Listen "105. From Apple Seed to Slice: Kait Thornton’s Story"
Episode Synopsis
This week’s episode features Apple Girl Kait, also known as Kaitlyn Thornton, a fourth-generation orchardist who’s using her voice to bridge the gap between agriculture and the everyday consumer. Kait shares how selling apricots as a teenager sparked her love for marketing, storytelling, and educating others about life on the farm. From misconceptions about pesticides and labor to questions as simple as “do apples grow on trees?”, Kait has made a name for herself by answering it all with honesty, humor, and heart.
We talk about the power of showing up online, why agriculture needs to start playing offense in the digital space, and what leadership looks like in this new era of advocacy. Kait’s approachable style and willingness to share both her knowledge and curiosity remind us that we don’t need to be experts — we just need to be willing to tell our stories. Whether you're in ag or not, this episode will leave you inspired to speak up, support others, and find meaning in the work you do.
Resources & Links:
The Mel Robbins Podcast
Join The Directory Of The West
Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description
Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship
Email us at [email protected]
Join the Of The West Email List
List your jobs on Of The West
Connect with Kait:
Follow on LinkedIn @kaitlynthornton
Follow on Instagram @applegirlkait
Follow on TikTok @apple.girl.kait
Connect with Jessie:
Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv
Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest
Check out the Of The West website
Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
We talk about the power of showing up online, why agriculture needs to start playing offense in the digital space, and what leadership looks like in this new era of advocacy. Kait’s approachable style and willingness to share both her knowledge and curiosity remind us that we don’t need to be experts — we just need to be willing to tell our stories. Whether you're in ag or not, this episode will leave you inspired to speak up, support others, and find meaning in the work you do.
Resources & Links:
The Mel Robbins Podcast
Join The Directory Of The West
Get our FREE resource for Writing a Strong Job Description
Get our FREE resource for Making the Most of Your Internship
Email us at [email protected]
Join the Of The West Email List
List your jobs on Of The West
Connect with Kait:
Follow on LinkedIn @kaitlynthornton
Follow on Instagram @applegirlkait
Follow on TikTok @apple.girl.kait
Connect with Jessie:
Follow on Instagram @ofthewest.co and @mrsjjarv
Follow on Facebook @jobsofthewest
Check out the Of The West website
Be sure to subscribe/follow the show so you never miss an episode!
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
More episodes of the podcast Leaders Of The West
123. Don't Just Talk About It, Be About It
30/09/2025
120. Doing the Job vs. Owning the Outcome
09/09/2025