Send us a text

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 Patio Pondering, Mike opens up about the weight of legacy—stepping into his father Mark Pearson’s role at Market to Market after his sudden passing, then later taking on another iconic position at U.S. Farm Report.

Beyond the headlines and the camera lights, Mike shares the deeply personal side of his story—his struggles with alcoholism, how it impacted his career, and the turning points that helped him rebuild. This isn’t just a conversation about farm broadcasting; it’s about resilience, redemption, and finding one’s own voice in an industry that never stops moving.

An honest and powerful discussion about pressure, expectations, and the lessons that agriculture teaches us about perseverance.

Send us a text

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!

Send us a text

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.

Send us a text

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!

Send us a text

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

Send us a text

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.

Send us a text

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

Send us a text

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!