SharkFarmer Podcast

In this episode, we explore the journey of Kelly Leffler from rural Illinois to becoming the US Small Business Administration administrator, discussing her insights on agriculture, deregulation, and supporting small businesses and farmers.
key topics
Kelly Leffler's background and rural upbringing
Impact of deregulation on small businesses and farmers
The role of the SBA in supporting manufacturing and defense supply chains
Policy perspectives on environmental regulation and green initiatives
The importance of small businesses in American economic strength
Leadership and decision-making in government and politics
Chapters
00:00Introduction and Kelly Leffler's background
02:00Growing up in rural Illinois and family roots
03:50Career journey and transition from corporate America to public service
09:01Discussion on diesel exhaust fluid regulations
11:57Deregulation efforts and support for small businesses
12:56Political landscape and policy challenges for farmers
20:06President Trump's support for agriculture and rural America
22:01The role of the SBA and small business support programs
26:14Estate tax and passing down farms
28:13Involvement in sports and leadership experiences
30:10Foreign ownership and regulatory standards
33:00Political divides and the importance of election participation
34:51Advice for young entrepreneurs and embracing failure
36:46The entrepreneurial spirit and opportunities in America
39:09Message to farmers and small business owners
40:01Closing remarks and appreciation for listeners

In this episode, Rob Sharkey interviews Barry and Michelle Acoke from Parma, Missouri, exploring their diverse ventures in agriculture, business, and community service. They share insights on farming, entrepreneurship, faith, and the importance of relationships in success.
key topics
The Acoke family's farming background and diversification into cotton, rice, and other crops
Barry's journey from cotton consultant to international distributor and business owner
The role of faith and community service in their business philosophy
Challenges and rewards of managing nursing homes and restaurants
The importance of relationships and good leadership in rural businesses
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Barry and Michelle Acoke
01:56The Acoke family's farming roots and diversification
05:11Barry's career in cotton consulting and international work
10:12The impact of faith and community service
14:57Managing multiple business ventures: nursing homes and restaurants
20:00The importance of relationships and leadership in rural business
25:10Reflections on success, failure, and failing forward
29:50Advice for entrepreneurs and young farmers
35:06The Acoke family's future plans and legacy

Rob Sharkey talks with Neil Koch of Harlan, Indiana, the creator behind Dig Drive DIY, about how a hobby channel grew into a full-time job. Neil explains the mix of heavy equipment work, family life, and practical projects that shaped his videos, plus the backstory behind his backyard pond, his agronomy career, and the community that supports him.We discuss how Neil builds videos around real projects, why storytelling matters more than just filming work, and what it took to leave a stable job to pursue YouTube full time. The conversation also covers equipment, sponsorships, and the patience required to grow an audience the right way.
Key topics
Neil shares how Dig Drive DIY started with casual uploads, then grew after a bulldozer-loading video unexpectedly took off.
He explains the channel name and its three pillars: digging projects, driving equipment, and DIY work.
Neil walks through the backyard pond project that helped his channel break out, including the concrete walkway, pier, and well that keeps it filled.
He explains why the pond was designed to be low-maintenance, mowable, and visually interesting on camera.
We discuss how Neil's background as a heavy-equipment operator shaped both his skills and his comfort with large projects.
Neil shares the leap from agronomist to full-time YouTuber, including the gradual step down from five days a week to three before leaving altogether.
He talks about the importance of a supportive spouse, family, and local community when making a risky career change.
Neil describes how his video style blends education and entertainment, and why he tries to make each project feel like a story with a beginning, middle, and end.
We discuss sponsorships, Patreon, and how income from YouTube typically grows only after an audience is already established.
Neil offers advice to younger creators: be patient, accept criticism, build thick skin, and do not expect quick money.
Timestamps
00:00 — Rob introduces Neil Koch and Dig Drive DIY
00:35 — Harlan, Indiana, and life near the Ohio border
01:05 — Brandt sponsorship and a funny equipment-sizing conversation
04:53 — How Neil describes the Dig Drive DIY channel
05:21 — The bulldozer-loading video that helped the channel take off
06:21 — Why the channel is called Dig Drive DIY
07:40 — Firewood, driveway work, and the pond video that changed everything
08:39 — Why Neil built a backyard pond
09:09 — Concrete edging, a pier, and designing for easy maintenance
10:08 — How the pond is filled with a well instead of runoff
11:36 — Keeping the pond full and fresh with a switch system
13:24 — The emotional side of finishing a big project
14:51 — Using projects as an excuse to keep building
15:47 — An old pocket knife passed down from childhood
17:39 — Leaving his agronomy job to do YouTube full time
18:37 — The fear of quitting a stable job for creator work
20:29 — Neil's wife and family support
22:16 — Risk, uncertainty, and why YouTube can change fast
23:44 — Keeping the channel family-friendly and community-centered
25:08 — Studying elementary education and never becoming a teacher
26:38 — The teaching style that shows up in Neil's videos
28:03 — Explaining drainage tile and field work on camera
28:33 — Neil's work as an agronomist
29:33 — Learning agriculture through family and on-the-job experience
31:21 — Approaching new challenges without fear of failure
33:17 — The story behind the Dig Drive DIY name
34:14 — Reaching 350,000 subscribers and dealing with imposter syndrome
36:14 — Strong local support from family, friends, and neighbors
37:40 — Community cooperation and volunteerism in small-town life
39:04 — Natural equipment skill and the value of patience
40:46 — Favorite projects, including the Bruno garden tractor and a restored 1979 Ford Bronco
42:40 — Advice for people who want to start a YouTube channel
43:41 — Why AI content may not replace real stories
44:39 — Why creators should not expect to get rich quickly on YouTube
45:40 — How YouTube income works, including AdSense and sponsorships
47:37 — How brand deals come to Neil and why he uses an agent
49:02 — Why newer creators should be realistic about the timeline
49:58 — Closing thoughts and appreciation for positive online content

In this episode, we explore the impactful work of Karen Schiller at Compeer, her journey from journalism to agriculture, and the importance of community leadership and giving back in rural America.
key topics
Karen Schiller's background and transition from journalism to agriculture
The role of Compeer in supporting rural communities and agriculture
The importance of leadership and volunteerism in rural areas
Strategies for effective philanthropy and community investment
The impact of small donations and community involvement
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Karen Schiller and her background
01:59Karen's journey from Chicago suburbs to rural Illinois
03:52Introduction to Thunderstruck Ag and their products
05:48Karen's experience with her name and community interactions
09:13Overview of Compeer and its mission in agriculture
11:03Rebranding and focus areas of Compeer Giving
12:53The importance of community involvement and leadership
17:04Selection process for board members and governance
20:07Karen's career shift from journalism to agriculture support
22:55The significance of small donations and community gratitude
27:12Developing rural leadership and volunteerism
31:54Recognition and awards in agriculture and community service
35:06The role of diversity and inclusion in agriculture leadership
40:05The importance of community events and local engagement
44:12The impact of touchpoints and personal interactions in agriculture
47:56Bridging urban and rural understanding in agriculture
52:09Closing thoughts and future outlooks

Jimmy O'Connor, founder of the Second Story Foundation, shares his inspiring journey of recovery from severe substance use disorder and how his farm-based program helps others rebuild their lives through work, community, and purpose.
key topics The mission of the Second Story Foundation
The role of farm work in recovery and resilience
Systemic barriers faced by those in early recovery
The importance of community and support networks
The impact of natural settings on mental health
The process of building a sustainable recovery program
The significance of self-sufficiency and independence in recovery
The role of professional help and peer support in overcoming addiction

takeaways Farm-based programs can provide real work experience and build confidence for those in recovery.
Long-term sobriety is a daily journey that requires community, purpose, and support.
Systemic barriers like unstable housing and unemployment are major hurdles for recovery.
Natural settings and farm work have inherent healing properties.
Building a sustainable, generational recovery program requires careful planning and stewardship.
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Jimmy O'Connor and the Second Story Foundation
01:57The origins of the farm-based recovery program
04:46How farm work supports resilience and confidence
08:07Understanding severe substance use disorder
11:02Barriers to long-term recovery: housing, employment, community
14:53The structure of the farm's workforce development program
17:46Building life skills and soft skills through farm work
21:11The importance of self-sufficiency and independence
24:06Jimmy's personal journey of sobriety and hope
28:02The healing power of natural settings and farm life
31:51Engaging with policymakers and community support
36:02Passing down values and building a legacy
40:12Signs of genuine desire to change in someone struggling with addiction
44:04The importance of professional help and community resources
47:54Encouragement for those seeking help and hope
52:00Jimmy's message of love, sacrifice, and service