In this episode of the Growing Our Future podcast, host Aaron Alejandro interviews Robert Smith, a magician and consultant in the fair industry. They discuss the importance of gratitude, the positive impact of organizations like FFA, and the power of storytelling and advocacy. Robert shares his journey from being a magician to creating unique experiences at fairs and expos. He also talks about starting the Fair Game podcast to document stories from the industry. The conversation highlights the resilience and adaptability required to navigate challenges and find opportunities for growth. The conversation revolves around the impact of the podcast and the importance of connection and empathy. It emphasizes the role of the podcast in providing an outlet for guests to share their struggles and process their emotions. The conversation also touches on the concept of personal branding and the need for gratitude and resilience in leadership. The importance of accountability and taking responsibility for one's actions is highlighted, along with the significance of empathy in dealing with criticism. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the challenges faced by students during the pandemic and the need for educators to adapt and support them.

Story Notes:

• The Power of Gratitude and Renewed Hope
• Building Experiences in the Fair Industry
• Storytelling and Advocacy for Connection
• Turning Challenges into Opportunities
• The Value of Podcasts for Storytelling
• The Power of the PodcastGratitude and Resilience
• Taking Responsibility and Embracing Failure
• Empathy: A Shield Against Negativity and Criticism
• Supporting Students in the Face of Pandemic Challenges

Learn more at MyTexasFFA.org