A podcast from two instructors in Mechanized Agriculture at Fresno State. Topics cover welding, tractors and equipment, basic shop skills, hydraulics, teaching, farming, and anything in between.
In this episode, we interview another current student of ours, Jaime De Anda. Jaime is from Bakersfield, CA, and graduated from Mira Monte High School. He is currently studying Agricultural Education with an emphasis in Agricultural Mechanics at Fresno State. During high school, Jaime was a state winner in the Agricultural Mechanics CDE, demonstrating his skill and passion for the field early on. Now, as a college student, he has been actively involved in our program, contributing to various activities and events. Tune in to hear about his journey in ag education, his experiences in ag mechanics, and his future aspirations in the industry. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website for the latest episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this episode, we sit down with Yesenia Ramirez, an Ag Mechanics teacher at Central High School (Fresno-Central) and Fresno State, where she teaches night classes. With roots in Kerman High School and a degree from Fresno State's Ag Mechanics program, Yesenia has dedicated her career to shaping the future of agricultural education. As a key contributor to FFA Field Day and deeply involved in various ag mechanics initiatives, she shares her journey, passion for teaching, and insights into the ever-evolving world of ag mechanics education. Join us as we explore how she is helping foster the next generation of leaders in agriculture. If you have questions Yesenia can be reached through his email yramirez@centralusd.k12.ca.us
In this episode, we discuss the future of Ag Mechanics, exploring potential changes to state standards and the direction the field may take moving forward. If you topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is clmckenna@mail.fresnostate.edu or jswilliams@mail.fresnostate.edu Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/
In this episode we give you an update on the Fall 2024 semester, what we have been up to, and some new opportunities that we have moving forward. We have set a schedule to record more often so we do not have a big break in-between episodes. If you topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is clmckenna@mail.fresnostate.edu or jswilliams@mail.fresnostate.edu Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages:
In this episode, we interview another current student of ours, Braden Fowler. Braden is from Auburn, CA. Braden was originally an education major but changed his major and is currently an Ag Education major with an emphasis in Agriculture Mechanics. He as been a part of our program for the past two years and has helped with multiple activities. This past year he took on the role of co-chair for the Small Gas Engines CDE. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website for the latest episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this episode we give you an update on CATA summer conference, what we have been up, and we spend a little time honouring our mentor Ken Heupel. If you topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is clmckenna@mail.fresnostate.edu or jswilliams@mail.fresnostate.edu Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
After over two months we are back. In this episode we talk about conferences. The best parts, the worst parts and what we hope to get out of any conference or workshops we go to. This episode was recorded while driving down so you may hear some background noise as a result. If you topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is clmckenna@mail.fresnostate.edu or jswilliams@mail.fresnostate.edu Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this episode we talk about the California curriculum standards in Agriculture Mechanics. We discuss good standards, standards that need to be removed or changed, and what new standards we think should be added. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is clmckenna@mail.fresnostate.edu or jswilliams@mail.fresnostate.edu Check out the podcast website you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
It has been a while, but we finally have some new episodes. In this episode, we talk about shop organization and clean up. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is clmckenna@mail.fresnostate.edu or jswilliams@mail.fresnostate.edu Check out the podcast website you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
It has been a while, but we finally have some new episodes. In this episode we talk about building partnerships and how to maintain them within your community. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is clmckenna@mail.fresnostate.edu or jswilliams@mail.fresnostate.edu Check out the podcast website you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this episode, we interview another current student of ours, Elysabeth Gomez. Elysabeth is from Madera and went to Madera South High School and like our last guest was not involved in the FFA in high school. Elysabeth was new to the ag mechanics world when she decided last semester that she wanted to change her emphasis to ag mechanics. Even though she is new she has gained a lot of skills in the past year that are going to make her a great ag mechanics teacher. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website for the latest episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this episode, we got to interview a former student of ours, McCaleb Pewitt. McCaleb is currently a second lieutenant in the Air Force. McCaleb is from Clovis and unlike most of our guests was not involved in the FFA in high school. He is somebody that we are both proud to say we got the opportunity to have as a student in our classes and our excited about his future with the military. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website for the latest episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
It has been a while, but we finally have some new episodes. In this episode, we talk about safety and updates on the doc program and textbook progress. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is clmckenna@mail.fresnostate.edu or jswilliams@mail.fresnostate.edu Check out the podcast website you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
This episode Johnny and I wrote up another 10 questions each and then quizzed each other. Play along and see how well you can score with this episode. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this episode we talk about textbooks. John is currently working on updating the Agriculture Mechanics Fundamentals and Applications book and we thought this would be a great topic to discuse. We ask questions like what purpose do they serve? How do we use them to design our curriculum? How do we have students use them in class? If you topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is clmckenna@mail.fresnostate.edu or jswilliams@mail.fresnostate.edu Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this episode we talk about what its like going back school. After taking some time away from being a student, how does it feel to move from the teacher role back to being a student. If you topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this episode we get to talk to Dr. Sam Rodriguez. Dr. Rodriguez is currently an Assistant Professor in the Animal Sciences and Ag Education Department at Fresno State. Dr. Rod, as he tells his students to call him, has been in the teaching profession for 25 years and taught at the high school and community college, and now the university level. Dr. Rod currently works with the Ag Ed students and student teachers and his wide range of experience is of great value to his students. If you have questions Dr. Sam Rodriguez can be reached through his email smrodrig@csufresno.edu If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this episode we talk about curriculum and making changes even after 15+ years of teaching. How change can be a great thing, but can also be hard to do after you have developed a way of teaching. If you topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this episode we get to talk to Charlie Abee. Charlie is currently teaching at College of the Sequoias (COS) in the area of agriculture mechanics and specializes in ag irrigation. Charlie has been in the teaching profession for 15 years and taught high school before moving into his current role. Charlie was in the neighborhood working with some local farmers so we took the opportunity to get him on the podcast. Although Johnny and I have known Charlie for a very long time we are excited that we get to share his knowledge with all of you as well. If you have questions Charlie can be reached through his email charlesa@cos.edu If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this free for all episode we talk about anything but our normal topics. Topics range from sports, fantasy teams, books, GRE, and who knows what else. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
Coming out of CATA there was some discussion on Facebook about the Ag Mechanics Curricular Code. We talk about some points that were brought up and how John and myself read the code. We also offer our suggestion on what should be done going forward in the future. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this episode we dicuss the week of CATA summer conference, what we are looking forward to and share some clean funny stories about past conferences. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
This episode Johnny and I wrote up 10 questions each and then quizzed each other. This was really fun and you can play along too and see how you would have scored against us. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this 103rd episode we talk about the importance of graduation and what is means for your students. Johnny also gives us a history lesson on education over the years. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this episode Daniel Peden. Daniel is currently a student at Fresno State majoring in Plant Science and soon will start the Masters program in Plant Sicence. Daniel comes to use from Turlock High School and like most of our guest was involved the the FFA program taking full advantage of that program. Daniel is somebody that is always working on something from the reasearch projects or projects in the shop. Even though he won our FUBAR award this year he is still a net postivtive to have in the shops. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this episode we let the students (Nick, Ayden, and John) run the show. This may be the last time we let this happen, but let us know how you think they did. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
Finally hit episode 100. We look back at the start of this fun little adventure we started two and half years ago. Remembering some of the best moments and guests that we have had. We are looking forward to the next 100. Thank you to all of listeners and guest that have made this podcast a success. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this episode we talk about experts. What is an expert, do you consider yourself an expert and how we feel like you can become an expert. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this episode we recap the FFA Field day and how things went, issues/problems and how much we enjoy putting them. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this episode Ayden Garcia. Ayden is currently a student at Fresno State majoring in Agriculture Education with an emphasis in Agrcitultural Mechanics. Ayden comes to us from Chowchilla High School were his was active in the FFA program. We have had the pleasure of not only having Ayden as a student, but also get to work with him across the yard where he is a student assistant in the maintaince shop. With his knowledge and experience we know that Ayden will make an excellent teacher. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this episode Johnny and I discuss midterms, unit tests and the value they provide to us as teachers. Our Pateron account will start up soon just waiting for one last detail to launch that if you want to suppor the podcast. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this episode Johnny and I talk about CATA Regional meetings and some changes that we believe need to happen to help beneift our members. Our Pateron account will start up soon just waiting for one last detail to launch that if you want to suppor the podcast. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this episode John Rowe. John is currently a student at Fresno State majoring in Agriculture Education with an emphasis in Agrcitultural Mechanics. John is from the Merced area and was a very invovled in the agriculture program at Merced High when he was student. He has been taking lots of Mechanics classes to further his eduction and with his knowledge and enthusiasm we know John will make a teacher. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this episode Johnny and I talk about the World Ag Expo and our experience there, new technologies and other information we gathered from the show. I apologize for my audio we had some technical difficulties and I did my best to get the my audio for you to hear. Our Pateron account will start up soon just waiting for one last detail to launch that if you want to suppor the podcast. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this weeks episode we talk about the old school vs new school and the pros and cons of both. This topic may stir up some debate so feel free to let us know if you agree or disagree with what said. Our Pateron account will start up soon just waiting for one last detail to launch that if you want to suppor the podcast. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this episode we have a moment of silence for the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers. We also talk about the perceptions and duties of a Ag Mechanics teacher. Why so many are getting burned out and how we can help each other to get through the ruff patches in this career. Our Pateron account will start up soon just waiting for one last detail to launch that if you want to suppor the podcast. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
We are chaning the format slightly and with the full episodes and tailgate combined we are officially on our 90th episode. We are still going to be having tailgate and full episodes just not always one right after the other. In this weeks episode we talk about how we troubleshoot and problem solve issues as they arise and the different approaches that you can take. Our Pateron account will start up soon just waiting for one last detail to launch that if you want to suppor the podcast. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this episode Darrel Chang. Darrel is currently working in the MAG program at Reedley College. Darrel may be new to this profession, but he speaks like he has been teacher for years. Darrel has had the opportunity to work in a few different industries which allows him to bring in a wealth of experience that makes him a great teacher. We have enjoyed getting to know him and are happy that we get to share that with all of you as well. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this tailgate we talk about the new score card for the Mechanized Agricultural Technology (MAT) contest. This is all for the new juding tabs program Judging Card that all State Finals contest will be moving to. It was also Johnny's 40th birthday the other day. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
This weeks episode is part 3 of our discussion on the Mechanics CDEs. This week we talk about the Fabrication Contest and the Ag Mechanics Fair CDE. If you are looking for information about the Fabrication Contest contact Jeff Kirby jkirby@yosemiteusd.org or Brian Donovan bdonovan@kingsburghigh.com If you are looking for information about the Ag Mechanics Fair CDE contact Dan Crookham DCrookham@exeterk12.org If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this tailgate we talk about the annoying fads and genral things that students do. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
This weeks episode is part 1 of our discussion on the Mechanics CDEs. This week we talk about the Farm Power and Agriculture Mechanics contests. We talk about the pros and cons and give some advice to help coach these teams. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this tailgate we talk about John's bad, but not so bad day. We talk about how we can aviod issues with setting up labs and how we handle when things go wrong. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
This weeks episode is part 1 of our discussion on the Mechanics CDEs. This week we talk about the Farm Power and Agriculture Mechanics contests. We talk about the pros and cons and give some advice to help coach these teams. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this tailgate we talk about how you submit changes for curricular code and how to submit a new contest. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this episode we discuss a new contest Agriculture Mechanics Fair. Dan Crookham is the one who proposed creating this contest. He comes on to talk about what is invovled in the contest and how others can get participate and even set up a local contest. This contest is another opportunity to get your students involved and showcase what you are doing in your program. Links for questions from Dan or about the contest can be found below. Dan Crookham DCrookham@exeterk12.org Ag Mechanics Fair Document Dan also mentioned the movie 'Best in show' so I wanted to make sure it was in the description. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this tailgate we talk about the time you put in as an ag teacher and some adivce how to get that work life balance. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this episode we discuss the differences between what we learn in the classroom vs what we learn from on the job training and just building projects. As always we have a few blinkers that take us off in different tangents. Hope you enjoy this episode. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this tailgate we have a short conversation/interview with one of our current students Nick Lara. Nick comes from North High FFA chapter and is currently studying Ag Education with an emphasis in Agricultural Mechanics. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
This week with all the heat that we have going on we are talking shop environments. And we also go in a billion different directions as well. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
In this tailgate we talk about how you can find a mentor or be a mentor to other agriculture teachers. If you have topic ideas or want to reach out to us our email is SGRpodcast@gmail.com Check out the podcast website at you can also check out the last episode in full length using the link https://safetyglassesrequired.libsyn.com/ Check out our YouTube pages: John Chris
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