Today I talk with Jesse Konig about building a better fast food system—one without shortcuts, seed oils, or mystery meat. From pandemic pivots to CPG disruption, we try and explore what it really takes to bring integrity to fries and burgers.

Jesse & Ben's website
Jesse's Instagram
Jesse's X

Jack Zwart, known as Rust Belt Kid, is a regenerative farmer with deep roots in the industrial heartland. We talked about his journey returning to farming, the intersection of manufacturing and agriculture, and his passion for regenerative practices. It was inspiring to discuss how personal and regional histories shape our relationship with farming and the land.

Rust Belt Kid on X 

Greg Gunther is a farmer and processor who has navigated immense challenges and successes in agriculture. We talked about his journey through the hog market crash of the 90s, building a USDA-inspected processing plant on his farm, and the importance of small-scale processing and direct-to-consumer marketing. To speak with someone deeply experienced in farming and committed to inspiring future generations in agriculture was fascinating and insightful.

Gunthorp Farms Website
Gunthorp Farm's Instagram

I genuinely have loved every single episode that I have recorded thus far. That being said, this has been my favorite for a multitude of reasons, including:

- What orthomolecular farming is and why they chose this type of farming
- How their soy-free eggs allowed a 3 year old to consume eggs without going into septic shock like he normally would
- Beauty of raw milk
- Faith and farming
- Growing up on a farm and first butchering experience
- The need for a decentralized food system
- Much more in this 90 minute episode!

Helios Twitter
Helio Website

Sam from Sweetwater Farm & Ranch Co returns for another episode where we talk about California Proposition 12, raising pigs in CAFOs (concentrated animal fedding operation) vs pasture raised, trying to sell to local restaurants, and what the future of raising pigs could look like in America where the industry is very centralized.

Sweetwater Website
Sweetwater IG

Hannah Gongola is a first-generation farmer and cheesemaker. We talked about what made her want to take the path she has taken, including some interesting stories of how her agricultural experiences have impacted her life. This was a fun one speaking with someone from the younger generations, especially given the average age of a farmer is nearly 60 years old.

Hannah's IG

Kenan alongside his brother, started Acorn Bluff Farms, where they raised an interesting and hairy breed of pig, Mangalica. 
We covered what this breed of pig is and why those chose it, the massive problems we face in the pig industry, and how they fit well into the farming ecosystem.

Acorn Bluff Farms Website
Acorn Bluff Farms IG
Acorn Bluff Farms Twitter

Mark McAfee of Raw Farm returns to the podcast to talk on what exactly happened that forced him to quarantine the farm and stop production for 6 weeks. We then what makes raw milk such liquid gold.

First episode with Mark
Raw Farm Website
Raw Farm IG

Judith McGeary is an attorney, activist, sustainable farmer, and executive director of Farm & Ranch Freedom Alliance. This episode covered policy and law around agriculture.

Farm & Ranch Freedom Alliance Website

Matthew is a first-generation farmer and homesteader and had the pleasure of talking about his journey and wanting to help others start their own farm/ranch/homestead. This is a great conversation for folks who have a desire to start producing their own food, no matter the size.

Matthew's Twitter Which You Should Follow
Matthew's Website