Farmstrong

Ryan Armstrong

Few things connect people faster than food. For host Ryan Armstrong, it’s the stories of the people behind the food that hit deepest — their family legacies, how they made it through the tough times and how they celebrate the good times. This podcast will give you a face behind the food. It uncovers the honest and proud stories of the fascinating yet little-known sectors of the agriculture industry.

Episodes

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    9 | Kasey Brown: How One Hat and Resilience Can Change Your Life

    In this episode, Kasey Brown and Ryan Armstrong share the stories, tough lessons and laughter that come with building lives and careers in agriculture — both on the farm and behind the scenes. From Kasey Brown’s journey from Indiana stock shows to launching Teal Hat Communications, to Ryan Armstrong’s winding road of solitary drives and citrus fields that led him to podcasting, their conversation highlights the power of “figuring it out” and embracing uncertainty as an act of faith. Together, they discuss how intuition, vulnerability and pushing out of comfort zones shape not just the ag industry, but also personal growth and leadership. Along the way, you’ll hear about cattle genetics, choir concerts for President Bush, and how a teal cowboy hat became Kasey Brown’s business signature. This episode pulls back the curtain on why Farmstrong is committed to giving you the real faces and stories behind your food. In this episode: * Kasey shares how a layoff — and her favorite hat — inspired her to build a business from scratch * Ryan talks about finding purpose and energy by asking tough questions and taking career risks * Insights on community, family legacies, and the many “spokes” that keep agriculture rolling * How Kasey's favorite people in the ag industry marry tradition with cutting edge technology * A candid look at why listening to your inner nudges and being honest (even when awkward) matter so much in ag and in life Quotes to remember: “Everything’s figureout-able if you have the resiliency to learn things and be willing to get out of your comfort zone...” — Kasey Brown “Your calling often whispers — it doesn’t scream at you.” — Ryan Armstrong This conversation proves that behind every farm and every podcast episode, it’s people — with grit, heart, and stories worth telling — who make this industry strong. You can find Kasey at tealhatcommunications.com, on LinkedIn or on Instagram.  Resources: Florida Farm List Georgia Grown Fresh from Florida Community Cannery Locations Florida Young Farmer and Rancher Resources Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Questions or guest ideas? Email farmstrongpodcast@gmail.com Follow or subscribe to the show so you don't miss an episode! We'd really appreciate if you would leave a review — please leave a sentence, not just stars. That helps others find the podcast so they can put a face behind their food. Work hard. Be honest. Speak proudly.

    47 min

  2. 10/12/2025

    8 | Kacee Bohle: Why Surface Level Conversations Are Killing Farming Communities

    Ryan Armstrong sits down with Kacee Bohle, founder of AgriMinds, to dig into the real, often-hidden stresses facing farmers and ag professionals. Rather than talking markets or machinery, the conversation zeros in on burnout, mental health stigmas, and the need for intentional support within agriculture. Kacee shares her journey from the family farm to creating AgriMinds — a community and coaching program that helps ag professionals build resilience, balance and boundaries. She discusses why meaningful change only happens when we move past buzzwords and into deep, honest conversations. Key highlights include: How Kacee’s own struggles led her to build a coaching community for personal growth in ag Why discussing mental health in farming requires the right language — and a willingness to go beyond the surface The AgriMind Summit: a sponsor-free retreat focused on personal transformation The surprising discovery that, in group settings, men in ag open up about emotions more readily than women Thought-provoking Quotes: “Are you willing to get in the combine or the tractor with a farmer and let them be in their element and actually hear what they have to say?” — Kacee Bohle “The women are always the ones…shoving their emotions under the rug because they don’t have the time to talk about emotions…Whereas the guys are like, yeah, this is how I’m feeling, and I’m ready to get it out.” — Kacee Bohle “If you don’t know you’re spiraling, you can’t do anything about it. Having a support system you can reach out to — that’s the goal.” — Kacee Bohle This episode is a must-listen for anyone who cares about the people behind our food. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or practical advice for tackling stress in rural life, Farmstrong brings real talk, vulnerability, and actionable ideas for a healthier, more connected future. Learn more about AgriMinds at kaceebohle.com and find Kaacee on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kaceebohle/) or Instagram (@agcoachkacee). Resources: Florida Farm List Georgia Grown Fresh from Florida Community Cannery Locations Florida Young Farmer and Rancher Resources Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Questions or guest ideas? Email farmstrongpodcast@gmail.com Follow or subscribe to the show so you don't miss an episode! We'd really appreciate if you would leave a review — please leave a sentence, not just stars. That helps others find the podcast so they can put a face behind their food. Work hard. Be honest. Speak proudly.

    47 min

  3. 08/12/2025

    Everyone has a seat at this table — Farmstrong Trailer

    Few things connect people faster than food. Listen to authentic conversations with deeply rooted guests like land men, fruit pickers, marketers, plantation owners, photographers, cowboys and everyone in between in this incredibly nuanced agriculture industry. Let’s put a face behind the food.  Everyone has a seat at this table. This podcast uncovers the honest and proud stories of the fascinating yet little-known sectors of the agriculture industry. Follow the Farmstrong podcast anywhere you get your podcasts and tune in on Wednesdays. Resources: Florida Farm List Georgia Grown Fresh from Florida Community Cannery Locations Florida Young Farmer and Rancher Resources Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Questions or guest ideas? Email farmstrongpodcast@gmail.com Follow or subscribe to the show so you don't miss an episode! We'd really appreciate if you would leave a review — please leave a sentence, not just stars. That helps others find the podcast so they can put a face behind their food. Work hard. Be honest. Speak proudly.

    1 min

  4. 26/11/2025

    7 | Laura Conaway: From Cow Pens to Writer and Back — Exploring the Florida Cattle Industry and Beyond

    Laura Conaway joins Ryan Armstrong on Farmstrong for a candid look into Florida’s cattle country and the realities behind the ranching life. Laura talks about growing up in a first-generation cattle family — her parents having built their operation from scratch near Daytona Beach — and the unpredictable nature of working with animals, hurricanes and land development pressures. They unpack riding the line between romanticized portrayals of ranch life (think shows like Yellowstone) and the honest, gritty day-to-day realities of Florida agriculture. Laura shares her journey from ranch kid to writer for Certified Angus Beef®, reflecting on how firsthand experience brings authenticity to agricultural storytelling. The episode is filled with vivid stories of “Florida cracker” heritage, wild cow hunts, competitive meat judging at UF, and why cattle producers are some of the toughest people you’ll meet. Highlights include: Laura’s transition from the cow pens to national storytelling, and why she never saw herself as a “real writer”The pressure facing Florida ranchers from development and changing landscapesThe lessons Laura learned from industry veterans and why failing forward is key in agricultureBehind-the-scenes takes on the meat judging team and the grit it takes to work cattle in the Florida heatThought-provoking Quotes: “The cattle business isn’t just calves in meadows — it’s hurricanes, feed costs, and those moments of beauty that keep you going.” – Laura Conaway “If I hadn’t failed, I wouldn’t be successful.” – Advice Laura heard from restaurant owners and ranchers “Florida is changed so much, but still unchanged — and there are still cowboys cracking whips in the palmetto scrub.” – Ryan Armstrong Tune in for honest stories about rural resilience, the value of telling it like it is, and why agricultural heritage matters more than ever. Resources: Florida Farm List Georgia Grown Fresh from Florida Community Cannery Locations Florida Young Farmer and Rancher Resources Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Questions or guest ideas? Email farmstrongpodcast@gmail.com Follow or subscribe to the show so you don't miss an episode! We'd really appreciate if you would leave a review — please leave a sentence, not just stars. That helps others find the podcast so they can put a face behind their food. Work hard. Be honest. Speak proudly.

    49 min

  5. 12/11/2025

    6 | Dr. Bobby Safranski, Part 2: Lost Arts, Fatherhood Hacks and Why Every Kid Needs Dirt Under Their Nails

    In a continuation of the conversation, Ryan and Dr. Bobby Safranski share honest insights on parenting, legacy and living well in today’s world. From Bobby’s tradition of writing monthly notebook letters to his son, to Ryan’s mission to preserve family stories and revive lost arts, this episode explores how everyday choices shape family — and community — legacy. Together, they discuss the challenges of screen time, the revival of hands-on trades and the importance of teaching kids through example rather than just words. Vulnerability is at the heart of their conversation: both men open up about mental health, fatherhood and building supportive networks in the face of personal and systemic struggles. Highlights: Bobby’s “legacy notebooks” — preserving real life, beyond the screenThe role of YouTube as both a teaching tool and a pitfall for familiesLost arts: canning, cobbling and the value of hands-on skillsWhy it matters to let kids simply be kids — even if it means bending the rulesMental health and fatherhood, and how honest conversations can protect what matters mostThought-provoking Quotes: “I want a book full of all the knowledge we were just talking about so that my son and grandkids know, like, hey, yeah, that works for heartburn. Go get that.” — Bobby Safranski “It’s tangible. It’s real. It’s not just here and gone.” — Ryan Armstrong “Let them be a kid. I don’t want him to be stressed. I want him to be happy.” — Bobby Safranski Resources: Florida Farm List Georgia Grown Fresh from Florida Community Cannery Locations Florida Young Farmer and Rancher Resources Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Questions or guest ideas? Email farmstrongpodcast@gmail.com Follow or subscribe to the show so you don't miss an episode! We'd really appreciate if you would leave a review — please leave a sentence, not just stars. That helps others find the podcast so they can put a face behind their food. Work hard. Be honest. Speak proudly.

    1h 2m

  6. 29/10/2025

    5 | Dr. Bobby Safranski Part 1: Why Farmers Trust Him With Their Livestock and Their Families

    In part one of a raw and engaging conversation, Dr. Bobby Safranski joins host Ryan Armstrong to share how a passion for chiropractic care led him from treating humans to adjusting horses, dogs and even potbellied pigs in the heart of Florida farm country. Bobby reveals how merging animal and people care creates surprising connections and opportunities — often sparked by a simple conversation over coffee or noticing a client’s vest. Their conversation dives deep into the value of face-to-face interaction, the “currency” of reputation and trust within rural communities, and the resilience of agriculture in Florida despite challenges like vanishing orange groves and urban sprawl. Bobby reflects on the struggles and joys of balancing family, business growth, and personal discipline, all while nurturing authentic relationships with the people and animals in his care. Highlights: *Bobby’s journey into business ownership, finding purpose in both animal and human healthcare * Why trust, respect, and honest conversation are more powerful than digital marketing for building community * Reflections on Florida’s farming landscape and the importance of buying and eating local * The grounding influence of family meals and simple pleasures Thought-provoking Quotes: “Talking to people, you get to understand who they are, what they do. That’s the natural way to market.” – Bobby Safranski “In farm country, one honest recommendation is worth more than any advertisement.” – Bobby Safranski Tune in for an episode that celebrates building honest connections — with both people and animals — and the timeless value of hard work, humility and home-cooked meals. Resources: Florida Farm List Georgia Grown Fresh from Florida Community Cannery Locations Florida Young Farmer and Rancher Resources Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Questions or guest ideas? Email farmstrongpodcast@gmail.com Follow or subscribe to the show so you don't miss an episode! We'd really appreciate if you would leave a review — please leave a sentence, not just stars. That helps others find the podcast so they can put a face behind their food. Work hard. Be honest. Speak proudly.

    47 min

  7. 01/10/2025

    4 | Will Gregg: Boiler Rooms to Barnyards – Stories from Welding in Ag

    Ryan welcomes longtime friend and Brooksville local Will Gregg for a conversation that blends welding, agriculture, and small-town shenanigans — all over sandwiches at Main Street Eatery. Will shares how his unexpected journey into welding was shaped by the agricultural community around him, and how the skills he honed on local ranches keep farm operations (and his neighbors) up and running. Ryan and Will reflect on the deep connection between power plants, the electrical grid, and everyday farm life — which depends on reliable energy for everything from irrigation systems to modern machinery. The duo dives into Florida’s cattle and citrus legacies, the evolution of local butchers and food preferences, and the pride of knowing where your steak comes from. Classic Brooksville tales pop up throughout: toothpick dart games above the Eatery bar, high school lunch-pass hacks, and the quirks of growing up where everyone knows your business. Will also opens up about the realities of welding life — boiling-hot shifts, the satisfaction of providing power for thousands and learning to fix just about anything on a farm. Episode Highlights: How local agriculture launched Will’s welding career — and keeps his skills sharpInside power plant outages: hot work that keeps the grid aliveFlorida’s forgotten history: cracker cattle, sprawling ranches and legendary sweet cornNostalgic stories from Main Street Eatery and high-school hijinksQuotes to Remember: “If it wasn’t for agriculture, I would not be where I am with welding.” – Will Gregg “If you let your yard go or a fence line go — two weeks, you hate yourself.” – Will Gregg  "It definitely gives them confidence. You can do it in class, but when somebody from the field comes in and says, 'It looks good, you're doing a good job,' it solidifies yourself for sure. The ultimate confidence was just achieved." — Will Gregg Resources: Florida Farm List Georgia Grown Fresh from Florida Community Cannery Locations Florida Young Farmer and Rancher Resources Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Questions or guest ideas? Email farmstrongpodcast@gmail.com Follow or subscribe to the show so you don't miss an episode! We'd really appreciate if you would leave a review — please leave a sentence, not just stars. That helps others find the podcast so they can put a face behind their food. Work hard. Be honest. Speak proudly.

    52 min

  8. 03/09/2025

    3 | Jason Cornman: How Food Safety Audits, Family Legacy and Hurricanes Shape Florida Farms

    Ryan Armstrong and Jason Cornman go deep on what it really takes to get food from field to fork in Florida and beyond. Childhood memories meet hard-earned industry experience as they trade stories about multi-generational farming legacies, navigating wild hurricane seasons, and why those humble bags of potato chips on supermarket shelves are more complicated than you’d ever imagine. The conversation pulls back the curtain on agricultural procurement, logistics and the irreplaceable human relationships that anchor the food supply chain. Highlights from the Conversation: Jason shares his winding journey from suburban Tallahassee kid to a key player in agricultural procurement, production, and food safety — plus his passion project tending 50 beehives.The logistical madness of moving millions of pounds of potatoes, why crop procurement means more than just numbers, and how “bird-dogging” in the field translates to quality corn on your backyard grill.Ryan and Jason discuss the hidden complexities and immense value of relationship-building with growers, harvesters and field crews — that one phone call could mean the difference between ruined potatoes and a perfect chip harvest.Hurricane stories only a Floridian could tell: from washed-out fields and snapped timber to how disaster response builds resilience for both the land and its people.The nitty-gritty of the H-2A seasonal worker program, busting the myth of the “invisible workforce,” and why respect and gratitude for farm laborers is due.The Southern way of football, family and tailgating: how agriculture and fall Saturdays intersect, weaving farmers and rural economies into the very fabric of community.Thought-Provoking Quotes: "If it wasn't for H-2A, we'd definitely have issues getting from ground to the back of Publix or wherever it's going." — Jason Cornman “The best part of my job was going and visiting the growers, checking on our contracts. You build rapport… It's just a balance. You know, production changes on the plant side. They may not need a load — but now there's just this floating load. There's forty-thousand pounds of potatoes out there, and the plant doesn't necessarily think about that.” — Jason Cornman “You grow up around ag, and it’s just normal. You don’t realize other people don’t really have that. The more generational it gets, it’s in your blood — you can’t not do it.” — Ryan Armstrong Jason Cornman: Email: jason@cornmanag.com Instagram: @cornmanag Resources: Florida Farm List Georgia Grown Fresh from Florida Community Cannery Locations Florida Young Farmer and Rancher Resources Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Questions or guest ideas? Email farmstrongpodcast@gmail.com Follow or subscribe to the show so you don't miss an episode! We'd really appreciate if you would leave a review — please leave a sentence, not just stars. That helps others find the podcast so they can put a face behind their food. Work hard. Be honest. Speak proudly.

    1h 10m

  9. 03/09/2025

    2 | Justin Fitzpatrick: The Hidden Link Between Healthcare Jobs and Farming in Small-Town America

    In this episode, Ryan Armstrong sits down with longtime friend Justin Fitzpatrick to dive into the unseen connection between rural healthcare and agriculture. Justin, who helps thousands of graduates from an online medical school find jobs — including remote positions in some of the smallest towns in America — shares how technology and shifting workforce demands are changing the game for rural families. Meanwhile, Ryan unpacks the pressures farmers face, from soaring equipment costs to the surprising reality that 84% rely on off-farm income just to make ends meet. Their conversation isn’t just about policy and economics — it's about real people. From Justin’s “city boy turned horse rancher” family roots to Ryan’s reflections on canning, food quality, and getting to know your local farmer, they go beyond statistics and address the everyday choices that connect us all to our food (and the people behind it). They also touch on mental health, the looming shortage of healthcare workers, and why these issues matter for every community. Highlights: How work-from-home healthcare jobs are transforming rural economiesThe hidden crisis facing agriculture and healthcare in the next decadePractical ways to get involved in your local food system, from markets to home gardensPersonal stories about adapting from the city to rural life — and back againQuotable Moments: “Technology has allowed for the capacity to place people in jobs remotely that weren’t available to them before.” — Justin Fitzpatrick “84% of farmers in the US have jobs off the farm to make ends meet.” — Ryan Armstrong “Our industries support every person…and are both on a trajectory that is not positive in the next 10 years.” — Justin Fitzpatrick Resources: Florida Farm List Georgia Grown Fresh from Florida Community Cannery Locations Florida Young Farmer and Rancher Resources Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Questions or guest ideas? Email farmstrongpodcast@gmail.com Follow or subscribe to the show so you don't miss an episode! We'd really appreciate if you would leave a review — please leave a sentence, not just stars. That helps others find the podcast so they can put a face behind their food. Work hard. Be honest. Speak proudly.

    1 hr

  10. 03/09/2025

    1 | Teyanna Marx: The Art, Heart and Hard Truths of Modern Farming

    In this inaugural episode, Ryan Armstrong is joined by Teyanna Marx — ag marketer, artist and multigenerational Wisconsin farmer. Together, they dig into the roots of agricultural life, from Teyanna’s childhood memories on the family farm to her journey as Wisconsin’s “Alice in Dairyland.” Teyanna shares the highs and lows: the heartbreak of selling her family’s dairy herd, the joy of blending creativity with advocacy, and why vulnerability and real conversations are vital for rural communities. They explore the ongoing challenges of succession planning, skyrocketing land prices and mental health in agriculture. For Teyanna, gratitude, communication, and mentorship lie at the heart of keeping farming communities resilient — even as extreme weather and business realities test their limits. Ryan and Teyanna also discuss how social media can be both a bridge and a barrier, and why simply saying “thank you” can make a big difference. Highlights include: How Teyanna’s experiences as Alice in Dairyland shaped her callingThe tough decision to move away from dairy, and what it taught her about advocacyThe power of asking questions and honoring both tradition and new ideas on the farmMemorable Quotes: “Farmers…are some of the most deeply feeling people on this planet. And we are also some of the people that struggle with vulnerability the most.” – Teyanna Marx“If I can help in some way…perhaps that moment won't happen again for another 11 year old girl.” – Teyanna MarxTune in to hear how sharing honest stories can heal, connect, and inspire—across fence lines and generations. Teyanna Marx: LinkedIn Instagram Resources: Florida Farm List Georgia Grown Fresh from Florida Community Cannery Locations Florida Young Farmer and Rancher Resources Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Questions or guest ideas? Email farmstrongpodcast@gmail.com Follow or subscribe to the show so you don't miss an episode! We'd really appreciate if you would leave a review — please leave a sentence, not just stars. That helps others find the podcast so they can put a face behind their food. Work hard. Be honest. Speak proudly.

    55 min

Trailer

About

Few things connect people faster than food. For host Ryan Armstrong, it’s the stories of the people behind the food that hit deepest — their family legacies, how they made it through the tough times and how they celebrate the good times. This podcast will give you a face behind the food. It uncovers the honest and proud stories of the fascinating yet little-known sectors of the agriculture industry.

Information

  • Creator
    Ryan Armstrong
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Farmstrong
  • Show Website
    Farmstrong
  • Provider