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 41 – Kaylee Keppy-McDonnell: Communication, Boundaries, and Foundations in Ag
In this episode of Patio Pondering, host Jim Smith, Ph.D., sits down with Kaylee Keppy-McDonnell to explore the themes that have defined her journey through agriculture: communication, boundaries, and foundational values.
From her roots on an Eastern Iowa farm to her new role as Director of Retail at United Animal Health, Kaylee shares how livestock judging, strong mentors, and a passion for swine production shaped her path. The conversation ranges from navigating the early-career pressure to prove yourself, to setting healthy boundaries as a working mom, to the lessons learned through networking and community.
Kaylee and Jim also dive into:
- The reality of career pivots and blank canvases
- Organizing the “Elevate Women in Ag” event at World Pork Expo
- The nuanced differences—and overlap—between show pigs and commercial swine
- Raising strong kids through agriculture, whether in the barn or in the boardroom
Whether you're a young professional building your career, a parent balancing life and livestock, or someone reflecting on the deeper purpose of ag life, this conversation offers grounded insight with honesty and heart.