Behind the Byline: Shelby Shank’s Unfiltered Story | Justin's "Kick Your Boots Up" EP. 66

From Cincinnati to Cowgirl Magazine’s 30 Under 30: Meet Shelby Shank | Kick Your Boots Up Podcast In this episode of the Kick Your Boots Up Podcast, we're sitting down with Shelby Shank, Field Editor for the Texas Farm Bureau, Cowgirl Magazine’s 2025 Class of 30 Under 30 honoree, and proud dog mom to Boots the Golden Retriever. Originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, Shelby shares her journey from growing up in the Midwest to becoming a leading voice in agricultural journalism. We dive into Shelby’s roots in 4-H, what inspired her to pursue a career in media, and the steps she took to land a role at one of the most respected farm bureaus in the country. She opens up about life as a Texas Farm Bureau Field Reporter, her favorite stories, and what it’s really like working in ag communications across Texas, Virginia, and Washington. Get to know the woman behind the byline—Shelby talks skincare, heartbreak, and the reality of being a young, single journalist navigating her 20s. Plus, she shares her best advice for aspiring storytellers, how she overcomes writer’s block, and the fun side of her life outside of work. Whether you’re a journalism student, a fellow farm kid, or just love hearing from strong women shaping the Western world—this episode is for you. Follow Shelby Shank: Instagram -   / shelbybeth_427   TikTok -   / shelbybeth_427   Facebook -   / shelby.shank.965   Follow Shelby's dog, Boots:   / boots_scootinboogie   Follow Texas Farm Bureau: ‪@texasfarmbureau‬ - About Justin Boots Justin Boot Company has been crafting western footwear since 1879 when founder H.J. Justin mastered the craft using quality materials for superior craftsmanship. When you’re wearing Justin Boots, you’re always culturally in tune with western fashion. Offering comfortable, authentic western footwear for men, women, and kids for every occasion, Justin Boots are an icon in western culture. The Standard of the West since 1879. Follow Justin on Social Media: Facebook:   / justinboots   Twitter:   / justinboots   Instagram:   / justinboots_   Pinterest:   / justinboots   Tik Tok:   / justin_boots   Shop Justin Boots Here: https://www.justinboots.com #JustinBoots #KickYourBootsUp #Podcast #FashionBoots #Fashion #WesternFashion #ShelbyShank #TexasFarmBureau #Storytelling #Agriculture #Journalism #FieldJournalism #AgCommunications #AgComm #Texas #TexasJournalism #FieldReporting #FieldEditor #Insurance #Content #Travel #Farmers #Ranchers #StoriesInAg #LeadersOfTheWest #Writing #TexasAgriculture #TexasNeighbors #TexasAGDaily #AmericanFarmBureau 0:00 Shelby's favorite story to cover 0:20 Intro 0:55 Top listened states 2:33 Boot's Instagram 3:00 Shelby is inducted into Cowgirl Magazine's 30 Under 30 3:29 Cowgirl magazine's 30 Under 30 Weekend plans 4:57 "That's so Ohio" 6:03 "Skyline Chili" 6:18 "Chili Three Way" 6:50 Shelby's Upbringing 11:20 Faith, prayer, and peace 11:45 Taylor's story-"Let go, Let God" 12:17 The Cowboy Channel Internship 14:30 Time Management, girl time, shopping, fashion 17:40 Dating, Bumble, etc. 17:50 Dating in Waco 20:00 Having a good relationship with your mom 21:40 The most sentimental moment of the weekend 23:50 Shelby's favorite things lately 27:00 What Shelby is reading right now 28:02 The day in the life of a field reporter 29:20 Shelby is a published writer 30:40 How to get over writer's block 32:20 Shelby's craziest scenario while being a field reporter 33:20 The Texas Panhandle Wildfires 33:40 The Wes Anderson Trend with strawberry farmers 35:00 The reason Taylor doesn't want to be a news broadcaster 36:22 Shelby's TikTok OOTD's 37:12 Is everything worthy of being on TikTok? 38:50 Shelby's best piece of advice for someone job searching 40:55 Outro