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seeds.iastate.edu

GermiNation

Welcome to GermiNation—the podcast where seeds tell their stories. I’m your host, Cindy Hicks, coming to you from the Iowa State University Seed Science Center, a global leader in seed research, education, and outreach. Each episode, we dig into the beauty, wonder, and science of seeds—those tiny powerhouses at the heart of agriculture, biodiversity, and global food security. Through conversations with scientists, farmers, industry leaders, and changemakers around the world, we explore how seeds connect us, sustain us, and shape our future. This is GermiNation—where every great story starts with a seed.

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Latest Episode

Audio only: GermiNation S2E4: The Future of Seeds Starts Here — Dr. Susana Goggi on Legacy, Leadership, and the Next Generation

As she prepares to retire, Susana Goggi reflects on a remarkable career shaping the science—and the people—behind seed technology. In this episode of GermiNation, Dr. Goggi shares how she found her way into seed physiology, the evolution of the field, and why seed scientists are more critical than ever in the face of climate change and global food security challenges. From ensuring seed quality to understanding the full journey from breeder to farmer, she explains why seed science remains the foundation of agriculture—even in an era of AI and biotech. The conversation also highlights a pressing concern: while more students are entering the industry, fewer are pursuing careers in academia—creating a growing gap in training the next generation of seed experts. Plus, hear directly from Iowa State students as they share what excites them about the seed industry, what they’re looking for in their careers, and why mentorship and purpose matter more than salary. This episode is a powerful reminder that behind every harvest is a seed—and behind every seed is a scientist.

April 14 • 45m 36.3s

Episodes

Audio only: GermiNation S2E4: The Future of Seeds Starts Here — Dr. Susana Goggi on Legacy, Leadership, and the Next Generation cover art

Audio only: GermiNation S2E4: The Future of Seeds Starts Here — Dr. Susana Goggi on Legacy, Leadership, and the Next Generation

As she prepares to retire, Susana Goggi reflects on a remarkable career shaping the science—and the people—behind seed technology. In this episode of GermiNation, Dr. Goggi shares how she found her way into seed physiology, the evolution of the field, and why seed scientists are more critical than ever in the face of climate change and global food security challenges. From ensuring seed quality to understanding the full journey from breeder to farmer, she explains why seed science remains the foundation of agriculture—even in an era of AI and biotech. The conversation also highlights a pressing concern: while more students are entering the industry, fewer are pursuing careers in academia—creating a growing gap in training the next generation of seed experts. Plus, hear directly from Iowa State students as they share what excites them about the seed industry, what they’re looking for in their careers, and why mentorship and purpose matter more than salary. This episode is a powerful reminder that behind every harvest is a seed—and behind every seed is a scientist.

April 14 • 45m 36.3s
GermiNation S2E4: The Future of Seeds Starts Here — Dr. Susana Goggi on Legacy, Leadership, and the Next Generation cover art

GermiNation S2E4: The Future of Seeds Starts Here — Dr. Susana Goggi on Legacy, Leadership, and the Next Generation

As she prepares to retire, Susana Goggi reflects on a remarkable career shaping the science and the people behind seed technology. In this episode of GermiNation, Dr. Goggi shares how she found her way into seed physiology, the evolution of the field, and why seed scientists are more critical than ever in the face of climate change and global food security challenges. From ensuring seed quality to understanding the full journey from breeder to farmer, she explains why seed science remains the foundation of agriculture even in an era of AI and biotech. The conversation also highlights a pressing concern: while more students are entering the industry, fewer are pursuing careers in academia, creating a growing gap in training the next generation of seed experts. Plus, hear directly from Iowa State students as they share what excites them about the seed industry, what they’re looking for in their careers, and why mentorship and purpose matter more than salary. This episode is a powerful reminder that behind every harvest is a seed and behind every seed is a scientist.

April 14 • 45m 36.2s
Audio Only: GermiNation S2E3: The 80-Year-Old Startup: Jim Schweigert on Education, Agility, and Family Roots in the Seed Industry cover art

Audio Only: GermiNation S2E3: The 80-Year-Old Startup: Jim Schweigert on Education, Agility, and Family Roots in the Seed Industry

What does it take for a family seed company to thrive for more than 80 years in an industry increasingly dominated by global giants?   In this episode of GermiNation, host Cindy Hicks sits down with Jim Schweigert, President of Gro Alliance and new Adjunct Instructor and an alumnus of Iowa State University’s Seed Technology and Business (STB) graduate program. Jim shares the story of Gro Alliance, a third-generation family business founded in 1941 on a small Wisconsin farm, and how the company has continued to grow by adapting, innovating, and partnering across the seed industry. Jim reflects on the value of continuing education in agriculture, explaining how combining real-world industry experience with advanced training helped him better understand the broader seed sector. He also discusses how Gro Alliance invests in employee professional development and why staying curious and engaged in industry learning is essential in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.   The conversation also explores the realities of operating a smaller seed company alongside multinational corporations. Jim explains why collaboration between large and small companies is often key to success, and how independent seed businesses can leverage agility, long-term thinking, and customer-focused solutions to stay competitive. From the early days of planting just two acres of hybrid seed corn to becoming a global partner in seed production, the Gro Alliance story offers insights into leadership, legacy, and the importance of continuous learning in the seed industry.   Tune in to hear how education, adaptability, and entrepreneurial thinking continue to shape the future of seed. GermiNation: where every great story starts with a seed.

March 3 • 21m 8.1s
GermiNation S2E3: The 80-Year-Old Startup: Jim Schweigert on Education, Agility, and Family Roots in the Seed Industry cover art

GermiNation S2E3: The 80-Year-Old Startup: Jim Schweigert on Education, Agility, and Family Roots in the Seed Industry

What does it take for a family seed company to thrive for more than 80 years in an industry increasingly dominated by global giants?   In this episode of GermiNation, host Cindy Hicks sits down with Jim Schweigert, President of Gro Alliance and new Adjunct Instructor and an alumnus of Iowa State University’s Seed Technology and Business (STB) graduate program. Jim shares the story of Gro Alliance, a third-generation family business founded in 1941 on a small Wisconsin farm, and how the company has continued to grow by adapting, innovating, and partnering across the seed industry. Jim reflects on the value of continuing education in agriculture, explaining how combining real-world industry experience with advanced training helped him better understand the broader seed sector. He also discusses how Gro Alliance invests in employee professional development and why staying curious and engaged in industry learning is essential in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.   The conversation also explores the realities of operating a smaller seed company alongside multinational corporations. Jim explains why collaboration between large and small companies is often key to success, and how independent seed businesses can leverage agility, long-term thinking, and customer-focused solutions to stay competitive. From the early days of planting just two acres of hybrid seed corn to becoming a global partner in seed production, the Gro Alliance story offers insights into leadership, legacy, and the importance of continuous learning in the seed industry.   Tune in to hear how education, adaptability, and entrepreneurial thinking continue to shape the future of seed. GermiNation: where every great story starts with a seed.

March 3 • 21m 8.1s
From Seed to Certification: Becoming a Registered Seed Technologist - GermiNation S2E2 Audio Only - cover art

From Seed to Certification: Becoming a Registered Seed Technologist - GermiNation S2E2 Audio Only -

What does it really take to become a Registered Seed Technologist (RST), and why does the credential matter more than ever? In this episode of GermiNation, we sit down with two leaders who know the RST journey inside and out: Jessica Blake, Seed Quality Labs Manager at the Iowa State University Seed Science Center, and Quinn Gillespie, President of the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists. Together, they break down the path to becoming an RST, from early training and hands-on experience to preparing for certification exams, and share practical advice for technicians just starting out. They also discuss how foundational skills in seed purity and germination testing build confidence, open doors across the seed industry, and support a career rooted in quality, accuracy, and trust. Whether you’re new to seed testing, considering certification, or mentoring the next generation of seed professionals, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and a clear roadmap for growing your career in seed science. Because every great seed analyst starts somewhere, and the path matters.

February 2 • 28m 20.5s
GermiNation S2E2 - From Seed to Certification: Becoming a Registered Seed Technologist cover art

GermiNation S2E2 - From Seed to Certification: Becoming a Registered Seed Technologist

What does it really take to become a Registered Seed Technologist (RST), and why does the credential matter more than ever? In this episode of GermiNation, we sit down with two leaders who know the RST journey inside and out: Jessica Blake, Seed Quality Labs Manager at the Iowa State University Seed Science Center, and Quinn Gillespie, President of the Society of Commercial Seed Technologists. Together, they break down the path to becoming an RST, from early training and hands-on experience to preparing for certification exams, and share practical advice for technicians just starting out. They also discuss how foundational skills in seed purity and germination testing build confidence, open doors across the seed industry, and support a career rooted in quality, accuracy, and trust. Whether you’re new to seed testing, considering certification, or mentoring the next generation of seed professionals, this conversation offers insight, encouragement, and a clear roadmap for growing your career in seed science. Because every great seed analyst starts somewhere, and the path matters.

February 2 • 28m 20.5s
Germination E1, S2 - Leading the Seed Industry Forward: Insights from ASTA and the Seed Association of the Americas cover art

Germination E1, S2 - Leading the Seed Industry Forward: Insights from ASTA and the Seed Association of the Americas

In this episode of GermiNation, we bring together two influential voices in the global seed industry. We sit down with Andy LaVigne, President and CEO of the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA), and Diego Risso, Executive Director of the Seed Association of the Americas, for conversations on leadership, collaboration, and the future of seed systems. From policy and innovation to workforce development and international trade, this episode explores how seed associations are working across borders to strengthen agriculture and ensure farmers have access to high-quality seed.

January 12 • 47m 47.7s
GermiNation S1E5 From days to a day: A testing breakthrough in the battle against Goss's Wilt cover art

GermiNation S1E5 From days to a day: A testing breakthrough in the battle against Goss's Wilt

On this episode of GermiNation, we’re joined by a scientist working at the forefront of molecular seed diagnostics: Jeffrey Williams, research scientist at Iowa State University’s Seed Science Center. Jeffrey’s background spans deep expertise in microbiology and hands-on experience in plant diagnostics, sharpened during his years at Corteva’s Plant Diagnostic Clinic. Now at the Seed Science Center, he plays a critical role in advancing molecular seed quality testing—especially in support of the USDA National Seed Health System, which ensures U.S. seed exports meet strict international phytosanitary standards. His work fuels global seed trade, strengthens agricultural sustainability, and reinforces the trust farmers place in the seed they plant. In this episode, we explore Jeffrey’s career path, the molecular puzzles behind seed health, and the curiosity and commitment that drive his research every day.

December 5 • 23m 34.7s
GermiNation S1E2: The Seeds That Connect Us (Audio Only) cover art

GermiNation S1E2: The Seeds That Connect Us (Audio Only)

In this episode of GermiNation, We explore the seeds that connect us -  we’re taking you to the Seed Savers Exchange annual conference and 50th anniversary celebration for conversations with leaders working to preserve and protect seed diversity: We talk to Bonnetta Adeeb – Founding member of Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance and Ujamaa Seeds, on the importance of African Indigenous seeds. www.ujammaseeds.com Followed by Nicolas Enjalbert – CEO of SeedLinked, discussing groundbreaking research with USDA NIFA, Seed Savers Exchange, and thousands of farmers. www.seedlinked.com We finish the show with Linda Black Elk,  an American Indigenous seed expert, sharing stories and wisdom about traditional foodways. www.natifs.org From ancestral knowledge to cutting-edge science, this episode celebrates the seeds that connect us all.

November 20 • 47m 44s
GermiNation E4S1: "The past, the present, and the future of feeding the world one seed at a time." cover art

GermiNation E4S1: "The past, the present, and the future of feeding the world one seed at a time."

In this episode of GermiNation, we take you inside the 2025 World Food Prize Borlaug Dialogue — where innovation, legacy, and global collaboration take center stage. I sit down with three inspiring voices in agriculture: Dr. Manjit Misra, former Director of the ISU Seed Science Center and USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture; Julie Borlaug, President of the Borlaug Foundation, granddaughter of Nobel Laureate Dr. Norman Borlaug and passionate proponent of initiatives to end hunger; and we’ll wrap up with Dr. Jean Baptiste Tignegre, Regional Seed Systems Lead for the African Agricultural Technology Foundation. Together, they share insights on the past, the present, and the future of feeding the world: from the Green Revolution to the next generation of “Hunger Fighters."

November 3 • 56m 56.3s
GermiNation E3S1: Let's dig into Corn from Research to Restoration cover art

GermiNation E3S1: Let's dig into Corn from Research to Restoration

Dr. Vivian Bernau is a plant scientist, educator, and seed advocate whose work bridges the worlds of academic research and hands-on ecological stewardship. From prairie restoration to empowering communities through seed knowledge, she brings a unique perspective to how we grow, preserve, and connect with plants. Whether you’re a gardener, a grower, or just curious about what lies beneath the surface, you’ll love this conversation. So let’s dig in with Dr. Vivian Bernau!

October 1 • 17m 29.2s
Germination E2S1: The seeds that connect us cover art

Germination E2S1: The seeds that connect us

In this episode of GermiNation, We explore the seeds that connect us -  we’re taking you to the Seed Savers Exchange annual conference and 50th anniversary celebration for conversations with leaders working to preserve and protect seed diversity: We talk to Bonnetta Adeeb – Founding member of Ujamaa Cooperative Farming Alliance and Ujamaa Seeds, on the importance of African Indigenous seeds. www.ujammaseeds.com Followed by Nicolas Enjalbert – CEO of SeedLinked, discussing groundbreaking research with USDA NIFA, Seed Savers Exchange, and thousands of farmers. www.seedlinked.com We finish the show with Linda Black Elk,  an American Indigenous seed expert, sharing stories and wisdom about traditional foodways. www.natifs.org From ancestral knowledge to cutting-edge science, this episode celebrates the seeds that connect us all.

September 1 • 47m 43.9s
Risk, Research, and Return: Dr. Scott Heuchelin’s Path to Lead the ISU Seed Science Center cover art

Risk, Research, and Return: Dr. Scott Heuchelin’s Path to Lead the ISU Seed Science Center

Today, we’re joined by Dr. Scott Heuchelin, the new director of Iowa State University’s Seed Science Center. An ISU alum with over 20 years of experience in seed health and global regulatory policy, Dr. Heuchelin returns to campus after leading international phytosanitary efforts at Corteva Agriscience. Now, he’s guiding the Center into its next chapter of innovation and global agricultural impact. Music courtesy of Let’s Roll Snowball. Find them on YouTube.

July 25 • 22m 57.7s
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