Hosted by Aaron Alejandro, the Growing Our Future podcast is focused on strengthening agricultural science education in America so that students can develop their potential for personal growth, career success and leadership in a global marketplace. This show is sponsored by the Texas FFA Foundation. Learn more at https://mytexasffa.org/
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Hosts Mike Ferguson and Mike Gibson guide you through the most interesting true crime stories. This is a true crime podcast that spares none of the details and delves into what makes these killers tick. Join us for a good mix of lesser known cases as well as our take on what we call the "Big Timers". We don't take ourselves too seriously but we take true crime very seriously.
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When a fierce tribe of woodland elves - the Wolfriders - are burned from their homes by hostile humans, their chief, Cutter, must tap every reserve of strength and will to lead his people to safety. Barely surviving brutal setbacks, the Wolfriders discover to their astonishment other elves - the Sun Folk - who exist in the world they thought was theirs alone. Now refugees, the hardship of losing their forest home proves small compared to the spirit-twisting trials that follow when Cutter exp ...
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As coronavirus sweeps the globe... ...civil liberties are threatened... ...physical cash is abandoned... ...money printers go brrr... ...and bitcoin is halvening.
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Winston Chandler's 27 years as a dorm parent at Cal Farley's Boys Ranch transformed countless lives through his wisdom, faith, and commitment to helping troubled youth find their path. His simple yet profound wisdom—"you're never going to learn anything unless something depends on you"—became the foundation for developing responsibility, work ethic…
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Omar Medina was a young music producer who went missing in September 2017. Days later, his body was found in a barrel in the San Diego Bay. Investigators traced the evidence back to Omar’s former landlord, Timothy John Cook. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss Timothy John Cook and the murder of Omar Medina. Cook denied all involvement in Omar's mu…
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The murder of Julia Martha Thomas, also known as the Barnes Mystery or the Richmond Murder, was one of the most infamous crimes of 19th-century Britain. Julia was murdered by her servant Kate Webster, who dismembered her remains and impersonated her for two weeks before fleeing the country. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss Kate Webster. Kate was…
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On November 16th, 1981, 53-year-old Priscilla Dinkel and her 7-year-old granddaughter Danelle Lietz were murdered at The Swanson Motel in Dickinson, North Dakota. The case went cold until 1991, when local law enforcement utilized an FBI profile to identify the killer. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss the Swanson motel murders. The police followe…
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In the early morning hours of August 16th, 1986 an intruder entered the home of 27-year-old Gary Larson and stabbed him to death before raping Gary’s fiancee. The case was unsolved for almost twenty years, until a peeping tom was arrested in 2004, when authorities noticed similarities to the suspect in the cold case. Join Mike and Gibby as they dis…
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Johnny Lewis was an actor on many different shows. He was best known for his roles on The OC and Sons of Anarchy. He was a teen heartthrob who once dated Katy Perry. A motorcycle accident sent his life spiraling downward, culminating in an unbelievable tragedy. There was no doubt he suffered some head trauma during the accident, and it is difficult…
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Richard Glossip spent years on Oklahoma’s death row for a murder he says he did not commit. He has come within hours of execution and has been served his last meal three times. Richard has filed numerous appeals and professed his innocence for over 20 years. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss Richard Glossip. He was convicted of murdering his boss…
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In 1958, 16-year-old William Leslie Arnold shot his parents over a dispute involving the family car. Less than a decade into his life sentence, he escaped prison and was on the run for over forty years. In 2022, a genealogy database finally revealed his whereabouts. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss William Leslie Arnold. The crimes he committed …
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In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro sits down with Dr. Coach Nate Hearne, an esteemed coach, educator, and mentor. They discuss the power of mentorship, leadership, perseverance, and faith in shaping young lives. From his humble beginnings to coaching state championship teams, Coach Hearn shares powerful lessons …
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Kevin Bacon left home on Christmas Eve 2019 to see a man he met on a dating app that evening. After his parents reported him missing the following day, the police received a tip that led them to the home of Mark Latunski, who was already known to police because of two disturbing incidents earlier that year. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss Mark …
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In this episode of Growing Our Future, host Aaron Alejandro sits down with Chip Baker, a dynamic speaker, educator, author, and host of The Success Chronicles. Together, they dive into the power of passion, personal growth, and leadership. Chip shares his inspiring journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a nationally recognized figure in e…
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April Millsap was murdered while walking her dog on a popular Michigan trail. Prosecutors used data from her digital footprint to help secure a conviction in her 2014 murder case. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss James VanCallis. Some eyewitnesses saw a man on a motorcycle interacting with a young girl on the trail, and they were able to provide…
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Bernard Finch was a wealthy doctor who worked in the San Gabriel Valley in Southern California. In 1958, he began having an affair with his married receptionist Carole Tregoff. When Dr. Finch’s wife was found dead, the two became the prime suspects. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss Bernard Finch and Carole Tregoff. Finch was the type of man used…
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The disappearance of Ben Smart and Olivia Hope is one of New Zealand’s most high-profile and controversial true crime cases. Scott Watson was convicted of the murders, but Watson has spent years appealing the verdict and has many supporters who believe in his innocence. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss Scott Watson and the murders of Ben Smart a…
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In this episode, James McLamb joins host Aaron Alejandro to discuss the impact of encouragement—both as a simple word and as a transformative action. James shares his journey from agriculture education to youth leadership development, emphasizing the power of mentorship, servant leadership, and personal growth. From his early experiences in the FFA…
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Stephen Reitz invoked a sleepwalking defense after he was charged with killing a woman during a weekend getaway. He claimed he woke up from a dream that he was fighting off an intruder and discovered her body. Investigators doubted his story, especially when they uncovered evidence about his tumultuous relationship with the victim. Join Mike and Gi…
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On August 7th, 1985, an entire family was murdered at their farmhouse in Essex, England. Authorities initially believed it was a murder-suicide, but suspicion soon turned to Jeremy Bamber, the surviving family member who called police to the house that night. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss the White House Farm Murders. Initially, police suspec…
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Do Amazing Work. Work with Amazing People.
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45:10On this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, we speak with Steve Durman, an expert in marketing, storytelling, and technology. Steve shares his journey in helping companies share their stories and marketing. Through his journey he shares the importance of taking risk and having faith when determining next steps in life. Steve was a key develo…
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Austin, Texas experienced three similar murders in December 2014. The killer left behind no DNA evidence, and the police worried they were dealing with a serial killer. A neighbor testing out his new thermal imaging scope recorded evidence that would help identify the killer. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss Shawn Gant-Benalcazar. Shawn didn't h…
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Steve Pankey was a husband, father, car salesman, and Idaho gubernatorial candidate. He was recently convicted of murdering 12-year-old Jonelle Matthews, bringing closure to a case that had been cold for decades. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss Steve Pankey and the murder of Jonelle Matthews. Jonelle went missing in December of 1984 after arriv…
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A Single Word or a Big Action ... Encouragement
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36:38In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro speaks with 13-year-old Baxter Whitworth, a young entrepreneur passionate about agriculture and Brahmin cattle. They discuss the importance of trust, teamwork, and core values in leadership, as well as the role of agriculture in feeding a growing population. Baxter shares his i…
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Micaela “Mickey” Costanzo was a 16-year-old from West Wendover, Nevada, who was murdered by two teens, one of whom she briefly dated. One suspect was identified quickly, but the other surprised investigators by coming forward on her own weeks later. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss Kodi Patten and Toni Fratto. Both teens were arrested and charge…
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Cari Farver went missing in November 2012 after spending the night at her new boyfriend’s house. Days after she disappeared, her boyfriend began receiving harassing and threatening text messages. Investigators believed Cari was not sending these messages and identified an unlikely suspect. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss the murder of Cari Farv…
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Temporary Defeat Does Not Mean a Permanent Failure ... Be About It!
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41:01In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro engages in a heartfelt conversation with Trenell Walker, who shares his inspiring journey from aspiring NFL player to motivational speaker and life coach after a life-altering spinal cord injury. The discussion emphasizes the importance of gratitude, resilience, and the power o…
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Bruce McArthur is a grandfather who worked as a landscaper and a mall Santa in the off-season. For nearly eight years, McArthur lived a secret life as a serial killer, primarily targeting men in The Gay Village, an LGBTQ+-friendly area of Toronto. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss the Canadian serial killer Bruce McArthur. In part two of the Bruc…
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Bruce McArthur is a grandfather who worked as a landscaper and a mall Santa in the off-season. For nearly eight years, McArthur lived a secret life as a serial killer, primarily targeting men in The Gay Village, an LGBTQ+-friendly area of Toronto. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss the Canadian serial killer Bruce McArthur. In part one of the Bruc…
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In May 1980, a woman’s body was found near Blue Earth, Minnesota. In 2015, the woman was identified as 18-year-old Michelle Yvette Busha, who had been buried in an anonymous grave for nearly 35 years. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss the murder of Michelle Busha. In 1988, a former Minnesota State Trooper named Robert Leroy Nelson confessed to a …
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Utilize All Your Senses ... Things Can Be Better
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1:00:24In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro engages with Dr. Curtis Paulson, a pioneer in agricultural communication. They discuss the importance of gratitude, the influence of early life experiences, and the significance of taking risks in education and agriculture. Dr. Paulson shares his journey from a farm boy in Minn…
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On November 17th, 1973, five teens went to the Gitchie Manitou State Preserve on the Iowa-South Dakota border to hang out and play guitar. Three brothers found them sitting by the fire and began shooting. Only one of the teens survived the night. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss what has become known as the Gitchie Manitou murders. The only surv…
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On the afternoon of February 23rd, 2023, 41-year-old Becky Bliefnick was found dead on her bathroom floor. Becky had three boys with her husband, Tim. But at the time of her death, the two were estranged and going through a contentious divorce. Becky had started dating someone new, and it didn't take the police long to zero in on Tim. Join Mike and…
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In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro engages with legendary rodeo announcer Bob Tallman, exploring themes of gratitude, agricultural heritage, and the importance of education in agriculture. They discuss the role of organizations like 4-H and FFA in shaping young people's futures, the challenges facing the agricul…
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Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe
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1:15:54Scarlett Jenkinson was a troubled teen who transferred schools due to a serious incident involving another student. At her new school, she met Brianna Ghey, a lonely girl who needed a friend. The relationship turned deadly. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss Scarlett Jenkinson and Eddie Ratcliffe. Scarlett became obsessed with Brianna and spent we…
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Joleen Jensen went missing in May 2018. The last person to see her alive was her coworker, Jennifer Sybert. Investigators quickly realized that Jennifer was not who she said she was, and she was charged with murdering Joleen. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss Kimberly Kessler. Kessler had been on the run from the FBI for 25 years at the time that…
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In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro speaks with Dan Taylor, a prominent figure in Texas agricultural education and the FFA. They discuss the importance of gratitude, mentorship, and the journey of Dan's life in agriculture, including his experiences as a teacher, businessman, and philanthropist. The conversation …
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Grant Amato’s life took a downward spiral after he was fired from his nursing job for suspected theft. He then began chatting online with a cam model and stole thousands of dollars from his family to maintain contact with her. When the family gave him an ultimatum, a confrontation ensued that ended with Grant murdering his parents and brother. Join…
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Andre McDonald is a former Air Force Major who was a cyber warfare analyst. He met his wife, Andreen, in the city of Port Antonio, Jamaica, in 2009. The two started a successful together after moving to the United States. Andre and Andreen McDonald were a wealthy couple who seemed like they had a perfect life, but they had a volatile marriage that …
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On this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, we meet Jennifer Green, the Public Relations and Events Manager at Cavender's. We discuss Jennifer's journey from her early days shopping at Cavender's to her current role, emphasizing the importance of relationships, research in job interviews, and finding a competitive edge. Jennifer shares valua…
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33-year-old Scott Hartman lived in Williamsburg, Indiana, when he was charged with killing his parents. Initially, the authorities thought his mother died of natural causes. Scott said that his father, Brian, had taken a trip. But all of his stories quickly fell apart. Join Mike and Gibby as they talk about Brian Scott Hartman. Scott told many diff…
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When Kenneth Wise passed unexpectedly in June 2011, his family and local authorities assumed he died of a heart attack. Weeks later, routine toxicology tests revealed that he actually died of a morphine overdose. Suspicion turned to his wife Kathleen, a registered nurse with access to narcotics. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss Kathleen Wise and…
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On this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, we meet Colton Kyle, president of American Sniper, discussing themes of growth, leadership, and the importance of discernment. Colton shares his journey, emphasizing the significance of gratitude, vulnerability, and effective communication in leadership. The conversation highlights the value of ask…
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In June of this year, DNA evidence identified a deceased serial rapist from Ohio as the man who murdered two women in Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park over twenty years ago. And we profiled these two women in episode 259 of our unsolved podcast called The Route 29 Stalker. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss Walter Leo Jackson Sr. 26-year-old La…
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Freddie Owens was convicted of murdering a convenience store clerk in 1997. Twenty-five years after his conviction, he was executed on September 20th, 2024, making him the first inmate executed in the state of South Carolina in thirteen years. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss Freddie Owens. Freddie told his girlfriend that he wanted to go down i…
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In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro engages with Dr. Sarah Sprayberry, an advocate for agriculture and social media influencer. They discuss the importance of family support, the journey of Sarah in agriculture, and how she uses social media to promote agricultural literacy and advocacy. The conversation emphasiz…
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Stephen Epperly was convicted of the murder of a Radford University student in 1980. He was the first person in the state of Virginia to be convicted of murder in a case without a body. Over 40 years later, the victim’s remains have still not been found. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss Stephen Epperly. When Gina Hall went missing, her family be…
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Known as the “Moon Maniac” killer, Albert Fish is one of the most infamous serial killers in United States history. Fish confessed to multiple murders, but only a few could be verified. The true number of victims will never be known. Most of the victims were children, the youngest just four years old. Join Mike and Gibby for the second and last epi…
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In this insightful episode of Growing Our Future, host Aaron Alejandro sits down with Zoee Nolen, a 2022-2023 Texas FFA officer and junior at Texas A&M University. Zoee shares her remarkable journey, from growing up on a traditional West Texas farm to discovering a passion for agriculture through FFA after two major injuries derailed her sports car…
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Known as the “Moon Maniac” killer, Albert Fish is one of the most infamous serial killers in United States history. Fish confessed to multiple murders, but only a few could be verified. The true number of victims will never be known. Most of the victims were children, the youngest just four years old. Join Mike and Gibby for part 1 of 2 on Albert F…
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Alan and Diane Johnson were murdered inside their own home just after Labor Day weekend in 2003. They were both shot while their 16-year-old daughter, Sarah, escaped the home. But friends, family, and the police were suspicious of Sarah because her story kept changing. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss Sarah Marie Johnson. Sarah had been in a rel…
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In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Jackie Hoegger, owner of Hoegger Communications. They discuss the importance of storytelling and empathy in leadership, as well as the value of mentorship and continuous learning. Jackie shares her journey of starting her own company and emphasizes the power of telli…
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Viktoria Nasyrova fled Russia after the police questioned her about her alleged involvement in the murder of her next-door neighbor. She ended up in New York City, the same place where her next-door neighbor's daughter lived. The daughter was hunting Viktoria and an international warrant was out for her arrest. Join Mike and Gibby as they discuss V…
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