In this wide-ranging and deeply reflective episode, Mary and Leah kick off 2026 by talking weather, resilience, and the skills that truly prepare us for life, especially in agriculture. From drought conditions in Nebraska and icy chores in Minnesota to coaching high school speech, the conversation unfolds into a powerful exploration of public speaking, reading, family connection, and the unintended consequences of a screen-saturated world.

The hosts share personal stories, some funny, some emotional, about learning to speak up, advocating for oneself, the lifelong impact of reading, and why libraries, librarians, and speech programs matter now more than ever. This episode is a heartfelt call to return to the basics: conversation, books, shared work, and real human connection.

• Warm winters, drought, and finding gratitude in hard conditions

• Ice cleats, chores, and farm safety in winter

• Coaching high school speech and why speech kids are “athletes”

• The confidence-building power of speech classes and 4-H

• Learning to advocate for yourself, especially as a young woman

• Why reading aloud to children changes lives (and brains)

• Attention spans, screens, and what research is showing

• Libraries as one of America’s greatest public resources

• Why “watching how” is not the same as “doing”

• Grit, resilience, and what really prepares young people for adulthood

• A New Year’s call to unplug, read, cook, and connect

• A childhood story about standing up to a librarian - with grace

• Why speech classes should be required everywhere

• How Stephen King, Dr. Seuss, and National Geographic shaped curious minds

• The difference between information and true skill

• Why “real always wins” over polished, filtered perfection

• You don’t need perfection, just participation

• Reading builds memory, empathy, and lifelong resilience

• Speaking skills are survival skills

• Libraries are free, powerful, and underused

• Technology is a tool, not a replacement for connection

• Grit begins with a strong foundation at home

• Get (or use) your library card

• Read with your children - even 3–5 minutes matters

• Volunteer to read in your community

• Learn to cook from scratch

• Check on your neighbors

• Put the phone down and pick a book - or a board game - up

Website: https://www.gritandgraceintheheartland.com Contact the show via the website contact page Support your local public library