Bites & Bytes Podcast

• The Recovering Farmer: Gerry Friesen on Farming and Mental Health

  In this episode of the Bites and Bytes Podcast, host Kristin Demoranville sits down with Gerry Friesen, also known as The Recovering Farmer. Gerry grew up on a grain and poultry farm in Manitoba, Canada, later running a hog operation with his brother, before transitioning into mediation and mental health advocacy. His personal journey through financial challenges, anxiety, and depression led him to co-found the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program and write his book, The Recovering Farmer. Together, Kristin and Gerry explore the unique mental health struggles in agriculture, from the isolation of farm work to the pressures of identity, technology, and resilience. They talk about the weight of decision-making, the stigma around seeking help, and why community is essential for farmers and those supporting our food systems. This candid and heartfelt conversation is a must-listen for anyone in agriculture, food production, or critical infrastructure, along with anyone who wants to better understand the human side of farming. Gerry’s honesty and wisdom remind us that it’s okay not to be okay, and that talking openly can be the first step toward healing. --------------- Connect with Gerry Friesen — The Recovering Farmer Website: gerryfriesen.ca Book: “The Recovering Farmer” — available through his website and major retailers Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program: manitobafarmerwelnness.ca LinkedIn Instagram @gerryfriesen --------------- Episode Key Highlights 00:03:05 – Gerry’s diagnosis of anxiety and depression while farming 00:05:09 – Why he calls himself The Recovering Farmer 00:09:08 – The “robot in the silo” story and how tech misses the real problem 00:11:23 – The identity crisis farmers face when leaving the land 00:13:26 – Shame, stigma, and the surprising parallels with cybersecurity 00:17:23 – Why ag-specific counseling and wellness programs matter 00:22:24 – Coping strategies farmers can use in the moment 00:27:37 – GPS tractors, beeping alarms, and the stress of tech in farming 00:30:08 – Stress, decision-making, and resilience 00:35:29 – The message Gerry wants every farmer to hear: “It’s okay not to be okay.” --------------- 📘 Sign up for early updates, exclusive previews, and launch news of Kristin’s book, “Securing What Feeds Us” (working title) here. --------------- 🎤 Book Kristin Demoranville to Speak To invite Kristin to speak at your conference, corporate event, webinar, or workshop, visit the website and submit a request. --------------- 🎤 Bites and Bytes Podcast Info: Website: Explore all our episodes, articles, and more on our official website.   Merch Shop: Show your support with some awesome Bites and Bytes gear! Substack: Stay updated with the latest insights and stories from the world of cybersecurity in the food industry. Schedule a Call with Kristin: Share Your Thoughts Socials:  TikTok; Instagram; LinkedIn; BlueSky --------------- 🛡️ About AnzenSage & AnzenOT AnzenSage is a cybersecurity advisory firm specializing in security resilience for the food, agriculture, zoo, and aquarium industries.  AnzenSage offers practical, strategic guidance to help organizations anticipate risks and build resilience.  Learn more about their offerings at anzensage.com.​ AnzenOT:  Industrial Cyber Risk — Simple.  Smart.  Swift. AnzenOT is the SaaS Risk Management platform built to bring clarity and control to Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity.  Designed for critical infrastructure sectors, AnzenOT translates technical risk into clear, actionable insight for decision-makers.  Explore the platform at anzenot.com. For demo requests or inquiries, email [email protected] or [email protected]

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• Farming Without Apologies: Jonathan Lawler on Bulls, Bullsh*t, and Being Real

  Most people talk about farming. This time, we talk with someone living it. Kristin Demoranville sits down with Jonathan Lawler, also known as the Punk Rock Farmer. He’s a full-time American farmer based in Indiana, a food security advocate, and an agricultural filmmaker who doesn’t pull punches. Jonathan doesn’t speak in soundbites; he tells stories. About what happens when operational tech fails. About the emotional toll of farming through crisis. About how activism, algorithms, and food marketing have warped our view of modern agriculture. This isn’t a polished farm-to-table fantasy. It’s real, raw, and exactly the kind of conversation we should be having, because how can we protect something if we don’t understand it? You’ll hear: What cyber-physical failure actually looks like when animals are on the line Why food insecurity isn’t about food—it’s about broken systems How social media distorts the public’s understanding of farming The unseen toll of disease outbreaks, disruption, and public pressure Why storytelling—not slogans—is agriculture’s most underused tool If you care about food systems, or just want to hear what it’s like to farm without all the  BS… start here. --------------- 🔗 Follow Jonathan Lawler, The Punk Rock Farmer Website: punkfarmermedia.com LinkedIn: Jonathan Lawler Instagram: @thepunkrockfarmer YouTube: Punk Farmer Media Farm:  Brandy Wine Creek Farms --------------- Episode Key Highlights 00:04:32 – How Feeding the Hungry Became a Mission 00:13:28 – Farmers and the Public Narrative 00:18:15 – Animal Welfare Meets Cyber Risk 00:22:40 – Avian Flu and the Reality of Culling 00:26:18 – The Cost of Activist Misinformation 00:32:40 – The Myth of the "Natural" Label 00:38:55 – Infrastructure, Cybersecurity, and Power 00:46:55 – Behind the Scenes of Ag-Focused Film 00:49:10 – How Media Shapes Public Perception of Farmers 00:54:10 – Why Farmers Don’t Speak Up 01:00:38 – Final Thoughts and What Needs to Change --------------- 🎤 Bites and Bytes Podcast Info: Website: Explore all our episodes, articles, and more on our official Website.   Merch Shop: Show your support with some awesome Bites and Bytes gear! Substack: Stay updated with the latest insights and stories from the world of cybersecurity in the food industry. Schedule a Call with Kristin: Share Your Thoughts Socials:  TikTok; Instagram; LinkedIn; BlueSky --------------- 🛡️ About AnzenSage & AnzenOT AnzenSage is a women-owned cybersecurity advisory firm specializing in security resilience for the food, agriculture, zoo, and aquarium industries.  AnzenSage offers practical, strategic guidance to help organizations anticipate risks and build resilience.  Learn more about their offerings at anzensage.com.​ AnzenOT:  Industrial Cyber Risk — Simple.  Smart.  Swift. AnzenOT is the SaaS risk management platform built to bring clarity and control to Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity.  Designed for critical infrastructure sectors, AnzenOT translates technical risk into clear, actionable insight for decision-makers. Explore the platform at anzenot.com. For demo requests or inquiries, email [email protected] or [email protected] --------------- 🎤 Book Kristin Demoranville to Speak To invite Kristin to speak at your conference, corporate event, webinar, or workshop, visit the website and submit a request.

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• Hiring for the Frontlines of Critical Infrastructure with Nathaniel Smith

  What does it take to build a cybersecurity workforce capable of protecting the systems that keep the lights on and food on our plates? In this episode, host Kristin Demoranville is joined by Nathaniel Smith, Co-Founder and VP at SR2, a purpose-driven recruitment firm. Nathaniel, who specializes in hiring OT/ICS, brings over 14 years of recruiting experience and a refreshing dose of honesty to the challenges of hiring in critical infrastructure. Together, they explore what makes a strong Operational Technology (OT) candidate, why culture fit matters as much as technical skills, and how broken hiring processes often keep the best people out. For sectors like food and agriculture, where operational technology is directly tied to safety, production, and public trust, getting the right people into the right roles isn’t just important. It’s essential. --------------- Show Notes: Mike Holcomb’s Episode (here) SEC Ruling on Disclosure of Cyber Incidents (here) 📘 Sign up for early updates, exclusive previews, and launch news of Kristin’s book, “Securing What Feeds Us” (working title) here. 📖 Kristin will also be sharing updates, behind-the-scenes chaos, and the occasional existential crisis over on her personal Substack 🎤 Book Kristin Demoranville to speak at your conference, corporate event, or workshop. --------------- Episode Key Highlights 00:04:50 – OT as Public Service 00:08:27 – Recruiter Perspective in OT 00:09:42 – What Makes a Good OT Hire 00:12:04 – Trust and Floor Experience 00:13:59 – OT vs. IT Culture 00:18:09 – The Talent Shortage Myth 00:20:18 – Broken Hiring Systems 00:22:50 – Job Descriptions That Miss the Mark 00:27:00 – Current OT Hiring Trends 00:29:30 – Who’s Hiring in OT 00:32:00 – Community in OT 00:33:00 – Why Specialized Recruiting Matters --------------- 🎤 Bites and Bytes Podcast Info: Website: Explore all our episodes, articles, and more on our official Website.   Merch Shop: Show your support with some awesome Bites and Bytes gear! Socials:  TikTok; Instagram; LinkedIn; Substack --------------- 🛡️ About AnzenSage & AnzenOT AnzenSage is a women-owned cybersecurity advisory firm specializing in security resilience for the food, agriculture, zoo, and aquarium industries.  AnzenSage offers practical, strategic guidance to help organizations anticipate risks and build resilience.  Learn more about their offerings at anzensage.com.​ AnzenOT Industrial Cyber Risk — Simple.  Smart.  Swift. AnzenOT is the SaaS risk management platform built to bring clarity and control to Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity.  Designed for critical infrastructure sectors, AnzenOT translates technical risk into clear, actionable insight for decision-makers. Sign up for a free trial (here) Explore the platform at anzenot.com For demo requests or inquiries, email [email protected] or [email protected]

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• Inside Ag Research with Colson Steber: Trust and Tech in Farming

  In this episode of Bites and Bytes Podcast, Kristin sits down with Colson Steber, co-CEO of Qlarity Access, Ag Access, CEO of Vet Access, and a voice for intentional, human-centered innovation in agriculture.  With nearly two decades of experience conducting market research for some of the biggest names in agriculture, Colson shares why understanding farmers is essential before offering them another piece of tech. Together, they discuss how agriculture has evolved, particularly with the rise of precision technology, the aging workforce, and the pressure on first-generation farmers to do more with less. From the hidden costs of AgTech adoption to the overlooked value of legacy knowledge, Colson breaks down why empathy, trust, and real feedback matter more than ever. This episode touches on everything from the future of food traceability and sustainability to what farmers are actually thinking when you pitch them the “next big thing.” Whether you're in AgTech, food production, or just curious about how our food systems are shaped by research and technology, you’ll walk away with a richer understanding of what it really takes to serve the people who feed us. 📘 Sign up for early updates, exclusive previews, and launch news of Kristin’s book, “Securing What Feeds Us” (working title) here. 📖 Kristin will also be sharing updates, behind-the-scenes chaos, and the occasional existential crisis over on her personal Substack 🎤 Book Kristin Demoranville to speak at your conference, corporate event, or workshop. --------------- Episode Key Highlights 00:11:30 – Why market research in ag is misunderstood 00:20:12 – Farmers aren't your user, they're your customer 00:25:50 – The burden of legacy vs. innovation in ag 00:33:04 – How tech fatigue is reshaping adoption 00:36:22 – Colson’s take on trust as a technology --------------- 🎤 Bites and Bytes Podcast Info: Website: Explore all our episodes, articles, and more on our official Website.   Merch Shop: Show your support with some awesome Bites and Bytes gear! Socials:  TikTok; Instagram; LinkedIn; Substack --------------- 🛡️ About AnzenSage & AnzenOT AnzenSage is a women-owned cybersecurity advisory firm specializing in security resilience for the food, agriculture, zoo, and aquarium industries.  AnzenSage offers practical, strategic guidance to help organizations anticipate risks and build resilience.  Their services include: Security Resilience Advisory Security Resilience Assessments Security Awareness & Training Exercise, Drill & Scenario Workshops Learn more about their offerings at anzensage.com.​ AnzenOT Industrial Cyber Risk — Simple.  Smart.  Swift. AnzenOT is the SaaS risk management platform built to bring clarity and control to Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity.  Designed for critical infrastructure sectors, AnzenOT translates technical risk into clear, actionable insight for decision-makers. Key features include: AI-powered analytics Quantified risk scoring & impact zones Compliance & regulatory alignment ESG integration for sector-specific reporting Explore the platform at anzenot.com For demo requests or inquiries, email [email protected] or [email protected]

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• Camille Hardy on Building a Tech-Savvy Food Startup from the Ground Up

  What does it really take to launch a perishable food brand that refuses to cut corners?   In this episode of The Bites and Bytes Podcast, host Kristin Demoranville talks with Camille Hardy, founder and CEO of Chunky Vegan, about building a baby food company that blends clean ingredients, operational resilience, and cybersecurity from the ground up. Camille brings decades of experience from Disney, NBCUniversal, and Sony Pictures in enterprise IT, but it was a simple trip to the grocery store that lit the fuse.  What started as frustration over toddler food labels evolved into a mission: to build a brand that embodies transparency, safety, and smarter technology across the food supply chain. You’ll hear: • How Camille’s corporate IT background gave her an edge in food startup chaos • The hidden costs (and ethical choices) of making clean food for infants • Why packaging, yes, even the glass, matters more than you think • Where AI is already improving forecasting, planning, and personalization • The role of cybersecurity and data privacy in food startups, even small ones • Real talk on sourcing, compliance, and what the future of nutrition could look like If you work in food, agriculture, supply chain, food safety, or startup innovation, or just care about what we feed the next generation, this episode is a must-listen. Show Notes: BBC article “How humanity has changed the food it eats” --------------- Episode Key Highlights 00:05:44 – Why Camille Started Chunky Vegan 00:14:10 – The Challenges of Producing Fresh Baby Food 00:15:30 – Why They Follow UK Food Standards Over U.S. 00:22:33 – Farm Sourcing, Traceability & Food Safety Practices 00:26:48 – Even Glass Jars Need to Be Tested for Lead 00:30:24 – AI Plans for Ingredient Sourcing & Custom Meals 00:32:29 – Cybersecurity, Privacy & Encrypted Customer Data 00:36:35 – Failover Plans, Cyber Resilience & Small Biz Security 00:38:26 – Future Plans: Senior Nutrition & Store Expansion 00:43:16 – What Needs to Change in Food: Cold Chain Affordability --------------- 🎤 Bites and Bytes Podcast Info: Visit Now:  Explore all our episodes, articles, and more on our official Website.   Shop Now: Show your support with some awesome Bites and Bytes gear! Read Our Blog: Stay updated with the latest insights and stories from the world of cybersecurity in the food industry.   Take the Survey: We value your feedback!  Could you help us make the Podcast even better? Schedule a Call with Kristin: Share Your Thoughts.  Schedule Now TikTok; Instagram; LinkedIn; Substack --------------- 🛡️ About AnzenSage & AnzenOT AnzenSage is a women-owned cybersecurity advisory firm specializing in security resilience for the food, agriculture, zoo, and aquarium industries.  AnzenSage offers practical, strategic guidance to help organizations anticipate risks and build resilience.  Their services include: Security Resilience Advisory Security Resilience Assessments Security Awareness & Training Exercise, Drill & Scenario Workshops Learn more about their offerings at anzensage.com.​ AnzenOT Industrial Cyber Risk — Simple.  Smart.  Swift. AnzenOT is the SaaS risk management platform built to bring clarity and control to Operational Technology (OT) cybersecurity.  Designed for critical infrastructure sectors, AnzenOT translates technical risk into clear, actionable insight for decision-makers. Key features include: AI-powered analytics Quantified risk scoring & impact zones Compliance & regulatory alignment ESG integration for sector-specific reporting Explore the platform at anzenot.com For demo requests or inquiries, email [email protected] or [email protected] --------------- 🎤 Book Kristin Demoranville to Speak To invite Kristin to speak at your conference, corporate event, or workshop, visit anzensage.com/speaking and submit a request.

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