Best Melanie Parish Podcasts (2025)

1
Five Years of Experimentation: A Conversation with Melanie Parish 16:22

1d ago16:22

16:22

Celebrate a remarkable milestone with The Experimental Leader Podcast as we mark five years of exploring leadership through innovation, curiosity, and authenticity. In this special anniversary episode, podcast founder Melanie Parish reflects on the journey that started during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. Melanie shares candid insights i…

1
Rising Waters, Rising Concerns with Jay Grymes 24:56

8d ago24:56

24:56

What happens in Ohio doesn’t stay in Ohio—at least not when it comes to rainfall. As waters rise on rivers in Louisiana and hurricane forecasts are published, Jay Grymes joins us to explain why Louisiana’s weather future is shaped by forces far beyond our borders. This episode connects the dots between past disasters and present warnings, offering …

1
Understanding Tariffs' Impact on Agriculture 27:29

14d ago27:29

27:29

Tariffs are back— turning a lot more eyes to Louisiana agriculture and our customers worldwide. In this episode, Andy Brown joins Karl Wiggers to unpack how new trade actions are shaking the ag economy, from soybean prices to crop loans and farm bankruptcies. It’s a wake-up call from the global chessboard to the fields of Louisiana, and farmers are…

1
Road To Leadership: David Smith 18:57

22d ago18:57

18:57

In this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, Beauregard Parish farmer and Farm Bureau Parish President David Smith shares his journey from a young, uncertain farmer to a confident grassroots leader. He and host Karl Wiggers discuss the power of community, leadership, and advocacy through Farm Bureau, and how connections—even in the most ru…

1
Unlocking Operational Excellence with Tara Landes 30:29

23d ago30:29

30:29

This episode of The Experimental Leader explores leadership challenges, the power of experimentation, and ethical influence. Discover principles like bravery, reciprocity, and consistency, along with actionable insights to foster purpose-driven leadership and a values-aligned culture.

1
Melanie Netterville Beavers' Journey to the Farm 43:08

29d ago43:08

43:08

In this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, we visit Tensas Parish to chat with Melanie Netterville Beavers about her journey in agriculture. From growing up surrounded by agriculture to her current role as a full-time farmer, Melanie shares her experiences, challenges, and the values that drive her passion for the industry. Whether it’s …

1
Road To Leadership: Amelia Kent 28:48

1M ago28:48

28:48

In this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, host Allie Shipley sits down with Amelia Kent—a dynamic leader in Louisiana agriculture who’s redefining what it means to be a modern farmer. Amelia opens up about her journey from early agricultural roots to taking on leadership roles, discussing the challenges and rewards of balancing family, …

1
From PR to Pastures: Raquel Manuel's Unique Ag Perspective 40:50

1M ago40:50

40:50

In this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, we spotlight Raquel Manuel's inspiring journey from suburban life to becoming a passionate advocate and leader in Louisiana agriculture. Raquel shares how her background in communications and her love for agriculture shaped her family's farm, her leadership roles in the Farm Bureau, and her comm…

1
Road To Leadership: Michele Simoneaux 16:33

2M ago16:33

16:33

This week, the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast begins our celebration of National Women’s History Month, highlighting the impactful contributions of women in agriculture. Allie Shipley is stepping in to host some engaging conversations with women involved in Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. In this episode, LFBF Women's Leadership Committee Chair, M…

1
Leadership Through Connection with Jaime Mann 23:35

2M ago23:35

23:35

This episode explores the power of connection in leadership, emphasizing the importance of civility, respect, and understanding impact. Through real-life stories and practical strategies, it highlights how a coaching approach can simplify leadership by focusing on outcomes and relationships rather than conflict details. Discover how fostering curio…

1
LSU AgCenter Extension: Educating and Innovating 23:34

2M ago23:34

23:34

In this episode, Karl Wiggers sits down with Dr. Tara Smith, Director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service at the LSU AgCenter. They explore how innovative extension programs—from youth initiatives and internships to the state livestock show and AgMagic—are shaping the future of Louisiana agriculture. Discover how these efforts are not on…

1
Catching Up With Cade Lejeune: Louisiana FFA Executive Director 30:53

2M ago30:53

30:53

This week is National FFA Week. As part of the celebration, the Louisiana FFA state officer team came to visit Louisiana Farm Bureau to film an episode of This Week In Louisiana Agriculture. That's a tradition that started when Cade LeJeune, then the Executive Secretary of Louisiana FFA, began working with the team at Louisiana Farm Bureau Federati…

1
Louisiana Leader Joins American Farm Bureau YF&R Committee 23:11

2M ago23:11

23:11

Louisiana again has a voice on the national stage. Racheal Duncan of Rapides Parish grows cut flowers, helps her husband, Robert, on their soybean and cattle farm and is a mother to three daughters. She is now on the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee. Karl Wiggers sat down with Duncan at the recent AFBF Annual Convention in Sa…

1
Pulling Traps of Promise for 2025 Crawfish Season 23:37

3M ago23:37

23:37

The weather is warming up and so is crawfish production in Louisiana! This week, Karl Wiggers visits with rice and crawfish farmer Dylan Benoit at his field in Jeff Davis Parish. They discuss the outlook on this year's crawfish season, Benoit being raised on the farm, as well as what works and what doesn't in crawfish economics. See a story from TW…

1
American Relief Act: How $31B is Helping American Farmers Stay in Business 39:27

3M ago39:27

39:27

In December, Congress passed the American Relief Act, a continuing resolution to fund the government and provide immediate economic relief to American farmers. The appropriations for supplemental assistance and disaster relief added up to nearly $31 Billion dollars -- a massive win for agriculture. In this episode, Karl Wiggers and Andy Brown sit d…

1
The Value of Investing in Future Ag Leaders 39:39

3M ago39:39

39:39

Leadership at home often means seeing the big picture and the place Louisiana agriculture has on the global scale. LSU Agricultural Leadership Development Program Class XVIII is gaining that global perspective right now visiting farms and businesses in The Netherlands and Belgium. Avery Davidson speaks with LSU Ag Leadership Director Dr. Bobby Soil…

1
President's Perspective: Optimism Moving Into A New Year 16:28

3M ago16:28

16:28

This year is growing in the right direction for Louisiana farmers. As Christmas approached, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution, the American Relief Act, to fund the government through March. In addition to avoiding a government shutdown, there is major supplemental assistance for farmers and aid for those affected by natural disasters over the…

1
Confidence and Mental Wellness in Leadership with Pat Broe 28:47

3M ago28:47

28:47

In this episode of The Experimental Leader, we explore how leaders can balance empathy and accountability while supporting mental wellness in the workplace. We discuss practical strategies for creating a compassionate and resilient environment for teams, navigating mental health challenges, and leading with authenticity. Packed with actionable take…

1
Fostering Belonging Through Leadership with Marie Deveaux 29:15

4M ago29:15

29:15

In this episode of The Experimental Leader, we explore how self-awareness, compassion, and effective communication can transform workplaces into cultures of belonging. Discover practical strategies to foster deeper connections, nurture work relationships, and create environments where people thrive. Learn how intentional leadership can make belongi…

1
President's Perspective: 2024 Cuba Trade Mission Recap 31:44

4M ago31:44

31:44

In this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, we explore a recent trade mission to Cuba, led by the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry. The trip brought together a Louisiana delegation, including Commissioner Mike Strain, elected officials, and LSU AgCenter personnel, to discuss trade opportunities and foster diplomatic relati…

1
Navigating Public Affairs and Storytelling with Julianna Newland 21:45

5M ago21:45

21:45

Julianna Newland joins The Experimental Leader Podcast to share insights on navigating leadership, breaking barriers, and advancing careers. Learn about the "sticky floor," the "glass cliff," and how to lead with creativity and confidence. Tune in for actionable advice and inspiration! Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! Here’s How »…

1
A New Farm Bill is Not Enough 35:31

5M ago35:31

35:31

Louisiana Farm Bureau volunteer leaders recently traveled to the nation's capitol to advocate for some much needed relief for Louisiana farmers and ranchers. Their message was clear -- it's time for a new farm bill, but that's not enough. Congress' failure to pass a 5 year safety net has created the need for immediate supplemental assistance so far…

1
Bringing Ag into the Louisiana Classroom 20:01

5M ago20:01

20:01

Louisiana Ag In The Classroom is a fantastic resource for teachers to incorporate, you guessed it, agriculture into lessons in the classroom. Louisiana AITC State Coordinator Lynda Danos joins Karl Wiggers in the studio this week to discuss those amazing resources and how AITC is continuing to find new ways to support and partner with teachers acro…

1
Lessons In Drought And The Part You Play 28:03

6M ago28:03

28:03

The past couple months have been dry in Louisiana, with the exception of a couple pockets and a quick tropical system that rolled through the state. Drought conditions are affecting farmers and ranchers across the state, but the tool used by USDA in determining financial assistance may not be keeping up with conditions on the ground. Avery Davidson…

1
Driving Business Success Through DEI with Shirley Engelmeier 31:27

6M ago31:27

31:27

In this episode, the conversation dives into how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) can be a game-changer for business success! Discover why DEI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a powerful strategy that can ignite innovation, boost engagement, and elevate performance. You’ll get fresh insights on how to create a workplace where every voice matters, a…

1
Are You Really Insured? 30:07

6M ago30:07

30:07

There are many things in life that are necessary, like food, water, clothes to wear, and education. We also need insurance. In this week's episode, Karl sits down with a couple insurance agents from Louisiana Farm Bureau Insurance to discuss their field of work which is often misunderstood. Start the conversation with a Louisiana Farm Bureau agent …

1
Road To Leadership: Marty Wooldridge From The Archives 21:45

6M ago21:45

21:45

In this episode from the archives, Karl sits down with Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation 1st Vice President, Marty Wooldridge. They discuss how he first was introduced to the Farm Bureau as a young farmer. They also discuss how he found success in different areas in the organization's Young Farmers and Ranchers program that connected him to a networ…

1
Understanding The 2024 Grain Markets 36:51

7M ago36:51

36:51

In a time when the ag economy has razor thin margins, farmers are looking for any way to make an extra penny for their crops. In this episode, Karl Wiggers sits down with grain marketing specialists Greg Fox and Grayson Close to talk about the Louisiana Farm Bureau Grain Marketing Association and how they're helping farmers across Louisiana sell th…

1
President's Perspective: It's Time For A New Farm Bill 24:51

7M ago24:51

24:51

In this episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast, Louisiana Farm Bureau President Richard Fontenot and Louisiana Farm Bureau Commodity and Public Policy Director Andy Brown discuss the critical need for a new Farm Bill. Fresh off a recent trip to Washington D.C., they share insights from their meetings with lawmakers, highlighting the essential…

1
Road To Leadership: Nick & Courtney Gerace 18:43

7M ago18:43

18:43

This week, Nick and Courtney Gerace join Karl on the podcast to talk about their farm and how they found their way into Louisiana Farm Bureau. They're leading Louisiana Farm Bureau's Young Farmers and Ranchers state committee and they are looking for more young farmers like them to get plugged into Farm Bureau to benefit from the family they've fou…

1
2024 National Farm Safety & Health Week 26:59

7M ago26:59

26:59

Every President since Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1944 has proclaimed the third week in September be National Farm Safety & Health Week to raise awareness about the safety and health of people working agriculture. That is what this week's episode of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast is all about. Louisiana Farm Bureau Safety Managers Wendell Miley and…

1
Navigating Gender Diversity with Dr. Lulu 27:19

8M ago27:19

27:19

In this episode of The Experimental Leader, we sit down with a powerful guest who shares their journey of navigating gender diversity and embracing vulnerability as a leader. From raising a trans child to advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, this episode offers personal insights into creating inclusive environments and the importance of allyship. Whether …

1
Farm Bill Update: It's Time To Support U.S. Farmers 27:07

8M ago27:07

27:07

This week, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation Commodity and Public Policy Director, Andy Brown sits down to discuss the top priority for Louisiana farmers and the Farm Bureau -- a new Farm Bill. Andy offers some history to help us understand why we still don't have a new Farm Bill and why there's such a sense of urgency now as we approach the end of …

1
The Value of Hands-On Experience for Congressional Staff 27:08

8M ago27:08

27:08

During the August recess for Congress, Louisiana Farm Bureau hosted a number of visits for Congressional staff to get some hands-on experience in the field. Madison Plaisance from the LFBF Commodity and Public Policy department helped arrange these tours and joins us on the podcast today to discuss the value of that experience for the farmers and s…

1
Building Better Workplaces Through Kind Leadership with Christy Pretzinger 30:01

8M ago30:01

30:01

In this episode of The Experimental Leader Podcast, we explore the power of leading with kindness and how it can transform workplace culture. Discover the concept of a "cultural balance sheet" to assess your organization’s strengths and areas for growth, and learn how to turn cultural liabilities into assets through intentional leadership. If you'r…

1
President's Perspective: First Month On The Job 27:50

8M ago27:50

27:50

In this episode of the podcast, Karl Wiggers sits down with Richard Fontenot, the newly elected Louisiana Farm Bureau President and they discuss his busy first month in the new role. To learn more about Richard Fontenot, check out this video. Read about Richard Fontenot here or here. Learn more about Louisiana Farm Bureau member benefits here. Beco…

1
Leading Change: Effective Decision-Making and Team Involvement 16:29

9M ago16:29

16:29

In this insightful episode of The Experimental Leader, explore the dynamic world of leadership, decision-making, and change management. Dive into the complexities of experimenting with change management strategies on an academic campus, offering a fresh perspective on leadership styles across various settings. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review…

1
Radical Inclusivity 23:54

11M ago23:54

23:54

Explore the importance of honoring marginalized perspectives, challenging implicit biases, and fostering an inclusive workplace culture. Learn how engaging with diverse political views and listening to differing opinions can lead to more robust solutions and a deeper understanding. Discover actionable steps to overcome biases, promote diversity in …

1
ELAP Update: Crawfish Assistance Has Arrived!! 31:52

12M ago31:52

31:52

For a while, we've been updating listeners about the crawfish season that has been a tough year for many who count on the mudbugs for a crucial part of their annual production. This week, we have exciting news for those hit hard by drought and excessive heat impacting production of crawfish on their farms. Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation has secur…

1
Road To Leadership: Marty Wooldridge 21:45

12M ago21:45

21:45

In this episode, Karl sits down with Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation 1st Vice President, Marty Wooldridge. They discuss how he first was introduced to the Farm Bureau as a young farmer. They also discuss how he found success in different areas in the organization's Young Farmers and Ranchers program that connected him to a network that reached acr…

1
Louisiana 811: What Farmers Should Know About Louisiana Dig Law 21:22

12M ago21:22

21:22

It's National Safe Digging Month and Brent Saltzman from Louisiana 811 is on the podcast talking about why it's so important for everyone to "Call before you dig!" While everyone should make it a normal practice to dial 811 before doing yard work, construction projects, or any other types of digging, there are some exceptions for farmers and others…

1
Experimenting with Collective Agreements with Jane Mulkewich 44:29

1y ago44:29

44:29

Explore the nexus of leadership and legal frameworks in this insightful podcast episode. Explore shared leadership, workplace dynamics, and unions' pivotal role in advocating for workers' rights. Gain actionable strategies for fostering inclusive cultures, navigating legal complexities, and driving organizational excellence. Tune in for essential i…

1
Grassroots In Action: State Politics Update - April 1, 2024 30:23

1y ago30:23

30:23

In this episode, LFBF Lobbyist, Joe Mapes joins Avery and Karl to discuss what's been happening at the state capitol since a new crop of lawmakers were elected in the fall. Governor Landry and the legislature have been busy with multiple sessions and there is now a bill filed that calls for a constitutional convention. We also discuss the recent Yo…

1
Experimenting with Learning about Sexuality with Dr. Kim Alexander 29:11

1y ago29:11

29:11

Join us on The Experimental Leader as we delve into uncharted territories with Dr. Kim Alexander in an episode that redefines leadership and sexual health education. From navigating leadership transitions to unraveling the complexities of sexual education, we explore the intersections and implications for personal growth and organizational dynamics…

1
Grassroots Leadership -- Louisiana YF&R Head to D.C. 31:39

1y ago31:39

31:39

This week, a handful of Louisiana Farm Bureau Young Farmers & Ranchers headed to Washington D.C. to advocate on behalf of the ag industry and issues they face on their farms. In this episode, Karl visits with Andy Brown who's helping lead this trip to the Capitol, as well as Josh Meeks, who's going to help cover the trip for Farm Bureau. We cover t…

1
Grain Bin Safety Workshops Preview 23:15

1y ago23:15

23:15

This week is National Grain Bin Safety Week. Joining us on this episode of the podcast are Wendell Miley and Matt Sirgo of Louisiana Farm Bureau. They are here to talk about the upcoming grain bin safety workshops and the story behind why they started these programs over a decade ago. The first workshop will be held Tuesday, Feb. 27 in Acadia Paris…

1
White People Work: Anti-Racism Work for White People 33:59

1y ago33:59

33:59

In this podcast episode, Melanie Parish and Beverly Horton navigate the complexities of leadership, mental health, and workplace inclusivity. They introduce an eye-opening anti-racism program, shedding light on the internal journey for individuals. The conversation delves into the challenges of fostering dialogue and self-reflection on race and ide…

1
The Cost of Good Labor 29:16

1y ago29:16

29:16

Labor: it's a constant need on farms across the nation. In many cases, farmers will bring labor in through foreign worker programs to fill jobs that they're unable to fill locally. That's a lot easier said than done, thanks to constantly changing policies and requirements for farmers to bring these valuable workers to their farms. That's why the Lo…

1
A Cold Start to the 2024 Crawfish Season 29:49

1+ y ago29:49

29:49

A new year in Louisiana means a few things... king cake, gumbo weather, and crawfish! On this week's episode, Avery Davidson chats with Andy Brown and Bill Pizzolato about the affects weather has had on this year's crawfish crop and how that's making the crustacean quite expensive and hard to get for consumers. Find crawfish prices near you using t…

1
Road to Leadership: Robert & Rachel Duncan 45:35

1+ y ago45:35

45:35

Welcome to a new year of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Podcast! We return with a great conversation with Robert and Rachel Duncan, young farmers from central Louisiana. Along with raising their children, soybeans, flowers and cattle, they chair the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers and Ranchers committee. They are also the winner of this y…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Melanie Parish Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen