Patio Ponderings
Jim Smith, Ph.D.
Exploring the Expected and the Obscure in Agriculture
From a lifetime in agriculture to deep dives into leadership, rural life, and the evolving food system, Patio Pondering is a podcast where thoughtful conversations meet the open air. Hosted by [Your Name], a seasoned Swine Nutritionist, agricultural thinker, and storyteller, this podcast explores the connections between our agricultural roots and the broader world.
What started as daily reflections—scribbled with a morning coffee in hand—has grown into a podcast that uncovers the insights, challenges, and sometimes-forgotten history of the industry that feeds us all. Whether solo pondering or engaging in candid discussions with guests, this show digs into everything from livestock production to food trends, rural business shifts, and the personal stories that shape agricultural life.
Now available in both audio and video formats, Patio Pondering brings these discussions to life on YouTube and podcast platforms alike. Whether you prefer to listen on the go or watch the conversation unfold, you’ll find fresh perspectives, candid storytelling, and the kind of conversations that make you think twice.
Subscribe and join the conversation—because agriculture is more than just dirt and livestock. It’s a story worth telling.
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Top 10 Patio Ponderings Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Patio Ponderings episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Patio Ponderings for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Patio Ponderings episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Episode 22: Cultivating the Future: How Golf, 4-H, and a Non-Farm Upbringing Led to Ag Education
Patio Ponderings
02/17/25 • 55 min
Agriculture isn’t just about growing crops—it’s about growing leaders. In this episode of Patio Pondering, I sit down with Lexy Turpchinoff, an agriculture educator at DeKalb High School, to explore how her non-farm upbringing shaped her journey into agricultural education.
Unlike many in the industry, Lexy didn’t grow up on a farm or participate in FFA as a student—but that didn’t stop her from building a strong foundation in agriculture. Through golf, 4-H, and hands-on experiences, she developed the leadership skills and passion that ultimately led her to teaching agriculture and mentoring students.
We also discuss common misconceptions about agricultural education, how the field is evolving, and what today’s students need to know to succeed in the industry.
Whether you’re a farmer, an educator, or someone who’s simply passionate about agriculture’s next generation, this episode is full of insights, inspiration, and real-world stories.
🎧 Tune in and join the conversation as we uncover the lessons, challenges, and opportunities in agricultural education!
🔔 Subscribe to Patio Pondering Podcast for more discussions on agriculture, leadership, and industry insights!
02/13/25 • 18 min
This episode deserved a second chance. The first time around, it got lost in the shuffle—but it’s one of my most personal reflections yet. So, I gave it a fresh title and a sharper focus.
100 days without bourbon. Five months of daily writing. A journey filled with unexpected lessons, quiet shifts, and one word that still doesn’t sit right: sobriety.
In this episode, I reflect on:
✔️ The raw, unexpected lessons from 100 days without bourbon.
✔️ Why sobriety doesn’t feel like the right word—and why that matters.
✔️ The highs, lows, and curveballs from five months of writing.
✔️ How personal growth never looks the way we expect.
If you’ve ever questioned a habit, a label, or the way change really happens, this one’s for you.
02/10/25 • 64 min
In this episode of Patio Ponderings, I sit down with Tara Deines for a conversation about leadership, career transitions, and the evolving landscape of agriculture. Tara shares her journey, including a pivotal moment when she was asked if she’d be comfortable being the only woman in an office at a grain elevator—a question that speaks volumes about the challenges women still face in agriculture and beyond.
We dive into the importance of adaptability, the role of mentorship, and how strong leadership can create opportunities for the next generation. Whether you’re in agriculture, leadership, or just enjoy thought-provoking discussions, this episode is for you.
Join us as we explore:
✅ Tara’s journey in agriculture and leadership
✅ The challenges and progress of women in the industry
✅ Lessons learned from navigating career transitions
✅ How strong leadership fosters growth and innovation
Tune in for an insightful discussion, and be sure to subscribe for more episodes of Patio Ponderings—where we explore the important and the obscure in agriculture!
02/06/25 • 65 min
In this episode of Patio Pondering, we sit down with Dave Walton from Wilton, Iowa, a dedicated leader in the agricultural industry. With deep farming roots, Dave has made a lasting impact through his work with the Soybean Board and Diesel Board, advocating for sustainability, innovation, and energy solutions in modern agriculture.
We discuss how his upbringing shaped his leadership journey, the challenges and opportunities in agricultural advocacy, and how boards like the Soybean and Diesel Boards influence policy and industry standards. Dave also shares his perspective on balancing tradition with innovation and offers practical advice for those looking to get involved in agricultural leadership.
Tune in to hear firsthand insights on the future of agriculture, the role of sustainable energy, and how grassroots involvement can drive meaningful change in the industry.
Key Topics:
✅ Dave Walton’s journey in agriculture and leadership
✅ The role of the Soybean and Diesel Boards in shaping policy
✅ Balancing traditional farming practices with innovation
✅ Advice for those interested in agricultural advocacy
✅ The future of sustainability in agriculture
Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if you enjoy the episod
5 Months and 100 Days: A Reflection on Growth
Patio Ponderings
02/04/25 • 17 min
Change doesn’t always come with fanfare—sometimes it’s quiet, personal, and unexpected. In this episode of Patio Ponderings, I reflect on two milestones that have shaped the last few months of my life: five months of daily blogging and 100 days without bourbon (though I’m still not sure that’s the right word for it).
This isn’t about labels or rigid goals. It’s about the small shifts that ripple into bigger changes, the lessons you don’t see coming, and how reflection itself can be transformative.
I explore:
✔️ The unexpected challenges and lessons from going 100 days without bourbon.
✔️ Why the term “sobriety” doesn’t quite sit right with me—and why that matters.
✔️ The blog posts and reflections that resonated most over five months of daily writing.
✔️ How personal growth often looks nothing like what we expect.
Whether you’re navigating change, questioning old habits, or simply curious about the process of reflection, this episode is for you.
01/30/25 • 61 min
Farm transitions can be one of the toughest challenges in agriculture. Too often, they lead to family conflict, financial strain, or an uncertain future. But what if there was a better way?
In this episode of Patio Ponderings, I sit down with Ted Hamer, a lifelong farmer from Traer, Iowa, who successfully transitioned his farm to the next generation—without the usual pitfalls. Ted’s story is different. His approach was practical, forward-thinking, and collaborative—a stark contrast to the way many family farms handle succession.
We explore:
✔️ The unique steps Ted took to transition his farm to his son and a business partner.
✔️ Why his transition defied the traditional model of farm succession.
✔️ How his upbringing shaped his ability to navigate change.
✔️ Lessons learned from a lifetime in agriculture.
If you’re a farmer, a business owner, or just someone navigating change and legacy, this conversation is packed with valuable insights.
Here are the contacts Ted mentioned for help with farm transition plans:
📌 Steve Bohr – Farm Estate Planning Services
📞 800-375-4180
🌐 www.FarmEstate.com
📌 Clint Fischer – Braintrust Ag
🌐 BraintrustAg.com
🎧 Tune in now to Patio Ponderings for a deep dive into Ted Hamer’s unconventional path to a smooth farm transition.
#PatioPonderings #FarmTransitions #SuccessionPlanning #Agriculture #Leadership #Legacy
01/27/25 • 50 min
In the second part of our conversation with Micah Malcolm, we dive deeper into his insights as a show pig breeder, coach, and team leader. Micah shares valuable advice for beginning showmen, offering tips and lessons he’s learned to help others succeed in the competitive world of show pigs.
We also tackle a controversial topic in the industry—sow and gilt breeding soundness and the use of C-sections in show pig production. Micah provides his perspective on these practices and their impact on breeders and exhibitors alike.
The episode concludes with Micah answering our signature five questions, delivering a couple of unexpected nuggets of wisdom and humor that you won’t want to miss.
Key Topics We Discuss:
✅ Advice for beginning showmen and their families
✅ Lessons learned to become a better breeder, coach, and leader
✅ Tackling controversial topics: breeding soundness and C-sections in the show pig industry
✅ Fun and insightful answers to our five signature questions
Whether you’re a seasoned breeder, an aspiring showman, or simply curious about the show pig industry, this episode is packed with practical advice, industry insights, and plenty of inspiration.
🎧 Listen, subscribe, and let us know what you think!
01/27/25 • 52 min
This is the first of a two-part conversation with Micah Malcolm, a standout athlete and rising star in the show pig industry.
In this episode, Micah shares his roots growing up on his grandparents’ farm, where he learned invaluable lessons from his grandfather Kenny and father in the farrowing house and livestock pens. We also dive into his roles at Sam Malcolm and Family Show Pigs, Platt Show Pigs, and Upper Hand Genetics. Micah reflects on the experiences that shaped his passion for agriculture and the values instilled by his family.
Key Topics We Discuss:
✅ Micah’s upbringing on his grandparents’ farm and lessons from his grandfather Kenny working in the farrowing house and livestock pens
✅ His involvement with Sam Malcolm and Family Show Pigs, Platt Show Pigs, and Upper Hand Genetics
✅ How family and farm life laid the foundation for his success in agriculture
We conclude the episode by touching on Micah’s athletic journey in basketball, track, and cross-country, and how sports prepared him for the challenges of the show pig industry. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we dive deeper into the world of show pigs and Micah’s insights into the industry.
🎧 Listen, subscribe, and share your thoughts!
Episode 14: Insights from the Fort Wayne Farm Show – Looking Ahead and Reflecting on Ag Roots
Patio Ponderings
01/23/25 • 22 min
I this episode of Patio Pondering, we bring you conversations from the Fort Wayne Farm Show, where I spoke with 10 incredible agriculture professionals. From grain merchandising to farm broadcasting, each shared their thoughts on the future of agriculture in 2025 and the lessons from their ag roots that shape their daily lives.
💡 In this episode, we discuss:
✅ What these professionals see as the most important thing for agriculture in 2025
✅ Personal reflections on lessons from their ag upbringing that still influence their daily lives
✅ A diverse range of insights from farmers, agronomists, sales professionals, and ag leaders
You’ll hear from:
- Isabelle Wellman – Grain Merchandiser at CGB
- Neil Koch – Consultant at G&K Concepts
- Greg Kneubuhler – Owner/Agronomist at G&K Concepts
- Scott Hartsell – Sales & Nutrition Consultant at Milan Center Feeds
- James Wolf – County Extension Director in Fort Wayne
- Bob Prible – Owner at Prible Ag
- Brent McKillip – Owner at McKillip Machinery
- Jamie Bultemeier – Corporate Sales & Agronomist at A&L Great Lakes Labs
- Mike Burkhart – Retired Farmer & CEO of the Travis Burkhart Foundation
- Rob Winters – Farm Director at WOWO Radio
Join us as we explore their insights, their stories, and their hopes for the future of agriculture.
Episode 2: Revisiting Popular Reflections
Patio Ponderings
12/10/24 • 18 min
In this episode of the Patio Pondering , we take a reflective journey through five of the most engaging posts I’ve shared on LinkedIn over the past several months. These posts resonated deeply with my network, sparking thought-provoking discussions around themes that matter to all of us.
From the generosity of an Amish family during harvest, to the ways we define ourselves beyond job titles, to the lessons learned about networking, adapting to change, and finding resilience in the face of challenges, this episode dives deep into these reflections and the insights they’ve inspired.
Join me as I revisit these topics:
- Generosity: How small acts of kindness strengthen connections and communities.
- Judging by Job Title: Why we must look beyond labels to appreciate the full value of others.
- Networking: The journey from self-sufficiency to meaningful connections in a tight-knit industry.
- Pork: The Other White Meat: A controversial exploration of consumer trends, tradition, and innovation.
- 100 Day Reflection: A personal milestone reflecting on resilience, growth, and finding new directions.
Along the way, I’ll share new takeaways and invite you to reflect on your own experiences. Let’s discuss the themes that shape our lives and careers—and how we can grow together.
Listen now and join the conversation.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Patio Ponderings have?
Patio Ponderings currently has 35 episodes available.
What topics does Patio Ponderings cover?
The podcast is about Society & Culture, Leadership, Podcasts, Connection, Agriculture, Farming, Business, Innovation, Sustainability and Reflection.
What is the most popular episode on Patio Ponderings?
The episode title 'Episode 23: Mike Pearson – Finding His Own Voice in Agricultural Broadcasting' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Patio Ponderings?
The average episode length on Patio Ponderings is 50 minutes.
How often are episodes of Patio Ponderings released?
Episodes of Patio Ponderings are typically released every 3 days, 17 hours.
When was the first episode of Patio Ponderings?
The first episode of Patio Ponderings was released on Dec 5, 2024.
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