Advertise on podcast: The Poultry Leadership Podcast

Send us Fan Mail UPDATE: Ryan Bennett was last on this show in July 2024 as Executive Director of the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry and Eggs and the International Poultry Welfare Alliance. He is now Vice President of the Farm Program at the American Humane Society. Animal welfare audits are no longer a niche concern for specialty producers. Roughly 90% of the cage-free eggs sold in the United States carry the American Humane Certified label, and a new set of pullet standards took effect January 1. Ryan Bennett runs that program. In this episode he walks through what an auditor actually looks for on a poultry farm, why most farms struggle their first time through, and why he thinks the entire industry is framing animal welfare the wrong way. In this episode: - What happens during an animal welfare audit, and why organization beats perfection - The single biggest reason farms get dinged, and it is not what the birds look like - How American Humane Certified answers the criticism that it does not require 100 percent compliance - Where the new 2026 pullet welfare standards came from, and whether they require capital spend or just a change in management - What actually happens when a certification gets revoked - Why Ryan argues animal welfare belongs in the same category as food safety and airline safety, not marketing About Ryan Bennett: Ryan Bennett is Vice President of the Farm Program at the American Humane Society, where he leads American Humane Certified, a farm animal welfare certification program covering more than a billion animals a year across nine species. He previously spent eight years as Executive Director of both the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Poultry and Eggs and the International Poultry Welfare Alliance. He holds an agriculture degree from Kansas State University. Resources: - Ryan Bennett on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-r-bennett/ - American Humane Certified farm program and published standards: https://www.americanhumane.org/what-we-do/certify-humane-treatment/farms/ - PAACO, the Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization: https://animalauditor.org/ - AVMA Guidelines for the Depopulation of Animals, 2026 Edition: https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/avma-policies/avma-guidelines-depopulation-animals - Ryan's first appearance, "Incremental Change" (Ep 17, July 2024): [PASTE EP 17 URL] - Prism Controls, farm automation and controls technology: https://www.prismcontrols.com The Poultry Leadership Podcast is hosted by Brandon Mulnix, Director of Commercial Accounts at Prism Controls. New episodes every week. Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Sales - Prism Controls The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

Send us Fan Mail Egg prices can fall faster than your feed bill, and that’s when “normal” nutrition habits start burning cash. We sit down with Curtis Novak, PhD, Director of Poultry at Alltech, to get practical about what layer farms can do right now to reduce feed cost per ton without accidentally crashing egg production, shell quality, or livability. Curtis brings both bench science and field experience, and he doesn’t dodge the uncomfortable reality that some operations are forced to consider pulling older, lower-producing flocks earlier than planned. We dig into the decision tree Curtis uses with producers: start with the biggest cost drivers like energy, fat, and protein, then tighten formulation by thinking in amino acids instead of just crude protein. From there, we talk feed additives with a hard ROI lens. Which products protect gut health and reduce losses from issues like E. coli, and which ones can be paused when the only goal is survival? Curtis also explains why enzymes often belong in the “do not cut” category because they’re relatively inexpensive and can unlock nutrients that lower total diet cost. We also zoom out beyond nutrition, because management and data decide whether any diet works. “You can’t feed yourself out of poor management” becomes a real on-farm standard when ventilation, water, feed delivery, or wet litter problems drag performance down. We discuss how accurate egg counters and better flock data help you spot row-by-row issues faster, and why investing in pullet quality and uniformity sets you up for profitable long-cycle layers out to 90 to 100 weeks. Contect with Curtis on Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/curtis-novak-3961b8a2/ Subscribe for more producer-first conversations, share this with a farmer or nutritionist who’s feeling the squeeze, and leave a review so more poultry teams can find it. What’s the hardest cost decision you’re facing right now? Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Sales - Prism Controls The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

Send us Fan Mail The International Egg Foundation is building an infrastructure of hope across nutritionally disadvantaged regions — and the humble egg is at the center of it. When a teacher reported her students were getting loud, wild, and "naughty" after a school started serving eggs, that complaint was actually proof something was finally working. Children who'd been running on empty now had enough protein to act like kids again. In this episode, Brandon Mulnix sits down with Cassy Price, the first dedicated staff member of the International Egg Foundation (IEF), to unpack how the global egg industry is building sustainable 400 to 1,000-bird farms that turn parents into entrepreneurs while feeding children who need it most. In this episode: The naughty kids story — what a teacher's complaint revealed about nutrition and energyHow IEF builds 400 to 1,000-bird farms that create local entrepreneurs and feed school programsThe Honduras First 1,000 Days of Life program — and how one 400-bird barn became a 3,000-hen operationThe Eswatini breakthrough: hard-boiled eggs preserved for 30 days without refrigeration in extreme heatHow younger leaders and employees can plug into meaningful philanthropy through the egg industryAbout Cassy Price: Cassy Price is the first dedicated staff member of the International Egg Foundation, based in Shropshire, England. She transitioned from the International Egg Commission to lead IEF full time in 2022 and oversees programs across 10 countries. Resources: Cassy Price on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cassy-price-98a8b153/International Egg Foundation: https://internationaleggfoundation.orgPrism Controls — farm automation and controls technology for poultry producers: https://www.prismcontrols.com?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=poultry_leadership&utm_content=ep46The Poultry Leadership Podcast is hosted by Brandon Mulnix, Director of Sales and Marketing at Prism Controls. New episodes every Wednesday. Prism ControlsPrism Controls — Farm automation & controls technology for poultry producers. 45 years of expertise.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Sales - Prism Controls The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

Send us Fan Mail Most leaders in the agricultural industry know AI is coming. Far fewer have actually figured out how to use it in a way that makes their day-to-day leadership better — not someday, but this week. In this solo episode, Brandon Mulnix shares what happened when he stopped treating AI like a search engine and started using it as a thinking partner. Over the last quarter, he used AI to prepare for a difficult performance conversation, build documents he had no formal training to write, automate a weekly reporting process he'd been doing by hand for years, and finally get his best ideas out of his head and into finished work. He also responds to something a team member said that stopped him cold: "You didn't do this. AI did this." His answer — the Michelangelo and the chisel — is the most important thing in this episode. Brandon walks through the Three Doors Framework — Thinking, Drafting, and Research — and gives you one specific action to take before Monday. He covers the tools he actually uses (Gemini and Claude, both free to start), addresses every fear that's keeping leaders on the sideline, and closes with the servant leadership question that changed how he thinks about all of it. If you manage people, walk houses, run reports, or lead a team in the poultry or egg industry — this episode was built for you. Mentioned in this episode: Gemini — gemini.google.com (free), Claude — claude.ai (free to start) Want to talk to a human about getting started with AI? Call or text Brandon directly: 616-265-0752 Email: [email protected] The Poultry Leadership Podcast is sponsored by Prism Controls — 45 years of technology that helps farmers sleep at night. Learn more at PrismControls.com. Prism ControlsPrism Controls — Farm automation & controls technology for poultry producers. 45 years of expertise.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Sales - Prism Controls The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

Send us Fan Mail Prices spike, headlines swirl, and a humble staple turns into a cultural flashpoint. We sat down with Emily Metz, CEO of the American Egg Board, to unpack how the egg industry is rebuilding trust, boosting demand, and standing up new tools to keep farmers and consumers on the same side of the table. From a 50-year mandate to market eggs and fund research, to hands-on support for producers facing biosecurity and ransomware threats, Emily opens the playbook on what it takes to lead a commodity through chaos. We dig into how AEB’s insights engine tracks real consumer behavior and tests messaging with a custom AI model, turning data into point-of-purchase wins and new meal occasions beyond breakfast. Emily breaks down the roller coaster of COVID pantry loading, avian influenza outbreaks, and meme-ready price swings—and how every dollar now gets judged by one metric: does it drive sales? She also walks us through the hard but necessary work of correcting decades-old cholesterol myths, then harnessing momentum with Stronger by the Dozen to meet people on personal wellness journeys, from GLP-1 users seeking protein to families chasing affordable, real food. Looking ahead, Emily shares a bold export vision. With only 3–4% of U.S. eggs currently sold overseas, she lays out a path to a cooperative model and a new global brand for U.S. eggs aimed at markets that value safety, traceability, and performance. We also go behind the scenes of the White House Easter Egg Roll—the largest public event on the White House calendar—and how AEB uses it to tell the farm-to-table story with joy and clarity. If you care about food, farming, or the future of consumer trust, this conversation hits the sweet spot where science, marketing, and mission meet. Listen now, then subscribe, rate, and share with someone who thinks a commodity can’t reinvent itself. Prism ControlsPrism Controls — Farm automation & controls technology for poultry producers. 45 years of expertise.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Sales - Prism Controls The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

Send us Fan Mail A fourth-generation story rarely follows a straight line, and George Weaver IV proves it. From sneaking into trade shows as a kid and napping under booth tables to helping steer a 90-person team, George invites us into a family business that measures success by people, not just pallets. He shares how his dad’s stroke pushed him into responsibility early, what it took to rebuild with humility, and why Westfield Egg Farm chose a model that keeps small family farms alive by letting growers own their birds, feed, and barns. We dig into the craft of specialty eggs—think quail, duck, and heirloom blue—and why small-batch, high-precision packing is both maddening and magical. George explains how that complexity becomes a strength under pressure, especially during avian influenza, when diversified flocks and flexible schedules spread risk without collapsing supply. Strategy here is purpose-led: hire for character, train for skill, and make space for prayer and conviction when the “smart” move clashes with the right move. It’s culture as a daily practice, not a poster on the wall. George also opens up about imposter syndrome, the myth that every young leader must plant their own flag, and the harder path of adding value to a mature, multigenerational foundation. We talk practical tools like Working Genius to map strengths and reduce friction, the shepherd’s balance between protecting a team and pushing it to grow, and how prison ministry reshaped his view of dignity, hiring, and the stories behind every resume. If you care about agriculture, family business, resilient supply chains, values-based leadership, or integrating faith at work, this conversation will stick. Subscribe for more founder stories and real-world leadership playbooks, share this episode with someone building a legacy, and leave a review to help others find the show. Got a guest idea? Email [email protected] and let’s keep amplifying voices that make our industry better. Prism ControlsPrism Controls — Farm automation & controls technology for poultry producers. 45 years of expertise.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Sales - Prism Controls The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

Send us Fan Mail Season three opens with a candid, funny, and deeply human conversation that spans leadership change, end-of-life care, family milestones, and the surprising ways a poultry podcast can move people. Brandon shares what “managing up” looked like through a leadership transition at Prism Controls—how learning a new boss’s values and cadence sharpened communication and trust over time. Emily takes the mic to unpack her shift from a high-intensity med-surg unit to hospice nursing at a level one trauma center, showing how empathy, presence, and dignity can transform even the hardest days. Together, we reflect on a 25-year marriage, a long-running remodel that turned project management into a domestic art form, and the bittersweet edges of the empty-nest season. We also pull back the curtain on the show’s direction: more farm stories from industry legends and rising talent, because the generational arcs, pivots, and practical wisdom inside those barns teach better than any playbook. Brandon recalls a faith-forward moment on stage—“I matter because I’m a child of God”—and how it ignited deeper conversations and personal accountability to live what he says. Then we travel to Guatemala, where a simple yes led to a 4,000-bird ministry farm, an Egg A Day approach to feed mountain communities, and a plan to scale layers where jaguars make backyard flocks impossible. Eggs become logistics, nutrition, and hope—proof that operations and compassion can align. Finally, we keep AI grounded. Brandon uses transcripts from one-on-ones to audit his own leadership patterns and turn blind spots into follow-through. On farms, he frames AI as decision support: spotting subtle flock deviations, correlating storms, feed changes, and performance so producers can act faster with confidence. It’s not about replacing people; it’s about freeing them to be more human. Alongside this, there’s a spring triathlon on the calendar—because physical grit fuels clear thinking and long-term leadership. Subscribe, share this with a friend who loves farm stories, and leave a review with the one insight you’re taking into work this week. Want to be a guest or nominate a quiet, generational farm? Reach out—we’re building season three around your stories. Prism ControlsPrism Controls — Farm automation & controls technology for poultry producers. 45 years of expertise.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Sales - Prism Controls The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

Send us Fan Mail A blue jacket can change a life. We sit down with Michigan FFA state officer and MSU agribusiness student William Rogers to trace how one classroom broiler project became a launchpad for leadership, real business skills, and a clear career path in modern agriculture and the poultry supply chain. From public speaking nerves to state office, William breaks down the steps that built his confidence—and why those same steps create standout talent for integrators, suppliers, and agtech teams. We unpack what FFA looks like now: an intracurricular program where Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) act as living resumes. William’s diversified livestock and crop projects taught record keeping, marketing, and financials using AET, the kind of data literacy that translates directly to farm management software, compliance, and precision ag tools. He explains how sales is really about relationships, how meeting procedure shapes executive presence, and why learning technology works best with hands-on mentorship—whether that’s drone mapping, equipment operation, or live budgeting. This conversation shines a light on inclusion and opportunity. You don’t need a farm to find a home in FFA; photography, mechanics, research, logistics, and marketing all connect to agriculture’s ecosystem. We explore leadership conferences, the power of community service, and the mindset employers prize most: a willingness to learn and a willingness to work. If you’re a parent searching for a path for your student, a hiring manager looking for doers with initiative, or an alum ready to give back, you’ll find practical ways to plug in—from local alumni groups to statewide events and national summits. If this story could help one student find direction, share it with them. And if you enjoyed the show, subscribe, leave a review, and pass it along to a friend who needs to hear what FFA can unlock. Prism ControlsPrism Controls — Farm automation & controls technology for poultry producers. 45 years of expertise.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Sales - Prism Controls The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

Send us Fan Mail What if your hen house burned tonight—would your plan hold? We sit down with Brett Cohrs, CRM and Senior Vice President at Palomar Insurance, to unpack what’s really changing in poultry insurance and how leaders can turn risk management into a competitive edge. From rate softening for large layered property programs to tighter appetites for smaller growers, Brett explains why deductibles are climbing, which choices actually move premiums, and how to prepare your balance sheet for higher retention without jeopardizing growth. We get specific about fire risk in modern barns. Annual infrared scanning, true 100‑foot separation, and two‑hour fire doors in corridors and processing areas now sit at the center of underwriting scrutiny. Cage‑free has multiplied exposure: bigger single‑site values, more motors and controls, and dust acting as fine fuel. We talk through why control systems built to protect birds can unintentionally feed a blaze, and how purpose‑built barn technology can detect abnormal heat, trigger early response, and keep a local incident from becoming a total loss. Beyond property, Brett maps the risk terrain producers often overlook: product recall in decentralized models, employment practices liability as regulations shift, cyber exposures to connected controls, and the market shocks that turn a covered loss into a larger business interruption claim. He shares practical guidance for building a winning submission—accurate valuations, defensible BI calculations, documented maintenance, and clear contingencies for parts, graders, and egg sourcing—plus scenario exercises every manager should run before renewal. If you lead an egg or poultry operation, this conversation will help you decide where to invest first, which practices underwriters reward, and how to design a program that survives bad days and funds growth on good ones. Subscribe, share with your team, and leave a review with the one change you’ll make next week to improve your farm’s risk posture. Prism ControlsPrism Controls — Farm automation & controls technology for poultry producers. 45 years of expertise.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Sales - Prism Controls The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

Send us Fan Mail A slow Sunday at a neighborhood lounge turned into the spark for a national brand. Raechel Van Buskirk shares how a grumpy regular, a tray of sriracha bacon deviled eggs, and pure curiosity unlocked a simple truth: everyone loves deviled eggs, no one wants to make them. That insight carried her from bar brunches to trailers, a mall push-cart next to a missing Santa, a full-service restaurant, and now a franchise model with nationwide shipping and high-protein bowls built around eggs. We get into the gritty details operators care about: testing flavors with real customers, pricing a labor-heavy product, making the line a show instead of a secret, and turning a nostalgic side into a year-round habit. Raechel breaks down the Shark Tank journey from the first email to a deal with Barbara and Mark, and the moment Damon called her food the best he’s eaten in 16 seasons. More important than TV praise, she explains the systems that let a humble egg travel well: chilled whites, sealed fillings, toppings, and instructions that land a “deviled egg bar” in your kitchen. This is also a story of cost and courage. Raechel and her husband sold assets, reinvested relentlessly, and kept building through a cancer diagnosis. The leadership lessons are simple and sharp: hire for strengths, trust quickly, let experts work, and fail fast without shame. We look ahead to a Dallas-area shop where guests watch their deviled eggs, egg salads, and hot protein bowls assembled Chipotle-style—think egg whites instead of rice, big flavor, and serious protein for GLP-1 era appetites. If you’re hungry for resilient entrepreneurship, category reinvention, and the craft of turning a commodity into culture, you’ll feel right at home here. Subscribe, share with a friend who loves bold ideas and better snacks, and leave a review so more builders can find this conversation. Prism ControlsPrism Controls — Farm automation & controls technology for poultry producers. 45 years of expertise.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Sales - Prism Controls The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

Send us Fan Mail Power problems don’t announce themselves—they show up as dead fans, stressed birds, and energy bills that creep higher every month. We invited superintendent electrician Cody Pommer of Interstates to walk through the electrical decisions that quietly decide whether a poultry site runs smooth for years or limps from fix to fix. Together, we unpack where farms get into trouble—moisture, dust, untrained panel work—and the simple, proven steps that keep people safe and equipment alive: correct NEMA ratings, low-point drains, GFCI protection, better cable selection, and a disciplined maintenance plan. Cody breaks down why electrical rooms pay back in longevity and safety, and why grounding and bonding are non-negotiable in wet, high-dust environments. We dig into smart controls and VFDs that fine-tune ventilation and lighting, explore modern fire detection with aspirating systems, and call out the shortcuts that cost the most—skipping VFD-rated cable, ignoring voltage drop on long runs, and leaving new equipment to soak in the weather. We also talk resilience: generator strategies that share load across houses, peak-shaving to tame demand charges, and design choices that make future add-ons cheap rather than painful. Looking ahead, we connect the dots between reliable power and better data. AI is accelerating everything from egg counting accuracy to anomaly detection and design workflows, but it needs clean signals and thoughtful integration to shine. For smaller and mid-size barns, we highlight accessible control options that unify ventilation, feed, and lighting with mobile monitoring—practical tools that deliver immediate clarity and long-term savings. If you care about flock health, uptime, and a utility bill that doesn’t spike when the weather does, this conversation is your blueprint. Subscribe, share with a producer who needs a safer setup, and leave a review with your top electrical headache—we’ll tackle it in a future show. Prism ControlsPrism Controls — Farm automation & controls technology for poultry producers. 45 years of expertise.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Sales - Prism Controls The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

Send us Fan Mail Episode 37 is jumping back to where it all began: Episode 1 with Benji Campbell of Cal-Maine Foods: What does it take to lead in the poultry industry during times of unprecedented challenges? General Manager Benji Campbell of Cal Maine Foods opens up about his journey in egg production management, sharing how family entrepreneurship shaped his leadership approach from the very beginning. The conversation takes us deep into the current biosecurity challenges facing poultry operations nationwide. Campbell explains how avian influenza has evolved to become more contagious since 2021, leaving the United States approximately 12 million laying hens short of meeting domestic egg demand. His practical insights reveal why proper protocols are critical and how most disease outbreaks can be traced back to human activity on farms. But this episode goes beyond industry talk when Campbell shares a deeply personal story that reveals the true character of the poultry community. After his wife suffered severe injuries in a catastrophic car accident in December 2020, the industry rallied around his family with prayer and support. Three years later, colleagues still check on her recovery—demonstrating how professional relationships in this field often become meaningful personal connections. For those navigating leadership positions, Campbell offers invaluable wisdom on balancing the 24/7 demands of poultry management with family life, building strong teams through effective communication, and embracing change when faced with the common resistance of "we've always done it this way." His parting message comes from Mark 9:23: "Everything is possible for those who believe"—a philosophy that has guided him through both personal tragedy and industry transformation. Whether you're new to the poultry industry or a seasoned professional, this conversation provides a roadmap for leadership with integrity, resilience, and faith during challenging times. Prism ControlsPrism Controls — Farm automation & controls technology for poultry producers. 45 years of expertise.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Sales - Prism Controls The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

Send us Fan Mail When a headhunter asked Budd Bentley, "How do you feel about chickens and eggs?" in late 2019, it marked the beginning of a transformative journey. After decades in automotive engineering and technology development, Bentley was about to step into the unfamiliar world of poultry technology as President of PMSI (now Prism Controls). In this revealing conversation with Brandon Mulnix, Bentley shares his unlikely path from solving Rubik's Cubes as a child to leading innovation in agricultural technology. His early career at Prince Corporation taught him a foundational principle: everyone starts on the manufacturing line because "what makes money is when we send product out the door." This grounding in practical operations would shape his leadership philosophy throughout his career. Bentley's entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found a mobile app development company in 2005—two years before the iPhone existed—where he learned valuable lessons about innovation timing and market readiness. When he eventually joined the poultry technology sector in January 2020 (just before COVID-19 changed everything), he brought fresh eyes to an established company. "I didn't even know what end of the chicken the egg comes out," he jokes, but he recognized the passionate team's potential for growth through process implementation. Under Bentley's leadership, Prism Controls grew from 28 to 44 people while developing crucial new technologies like Reach, Eggsite, and Therm. His secret? "Embrace the process, and the process will set you free." By documenting workflows, separating operational activities from innovation, and implementing the Entrepreneurial Operating System framework, the company created a structure that could scale without losing quality or customer focus. As Bentley prepares for his next challenge as President of Big Dutchman USA, he reflects on what makes the agricultural technology sector special: the directness of farmers as customers. "You don't have to spend mental energy thinking about what they really mean or what they're really thinking, because they just tell you," he explains. This refreshing honesty allows technology providers to focus entirely on problem-solving rather than decoding communications. Whether you're new to agricultural technology or a seasoned professional, Bentley's journey offers valuable insights into leadership, process development, and industry transition. Listen now to discover how documenting the invisible can transform organizations and set innovation free. Prism ControlsPrism Controls — Farm automation & controls technology for poultry producers. 45 years of expertise.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Sales - Prism Controls The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

Send us Fan Mail Ever feel like you're wearing an emotional mask at work? You're not alone. Brandon Mulnix sits down with TEDx speaker and breathwork practitioner Sam Kabert to explore the hidden mental health challenges that plague even the most successful leaders. Sam shares his remarkable journey from building a seven-figure business while working just four hours daily to confronting a numbing depression despite having achieved all his goals. This vulnerability opens a powerful conversation about why emotional health—not just mental health—might be the missing piece in leadership development. "Thoughts are the language of the mind, and feelings are the language of the body," Sam explains, unveiling why so many leaders get trapped in destructive patterns of compartmentalization. When we metaphorically put difficult emotions into boxes without ever unpacking them, we're simply placing Band-Aids on deeper issues that eventually manifest as burnout, physical ailments, or strained relationships. The episode features a guided breathwork experience that demonstrates how simple techniques can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and shift brainwave states from high-stress beta to more peaceful theta waves. Sam also introduces practical tools like the WIFL (What I Feel Like expressing) technique that creates space for authentic connection in team settings. For leaders in high-stress environments—whether first responders, poultry farmers dealing with avian influenza outbreaks, or executives facing constant pressure—this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on integrating work and personal life rather than artificially separating them. Sam's work with first responders through his nonprofit, offering free sessions and workshops focused on trauma release, highlights the universal need for emotional processing rather than emotional suppression. Ready to transform your leadership through emotional awareness? This episode might just be the deep breath you didn't know you needed. Share it with someone who's struggling—because sometimes, acknowledging our feelings is the strongest leadership move we can make. Connect with Sam - https://samkabert.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kabert/ Prism ControlsPrism Controls — Farm automation & controls technology for poultry producers. 45 years of expertise.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Sales - Prism Controls The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com

Send us Fan Mail What happens when 400 vegan activists storm your chicken houses? How do you rally an entire county to defeat a ballot measure designed to eliminate family farming? And what drives someone to keep producing food when faced with one existential threat after another? Mike Weber, fourth-generation California egg farmer, doesn't just survive challenges—he transforms them into opportunities for community building and innovation. From the moment his family decided to "bet the farm" and modernize their century-old operation, they've faced a gauntlet of trials that would have broken most businesses: activist invasions, politically-motivated ballot initiatives, and devastating avian influenza outbreaks. "We've been tested by fire and flame and everything there possibly is in the last few years—and it's kind of made us stronger for it," Weber explains. His story reveals the remarkable resilience at the heart of American agriculture and the complex reality of farming just 35 miles from San Francisco. When vegan activists orchestrated what Weber calls a "vegan insurrection" on their property, the farm responded not with anger but with transparency. When a ballot initiative threatened all animal agriculture in their county, the Webers helped unite an entire community around their agricultural heritage, eventually winning by an astonishing 85% to 15% margin. Most powerfully, Weber's account challenges simplistic narratives about modern farming. His operation pioneers environmental sustainability with 2,500 solar panels, innovative manure processing systems, and organic fertilizer production. When neighboring farms faced avian influenza outbreaks, Weber and his team suited up in protective gear to help contain the spread—putting community welfare above competitive advantage. "Someone's got to feed America," Weber says when asked why he persists despite these extraordinary challenges. His philosophy of stewardship speaks to a deeper purpose: "This isn't our farm. We're just taking care of it until our dad comes back...and we want him to be really proud about where we're at." Ready to understand what really happens behind the scenes in American agriculture? Listen now to this eye-opening conversation that will forever change how you think about the people who produce your food. Prism ControlsPrism Controls — Farm automation & controls technology for poultry producers. 45 years of expertise.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Hosted by Brandon Mulnix - Director of Sales - Prism Controls The Poultry Leadership Podcast is only possible because of its sponsor, Prism Controls Find out more about them at www.prismcontrols.com