536 Jimmy O'Connor Second Chances

Jimmy O'Connor, founder of the Second Story Foundation, shares his inspiring journey of recovery from severe substance use disorder and how his farm-based program helps others rebuild their lives through work, community, and purpose. key topics The mission of the Second Story Foundation The role of farm work in recovery and resilience Systemic barriers faced by those in early recovery The importance of community and support networks The impact of natural settings on mental health The process of building a sustainable recovery program The significance of self-sufficiency and independence in recovery The role of professional help and peer support in overcoming addiction takeaways Farm-based programs can provide real work experience and build confidence for those in recovery. Long-term sobriety is a daily journey that requires community, purpose, and support. Systemic barriers like unstable housing and unemployment are major hurdles for recovery. Natural settings and farm work have inherent healing properties. Building a sustainable, generational recovery program requires careful planning and stewardship. Chapters 00:00Introduction to Jimmy O'Connor and the Second Story Foundation 01:57The origins of the farm-based recovery program 04:46How farm work supports resilience and confidence 08:07Understanding severe substance use disorder 11:02Barriers to long-term recovery: housing, employment, community 14:53The structure of the farm's workforce development program 17:46Building life skills and soft skills through farm work 21:11The importance of self-sufficiency and independence 24:06Jimmy's personal journey of sobriety and hope 28:02The healing power of natural settings and farm life 31:51Engaging with policymakers and community support 36:02Passing down values and building a legacy 40:12Signs of genuine desire to change in someone struggling with addiction 44:04The importance of professional help and community resources 47:54Encouragement for those seeking help and hope 52:00Jimmy's message of love, sacrifice, and service

Shark Farmer Podcast — Chandler Janes In this episode of Shark Farmer, Rob talks with Chandler Janes of Urbana, Illinois about life, farming, faith, and the path that shaped her career in agriculture. Chandler shares how growing up in central Illinois, losing her dad unexpectedly at a young age, and finding her place on the family farm influenced both her personal life and professional journey.They kick things off with a lively conversation about Beck's Hybrids' big event and the energy of ag shows, including how farmers and ag professionals tend to bring a more positive attitude than the average trade show crowd. Chandler, who works on the digital marketing team at Beck's, talks about the trust farmers place in seed decisions and how the rewards program has helped build long-term confidence on her farm.From there, the conversation turns more personal. Chandler opens up about studying agriculture leadership education at the University of Illinois, then earning a master's degree in agriculture production after her father passed away unexpectedly when she was 20. She talks honestly about grief, faith, and how the loss pushed her to stay close to home, support the family farm, and build a life in Champaign-Urbana.The episode also explores: Chandler's role in agriculture marketing and social media Her experience working for an ag agency and Precision Planting A memorable trip to Germany through an agriculture policy program How she and her husband Connor learned to farm together The realities of raising a young child while balancing work and farm life Why authenticity matters more than polish in interviews and leadership Chandler's perspective is grounded, thoughtful, and refreshingly honest. She talks about resilience not as a buzzword, but as something shaped by real life — tragedy, responsibility, family, and choosing to keep moving forward. Key Takeaways Farm shows and ag events can create a uniquely positive, community-driven atmosphere. Loss and adversity can reshape career direction and personal purpose. Authenticity builds stronger connection than a polished persona. Expanding your network and job shadowing are powerful ways to enter agriculture careers. Family, faith, and adaptability are central to Chandler's life and work. Memorable Themes Resilience after loss Faith in difficult seasons Family farming and shared responsibility Agriculture careers for young women Marketing, communication, and leadership in ag Guest Bio Chandler Janes is an agriculture marketing professional from Urbana, Illinois, with experience in social media, paid media, dealership marketing, and ag communications. She works for Beck's Hybrids and remains closely involved in her family farm while balancing work, motherhood, and community life.

Rob Sharkey interviews Sam Goldberg about his journey from acting to creating impactful media about agriculture, focusing on the series Perfect Sundays. They discuss the importance of authentic storytelling in farming, addressing mental health, family dynamics, and supporting rural communities. key topics The transition from acting to farm media The making of Perfect Sundays and its themes The importance of authentic storytelling in agriculture Addressing mental health and family dynamics in farming The role of community and industry support in farm media The impact of storytelling on farm safety and mental health awareness Partnerships with agricultural companies like Sukup The significance of farm authenticity and avoiding stereotypes Engagement with farmers and rural communities Future projects and community events for farm storytelling Chapters 00:00Introduction to Sam Goldberg and his journey 02:13The creation and purpose of Perfect Sundays 04:01Authenticity in portraying farm life 07:49Addressing mental health and family struggles in farming 10:13The decision to avoid depicting suicide directly 13:01Family dynamics and character development 15:50Partnerships with agricultural companies like Sukup 19:09Community screenings and outreach efforts 22:02Supporting farm stories through funding and industry 25:53Upcoming Farm Progress show and series release 29:05The importance of supporting farm media financially 32:53The difference between documentary and fictional storytelling 43:57How Silo and Perfect Sundays changed perspectives 47:05Personal transformation through rural America 49:00How to access and support Perfect Sundays

In this episode, Rob Sharkey interviews agriculture journalist Chris Bennett about the hidden stories of farming, wildlife encounters, and the complexities of agricultural media. They explore fascinating tales from the field, the challenges of investigative reporting, and the unique culture of rural America. key topics The role of storytelling in agriculture Wild pig attacks and their impact Historical mysteries like the lady in red Crop insurance fraud schemes Challenges of investigative journalism in farming The culture and biases of agriculture media The importance of authentic farm stories Wildlife interactions and their dangers The influence of history on modern farming The complexity of rural law enforcement Chapters 00:00Introduction to Chris Bennett and his work 02:04The role of storytelling in agriculture and media bias 04:00Wild pig attacks and their real dangers 07:51The lady in red: a mysterious Civil War era find 12:13Investigating crop insurance scams and fraud 16:00Historical and modern mysteries in rural America 19:48The challenges of investigative journalism in agriculture 25:10Wildlife encounters and their sometimes deadly outcomes 29:59The culture of secrecy and bias in farming media 34:52The importance of authentic farm stories and history 40:13The road ahead for agricultural storytelling and journalism

Have a listen as we talk with Bo Allen about how he started a custome harvest busness in Ohio

In this episode, Rob Sharkey interviews Loran Steinlage from West Union, Iowa, exploring innovative farming practices, soil health, crop diversification, and the future of agriculture. Discover insights on relay cropping, cover crops, data-driven farming, and industry collaborations that are shaping sustainable agriculture. key topics Relay cropping and its benefits Soil health and carbon sequestration Use of cover crops like cereal rye and annual ryegrass Data collection and farm management technology Industry collaboration and biofuel policies Farm diversification and crop rotation strategies Challenges and solutions in modern farming Farmer mentorship and community engagement  Takeaways Relay cropping can produce three cash crops a year, boosting income. Cover crops like cereal rye improve soil structure and reduce weeds. Data collection with soil sensors shows soil health is improving. Industry engagement helps farmers adopt new technologies. Farmers can balance profitability with sustainability. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and guest overview 02:02 Farm history and crop diversification 03:58 Industry events and technology showcases 06:50 Relay cropping and soil health benefits 12:06 Data collection and farm management 15:54 Soil improvement and cover crop strategies 21:11 Industry collaboration and policy insights 27:52 Farmers' perspectives on innovation 34:58 Future trends and industry partnerships 42:05 Closing thoughts and farmer advice  

In this episode, we explore the journey of Jeremy's Matuszewski sons, TJ and Bobby, as they transition into the family business, Thunderstruck. We discuss their experiences with farm shows, product innovation, and balancing sports, coaching, and work, highlighting the importance of family, innovation, and industry connections. Key topics Transition from non-ag backgrounds to family business Farm show strategies and customer engagement Product innovation and design in agriculture Balancing sports, coaching, and work commitments Family dynamics and succession in agriculture Chapters 00:00Introduction to Thunderstruck and the Guests 01:58The Sons' Backgrounds and Entry into the Family Business 07:10Learning Curve at Farm Shows and Farmer Interactions 11:56Product Innovation: Concaves and Design Process 19:45Balancing Sports, Coaching, and Work 29:48Family Dynamics and Coming Full Circle 39:49The Thunderstruck Family and Industry Connections 49:52Company Growth, Show Strategies, and Future Plans 53:26Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Join us as we explore the journey of third-generation farmers Brittany and Calvin Beasley of Beasley Orchard in Indiana. Discover their diverse crop operations, agritourism strategies, and how they navigate modern farming challenges while sharing insights into sustainable practices and community engagement. key topics Diversification of crops and agritourism activities Challenges of farming near suburban development Family farm legacy and succession planning Use of technology and innovative practices in farming Labor management and H2A visa program Marketing and community engagement strategies Chapters 00:00Introduction to Beasley Orchard and Guests 04:12History of the Farm and Crop Diversification 10:09Transition from traditional farming to agritourism 19:54Crop management and planting practices 29:53Farm infrastructure and expansion plans 39:46Community relations and handling development pressures 49:59Future plans and challenges in farming 51:55Advice for aspiring farmers and closing remarks

In this episode Laney and Joseph Harvick talk about their journey from Texas to Missouri, their innovative farming practices, community engagement, and overcoming storm-related setbacks. Discover practical advice for aspiring farmers and insights into building a successful local food business. key topics Journey from Texas to Missouri Community engagement and building trust Transition from plant nursery to food production Diversification of farm income streams Farm resilience and storm recovery Farm education and community classes Building relationships with local restaurants and institutions Farm mentorship and advice for new farmers takeaways Building trust in a new community takes time and effort. Diversifying income streams is key to farm success. Community involvement and education foster local support. Resilience and adaptability are crucial after setbacks. Personal relationships are vital for business growth. Chapters 00:00Introduction to Laney and Joseph Harvick 02:02Their move from Texas to Missouri 04:05Starting in community and building trust 07:00Transition from nursery to food production 12:03Building relationships with local restaurants and institutions 14:56Farm infrastructure and hands-on skills 19:50Diversification: Greenhouses, high tunnels, and specialty crops 24:45Community involvement and education classes 30:04Homeschooling and community support 34:48Handling storm damage and resilience 40:10Advice for new farmers and farm mentorship 44:51Final thoughts and encouragement for farmers

Join us as we explore the California grape industry with Kyle Collins, manager of North Valley Operations at Allied Grape Growers. We discuss vineyard management, industry challenges, market dynamics, and the future of American wine. key topics California grape industry overview Role of cooperatives in wine production Market and legislative challenges for American wine Grape varieties and vineyard management Industry impact of global wine glut Chapters 00:00Introduction to Lodi, California and Agriculture 03:00The Role of Thunderstruck Ag in Farming 05:47Understanding the Cooperative Model in Wine Production 09:07Challenges Faced by Grape Growers 11:57The Importance of Collective Bargaining in Agriculture 15:08Family Values and Traditions in Farming 17:50The Debate on American Wine Standards 21:07Personal Journey in the Vineyard Industry 25:00Rattlesnakes and Vineyards: A Unique Challenge 28:40Daily Life in the Vineyard: Balancing Farming and Sales 30:37Navigating Relationships: Growers and Co-ops 31:07Pest Management: Grapes and Their Challenges 32:30Traveling the Vineyards: A Regional Perspective 33:28California's Unique Agricultural Challenges 35:22Demand vs. Supply: The Shrinking Vineyard Landscape 37:43Generational Shifts: Changing Drinking Habits 40:03Global Wine Market: Imports and Exports 42:29The Future of Affordable Wine: Market Innovations 46:44The Heart of the Industry: People Behind the Wine 48:09Connecting with the Community: Resources and Outreach