Shows
So, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsBecoming a Better Writer: Dr. Courtney MeyersOnce in a while, you get a co-worker and you just vibe. Dr. Courtney Meyers is one of those people for me. Early in our academic careers, our offices were next door to each other and the rest is history. We share grammar pet peeves, are non-native Texans, enjoy cinnamon rolls alongside our chili, love to visit National Parks together, and we frequently dress alike. Aside from her fabulous fashion sense, she's a wonderful agricultural communicator and excellent educator.
2025-12-1729 min
So, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsCrisis Communications for a Major UniversityManaging the communications efforts for a university is a huge job. Doing the job when the university is in crisis even bigger. Chris Cook was the director of communications for Texas Tech University during three major crises. Two of them you may have heard of, but I wanted to talk to him about the crisis you probably didn't hear about or may have forgotten. Sometimes crises are best handled with one-on-one communications. He shares his experiences in this episode. Chris is now an Assistant Professor of Practice and Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management & Marketing for the...
2025-11-1925 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsThe Always Changing Industry of Farm BroadcastingDelaney Howell is an ag journalist and podcaster. Her agricultural news podcast covers national news topics important to ag producers everywhere, and she is on the leadership team for the National Association of Farm Broadcasting.
2025-11-1221 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsLocal Television JournalismBryan Mudd is the weeknight anchor at KAMC-TV (ABC) in Lubbock, Texas. He is a staple in Lubbock television, conducts great interviews, and is a good journalist and reporter. In this episode, we cover all sorts of topics, especially the importance of local journalism, inspiring young people to seek careers in news, and working on a master's degree with a full time job.
2025-10-3037 min
So, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsCrisis Communications in the Livestock Industry: Scarlett MadingerScarlett Hagins Madinger is the Vice President of Communications at Kansas Livestock Association. In this episode, she talks about several recent crises, including HPAI in cattle (bird flu), as well as being prepared for whatever could happen next. I've known Scarlett for a LONG time. She's an alum of our program and a good friend. We even did a workshop together at Ag Media Summit in 2024 in Kansas City. During the workshop, an artist did a live graphic for us - that's the photo. Link to book: https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/cr...
2025-10-2428 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsRural Newspapers: Laurie Ezzell BrownRural newspapers create a "community conversation" according to this episode's guest. I interviewed the editor/publisher of The Canadian Record, Laurie Ezzell Brown. The newspaper is located in Canadian, Texas, a beautiful community on the eastern edge of the Texas Panhandle. The paper has an excellent website and Facebook page that serves the community well. https://www.canadianrecord.com/https://www.facebook.com/canadiantexasAlso, a documentary was produced about the paper. Learn more here: https://www.fortherecorddocumentary.com/
2024-11-0432 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsCommunicating Food Safety: Mindy BrashearsIt's a beautiful thing when science and communications are done well. Dr. Mindy Brashears does both very, very well. She communicates complicated information in a way that's simple to understand, and she's a very likeable person. She shares stories of her research in the United States and South America, plus she tells us about her experience as the Under Secretary for Food Safety. Link to book:https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/crisis-communications-guide-agriculture-food-and-natural-resources
2024-09-2036 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsSevere Weather Communication: Chris WeissCommunicating about severe weather is something we all need to understand. However, the current system in the United States can be a little confusing. Dr. Chris Weiss, professor of atmospheric science at Texas Tech explains the system for us, then tells us about the research he's conducting.I would love to hear from you.Contact me at erica.irlbeck@ttu.eduWebsitePurchase my book here.
2024-09-0233 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsIssues Communication: Frankie GouldLots of crises can be prevented when they're in the issues phase through good communication, leadership, and management.Earlier this year, I attended a webinar hosted by today's guest, Frankie Gould, on issues management and communication. Plus, I've known Frankie for years through the Association for Communications Excellence, and have always enjoyed her wisdom and experience she shares. Frankie is the vice president for strategic communications and outreach for the Louisiana State University Ag Center.
2024-08-2634 min
Ag Women Connect "Ag Talk, Your Story Matters!"How to Put Together a Crisis Management Plan with Dr. Erica Irlbeck From Texas Tech UniversitySend us a textDo you have a crisis management plan in place for your business or production operation? If you answered, no then this is the episode for you. Host, Venessa Wood is joined by Dr. Erica Irlbeck from Texas Tech University to chat about all things Crisis Management and what Dr. Erica recommends when it comes to putting one in place. Tune in to catch the full episode now! Support the showThank you for joining us at Ag Talk hosted by Ag Women Connect! America's Platform for...
2024-05-2151 min
Planthropology107. Deep Dive- Crisis Communication in Agriculture with Dr. Erica IrlbeckSend us a textWhat's up, Plant People?? It's our first Deep Dive episode in quite a while. I was super excited to get to talk to my friend, Dr. Erica Irlbeck, again on the show. Erica is a Professor of Ag Communications, the Associate Dean of Outreach and Engagement for the Davis College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources at Texas Tech, and the author of the Crisis Communication Guide for Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources. We talked about everything from good communication, to working with the media, to life in academia, and so much more...
2024-05-0958 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsCommunicating the Climate Crisis: Katharine HayhoeCommunicating the climate crisis is a difficult and emotional task. Texas Tech University's Dr. Katharine Hayhoe is a scientist that communicates a tricky subject, yet she remains positive and continues with her work. She's active on LinkedIn and Twitter. Subscribe to her newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/fae4224ba66d/subscribe-to-katharine-newsletter
2023-12-2120 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsCommunicating the Risk and Potential Crisis of Severe Weather: Ron RobertsSevere weather comes in lots of forms: drought, blizzard, thunderstorm, tornado, flooding, dangerous heat, extreme cold, and possibly more. However, weather can be hard to forecast consistently, and sometimes the public is jaded to the weather warnings.Yet weather is one of the most important factors to a successful agricultural operation, and that's why I asked KAMC-TV (ABC, Lubbock) Chief Meteorologist Ron Roberts to join me for this episode of the podcast. My husband started working with Ron in the mid 90s, I joined the staff in the late 90s, and I have enjoyed visiting with him ever...
2023-10-1016 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsSpokesperson Development and other Crisis Comm Topics: Cindy CunninghamCindy Cunningham is one of the most experienced and knowledgeable communicators I know, especially when it comes to preparing for and responding to a crisis. She worked in the pork industry for several years and is now at Woodruff. She is such a pro, and is always helpful to communicators from across the ag industry. Find Cindy's company, Woodruff here: https://wearewoodruff.com/Link to the Crisis Communications Guide: https://connect.xanedu.com/.../xan.../store/catalogue/25901/
2023-10-0320 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsWorking with the Media: Emily LeonardEmily Leonard is the evening anchor for WTVA in Tupelo, Mississippi, and was previously in Lubbock at KLBK/KAMC. She is a Texas Tech graduate and an excellent reporter. In this episode, she tells us how to be helpful to the media in the event of a natural disaster, and for some reason, her area of Mississippi has experienced more than its share of severe weather in the past few years. Emily shares the newscast with her husband, Matt. She talks about him a lot during our conversation. Fun fact about Emily - when Matt proposed to...
2023-09-2231 min
So, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsCreating the Agriculture Crisis Management Framework: David DoerfertDavid Doerfert is a co-worker, friend, and mentor AND he developed the agriculture crisis management framework. Dr. Doerfert is one of the best researchers I know, and it was a joy to talk about his research and thoughts on the topic of crisis communications. Link to book:https://connect.xanedu.com/serve/xe/xaneducustom/store/catalogue/25901/?fbclid=IwAR3olcrpbEdymSa8ii9cZrQ8owUxULr0o8p5qqH5zA48Z9_ZT2ubepSQtg0
2023-09-1528 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsRisk & Crisis Communications for a Large Staff: Faith PeppersFaith Peppers is now the director of communications for USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. However, in her career, she has managed communications for a major newspaper and the University of Georgia's agricultural extension service. She has a wealth of knowledge and ideas on managing issues and crises and she shares her ideas with us in this episode. The Crisis Communications Guide for Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources is available here: https://connect.xanedu.com/serve/xe/xaneducustom/store/catalogue/25901/
2023-09-1232 min
So, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsA Crisis Communications Case Study: Lindsay KennedyFor all former students requesting Lindsay Kennedy and I do a show together: we hear you and we grant your request.Dr. Lindsay Kennedy is my coworker, but more importantly, my friend and kindred spirit. Also she is an outstanding communicator.Before she came back to Texas Tech to join our faculty, she worked in the grains industry and had to manage two crises. She shares her experience in this episode.Insta: @Lindsay_ontheflyMy book: https://connect.xanedu.com/serve/xe/xaneducustom/store/catalogue/25901/?fbclid=IwAR0KIrpGvDR2bfZQFUgKsNs5vDNlzJhAOpdk9X8MtBkXkCkJj93TeENy_gY
2023-09-0431 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsSeason 3 TrailerSeason 3 of the So You Talk to Cows podcast focuses on risk and crisis communications. I just finished by book, The Crisis Communications Guide for Agriculture, Food, & Natural Resources, and I'm teaching a graduate class on the same subject this semester. The topic of crisis comm is on my brain, so let's talk more about it in the podcast!Season 3 starts on September 4.Direct link to purchase the book:https://connect.xanedu.com/serve/xe/xaneducustom/store/catalogue/25901/?fbclid=IwAR22I3YqM16dt2FxHL_MY-ntiVtAH-3TXiBFJw5da5IxbpgoykZsZQ9b-4E
2023-08-3020 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsBook Publishing: Mandy Gagel & Ben StephenI wrote a book! Not only did I write it, the book is being published. XanEdu is publishing my book and it is available. I have had conversations with several ag communicators who would like to write a book, and I encourage anyone that wants to write, to do so. It's not easy, and it's not quick, but I have loved this experience and would love the opportunity to do more of this. Maybe not this year, but soon. In this episode, we flip the format and my friends at XanEdu, Mandy Gagel and Ben Stephen interview...
2023-07-3029 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsEvent Planning + Professionalism - Diane JohnsonIf you have attended Ag Media Summit, you have probably experienced an event planned by Diane Johnson. She is the Ft. Worth based owner of Details by Design. Although she has slowed down her business in recent years, she still plans and assists with other events. She is highly organized and always professional. In this episode, she shares her suggestions for putting your best foot forward and planning a smooth event.A side note - Diane is being inducted to the Livestock Publications Council Hall of Fame at Ag Media Summit this year.
2023-07-2132 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsSocial Media Advocacy - Tara VanderDussenTara VanderDussen is one of the most influential leaders in social media advocacy for the agricultural industry. She is a courageous myth buster and does a fabulous job of promoting dairy and ag in general.In this episode she shares some of her strategies and plans for creating a good platform. I met Tara for the first time when I interviewed her after a devastating blizzard took a toll on New Mexico and Texas dairies several years ago. She was a great speaker then and has gotten even better through the years.She's on Instagram, LinkedIn...
2023-07-0725 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsFarm Broadcasting + Advocacy - Janet AdkisonJanet Adkison is the embodiment of an agricultural communicator. Her degree is in farm broadcasting. She has worked for radio stations, ag radio networks, ag television, and now she is working in public affairs and advocacy for the Missouri Farm Bureau.She is an excellent reporter and has a fabulous voice. And she's super nice! She was relatively new in her job at MoFB and still learning the job, but she still has great insight and advice.Learn more about Missouri Farm Bureau here: https://mofb.org/
2023-07-0125 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsGraphic Design + Creativity - Courtney GibsonDo cool things with cool people is great advice. Dr. Courtney Gibson is a cool person that I like to do cool things with. She's my co-worker and friend, and she is also the retiring Texas Tech University Faculty Senate President.She shares her experience with us, and also gives us some graphic design tips. Dr. Gibson is a phenomenal graphic designer, and she's highly creative, so much so that creativity is her research area.
2023-06-2324 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsOrganizational Communications - Jennifer Blackburn WarrenJennifer Warren is the Vice President of Communications for National Sorghum Producers. She is an excellent and visionary communicator, and she is also a wonderful internship supervisor. Students in our program that intern in Jennifer's office are always highly prepared, grow in their professionalism, and they get really great experiences, like going to trade shows, photo shoots, story interviews, and more. To learn more about NSP, their website is https://sorghumgrowers.com/
2023-06-1621 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsJob & Internship Readiness - Cara FerrellTo lead off Season 2, we are going to focus on getting and keeping a job. Cara Ferrell is one of the most knowledgeable people I know on this topic. She worked in career services at Oklahoma State for years and is highly trained in inner-office protocol and etiquette. I asked her to share some of her favorite job getting tips, as well as her advice for being a great coworker. She recommended a book in the podcast: Work 101: Learning the Ropes of the Workplace without Hanging Yourself by Elizabeth Freedman. Cara is available for consulting and workshops.
2023-06-1022 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsSeason 2 TrailerNew things are in store for the second season of the podcast.I like for my podcast to accompany what I'm currently teaching, and for the summer semester, we're focusing much of our content on job and internship readiness. It doesn't matter if you're 20 and seeking an internship or 42 and a seasoned veteran, there are always new things we can do to improve our communications skills and application materials. Be sure to hit subscribe so that you don't miss an episode.
2023-06-0801 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsEntrepreneurship - Megan FooteSo many of our agricultural communications students are interested in starting their own businesses. For my final podcast of this season, I'm wrapping it up with a former student that has a phenomenal small business: Megan Foote. She and her husband, Garrett, own Foote Family Meats in Clovis, New Mexico. Megan and Garrett manage every aspect of the business, and their marketing efforts are an excellent example. Megan offers great advice for those with an entrepreneurial spirit. The book she recommended reading is Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki. Follow her business on social (links belo...
2023-05-1826 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsTelevision Advertising Sales - Clay ErwinSales is a major area of agricultural communications, and working in the sales profession is rewarding and fun. Clay Erwin is a good friend of mine from church and Lubbock County 4-H activities. He is a senior sales account executive for KCBD-TV in Lubbock. Although he does not exclusively sell to agricultural clients, ag is a big part of his client list. He even roped me into appearing in some of the stations promotions.
2023-04-2528 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsVideo Production: Austin MooreAustin Moore is an expert in agricultural video production. His career started for Oklahoma Cooperative Extension, Texas A&M, back to Oklahoma State, Oklahoma Career Tech, and now he's crushing it as an instructor at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.If I ever have a question about equipment, need to know how to do something, or need anything video related, Austin is my first call. He's at his best on TikTok: auzemoto Same username for Instagram.
2023-04-1221 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsSocial Media: Vikram BaligaVikram Baliga is a true role model for science communicators. He is a lecturer in horticulture and manages the greenhouse at Texas Tech, but he's also an excellent communicator. He tells us a few of his social media strategies in this episode. Vikram also has a podcast that I love: Planthropology: https://www.planthropologypod.com/ https://www.facebook.com/Planthropology/Insta: @planthropologypodTwitter: @Planthropology_Also check out the TTU Greenhouse & Horitcultural Gardens' Insta: @texastechgreenhouse
2023-03-2825 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsOrganizational Communications: Kara BishopKara Bishop is the director of communications and public affairs for Plains Cotton Growers. In her role, she regularly communicates with cotton growers and ginners (internal audience), as well as consumers, lawmakers, media, and others (external audience). In this episode, we learn some of her strategies for reaching her various audiences and managing multiple platforms.https://www.plainscotton.org/https://www.facebook.com/plainscottongrowershttps://www.linkedin.com/company/plains-cotton-growers/Twitter: @PCGNewsInsta: @plainscottongrowersFind Kara:LinkedIn: Kara (Cash) BishopInsta: @karacashbishop
2023-03-2422 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsFarm Broadcasting: Tom BrandTom Brand is the executive director of the National Association of Farm Broadcasting and a former broadcaster. In this episode he teaches us about the organization, the importance of ag radio, and why it will continue to be important for years to come.
2023-03-1423 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsAgricultural Magazines: Clinton GriffithsFarm Journal is the oldest agricultural publication in the United States. It was first published in the 1870s and is still in print today. In this episode, the guest is Clinton Griffiths, the editor of Farm Journal. Clinton is also the host of AgDay Television. We talk about working in such a reputable publication, tips to make our writing better, and possible future directions of agricultural publications. Farm Journal is available online: https://www.farmjournal.com/Find Clinton on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clinton-griffiths-mba-5b9a326/ or Twitter: @ClintonReports
2023-02-2419 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsEmily McCartneyEmily McCartney is a western lifestyle photographer, and she's amazing. In this episode, I visit with this Texas Tech ag communications graduate about her career, her motivation, tips for taking great photograph, and that thing she wishes she were better at.Find her online:WebsiteFacebookInsta: @roadrunnergallery and @e_mccart
2023-02-2220 minSo, You Talk to Cows? A Podcast for Agricultural CommunicatorsAgricultural Publications: Shelley HuguleyOur inaugural episode focuses on one of the earliest forms of communications: print journalism. Shelley Huguley, editor of Southwest Farm Press is the guest. Southwest Farm Press is an excellent agricultural publication with a wonderful website: https://www.farmprogress.com/southwest-farm-press. I love their writing style and photography. @farmpress
2023-02-1423 min
Soil Solutions with Jessica Gnad - HPJ TalkHPJ Talk: Hub City 4-H Club with Erica Irlbeck, Leveraging Combine Technology, Transforming Water ManagementJenni and Kylene discuss national 4-H month, leveraging combine technology, how OpenET is transforming water management, and more. Erica Irlbeck shares her experience as the volunteer leader of the new Hub City 4-H Club in Lubbock, Texas. All that and markets too! #RideWithUs Sponsored by Alta Seeds
2020-10-2635 min
Planthropology13. Distance Education, Agricultural Communication, and The Nerd Shield w/ Dr. Erica Irlbeck and Kelsi OpatSend us a textWhat's up, Plant People?! I'm so excited for you to hear today's episode! I had the chance to interview Dr. Erica Irlbeck and Kelsi Opat (twice...you'll hear more about that in the episode) from the Texas Tech Department of Agricultural Education and Communications. We talked about how to address distance education, changes that may be coming in academia, how to be effective communicators, and an interesting concept known as "The Nerd Shield." I think you're going to love it. Give it a listen and leave me a review to let me know...
2020-04-2153 min