Herding Her Story Podcast

Episode 52 – Dr. Molly McAdams: No Buts, No BS

Molly McAdams is a tireless advocate for the beef industry with experience rooted in respect for land and livestock. Using science and innovation, she revolutionized the retail meat landscape by bridging the gap between laboratory research and the consumer’s dinner plate. Dr. McAdams’ commitment to excellence began with her education: a B.S and M.S. from the University of Florida, and Ph.D. from Texas Tech University. Her early career in meat packing, followed by research project management with National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, established her as a champion of applied science. She was instrumental in foundational meat science research, but her strengths were best demonstrated by leading implementation of the research at retail. During her 13-year tenure at H-E-B, Molly led the Own Brand portfolio to industry- recognized status as Vice President and Corporate Health & Wellness officer. She pioneered the first pre-cooked meats category, with sales exceeding $115 million in just 5 years; over 1000% growth. Recognizing the retailer’s need for value-beef cuts, she drove adoption of Muscle Profiling research findings for H-E-B and their suppliers. Dr. McAdams spearheaded an effort to drive efficiency, sustainability, and operational excellence through packaging engineering that realized over $11 million bottom-line savings in the first year. She also launched the first nutrition-focused food products for children under the retailer’s H-E-Buddy brand. In 2011, Molly founded Om3, helping mid-sized meat companies scale their businesses. Through this work, she launched Truly Simple, an award-winning brand focused on beef nutrition. Now leading the Texas Beef Council, Dr. McAdams oversees Beef Checkoff-funded efforts for Texas and continues to drive innovation in promotion, research and education. Molly lives with her husband, Jim, and son, John Kohl, in New Berlin, Texas. Dr. McAdams remains a hands-on steward of the land, embodying the principles of livestock advocacy she has championed throughout her career.

Episode 51 – Natasha McCann: Horses, Hustle & Healing

Natasha McCann grew up in California and currently resides in Texas. While she did not grow up with an agricultural background, her love for horses brought her into the Western industry. She started her career working on cattle operations and breaking colts on the West coast. She now runs her business, McCann Athletic Therapy, holding board certification as a Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Personal Trainer, Certified Nutrition in Sports Specialist, Emergency Medical Technician, and holds a Dual Board Certification in Clinical Rehabilitation and Orthopedic Manual Therapy, making her an industry leader for preventative and rehabilitative body work for Rodeo and Western Sports Athletes. Outside of her business, she serves as the current president for War Party Movement, a 501 (c) non-profit that works fiercely to take action in breaking cycles of abuse and fundamentally changing the way women are treated, across the country and particularly in Native communities. Natasha was induced into the 2023 Cowgirl 30 Under 30.

Episode 50 – Captain Leiza Fitzgerald: Screamin’ Reels N High Heels

Captain Leiza Fitzgerald is a first-generation Floridian and trailblazer in the fishing industry. She is known as the “Queen of Conservation” in many circles because of her dedication to advocating for clean fisheries and protecting marine habitats. She has served as Florida STAR Director for the Coastal Conservation Association for over three decades, to educate the public on the importance of protecting Florida’s marine resources. Leiza also has many philanthropic endeavors through fishing teams and tournaments that benefit cancer charities.  Some of her many accolades includes numerous top 10 fishing titles across various tournaments, “Top Angler for Redfish, Snook” and Sheepshead by International Women’s Fishing Association,  “The Top 12 Lady Anglers in Florida” by Salt Strong, “Sportsman of the Year” by The Sarasota Sportsman’s Association, “The 30 Most Influential Female Anglers in North America” by Wildlife Enthusiast magazine, the first angler to be inducted to the Florida Sports Hall of Fame in 2022, and first recipient of the Pamela Martin-Wells “Outdoor Woman of the Year”.

Episode 49 – Dr. Betsey Boughton: The Science Behind the Land, and the Woman Leading It

Dr. Betsey Hermanson Boughton is originally from Michigan and now resides in Sebring, FL. She graduated with a B.S. in Biological Sciences from Central Michigan University and earned her PhD from the University of Central Florida in Conservation Biology. Her roots run deep at Archbold Biological Station and Buck Island Ranch (BIR). She first started as an intern and she now serves as the Director of Science. Her research at BIR is focused on the quantification of multiple ecosystem services provided by working ranches, understanding how ranch management practices affect multiple ecosystem services and disservices, and the drivers and threats to ecosystem services, such as invasive species and climate change. Dr. Boughton serves as an integral part of the scientific community, helping to bridge the gap between science, conversation, and ranching.

Episode 48 – Brianna Swartzfager: Raising Leaders & Kids

Brianna Swartfager grew up in South Florida with agriculture right in her backyard and a strong rodeo background. After earning her B.S. in Animal Sciences from the University of Florida, she followed her passion into the classroom as an Agriculture Teacher. Beyond the barn and the school day, Brianna also balances life as a devoted wife and mom—showing what it truly looks like to lead, teach, and inspire both at home and in the ag community!