Whether you’re snowed in or taking some time to reset and plan for the year ahead, tuning in to a new podcast — or starting your own — may be the inspiration you need.
“Podcasting is a space to grow with intention,” says Paige Cruse, producer and co-host of the “Beyond the Jacket” podcast, which was produced as part of her agricultural communications Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). “Every episode is a chance to refine your voice, explore new ideas and connect more deeply with listeners.”
Cruse, a member of the Fort Pierce Westwood FFA Chapter in Florida, teamed up with Rachel Zumbach, a past Iowa State FFA Officer and Lacie Evans, an ag content creator and FFA mentor, late in 2024. Zumbach, the chief marketing officer at Farm4Profit Media, said her team identified a gap in their audience — youth in agriculture — and thought “Beyond the Jacket” was the perfect solution.
The trio’s shared FFA connections make them a natural fit to host the podcast, which features students, alumni and educators whose lives have been shaped by the blue jacket — and by the leadership, service and connection it represents.
Here, they share eight tips for launching a successful podcast.
1. Invest in quality equipment.
You don’t need an elaborate setup, but quality equipment makes a difference. Farm4Profit Media has curated its favorite podcast tools, so you can start with the right gear.
2. Be consistent.
Consistency in recording, editing and publishing makes the process manageable and keeps your audience tuning in. Create a content calendar, use a reliable virtual recording platform and develop a system to schedule and share social posts.
3. Plan an episode structure.
Outline before you record. Consider what listeners want to hear about and the questions that will bring out genuine stories. A good outline keeps the conversation intentional while leaving room for authentic, unscripted moments that make a podcast memorable.
4. Find inspiration.
Cruse keeps ideas flowing by reading National FFA e-newsletters and listener comments and suggestions. This approach helps the trio discover a mix of voices and experiences, ensuring every episode highlights someone who truly represents the impact of FFA.
5. Define your brand.
Decide on your podcast’s look, feel and tone so that listeners immediately know what to expect. That includes your logo, color palette and the tone of conversations and social media posts.
6. Check-in.
Hold brief planning meetings to review what’s working, adjust as needed and ensure your message aligns with your mission.
7. Go with the flow.
You don’t have to have everything figured out; just show up with curiosity and a genuine desire to add value. Listeners connect most when they can hear your genuine excitement and feel like they’re sitting right there in the conversation.
8. Enjoy the relationships.
“Don’t overlook the networking that comes with it; the guests and creators you meet along the way may become future collaborators, mentors or even great friends,” Cruse says.
Grab Some Headphones
If you love listening to conversations about all things agriculture, tune into “Beyond the Jacket” and check out these five podcasts that cover news, topics and changemakers impacting the industry.
