SharkFarmer Podcast

In this episode, Ryan Cook from West Virginia shares his passion for growing giant pumpkins, shark tooth hunting, and his efforts to help veterans through farming. Discover the secrets behind record-breaking pumpkins, the parallels between shark tooth hunting and gardening, and Ryan's vision for a TV show about giant growing.
Key topics
Ryan's background and West Virginia roots
Details of the giant pumpkin growing process and record attempts
The community and drama surrounding giant pumpkin growing
Parallel between shark tooth hunting and gardening
Ryan's efforts to help veterans through farming and outdoor activities
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Ryan and his West Virginia roots
01:05Ryan's background and local community
02:38The Thunderstruck Ag Razor's Edge concaves
04:01Ryan's personality and hobbies beyond farming
06:55The drama in the giant pumpkin community
09:51The Guinness World Record controversy
11:43Growing multiple giant vegetables and state records
14:01The future of giant pumpkin records and genetics
19:08Ryan's personal journey and veteran healing
22:38Shark tooth hunting and fossil discoveries
32:36The importance of outdoor hobbies for mental health
37:19The potential of a TV show about giant growing
45:00Closing remarks and where to find Ryan

Alex Russell on FFA, communication, and finding a place in agriculture
Rob Sharkey talks with Alex Russell, the U.S. soybean seed care product lead for Syngenta, about how rodeo, homeschooling, FFA, and leadership training shaped her career in agriculture. Alex shares how she went from planning for nursing school to building a career in crop protection, training, and public speaking—and why communication, curiosity, and grit matter as much as technical knowledge.Alex also shares her views on women in agriculture, the value of being "kind, not nice," and why the ag industry needs people to tell the story of farming honestly. Along the way, she and Rob discuss career growth, imposter syndrome, and how to keep your personality while staying professional.
Growing up in Fayette County, Illinois, and how rodeo and homeschooling influenced her path
How FFA helped Alex find her direction in agriculture and leadership
Studying ag business economics and weed science at SIU
How internships and graduate school shaped her career
Why effective communication means meeting people where they are
Alex's "kind, not nice" approach to honest, constructive feedback
Women's experiences in agriculture and staying confident in the room
Building a career without coming from a large farming operation or an ag-industry family
Fear of failure, fear of judgment, and advocating for yourself
How the definition of agriculture is expanding for the next generation
Creating genuine connections as a speaker
Timestamps
00:00 – Introduction and meeting Alex Russell
03:41 – Sponsor mention and conversation about farm trials
06:26 – Rodeo roots and learning responsibility through horses
09:46 – Moving from homeschooling to public school
11:11 – FFA involvement and leadership
14:01 – SIU, the Saluki identity, and discovering weed science
15:25 – Internships, graduate school, and building an ag career
17:15 – Public speaking and Alex's experience at SIU Women's Weekend
19:01 – Training, development, and "stealing with pride"
20:51 – Communication as a selfless act
22:12 – What "kind, not nice" means
24:01 – Being a woman in agriculture
25:29 – Staying professional without losing your personality
27:45 – Building a career without being born into agriculture
30:34 – Fear of failure, fear of judgment, and The Twin Thieves
31:32 – Why people may not be thinking about you as much as you think
33:56 – Speaking and working with agriculture groups
34:53 – Does agriculture care about feeding people?
36:43 – Changing paths into agriculture
38:30 – How younger generations are broadening the definition of ag
39:55 – Curiosity, generational differences, and changing minds
41:21 – Imposter syndrome and advocating for yourself
43:09 – Leadership training and learning from discomfort
44:33 – Alex's passion for speaking and connecting with audiences
46:20 – Vulnerability and creating a genuine audience connection
48:35 – Where to find Alex online and closing remarks

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