 4-H who showed pigs. And I, of course, wanted to show pigs too and be around this cute boy.
00:07:46
Speaker
but so I started showing pigs in high school, got really involved in the program. um If 4-H was attached to it, like I was involved in it. And really got my start in agriculture from there, really grew a passion for it. I knew that I wanted to study something in agriculture, just wasn't sure what that was.
00:08:05
Speaker
um And then God placed me in a small town of Murray, Kentucky, which is about six hours from Ohio. Wow. i have a So I went to Murray State University for undergrad, studied animal science, but took more of like a marketing and communications career.
00:08:20
Speaker
kind of role or not really role, but path through that.
Shelby's Career Development and Faith
00:08:25
Speaker
And so really grateful for the people that I met in Murray. I worked at our university hog farm and managed our Facebook page with them, our sale pages, met some really awesome mentors there, Matt and Alex Schultz. um They're really sweet individuals, love their family. um And then all throughout college, I just really gave myself a goal that I was going to do an internship every summer um and God willing that I was able to make that happen.
00:08:50
Speaker
I took all the internships, met all the people. and And that just wound me up going to Texas Tech University for um grad school where I got my master's in agricultural communications.
00:09:01
Speaker
um The Raiders, right? Yes. The Red Raiders. The Red Raiders. This is the only time you're. Oh, is it one? yeah OK, well, hey the only time yeah we do this. Um, so yeah, it was in Lubbock for about 18 months for my master's loved living out there. If I could move anywhere, I'd probably move back to Lubbock and West Texas is very partial to my heart.
00:09:23
Speaker
And then, um as I was finishing up my thesis, I was like, man, I really want to make sure I have a job. Like after I graduate, like that was just my goal all throughout school is like, I'm going to have a job after I graduate.
00:09:36
Speaker
And so I, Took like a little break from working on my thesis and started job hunting. um Wasn't really sure like what I wanted to do, but like whenever people would ask like, hey, what do you want to do after graduation? And I would always say, i want to be the voice of agriculture and I want to share people's stories, whether that's like with an ag organization, a farm bureau or something like that. Like that's something that I want to do.
00:09:58
Speaker
wow And so when I saw the field editor position open at Texas Farm Bureau, read through it, it was like lots of writing, some social media, photography, traveling across the state. i was like, is this real? Like, this is literally my dream job.
00:10:11
Speaker
Check, check, check. Like all the boxes are checking. Yeah. yeah wow And so I applied. um My first interview with my current boss, this is like, my number one god God moment. I love to share it with people because it's like very clear that he wanted me to be in Waco and in this position.
00:10:29
Speaker
But I remember our first phone call, she we were able to identify three different individuals that we each had connections to in different areas of our life. And that was really sweet for me. So
Social Media and Storytelling in Agriculture
00:10:41
Speaker
the first one was um one of my professors at Murray was one of her professors at Tarleton.
00:10:47
Speaker
And then one summer I did an internship at Indiana Farm Bureau and I worked with her sister-in-law and then i was doing some work with Cultivate Agency and she knew them with like some of her previous work and like ah being involved with the cattle industry. And I was like, that's so crazy that like we're able to identify all of these people and different areas of our life. And so that was just like a really sweet moment to be like, okay, I'm meant to be here.
00:11:11
Speaker
That is so cool. And I'm so glad you brought faith into it because um you guys know I love to talk about that on the podcast, but I always wait for the guests to do it first. But one thing I have to say about Shelby is before when the cameras are off, she was like, hey, do you mind if we pray over this podcast?
00:11:25
Speaker
And truly, like when that happens, peace just just comes into the room and it came into this interview. But then over your time and your story, I can tell that you were praying like prayerfully making steps, which means that it was like another door opened or at least a crack. You know, it was like opening up even more. And that's so cool. And I think that's a big part of my story, too. Like I can relate to you with that is like at one point in time, especially in college, I was like super like lost, probably wanting to go a little bit off the beaten path and like.
00:11:55
Speaker
questioning a lot of things in life. Right. And, um, that's actually one of the turning points was when we did our internship together at the cowboy channel. Cause I remember being like, okay, the only way that I would survive in this environment, fast pace, stressful is like, let go, let God. And from that moment, I feel like every year it's been like, I felt his presence more, like, I don't even know how to explain it, but yeah but you know what I'm saying? Yeah. So let's go back a little bit to the internship at the cowboy channel.
00:12:21
Speaker
It was a crazy time. Yes. Did you think it was worth it getting to where you are now? Talk about that. Because I know like there's a lot of listeners that are about to start applying for internships or like hoping to get one for the summer.
00:12:32
Speaker
Ours was like super unique because it was like NFR centric. But yeah. Talk about it. Yes. Our internship with Cowboy Channel is very unique. um It was during the 2020 NFR when it was in Fort Worth. And then i was able to come back for the American.
00:12:47
Speaker
And that was really sweet. I honestly applied on a whim. I saw someone post that they were um accepting applications for internships. And I was like, oh, I think I could do this. Like
Balancing Personal and Professional Life
00:12:59
Speaker
at that point, most my classes were online. So I was like, yeah, I can like spend two weeks in Fort Worth. And that was a positive about COVID. Yeah. Like there's lots of negative things, obviously lots of hurt, but.
00:13:09
Speaker
ah positive that we chose to see positive is like classes are online now let's go yes so it was definitely worth it um i'm trying to remember like everything that we did but i just remember yeah i just remember like feeling so grateful for the people that i met during that internship and just like how god intentionally placed them into my life and that i'm able to like still connect with them today like i'm able to connect with you megan rebel like That's just so fun and like so sweet that like I was able to make these connections.
00:13:38
Speaker
And I mean, look at where we are today. Yeah. so No, for because of that. It's huge. And I'll never forget um my roommate and I at the time are, I think this was during the American, I guess.
00:13:49
Speaker
I don't even, hurt yeah, during the American, our like pipes had burst. Yes. And I really got to know you when I stayed. I was like, Megan, I'm coming to crash in your hotel room. I need to take a shower, all the things. And um you and Megan had shared a room or whatever. And so I was like, okay, cool. And that was like a good opportunity to like really get to know you and stuff. and Yeah. um It's just so fun. I love talking about the past because not only are we in the time, like, before our 30s, I feel like our 20s are for, like, figuring life out. And it's been so fun to figure out life alongside you and the other girls as well, you know. um We'll have to get together sometime. We will. Hopefully this weekend is a thing. But yeah if not, um i know that, like, Megan's here a lot. Rebel's here a lot. Maybe we can, like, figure it out with all of our busy schedules.
00:14:31
Speaker
That's something we need to talk about, too, before we get to know you a little bit deeper because... I remember being like younger 20s and being like, how are you supposed to hang out and make time for everyone in college when you're all right there in the same town, let alone now when we're adults, we all do things. So talk about like your life back home and how you balance like friends and work and personal time. And you love fashion. So like fashion and shopping, just talk about your time management, balance, all that stuff. The fun stuff. I feel like I'm not really good at time management, but maybe I am. I don't know. It looks like you are. So it's all good. I'm just really grateful for the place that I'm in now.
00:15:09
Speaker
um I mentioned earlier that like if I can move anywhere would be Lubbock, Texas. um Waco, Texas is a very interesting town. okay Talk about it. um I don't really know how to describe it other than saying that like it's a popcorn town.
00:15:22
Speaker
So if anyone from Waco is listening to this, I'm so sorry if you love Waco. Yeah. But like, so I'm on my street. If I turn left, I see like half million dollar homes.
00:15:33
Speaker
If I turn right, I go to a sketchy H-E-B that I'm never going to go to. i will travel 20 minutes to a different H-E-B and get my groceries there. Yeah. Good to know. Yeah. So Waco is very interesting, but I'm really grateful for the community that I've built there.
00:15:46
Speaker
um When I moved to Waco, I was like, okay, this is where I'm going to settle down like plant some roots and things like that. So I wanted to get plugged into a really awesome church and thankfully found myself at Harris Creek.
00:15:57
Speaker
Yes. And that Harris Creek. So if you know anything about Harris Creek, um our pastor is JP. and We have a podcast called Becoming Something. Their conference is this weekend. So I'm really, ah really bummed to miss it, but I know my friends are going to send me some updates.
00:16:12
Speaker
Um, so really grateful for that church and just how it has like transformed my faith. Um, my community there is just like everything to me of living in Waco. So really involved in the church. Um, I guess that's how I like hang out with people. Yeah. Um, funny story. When I went to the dentist, she noticed my dental hygienist noticed that I was reading, like I had a book in my purse and she's like, do you want to join my book club? And I was like,
00:16:36
Speaker
ah yes, I love to read and I want to make more friends. So now I'm in like a book club with my dental hygienist and her friends and we're going to celebrate her 30th birthday coming up. So that's really fun. yeah You had a great dentist experience. Yes.
00:16:49
Speaker
should all try that. Yep. I love going there. um And then I'm just really blessed to have friends like all throughout the country from college and just various internships and just staying connected with them through social media.
00:17:00
Speaker
um There's girls from college that I Snapchat every day and I still feel like I'm really connected to them. don't know if that really answer your time management question, but... No, it did, because you showed us like the ins and outs of, like and making friends is a good point that you touched on, because it's incredibly hard to make friends, especially after college. It was a little bit easier in college. You had classes together. You were forced to be with people um based on like organizations or whatever, but like now it's like, oh, I went to the dentist, and that is a highlight, yeahs literally.
00:17:28
Speaker
People do not understand how hard it is, especially nowadays with like phones and dating apps and all that stuff. um I was on the dating scene like right when Bumble was
Family and Personal Reflections
00:17:39
Speaker
a thing.
00:17:39
Speaker
ah huh So I was like, I like Bumble at least because I can like I have the power to say yes or no or whatever. I don't like that. Oh, really? You want them to pursue you? Yes. Okay. Okay. So let's talk about that then. Are you single right now?
00:17:51
Speaker
Are you dating? Yes, single. I currently have my hinge on pause though, because dating Waco is not it, y'all. Like it's, it's just weird. So I'm single. Don't know what to do about it, but here we are. You know what? We have to talk about your boss said.
00:18:07
Speaker
Yeah. What did she say? So before I came up to Fort Worth for like this week and everything that it entails, she was like, can you set your hinge to like Fort Worth this weekend? Like maybe you'll meet someone. I was like, Julie, I already have it like at a hundred mile radius. I'm getting people from Austin and Fort Worth.
00:18:24
Speaker
I was like, it's, it's not happening. So if I meet someone great, if not, That's okay too. Maybe you can get a boyfriend out of this podcast. yeah ahny that might That might be the new thing. Like forget dating apps. Let's just go on podcasts and introduce people, right?
00:18:39
Speaker
Next time you're in town, I promise I'll have like eligible bachelors lined up. We'll plan better. No, I love that, though, because it's so hard to make friends, but then also like dating and then like dealing with the virtual apps and like I my heart goes out to you. And ah there's a lot of this sounds sad. Girls, if you're listening, this isn't what I mean. But like there's a lot of girls on our team that are single and like hearing them like they'll be so excited for a date and then he'll stand them up.
00:19:05
Speaker
or like they'll go on a date but then they're either like stage five clinger or like questionable murderer you know there's really no like it's so weird there's diamonds in the rough and um one of my older co-workers right now actually is stoked because she found someone on an app and I'm like okay so maybe it's not for our 20s you know maybe it is for later on in life we'll see but um that's kind of like so hard to maneuver so yeah I'm I hate that for you but Luckily, it's okay you're in Fort Worth this weekend yeah and there's lots of opportunity there and it's all going to be good. It's all going to work out.
00:19:39
Speaker
um And your mom is coming. Yes. and and Yes. She's flying in from Ohio tomorrow. um I feel bad she has to Uber from the airport to the hotel, but. Hey, I'm have a busy week, but I'm so grateful that she's going to be here in town for it. um And then she will be here for um a week afterwards and stuff like that. So good. Okay. I'm still going spend some intentional time with her and the drive back to Waco plus like getting to see you in your normal life. That's good too. And you and your mom have a cool relationship. I think that's so rare. I mean, it depends probably 50 50.
00:20:11
Speaker
Um, depending on like the situation, but, um, talk to us a little bit about how cool it is to have a mom that is so invested in your life. You're probably like, she's a lot sometimes, but like different perspective is cool too. So my mom is a saint and she's going to giggle so hard when she like listens to this and realizes that I'm talking about her on a podcast. Um, no, she's so sweet.
00:20:31
Speaker
Um, I honestly called her maybe like a couple of weeks ago, um, just after having some conversations with friends and and them talking about their relationship with their mom, like my heart honestly kind of broke for them. And so I called my mom, was like, mom, I'm so grateful to have such a good relationship with you. Like listening to other people's stories of like their relationships. Like I'm so thankful that ours is not like that.
00:20:54
Speaker
And I don't know if there's anything to attribute to how close we are, but it's just really sweet that she's someone I can tell anything to. She's my biggest supporter. um She sent me a and photo of a card that her co-worker sent her um addressed to like the both of us saying like, Shelby, we're so excited for you. Congratulations. We're so excited that you get to spend this time with your mom.
00:21:15
Speaker
um And they're like, your mom just glows when she talks about you. And was like, that's so sweet. So, Yeah, I'm just really grateful for my relationship with her. um She's my best friend and I love like sharing everything with her. That is so cool. And I truly do love that. And I can feel like the passion too. Like that's that's so cool to see.
00:21:34
Speaker
And it's going to be kind of hard this weekend, like balancing like mom time, friend time. Granted, I know you have the next week with your mom and whatever. But um what do you think is gonna be like the most sentimental moment about the
Achievements and Future Goals
00:21:47
Speaker
weekend? Like, do you think it's gonna be, you get to give a speech, right? Okay, so do you think it's gonna be that or do you think it's gonna be like in the small moments?
00:21:54
Speaker
Okay, this might sound really so or silly and I hope it doesn't sound like superficial or anything or materialistic. It's a safe place here, nobody will judge. But I'm really excited to get the 30 under 30 cuff. I've seen women before me like have it. They wear it to like various events and things like that or they wear it every day.
00:22:11
Speaker
And I'm just so excited to be a part of that and to also wear the cuff and of course show it off in a non bragging way. But but. also like this is the weekend to brag about it like so they're all gonna have one yeah like so just really grateful for that um this is kind of a fun story that I haven't really like shared with anyone um but you know I applied last year i didn't get it which is fine um but they gave me the opportunity to purchase tickets and go to the gala last year and I was like of course I'm gonna take that like make some connections while I can
00:22:43
Speaker
And so I kept my ticket from that and I put it at my desk. I have one of those little like organizers where you put like pens and notebooks and things like that. And I just put my ticket there and i wasn't going to like forget to apply again. But I was like, this is going to be a sweet reminder that like this is a goal that I'm working towards.
00:23:00
Speaker
um And so then I applied and shouldn't have used my work email because they like filter our emails of like when what comes through and what doesn't. And so I didn't know I got it until Megan actually messaged me. And she said, congratulations, you got it. And I was like, what are you talking about?
00:23:18
Speaker
And she sent me the article and I saw my face. I was like, oh my gosh, I got 30 under 30. Like that's so awesome. So yeah, little sweet story that I kept my ticket at my desk. It's still there.
00:23:29
Speaker
Little sweet memento. And I honestly love that. That's the most Shelby thing, the most Taylor thing too. Cause you're like kind of out of sight, out of mind. And that all sudden you're like, wait. What? Yeah, what happened?
00:23:39
Speaker
I had to go back to my emails and be like, oh, there it is. I did get it. It's not junk. It's not a thing. Yeah, it's so funny. And that is a sweet little story, too, because it made it the moment with Megan special, too. Like you have that memory with Megan forever. yeah That's so cool. No, I love that. That's like super cool.
00:23:56
Speaker
Okay, so on a more personal level, we I don't know how we can get more personal than your dating life, but one thing that I'm really interested in and like love hearing girls talk about on other podcasts is like their favorite things that they've loved lately or like specifically like skincare or makeup. So tell us about some of the things that you like will not leave the house without or like you swear by right now, whatever.
00:24:20
Speaker
Okay. I recently discovered this. I know that Charlotte Tilbury has like been talked about, ah the pillow talk lipstick. Yes. Well, I got that shade. Love it But then i noticed that they have a fair one, like for fair skin people and I'm fair skin. So I was like, okay, I'm going to try this.
00:24:36
Speaker
I put it on and y'all it's literally the best color ever. I'm really picky about lipsticks of them being like too orangey when I'm kind of going for like a mauve pink and whatnot. And that's what Charlotte Tilbury pillow talk fair gives me.
00:24:50
Speaker
So I love that. That's one of my current favorites. I wish I was right now. No, this is just a regular pillow talk one. So it looks good, but pillow talk fair. I love that one. um What else am I loving?
00:25:03
Speaker
um I'm currently doing the She Reads Truth Lent study, and this is my first um study doing, or like first She Reads Truth study that I'm doing.
Role as a Field Reporter and Work Stories
00:25:12
Speaker
What a perfect one. Yeah, and I'm really enjoying it. have to confess, I haven't really like been keeping up with it lately, just with everything going on, but- You're a little busy. I really do love their studies.
00:25:21
Speaker
their studies And then I told you earlier, I'm kind of in my podcast era. Yes. i Really enjoy like putting my headphones on during work and just listening to a podcast. So of course I have to shout out Becoming Something. Love their podcast.
00:25:35
Speaker
They really do. Sorry, really quick. They really do cover a wide variety of things. I remember even like the seasons of not knowing what your career is going to be, not knowing who your partner is, everything like, yeah.
00:25:46
Speaker
Yeah. Love it. Good podcast. So theirs is really good. um Whoa, that's good with Sadie Robertson. Heck yes. Love that one. And then of course, love listening to this podcast and all guests that you have on This is going to be your favorite episode. Yes. Yes. I hope it's the most viewed. No, I'm kidding.
00:26:01
Speaker
Yes. Yeah, me too. um And then another shout out to Leaders of the West. Love that one. And just learning from people as each jar in the Western agricultural industries.
00:26:12
Speaker
Yeah, that's a wide variety. We got a little self-help. We got a little ag, little in between. No, those are so good. I recently, if you are a podcast girly, I recently discovered The Skinny Confidential.
00:26:24
Speaker
Okay, have you heard about that one. It's kind of different. It's not really ag based, but I kind of like it because they kind of shoot you straight on like health and beauty and they they get to interview, it's a husband and wife couple, so they get to interview like a very wide variety of like, some are businessmen that started businesses and women too. So it's like very business or like sometimes it's an influencer that has a beauty product and you're like, wait, I never knew the science behind the fair, you know, fair makeup or whatever. So um yeah, that one's my favorite too. I love that, yes. And then I um remember your dentist story you like to read. So are you reading anything? Other than the Lent series. Okay. I love, um I'm going to butcher her name, but it's Abby Jimenez.
00:27:09
Speaker
Okay. She's wrote... um Just for the Summer, A Part of Your World, Yours Truly. She's probably one of my current like favorite authors right now. And she just came out with a book either this week or last week called um Say You'll Remember. And it's about like a veterinarian and I can't remember what the other character does, but m love reading that right now. She's so good. If you love rom-coms like I do. does it say with that to your favorite genre?
00:27:35
Speaker
I love rom-coms. Okay. Yeah. I really, um my coworkers have, they taught me a term smut, smut books. I was never really into smut, but there was one book that I read like probably last summer, like at the pool and stuff. and I was like, okay, I see why people love like rom-com or like anything other than self-help. Cause really I just read self-help all the time. But um it is fun to escape a little bit. Yes, it is. It is.
00:27:58
Speaker
um And speaking of stepping away and like escaping, you travel a lot for work. So um tell us about what it's like, like give us a like a day in the life of a field reporter at Texas Farm Bureau. Cause that is, your job is so intriguing. yeah You don't have the same day every day.
00:28:12
Speaker
No. i So I guess I never really explained like what I actually do your listeners. What do you do Shelby? honestly am so lucky to have a very like niche job um because when you say like field editor, they're like, what's that?
00:28:27
Speaker
and i often And I often get confused with like our field representatives. But I'm the editor. basically don't sell it. Yeah. Yeah. um I basically go around the state of Texas and interview farmers and ranchers and just get to share their stories in our agriculture, which is so fun. So I'm taking their photos. I tag team with our video team.
00:28:49
Speaker
and We do interviews. And so really grateful to have the team that I travel with. Yeah. They do amazing work. Love the videos that they produce. And then I get to write like the article that goes along with it.
00:29:01
Speaker
um And then I also get to like travel to other places. So at the end of the month, I'm going to DC with some of our members. how um And they're going to advocate at the Capitol for agriculture, of course. And so I'll be there following them around. So if you see me following people in cowboy hats, I'm there.
00:29:18
Speaker
You're like, that's me. Yeah. One thing that I noticed, you actually publish a lot of articles online. And so I can't help but ask, like, how does it feel to be published or to say like, oh, I'm a published writer?
00:29:30
Speaker
It's honestly so surreal. So when I was in grad school, I said that I wanted to like publish journal articles and like. That's when I would be like, I made it or whatnot.
00:29:41
Speaker
Well, I think it was maybe earlier this year or last year that my thesis actually did get published in a journal article. And i was like, oh, this is just like another published thing. Because at that point, like I'd been at Farm Bureau for two years and my pictures have been the cover of Texas Agriculture, which is like our monthly publication. Yes.
00:30:00
Speaker
And it's like, oh, I've already done this before. But it's still like a really surreal moment when you see like a photo that you've taken on the cover of this paper that is going out to... A lot of people. Does your mom get a copy? That's the most important don't think she does. don't think she does. Even though she lives in Ohio, I should make her get a Farm Bureau membership in Texas.
00:30:21
Speaker
You really should. I'm sure she would be like stoked every month getting a magazine or whatever. Is it but actually not monthly? It's bi-monthly? This one is monthly. And then we have another one called Texas Neighbors that is digital and it goes out every quarter. Okay. yeah Wow. So you you really are constantly with content. Yeah.
00:30:38
Speaker
Wow. Okay. So one question I've asked, we're interviewing right now for interns and stuff. One thing I've asked them is like, how do you get over like writer's block or creative block or whatever? So I'll ask you that then too, since you're, you're constantly pumping out the stuff. I wish I had an answer for you and I don't have one. I don't have one.
00:30:54
Speaker
Um, on a normal week when like I'm in the office, I probably do maybe like five to six articles a week. Most of them are just like really short or like I'm repackaging one.
00:31:05
Speaker
Yeah, not necessarily like blog type. I don't really know how you would describe it. oh This is a weird random fact too. And I don't know if i should brag about it. Definitely. You should. I did not take a single journalism class in school. I did not take a single journalism class.
00:31:20
Speaker
So honestly, where I am today, it's all because of God. Like, yeah. Wow. So I don't know what you really call it. It's just maybe like, it's more like a new style. I don't know. Okay. Yeah. Yeah.
00:31:31
Speaker
But they get published in like our um daily newsletter that goes out to emails called Texas Ag Daily. um So yeah, i probably do but like five to six of those a week. And then we try to shoot for like one big story, like a feature story once a month.
00:31:46
Speaker
um right now we're kind of like in this weird lull of waiting for people to respond back to us so that we can um you know go go um like possibly going to el paso um another one i think will be in east texas and then i can't remember where some of the other ones are but we're just in this like weird waiting period to get some stories done Well, okay, if you do get to go to El Paso, if it works out, we have a factory there in like stores and stuff. So I don't know if you'll have any free time, but you'll have to like stop in and see what it's like there, another yeah branch of us. But um I love that you mentioned like going and and that was a big part of the the answer we talked about before of like um getting to travel and do all the things. So Juan actually asked you this off camera, not knowing that we were prepared to talk about it. So I was like, nope, don't answer.
00:32:33
Speaker
I'm gonna ask you now. Now that we're camera, everyone can hear you and hear your story. What has been like the craziest scenario that has come out of being in the field um asking the farmers things? Was it a crazy location, a crazy story, a crazy person?
00:32:46
Speaker
i feel like that's such a hard question to like answer. And I was thinking about that on the drive up here because people always ask like, what's your favorite story that you've done and whatnot? yeah And like, they're all really good stories.
00:32:58
Speaker
for like little bits of themselves. Like whether it's, I felt like I got really good content when I was there or this person interviewed really well, or i just really enjoyed the memories with my coworkers while we were on that shoot.
Meaning and Impact of Storytelling in Agriculture
00:33:10
Speaker
and so it's really hard to like pick which ones are my favorite, but there's a couple that stand out to me. And this one like feels weird to say that it's my favorite, but it's when we covered the panhandle wildfires last year. That one was really cool just because, I mean, it was a very heartbreaking situation, but it was really cool to be like, oh, I'm being a part of like writing history for people.
00:33:32
Speaker
Communicating that to the world. Yeah, so that was like really cool just to like be a part of that, I guess. Still very heartbreaking, but a good story. um And then another one, we did Poteet Strawberries. So Poteet is very known for their strawberries. They have like a strawberry festival every year. um And it was around that time when we did that shoot, The Wes Anderson Trend.
00:33:53
Speaker
And my coworkers are like big movie nerds. And so they were like, yes, we need to do that. And I feel like that's maybe one of our like most viewed like reels and TikToks is the Wes Anderson trend, like with the strawberry farmers.
00:34:07
Speaker
And it's like, it's a really good video. I love it. um We got a, so American Farm Brewer does like a communications conference for all the state farm brewers to come together. um And we submitted that video and got like best social media video. And so that was really fun. Heck yes, you did.
00:34:24
Speaker
Well, I think I've got to go back to the story with the um West Texas fires because I totally see why that was your your favorite. Only because the lens that I'm looking at it as like seeing the stories that you wrote and seeing Facebook posts and all the articles that were out there.
00:34:37
Speaker
Everyone band together and like people from Oklahoma, I'm sure people from Ohio, everyone came to bring cattle feed, hey, necessities, water, Gatorade, or donated money to someone that would like get it for them. And um so I totally see why that was such an impactful story. Even though it was sad.
00:34:56
Speaker
And that kind of that kind of is the reason why stories like that are kind of the reasons why I didn't want to go in the news reporting direction. Yeah, because I don't actually think I've shared this with our audience either. But like I wanted to be a news reporter, news broadcaster.
00:35:11
Speaker
And then in college, they sent me out on a few assignments. And I realized very quickly that I could not go up to a woman who just lost her son and say, How does that make you feel? you know, and um so situations like that, I commend you for having the like right headspace and the right approach. And um that is just like hats off to you as a reporter. I'm like, yes, girl, I will continue to like follow and love and live vicariously through you because I could not do.
00:35:37
Speaker
half the things that you do. Yeah. um And then write about it too. Yeah. Thankfully those aren't like a lot of our stories. Most of them are just feature stories of um positive times.
00:35:47
Speaker
Yeah. Like we did one on a sunflower farmer and it's just like, so like, how did you start growing sunflowers? How do they grow? Tell me more about this crop and things like that. And then always the question of like, well, why do you keep doing it? And it's so sweet when like God inserts himself, like in those moments of you get to see like other people's faith shine through.
00:36:06
Speaker
Oh, for sure. And then that makes you even more apt to like be the vessel to share too. yeah It's like little God winks. Like yeah when you have
Social Media Strategy and Advice for Professionals
00:36:13
Speaker
someone that wants to pray over the podcast before coming in, you know, it's like one of those things that's like, yes, yeah feel fulfilled or whatever. Yeah. After all of that.
00:36:21
Speaker
um I think what's something that's unique about you is you have such a serious job and it's fun. Feature stories are fun, you know, but like pretty serious as a field reporter. But then on TikTok specifically, I don't know if you do this so much on Instagram. I i don't know. Shame on me for not knowing.
00:36:35
Speaker
But I love your TikTok updates of like, my outfit the day. So tell us about what we can expect if we follow you and anyone out there that wants to follow you, like what can expect. Okay, so I guess on TikTok, I love to film outfit of the days. I love just watching those from other people.
00:36:51
Speaker
um i don't do them like constantly, but they're fun to do. Like you do them the perfect amount. yeah Like nobody is like overwhelmed and nobody is also like, actually, yeah, people like me probably are like, yeah, I want to get on every day just to see what you want.
00:37:03
Speaker
maybe we are asking for more actually. Okay. I'll try to, I'll try to be better. Some outfits are like not worthy to be on TikTok. but Okay. Depends on who you ask. Some people think everything is worthy to be on TikTok. That's true. Even if it shouldn't. That's true.
00:37:18
Speaker
ah So I do outfit of the days on TikTok. I'm trying to do more, um, like day in the life videos of a field editor. Cause like I said, it's a very niche role. Um, and I just think those are so fun.
00:37:29
Speaker
i love day in the lives. So that's TikTok. Instagram, I don't know, just like share photos from like what's happening in life, whether it's like a landscape from our recent shoot or just hanging out with my friends or like with my dog.
00:37:43
Speaker
But so yeah, that's basically what you get when you follow me. All the boots content. Yes. The the dog content on actually probably both, but specifically Instagram. And with his Instagram, what was his Instagram again? Boots underscore scootin boogie.
00:37:56
Speaker
I should have added that to notes because I have yours, which if you guys do want to go follow on Insta or TikTok, they're both the same. So that is always helpful. That's like a good branding tip. If you guys are out there and you want to know if you have the same handle on all the platforms, it makes everything easier at Shelby Beth underscore four to seven. And I have to ask, what does the four to seven mean? It's my birthday.
00:38:17
Speaker
Okay. I like, is it an area code in Ohio? I could have figured out. just my birthday. Okay. Oh my gosh. Well, it's coming, it's coming up. And by the time the podcast is out, I think it might be depending on how long it might, it might be past your birthday. So happy birthday.
00:38:31
Speaker
Thank you. Yeah, very soon. That's awesome. And then if you want to follow along with Shelby's work stuff, if you want to see where her stories are posted or what her video team is doing, you can follow along at, at, at Texas farm bureau.
00:38:44
Speaker
um And there's like lots of, I love watching Shelby's content on Tik TOK and stuff. But before we go, i always ask one super serious, not really serious question on the podcast. And it's what is your best piece of advice for for someone that is in your your industry? But I'm actually going to change it to be like a season or two behind you. So think like someone who's in college or just graduated trying to find a job. What's your best advice?
00:39:07
Speaker
So my best piece of advice for anyone who's like in college, um not really sure what they want to do or maybe they do know what they want to do. um One, have faith. Two, apply to everything.
00:39:20
Speaker
ah Don't just expect it to fall into your lap that this opportunity is going to come up. um I'm also really grateful that I was able to get my dream job out of school, but don't always... like have that expectation, but don't be afraid to apply. There are lots of like really good resources out right now.
00:39:36
Speaker
Um, like people are sharing job opportunities all the time on TikTok and Instagram of like what's available, um, of the West is always posting job stuff. Um, but always apply to everything. Don't be afraid or like think that you're underqualified for it.
00:39:51
Speaker
Just apply because you never know what connections you're going to make out of it.
Podcast Conclusion
00:39:54
Speaker
That's such a good answer. And we were actually just talking about that. i don't know if you remember youre like when we were getting you checked in about like mentally talking yourself out of things. Cause like I realistically was like, Shelby's going to say no. He's too busy this weekend. Like reaching out to her. I feel bad. And then she was like, yes, I'm honored. And i'm like, okay, see like proof that you need to ask because the worst thing they could say is no, you know? Yes. So,
00:40:17
Speaker
Shelby, I'm honored that you said yes and that you want to be on the podcast. You're welcome back anytime. Waco is very close. So um we'll have to plan better when you're not as crazy busy and um make it worth it. I have to give before we leave a special shout out to your boss, Julie. yeah If you've made it this far, thank you so much for letting Shelby take off work to be on the podcast and enjoy fully the weekend of 30 under 30.
00:40:38
Speaker
Say, I didn't have to twist her arm. She was excited for me. I bet. It sounds like you have a pretty good boss yeah and job. And i as your friend and sister, I'm so happy for you. So excited to see where you end up in the future too. Thank you. And um I'm thankful for social media that has helped us together. Yes.
00:40:55
Speaker
So guys, if you've made it this far, thank you so much for listening to episode number one of the Kick Your Boots Up podcast for season three. So episode 66, I think we're on 66 episodes. wow If you like what you saw, or even if you didn't, feel free to like and subscribe and get notified for posts on um YouTube. Or if you're like let's seeing the reel on Instagram, do that too. um Get notified for whenever we post, leave us a review on Apple. That's something i'm I'm really targeting right now. If you will send DM Justin Boots a screenshot that you gave us a review on Apple, um I will send you a message and also enter you into a drawing to win a very cool prize package from the Kick Your Boots Up podcast.
00:41:38
Speaker
And as always, remember that you can save 15% on the Justin Boots website by going to www.justinboots.com and using code KYBU15 for 15% off.
00:41:50
Speaker
Thank you so much for listening and we'll see you the next time you kick your boots up. Thanks for joining us on Kick Your Boots Up. I'm your host, Taylor McAdams, and we can't wait to share the next story of the West.
00:42:02
Speaker
Until then, feel free to like, subscribe, and leave us a review. Follow us on social media at Justin Boots to keep up with our next episode. And we'll see you the next time you kick your boots up.