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!