Greg Putnam, President of Little Belt Cattle Co., is a former Navy SEAL and now a rancher in Montana. His transition from elite military service to cattle ranching is both inspiring and unique. After serving in the Navy as a SEAL, Greg sought a new chapter in life that aligned with his values of hard work, discipline, and connection to the land.

Greg co founded Little Belt Cattle Co. with his partner Tim Sheehy, where they operate a sustainable cattle ranch, focusing on regenerative agriculture practices. This reflects a commitment not just to ranching but to the health of the land and the future of farming. Greg’s experience as a Navy SEAL informs his approach to both business and life—structured, disciplined, and always looking for ways to improve efficiency and sustainability.

Greg shares insights from both his military background and his journey in ranching, discussing the unique challenges and rewards of working in agriculture. We go over some of his culinary experiences in his childhood, being stationed in Hawaii and abroad then leading to Montana. Greg explains in great detail the undertaking of raising cattle in all aspects of the phases from ranch to plate.

In this episode with Greg, you’ll gain a deep understanding of what it truly takes to raise cattle at Little Belt Cattle Co. From rotational grazing to livestock health management, Greg walks you through every step of the ranching process, sharing the challenges, triumphs, and techniques he uses to ensure both the land and the cattle thrive. Whether you’re interested in regenerative agriculture or just curious about the realities of ranch life, Greg offers us an inside look at the dedication and hard work that goes into running a successful cattle operation.

https://littlebeltcattleco.com

Support the show

Mike Glover is the CEO and founder of FieldCraft Survival, a leading company dedicated to teaching practical skills for everyday survival, self-reliance, and preparedness. With an extensive background as a former U.S. Army Green Beret and a seasoned survival expert, Mike has dedicated his life to training individuals, families, and organizations to stay safe in challenging environments.

In this episode, I’m honored to have my friend Mike on the show, who not only helped me get this podcast off the ground but also shares a wealth of knowledge on topics ranging from military deployments to global cuisine. We dive into everything from Korean food and world cuisine experienced during deployments, to the challenges of supply chain issues and the importance of staying prepared. We also explore how to maintain a wellness-focused mindset in both everyday life and during times of adversity.

Mike’s insights and experiences offer a unique perspective on navigating the world with resilience, and I’m excited to share this conversation with you!

In addition to his work with FieldCraft, Mike is also the founder of Wolf21, a company focused on creating natural plant-based products to help you recover and be ready for anything.

A passionate advocate for personal responsibility and resilience, Mike blends military experience, real-world survival knowledge, and cutting-edge tactical expertise to equip people with the skills they need to thrive in any situation. When he's not leading FieldCraft or Wolf21, you can find Mike speaking at events, sharing insights on his podcast Mike Glover Show, or working on projects that enhance personal safety and security.

https://fieldcraftsurvival.com

https://thewolf21.com

Support the show

Tim Freeman is a highly respected Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt under Sergio Silva and Eddie Bravo. With a deep passion for grappling and innovation, Tim has made a significant impact on the martial arts community as the host of his own Inside BJJ podcast and co-host of Grappling Hour. Tim has become a prominent voice in the martial arts community, sharing stories and insights that resonate with practitioners around the world. In addition, Tim is the owner of two thriving 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu academies, located in Stockton, California & Nashville, Tennessee. Tim’s teaching philosophy blends the precision of traditional techniques with the cutting-edge strategies of the 10th Planet system, creating an inclusive and dynamic learning environment for students of all levels. As a dedicated mentor and coach, he has helped countless practitioners elevate their skills and achieve their goals on and off the mat.

During the pandemic, Tim expanded his creative pursuits by diving into cooking with his longtime friend, Dave, who played a pivotal role in helping him launch the Food Origins Podcast.

It was an honor for me to feature Tim—one of my best friends and a key influence behind the podcast—on a special episode. Our lively and heartfelt conversation highlights not only our shared love of food but also the enduring friendship and creative spirit.

Tim Freeman's journey is one of connection, resilience, creativity, and relentless passion. Whether on the mats, behind the mic, or in the kitchen, Tim brings authenticity and heart to everything he does.

https://insidebjj.com

Support the show

Danny Bolton, known as "The Boarman," is a skilled outdoorsman, expert hunter, and passionate conservationist featured on MeatEater. With years of experience tracking and harvesting wild hogs, Danny has earned his reputation as one of the most knowledgeable and dedicated boar hunters in the field. His expertise goes beyond the hunt—he’s a storyteller, advocate for ethical hunting practices, and a champion of the connection between sustainable harvesting and the food we eat.

From his adventures in rugged terrain to his commitment to preserving wild ecosystems, Danny embodies the spirit of the outdoors. His unique insights, sharp wit, and deep respect for wildlife make him a standout voice in the hunting community. Whether discussing wild hog management, hunting strategies, or the art of transforming a fresh harvest into a delicious meal, Danny’s passion and authenticity shine through.

Thank you, Danny, for sharing your time, your wisdom, and your unforgettable stories with us. It's a privilege to feature someone of your caliber and heart on the show!

https://www.thedannybolton.com

Support the show

The Cross O Ranch was established in 1890 and has seen 6 generations live in the same house at the same location. It is nestled in the second deepest canyon in the continental United States and the beauty and views are absolutely breathtaking. Despite its harsh terrain, it is home to some of the best land to raise and harvest cattle.

In late 2016, the Cross O Ranch had to make a big shift. After the death of current owner and 4th generation rancher Dave Wilson, his kids, Derek and Amy, were forced to make some life-altering decisions. The ranch, which is one of the oldest family run ranches in Idaho, was on the verge of being sold to a developer and the kids weren’t about to let their legacy die. When they had to take on a massive debt to keep the ranch going, they had to make some changes to the way things had always been done.

The family had always operated on the model of shipping out their calves in the fall where they were sent to commercial feedlots to eventually be put into the big, monopolized corporate meat “system.” Before Dave had passed away, the corporate beef industry had lowered the price that ranchers received for high quality calves to a point so low, he wasn’t even able to make a living. The stress of dealing with these beef syndicates no doubt contributed to overwhelming stress that lead to his fatal heart attack.

In that moment, this all became very personal. Derek and his wife Jessica made the decision to pack up their four kids and move back to the ranch. It was a completely new direction but a challenge that their family was ready to take on. They knew that Cross O Ranch had been well known near and far for the quality of cows and calves that were raised along the Salmon River. Rather than continue trying to make it as a little guy begging for scraps from the big beef syndicate, they decided to take them on directly. Daily you’ll find Derek and Jessica, along with Kennedy, Riley, Kacey and Kinzey, busy on the ranch caring for the land and the animals. You will see them as a family making sure the Cross O Ranch is continued for many generations to come.

It was inspiring to hear Derek share his journey of reclaiming his family's legacy ranch, raising exceptional-quality meat, and being a dedicated family man. Plus, the new GRIT Sticks are available now!

https://www.crossomeats.com/

Support the show

Firecracker Farm is family owned and operated in Palm City, Florida. From planting, growing, and harvesting their peppers, to developing, designing, and producing products, it’s all done one small batch at a time. It’s a handcrafted operation that handles with the care and enthusiasm that only a family business can.

Alex Bonamarte is the founder of Firecracker Farm, known for creating unique, hot pepper-infused salts that bring a fiery kick to any dish. With a passion for bold flavors and a dedication to quality, Alex developed his signature infused salts to elevate everyday cooking. Firecracker Farm’s products, crafted from carefully selected hot peppers and premium salts, along with a cool delivery push grinder system, have gained a loyal following among spice lovers and culinary enthusiasts. Under his leadership, Firecracker Farm has grown into a brand recognized for its innovative approach to seasoning, adding heat and depth to food in a fun, flavorful way.

Enjoyed having Alex on the podcast as we talked about this journey from Minnesota, New York , France and now Florida. Always finding a way to figure his next venture whether its food/art photography and design, web development and now growing hot peppers to infuse into salt for everyone. I’ve been cooking with his products for over a year now and honored to share his origin story.

FireCracker Farm

https://firecracker.farm

Use Code : FOODORIGINSPODC for 10 % off

Support the show

Mark Melnick was born in Tokyo, Japan of Japanese and Polish/Ukrainian descent . At an early age, Mark learned the struggles of managing a business because his parents owned an export company. After graduating high school Mark came to the United States and studied business and accounting. A turn of events caused Mark to change careers and take a job as a beef exporter. It was an exciting time and a growing business. The beef trade was a hot button issue, overcoming many obstacles, including disease, BSE , duty taxes and many other parts of the business.

Trex Corp. was founded in 1996 by Mark and his business partner in the San Francisco Bay Area. Trex has been responsible providing quality service for exporting US meat products and importing some of the best Japanese Wagyu.

Mark goes into great detail about the Beef industry and talks about the many different farms Japanese Wagyu comes from and the care that goes into it giving the beef its wonderful flavor profiles.

Hope you enjoy our conversation and learn more about how complex the meat industry can be and in doing so providing a great product to meet customers needs. If you haven't tried Japanese Wagyu it's a must!

https://www.teamtrex.com/

Sponsored by FireCracker Farm
https://shop.firecracker.farm/?ref=FOODORIGINSPODC

Support the show

Andy Hung is a dedicated lifelong martial artist who has a wealth of knowledge in multiple fields. Andy was born and raised on the island of Oahu,Hawaii. Andy is a 2nd Degree Black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and a 4th Degree Black belt in Judo. Andy is the founder and CEO of Dojo Outfitters where he sells his own brand of Martial Arts apparel and gear through his online store and brick & mortar shop in Portland, Oregon. Andy has owned academies PDXBJJ and Portland Judo which unfortunately closed due to the pandemic. Andy is also currently a defensive tactics certified instructor for law enforcement sharing his expertise with first responders.

Andy Hung is a phenomenal business man with a keen sense for operating successful businesses. Andy and I met through our mutual Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Instructor, Mike Prudencio, owner of One world Jiu Jitsu.

While on our road trip through the Western States, I sat down with Andy on location at his beautiful shop Dojo Outfitters in Portland,Oregon.

We had a fun conversation about growing up in Hawaii, training martial arts, the food scene in all the places he’s lived and a short dive into his favorite distilled spirits and sustaining his business through tough times. Great advice and wise quotes dropped in this episode so be sure to listen all the way to the end!

Dojo Outfitters
https://www.dojooutfitters.com

Show Notes
https://www.foodoriginspodcast.com/podcast-episode-46

Support the show