ON THE PHONE with NATALIE KOVARIK

Eric: I'd like to discuss your podcast. How's it been going? I believe you have the number one AG podcast, right?

Natalie: We've been incredibly busy with a string of amazing guests this summer. Currently, we're ranked in several spots, although I'm not exactly sure where we stand at the moment. But it's been a fantastic journey, a lot of fun.

Eric: That's great! Can you tell me about how you got started with the podcast?

Natalie: Sure, Tara, my co-host, and I had known each other online for some time, and we'd already collaborated on another business venture. We realized that while people online shared a common mission, there were still differences among them. However, as we worked together more and talked, we discovered that our missions were heavily aligned. We both enjoyed having more in-depth, longer conversations and delving into nuanced topics, which couldn't be adequately covered in short social media posts. So, we decided to take the leap into the podcasting space. It was kind of like a summer fling that turned into something more. I fell in love with podcasting right away, and we've both developed a deep appreciation for what it can offer, both to the hosts and the listeners. It's a space for real, meaningful conversations.

Eric: That's fantastic. Given that the agriculture industry has traditionally been quite male-dominated and hands-on, did you grow up in an agricultural background? And what inspired you to bridge the gap for women interested in agriculture?

Natalie: I grew up in agriculture, so it was my familiar world. Many of my friends were involved in agriculture, and our community revolved around it. It was only when I ventured beyond my familiar circle that I realized how niche agriculture can be. When I started sharing my experiences online, I didn't initially set out to become a bridge for women in agriculture, but it evolved organically. As I found my strengths and what I enjoyed, I naturally assumed the role of representing the female perspective in agriculture, especially as a millennial.

Eric: It's fascinating that many people are several generations removed from agriculture. What's the connection you aim to showcase to urban millennials, particularly women who may want to explore farming and self-sufficiency?

Natalie: I believe that farmers' markets are a great place to connect with people who share similar values. In urban settings, you're likely to meet individuals interested in reconnecting with the land, appreciating animals, and having a deep connection with nature. If you're considering a more hands-on approach like growing your own food or raising animals, joining outdoor groups can be beneficial. Finding a community that shares your values makes it easier to make those changes in your life.

Eric: Do you have any personal goals for the coming year regarding your podcast, social media, or your work with Luke's cattle? Anything we can look forward to in the near future?

Natalie: Well, there's one thing I haven't talked about much, as it involves a lot of behind-the-scenes work. I'm developing a visual series to complement the podcast. While the podcast is fantastic for verbal discussions, I've always had a passion for storytelling and the visual aspects of agriculture. So, we've produced two pilot episodes where we take viewers behind the scenes of various agricultural operations, focusing on unique and lesser-known aspects of the industry. Our recent episode took us to Montana to explore the process of wool production. We hope to partner with a network or someone interested in expanding "Discover Ag" into a visual series alongside the podcast. It's an exciting project to look forward to!

ON THE PHONE with Beau Simmons

Eric: I know you've been traveling all over the country, how is your summer is wrapping up?

Beau Simmons: This year has been quite busy for me. I recently had an art gallery show at Anne Nielsen Fine Art in Charlotte, North Carolina, which wrapped up at the end of August. I have a permanent representation there, and I also have new artwork on display for the next two months. Additionally, I'm working on my second art gallery show at Markowicz Fine Art in Dallas, Texas, which is set to start on November 16. It's going to be a significant event featuring artwork I've been working on for the past three years. We're also premiering a short documentary about my journey, which we just finished filming after spending five months working on it. We filmed at various locations, including the Four Sixes Ranch, San Francisco where my artworks are printed, Dallas, and a bit in Colorado. This documentary, which is about 7-8 minutes long, dives into my background, why I got into photography, my fascination with the western lifestyle, and the process behind creating my artworks. Additionally, I'm still working on my next coffee table book, set to release in 2026.

Eric: Let's dive into your coffee table book. Are there any ranches you haven't visited yet that you're hoping to include in it?

BS: There are still a few ranches on my list. I've been fortunate to visit some of the bigger names like King Ranch, Four Sixes, Bell Ranch, Singletons, Matador in Montana, YP in Nevada, and ORO in Arizona. However, I'd like to explore more and document places like Waggoner Ranch and Pitchfork here in Texas. I'm also interested in ranches in Wyoming and Montana that experience snowy, frozen conditions, showcasing the challenges of cowboy life in those seasons.

Eric: Looking at your work, it's clear that you draw inspiration from Kurt Markus. Did you have a personal relationship with him?

BS: While I haven't met Kurt Markus personally, I have become friends with his wife, Maria. We actually met up in New Mexico this year. I shared my work with her, and we had wonderful conversations about our journeys. We both come from a fashion background, having worked in Los Angeles and New York on commercial projects with celebrities. Interestingly, we both had the opportunity to photograph cowboy culture and fell in love with it, leading us to shift our focus. For me, it's been about six years now of photographing people's stories, providing lasting images for cowboys and their families, and educating society about this way of life. Cowboy culture is not fading; it's evolving, and it's crucial for people to understand where their food comes from and what this lifestyle entails.

Eric: What camera are you currently using for your photography?

BS: About 80% of my work is shot with the Pentax 67 Model II, the latest version. The other 20%, I've recently started using the Mamiya RZ67. I work extensively with both of these cameras, taking them with me on horseback to ranches. I often capture moments in between working with the cattle, sometimes only for a few minutes at a time.

Eric: What was it about cowboy culture that deeply resonated with you?

BS: My background in the fashion industry taught me valuable lessons, but it was an environment where God and morals often took a back seat. In my late 20s, I felt like I was losing myself as a man. However, when I visited my first ranch and spent time with Cowboys and their families, I was deeply moved. These people prioritize God, their children, the land, and the animals. They care about where their food goes and who consumes it. I was drawn to their selflessness and their commitment to a way of life that isn't always fully appreciated in our modern, digital age. I felt called to photograph this lifestyle and share it with the world. As an outsider, I've been welcomed into the homes and lives of these private individuals, and it's been an honor to highlight them in a positive light.

Eric: What advice would you give to someone looking to enter this industry?

BS: I believe that asking questions is key to getting started. If you have a genuine and authentic interest in cowboy culture and are coming from the right place, don't hesitate to ask questions. Start by connecting with smaller ranches or dude ranches; they can be found in surprising places. It may take time to gain access to larger ranches, but it's essential to demonstrate your commitment for the long haul. Learning the basics, such as riding a horse, can be a good starting point. Remember that the small ranches are just as deserving of attention as the larger ones, and building trust and respect is crucial when entering this world.

Beau was kind enough to share some works from his upcoming gallery. Check them out below.

ON THE PHONE WITH Ramontay McConnell

Eric: What have you been up to this summer?

Ramontay: This summer has been a ton of fun for me. I really value these months as a time to relax and enjoy myself. One highlight was hanging out with my buddies, the Seager boys, at Under the Big Sky Fest. We had a blast listening to music and just having a good time. One of my buddies got a boat, so we’ve been using it to go fishing this summer, and it's been a really great way to unwind. Overall, it's been an awesome summer with lots of enjoyable moments.

Eric: You’re all over the place it seems, so what does "home" mean to you?

Ramontay: That's a good question, man. To me, home is like the place where I hang my hat, you know? It's my base, where I rest my head. But looking ahead, especially in my retirement years, I've got this idea of hitting the road in an RV bus. Picture this – an RV bus with a horse trailer hitched to it. I want to explore National Parks, soak in different landscapes, and experience life to the fullest. There's only one shot at this life, and I'm all about doing what I love. My home base is Tennessee, but I've got this itch to explore. I try to hit the road as much as I can, capturing moments, sharing my journey, and showing others what's out there. I mean, I'm just a kid from Missouri, you know? A lot of folks only know Missouri, but there's a whole world out there – from Montana's breathtaking beauty to roaming bison and wild horses. It's about sharing these experiences, that's what I'm really into.

Eric: It seems like you're all about embracing life. But when you're working during the fall and winter, how do you find time to recharge between shoots?

Ramontay: So one thing about me is I’m never too far left or too far right. I'm all about balance – not leaning too much to one side. When I'm on the job, I'm committed, but I'm not sacrificing everything for it. I'm not just there to clock in and out – I'm there because I genuinely love what I do. It's the same with riding horses or traveling. It's not about the paycheck; it's about the passion. So, striking that balance is key. I strive to improve just a little bit each day, and I'm not here to complain about what I do. It's all about mindset and attitude. My heart's fully invested in what I do. I steer clear of letting things go off track, if you catch my drift.

Eric: Respect that, man. So, what are some specific goals you're aiming to achieve this year? I know looking to move this year, but any particular items you want to check off your bucket list?

Ramontay: Absolutely. This year, my focus is on holistic growth – physically, spiritually, emotionally, and financially. It's not just about me, but also the people around me. I want folks to feel comfortable talking to me, knowing they've got someone to lean on. That's my top priority. Family, friends – I want to keep connecting. I'm looking to build real, authentic relationships – not just business partnerships. It's about the richness of those connections, not just monetary gain. That's true wealth to me – deep relationships and positivity. And, you know, about hitting the road – if I had to pick a place to settle down besides Tennessee, the western states like Wyoming or Montana really call to me. The wide-open spaces and all that natural beauty – that's where I'd love to be.

Eric: Man, I'm right there with you. I had an amazing time out west. Thanks for this catch-up, really enjoyed it.