05: My stance on AI tools (at this time)
The Rural Way
What happens when AI starts replacing the people behind the content? In this episode of The Rural Way, Tracy Schira-Parker shares her honest thoughts on AI, authenticity, and the growing pressure for creators and business owners to automate everything. This conversation explores the balance between using AI as a helpful business tool versus allowing it to replace real human connection. Tracy breaks down the tools she’s personally using, what she finds genuinely useful, and the areas where she believes authenticity still matters most. This episode explores: · The difference between using AI...
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04: The Mental Load Women Carry
The Rural Way
“Manic May” is what Tracy Schira-Parker used to call the season where everything collided at once — kids’ sports, long drives, farm life, business responsibilities, housework, exhaustion, and the constant mental load of trying to keep everything running. In this episode of The Rural Way, Tracy shares the lessons she learned raising four kids through years of competitive sports while balancing rural life, entrepreneurship, and the pressure to “do it all.” This conversation explores the systems, routines, and mindset shifts that helped reduce chaos, along with the things she wishes...
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03: Why Rural? | The Niche Everyone Told Me Not to Choose
The Rural Way
Why rural—and why build something around it when most people tell you to go broader? In Episode 3 of The Rural Way, Tracy Schira-Parker shares the real reason she chose to focus on rural communities. This isn’t about limiting yourself—it’s about speaking to people whose reality is often overlooked. From access and opportunity to isolation and lifestyle, this episode highlights what makes rural business different—and why those differences matter. If you’ve ever felt like most advice doesn’t quite fit your situation, this will resonate. This episode explores: - Why choosing a clear...
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02: The Way We Roll | Our House Rules and Boundaries
The Rural Way
What kind of conversations are we really having here? In Episode 2 of The Rural Way, Tracy Schira-Parker sets the foundation for the podcast outlining the boundaries, expectations, and principles behind the platform. This episode is all about clarity defining how conversations will be approached, what values guide the space, and why growth requires open-minded thinking. This episode explores: - The importance of boundaries in leadership and communication - Why it’s okay to change your mind and evolve your beliefs - Creating a respectful and intentional community - Navigating different...
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01: Welcome to The Rural Way | Why Rural Businesses Need Their Own Voice
The Rural Way
What does it really take to build a business in a rural community? In this first episode of The Rural Way, Tracy Schira-Parker introduces a new podcast dedicated to rural entrepreneurs, small-town businesses, and life outside the city. She shares her personal journey into consulting and business, and why she believes rural communities need their own space for real conversations. This episode explores: - The realities of rural business and entrepreneurship - The mindset required to grow outside urban environments - The challenges and opportunities in remote communities - Breaking limiting...
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The Last Episode of Grit & Grace
The Rural Way
This is the very last episode of Grit and Grace with Tracy. Inside this episode I share why this show had to come to an end, and I give you a bit of a peak about what is coming next. Thank you so much to everyone who has tuned in over the years. I have learned so much, and it's been such a great experience.
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E62 Experience vs Wisdom
The Rural Way
Have you ever met someone wise beyond their years and wondered how they got there? If you are the kind of person that likes to extract the lessons learned and wisdom from the circumstances in your life, then you will appreciate this episode. If someone you know is going through a hard season, this might also be a good episode to pass on.
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E61 Leader? or Control Freak?
The Rural Way
Being a leader can be hard. It's impossible to keep everyone happy, and often women don't own their roles. They will diminish thier roles, and not own their position. In this conversation I explore the difference and what differenciates being a leader vs a control freak.
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E60 Finding Calm in the Storm
The Rural Way
Life for many right now feels like you are in the middle of the storm. Your nervous system is in fight or flight, your hope molecules are dwindling, and you struggle to see the positive. In this episode you will take a look at how we are impacted by the storms that are within our control and the storms that are a perception driven by your focus.
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E59 Competing Promises
The Rural Way
In this episode I share how I went from a promise is a promise to no episodes for 6 months. I share the impact of making changes in our lives and how sometimes our new habits and patterns create conflict and our promises we make to ourselves compete with one another. If you have ever promised to get more sleep and get more exercise at the same time, you will enjoy this episode. See you on the inside. Tracy
info_outlineThis podcast has been active and dormant so many times. I was ready to say that's it - I'm done with it. I needed some time to decide what to do.
In this episode I share what I have decided and why.
Sometimes, we just need to step back to see it all clearly.
Hope you enjoy