Podcast appearances and mentions of emerald city productions

We mark a major milestone with our 100th episode by stepping back to look at where the vineyard industry has been and where it's headed next. Fritz walks us through what's in, what's out, and what's coming for growers who want to stay profitable and resilient. We start with the changing economics of grape growing. Planting Cab, Merlot, or Syrah on speculation no longer pencils out in an oversupplied market. Instead, we focus on matching varieties to region, climate (including future climate), water availability, disease pressure, and a clearly defined sales channel.  From there, we connect vineyard design to labor and equipment realities. We move away from high‑input, labor‑intensive layouts and toward simpler, mechanization‑friendly systems that can eventually support autonomous tools.  We then turn to the vineyard floor, moving from bare soil and blanket herbicide programs to living systems built around cover crops, reduced tillage, and grazing with sheep. By the end, we have a clear picture of the practices that are fading, the ones gaining momentum, and the directions we can embrace to stay ahead in the next decade of grape growing.  We look forward to the next 100 episodes! In this episode, you will hear: Planting on speculation is out; committed buyers and clear sales channels are in Variety selection must fit climate, water, disease pressure, and market identity High-input, labor-intensive designs are giving way to mechanization‑friendly trellis systems and layouts Soil and irrigation should be managed as one integrated system Living vineyard floors are key to long‑term soil health Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners.

Dr. Katie Gold and Dave Combs from Cornell University join Fritz to unpack one of the most confusing topics facing winegrape growers today: how biological fungicides truly fit into a spray program. Katie explains how the Cornell grape pathology program has expanded rapidly, moving from strictly conventional efficacy trials into extensive work with biologicals as more of these products come out of R&D pipelines. She outlines why growers can't rely on "the next new conventional" anymore and how biologicals are becoming essential tools for sustainable disease management and resistance stewardship. Dave brings decades of field experience and shares how his initial skepticism about biologicals shifted after seeing modern products perform on highly disease‑prone varieties in one of the toughest vineyards for powdery mildew, downy mildew, black rot, and bunch rots. Together, they walk through what "compatibility" really means and why water pH, formulation, and whether an organism is alive or dead matter far more than many growers realize. Listeners learn why mixing biologicals and conventionals in the same tank often provides no added control (and may waste money), where negative interactions can show up, and why tightening intervals and understanding infection periods is critical when working with protectant biologicals.  In this episode, you will hear: Why more new products in the pipeline are biologicals rather than conventional chemistries How Cornell's high‑pressure pathology vineyard reveals the real-world limits and strengths of biologicals Why many biologicals are strictly protectants and must be applied before significant disease is present How tank mixing biologicals with conventionals can reduce cost-effectiveness without improving control Why understanding water chemistry, pH, and product formulation is now an essential spray-program strategy Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners.

Small vineyard decisions made early in the season can create major ripple effects later in the year, and in this episode, Fritz breaks down three vineyard management tasks that are frequently skipped, delayed, or underestimated despite their outsized impact on vine health, fruit quality, and long-term vineyard performance. Fritz focuses first on shoot thinning and explains why timing is everything. He walks through the economic and practical advantages of thinning early, including improved spray penetration, better airflow, easier hand harvesting, and even reduced pruning labor during dormancy.  He then explains why bloom and veraison sampling windows are critical for understanding nutrient status and preventing deficiencies before they become costly problems. Lastly, he tackles water stress monitoring and the common misconceptions surrounding vineyard stress.  Listen in for practical ways growers can monitor irrigation effectiveness, evaluate soil moisture, and avoid relying solely on visual assumptions about vine stress levels. Remember, better data leads to better vineyard decisions. In this episode, you will hear: Early shoot thinning can improve fruit quality, airflow, spray coverage, and long-term pruning efficiency Delayed shoot thinning increases labor costs and creates more winter pruning wounds susceptible to trunk disease Tissue sampling at bloom and veraison helps growers identify nutrient deficiencies before productivity suffers Leaf blade sampling may provide more reliable nutrient data than petiole sampling for many nutrients Water stress should be monitored with both field observation and measurable soil moisture data Excess vigor, nutrient imbalance, weather extremes, fungal disease, and insects can all contribute to flower browning during bloom Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners.

How Agents Are Driving Operational Efficiency in B2B Commerce Featuring Derek Neff, Studio Science Derek Neff discusses how agentic commerce is transforming B2B buying through conversational AI, predictive purchasing, and operational efficiency. He shares how brands are using intelligent commerce experiences to simplify reordering, improve customer service, and create faster, more personalized buying journeys for dealers, service teams, and customers alike.   Manufacturing's Digital Future: How Agents and LLMs Are Transforming B2B Featuring Shane Smyth, Saltbox Shane Smyth explores how manufacturers are modernizing legacy commerce systems with AI-powered search, self-service buying experiences, and intelligent product configuration. The conversation highlights how agents can simplify complex B2B processes such as warranty claims, replacement parts, and post-purchase support while helping manufacturers deliver more efficient, scalable customer experiences.   The Concierge Experience: Agentic Commerce in Luxury and B2B Featuring Trish Myers, Account Executive with Salesforce Trish Myers explains how agentic commerce is creating personalized, concierge-style shopping experiences across both luxury retail and B2B commerce. She shares how AI agents are helping brands accelerate the path from product discovery to purchase through conversational recommendations, cross-channel support, and more intuitive customer interactions. Show Highlights: Agentic commerce and the future of AI-driven buying experiences Conversational AI for B2B ordering and customer service Manufacturing digital transformation with intelligent commerce platforms Search-first commerce experiences powered by LLMs and agents Warranty claims, replacement parts, and post-purchase automation Personalized luxury and retail shopping with AI concierge experiences Unified data, operational efficiency, and scalable commerce innovation Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. *** Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.  

We are back with another solo episode! Fritz dives into the world of Reddit viticulture advice to separate helpful guidance from misleading recommendations. Using real vineyard and winemaking questions pulled from Reddit threads, Fritz evaluates the quality of the responses while adding his own professional perspective. The episode covers a wide range of vineyard topics, but throughout it, Fritz highlights an important lesson for growers at every level: context matters. Many online answers contain kernels of truth, but successful vineyard management depends on site conditions, climate, soil, vine age, regional disease pressure, and long-term goals. He explains why broad internet advice often lacks the specificity growers actually need to make confident decisions. Listeners will come away with a fresh perspective on vineyard establishment, irrigation management, pruning strategies, disease prevention, and realistic expectations for small-scale winegrowing projects. In this episode, you will hear: Establishing vineyards in cool climates like the UK and Northern Europe PIWI grape varieties and disease-resistant planting strategies Realistic timelines for vineyard establishment and first harvests Challenges of starting and managing a small hobby vineyard Irrigation management for young vines during extreme summer heat Reviving neglected Frontenac and Edelweiss vineyards in the Midwest Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners.

Agentic Commerce Explained: How Salesforce is Revolutionizing the End-to-End E-commerce ExperienceFeaturing Ata Tahiroglu, Salesforce Ata Tahiroglu breaks down the concept of agentic commerce and how Salesforce is transforming the full customer journey through AI-powered agents. He highlights the convergence of owned platforms, third-party ecosystems, and messaging channels to create seamless, personalized experiences that accelerate the path from intent to purchase.    From Organic Search to Agentic Search: Changes in Consumer BehaviorFeaturing Jon Jessup Jon Jessup explores the shift from traditional search to agent-driven discovery. He discusses the growing importance of intent data, conversational commerce, and emerging technologies like RCS messaging in driving engagement and conversions. Listeners will learn how brands can adapt to a multi-channel, AI-powered landscape to stay competitive.    Agents, Search, and Merch: The Future of CommerceFeaturing Lindsay Von Luma, Syntheium AI Lindsay Von Luma dives into the intersection of AI, merchandising, and product discovery, highlighting how brands can bridge the gap between customer expectations and real experiences. She explains how Syntheium AI empowers merchandisers to take a more proactive role in shaping discovery, using advanced models and streamlined tools to improve efficiency and outcomes.    Agentic Commerce, Gifting, and Generative AI at Dreamforce 2025Featuring Kyle Montgomery, Generous Kyle Montgomery shares the vision behind Generous, a consumer app leveraging AI to make gifting more thoughtful, personalized, and seamless. He discusses how agentic commerce protocols enable new business models that prioritize first-party data, human connection, and meaningful experiences. Show Highlights: Agentic commerce and AI agents transforming end-to-end shopping experiences Shift from traditional search to agent-driven and conversational discovery Importance of personalization through data, context, and customer behavior Convergence of channels, including web, social, messaging, and third-party platforms Role of AI in merchandising and improving product discovery efficiency Emerging technologies like RCS and their impact on customer engagement Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. *** Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.

In this conversation at Dreamforce, Caleb sits down with Matt Gorniak, founder and CEO of Threekit. We explore how lightning-fast AI innovation is reshaping how consumers and businesses buy. Matt shares how Threekit powers immersive, visual experiences that turn discovery into delight. From Louis Vuitton's interactive monogram customizer to B2B building materials where architects and homeowners configure windows, doors, and entire rooms with photorealistic previews, the focus is on emotional connection and effortless personalization. A standout insight comes from Matt's own experiment: he used ChatGPT to research local codes, select permeable pavers, and get contractor validation, front-loading the entire decision process. The result? Buying decisions now accelerate from inspiration to purchase at unprecedented speed. Caleb and Matt both emphasize that speed alone isn't enough — trust is non-negotiable. Brands must deliver transparent, reliable AI experiences grounded in decades of earned credibility. Listeners will learn how to make complex configuration invisible and joyful, why visualization wins loyalty across luxury and industrial verticals, and how to build agentic commerce that buyers actually trust. Show Highlights: Rapid AI innovation and Salesforce OpenAI partnership accelerating agentic commerce   Threekit enabling immersive visualization and personalization for luxury and B2B   Matt's personal AI-powered paver replacement process front-loading decisions with contractor validation   Importance of trust and seamless invisible technology in the fast AI buying journey   Buying decisions accelerating dramatically from inspiration to confirmation and purchase Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: Matt Gorniak, Threekit: matt@threekit.com  *** Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.  

At Dreamforce in San Francisco, we sit down with Keith Messick, CMO at Vercel, to unpack how composability, AI, and what he calls the "digital push-up" are shaping the next phase of the internet and commerce. A key theme of the conversation is the shift toward agentic commerce, where AI agents increasingly represent both consumers and brands. As these agents interact and transact with one another, businesses must rethink how digital experiences are built. Keith explains why composable architecture gives organizations the agility to innovate quickly and adapt to constantly evolving customer expectations. We also discuss how tools powered by generative AI are democratizing development. With natural language interfaces and AI-assisted coding, creating applications and digital experiences is becoming accessible to far more people than ever before. At the same time, this rapid expansion introduces new considerations around security, trust, and the management of massive amounts of AI-generated code. Show Highlights: Composable and headless architecture enabling faster innovation in digital commerce How Vercel helps developers ship faster with framework-defined infrastructure Generative AI and natural language are making app and website creation more accessible Security and trust challenges created by the explosion of AI-generated code The growing importance of structured data and documentation for AI-driven discovery Why speed, performance, and strong information architecture still matter for search and AI ranking Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. *** Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are powerful tools that can dramatically influence vine performance, but they also come with complexity and risk. In this episode, Fritz welcomes back Dr. Matthew W. Fidelibus of UC Davis to explore how these compounds are used across table, raisin, and wine grape production. Dr. Fidelibus explains that PGRs include both naturally occurring plant hormones and synthetic compounds that mimic hormonal effects. While they've long been foundational in table grape production, their use in winegrapes is far less common and more nuanced. The conversation highlights how sensitivity to timing, rate, and variety is critical, with even small misapplications potentially affecting fruit set, bud development, or yields across multiple seasons. Fritz and Dr. Fidelibus dig into specific compounds like gibberellic acid, abscisic acid, and ethephon, discussing how they can influence berry size, cluster architecture, color development, and ripening. They also explore emerging research on improving color in virus-affected vineyards, delaying ripening in warm climates, and even modifying aroma profiles. A key takeaway is that PGRs are not a one-size-fits-all solution. They require careful evaluation, regulatory compliance, and, ideally, small-scale trials before broader use. For growers facing challenges like poor fruit set, uneven ripening, or compact clusters, these tools may offer targeted solutions — but only when used with precision and a strong understanding of vine physiology. Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of both the potential and the pitfalls of incorporating PGRs into vineyard management. In this episode, you will hear: Overview of plant growth regulators and how they influence vine physiology Historical use of PGRs in table and raisin grape production Key compounds like gibberellic acid, abscisic acid, and ethephon Applications for cluster thinning, berry sizing, and color development Challenges and risks of using PGRs in winegrapes Emerging research, including virus mitigation and ripening control Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners.

Recorded at Dreamforce, we explore the next era of shopping with Rishabh Jain of Fermat and how agentic commerce is reshaping the customer journey. We discuss the rapid rise of AI-powered discovery, where platforms like ChatGPT are becoming a primary entry point for consumers, and what that shift means for brands.  The conversation dives into the need for rich, contextual, and shoppable content, along with delivering seamless experiences across channels. We also unpack the convergence of behavioral and identity data to drive personalization, and why trust and authenticity are critical.  Show Highlights: ChatGPT and LLMs emerging as primary shopping entry points Shift from traditional SEO to rich, shoppable content Seamless, context-aware experiences across channels Convergence of behavioral and identity data for personalization Agentic commerce across search, merchandising, and personal shopping Trust and authenticity as competitive advantages in AI-driven commerce Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. *** Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Recorded live at Dreamforce, we have a conversation with Amy McNamara from Forter to unpack how agentic commerce and AI are transforming retail. As AI-powered agents begin transacting on behalf of consumers, the discussion centers on how this shift is redefining trust, fraud prevention, and customer experience. Amy shares how traditional rules-based systems fall short in this new landscape, where transactions are no longer tied to a single device or channel. Instead, Forter focuses on the identity behind each interaction, using a global identity graph to determine trustworthiness regardless of where or how a transaction occurs. This approach helps retailers reduce friction for legitimate customers while staying ahead of evolving fraud tactics. The conversation also explores the rise of new fraud vectors, including bot-driven abuse and account takeovers, alongside the growing need for visibility into agentic activity. Listeners will learn how leading brands can balance seamless experiences with strong security, and why trust is becoming the foundation of successful, AI-driven commerce. Show Highlights: Limitations of traditional rules based fraud prevention Identity driven approach to trust across channels and touchpoints Rise of new fraud vectors including bots and account takeovers Importance of visibility into agentic activity on retail sites Balancing seamless customer experiences with strong security Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. *** Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.

Modern ecommerce success depends on more than simply getting customers to a checkout page. In this episode, we speak with Jeff Cannon, CEO of Yoga Democracy, about how brands can improve conversion by combining smarter technology, authentic content, and data-driven insights. Jeff discusses Yoga Democracy's recent move to Agentforce Commerce, where the company launched a streamlined storefront and is now focused on refining the customer journey. By analyzing traffic from channels like TikTok and Facebook, the team can better understand where visitors originate and why some do not convert. Improvements such as curated collections, wishlists, and product recommendations help guide shoppers toward completing a purchase. A key theme is the power of user-generated content. Real customer photos provide social validation and help shoppers visualize fit and style, making purchasing decisions easier. The conversation also explores how AI and conversational search are reshaping commerce, enabling more personalized shopping experiences and new pathways from inspiration to purchase. Show Highlights: Using traffic data from social channels to understand conversion gaps Optimizing product collections and recommendations to increase purchases The role of user-generated content in building trust and engagement Connecting social media inspiration to the on-site shopping journey How AI and conversational search may reshape online product discovery Preparing brands for future commerce driven by data and personalization Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. *** Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.

What does it take for a legacy brand to stay ahead in a world where customers are increasingly turning to AI for answers instead of traditional search? In this conversation, we sit down with Nick Ljubi, Director of Product for front-end applications at ScottsMiracle-Gro, to unpack how the company is rethinking its digital foundation to deliver more personalized, contextual customer experiences. Nick shares how Scotts is unifying its branded websites and consolidating B2B and B2C channels into a single, modern ecosystem built on Salesforce. Rather than chasing AI as a quick fix, Nick emphasizes getting the fundamentals right first — clean, unified data and scalable architecture. Listeners will learn how strong brand equity, thoughtful technology investment, and a forward-looking roadmap can position established brands to lead in an AI-powered commerce landscape. Show Highlights: Building a foundation of clean, connected data before scaling AI initiatives Creating a single consumer ID to power cross-channel personalization Leveraging Salesforce to integrate commerce, marketing, and service data Preparing content and product data for LLM-driven discovery and AI commerce Using field sales insights and retail data to inform digital experiences Moving from reactive website redesigns to a proactive, future-ready roadmap Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. *** Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.  

Organic grape production is gaining momentum, but making the transition from conventional farming requires careful planning, patience, and a willingness to adapt. In this episode of Vineyard Underground, Fritz welcomes Rob Warren, owner and operator of Desert Willow Vineyard and Warren Farms in Seminole, Texas, to share his experience converting his vineyard to certified organic production. Rob explains how his agricultural background in organic row crops gave him experience with organic systems long before he applied those principles to grape growing. As consumer demand began to shift toward more natural and sustainably produced wines, wineries started seeking organic fruit, prompting Rob to pursue certification. During the conversation, Fritz and Rob walk through the realities of transitioning a vineyard to organic management. Rob discusses the three-year certification timeline, the importance of documenting the final use of conventional inputs, and the need for growers to rethink pest, disease, and weed management strategies. A major focus of the episode is that Rob uses sheep in the vineyard. The sheep help control weeds, provide natural fertilization, and even assist with canopy management by removing leaves in the fruiting zone. Throughout the episode, Rob provides honest background information on the challenges and the long-term benefits of improved soil health and stronger vine resilience. For vineyard owners considering organic production, this episode offers practical guidance and real-world lessons from a grower who has successfully made the switch. In this episode, you will hear: Market demand from wineries and consumers increasingly favors organic grape production Weed management is often the biggest early challenge when moving away from conventional herbicides Sheep can play a valuable role in weed control, fertilization, and canopy leaf removal Organic pest and disease control often requires more frequent monitoring and spray applications Soil health improvements through cover crops and livestock integration strengthen long-term vineyard resilience Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners.

In this final installment of the Vineyard Nutrition Essentials series, Fritz is joined by Dr. Jaclyn Fiola, Assistant Professor of Soil and Environmental Science at Delaware Valley University, to unpack the critical role magnesium plays in vineyard health and productivity. Building on prior discussions around potassium, the conversation explores how magnesium functions as a key macronutrient, particularly as the central component of chlorophyll and a driver of photosynthesis and energy transfer in grapevines. Dr. Fiola explains that magnesium primarily originates from soil minerals, especially in darker, magnesium-rich parent materials, and that soil characteristics such as pH, texture, moisture, and cation exchange capacity influence its availability. There is a delicate balance between magnesium, potassium, and calcium, and nutrient competition can lead to deficiencies even when soil levels appear adequate. Listeners will learn how to identify magnesium deficiency symptoms, including interveinal chlorosis in older leaves, and why these symptoms typically emerge later in the growing season. The episode also underscores the importance of accurate diagnosis through soil and tissue testing to avoid mismanagement. Listen now to learn the important role of magnesium in your vineyard. In this episode, you will hear: Magnesium as a core component of chlorophyll and photosynthesis Soil pH, texture, and moisture driving nutrient availability Competition between magnesium, potassium, and calcium Late-season deficiency symptoms and how to recognize them Importance of tissue testing for accurate diagnosis Pre-plant and in-season magnesium correction strategies Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners.

Phosphorus may not grab attention like nitrogen or potassium, but it plays a foundational role in vine growth, fruit set, and overall vineyard performance. In this episode of Vineyard Underground, Fritz welcomes Dr. Terry Bates, Senior Research Associate at Cornell University and Director of the Cornell Lake Erie Research and Extension Lab for Cornell AgriTech, for a deep dive into phosphorus fundamentals. Drawing on decades of research in plant nutrition and root biology, Dr. Bates explains what phosphorus is, where it comes from, and why it is essential for grapevines at the cellular level. From its role in energy transfer and DNA structure to its influence on root growth and fruit development, phosphorus is woven into nearly every aspect of vine physiology. Vineyard owners and operators will walk away with useful guidance on managing phosphorus efficiently while protecting both yield and long-term soil health. In this episode, you will hear: Phosphorus drives energy transfer, root development, and fruit set Soil pH directly impacts phosphorus availability and uptake Mycorrhizal fungi are essential partners in grapevine phosphorus nutrition Excess phosphorus application wastes money and reduces efficiency Tissue sampling helps balance nutrient supply, uptake, and vine demand Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners.

In this episode, we sit down with Marie-Theres Mangelsdorf and Nino Bergfeld to explore Montblanc's ambitious commerce transformation — launching a new platform across 60 markets in just 11 months. We discuss how Montblanc balanced its rich heritage with the demands of modern digital commerce. Marie-Theres shares the strategic decisions that made the rapid rollout possible, including ruthless prioritization between "business critical" and "nice to have," and aligning the entire organization around a clear why. We also dive into global consistency versus local adaptation, the realities of headless versus monolithic architectures, and how luxury brands must carefully choose what to control in-house versus outsource. Beyond technology, the conversation highlights leadership lessons to drive change while keeping the business running. Show Highlights: Balancing brand heritage with modern digital innovation Prioritizing business critical features over perfection Global consistency with strategic local adaptations Headless versus monolithic architecture decisions in luxury In-house control versus outsourcing across the value chain Leading teams through high pressure transformation with clarity and transparency Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review," then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second, and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: Nino Bergfeld: nbergfeld@salesforce.com  *** Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know I sent you.  

In this first installment of a three-part vineyard nutrition series, Dr. Markus Keller joins us to break down one of the most influential nutrients in vineyard management: nitrogen. We explore from the ground up.  Dr. Keller explains what nitrogen is, where it comes from in vineyard soils, and why it plays such a critical role in vine growth, fruit set, and overall vine performance. While nitrogen makes up 78% of the atmosphere, vines rely on soil processes to convert it into plant-available forms like nitrate. Dr. Keller details how nitrogen influences vigor, canopy density, fruit set, berry size, phenolic development, and even wine quality. The episode also dives into how soil type, organic matter, temperature, moisture, and cover crops affect nitrogen availability. For growers across diverse regions, this conversation highlights why vineyard nutrition strategies must be site-specific. Whether you're managing high-vigor blocks or navigating lean soils, episode one of our three-part series equips vineyard owners and operators with foundational knowledge to make smarter nitrogen decisions. In this episode, you will hear: Nitrogen primarily comes from soil organic matter, not rock minerals Microbial activity drives nitrogen availability in vineyards Both deficiency and excess nitrogen can reduce vine balance and fruitfulness Soil moisture and temperature strongly influence nitrogen mineralization Leaf blade tissue sampling offers improved precision for nitrogen analysis Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners.

Ever feel like you're winning on the scoreboard… but losing in the locker room? You're productive. Disciplined. Respected. You execute at a high level professionally. But at home? You're distracted. Short-tempered. Mentally checked out. Present… but not really there. Here's the hard truth: Performance without alignment creates internal friction. And friction, over time, costs you the very things you say matter most. In this episode of the Coming Up Clutch with J.R.™ show, we break down what's really happening when high-performing men dominate in one arena of life but drift in another. Because this isn't a time-management issue. It's an identity issue. And until you close the gap between who you are at work and who you are at home… you'll keep feeling that low-grade tension you can't quite explain. If you're serious about building a thriving family without sacrificing excellence — this one's for you. In this episode, you'll hear:   Why compartmentalizing your life is silently draining your energy and impact The real reason high achievers struggle to "turn it off" at home How identity leakage creates disconnection in marriage and fatherhood A practical framework to transition from performance mode to presence mode The leadership standard your family actually needs from you KEY QUOTES "Pressure becomes overwhelming when the moment controls you instead of you controlling the moment." – Dr. Cory Shaffer "Just because someone claims they're an expert doesn't mean they are. There's a difference between science and bro science." – Dr. Cory Shaffer "Do you want it to look good, or do you want it to work?" – Dr. Cory Shaffer "Winning isn't about sprinting. It's about showing up tomorrow with enough energy to do it again." – J.R. CONNECT WITH DR. CORY X: https://x.com/coryshafferphd LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-shaffer-1a09816/ CONNECT WITH J.R. Facebook: @jamesJRreid Instagram: @jamesjrreid LinkedIn: in/jamesjrreid/ Twitter: @jamesJRreid Website: https://jamesreid.com Check out The Clutch Club™️: jamesreid.com/club (For Men Only)   Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.   Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

A beautiful logo won't save your startup. If you treat go-to-market as a slick website and a rebrand, you're already behind. Here's the thing. In tech, marketing isn't a department. It's product strategy. From day one. In this episode, Sophia Matveeva breaks down the seven pillars of go-to-market strategy that every non-technical founder needs to understand before writing a single line of code. No jargon. No "spray and pray" ads. No fantasy launch parties. In this episode, you will hear: Why your "pretty logo" won't save a bad go-to-market — and what actually drives early traction How to define your exact target customer so you stop building for everyone and start selling to someone The hidden cost of customer acquisition — and how to avoid burning 40% of your budget on ads Why your first 10 customers matter more than your first 1,000 — and how to land them without a flashy launch event Resources from this Episode Free AI Mini-Workshop for Non-Technical Founders Learn how to go from idea to a tested product using AI — in under 30 minutes. Get free access here: techfornontechies.co/aiclass Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/291-go-to-market-strategy-what-to-do-before-you-launch  

How many incredible grape varieties are hiding in plain sight — simply because they don't fit the modern wine script? We dig into that question in this episode with Jenny and Scott Schultz of Sonoma's Jolie-Laide Wines, a winery built around chasing the unfamiliar and turning "pretty ugly" grapes into seriously compelling wines. We trace how Jenny and Scott's very different paths collided into a shared philosophy: start with great farming, intervene as little as possible, and let each site and vintage tell its own story. For vineyard owners and operators, the conversation opens up a practical discussion about risk, opportunity, and how alternative varieties can make both agronomic and economic sense. We also get inside their cellar to talk about what "minimal intervention" really means — early picking for natural acidity, whole-cluster fermentations, neutral barrels and concrete, and a deliberate refusal to erase vintage character. Even the labels change every year, reinforcing the idea that wine is an agricultural product, not a factory formula. The discussion dives into grapes like Melon de Bourgogne, Trousseau Gris, Scheurebe, and Mondeuse Noir, unpacking how they grow, how they're vinified, and why they deserve a bigger spotlight. It's a conversation about curiosity, craft, and what becomes possible when we stop playing it safe with varieties. In this episode, you will hear: Why Jolie-Laide focuses on rare and overlooked grape varieties Working with growers to graft or plant unconventional grapes Minimal intervention winemaking and whole-cluster fermentations Farming considerations for low-alcohol, high-acid styles Blending, carbonic fermentation, and managing tannin and structure Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners.

Ever feel like life just flipped the script on you? One day you're clear, confident, moving with purpose. The next? You're doubting everything… stuck in your own head. Welcome to uncertainty — for many, the great momentum killer. That big decision you can't get clarity on? That opportunity you thought was secure…suddenly isn't. That season of waiting that feels like it's never going to end? Yeah. I've been there. My clients are there. Chances are, you're there now. But here's the gut check: You don't need the whole playbook to move forward. Because the minute you start demanding perfect clarity before taking action? …You're not leading anymore—you're hiding. And let's be real…leaders don't hide.That's why this week's 5-Minute Drill on the Coming Up Clutch with J.R.™ show is built for YOU. I'm giving you a simple, yet powerful strategy I call the State and Surrender Drill. So if you're stuck in a fog of confusion…or if you're simply tired of waiting for a sign before taking the next step — then lock into this episode. Let's get it!   In this episode, you'll hear: Why uncertainty doesn't have to stop your momentum—and how to move forward even when you don't have all the plays. How the biblical story of Joseph reveals what it looks like to win through uncertainty. A 3-step strategy that helps you stay grounded when clarity is missing. A powerful mindset shift that positions God as your Quarterback. Practical wisdom on choosing faith over feelings and walking in truth instead of fear. Key Quotes "You weren't created to run your life like a coordinator that has the whole playbook. You were made to follow the Quarterback who sees the whole field — God." - J.R. "Don't wait for total clarity before making a move. Don't let uncertainty become an excuse. Most importantly, don't try to get ahead of God's timing." - J.R. "Take action based on your faith, not your feelings." - J.R. Connect with J.R.  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesJRreid  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjrreid/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjrreid/  X: https://twitter.com/jamesJRreid Website: jamesreid.com Check out The Clutch Club™️: jamesreid.com/club (For Men Only) Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

AI isn't just coming from Silicon Valley anymore. A growing number of startups — and companies like Airbnb — are turning to Chinese open-source AI models instead of US-based APIs. Not because it's trendy. Because it's cheaper, more flexible, and often good enough. In this episode, Sophia Matveeva speaks with Alex Hern, AI correspondent at The Economist, about what's driving this shift. They break down how DeepSeek disrupted the market, why constraints fueled smarter engineering, and what founders can realistically try today if they want more AI options without more spend. Alex Hern is The Economist's AI Writer, focusing on the science and technology of artificial intelligence. Before joining the paper, he covered technology for 11 years at The Guardian, where he was the UK technology editor. In this episode, you will hear: Why relying on US AI APIs may be quietly limiting your product and your margins How Chinese open-source models let founders experiment, customize, and ship faster without runaway costs The real reason DeepSeek shocked Silicon Valley — and what it reveals about building under constraints What you can realistically try today if you want AI leverage without an AI-sized budget Free AI Mini-Workshop for Non-Technical Founders Learn how to go from idea to a tested product using AI — in under 30 minutes. Get free access here: techfornontechies.co/aiclass Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/290-why-airbnb-switched-from-openai-to-chinese-ai-and-what-it-means-for-your-budget  

In this episode, Duane speaks with Early Brunner, the founder of Recovery Demystified. Early shares their powerful journey of navigating addiction as a queer, neurodivergent (autistic) person growing up in a small town. They discuss why traditional recovery models like AA can feel alienating for marginalized groups and how science-based "Quit Lit," neuroscience, and self-compassion provided the path to lasting sobriety.Key Topics & Chapters[00:03] Introduction to Early Brunner Early introduces their background: growing up undiagnosed autistic in 90s Wisconsin, dealing with profound social rejection, and discovering substances at age 10 as a way to find social connection.[04:30] The 13-Year Struggle Early discusses the "vicious cycle" of trying to quit using willpower alone. They share the shame of failed attempts and the realization that the substances that once provided relief were now the primary source of their crippling anxiety.[14:05] The Turning Point: Beyond Willpower The shift began when Early found science-based resources like This Naked Mind by Annie Grace. Understanding the neuroscience of addiction helped them realize they weren't "broken" or "powerless," but rather dealing with a brain-based challenge that could be repaired.[23:34] The Birth of Recovery Demystified After working as an EMT and seeing the failures of the traditional medical system, Early felt called to create a space specifically for those with "complex identities"—queer and neurodivergent folks who face significantly higher rates of addiction due to systemic trauma.[33:44] Neurodivergence and Addiction A deep dive into why ADHD and Autistic individuals are more prone to substance use, focusing on lower baseline dopamine levels, sensory overload, and the "mashing of the dopamine button" to cope with a world not built for them.[36:10] Destigmatizing the Story Early explains the importance of looking at the "whole person," including their childhood (ACEs score), rather than just their worst moments in active addiction. Quotes"Willpower is like a muscle, and muscles get tired over time... I think you need an ounce of willpower and about 25 pounds of everything else." — Early Brunner"One size fits all is not real. It's not real for baseball caps, and it's not real for recovery plans." — Early Brunner"The first step was asking: 'What would someone who loves themself do?'" — Early BrunnerResources MentionedBook: This Naked Mind by Annie GracePodcast: Recovery ElevatorConcept: ACEs Score (Adverse Childhood Experiences)Connect with Early BrunnerWebsite: recoverydemystified.comPodcast: Recovery DemystifiedSocial Media: @recoverydemystified (Instagram/Substack)Email: info@recoverydemystified.comNovusMindfulLife.comEpisode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever feel like you're doing everything right…but something still feels off? Like no matter how hard you work, how much you win, how much you provide—it's never quite enough. You're crushing it professionally…but at home, you're irritable, disconnected, or just numb. If that hits home, you're not crazy. You're not broken. You just might be glitching.

Costs dropped 90%. Funding got 10x harder. It's now much cheaper to build an AI product than it was two years ago — and far harder to convince investors your product has a moat. In this episode, Sophia Matveeva breaks down the four investing shifts shaping who gets funded, who doesn't, and why. You'll learn why vertical AI is winning, B2B beats consumer, acquisitions are replacing IPOs, and deal terms are getting riskier for founders. If you're building a tech product or considering raising capital, this episode will help you see what investors actually care about—before it's too late. In this episode, you will hear: Why it's 90% cheaper to build AI — and still harder than ever to get funded How "AI for everyone" quietly kills your defensibility with investors The hidden reason B2B startups keep winning while consumer apps struggle to survive What today's deal terms can cost you at exit if you don't understand them now Resources from this Episode Tech for Non-Techies episode: 213. How NOT to sell your company YouTube: APIs for Non-Techies Free AI Mini-Workshop for Non-Technical Founders Learn how to go from idea to a tested product using AI — in under 30 minutes. Get free access here: techfornontechies.co/aiclass Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/289-the-ai-paradox-and-3-other-trends-shaping-tech-investing-in-2026

Some of the world's most valuable vineyard lessons are rooted in vines that predate modern viticulture. In this conversation, we are joined by Dr. Laura Catena to explore Argentina's remarkable legacy of old, ungrafted vines and what they reveal about vine genetics, site expression, and long-term resilience. Drawing on her experience, Dr. Catena explains why phylloxera never devastated many Argentine vineyards and how this unique history allowed ancient vine material to survive. The discussion dives into massale selection from old vines, highlighting why genetic diversity matters — especially as vineyard owners contend with climate stress, disease pressure, and the limits of clonal uniformity. We also examine the role of Argentina's high-altitude growing regions and how elevation influences vine physiology, flavor development, and vineyard health. These extreme sites have become a living laboratory for research, helping match plant material to specific conditions and improving long-term vineyard performance. Dr. Catena shares information from the Catena Institute of Wine's ongoing research and how data-driven approaches can elevate both vineyard decisions and wine quality. For growers managing heritage blocks or considering massale selection in new plantings, this episode offers a compelling blend of history, science, and practical guidance — showing how preserving the past can be a powerful strategy for building the vineyards of the future. In this episode, you will hear: Why Argentina has some of the world's oldest ungrafted vineyards The role of massale selection in preserving genetic diversity How old vines contribute to resilience and site expression The impact of altitude and climate on vine health and quality Applying research-driven insights to modern vineyard management Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners.

In this powerful episode, Duane sits down with filmmaker Benjamin Flaherty to discuss his hard-hitting documentary, Shuffle. The film pulls back the curtain on the "Florida Shuffle"—a predatory cycle in the billion-dollar addiction treatment industry where vulnerable individuals are "brokered" between facilities for insurance payouts.Benjamin shares his own journey of recovery and explains how his personal experience allowed him to gain unprecedented access to a community often silenced or exploited. This conversation explores the dark intersection of greed and healthcare, the resilience of the human spirit, and why the current treatment system desperately needs transparency.Key Discussion PointsBenjamin's Recovery Journey: How a moment of clarity at age 41 led Benjamin from "professional alcoholism" to a transformative experience in treatment.The Origins of Shuffle: A chance conversation in an AA meeting revealed a disturbing trend: recovery call centers becoming a primary source of employment for those in early sobriety.What is the "Florida Shuffle"? Benjamin explains how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) unintentionally created a loophole where "patient brokers" poach insured individuals, profiting from their relapses.The Statistic that Shocks: There are currently more private substance abuse treatment centers in the U.S. than there are McDonald's restaurants.Witnessing the Cycle: The emotional weight of filming Corey and Nicole—two individuals caught in the cycle of being "bought and sold" by treatment facilities.The "Driveway Recordings": Why Benjamin chose to use raw, iPhone voice memos for the film's narration to maintain emotional authenticity.Maintaining Hope: Despite the systemic corruption, the film highlights the incredible resilience of those in recovery and the fact that healing is still possible.Notable Quotes"Stopping a substance is the entry card for admission. That's not the whole thing. There's a lot of work to do, and none of us know that until we find it out in our own way." — Benjamin Flaherty"We've now made relapse profitable. We've incentivized the struggle by providing substandard care because an insurance card is like a blank check." — Benjamin Flaherty"I approached my time with Corey not as a filmmaker first, but as a person in recovery. I had to witness it to make it impossible to ignore." — Benjamin FlahertyResources MentionedThe Documentary: Shuffle (also referred to as Stop the Shuffle)Website: stoptheshuffle.com — Find theater locations, tickets, and upcoming streaming info.Social Media: Follow the movement on Instagram @StopTheShuffle.Episode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever feel like you're running full throttle, but stuck at the same spot? You're pushing hard, grinding daily, checking off the to-do lists, but something just isn't clicking. You're moving, but you're not making the progress you want. That gap between where you are and where you want to be? It's suffocating you. It's got you questioning what you're doing wrong. And let's be real — you might even be thinking, "I'm a failure." I've been there. The frustration…the self-doubt…the pain of feeling like your goals are still out of reach. Trust me—I've faced that big gap between dreams and reality more times than I can count. I've hit major roadblocks, fallen flat on my face, and thought I'd never get where I wanted to go. But here's the secret I've learned (the hard way): Failure is never permanent when you have a next step. In today's 5-Minute Drill, I'm diving deep into how to turn your pain into progress. I'm not just talking about moving past setbacks — I'm sharing the exact strategy that helped me and countless other pro and executive athletes find clarity and keep pushing forward when we felt stuck. So, if you're sick of feeling paralyzed by the gap, stuck in that frustrating place between where you are and where you want to be in any area of life, this episode is for YOU. In this episode, you'll hear: How to reframe failure and see it for what it really is How to process the gap between your dreams and reality and stop it from holding you back The strategy to help you take your next step no matter how small it may seem Connect with J.R.  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesJRreid  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjrreid/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjrreid/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesJRreid Website: jamesreid.com Check out The Clutch Club™️: jamesreid.com/club (For Men Only) Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Starting a tech company sounds exciting: autonomy, upside, the chance to build something meaningful. The reality is tougher. Startups demand constant decision-making with incomplete information, emotional resilience, financial sacrifice, and the ability to withstand rejection from investors, customers, and even family. In this episode, Sophia Matveeva delivers a clear-eyed reality check on tech entrepreneurship. She breaks down why the path isn't right for most people, what founders underestimate, and the traits that actually predict long-term success. In this episode, you will hear: Why building a tech startup is far more brutal than most founders admit How to know if you're genuinely built for uncertainty, rejection, and pressure The hidden lifestyle tradeoffs that make many founders quit too early How to decide if tech entrepreneurship is your path — or a costly mistake Resources from this Episode Free AI Mini-Workshop for Non-Technical Founders Learn how to go from idea to a tested product using AI — in under 30 minutes. Get free access here: techfornontechies.co/aiclass Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/288-why-you-shouldn-t-become-a-tech-founder  

Today, let's journey through the realms of neuroscience, addiction research, and the promising future of treatment strategies for substance use disorders. On this episode, Duane speaks with Dr. Paul Kenny, a distinguished figure in neuroscience and addiction research. He unravels his research on signaling cascades in rodents' brains, providing fascinating insights into addiction-like behaviors. The discussion turns engaging as Paul illuminates his groundbreaking work with certain treatments and their potential role in addressing cravings and motivation in substance use disorders is nothing short of fascinating. They also steer the conversation towards an area often overlooked, which is the relationship between drugs, addiction, and satiety. Paul dissects how potent drugs like cocaine and heroin trigger extreme pleasure and consequently, substance use disorders. He shares his insights into how the satisfaction derived from drug use and the ritualistic patterns of drug consumption could be altered to reduce dependence. This episode sheds light on the promising field of addiction research and the need to raise public awareness of the issue. This is a testament to the incredible work being done by Cure Addiction Now. By understanding the brain's role in addiction, we can potentially change the way we approach substance use disorders and find innovative ways to help those struggling with addiction.In this episode, you will hear:Groundbreaking research on addiction treatmentExploring medications to control cravings and motivationDrugs, addiction, and satiety relationshipGLP-1 enhancers and their potential to treat drug addictionExploring GLP-1 modulators for addiction treatmentAbout Cure Addiction NowFollow and Review:We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple ‘+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.Supporting Resources:Cure Addiction Nowhttps://cureaddictionnow.org/ NovusMindfulLife.comEpisode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What's your typical response when life hits you with a setback? …when you feel like you're racking up loss after loss? If you're a normal human being, the response can sometimes be, "I can't win." It's easy to fall into that trap, right? In this week's episode of the Coming Up Clutch with J.R.™ show, I sit down with my man, D'Wayne Louard, to break down exactly how to beat the "I can't win" mentality and prepare for the inevitable storms of life. This man knows all about life's curveballs, having had to walk his 9 year old through Stage 4 cancer, among many other challenging life events over the past two years. This episode emphasizes the power of resilience, faith, and the value of small, consistent steps toward personal growth.  In this episode, you'll hear: How to beat the "I can't win" attitude How to grow beyond Sunday's church sermon The biggest lesson D'Wayne learned from walking his son through stage 4 cancer Key Quotes "Even if you feel like you can't win, you can still do something about it right now." - D'Wayne Louard "It's not true that you're a failure." - D'Wayne Louard "Isolation is the root of complete annihilation." - D'Wayne Louard "It's ok to not be ok, but it's not ok to stay that way." - D'Wayne Louard "You don't fail unless you stay there." - D'Wayne Louard "Don't overthink the problem, simplify the solution." - D'Wayne Louard "If you can get a verse, you can get victory." - D'Wayne Louard "Always stay solution-driven." - D'Wayne Louard "The single most important thing that brings winning is discipline." - D'Wayne Louard "You can't have momentum without movement." - J.R. "You can't build strength without resistance." - D'Wayne Louard Connect with D'Wayne D'Wayne's Website and Resources to WIN: https://coaching.D'Waynejlouard.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@D'WayneJLouard Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/D'Waynejlouard Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/D'Waynejlouard/ Connect with J.R.  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesJRreid  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjrreid/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjrreid/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesJRreid Website: jamesreid.com Check out The Clutch Club™️: jamesreid.com/club (For Men Only) Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Planting a vineyard is a major investment, and the decisions made before the first vine goes into the ground can determine long-term success or costly failure. In this episode, Fritz sits down with renowned viticulture expert Dr. Mark Greenspan to unpack the most common red flags vineyard owners and operators should watch for when planning a new planting. Drawing on more than three decades of scientific research and hands-on field experience, Dr. Greenspan explains why many vineyard problems originate long before planting day. Fritz and Dr. Greenspan also discuss the dangers of relying on assumptions or neighboring vineyard performance instead of site-specific data and professional evaluation. Listeners will learn why thorough pre-plant assessments — including soil testing, climate analysis, and thoughtful rootstock and variety selection — are essential risk management tools rather than optional steps. This episode is especially valuable for growers considering new vineyard development, replanting existing blocks, or expanding acreage. By understanding these early warning signs, listeners can make more informed decisions, avoid expensive mistakes, and set their vineyards up for sustainable productivity and profitability. In this episode, you will hear: Common red flags that signal potential vineyard failure before planting Why site-specific soil and climate data matter more than assumptions Risks of poor variety and rootstock selection The long-term cost of cutting corners during vineyard planning Practical steps to reduce risk and improve vineyard performance Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners.

It is harder to raise funding as a non-technical founder as a non-technical one. Some of this is silly stigma, but some of it is reasonable risk awareness. Investors aren't worried that you can't code. They are worried you'll burn through their money because you don't know how to get a tech product made - and they don't want you to learn on their dime. I get that.  In this episode, I break down why non-technical founders face more skepticism in fundraising — and what actually changes the conversation.  In this episode, you will hear: Why investors don't care if you can code — and what they're actually judging instead How non-technical founders accidentally burn $100k+ before product-market fit (and how to avoid it) The fastest way to turn investor skepticism into confidence without pretending to be technical What a credible product and hiring plan looks like when you're asking for someone else's money Resources from this Episode FREE class: How to raise capital as a non-technical founder. Join this class to learn: The system I used to raise $1 million from investors Mistakes non-technical founders make when fundraising & how to avoid them Key points you must include in your investment pitch if you're a non-technical founder Sign up here: https://www.techfornontechies.co/capital Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/287-why-investors-fund-non-technical-founders-and-why-they-don-t  

Even billion-dollar teams start simple first. Rags Vadali's team at Meta gave small businesses in Brazil two phones—one red, one blue—and spent two months tracking every customer message in a spreadsheet. No fancy tech. No code. Just analog data collection. That experiment validated what became a $5 billion product. In this episode, Rags explains why the hardest part of building a tech product has nothing to do with technology—and why non-technical founders who understand this have a massive advantage in 2026. What you'll learn: Why Meta validated billion-dollar products with spreadsheets before writing code The difference between what to build (your job) and how to build it (AI's job) Why talking to customers beats "figuring it out" behind your computer Why 2026 is the best time in history for non-technical founders to start If you're ready to stop overthinking and start building, this episode will show you exactly where to begin. P.S. This January, Rags is joining Tech for Non-Technical Founders as a guest instructor. If you want 1:1 coaching from someone who has launched products to 600 million people, enrollment opens January 13th. Details at the end of the episode. Resources from this Episode FREE class: From Business Owner to Tech Founder, without the $100,000 developer disaster Join this class to learn: The 2-step framework to go from idea to scalable tech product Why smart business owners waste $100k+ on their first tech venture—and how to avoid it When AI helps vs. when it destroys products (and your ROI) Sign up here: https://www.techfornontechies.co/january Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/286-lessons-from-meta-and-google-for-non-technical-founders-in-2026  

Pruning is one of the most influential decisions vineyard owners and operators make each season, and in this solo Q&A episode, Fritz tackles the most common — and most misunderstood — questions he hears in the field. Drawing on hands-on experience, Fritz walks listeners through the practical realities of dormant pruning, why it matters far beyond vine appearance, and how pruning choices directly impact vine balance, yield, and long-term vineyard health. Throughout the episode, Fritz addresses real-world concerns from growers, including how aggressive pruning should be, what mistakes show up most often in young versus mature vineyards, and how to adapt pruning strategies to site conditions and vine vigor.  Fritz explains how pruning windows can influence bud burst and frost risk, and why "earlier is always better" isn't necessarily true. He highlights warning signs that a vineyard may be over- or under-pruned and offers guidance for adjusting course before problems compound over multiple seasons. This episode is particularly valuable for vineyard owners who want to move beyond rote pruning rules and better understand the "why" behind their pruning decisions. By the end, listeners will have clearer expectations for what good pruning should accomplish and how small, intentional changes can pay dividends in vine performance and fruit quality over time. In this episode, you will hear: Pruning decisions directly influence vine balance, yield, and longevity Over-pruning and under-pruning both create long-term vineyard challenges Timing of pruning can affect bud break and frost exposure Vine vigor should guide pruning intensity, not habits or tradition Small adjustments made consistently can improve vineyard performance Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners.

Most people assume turning an idea into revenue takes years. Turns out, that belief slows more projects down than tech ever does. In just seven months, Noor Alderazi, founder of Tamam Technologies, went from idea to a live product with paying customers. No technical background. No bloated development team. No guesswork. This episode of Tech for Non-Techies breaks down what actually made the speed possible. Using AI to prototype before spending real money.  Starting with a painfully specific B2B problem. Letting customers—not opinions—decide what got built. Sophia walks through how Noor treated tech as a business tool, not a science experiment, and why that approach helped her secure $65,000 in equity-free funding along the way. If you're sitting on an idea and wondering what "doing it right" really looks like, this is the playbook. In this episode, you will hear: AI used for rapid prototyping without locking into the wrong build A niche B2B pain point that made early revenue easier, not harder The cost of building too soon and how to avoid it What helped Tamam Technologies secure $65,000 in equity-free funding Resources from this Episode FREE class: From Business Owner to Tech Founder, without the $100,000 developer disaster Join this class to learn: The 2-step framework to go from idea to scalable tech product Why smart business owners waste $100k+ on their first tech venture—and how to avoid it When AI helps vs. when it destroys products (and your ROI) Sign up here: https://www.techfornontechies.co/january Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/285-from-idea-to-revenue-in-7-months-how-this-non-technical-founder-did-it  

Most people think the upside of building a tech company comes after success. Turns out, a lot changes long before that. The moment you start building something technical, your professional gravity shifts. Doors open. Conversations change. People listen differently. In this solo episode of Tech for Non-Techies, Sophia breaks down the benefits that show up early — before scale, exits, or headlines. Not hype. Not hustle culture. Just the quiet upgrades that compound over time. This episode is for experienced operators and business leaders who sense a gap in their market and are wondering whether it's worth acting on. In this episode, you will hear: Why building a tech product instantly reframes how others see your judgment and credibility The CEO-level skills you develop early and why they raise your earning ceiling How becoming "harder to bullshit" saves time, money, and bad decisions The social and professional compounding effect most people never see coming Resources from this Episode  FREE class: From Business Owner to Tech Founder, without the $100,000 developer disaster Join this class to learn: The 2-step framework to go from idea to scalable tech product Why smart business owners waste $100k+ on their first tech venture—and how to avoid it When AI helps vs. when it destroys products (and your ROI) Sign up here: https://www.techfornontechies.co/january Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/284-the-unexpected-upside-of-becoming-a-tech-founder-before-you-ever-succeed  

A topic that many growers consider but few understand is mothballing a vineyard. In this episode, Fritz covers it all with Dr. Christopher Chen, Integrated Vineyard Systems Advisor with the University of California Cooperative Extension. With economic pressures, market shifts, and operational challenges affecting vineyard owners across the industry, temporarily idling a vineyard can feel like a practical option — but it comes with important agronomic, legal, and financial considerations. Dr. Chen brings a research-based, boots-on-the-ground perspective to the conversation, helping listeners understand what "mothballing" actually means in a vineyard context. Rather than a simple shutdown, he explains that mothballing requires intentional planning to preserve vine health, soil integrity, and long-term viability. Real-world questions growers are asking get answered, such as when mothballing makes sense, how long a vineyard can remain idle, and what minimum maintenance is required to avoid costly problems down the line. Dr. Chen also highlights common mistakes growers make when they cut corners too aggressively, and how those decisions can significantly increase restart costs later. Listeners will walk away with a clearer framework for evaluating whether mothballing is the right strategy for their operation, along with guidance on how to do it responsibly if they choose that path. In this episode, you will hear: What "mothballing" a vineyard really involves Situations where mothballing may make economic sense Minimum maintenance practices to protect vine health Risks related to pests, disease, and vineyard infrastructure How mothballing decisions impact future restart costs Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners.

You've built a successful business before. So why does tech feel harder than it should? Here's the uncomfortable truth. The instincts that made you successful offline can quietly sabotage you when you build tech or add AI. In this episode of Tech for Non-Techies, Sophia breaks down the four traps she sees again and again among high-performing business owners. Not beginner mistakes. Smart, expensive ones. You'll learn why working harder often backfires, why "moving fast" can burn cash, and why delegation without product leadership creates chaos. Plus, what to do instead of learning to code or wasting six figures. This is about thinking clearly, sequencing correctly, and using your strengths without letting them turn into blind spots. In this episode, you will hear: Why doing "hard things" in tech often leads to burnout — not progress The quiet reason speed destroys value before a product is validated What happens when developers build their vision instead of yours The hidden cost of following tech advice that wasn't made for business leaders Resources from this Episode FREE class: From Business Owner to Tech Founder, without the $100,000 developer disaster Join this class to learn: The 2-step framework to go from idea to scalable tech product Why smart business owners waste $100k+ on their first tech venture—and how to avoid it When AI helps vs. when it destroys products (and your ROI) Sign up here: https://www.techfornontechies.co/january Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/283-why-successful-business-owners-fail-at-tech  

Most people dive into tools, stacks, and AI hacks the moment a new idea lands. Sadly, that's the fastest way to burn cash and momentum. Here's the thing: before you touch a single line of tech, you need to master the skillset the best companies in the world return to again and again — the skillset that actually creates traction. In this episode of Tech for Non-Techies, Sophia breaks down the five core product-innovation skills every modern business leader must build long before worrying about Bubble, React, or any new AI tool. You'll hear real examples, simple frameworks, and the mindset shift that separates people who waste months building the wrong thing from those who get paying customers fast. In this episode, you will hear: The hidden trap that makes smart people obsess over tech too early How a simple prototype and five honest conversations can save months of work What separates useful user feedback from polite lies The habit innovative companies like Amazon repeat long after they scale Resources from this Episode Free AI Mini-Workshop for Non-Technical Founders Learn how to go from idea to a tested product using AI — in under 30 minutes. Get free access here: techfornontechies.co/aiclass Check out the Tech for Non-Technical Founders program https://www.techfornontechies.co/tech-for-non-technical-founders Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you. For the full transcript, go to https://www.techfornontechies.co/blog/282-5-skills-to-master-before-you-worry-about-tech  

Growers are turning to AI for vineyard advice — but what happens when the algorithms get it wrong? In this episode, Fritz sits down with Texas A&M Extension Viticulture Specialist Dr. Justin Scheiner to put artificial intelligence to the test and reveal where it helps…and where it falls flat. Fritz and Justin walk through real vineyard questions — on pruning cuts, choosing between cane and spur pruning, designing an effective spray program, and diagnosing puzzling leaf symptoms — then grade the answers provided by AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot. Justin explains why, despite its convenience, AI can't replace Extension or experienced viticulture support. He breaks down how human experts interpret nuance, adapt recommendations to site-specific realities, and help growers navigate complex issues like fungicide resistance and disease pressure — areas where AI often oversimplifies to a fault. Listeners will come away with a grounded perspective on how to responsibly use AI in vineyard decision-making: as a tool for learning, not a blueprint for management. Justin also shares updates on forward-facing research at Texas A&M, including irrigation strategies powered by sensors and machine learning, and new work aimed at improving winery efficiency. In this episode, you will hear: AI can provide helpful general information — but often misses context critical for vineyard decisions. Pruning advice from AI may be incomplete or incorrect; human expertise is still essential. Spray program recommendations from AI can be risky without resistance management and site-specific strategy. Leaf symptom diagnosis requires more than a photo — pattern, vine history, and testing matter. Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners.

You ever feel like your phone owns YOU? Every ding and light-up screen yanking you around like a dog on a leash? The "urgent" text that could've waited. The random notification breaking your focus. The email that suddenly derails your morning. Let's be real. You're not "staying connected." You're being controlled. And it's costing you your focus. Your energy. Your relationships. YOUR GOALS. What I learned very quickly in my professional career – if you don't manage how people get access to you, they will control you. And when you're "ON" 24/7? That's not commitment – that's chaos! That's why in this week's 5-Minute Drill on the Coming Up Clutch with J.R.™ show, I share the exact 3-play strategy I use to… Protect your boundaries without losing results Minimize distractions, so you can maximize your momentum Put your phone (and the people who abuse your availability) back in their place In this episode, you'll hear: Why constantly being "ON" 24/7 is usually a symptom of a poor or non-existent communication strategy. How Nehemiah's focus while rebuilding Jerusalem's wall offers a biblical blueprint for resisting constant digital distractions. A 3-play strategy to manage your phone use and protect your focus. Two tactics to weaken the habit loop and reduce impulse checking your phone. How to use the Eisenhower Matrix to filter true priorities from false emergencies. Practical steps to create a communication strategy so you can  protect your boundaries and define urgency on your terms. Key Quotes "If what is asking to get your attention is not urgent or important, it can wait." - J.R. "Your phone and its apps aren't bad. Your management of them is." - J.R. "Define urgent and important on your terms." - J.R. Connect with J.R.  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesJRreid  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesjrreid/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesjrreid/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/jamesJRreid Website: jamesreid.com Check out The Clutch Club™️: jamesreid.com/club (For Men Only) Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

Fritz welcomes longtime colleague and respected viticulture authority Larry Bettiga in this episode for an in-depth look at the evolution of Monterey County's wine industry. With more than four decades of experience, Larry offers a rare, firsthand perspective on how the region transformed from scattered early vineyards into one of the country's most significant cool-climate grape-growing areas. Larry explains how Monterey's dramatic coastal influence, daily wind patterns, and diverse soils shaped both the opportunities and challenges for growers. He and Fritz unpack the early years of vineyard expansion, including the misalignment of some varieties with climate conditions and how improved temperature modeling and clone selection later steered the region toward better outcomes. The conversation also explores Larry's extensive research on rootstocks, irrigation, canopy management, and disease control. His comparison of dormant vines, green potted vines, and tall-format grafted vines provides growers with valuable, practical guidance on establishing healthy, high-performing vineyards. This episode delivers a blend of regional history, applied science, and grounded, grower-focused lessons, capped with Larry's reflections on the future of extension work and its continued importance in California viticulture. In this episode, you will hear: How Monterey County became a major coastal winegrowing region Why early plantings struggled, and how growers adapted with better temperature and clone data A practical comparison of dormant, green, and tall-format grafted vines Lessons from decades of research on rootstocks, canopy management, and disease control The future outlook for UC Cooperative Extension in California viticulture Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners.

In this episode, host Duane Osterlind speaks with Liz Friedman, CEO and Co-founder of GPS Group Peer Support, about the vital role of peer support and group modalities in addressing the widespread mental health crisis. Liz shares her personal journey into the work, stemming from a severe mental health crisis after childbirth, which revealed significant gaps in the healthcare system. The conversation delves into the definition, profound impact, and structured model of peer support, emphasizing its effectiveness in fostering connection, resilience, and lasting change.Key Discussion PointsDefining Peer Support: Peer support is fundamentally about landing in your own lived experience and offering it as a tool and gift to others. It is about saying, "I've survived some really hard things. I believe you can too. Let's take the next step together," to break through isolation, stigma, and shame.Lived Experience as a Modality: Liz's personal motivation comes from her own struggles and the realization that connection is the key factor in healing. This understanding is deeply rooted in the recovery field.Peer Support vs. Professional Therapy: While professional therapy is crucial, peer support offers a unique, complementary therapeutic modality where participants share their lived experience to inspire and resource one another. Peer support minimizes the hierarchy and clinical barriers often present in traditional settings, enhancing rapport.The Need for Structure and Training: Despite the organic nature of groups, there is a limited evidence base and a lack of training for running effective peer support groups—even among clinical professionals. Liz's organization, GPS Group Peer Support, focuses on training facilitators to create a structured, trauma-informed, and trauma-responsive container that allows for genuine authenticity and courageous sharing.The GPS Group Peer Support Model: The model integrates evidence-based modalities (like CBT, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness) seamlessly into a very set, stepped structure. Key elements include:Ritual Beginning: Starting with a mindfulness moment for grounding and landing.Heightened Confidentiality: Confidentiality is framed relationally to promote transformation, where the very act of saying something can change it, and prevent "locking" a person into their past truth.No Interruption/Advice: A completely device-free zone that eliminates crosstalk, advice-giving, and conflict. This trusts the participant's ability to find their own path and fosters self-trust.Realities and Principles: An honest preamble that names the challenges (realities) specific to the population while affirming principles of hope, dignity, and recovery for everyone.Equal Protected Time: Every person receives the same amount of protected time to share, ensuring the group is never dominated by a single voice and allowing the collective story to emerge.Addressing the Mental Health Crisis: The shift to group therapeutic care and support groups is critical for the future of mental healthcare. By utilizing a group model, costs can be reduced, access can be dramatically expanded (serving millions more people), and care can be de-stigmatized and normalized.

Voles, gophers, and ground squirrels are more than a nuisance — they can devastate vineyards if left unchecked. In this episode, host Fritz Westover sits down with Kelly Mulville of Paicines Ranch and Newt Wimer, an agricultural innovator, to discuss practical, sustainable ways to manage these vertebrate pests. Kelly shares his firsthand experience with a sudden vole outbreak at Paicines Ranch — one of the worst he's ever seen — and explains how quickly the damage escalated. He walks through the telltale signs of vole damage, how girdling kills vines, and why population cycles and rainfall patterns play a role in outbreaks. Newt provides insight into developing an organic-approved, non-poisonous control technology that uses liquid CO₂ to safely and efficiently manage underground pests without harming predators or soil ecology. Together, they emphasize that pest management must balance ecological health, economics, and innovation. Listeners will learn how combining predator support (owls, weasels), physical barriers, and new technologies can help reduce damage sustainably. The conversation also highlights ongoing efforts at Paicines Ranch to create regenerative systems that share successes and failures openly, helping the vineyard community at large. In this episode, you will hear: Voles, gophers, and ground squirrels can cause extensive vineyard damage, especially through girdling and root feeding. Outbreaks are cyclical and may correspond with wetter years that promote vole breeding. Physical barriers like vole tubes and underground fencing can protect vines—but must be properly installed and buried. Encouraging natural predators such as owls and weasels significantly supports organic pest control. New cryogenic CO₂ technology offers a fast, organic-approved, and cost-effective solution for underground pest management. Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners.

In this episode, Duane Osterlind interviews Dr. John Gallagher, an associate professor of criminal justice at Alvernia University, about the criminal justice system's approach to addiction, specifically focusing on drug courts.Dr. Gallagher brings extensive experience in addiction and mental health treatment, with over 25 years of practice as a licensed clinical social worker and addiction counselor. He discusses his background, his work intersecting addiction studies with criminal justice, and the role of drug courts in addressing substance use issues within the justice system.Tune in as they explore the effectiveness of drug courts, the challenges they face, and their potential as a pathway to recovery for individuals involved in the criminal justice system. Whether you're interested in addiction recovery, criminal justice reform, or both, this episode offers valuable insights from a seasoned expert.Key Topics - Dr. Gallagher's background and experience in addiction and criminal justice- The role of drug courts and their effectiveness- Challenges and issues within the current drug court system- The intersection of addiction treatment and criminal justice- Education pathways in addiction studies and criminal justiceResourcesAlvernia UniversityJohn Gallagher Faculty ProfileNovusMindfulLife.comhttps://www.theaddictedmind.com/community Episode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Journalist Sam Quinones, renowned for his deeply impactful books Dreamland and The Least of Us about the opioid and synthetic drug crises, returns to The Addicted Mind with a profoundly different, yet connected, story. In this episode, Sam and host Duane Osterlind dive into Quinones' newest book, The Perfect Tuba: Forging Fulfillment from the Bass Horn, Band and Hard Work. Sam shares his unexpected pivot from writing about the devastating cycle of addiction and consumerism—where people seek happiness from something they buy—to exploring stories of people who cultivate their own value from within. He found this liberation and internal worth in the unlikeliest of places: the world of the tuba.You'll hear why the tuba, often dismissed as the ‘fat elephant' of the band, became a metaphor for breaking free of limits and an antidote to the inertia of addiction. Sam shares incredible stories, from the enormous popularity of the tuba in Mexican immigrant communities in Los Angeles to the legendary tale of the two "perfect tubas" that are the "Holy Grail" of the instrument.This conversation reveals the powerful life lessons learned in the band room: postponed gratification, perseverance, and collaboration. Sam and Duane draw a beautiful, clear analogy between the dedication required to master a tough instrument and the difficult, rewarding journey of addiction recovery. They explore how the energy and creativity harnessed by finding your "perfect tuba"—that thing you work hard for—is the strongest defense against the lure of instant gratification and drugs.This episode is an inspiration, demonstrating that we are surrounded by people who embody the values needed to heal and strengthen our culture and community Key TopicsThe Tuba as a metaphor for freedom and inner value versus the consumer model of buying happiness.Why Sam Quinones chose to pivot from writing about drugs (Dreamland, The Least of Us) to writing about the tuba.The surprising history of tuba-playing as an act of liberation and self-discovery.The profound connection between the hard work of mastering an instrument and the journey of recovery.The inspiring story of the Roma High School band in Texas and the power of investing in music education in poor communities.The legend of the two "perfect tubas"—the Holy Grail of the instrument world—and why they are so valuable.The essential values learned in band—punctuality, collaboration, and focus—that serve as a bulwark against addiction.Resources THE PERFECT TUBA: Forging Fulfillment from the Bass Horn, Band, and Hard WorkSubstackInstagram FacebookNovusMindfulLife.comhttps://www.theaddictedmind.com/community Episode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.If you live in California and are looking for counseling or therapy please check out Novus Mindful Life Counseling and Recovery CenterNovusMindfulLife.comWe want to hear from you. Leave us a message or ask us a question: https://www.speakpipe.com/addictedmindDisclaimerSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jane Chen, the visionary mind behind Embrace Global, shares her remarkable journey from a Stanford classroom to the heart of India, where her innovative spirit and unwavering dedication gave birth to a life-saving portable infant incubator. This episode unravels Jane's incredible drive, which not only saved over a million babies worldwide but also led her to the brink of burnout. Her story is a testament to the profound impact of one person's mission to make a difference, highlighting the often-overlooked personal sacrifices that accompany such immense achievements.As Jane recounts her path from personal and professional exhaustion to a place of healing through self-compassion, listeners are invited to explore the emotional depths of achieving outward success while grappling with inner turmoil. This conversation offers insights into the healing power of vulnerability, the importance of embracing one's emotions, and the courage to face one's own imperfections. Jane also shares how unexpected support from Tony Robbins breathed new life into her company and emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance and resilience. Her journey is a powerful reminder that true strength lies in acknowledging our vulnerabilities and that we are enough just as we are.In this episode, you will hear:Jane Chen's journey from a Stanford classroom to developing a life-saving portable infant incubator with Embrace GlobalThe personal cost of dedication and achieving monumental goals, leading Jane to the brink of burnoutThe emotional and transformative power of embracing vulnerability and self-compassionInsights into healing trauma through therapeutic approaches, including Internal Family Systems (IFS)The role of unexpected support from Tony Robbins in reviving Embrace GlobalThe significance of self-acceptance and the courage to face imperfections on the path to healingFollow and Review:We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.Supporting Resources: www.JaneMarieChen.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/janemarie.chen/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janemariechen/Facebook: www.facebook.com/janemariechenNovusMindfulLife.comhttps://www.theaddictedmind.com/community Episode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent youSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Scott Teitelbaum's world came crashing down when his addictions to marijuana, alcohol, cocaine, and gambling threatened not only his medical career but also his family life. As a former pediatrician who found himself battling these demons, Scott's story is one of hitting rock bottom before finding the strength to climb back up. Hear how the loss of his medical license and the dissolution of his marriage became the catalysts for a transformative journey into addiction medicine and child psychiatry. His candid reflection on overcoming denial and embracing teachability offers invaluable insights into the challenges and triumphs of recovery.Scott's path to redemption wasn't traveled alone. With the unwavering support of mentors who saw potential in him, he embarked on a journey marked by humility and gratitude. These mentors believed in his ability to rebuild his life even when he couldn't see it himself. As Scott recounts the steps he took to regain his medical license and rebuild his career, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining sobriety and helping others in their recovery journeys. A touching story about a gift from a mentor serves as a poignant reminder of the impact that support can have on one's journey to recovery.In this episode, you will hear:Dr. Scott Teitelbaum's personal journey from pediatrician to addiction medicine expert after battling his own addictions.The role of denial and teachability in Dr. Teitelbaum's initial struggles with recovery and eventual transformation.The importance of mentorship and support systems in Dr. Teitelbaum's path to regaining his medical license and rebuilding his life.Establishment and impact of the Florida Recovery Center, a top facility in Gainesville, Florida, for addiction recovery.The emotional and professional challenges faced by Dr. Teitelbaum, including the loss of his medical license and family, and his subsequent recovery.The power of resilience, gratitude, and humility in overcoming addiction and helping others on their recovery journeys.Follow and Review:We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.Supporting Resources:NovusMindfulLife.comhttps://www.theaddictedmind.com/community Episode CreditsIf you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.