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The Sort

Upload Media Group, LLC

Hop into the ring with The Sort, the podcast offering both a historical and forward-looking exploration of the world of livestock judges. The goal of The Sort is designed to support, engage, mentor, and advance the future leaders of the livestock industry. In each episode, we invite guests to share their personal journeys, visions, and enthusiasm for the livestock industry. These individuals bring unique perspectives, enriching our program with their real-world experiences of challenges and successes that have shaped them into the leaders the are today.

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  • 26 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 1 hr 4 min
  • English
Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.
  • S2 · E25
    May 4 · 1 hr 4 min

    #78: Jack Habjan and Skyler Ward

    This episode of The Sort podcast, powered by Primo Feeds, features interviews with Jack Habjan and Skyler Ward, two rising stars in collegiate livestock judging and animal science. Jack, from Linwood, Kansas, shares his journey from sports announcing dreams to pursuing ruminant nutrition at Texas Tech, with plans for graduate studies at the University of Arkansas. Skyler, from New Paris, Ohio, discusses her livestock judging family roots, her time at Kansas State University, and upcoming graduate work in pet food nutrition. Both share memorable experiences from the Top Judge program and offer inspiring insights on perseverance, mentorship, and career growth.

  • S2 · E24
    April 27 · 1 hr 7 min

    #77: Paige Lemenager and Colt Blacklock

    In this episode of The Sort podcast, host Brett Kaysen interviews two agriculture students passionate about livestock judging. Paige Lemenager, from Texas Tech University, shares her journey from aspiring veterinarian to future agricultural attorney, focusing on estate planning for farming families. Colt Blacklock, originally from Saskatchewan, Canada, and attending Kansas State University, discusses his cow-calf operation background and plans to return home to lead a bull test program. Both guests reflect on memorable judging contests, influential mentors, and humorous team road trip stories, showcasing the camaraderie and opportunities that livestock judging provides.

  • S2 · E23
    April 20 · 1 hr 4 min

    #76: Jackson Tarrance and Kolton Lake

    In this episode of “The Sort”, powered by Primo Feeds, host Brett Kaysen interviews two Oklahoma State University livestock judging team members, Jackson Tarrance and Kolton Lake. Jackson, from Welling, Oklahoma, shares his journey from showing pigs to collegiate judging, discussing mentors, career goals in agricultural lending, and plans to grow his family's show pig operation. Kolton Lake, from Laramie, Wyoming, reflects on his path through Butler Community College to OSU, a national championship win, and aspirations in ruminant nutrition or coaching. Both emphasize judging's value in building skills, relationships, and professional networks.

  • S2 · E22
    April 13 · 1 hr 4 min

    #75: Chyann Emerson and Preston Rhode

    In this episode of "The Sort," host Brett Kaysen sits down with two Oklahoma State University livestock judging standouts: Chyann Emerson and Preston Rhode. Chyann, from Tuttle, Oklahoma, shares how a soccer injury redirected her toward livestock judging, ultimately leading her to a national championship and internships with pork industry organizations. Preston, from Carlock, Illinois, discusses growing up in a cattle and show pig family, his path through junior college, and his passion for animal science at OSU. Together, they reflect on teamwork, building confidence, communication skills, and the lasting relationships forged through competitive livestock judging.

  • S2 · E21
    April 6 · 1 hr 6 min

    #74: Connor Pell and Dax DeLozier

    In this episode of The Sort, host Brett Kaysen sits down with Oklahoma State University livestock judging team members Connor Pell and Dax DeLozier. Connor shares his journey from northeast Oklahoma, his roots in horse judging, and his transition to livestock judging at Redlands Community College before landing at OSU. Dax, a sixth-generation rancher from Adair, Oklahoma, discusses growing up on a cow-calf operation and his pivot from veterinary aspirations to meat science research. Both reflect on mentors, favorite contests, memorable road trip stories, and their futures in the livestock industry — offering valuable perspective for judges and agricultural professionals alike.

  • S2 · E20
    March 30 · 1 hr 3 min

    #73: REVISIT - Terry Burks

    This episode originally aired on February 24th, 2025. Our guest this week on THE SORT podcast is Terry Burks. Terry is a retired Professor of English Studies from Chifeng University in The People’s Republic of China and has judged nearly 1300 Junior and open livestock shows in 43 states. You won’t want to miss this one!

Showing 21–26 of 26 episodes