Mind Your Melon
By Mind Your Melon
Mind Your MelonMay 06, 2024
How stuck are you? Mental Health Awareness Month
Happy May! For anyone who doesn't know, May is Mental Health Awareness month. We're excited to share this episode with you, particularly if you're feeling a little stuck. We'll talk about introspection and how to take proactive steps towards understanding and improving our mental health and well-being.
Check out our new resource How stuck are you? in the resources section of our website.
Hot Takes and Hot Cakes
Introducing Hot Takes and Hot Cakes - a new way to connect with producers, growers, and all Mind Your Melon fans! Marshal and Taylor introduce this new episode type and give their first hot take. Coming to a breakfast joint near you!
From Ashes to Unstoppable - The Farm Fit Momma, Amanda Nigg
Welcome back to another episode of the Mind Your Melon Podcast!
On this episode Taylor chats with Amanda Nigg, the owner and founder of Farm Fit Training. Here at Mind Your Melon, we believe that physical health plays a key role in our mental health. This episode will provide some insight on how to care for our bodies while also managing busy schedules on and off the farm. Amanda also shares a powerful story of how she overcame an extremely challenging time in her life. You do not want to miss this one!
If you are enjoying our podcast, please take a moment to rate and review the podcast on your favorite listening platform.
You can read Amanda's personal biography here 👇🏻
Born and raised under the vast skies of Western Nebraska, my life's journey is a testament to the enduring spirit of small-town values intertwined with the audacity to chase expansive dreams. My academic quest commenced at the University of Wyoming, exploring Health Promotion, before delving into the complexities of Radiation Therapy at Weber State University. Destiny then guided me to South Dakota, where I contributed my skills to a cancer treatment facility, later pivoting to support our steadfast farmers in the supplemental insurance sector for over a decade.
A blind date unexpectedly set the course for love, leading to marriage and the blessing of raising two energic boys on a five-generation farm legacy. However, the year 2020 tested our resilience like never before. On the eve of the global lockdown, we confronted a devastating loss—our forever home was consumed by fire. This trial and the ensuing isolation reminded me that "life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it." Embracing this philosophy, I found clarity and purpose amidst the chaos.
In response, Farm Fit Training was conceived—a beacon of strength, resilience, and health, nurtured within a community that embodies the very essence of these values. This venture transcends a mere fitness journey; it is a mission to forge a legacy of wellness and empowerment, particularly within the agriculture industry. A deep-seated belief in the transformative power of our reactions to our circumstances fuels my commitment to this mission. Daily, I am inspired by the Farm Fit Training Community's dedication to live by this creed, facing each challenge with unwavering resolve.
Get connected with Amanda!
- Facebook: FarmFitMomma
- Instagram: @farmfitmomma
- TikTok: @farmfitmomma
- Web: https://www.farmfitmomma.com
Busy Start to 2024!
In this episode, Marshal and Taylor catch up on their recent travels, recap the Faith, Family and Farming mini-series, and share some big news!
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Like what you’re listening to and want to hear more? Be sure to give a like and follow for notifications on new episode releases.
Thoughts on topics and potential guests to help bring better conversations to our listeners? Please send them our way!
And, as always, don’t forget to mind your melon!
Faith, Family, and Farming - Part 4
This is the final episode of our Faith, Family, and Farming mini-series and we’re excited to host John Coker, the pastor at First Baptist of Bronson, Florida.
We’ve followed this mini-series throughout Advent and are wrapping up right in time for Christmas. As we know, this can be a magical time for some and a difficult time for others.
During our conversation, John shares his personal background, some of his very own faith-based stories, and his views on the significance of community - especially during the holidays.
Merry Christmas and #mindyourmelon!
Our Faith, Family, and Farming mini-series is brought to you in partnership with Fowler Plant Company of Moultrie, Georgia. For any commercial seed or transplant-related needs going into your next season, feel free to reach out to the Fowler Family (Fowler Plant Company).
From now until January 1st, use the promo code “PODCAST15” for an additional 15% any Melon Mike purchases.
Like what you’re listening to and want to hear more? Be sure to give a like and follow for notifications on new episode releases.
Thoughts on topics and potential guests to help bring better conversations to our listeners? Please send them our way!
And, as always, don’t forget to mind your melon!
Faith, Family, and Farming - Part 3
Welcome back to another episode of the Mind Your Melon Podcast!
During this conversation, Taylor sits down with Adrian Land Sr., a sixth generation farmer and cattleman in the Suwannee Valley area of north Florida. Aside from his extensive background in the agriculture industry, Adrian also possesses a strong faith and an academic background in theology. Farming and faith have taken him and his family around the world as they have visited, learned, and ministered to others beyond their local community.
Stay tuned as Adrian shares some personal stories and perspective on Faith, Family, and Farming!
Our Faith, Family, and Farming mini-series will be brought to you in partnership with Fowler Plant Company of Moultrie, Georgia. For any commercial seed or transplant-related needs going into your next season, feel free to reach out to the Fowler Family (Fowler Plant Company).
From now until January 1st, use the promo code “PODCAST15” for an additional 15% any Melon Mike purchases.
Like what you’re listening to and want to hear more? Be sure to give a like and follow for notifications on new episode releases.
Thoughts on topics and potential guests to help bring better conversations to our listeners? Please send them our way!
And, as always, don’t forget to mind your melon!
Faith, Family, and Farming - Part 2
While providing a sense of structure and stability within our lives, faith can often lead us to a sense of purpose or personal mission, as well. In this episode, Marshal has the opportunity to sit down with his longtime friend, Kevin Hutcheson, who received the calling to minister and share his faith with communities around the world.
Kevin reminisces on old times with Marshal while also telling stories from his worldly travels and experiences in his mission field.
Our Faith, Family, and Farming mini-series will be brought to you in partnership with Fowler Plant Company of Moultrie, Georgia. For any commercial seed or transplant-related needs going into your next season, feel free to reach out to the Fowler Family (Fowler Plant Company).
From now until January 1st, use the promo code “PODCAST15” for an additional 15% any Melon Mike purchases.
Like what you’re listening to and want to hear more? Be sure to give a like and follow for notifications on new episode releases.
Thoughts on topics and potential guests to help bring better conversations to our listeners? Please send them our way!
And, as always, don’t forget to mind your melon!
Faith, Family, and Farming - Part 1
On this episode, Marshal and Taylor kick off their Faith, Family, and Farming mini-series. These episodes, which will be shared throughout the month of December, will highlight various stories and perspectives on faith and connections to the subjects of family and farming.
While it is no secret or surprise that faith can play a critical role in one’s ability to navigate difficult times, Marshal and Taylor speak very openly about their personal experiences in this episode and the broader picture of hope their faith has provided them.
You can expect to hear some of the origin behind Mind Your Melon, the start of Marshal and Taylor’s family, their struggles with loss and grief, and the reminder there is still good to come despite the tough times.
Our Faith, Family, and Farming mini-series will be brought to you in partnership with Fowler Plant Company of Moultrie, Georgia. For any commercial seed or transplant-related needs going into your next season, feel free to reach out to the Fowler Family (Fowler Plant Company).
From now until January 1st, use the promo code “PODCAST15” for an additional 15% any Melon Mike purchases.
Like what you’re listening to and want to hear more? Be sure to give a like and follow for notifications on new episode releases.
Thoughts on topics and potential guests to help bring better conversations to our listeners? Please send them our way!
And, as always, don’t forget to mind your melon!
Disaster Response Planning
In this episode, Marshal talks with Dr. Angie Lindsey, an associate professor in the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences and the UF/IFAS Center for Public Issues Education for Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Dr. Lindsey is the Florida point of contact for the Extension Disaster Education Network - a collaborative multi-state effort by Cooperative Extension Services across the country to improve the delivery of services to citizens affected by disasters.
She reflects on her experiences working with producers during disaster response and shares helpful tips on how we can best prepare for the unexpected.
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Like what you’re listening to and want to hear more? Be sure to give a like and follow for notifications on the new episode releases.
Thoughts on topics and potential guests to help bring better conversations to our listeners? Please send them our way!
And, as always, don’t forget to mind your melon!
Visit our website and follow us on the Facebook and Instagram for additional resources.
Hardiness and Financial Wellbeing
In this episode, Marshal discusses hardiness and financial wellbeing with Dr. Elio Chiarelli, chief executive officer of Capital Defender Advisors.
Like what you’re listening to and want to hear more? Be sure to give a like and follow for notifications on the new episode releases.
Thoughts on topics and potential guests to help bring better conversations to our listeners? Please send them our way!
And, as always, don’t forget to mind your melon!
Visit our website and follow us on the Facebook and Instagram for additional resources.
We're back! Kicking off Season 2!
Welcome back to the newest season of the Mind Your Melon podcast!
In this opening episode, Taylor and Marshal sit down to reflect on the past few months since the wrap-up of May’s Mental Health Mini-Series. It’s been a busy summer for the duo and they provide some updates on recent events, discuss some new experiences and observations, and talk through plans for the season ahead.
Like what you’re listening to and want to hear more? Be sure to give a like and follow for notifications on the new episode releases.
Thoughts on topics and potential guests to help bring better conversations to our listeners? Please send them our way!
And, as always, don’t forget to mind your melon!
Visit our website and follow us on the Facebook and Instagram for additional resources.
Stress 101 with Dr. Grant
Dr. Grant McDougall - Southeastern Counseling and Consultation
Dr. Grant McDougall is a licensed mental health counselor, a national board-certified counselor, and a recognized speaker and trainer at national and international conferences. He is a board member of the National Sheriff’s Association’s Psychological Services Section and the Small & Rural Law Enforcement Executives Association. He owns and operates Southeastern Counseling and Consultation; a private company with multiple offices in Florida that specializes in serving first responders.
Dr. McDougall has accumulated thousands of clinical hours counseling individuals from all walks of life. However, over the past couple of decades, he has specialized in working with law enforcement and first responders. In that role, you may find him in a clinical setting, doing fieldwork on the Border with a cartel interdiction team, or on stage as a keynote speaker. When he's not working, he enjoys his time on the water in SW Florida.
For anyone who doesn't know, May is Mental Health Awareness month. Mind Your Melon has been working with Bayer Vegetable Seeds to do something special in honor of this month. Bayer Vegetable Seeds is committed to delivering on their vision of health for all and hunger for none, and the mental well-being of farmers and other agricultural stakeholders is critical to that goal. A big thanks to Bayer for their support as we share this mini-series of episodes along with some other cool surprises throughout the month of May.
Visit our website and follow us on the Facebook and Instagram for additional resources.
Investing in Your Financial Well-being - Pat Spinosa
Pat Spinosa - Director of Business Development, AgAmerica Lending
Pat Spinosa is the Director of Business Development, joining the AgAmerica family in 2017. He studied geomatics at the University of Florida and has multigenerational roots in Florida agriculture.
Pat is a sixth-generation citrus and cattle farmer. He remains highly active in the agricultural community and organizations such as Florida FFA Foundation, the American Farm Bureau Federation, and the Florida Forestry Association. He also sits on the board of the Florida Ag Hall of Fame and is the chairman of his local Ducks Unlimited chapter. Through these experiences, he’s had the opportunity to build relationships with family-owned farm operations across the nation. He enjoys making a positive impact on the lives of American youth and encouraging the development of their skills in leadership, personal growth, and professional success through agricultural education.
For anyone who doesn't know, May is Mental Health Awareness month. Mind Your Melon has been working with Bayer Vegetable Seeds to do something special in honor of this month. Bayer Vegetable Seeds is committed to delivering on their vision of health for all and hunger for none, and the mental well-being of farmers and other agricultural stakeholders is critical to that goal. A big thanks to Bayer for their support as we share this mini-series of episodes along with some other cool surprises throughout the month of May.
Visit our website and follow us on the Facebook and Instagram for additional resources.
Find the Balance & Enjoyment of Food Again - Kelly Bristow
Kelly Bristow - Global Nutrition Affairs Lead - Bayer, Crop Science
Kelly is a registered dietitian who connects food and nutrition professionals with agriculturalists to create advocates and defenders of modern agriculture. She manages Bayer’s Nutrition Expert Network of dietitians who promote the science behind tools that enable a sustainable food supply. She also manages global partnerships for science and nutrition.
Kelly completed her undergraduate studies at Southeast Missouri State University. After graduating, she went on to complete her dietetic internship and master’s degree at St. Louis University. Kelly’s background includes one-on-one counseling in an out- patient setting, nutrition education and school food service. Her enthusiasm for agriculture grew while she was a nutrition educator with St. Louis District Dairy Council, where she worked alongside dairy farmers and taught consumers about the benefits of dairy. Kelly’s passion continued to grow while supporting child nutrition through school meals at a local school district. She directed the school district’s farm-to-school program and educated students and members of the community about where food comes from, how food is grown and the importance of eating more fruit and vegetables. Kelly and her husband live in St. Louis with their son (Ben) and daughter (Maddie). She enjoys cooking, spending time outside or taking advantage of all the great things the city has to offer! You can find her on Twitter @KellyBristowRD, LinkedIn @KellyBristow MS,RDN, LD and Instagram @kbristowrd.
For anyone who doesn't know, May is Mental Health Awareness month. Mind Your Melon has been working with Bayer Vegetable Seeds to do something special in honor of this month. Bayer Vegetable Seeds is committed to delivering on their vision of health for all and hunger for none, and the mental well-being of farmers and other agricultural stakeholders is critical to that goal. A big thanks to Bayer for their support as we share this mini-series of episodes along with some other cool surprises throughout the month of May.
Visit our website and follow us on the Facebook and Instagram for additional resources.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
We're kicking off our Mental Health Awareness month mini-series by reflecting on some of our favorite moments from our past episodes. It's been quite the adventure with a lot more to come! We also highlight some of the episodes and fun coming up this month.
For anyone who doesn't know, May is Mental Health Awareness month. Mind Your Melon has been working with Bayer Vegetable Seeds to do something special in honor of this month. Bayer Vegetable Seeds is committed to delivering on their vision of health for all and hunger for none, and the mental well-being of farmers and other agricultural stakeholders is critical to that goal. A big thanks to Bayer for their support as we share this mini-series of episodes along with some other cool surprises throughout the month of May.
Visit our website and follow us on the Facebook and Instagram for additional resources.
Squeeze the Day - Lindy Savelle
In this episode, Taylor sits down with Mrs. Lindy Savelle who, to use her own words, is a “retired federal law enforcement officer gone citrus farmer!”
Along with being the owner and operator of both Georgia Grown Citrus and JoNina Farms in Ochlocknee, Georgia, she is also serving as the current president of the Georgia Citrus Association.
During this conversation, Lindy shares personal stories and perspective based on her diverse background and, ultimately, reminds listeners of ways they can “squeeze the day.”
Visit our website and follow us on the Facebook and Instagram for additional resources.
You Aren’t Walking Alone - Mike Joyner (FFVA)
In this episode we talk with Mike Joyner, president of the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association. A respected leader across the agriculture industry, Mike leads the day-to-day operations of FFVA and oversees the association’s work in areas of advocacy, labor, food safety, water and natural resources, crop protection, transportation, trade and more.
In our conversation, Mike discusses the importance of mental health and farm stress and how organizations like FFVA are stepping up to the challenge.
Visit our website and follow us on the Facebook and Instagram for additional resources.
Turning Failure into Success
In this episode, we sit down with Philip Watts from Full Circle Dairy in Lee, Florida. Philip is a fifth generation dairyman whose family has witnessed their fair share of change and challenge in the local industry.
During this conversation, we get to learn more about the Philip’s operation, his views on resilience, the ability to turn failure into a success, and what motivates him to continue pushing forward in the dairy business.
Mind Your Melon Pilot Episode- January 2023
Tune in to the #MindYourMelon Podcast to hear Marshal, Taylor, and others share their stories and resources on mental health, overcoming challenges, and making a difference.