The Rural Way

The Rural Way is the podcast for those of us building businesses and leading lives in places where things aren’t handed to us and and success often looks a little different. I’m Tracy Schira-Parker, CPA and business strategist, and this podcast is where we talk real strategy, real money, and real leadership for rural entrepreneurs and small-town business owners. I don't believe in fluff or complicating things. Just honest conversations, practical tools, and mindset shifts that helps you grow a strong, profitable business while living the lifestyle that actually feels good to live.

03: Why Rural? | The Niche Everyone Told Me Not to Choose 05/08/2026

03: Why Rural? | The Niche Everyone Told Me Not to Choose 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 niche can actually open more doors - What it’s really like running a business in a rural setting - The lack of conversations for small town entrepreneurs - Differences between rural and urban life that affect business - The strengths that come with living and working in rural areas - Feeling isolated—and why these conversations matter - Who this podcast is for The Rural Way is for people building something real, wherever they are. Let's connect! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracyschiraparker111 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracy_schira_parker /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/41212995

02: The Way We Roll | Our House Rules and Boundaries 05/08/2026

02: The Way We Roll | Our House Rules and Boundaries 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 perspectives without conflict - Who this podcast is designed for - Challenging traditional thinking in rural communities The Rural Way is for those ready to think bigger, lead stronger, and build without limitations; no matter where they’re located. Let's connect! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracyschiraparker111 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracy_schira_parker /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/41212970

01: Welcome to The Rural Way | Why Rural Businesses Need Their Own Voice 05/08/2026

01: Welcome to The Rural Way | Why Rural Businesses Need Their Own Voice 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 beliefs around small-town success - Building connection and community among rural entrepreneurs The Rural Way is a podcast for those doing business differently where success is built through resilience, community, and a unique way of life. Let's connect! Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tracyschiraparker111 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracy_schira_parker /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/41212945

The Last Episode of Grit & Grace 01/27/2026

The Last Episode of Grit & Grace 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. /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/39893345

E62 Experience vs Wisdom 12/16/2025

E62 Experience vs Wisdom 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. /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/39421750

E61 Leader? or Control Freak? 12/05/2025

E61 Leader? or Control Freak? 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. /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/39287740

E60 Finding Calm in the Storm 11/27/2025

E60 Finding Calm in the Storm 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. /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/39188265

E59 Competing Promises 11/11/2025

E59 Competing Promises 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 /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/38989745

E58 A promise is a promise 02/26/2025

E58 A promise is a promise This is a short episode that I recorded on the fly, because I promised myself I would. When we keep our promises to ourselves for the small things, it builds self-trust and confidence as we navigate the bigger things. At the end of the day it's about doing the reps - showing up when we don't want to. /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/35433195

E57 You have Changed! 02/18/2025

E57 You have Changed! Life is about change, and most of the time change requires us to show up in a different way. Our habits, patterns, and priorities shape who we are, what we do and how we show up. When we have big goals and dreams we have to transform our thoughts, beliefs, habits, and priorities. There is someone out there that has something calling her to change. To go after her biggest dreams or desires, but she knows it will cause a disruption in her life. She knows it will cause issues. This episode is about convincing her that she doesnt need permission. She doesn't need to ask to prioritize herself. If you know of someone who needs to be reminded and helped to claim her dreams and live into her possibility, please share with them. /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/35324570

Health & Wellness Episode: Colloidal Silver 02/12/2025

Health & Wellness Episode: Colloidal Silver In this first health and wellness episode, I am happy to share how we use colloidal silver. This is not medical advice, I am simply sharing how and when/why I use this with my family. Colloidal silver is one of those things that I always have around because it's so vertsitile. If you have any recipes or methods you use with colloidal silver, I would love if you shared with me. As promised, I am sharing some links and additional information sources so you can make the decision if it's right for you. Dr. Axe /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/35233985

E55 The myths and facts of Bankruptcy vs Insolvency 02/11/2025

E55 The myths and facts of Bankruptcy vs Insolvency In recent weeks we have heard of a number of big companies that have abruptly announced that they will be closing their doors. After working with businesses that are navigating challenging financial situations for the last 20+ years, I wanted to share some facts and myths around bankruptcy and insolvency and some potential considerations that business owners need to think about when there are more bills & expenses vs cash left to cover everything. We need to have these conversations to support those facing these challenges. /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/35233755

E54 Why i am including health and wellness into the podcast 02/06/2025

E54 Why i am including health and wellness into the podcast In this episode I share my 'why' behind adding health and wellness information into the podcast. It's a short one, but will help you understand the shifts in this show. /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/35156275

E53 Detaching from the opinion of others 02/03/2025

E53 Detaching from the opinion of others One of the greatest regrets of the dying is that they didn't live life on their terms because they were afraid of what others would think. Detaching from the opinion of others is an action item, not a 'one and done' scenario. We must detach and align over and over again so we stay on course to live the life we want. In this episode I share the 4 strategies I use when other's opinions creep in and try and influence how I show up. I hope that you will share with those that dim their light and not show up authentically because they are afraid of what others will think. If someone you know is always taking things to heart and taking things personally, I hope you will share this with them. It's normal, and then it's also necessary to detach. /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/35137660

E52 Design your next 365 days 01/14/2025

E52 Design your next 365 days Do you approach a year with with a hope and a prayer that the year will be better? Or do you invest the time to design your year? In this episode we explore the 5 aspects to designing your year so that it is what you wanted it to be. You deserve to have the life you are proud to call yours. This episode asks simple questions to help you design your year in a way that it supports your wildest adventures and biggest dreams. /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/34846645

E51 Bookend your year 01/14/2025

E51 Bookend your year If you prioritize goal setting and personal development, you will also want to start implementing a book end or summary to your year. Capturing your lessons learned and other aspects of the year helps you to extract the wisdom from even the most challenging experiences. If you are looking to transform how you transition into a new year, you will find these 5 reflective questions helpful. /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/34846585

E50 Consistency 12/10/2024

E50 Consistency Showing up with consistency is a challenge most of us face. It is the one thing that holds most people back from getting the results they want and making the changes they desire in their lives. What will it take for you to remain consistent in busy seasons? Have a listen and see if it helps you shift your mindset about showing up consistently. /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/34296180

E49 Why all small town businesses need an email list 12/05/2024

E49 Why all small town businesses need an email list If you are an entrepreneur in small town, chances are you don't have direct access to your customers via an email list. In this episode I share how and why you need an email list and how it will impact your business an relationships with your customers. /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/34295605

E48 Why I decided not to end my podcast & why I'm back 11/28/2024

E48 Why I decided not to end my podcast & why I'm back This 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 /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/34189890

E47 Endings & Beginnings 03/12/2024

E47 Endings & Beginnings We had our last minor hockey game with our son on Sunday. It left me feeling like someone punched me in the gut. It made me get curious and dig deep about what was really going on. I've also had one of my kids going through endings of a job/clients and also a move with a lot of beginnings - location, school, business, everything is new. In this episode I talk about my beggings journey, how endings are a call for us to pause, reflect and soak it in, while beginnings require us to take action, make decisions and move forward. Endings are part of life, beginnings get more rare as we age. Status quo becomes our default as we age. I love getting curious about how it impacts us as we age. /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/30348358

E46 Let's Talk Agriculture 03/05/2024

E46 Let's Talk Agriculture A bit of a shift in focus for this podcast, but moving forward I will be weaving in agriculture based topics and conversations. I have been working with farmers and farm families over the last 20 years as a consultant and I know I need to start sharing more about the industry. After the last 5 years (or so) there has been a huge shift in how people talk about farming, agriculture, food production and how it impacts the environment. As farmers and those of us involved in the agriculture community, it's important that we take back the conversation and shut down the false information shared. In this conversation I talk high level about the industry and how it's being vilified with false information. Let's keep talking and let's keep exploring the truth. /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/30239653

E45 It's been a year 03/02/2024

E45 It's been a year It has been a year away from the podcast and for a good part of that year, it was on the chopping block. I wasn't sure if it still had a place in my business that aligned with my goals. I'm happy to say that it's back! I promised myself that on March 1st, I was bringing her back to life,..and here it is. In this episode I talk about why I needed to take a step back, and share some lessons learned along the way. I hope you enjoy. /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/30196563

Moving the needle 03/13/2023

Moving the needle If you have struggled with perfectionism, feeling overwhelmed, and you freeze as you face your long to do list. You waste more time than you would like to admit, and your are craving more order and control over the small moments of your day. If this resonates, then this episode has been shared for you. I have found myself freezing and not doing anything because I was raised to believe that if I couldn't do it right, not to bother doing it all. What if i didn't have the time to do it right? I found myself leaving things because I didn't have enough time over and over again - in my house, my health, and my business. This mindset shift has helped me to use the small moments to make them matter and they have helped me to feel the momentum of simply moving the needle. If you have been a perfectionist, I would love to hear from you if you try this and it helps you feel a little more in control and a little less overwhelmed. /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/26214192

3 Keys to begin a high impact leader 03/12/2023

3 Keys to begin a high impact leader I believe we are all put into a leadership role at some point in our lives. We all start into leadreship roles with the intention to do a good jobe and achieve something significatn. The challenge is that as a leader, there are people you are leading that are unpredictable and dynamic. I have been studying leadership formally and informally for many years and I have discovered that there are 3 key things all high impact leaders do. They are humble & courageous (and protect the group), They can see the strengths of each person/player They have clarity of intention and vision I added in one more because it came to me as I was recording the episode, high impact leaders are also able to lift up any and all members of the team after defeat, challenge or fall. They are able to ignite that strength within each member to keep moving forward towards the goal. I think leadership is at the essence of what is wrong in society today, and I also believe that a shift in leadership is the way we come back out. /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/26203665

Using intuition in your business 03/03/2023

Using intuition in your business Have you ever got yourself into a corner in business or had a deal fall apart, and you found yourself saying 'I knew it!'? Have you stayed too long in an arrangement because your ego wanted you to stay? When in fact your intuition was whispering for you to leave? We have been conditioned to think that we only rely on our logical brain to navigate in our businesses when in fact the best business men and women use their intuition to help make decisions, big and small. Do you support your team and organization when they come to the table stating they used intuitive hits or guidance? /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/26121876

Celebrating options in health and wellness 02/17/2023

Celebrating options in health and wellness When I started in the health and wellness industry 25 years ago, things were very different. Options and choice was limited and the access to information and resources was much harder to come by. This episode is a celebration of the options and choices that we have. I recently started with a company called USANA and I wanted this episode to be about celebrating the the options we have. Celebrate the opportunities that we have to source high quality items. We don't have to compete and compare. We can build eachother up. The industry is a multi trillion dollar industry. Most people are looking for solutions to make them healthier, have more energy, and live life to the fullest. It is a good thing that we have choice and this episode is all about celebrating the opportunities we have. I hope you all celebrate and support eachother. Build health & businesses - we are all stronger when we show up as the best versions of ourself. /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/25970292

Building your vertical relationship 02/17/2023

Building your vertical relationship In this episode I share a lesson that I learned during some difficult times that made me take a step back and question everything. This episode share the contrast between your vertical (spiritual) relationships and your horizontal relationships. In the hardest of times, we are forced to dig deep and seek wisdom. I hope that this episode serves anyone who is struggling with hope, faith, and navigating the darkness while building their own spiritual relationship. Your light matters. /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/25970223

I'm not wired that way 02/11/2023

I'm not wired that way When's the last time you said "I'm not wired that way' as you pushed up against something you just don't do? How do you defire yourself? What thougths do you have about what you do, what you have to do, and how you navigate your day? 95% of your thoughts are the same - day by day - over and over again. How many of those thoughts are not serving you? Not good for you? Holding you back? Keeping you the same? In this episode I share my thoughts about what it means to declare 'I'm not wired that way', when in fact we are only a thought away from something different. We are only a thought away from changing how we define ourselves. Have a listen, and at the end I invite you to do a thought audit. Let me know how you make out. /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/25898955

Get Healthy in 2023 02/11/2023

Get Healthy in 2023 Are you determined to start your 2023 summer feeling excited about getting into your cute summer clothes that you only get to wear for a few months? I know I am! For so many years I look forrward to summer, but dread pulling out my summer clothes. Many times I don't even wear my summer dresses because I just don't feel confident enough. I have also reached a stage where hormones are not very cooperative and I want to detox, reset, and find a way to make my skin and hair have more life in them. If you have goals in 2023 that include getting healthier, leaner, and feel more energized, I invite you to check this program we have pulled together to help you get some momentum on your 2023 health and weight loss goals. Life is way too short for us to not invest in our health! To learn more about the program join the Get Healthy Team on a FREE zoom webinar Monday, February 13th, 7 pm CST. /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/25897953

Awakening your purpose 01/31/2023

Awakening your purpose For years I have worked with women who have lost their sense of passion for their dreams and desires. They have silenced the whispers of their soul as they focused on their roles of wife, mother, employee, business owner, volunteer, or whatever role we have assumed. So what happens when the roles change? Women over 40 often discover that there is a void that they don't know how to fill. They feel lost, empty, and not sure what they want anymore. In this episode I explain the energy behind that void, and a few writing suggestions to help women who are experiencing this to rediscover what creates that excitement again. Reignite that fire in your belly. Passion, energy, excitement. If you have been holding your breath on life and not living into your purpose and passions, have a listen. I hope it helps move the needle for you on how you see your life, your purpose, and the dreams you move towards. /episode/index/show/gritandgracewithtracy/id/25787103

The Rural Way

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