𝐄𝐩𝐢𝐬𝐨𝐝𝐞 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
In this episode of The Rural Scoop, host Melissa Sadorf sits down with Will Westmoreland, a Missouri farmer, rural storyteller, and founder of The Back 40 — a platform dedicated to elevating rural voices and driving practical solutions for rural communities.
Will shares how his journey from TikTok advocate to national rural organizer led to initiatives like “Save the Heartland”, which brings real rural stories to Washington, D.C. Their conversation dives deep into rural education, healthcare, agricultural policy, and how storytelling can bridge the divide between policy and lived experience.
Together, they explore the importance of advocacy, collaboration, and the power of personal stories to inspire change — while reminding listeners that rural America’s strength lies in its people and their shared commitment to community.

𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐦𝐩𝐬:
00:00 Welcome to The Rural Scoop
00:27 Introducing guest Will Westmoreland, founder of The Back 40
01:15 Will’s background — growing up on his grandparents’ Missouri farm
02:00 The origins of The Back 40 and what inspired it
03:05 Launching a TikTok presence and building a following
04:25 Creating Save the Heartland and its goals
05:32 The three focus areas: healthcare, education, and ag policy
06:47 Challenges facing rural healthcare funding
08:10 How healthcare issues affect rural education
09:22 The impact of voucher programs on small rural schools
10:30 Why advocacy from rural communities matters
11:47 Turning local stories into national awareness
13:12 Preparing to meet with policymakers in Washington, D.C.
14:36 How to tell rural stories that connect with urban policymakers
16:10 The power of personal stories in advocacy
18:03 Future plans: newsletters, local events, and ongoing partnerships
19:24 Encouraging civic participation and community dialogue
20:48 Guidance for new and bipartisan lawmakers
22:15 Why funding education fairly matters
23:47 Creative collaboration between rural and urban schools
26:04 How teacher-sharing and incentives can strengthen rural education
27:56 Linking healthcare access and school vitality
30:10 How healthcare shortages drive migration from rural towns
31:45 The ripple effect on local schools and communities
33:02 Schools as community centers — the heart of rural life
34:28 Supporting rural students entering the workforce
36:00 Handling difficult community conversations
37:20 The importance of storytelling and local role models
39:00 Will’s personal story: debate tournaments and community support
41:18 What ag policy means for rural economies
43:00 Tariffs, trade, and the impact on farmers and food supply
45:20 Why agricultural struggles affect everyone
46:55 Simple steps listeners can take to advocate for rural issues
48:42 Encouraging local leadership and engagement
49:55 How to get involved with Save the Heartland
50:30 Defining the “Rural Advantage”
52:05 Melissa’s closing reflections on rural schools and communities
53:40 Will’s tribute to teachers and his grandmother’s influence
54:30 Closing thanks and podcast sign-off

𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲:
This conversation with Will Westmoreland captures the heart of rural America — where community, resilience, and storytelling spark real change. Will’s journey from farmer to advocate reminds us that rural issues aren’t political; they’re personal. Whether it’s saving hospitals, supporting teachers, or strengthening ag economies, progress starts when rural people tell their own stories and work together.

Learn more:
The Back 40: https://www.thebackfortyofficial.com/
Save the Heartland: https://www.savetheheartland.com/