Patio Ponderings
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 Jim Smith, Ph.D., 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.
- Update frequency
- every 3 days
- Average duration
- 49 minutes
- Episodes
- 55
- Years Active
- 2024 - 2025
Episode 35: From Sheep to Pigs - Amanda Minton on Ag Roots, Swine Innovation, and Resilient Leadership
Episode Description (Final Version):
In this episode of Patio Pondering, we sit down with Amanda Minton, Manager of Reproductive Solutions at AcuFast Swine Genetics and Purdue Universit…
Episode 34: A Solo Discussion on Resilience and Returns - One Lamb and One Stock at a Time
In this solo episode of Patio Ponderings, we take a short detour from exploring agriculture roots to reflect on today’s economic climate and personal resilience strategies.
I dive into …
Episode 33: Hayden Heigele - From Pasture to Porch: Building Frosty Bunk Directo To Consumer Beef Business
In this episode of Patio Ponderings, I sit down with Hayden Heigl, founder of Frosty Bunk, a fast-growing direct-to-consumer beef sales business based in Kansas. Hayden shares the story…
Episode 32: The Lost Agricultural Heritage of Northeast Indiana & Northwest Ohio, a Solo Discussion
"I remember riding with my grandfathers to deliver grain to the St. Joe Elevator in St. Joe, Indiana. Across the railroad tracks sat Crow’s Rainbow Farm Center. At the time, it felt lik…
Episode 31: Jason Scott – From Farm Roots to Future Growth
In this episode of Patio Pondering, we sit down with Jason Scott of Scott Farms, a multi-generational farming operation in Delphi, Indiana. Jason shares his journey from growing up on t…
Episode 30: Malachi Malcolm - Overcoming Mental Health Challenges and Celbrating Others
In this episode of Patio Pondering, we sit down with Malachi Malcolm, a passionate outdoorsman, mental health advocate, and creative entrepreneur from Laotto, Indiana. Malachi shares hi…
Episode 29: From Suburban Horse Girl to Hardcore Vet - The Unexpected Journey of Dr. Kimberly Bedwell Smith
Not every veterinarian grows up on a farm. Some start as a horse-obsessed kid in the suburbs—and somehow end up deep in agriculture, animal medicine, and rural life.
In this episode of P…
Episode 28: Hayden & Mary Marsh Heigele Building a Future in Agriculture
New Episode: Building a Future in Agriculture with Hayden & Mary Marsh Heigele
In this episode of Patio Pondering, we sit down with Hayden and Mary Marsh Heigele, two rising leaders in a…
Episode 27: Paul Butler - From Farm Fields to Coding
In this episode of Patio Pondering, we sit down with Paul Butler, a central Illinois farmer and Senior Development Manager in CRM at Express Scripts, to explore how his agricultural roo…
Episode 26: Andy Vance – Finding Your Voice in Agriculture
In this episode of Patio Pondering, we turn the microphone on someone who’s usually behind it—Andy Vance, Executive Director of the Poultry Science Association and longtime agricultural…
Episode 25: Milestone Musings, Timely Ag Updates & Answering My Own 5 Questions
It’s a milestone episode—Patio Ponderings hits 25 episodes! Today, I’m shaking things up by turning the mic on myself.
🔹 First, we’ll cover timely ag topics, including:- The new USDA Secre…
Episode 24: A Conversation with Corey Hillebo: Growing Up Farming, Taking Chances, and Saying Yes
In this episode of Patio Pondering, we sit down with Corey Hillebo, a fourth-generation farmer from Iowa and co-host of some of the most engaging conversations in agriculture on the Far…
Episode 23: Mike Pearson – Finding His Own Voice in Agricultural Broadcasting
Mike Pearson’s name is well-known in agricultural media, but his journey to becoming one of the most recognized voices in farm broadcasting was anything but easy. In this episode of Pat…
Episode 22: Cultivating the Future: How Golf, 4-H, and a Non-Farm Upbringing Led to Ag Education
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 Schoo…
Episode 21: 100 Days Without Bourbon—A Sober Reflection on Five Months of Writing
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 focu…
Episode 20: Breaking Barriers in Agriculture and Leadership with Tara Deines
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 jour…
Episode 19: Agricultural Leadership and Innovation with Dave Walton
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 imp…
5 Months and 100 Days: A Reflection on Growth
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 mo…
Episode 17: Breaking the Mold - Ted Hamer’s Unconventional Farm Transition
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 …
Episode 16: Lessons from the Show Ring and Beyond: Micah Malcolm’s Story – Part 2
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 sho…