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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.

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In this solo episode of Patio Pondering Podcast, Jim reflects on the art of interviewing after listening to Patrick Bet-David’s podcast conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The experience sparked a key question for every podcast host: who’s really the star of an interview — the host or the guest?

Drawing on stories from his own podcasting journey, Jim shares practical podcast interview tips and lessons for hosts. He explains why the best role of a podcaster is to step back, ask simple inquisitive questions, and let the guest shine. From the power of silence to moments when guests offered surprising stories, this episode explores why less host and more guest often leads to better interviews.

Whether you’re new to podcasting, an experienced podcast host, or a leader who wants to ask better questions, these reflections offer actionable insights you can apply today.