In this personal and introspective episode, I share my journey of 60 days without alcohol—a decision that has brought unexpected clarity, challenges, and growth. I dive into what inspired this change, the lessons I’ve learned, and how it’s reshaped my perspective on life and resilience. Drawing inspiration from Nikki Glaser’s candid reflections on sobriety with Joe Rogan, I explore how even small habits can have a profound impact on our mental clarity and well-being. Tune in as I reflect on the power of small changes and the surprising insights that come from stepping away from the familiar.

In this episode of Patio Ponderings, we dive into the realities behind the “Buy Local” movement in meat production. Inspired by my own experiences selling lamb and a video from a candid Iowa farmer, I explore the hidden challenges that small livestock producers face—bottlenecks at local processors, consumer preferences for premium cuts, and the hard truth about scaling niche markets.

While the dream of buying local is admirable, the practical hurdles can’t be ignored. So, what’s the way forward? How do we support local farmers while fixing the gaps in infrastructure and demand?

Grab a coffee, settle in on the patio, and join me as we unpack the real story of local meat.

In this bonus episode of Patio Ponderings, I take you behind the scenes to share how AI has become an invaluable partner in my creative process. From refining my daily reflections to streamlining podcast production and conducting insightful interviews, AI has transformed the way I work. I also tackle the big ethical question: Is using AI cheating? Discover how I use AI not as a replacement for creativity but as a tool to amplify it. Join me as I explore the possibilities and share actionable insights for integrating AI into your workflow.