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 [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.
Patio Ponderings
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 Patio Pondering, I sit down with Dr. Kimberly Bedwell Smith, DVM—who also happens to be my wife—to talk about her unconventional path from horse-crazy kid to seasoned veterinarian. We dive into:
• How a childhood love of horses led her to vet school
• The gritty realities of starting a career a mixed animal vet
• How she transitioned to small animal practice in Fort Wayne—and what she never expected about the change
• The misconceptions about veterinary medicine most people don’t realize
• The struggles of work-life balance as a vet, farm wife, and mom
• The dark side of veterinary medicine—burnout, mental health challenges, and why the profession has one of the highest suicide rates
Of course, we wrap up with my five signature questions, exploring agriculture’s impact, the quirks of veterinary life, and the small changes that could reshape the future of animal care.
This raw, real, and unfiltered conversation pulls back the curtain on the pressures vets face, the sacrifices they make, and the moments that make it all worthwhile. Whether you’re in ag, animal care, or just curious about the industry, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.