Host: Joe Sampson
Guest: Jason Walsmith
In this unique and deeply reflective episode of The Germinate Podcast, Joe Sampson sits down with longtime Iowa musician and creative entrepreneur Jason Walsmith, best known as one half of the band The Nadas. What begins as a nostalgic look back at the 1990s Iowa music scene quickly becomes a powerful conversation about grit, reinvention, creativity, and the courage to keep evolving.
Jason shares the origin story of The Nadas, formed in 1993 during the height of the alternative and AAA music movement. From basement fraternity parties and packed nights at the OP in Cedar Falls to recording early albums above a plumbing supply shop in Fort Dodge, Jason reflects on the scrappy, do it yourself beginnings that shaped the band’s identity.
The conversation highlights the role of producer Paul Wright in helping the band elevate their sound and discover their potential. Jason pays tribute to Wright’s mentorship and influence, explaining how his guidance transformed their early recordings and helped lay the foundation for a 30 year career.
Joe and Jason explore the realities of navigating the music industry through decades of change. From independent CD production in the mid 1990s, to Napster and file sharing, to streaming platforms today, Jason explains how the business of music has evolved multiple times over the course of their career. The discussion offers a candid look at what it means to sustain a creative life when the financial model continually shifts.
Beyond music, Jason opens up about his parallel career in photography and the internal struggle of holding two creative identities at once. For years, he wrestled with being a musician with a day job in one world and a photographer who plays music in another. Eventually, he embraced a broader truth that he is simply an artist.
The episode also dives into vulnerability, creative blocks, and the discipline required to keep writing and performing after three decades. Jason discusses how creativity is not reserved for artists. It is available to anyone willing to remain curious and step outside their comfort zone. His recent move to rural Iowa, new business ventures, and even starting a herd of cattle represent a continued willingness to grow and evolve.
Throughout the conversation, Joe and Jason reflect on the magic of live performance and the moments when energy exchanges between artist and audience transcend explanation. They discuss how those experiences, even in small libraries or intimate rooms, can feel just as powerful as large arenas when authenticity and connection are present.
At its core, this episode is about staying in the game. It is about resilience, curiosity, reinvention, and choosing to live creatively no matter your profession.

In this wide-ranging and deeply insightful episode of The Germinate Podcast, Joe Sampson sits down with James Shurts of Great Plains Manufacturing for an honest conversation about leadership, resilience, and navigating one of the most challenging periods the ag equipment industry has faced in decades.

James brings nearly 30 years of experience across agriculture, manufacturing, product strategy, and corporate leadership. Growing up on a family farm in north-central Kansas and still actively farming today, James offers a rare blend of operational insight and firsthand understanding of the realities producers face.

The discussion opens with the importance of relationships and networks in agriculture, emphasizing how trust, shared experience, and long-term connections continue to define the industry. James reflects on his career path—from early roles at Caterpillar, to corporate leadership and consulting work, and ultimately to Great Plains Manufacturing—highlighting how each chapter shaped his approach to strategy and decision-making.

Joe and James dive into the current ag downturn, exploring why this cycle feels different from past ones. They unpack the impact of inflation, trade policy, tariffs, global demand shifts, and geopolitical disruptions, including the long-term ripple effects of COVID and the Russia–Ukraine conflict. James explains how agriculture remains fundamentally driven by demand, not price, and why inconsistent global trade policy has created prolonged uncertainty for farmers and manufacturers alike.

The conversation turns toward adaptability and diversification, particularly in light of growing competition from South America. James explains why U.S. agriculture still holds key advantages in soil health, crop quality, and long-term sustainability—but only if innovation and efficiency continue to advance.

From there, the focus shifts inside the manufacturing world. James shares how Great Plains Manufacturing has worked through organizational integration following Kubota’s acquisition, emphasizing the importance of eliminating duplication while preserving brand identity and company culture. He outlines how aligning product strategy, engineering, parts, and manufacturing under one unified structure has strengthened resilience without sacrificing independence.

A significant portion of the discussion centers on disciplined portfolio management, modular product design, and the importance of balancing innovation with operational efficiency. James explains how focusing on commonality, scalability, and real customer needs allows manufacturers to weather downturns and emerge stronger.

Joe and James also explore the growing role of AI and data-driven decision-making in manufacturing and product development. Rather than hype, James frames AI as a practical tool—one that can enhance design, improve productivity, and help teams make better decisions faster, all while supporting human talent instead of replacing it.

The episode closes with a thoughtful discussion on leadership, industry involvement, and giving back through organizations like the Farm Equipment Manufacturers Association. James shares why strong industry networks matter now more than ever and why shaping the future beats waiting for cycles to turn.

Throughout the conversation, one message is clear: resilience comes from intentional strategy, strong culture, and the willingness to adapt—before you’re forced to.

In this forward-looking episode of The Germinate Podcast, Joe Sampson sits down with ag-tech founder and industry thought leader Chris Hunsaker for a wide-ranging conversation about innovation, efficiency, and the future of agricultural equipment.Chris shares his journey from growing up on a farm in southern Idaho to leading a technology-driven company focused on improving how farms manage operations and data. A defining moment from his childhood — watching a storm wipe out ripe wheat that couldn’t be harvested in time — shaped his lifelong interest in efficiency, timing, and helping farmers gain more control in an industry where so much is unpredictable.From there, the conversation moves into the realities facing manufacturers and farms today. Joe and Chris unpack why simply making machines “bigger and faster” has limits, how legacy systems can slow innovation, and why the next wave of progress will come from smarter automation, data use, and rethinking equipment design from the ground up.Chris challenges the traditional “feed the beast” manufacturing mindset — where factories focus on keeping lines running at all costs — and explains how inventory, batch production, and rigid processes can actually hide inefficiencies. Drawing from principles like constraint management and lean thinking, he makes the case that the future belongs to companies willing to rethink how products are designed, built, and supported.The discussion also dives into the accelerating role of AI in design, engineering, and operations. Chris explains how emerging tools are already changing how software is written and how equipment could be designed in the future, lowering the barriers to innovation and opening the door for smaller, more agile companies to compete in new ways.At the center of the conversation is a consistent theme: disruption creates opportunity. For manufacturers, shortliners, and ag-tech companies, this moment represents a chance to lead again — not by copying legacy models, but by embracing automation, smarter data use, and more flexible design approaches.Chris closes by reminding listeners that innovation in agriculture isn’t abstract — it has real-world impact. When better systems help a farmer get a crop harvested before a storm hits, the benefits are immediate and meaningful.

Automation is one of the biggest buzzwords in manufacturing — but according to Matt Henley of THG Automation, most companies are asking the wrong first question.

Instead of “How do we automate everything?”, Matt makes the case for a smarter approach:
Start simple. Start where you win fast. And stop turning automation into a science project.

Joe and Matt dive into the real-world mindset shift companies need in 2026 — from planning and culture to workforce realities and why automation doesn’t eliminate jobs… it changes the game.

Many manufacturers jump in trying to automate their most complex, difficult processes first. Matt explains why this often leads to failure and frustration. The better strategy?
Automate the easy, repetitive work first and create quick, measurable wins.

In welding and fabrication, money is made when sparks are flying. Matt breaks down how automation increases productive time, reduces downtime, and keeps operations focused on throughput instead of struggle.

A major theme of the conversation is cultural:

• Automation removes monotonous, repetitive work
• Skilled employees get opportunities to grow
• Companies retain workers longer
• Shops become more attractive to new talent

Matt shares examples of veteran employees choosing to stay longer because automation improved their day-to-day work.

When a shop adds automation, customers notice. Companies are often contacted for new work simply because they’ve demonstrated improved capacity, quality, and modern capability.

Automation isn’t just an operations decision, it’s a market signal.

Joe and Matt address a common industry mindset:
“Labor will come back” or “The market will turn around.”

Matt’s take is simple: waiting is not a strategy.
Companies that plan, invest, and improve during uncertain times position themselves to grow when others are stuck.

Bringing in automation often signals progress and forward thinking. Employees see opportunity instead of stagnation. It opens doors to:

• New roles
• Expanded capabilities
• In-house production growth
• Increased customer trust

Automation becomes a catalyst for long-term development.

Matt shares how THG Automation was born from a single customer request in 2020. What started as one system quickly revealed a gap in the market for practical, collaborative automation solutions — and the company grew from there.

Matt emphasizes that success doesn’t come from complexity. It comes from:

• Partnering with the right people
• Making informed starting decisions
• Executing with a plan
• Adjusting when needed

Automation works best when companies take ownership of the process.

Matt Henley
THG Automation
 https://thgautomation.com
 [email protected]

What Matt & Joe Talk AboutThe Biggest Mistake Companies Make with AutomationWhy “Arc-On Time” Equals ProfitAutomation Is Not About Replacing PeopleThe Hidden Marketing Advantage of AutomationPlanning vs. WaitingWhy Company Culture Changes When Automation Is IntroducedFrom One Project to a CompanyThe Real Definition of Success with AutomationGuest Info

Podcast: The Germinate PodcastHost: Joe SamsonGuest: Jason KiesauLinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-kiesauIn the first episode of 2026, Joe Samson sits down with leadership consultant and social intelligence expert Jason Kiesau for a deeply personal and practical conversation about leadership, behavior, and human connection.Jason shares his powerful personal story, from growing up in a volatile household to struggling academically and professionally in his early years and how those experiences shaped his passion for understanding human behavior. Through adversity, self-awareness, and intentional growth, Jason found his calling in leadership development, emotional intelligence, and helping people navigate relationships more effectively at work and at home.The conversation explores why so many workplace challenges are actually behavioral challenges, how most of our communication patterns operate on autopilot, and why self-awareness is the foundation of effective leadership. Jason breaks down the concept of social intelligence, explains how dominant behavior styles influence communication, and shares real-world examples of how misunderstandings between leaders often stem from unmet behavioral needs rather than poor intentions.Joe and Jason also discuss Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and how stress, insecurity, and unmet foundational needs can quietly drive decision-making, performance, and conflict. Together, they unpack why leadership begins with leading yourself, why adaptability and versatility matter more than ever, and how understanding behavior can reduce stress while increasing trust, collaboration, and results.This episode blends vulnerability, psychology, leadership science, and lived experience into an honest conversation about growth, purpose, and what it really takes to work well with people in today’s complex world.

In this deeply insightful conversation, host Joe Samson is joined by leadership coach, speaker, and executive leader Chick Herbert for an honest look at what effective leadership really requires in today’s rapidly changing world.Chick brings decades of experience, spanning public companies, private companies, nonprofits, consulting, and executive coaching and shares why leadership remains both simple and incredibly complex. Drawing from his work with hundreds of organizations and thousands of leaders, Chick breaks down why human dynamics, not technical expertise, are often the biggest barrier to performance.Together, Joe and Chick explore the evolving challenges leaders face, including faster change cycles, increased pressure, and the growing importance of being a people-centric leader. Chick discusses the power of asking the right questions rather than providing quick answers, explaining how this approach develops stronger thinkers, reduces dependency, and improves entire organizational systems.The conversation also dives into humility, ego, accountability, AI’s growing impact on leadership, and why leaders must continually calibrate themselves to the “ground truth” inside their organizations. Through stories, practical frameworks, and personal reflections, Chick offers a compelling blueprint for leading with clarity, curiosity, and genuine care.This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to better understand modern leadership and themselves.

In this episode of The Germinate Podcast, host Joe Samson sits down with Tim Burenga of WorkSaver for a wide-ranging conversation about leadership, resilience, faith, and what it truly takes to build and sustain a business through uncertain times.Tim shares candid reflections on growing up in a family business, witnessing firsthand the sacrifices and pressure his parents endured during challenging economic cycles. From long hours and financial strain to the quiet strength required to keep moving forward, Tim offers a deeply personal look at the realities behind entrepreneurship that rarely get discussed.The conversation explores how strong partnerships at home shape strong leaders at work, and why surrounding yourself with the right people, personally and professionally, is essential for long-term success. Joe and Tim also dive into the importance of process, habit-building, and accountability, particularly when navigating areas outside your expertise, like finance or operations.Throughout the episode, Tim speaks openly about the role of faith, humility, and community in leadership, emphasizing that growth doesn’t happen in isolation. The discussion also touches on the evolving role of industry organizations like FEMA, the value of collective knowledge, and why staying connected to the broader agricultural and manufacturing ecosystem matters now more than ever.This episode is an honest, thoughtful conversation about perseverance, purpose, and the human side of business, a reminder that progress often comes not from having all the answers, but from showing up consistently, learning as you go, and leaning on the people who walk alongside you.

In Part 2 of this year-in-review conversation on The Germinate Podcast, host Joe Samson continues the discussion with Tim Dunn and Mike Parsh, diving deeper into generational change, youth development, education, and the long-term implications for the workforce.The episode opens with a candid discussion about teenagers growing up in a world dominated by smartphones and constant feedback loops. The group reflects on how social media has fundamentally changed adolescence—amplifying self-awareness, comparison, anxiety, and pressure in ways previous generations never experienced. While teenage behavior may be universal across cultures, the immediacy and intensity of digital feedback has reshaped how young people see themselves and the world.From there, the conversation shifts toward faith and meaning. Joe shares observations from college football interviews where young athletes openly credit their faith, sparking a broader discussion about whether younger generations are searching for something more grounded amid cultural noise and uncertainty. While overall religious participation may be declining, the group explores the possibility that some young people are seeking truth, stability, and purpose in response to chaos rather than despite it.A significant portion of the episode focuses on education and accountability. Tim, speaking from decades of experience in education, describes how expectations in schools have changed—particularly around grading, deadlines, retakes, and consequences. The group debates whether current systems truly prepare students for the realities of adult life and work, where mistakes often carry real and lasting consequences.Joe, Tim, and Mike connect these educational shifts to broader workforce concerns. With many young people uncertain about job availability, homeownership, and long-term stability, the conversation explores how a lack of clear goals and attainable milestones can impact motivation, responsibility, and confidence. They reflect on how difficult it has become to achieve what once felt like simple aspirations—owning a home, starting a family, building a stable life—and how that reality shapes generational outlook.The episode also examines the challenges employers face managing five generations in the workforce at once. Mike shares insights from working with organizations navigating generational differences in communication styles, expectations, benefits, and engagement. From preference for human interaction versus AI-driven support to differences in how information is consumed, the group highlights the complexity businesses face in connecting meaningfully across age groups.As the conversation closes, the group returns to a central theme: the importance of human connection, accountability, and presence. While technology and AI continue to advance, Joe, Tim, and Mike emphasize that relationships, responsibility, and shared experiences remain essential to personal fulfillment and societal stability. Rather than offering easy answers, the episode invites reflection on how individuals, parents, educators, and leaders can help the next generation find purpose in an increasingly digital world.

In this special, reflective episode of The Germinate Podcast, host Joe Samson is joined by close friends Tim Dunn and Mike Pash for an unscripted conversation that blends technology, faith, friendship, and the importance of presence in an increasingly chaotic world The discussion opens with a candid look at technology and AI, not as a threat, but as a tool—one that should ultimately serve people rather than replace meaning or human connection. Joe shares a story about AI’s impact on radiology, highlighting how technology has made professionals more efficient without eliminating the need for human judgment. Tim and Mike reflect on where they personally engage with technology and where they intentionally step away from it.From there, the conversation naturally shifts toward purpose. Joe references a recent discussion with a college quarterback about faith and grounding life in something bigger than productivity or achievement. The group explores the idea that efficiency alone doesn’t lead to fulfillment, and that true purpose often comes from relationships, shared experiences, and intentional time away from constant noise.As the episode winds down, Joe challenges the group to reflect on highlight moments from the year, specifically moments rooted in friendship. What follows is a heartfelt exchange of memories—from dockside evenings at the Lake of the Ozarks filled with music and unexpected community, to football weekends in Iowa City that rekindled shared history, and a golf trip that brought longtime friends back together outside the routines of daily life.The episode closes with gratitude—for friendship, for family support, and for the listeners—along with a hopeful look ahead to the coming year. Rather than offering answers or advice, this conversation serves as a reminder of the value of slowing down, staying connected, and prioritizing what truly matters.

In this episode of The Germinate Podcast, host Joe Samson welcomes Elad Segal, co-founder and CEO of DriftSense, for a wide-ranging conversation that blends agtech innovation, entrepreneurship, and real-life perspective from Israel during an ongoing conflict .

Elad joins the show from Israel and opens up about what it’s like to build a company, raise a family, and lead a team while living under rocket alarms and constant uncertainty. He shares personal stories about evacuations, parenting young children during wartime, and how his team continues to operate as both colleagues and extended family.

From there, the conversation shifts into DriftSense and the real problem the company is solving in agriculture. Elad explains that most spray decisions today rely heavily on meteorology alone—but spraying success is far more complex. DriftSense brings together chemistry, equipment setup, application method, regulations, and weather into a single algorithmic engine that helps growers and agronomists determine when and where to spray for optimal results.

Joe and Elad discuss why spraying is one of the most expensive and risk-filled operations on a farm, especially as labor costs rise, chemical resistance increases, and margins tighten. Elad explains why fungicides and insecticides can cost hundreds of dollars per acre, why “pray-and-spray” is no longer sustainable, and how inefficiencies in application timing and method can waste money, time, and chemistry.

The episode also dives into startup realities—how DriftSense pivoted from a regulatory-first approach to a grower-first solution after speaking with hundreds of stakeholders across the ag value chain. Elad shares candid lessons on customer discovery, saying “no” as a founder, avoiding over-customization, and focusing relentlessly on real problems rather than flashy features.

Joe and Elad explore the broader theme of efficiency over yield, noting that many growers are no longer interested in promises of maximum yield, but instead want tools that help them do their existing work better, faster, and with less risk. They discuss how agtech solutions work best in combination—spray optimization alongside water optimization, maintenance software, and operational tools—rather than as one-size-fits-all answers.

The conversation closes with a thoughtful reflection on technology, AI, and human connection. While automation and data continue to reshape agriculture, Joe and Elad agree that trust, relationships, and real conversations remain irreplaceable. Elad shares DriftSense’s vision of becoming the gold standard for crop protection decision-making and outlines the company’s focus on specialty crops, particularly in California.

Connect with the Guest

Elad Segal
Co-Founder & CEO, DriftSense
LinkedIn: https://il.linkedin.com/in/elad-segal-ph-d-aaa91077
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.drift-sense.com