The Baker & The Farmer

In this episode of The Baker and The Farmer Podcast, we sit down with Graham Smith, CTO and co-founder of Babylon Micro-Farms — a startup born at the University of Virginia that’s making it easier than ever to grow fresh, healthy food anywhere. Babylon designs stand-alone hydroponic farming units that simplify the farming process, giving consumers and businesses alike access to nutrient-rich produ...

In this episode, Daniel and Buddy sit down with Neil Houff, president of Houff Corporation, to hear his incredible journey from a passion for farming to leading a thriving business in the trucking and fertilizer industry. Neil shares how he got his start, the pivotal moments that shaped his company, and how he’s grown his business to 170 employees. He opens up about the challenges of scaling, the...

In this episode, Daniel and Buddy dive into some of the most impactful quotes they’ve encountered and how these words have shaped their perspectives on life, business, and leadership. From wisdom on resilience and hard work to insights on faith and community, they break down the deeper meaning behind each quote and share personal stories of how these ideas have influenced their decisions. Whether...

As spring rolls in, Daniel and Buddy sit down to share what’s on the horizon for each of them. Buddy talks about raising more of their own food on the farm and how he’s encouraging his kids to start their own businesses. Daniel shares some exciting business updates—including a new venture they just bought and will be launching in the next month. Through it all, they reflect on how gratitude has sh...

In this episode, Daniel and Buddy sit down with Chris and Orange, the dynamic duo behind ZZQ Texas Craft BBQ and Eazzy Burger in Richmond, VA. Chris, a Texas native, moved to Virginia to study architecture at UVA, but his passion for authentic Texas BBQ eventually led him to trade blueprints for brisket. He and Orange share their journey of building a business rooted in quality, community, and har...

Conversation with Joel Salatin PART 1 In this second conversation with the legendary Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms , Buddy and Daniel dive deeper into Joel's journey—how frugality and relentless hard work early on paved the way for his farming dreams to become reality. Is it still possible for aspiring farmers to follow a similar path today? Joel weighs in on the realities of modern farming,...

In this episode, Daniel and Buddy sit down with the one and only Joel Salatin , the self-proclaimed Lunatic Farmer of Polyface Farms . Fresh off attending the Make America Healthy Again Inaugural Ball, Joel shares his unfiltered take on food freedom, government overreach in the food industry, and what’s really at stake when it comes to how we eat. From raw milk laws to burdensome regulations that...

In this episode, Buddy and Daniel sit down with Chris Miller, owner of Miller Tree Experts , to hear his incredible story of perseverance and grit. Growing up in a large family, Chris learned the value of hard work early on. During college, he juggled multiple side jobs, which opened the door to the government contracting world and ultimately led him to entrepreneurship. Chris shares his unique ap...

In this episode, Buddy and Daniel sit down with Alex Griffith of Two Creeks Development . Alex shares his inspiring journey from working construction jobs in college to moving to California and partnering in a family real estate development business. With experience in countless large and small-scale development projects, Alex now calls Richmond, Virginia, home. He discusses how his faith, work et...

Listen in as Daniel and Buddy take a moment to reflect on their business journeys in 2024. In this episode, they share their biggest wins, including unexpected successes and growth moments that shaped their year. They also discuss the tough lessons learned from losses and challenges, offering insight into what they're taking away from those experiences. Looking ahead to 2025, they reveal what...

In this second episode with Ty Walker, owner of Smoke In Chimneys , Daniel and Buddy explore Ty's holistic philosophy on life and business. Ty opens up about what health and sustainability mean to him—not just in his trout farming but as guiding principles for every aspect of his work and personal life. As he shares what’s next for Smoke In Chimneys, Ty discusses his vision for the farm’s fut...

In this episode, Daniel and Buddy sit down with Ty Walker, owner of Smoke In Chimneys , a trout farm nestled in the mountains of Virginia. Ty shares the fascinating twists and turns of his story—from moving to California after college to pursue life as a DJ to finding his way back to his family’s farm. He opens up about the challenges and rejections he's faced, the mindset that helps him push...

In this episode, Daniel and Buddy sit down to catch up on recent life events. From navigating an unexpected family emergency to sharing the latest updates on Seasons' Yield's much-anticipated Fall Fest, they give an inside look at what they've been learning. They also brainstorm four exciting ideas for their next physical feat, aiming to push their limits and grow together through a...

In this episode, Daniel and Buddy sit down with Steve and Christina Hart, Buddy’s neighbors and fellow farmers, to explore Steve’s inspiring journey from a career in the U.S. Army to fulfilling his lifelong dream of living on a family farm. Steve opens up about his vision of the farm as a legacy property for his 8 children and how he’s created a sense of community that reflects a simpler, more con...

In this episode, Daniel and Buddy share exciting updates on their businesses. Daniel unveils the new vision he and Fawn have for Seasons' Yield Cafe, highlighting fresh ideas for the future of the café. He also reflects on a recent, inspiring meeting with Tzurit Or, the renowned owner of Tatte Bakery , where he gleaned three invaluable takeaways: the importance of a business’s concept essence...

In this episode, Daniel and Buddy look at the life and legacy of Sam Walton, the visionary founder of Walmart. Drawing from his business philosophies, they discuss key principles that guided Walton’s journey from a single store in Arkansas to a global retail empire. Daniel and Buddy share practical lessons that can be applied to any business, big or small. Tune in as they explore how Walton’s inno...

In this episode, we sit down with Tina & Kirk Miller, owners of Walkabout Outfitter , a thriving outdoor supplies store with six locations across Virginia. They share their journey from bootstrapping their business to hiring a CEO, all while staying true to their motto of "Encouraging happiness." Tina and Kirk discuss the challenges of navigating COVID as a brick-and-mortar store, co...

In this episode, Daniel and Buddy share stories from their recent guys' trip with the founder of Ice Barrel . Tune in to hear about their icy adventures, the conversations that sparked new perspectives, and the importance of community in both business and life. Join our Facebook Community ! Send us a text message and include your email if you'd like to get in touch! If you find any part o...

In this episode, Buddy and Daniel sit down with Ben Beichler of Creambrook Farm, home to the world's largest raw milk dairy herd share. Almost a year has passed since Ben last joined the podcast, and he shares the significant developments and growing pains Creambrook Farm has experienced since then. From scaling operations to overcoming unexpected challenges, Ben provides an honest look at wh...

In this episode, Buddy and Daniel sit down to reflect on their recent trip to Virginia Beach, where they had the chance to interview a diverse range of entrepreneurs. They dive into the highlights of their conversations, sharing the key insights and lessons they learned. Tune in to hear the stories and advice that left a lasting impression and discover how these takeaways can influence your own pa...

Join us in this inspiring episode as we sit down with Troy and Aimee Grover, a dynamic duo who started their entrepreneurial journey as wedding photographers. Listen as they share how their passion for capturing beautiful moments evolved into launching successful online businesses, and eventually, diving into the world of residential redevelopment. Discover the challenges they faced, the lessons t...

In this episode, we sit down with Leland Gross, the inspiring founder of Peacelink Financial Planning . Leland shares his incredible journey of starting Peacelink during one of the most stressful periods of his life, and how his dedication to caring for people first has fueled the growth of his business. Discover how Leland found his niche by offering a comprehensive, one-stop-shop financial appro...

Join us as we talk with Steve and John Bishard of Bishard Homes in Virginia Beach. They share their journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent name in the home-building industry. In this podcast, you'll hear how their unwavering faith in Jesus Christ and commitment to the gospel have been the foundation of their business and personal lives. Hear how they've built their busine...

In today's episode, we dive deep into the entrepreneurial journey of Hunter Hanger, founder of Hanger Law in Virginia Beach. Join us as we explore the ins and outs of starting multiple businesses, the dynamics of doing business with friends, effective conflict resolution strategies, and what drives Hunter's passion for entrepreneurship today. Send us a text message and include your email...

Join us in this episode as we delve into the inspiring journey of John Powers (Buddy’s younger brother) of Powers & Rawls, Realtors in Virginia Beach. Discover how John and his team took over the family real estate business, emphasizing the value of community in both their professional and personal lives. Through heartwarming stories and insightful discussions, learn how building strong commun...