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
- 56
- Years Active
- 2024 - 2025
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…
Episode 15: From the Family Farm to the Show Ring: Micah Malcolm’s Journey – Part 1
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 gr…
Episode 14: Insights from the Fort Wayne Farm Show – Looking Ahead and Reflecting on Ag Roots
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…
Episode 13: Balancing the Books and the Barn - Profitability Insights with AJ Friedges
In this episode of Patio Pondering, we sit down with AJ Friedges, a numbers-driven livestock and crop farmer and agribusiness professional from northeastern Iowa. Known for his meticulo…
Episode 12 – Bridging the Farm and Finance: A Conversation with Dave Voors
In this episode of Patio Pondering, we sit down with Dave Voors, a seasoned agribusiness professional and active crop farmer from Monroeville, Indiana. With experience spanning equipmen…
Episode 11: Part 3 with Todd Thurman – Closing Questions & Unexpected Insights
This is the final installment of my three-part conversation with Todd Thurman, industry consultant, founder of Swine Insights, and co-host of the Business of Ag Success Group with Damia…
Episode 10: Part 2 with Todd Thurman – The Ripple Effects of Consolidation
This is the second installment of my three-part conversation with Todd Thurman, founder of Swine Insights, industry consultant, and co-host of the Business of Ag Success Group with Dami…
Episode 9: Part 1 with Todd Thurman – From the Texas Panhandle to Global Swine Consulting
This is the first of a three-part conversation with Todd Thurman, founder of Swine Insights, industry consultant, and co-host of the Business of Ag Success Group with Damian Mason.
In th…
Episode 8: From Farm Fields to Pet Food Sales – A Conversation with Toby Smith
In this special episode of Patio Pondering, I sit down with my son, Toby Smith, for a conversation that spans from international trade to life on the farm. Toby kicks things off by shar…
Episode 7: Balancing Legacy and Innovation in Agriculture with Dane Emenhiser
In this episode of Patio Ponderings, I sit down with Dane Emenhiser, owner of Emenhiser Crop Solutions, to explore the intersection of tradition and innovation in modern agriculture. Gr…
Episode 6: Grant Hood's Winding Path Through Agriculture and Education
In this episode, I sit down with Grant Hood, a dynamic leader in agricultural education and innovation. From his roots as an 4H and FFA member, education at Ivy Tech, Purdue University,…
Episode 5: 60 Days Without Bourbon Makes One Reflect…
In this personal and introspective episode, I share my journey of 60 days without alcohol—a decision that has brought unexpected clarity, challenges, and growth. I dive into what inspir…
Patio Pondering: Local Meat Dreams, Local Meat Realities
In this episode of Patio Ponderings, we dive into the realities behind the “Buy Local” movement in meat production. Inspired by my own experiences selling lamb and a video from a candid…
How AI Fuels Creativity: Behind the Scenes of Patio Pondering
In this bonus episode of Patio Ponderings, I take you behind the scenes to share how AI has become an invaluable partner in my creative process. From refining my daily reflections to st…
Episode 2: Revisiting Popular Reflections
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…
Patio Pondering Podcast - Episode #1 - Introduction
Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast! I'm Jim Smith—a husband, father, farmer, and seasoned swine nutritionist—and I’m thrilled to introduce myself and the st…