Coffee in the Barn

The Sunswine Group

From boardroom meetings to bedtime stories, Coffee in the Barn explores the delicate dance of balancing the demands of our professional lives with the joys and responsibilities of being moms. Join us each week as we discuss the latest trends in agri-business, share insightful interviews with industry experts, and sprinkle in some heartfelt anecdotes about the humorous and heartwarming moments that come with being a working mom in the agricultural world. Join our growing network of like-minded women in agri-business who understand the unique challenges we face and celebrate the triumphs that come with raising the next generation. As advocates for agriculture, we aim to bridge the gap between the farm and your table, educating those unfamiliar with the industry and fostering a greater appreciation for the hands that feed us.

  1. Rewriting the Code: Ancestral Genes, AI, and the Future of Health with Dr. Howard Urnovitz

    06/12/2025

    Rewriting the Code: Ancestral Genes, AI, and the Future of Health with Dr. Howard Urnovitz

    Send us a text In this provocative episode of Coffee in the Barn, Dr. Casey Bradley sits down with molecular biologist, immunologist, and biotech pioneer Dr. Howard Urnovitz, whose lifelong mission to understand—and challenge—how we think about disease started with personal tragedy and led to scientific transformation. From launching the first FDA-approved urine test for HIV to founding FBB Biomed, Dr. Urnovitz walks us through the intersection of RNA sequencing, endogenous viruses, and artificial intelligence—tools he believes hold the key to curing everything from cancer to neurological disease. 💡 Along the way, we explore the darker side of modern life:  – Why ultra-processed food and environmental toxins may be rewriting our DNA – How junk DNA might not be junk at all – And why our public health systems are still stuck in outdated models 🚀 Dr. Urnovitz also introduces his new book, Unnatural Selection, a powerful call to rethink how we define health, treat disease, and educate the next generation of scientists. Whether you’re in the lab, in the barn, or on the frontlines of public policy, this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew about genetics, diagnostics, and the future of biotechnology. You’ll hear about: ✔️ How RNA signals can predict disease before symptoms  ✔️ Why “junk” DNA and endogenous viruses might hold the answers to chronic illness  ✔️ The role of AI in decoding massive genomic datasets  ✔️ How agriculture, animal health, and human health are connected at the genetic level  ✔️ A call to re-educate the next generation of researchers—with curiosity, not conformity 📬 Connect with the Guest: Dr. Howard Urnovitz – info@fbbbio.com | FBB Biomed 📘 Unnatural Selection by Dr. Howard Urnovitz – available now 📬 For regulatory support and technical guidance, email:  technical@animistic.co 🌐 Visit animistic.co to learn more. ☕ Grab your coffee—and tune in to a conversation that challenges dogma, reimagines diagnostics, and rewrites the rules of health. Support the show Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn: @cofeeinthebarn

    49 min
  2. Coming to America

    06/04/2025

    Coming to America

    Send us a text This heartfelt episode of Coffee in the Barn welcomes Chantel Pennicott and Vero Choi, two Animistic team members who each made the courageous leap of immigrating to the United States from South Africa and Ecuador, respectively. 🎙️ With co-hosts Dr. Casey Bradley and Morgan Hart, we explore what it really means to start over: from driver's tests and culture shocks to visas, community building, and preserving your identity far from home. 🌍 Chantel shares how her passion for animal nutrition and welfare led her to the Ozarks and a life-changing opportunity.  🏙️ Vero opens up about raising her daughter in LA, leaving behind her mother, and finding new inspiration in design and multicultural life.  💼 Casey reflects on Animistic’s mission to lift others—from navigating immigration barriers to building an inclusive team culture. Whether you're a newcomer to the U.S., a first-generation professional, or someone who mentors and employs global talent, this episode is about belonging, resilience, and the dream of something more. You’ll hear about: ✔️ The personal and professional challenges of relocating across continents ✔️ Why immigration policies need an overhaul for talented workers ✔️ Cultural adaptation, emotional adjustment, and food that keeps you grounded ✔️ How Animistic supports employees beyond the paycheck ☕ It’s raw, real, and a reminder that behind every resume is a story worth telling. 📬 Connect with the Guests: Chantel Pinnicott – Nutritionist & R&D Manager at Animistic Vero Choi – Marketing & Design, Animistic Support the show Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn: @cofeeinthebarn

    35 min
  3. Feeding the Future: How Gut Health, Organic Acids, and Fiber Shape Piglet Growth

    05/28/2025

    Feeding the Future: How Gut Health, Organic Acids, and Fiber Shape Piglet Growth

    Send us a text This episode of Coffee in the Barn brings together global researchers to explore one central question: How can we feed piglets better for long-term health and performance? Recorded live at DPP, we dive deep into gut health, appetite challenges, and nutrient strategies that matter most in early piglet development. 🔬 Lluís Fabà shares new findings on the gut-brain axis and appetite loss post-weaning. 🥣 Dr. Michael Wellington explains how fiber increases threonine demand and why formulation needs to adapt. 💧 Karolina Augusto discusses the real-world impact of organic acid blends in nursery piglets’ water. 🧪 Sandra van Kuijk introduces enniatins—an emerging, unregulated mycotoxin affecting feed intake and gut integrity. Whether you're a swine nutritionist, vet, or feed additive formulator, this episode unpacks data-backed insights that could transform your wean-to-finish results. You’ll hear about:  ✔️ How gut-brain axis disruptions affect appetite post-weaning (Lluís Fabà)  ✔️ Why more fiber means higher threonine needs (Michael Wellington)  ✔️ The blended power of organic acids in nursery water (Karolina Augusto)  ✔️ An emerging mycotoxin that’s already everywhere—and reducing intake (Sandra van Kuijk) It’s science, it’s strategy, and it’s the kind of conversation that only happens in the barn. 📬 Connect with the Guests:  Michael Wellington – michael.wellington@trouwnutrition.com | LinkedIn Karolina Augusto – karolina.augusto@selko.com | LinkedIn Sandra van Kuijk – sandra.van.kuijk@trouwnutrition.com | LinkedIn Lluís Fabà – LinkedIn ☕ So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s get growing—one piglet at a time. Support the show Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn: @cofeeinthebarn

    29 min
  4. Catching up with Midwest at Omaha

    05/14/2025

    Catching up with Midwest at Omaha

    Send us a text In this lively and unscripted episode of Coffee in the Barn, Dr. Casey Bradley and Morgan Hart take you behind the scenes of the Midwest Swine Nutritionists’ family reunion in Omaha, Nebraska—recorded straight from their Hilton hotel room. From Hilton skywalk networking to sneezing on sun-soaked skybridges, this episode captures the unfiltered reality of industry events: the good, the exhausting, and the energizing. Casey and Morgan share personal reflections on professional growth, confidence in public speaking, and why choosing the right outfit can change your whole presentation game. You’ll also hear about travel with toddlers, on-the-road pumping logistics, award ceremonies that honor family support, and—of course—the vital importance of passionate people in ag science. Whether you're an academic, an ag industry pro, or just here for the real talk, this episode reminds us that community matters more than venue—and that authenticity (and colorful jackets) can go a long way. ☕ What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ What makes Midwest Animal Science meetings feel like a reunion ✔️ How style, confidence, and "doing your colors" impact public speaking ✔️ The realities of balancing motherhood and ag careers on the road ✔️ The emotional impact of industry layoffs and showing up for others ✔️ Tips on better science communication—especially for microbiome data 🔹 Live from Omaha, hosted by: Dr. Casey Bradley — Founder of Animistic, Nutritionist, Educator Morgan Hart — Industry Professional, Swine Enthusiast, Supermom 🎧 Grab your coffee, get comfy, and catch the latest from the barn. Support the show Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn: @cofeeinthebarn

    40 min
  5. PTSD in the workplace: Stories of Survival, Support & Strength

    05/07/2025

    PTSD in the workplace: Stories of Survival, Support & Strength

    Send us a text In this deeply personal episode of Coffee in the Barn, hosts Morgan Hart and Dr. Casey Bradley are joined by Tracy Snider to shed light on the often-hidden realities of PTSD in everyday life—especially within agricultural communities. From domestic abuse survival to the long-term trauma faced by veterans and first responders, this episode dives into raw experiences that highlight the importance of empathy, awareness, and leadership support in the workplace. Tracy shares her emotional journey through complex PTSD, while Casey speaks openly about supporting her husband, a police officer, after an officer-involved shooting. Together, they emphasize how trauma manifests both personally and professionally—and why creating a trauma-informed environment in ag and rural industries is essential. Whether you're a manager, colleague, or simply someone who wants to be more aware, this is a must-listen episode on human resilience, healing, and how leadership can show up for people behind the scenes. 🎧 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✔️ What complex PTSD is and how it manifests in daily life  ✔️ How trauma affects professionals in agriculture and beyond  ✔️ The role of leadership in recognizing and supporting mental health  ✔️ Signs to look for in the workplace that may signal distress  ✔️ Real stories of strength, resilience, and the power of support 🔹 Guest Spotlight: Tracy Snider Executive leader and survivor of complex PTSD, Tracy speaks candidly about her experience, recovery, and the leadership lessons she carries forward. 📚 Resources & Links: 🛠️ Support & Mental Health National Domestic Violence Hotline – 800-799-7233988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988Veterans Crisis Line – Text 838255 or call 988, press 1BetterHelp Online TherapyPTSD Coach App (VA)🌱 From Animistic Learn more about AnimisticExplore our podcastsContact usSupport the show Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn: @cofeeinthebarn

    41 min
  6. Mastering Trade Shows with Mark Ghaffori

    04/30/2025

    Mastering Trade Shows with Mark Ghaffori

    Send us a text In this episode of Coffee in the Barn, we dive into the dynamic world of trade shows with industry expert Mark Ghaffori, who brings over 15 years of experience in organizing, strategizing, and elevating exhibitions across every sector imaginable.  From agricultural expos to tech conferences, Mark shares what truly makes a trade show successful—and it's more than just flashy booths and freebies. We explore how to create meaningful connections, maximize ROI, and design interactive experiences that leave lasting impressions. Plus, we tackle the evolving challenges of balancing family life with professional commitments in an industry known for its hectic pace and constant travel.  Whether you're an exhibitor, attendee, or event planner, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to transform how you approach trade shows—before, during, and after the event.    What You’ll Learn in This Episode:  ✔️ How to stand out as an exhibitor without relying on giveaways  ✔️ Pre-show, during-show, and post-show tactics to boost ROI  ✔️ The future of trade shows in a hybrid and digital world  ✔️ Why location, experience, and purposeful planning matter more than ever  ✔️ The importance of avoiding the "same as last year" trap in event planning  🔹 Guest Spotlight: Mark Ghaffori   Founder of AlphaTooth, a company focused on innovative trade show strategies and experiential event design 15+ years in trade show and exhibition management Specialist in experiential event design and strategy Advocate for balancing professional success with personal well-being Expert in optimizing event ROI and customer engagement 🎧 Tune in for behind-the-scenes insights, fun trade show stories (including concerts on the 50-yard line!), and tips to make every event count—whether you're on the show floor or planning from behind the scenes.    Resources & Links:  🔗 Connect with Mark Ghaffori on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-ghafoori-20753a55/  🌐 Explore Mark’s work and event strategies at AlphaTooth: https://www.alphatooth.com/ 🌱 Learn more about Animistic: https://animistic.co/  Support the show Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn: @cofeeinthebarn

    52 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

From boardroom meetings to bedtime stories, Coffee in the Barn explores the delicate dance of balancing the demands of our professional lives with the joys and responsibilities of being moms. Join us each week as we discuss the latest trends in agri-business, share insightful interviews with industry experts, and sprinkle in some heartfelt anecdotes about the humorous and heartwarming moments that come with being a working mom in the agricultural world. Join our growing network of like-minded women in agri-business who understand the unique challenges we face and celebrate the triumphs that come with raising the next generation. As advocates for agriculture, we aim to bridge the gap between the farm and your table, educating those unfamiliar with the industry and fostering a greater appreciation for the hands that feed us.