In this episode, I sit down with Greg Barnsdale, Certified Financial Planner, Licensed Funeral Director, and author of Do Not Ignore Your Mortality, for a heartfelt conversation about one of life’s toughest (but most important) topics: planning for death.

We talk about the emotional and financial consequences of avoiding end-of-life planning and why leaning into conversations about wills, funerals, and legacy now can bring clarity, reduce stress, and strengthen relationships later.

Greg shares personal stories, including his own shocking brain tumor diagnosis, and insights from decades in both funeral homes and financial offices. Together, we explore how to approach mortality with honesty, courage, and even a little humor, so that farm families can age with less fear and more intention.

If you've been putting off those tough conversations or struggling to get your family on board, this episode is a loving nudge to take the next step.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: Greg Barnsdale

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition 
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

0:02:03 - Greg's background in the funeral industry0:03:11 - Greg's motivation for writing the book0:05:35 - Discussion on preventing family hallway huddles0:12:43 - Why people avoid creating wills0:22:54 - Superstitions about talking about death0:23:38 - Funeral budgeting and changing funeral traditions0:25:07 - Organ donation and healthcare directives0:27:48 - Strategies for planning when family is resistant0:31:59 - How to find Greg and his resources (website)

In this episode, I talk with Kalynn Spain: farm family coach, young mom, and self-described conflict nerd, about what it really means to be “the mom in the middle” of farm family dynamics.

We explore how mothers often carry the emotional weight of succession conversations, get stuck in the middle of unresolved conflict, and feel responsible for keeping the peace, even when it’s burning them out.

Kalynn shares insights from her coaching work and lived experience raising young kids on the farm, and we offer strategies for flattening communication triangles, setting healthy boundaries, and lightening the load.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re carrying too much for too many people, this episode offers language, encouragement, and tools to help you step out of the middle and move your family forward with care.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: Kalynn Spain

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition 
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

0:02:04 - Introduction of "Mom in the Middle" concept 0:05:37 - Discussion on mom's role in family harmony 0:08:33 - Explanation of "flattening the triangle" in family dynamics 0:12:52 - Importance of written communication in family conflicts 0:15:10 - Power of family meetings and facilitation 0:18:53 - Challenges in pulling farm family members into conversations 0:24:43 - Self-care and mental wellness for moms 0:26:54 - Strategies for moms to take care of themselves 0:30:26 - Conflict as a skill to be learned

In this episode, I talk with David about the challenges blended farm families face during succession and estate transitions. We explore how honest communication, early planning, and choosing to overcome family dysfunction can shape a healthier legacy.

David shares personal stories and lessons learned navigating complex family dynamics, while I highlight practical tips and resources for farm families ready to have the tough conversations before crisis hits.

If you’re involved in farm succession or blended family transitions, this episode offers valuable insights to help you move forward with clarity and compassion.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: David Marrison

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition 
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

0:00:34 - Introduction of David Marrison and podcast topic on blended families

0:03:00 - David's background growing up on a dairy farm

0:05:48 - Discussion of family losses (father's death, first wife's cancer diagnosis)

0:09:24 - David's career with the Ohio State University farm management

0:11:51 - Resources available at farm office.osu.edu

0:14:06 - Why farmers are hesitant to ask for help

0:16:29 - Appreciative inquiry approach to farm family conversations

0:20:30 - Importance of family legacy and storytelling

0:26:29 - Challenges of blended families and communication

0:41:58 - Discussing farm transition and family dynamics

0:50:46 - Strategies for training the next generation

0:57:54 - Biggest risk in farm transition (preparing next generation)

In this episode, I sit down with farm family coach and agrologist Lyle Wiens to explore the founder’s critical role in shaping a healthy farm business culture. We unpack how clear communication strategies, strong leadership, and early planning can ease generational transition and prevent conflict.

Lyle shares actionable insights on aligning values, building a communication plan, and navigating tough conversations – all rooted in real farm experience. If you’re planning your farm’s future, this conversation is a must-listen. Lyle is a valued member of our coaching team, and young farmers will really appreciate his perspective!

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: Lyle Wiens

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition 
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

0:02:05 - Lyle discusses his work in farm family transition and succession

0:02:41 - Background on the painting in his office and personal reflection

0:05:14 - Discussion on farm business culture and working with farm families

0:05:47 - Expectations of clients and the complexity of family systems

0:07:59 - Challenges in family businesses, particularly around behavior

0:10:17 - Personal growth and taking responsibility for one's actions

0:12:01 - Impact of self-reflection on empathy and emotional regulation

0:13:33 - The founder's role in creating a positive business culture

0:15:14 - Challenges of founders holding onto power and avoiding difficult conversations

0:22:52 - Importance of personality tests like Enneagram

0:27:09 - Personal story about working with family and receiving criticism

0:34:02 - Discussion on why people change and personal motivation

0:40:38 - Role of forgiveness in family business dynamics

0:49:12 - Final key advice: understanding who you are as a founder

In this episode, my guest is Cheryl Mitchell, founder of Farm Legacy and a longtime advocate for communication, leadership, and education in agriculture. Cheryl brings deep experience helping farm families navigate generational dynamics and make sound decisions during farm succession planning.

We discuss how young farmers and ranchers can design better decisions during the early stages of their careers, especially when navigating the emotional terrain of multigenerational farm transition planning. Cheryl and I explore how generational identities, from the Silent Generation to Gen Z, shape values, expectations, and communication styles on the farm.

You’ll learn why listening well, asking thoughtful questions, and building trust across generations are critical to keeping the farm legacy alive. Cheryl also shares stories that highlight the often unspoken fears that can hold families back from making progress and how to approach tough conversations with more clarity and compassion.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: Cheryl Mitchell

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition 
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

00:00:00 - Introduction

00:07:05 - Discussion of generational differences 

00:09:04 - Identity challenges for older farmers and how younger generations view work differently

00:14:06 - Strategies for younger farmers to approach and communicate with older generations

00:19:43 - Importance of focusing on legacy and emotional connection

00:20:56 - Definition of legacy as an "invisible thread" connecting past, present, and future

00:27:00 - Changing decision-making approaches in agriculture

00:30:28 - Best places and methods for having meaningful conversations

00:33:13 - Communication techniques like one-word check-ins

00:35:22 - Importance of involving younger generations in professional meetings early on

00:38:29 - Addressing concerns of family members, especially women, in farm succession planning

In this episode, I sit down with Lydia Carpenter, a farmer, facilitator, and thoughtful voice in rural community development, for a special role-reversing conversation where I’m the one answering the questions.

We talk about the power of storytelling in farm succession and how the narratives we inherit, avoid, or rewrite shape the future of our farms and families. Lydia and I explore the emotional side of transition planning, the importance of listening with intention, and how language, values, and identity all influence what legacy really means.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: Lydia Carpenter

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition 
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

0:01:30 - Introduction and discussion about the power of stories

0:01:40 - Exploring the power of letters 

0:03:46 - Elaine's advice for young farmers 

0:07:29 - Elaine's early experiences as a young farmer

0:15:15 - Changes in farming and family dynamics

0:23:15 - Importance of communication and being present

0:26:27 - What excites Elaine about working with farm families

0:31:06 - Reflections on contentment and life's journey

In this episode, my guest is Lauren Van Ewyk, co-founder of the National Farmer Mental Health Alliance, agricultural mental health advocate, social worker, foster parent, sheep farmer, and PhD student on a mission to give farmers better access to ag-informed therapists.

We explore what narcissism has to do with farm family dynamics and why not understanding the truth—that we are fiercely loved and incredibly precious—ultimately blocks us from healthy relationship dynamics and personal growth. This episode is full of practical strategies, insight, and resources to help you navigate the complexities of your life as a farmer.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: Lauren Van Ewyk

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition 
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

0:00:30 The story of Elaine’s stuffed sheep 0:02:25 Introduction to Lauren Van Ewyk 0:03:10 What is a narcissist when it comes to farm family dynamics 0:05:48 Helpful language for dealing with feeling attacked  0:07:52 You play an invaluable role in our world and community 0:09:46 Curiosity is a really valuable tool 0:11:24 It’s all about identity 0:14:25 What does ‘dropping a stone’ mean 0:15:44 The impact of generational trauma  0:17:02 Unhelpful guilt and people pleasing 0:19:58 The dark side of resilience and workaholism  0:22:18 How to begin navigating towards a healthy dynamic on the farm

In this episode, my guest is Isobel Knight, an Australian succession planning specialist and owner and director of ProAgtive - Australia’s leading farm family transition planning business. Isobel specializes in ensuring that the next generation has an opportunity to participate in agriculture and believes that valuing family above all else is the key to future success.

We will explain what it means when mom and dad “go soft” during the farm transition, plus the consequences of not having a family-centred process in place for the next generation. We will discuss how succession planning is not a single event, but an ongoing process, which, if started early enough, can protect farm family members (particularly mom and dad) when they’re at their worst and most vulnerable. 

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: Isobel Knight

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition 
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

0:00:30 Introduction of Isabel Knight and her background in farming 0:01:14 Isabel discusses her family farm history and challenges in farm succession 0:07:08 Explanation of Proactive's approach to farm transition 0:09:25 Detailed process of gathering information, including questionnaires and financial analysis 0:15:13 Discussion on "going soft" with children in farm transition 0:18:24 Strategies for helping parents align and plan for their future 0:22:16 Importance of integrating business, succession, and estate plans 0:25:07 Challenges of making decisions after losing a spouse 0:28:54 Closing advice on prioritizing parents' needs in farm transition

In this episode, my guest is Andrew Leikvoll, a leadership coach based in west central Minnesota. Andrew is part of the team at Triune Leadership Serves, a coaching and consulting organization based entirely around servant leadership.

We discuss what is at the heart of servant leadership and why the culture of leading with love accounts for the tendency of servant-led organizations to outperform and thrive in the long run. We talk about how micromanaging is robbing the next generation of their innovative energy, and why being able to clearly articulate your business (not your personal) purpose, vision, and values, is crucial in your ability to show people why their role matters and how it may (or may not be) aligned with the overarching purpose of the business.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: Andrew Leikvoll

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition 
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

0:00:36 Introduction of Andrew Leikvoll and discussion of servant leadership 0:08:31 Discussing personal identity separate from work 0:10:24 Accountability and keeping people aligned with core values 0:14:04 Living in the past and delaying progress in agriculture 0:21:18 Importance of relationships in leadership 0:22:53 Biblical perspective on leadership styles 0:27:31 Coaching strategies for improving generational relationships in family businesses 0:32:45 Discussion of love, patience, and commitment in relationships 0:35:36 Examples of successful people-first companies

In this episode, my guest is Matt Boos, founder of Agrigrowth Consulting, based in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. We discuss the power of peer groups and why surrounding yourself with people with positive mindsets, who genuinely want to cheer you on, is a game-changer when it comes to personal growth.

We explore the benefits of joining a peer group with folks of different perspectives and varying levels of experience, as well as the little mindset shifts and decisions you can make to buy back truly valuable time. We also cover why the Law of Reciprocity and providing value without expectation is so important in the realm of self-development.

Access the full show notes for this episode at elainefroese.com.

Discover more about our guest: Matt Boos

Elaine Froese Resources:

• Watch this episode on YouTube.
• SPEAKING - book Elaine for your next event
• COACHING - find your Farm Transition Coach
• MEMBERSHIP - Join the Farm Family Harmony Membership waitlist
• RESOURCES - download for FREE
• CONTACT - take the next steps in your transition 
• BURNING QUESTION? Submit it here for Elaine or her coaches

Timestamps

0:00:30 Introduction to Matt Boos 0:03:56 What is a peer group and why is it so powerful? 0:07:16 Learning from failures and successes  0:07:42 Understanding your value  0:10:13 The guidelines that need to be in place for peer groups 0:12:28 Matt’s new peer group 0:15:08 Leveraging AI to alleviate the things we’re not good at  0:20:02 The antidote to overcome barriers to establishing peer groups 0:20:53 The power of bringing together different perspectives 0:23:49 The success of all vs the individual 0:24:37 The Law of Reciprocity 0:26:32 Diversified revenue streams 0:29:07 How Matt stays in the lane of positivity  0:29:33 Peer groups are like a secret society 0:31:44 Getting more “time currency” 0:35:33 Stacking habits and total transparency 0:41:42 Comparison is a joy stealer