Episode 9: From the Feedlot to the Spotlight: Grady Ruehling on Engagement, Connection, and What 4-H Is Really About

Vision 2045: Missouri 4‑H’s Roadmap to Stronger Youth and Communities with Dr. Tim Tanner

In this episode, Steven and Caydance sit down with Dr. Tim Tanner, Missouri 4‑H’s new senior program leader, to introduce his Vision 2045 strategic plan, share highlights from statewide listening sessions, and discuss how 4‑H can return to its origin story to better serve youth and communities. The conversation covers Vision 2045’s core principles — growth mindset, durable skills, community convening, and the long‑term Thrive Here goal — and how the plan addresses issues like mental health, economic uncertainty, and technology. Dr. Tanner also explains how volunteers can play a key role, adding the “sprinkles” that enrich 4‑H experiences.

Episode 9: From the Feedlot to the Spotlight: Grady Ruehling on Engagement, Connection, and What 4-H Is Really About

Grady Ruehling didn't set out to become a leader — he just wanted to show pigs. But somewhere between the barn and the stage, 4-H changed everything. In this episode, Grady opens up about the volunteers who believed in him before he believed in himself, what it really means to earn a green jacket, and how setbacks taught him more than any ribbon ever could. His story is a reminder that 4-H isn't just about livestock and projects — it's about building people who feel compelled to give back.

Episode 8: Reflect to Grow: Practical Reflection Tips for 4‑H Volunteers with Katie Hogan

In this episode of Volunteer Vibe, Steven and Caydance sit down with Katie Hogan, Northeast Region Youth Development Specialist, and explore the vital role of reflection in the 4‑H experiential learning model (do, reflect, apply) and why intentional reflection accelerates youth development. Through her wealth of experience, Katie offers easy, low-prep strategies that volunteers can use—such as project records, group project reports, dice/card games, notebooks, and recognition forms—to make reflection routine, fun, and age-appropriate. The conversation highlights how reflection connects project skills to life and career readiness, builds confidence, and helps youth and volunteers make thoughtful decisions about growth and goals.

Episode 7: Nurturing Leadership through Project Meetings with Heather, Lilly, and Hannah Gooch

Volunteer leader Heather Gooch and her two daughters, Lilly and Hannah, join the show to share their expertise on how to make 4-H project meetings an exciting and engaging platform for nurturing teen leaders.

Episode 6: Growing Leaders for Life: 4-H, Civic Engagement, and the Power of Volunteers with Dr. Clay Hurdle

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Clay Hurdle, Missouri 4-H’s State Specialist in Leadership and Civic Engagement. From his own 4-H beginnings to his research and statewide leadership, Dr. Hurdle shares how his scholarship is strengthening and expanding 4-H programming that helps young people grow into confident, community-minded leaders. Drawing on both his personal 4-H journey and current research, he discusses what the data reveal about how youth develop as leaders and active citizens—and how these insights are shaping new opportunities across Missouri. We also explore the vital role volunteers play in nurturing leadership and civic engagement in today’s 4-H youth.