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In this solo episode of the Patio Pondering Podcast, host Jim Smith reflects on one year of living alcohol-free — not from rock bottom or rehab, but from a quiet decision to reclaim clarity, creativity, and control.

Jim shares the real story behind his turning point — the morning-after moment that made him realize alcohol had become more ritual than reward. From there, he talks about how quitting drinking changed his focus, relationships, and mental clarity without judgment or preachiness.

If you’ve ever thought about cutting back, rethinking your relationship with alcohol, or just wondering what life feels like on the other side, this episode is an honest look at how one year sober can reshape your perspective — and your peace.

Key topics:

• Why I quit drinking after my son’s birthday party
• How the ritual of drinking was harder to break than the alcohol
• What changed in 365 days without alcohol
• How clarity, creativity, and calm replaced my nightly pour
• Why quitting drinking was the best decision I made for myself

Keywords: sobriety podcast, quit drinking story, one year without alcohol, sober living, recovery podcast, self-improvement, mental clarity, bourbon habit, lifestyle change, personal growth, motivation, mindfulness, sober curious.

☕ “Sometimes the biggest change isn’t giving something up — it’s gaining yourself back.”

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Chloe Buchanan grew up in Leo, Indiana, found her footing in 4-H, and now manages a Great Lakes team at Trans Ova Genetics as a professional services embryologist—doing on-farm IVF collections, embryo transfer (fresh & frozen), and supporting cattle and small-ruminant programs. We talk about what an embryologist actually does, the difference between lab IVF roles and field PSE work, and how advanced reproductive technologies accelerate genetic progress on both seedstock and commercial operations. Chloe shares her path through Southern Illinois University (SIU), the mentors who opened doors, and how she leads a remote, multi-state team at 28—covering one-on-ones, staying connected on the road, and “leading without a title.” We also touch on Temple Grandin, why friendships and community matter in ag, and how to bring more non-traditional students into animal agriculture. If you’re curious about practical IVF, ET, and day-to-day leadership in production ag, this one’s for you.

Keywords: Trans Ova Genetics, embryologist, IVF cattle, embryo transfer, ET, small ruminants, cloning, 4-H, SIU, Leo Indiana, Great Lakes region, remote team management, Temple Grandin, advanced reproductive technologies.

Guest: Chloe Buchanan — Professional Services Embryologist Manager, Trans Ova Genetics
Host: Jim Smith, Ph.D. — Farmer, Swine Nutritionist, and Storyteller of Agriculture & Life

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Former Market to Market host and Ag News Daily co-founder Delaney Howell shares why her motto is “Progress Over Perfection.” From farming in Tama County to running a boutique marketing agency and launching her new initiative She Creates Rural, Delaney reveals how to start before you’re ready, build momentum, and trust yourself in business.

We cover:

• Progress Over Perfection: why action beats polish every time
• Permission vs. knowledge — finding the confidence to start
• Designing She Creates Rural: marketing, finance, and biz-dev tracks
• Partnerships, mentors, and balancing five businesses + a farm
• Succession planning and picking one authentic platform for your brand
• How Delaney uses AI as a practical accelerator for small teams

👉 Learn more about Delaney’s new conference here: She Creates Rural

Connect with Delaney:

• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/delaneyhowell
  
  
• X (Twitter): @DelaneyHowell07
  
  
• Instagram: @delaney_howell
  
  

Guest: Delaney Howell — marketer, podcaster, farmer, founder of She Creates Rural.
Host: Jim Smith, Ph.D. — farmer, swine nutritionist, storyteller of agriculture & life.