🎙️ Presented by Mind Your Melon & the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association Welcome to the Florida FFA Podcast Stage—your front-row seat to the stories shaping the future of agriculture. Whether you’re catching up after convention or tuning in from the classroom, these conversations are here whenever you need a little insight or inspiration. In this episode, NASCAR driver Ross Chastain talks about growing up in agriculture, the lessons he still carries from farm life, and how it a...
Jul 09, 2025•35 min•Season 3Ep. 11
🎙️ Presented by Mind Your Melon & the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association Welcome to the Florida FFA Podcast Stage—your front-row seat to the stories shaping the future of agriculture. Whether you’re catching up after convention or tuning in from the classroom, these conversations are here whenever you need a little insight or inspiration. In this episode, Mike Joyner and Jamie Fussell (Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association) share their advice, hopes, and vision for the next g...
Jul 09, 2025•32 min•Season 3Ep. 10
🎙️ Presented by Mind Your Melon & the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association Welcome to the Florida FFA Podcast Stage—your front-row seat to the stories shaping the future of agriculture. Whether you’re catching up after convention or tuning in from the classroom, these conversations are here whenever you need a little insight or inspiration. In this episode, Orlando Colonial FFA advisor Caela Sause reflects on the calling to teach, the impact on students’ lives, and why—through al...
Jul 09, 2025•22 min•Season 3Ep. 9
🎙️ Presented by Mind Your Melon & the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association Welcome to the Florida FFA Podcast Stage—your front-row seat to the stories shaping the future of agriculture. Whether you’re catching up after convention or tuning in from the classroom, these conversations are here whenever you need a little insight or inspiration. In this episode, former FFA member Gina Tran opens up about how her FFA journey inspired her passion for the beef industry—and what she’s doi...
Jul 09, 2025•30 min•Season 3Ep. 8
🎙️ Presented by Mind Your Melon & the Florida Fruit and Vegetable Association Welcome to the Florida FFA Podcast Stage—your front-row seat to the stories shaping the future of agriculture. Whether you’re catching up after convention or tuning in from the classroom, these conversations are here whenever you need a little insight or inspiration. In this episode, National FFA Eastern Region Vice President Caroline Groth shares how FFA helped her find purpose, confidence, and a sense of belongi...
Jul 09, 2025•31 min•Season 3Ep. 7
In the final episode of the May mini-series , Taylor and Marshal step back to reflect on what they’ve learned from their conversations with Dr. Carrie Baker and the insights from the Mind Your Melon Farmer Wellbeing Survey . This wrap-up episode takes a heartfelt look at the emotional core of agriculture—resilience, stress, risk, and above all, hope . Through thoughtful conversation (and a few well-placed metaphors), Taylor and Marshal explore: The meaning of resilience and hardiness in rural li...
May 30, 2025•19 min•Season 3Ep. 6
In this episode, Taylor and Marshal sit down once more with Dr. Carrie Baker , the social scientist behind the Mind Your Melon Farmer Wellbeing Survey , to explore the implications of the study’s findings and what they mean for the future of mental health in agriculture . Dr. Baker shares thoughtful reflections on the data collected and offers a forward-looking perspective on how this research can shape: Future academic and community-based research Strategic programs for farmer and rancher well-...
May 27, 2025•19 min•Season 3Ep. 5
In this follow-up episode, hosts Taylor and Marshal continue their meaningful conversation with Dr. Carrie Baker , the social scientist behind the Mind Your Melon Farmer Wellbeing Survey , a critical study focused on mental health in Florida agriculture . This time, Dr. Baker takes us behind the scenes of the survey's design, methodology, and key findings , offering valuable insight into the real challenges farm and ranch families are facing . The discussion covers: Who participated in the study...
May 27, 2025•23 min•Season 3Ep. 5
In this powerful episode of the podcast, Taylor and Marshal welcome social scientist Dr. Carrie Baker , a passionate advocate for rural mental health and well-being in agriculture. Dr. Baker played a pivotal role in designing and deploying the Mind Your Melon Farmer Wellbeing Survey , a grassroots initiative focused on mental health in Florida's agricultural communities. Tune in as Dr. Baker shares her personal story , lived experience , and what inspired her commitment to addressing mental heal...
May 13, 2025•19 min•Season 3Ep. 3
After a short hiatus, hosts Taylor and Marshal are back and launching the May Mini-Series with a powerful new episode focused on Mind Your Melon Foundation’s vision for supporting farmer mental health and wellbeing. In this kickoff episode, they: Reintroduce the Mind Your Melon Foundation and its mission Reflect on the last episode, recorded during the launch of the Mind Your Melon Farmer Wellbeing Survey Open up about life changes and challenges over the past few months Share uplifting stories ...
May 06, 2025•18 min•Season 3Ep. 2
We're kicking off the new season with a few updates from Marshal, an overview of the Mind Your Melon Farmer Wellbeing Survey , and a discussion focused on the misconception that mental health and wellbeing is only a "young person's issue."
Sep 16, 2024•15 min•Season 3Ep. 1
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.
May 06, 2024•27 min•Season 2Ep. 10
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!
Apr 01, 2024•13 min•Season 2Ep. 4
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 t...
Mar 04, 2024•43 min•Season 2Ep. 8
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 ! -- 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!...
Feb 05, 2024•36 min•Season 2Ep. 7
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 - especial...
Dec 25, 2023•32 min
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 com...
Dec 18, 2023•1 hr 8 min
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...
Dec 11, 2023•36 min
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 ...
Dec 04, 2023•56 min
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 ...
Nov 06, 2023•30 min•Season 2Ep. 3
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 a...
Oct 02, 2023•38 min•Season 2Ep. 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 e...
Sep 04, 2023•33 min•Season 2Ep. 1
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...
May 22, 2023•47 min
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 al...
May 15, 2023•27 min
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 Univer...
May 08, 2023•28 min
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...
May 01, 2023•33 min
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 “s...
Apr 03, 2023•34 min•Season 1Ep. 4
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 challe...
Mar 06, 2023•29 min•Season 1Ep. 3
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.
Feb 06, 2023•26 min•Season 1Ep. 2
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. Mindyourmelon.org Instagram Facebook
Jan 08, 2023•17 min•Season 1Ep. 1
