America First Stories Ep. 1: From 90 Hives to 3,000, Survival, Beekeeping, and Grassroots Power with Mo Benson

Jon Herold launches America First Stories by sitting down with Mo Benson of Benson Honey Farms, one of Badlands’ earliest supporters, to share the real story behind her family business and her fight to survive a life-threatening medical crisis. Mo walks through the brutal health battle that nearly took her life, how it reshaped her perspective, and the strength it took to come back while raising five young children and rebuilding their operation.

The conversation dives deep into the world of commercial beekeeping, from starting with 90 hives to scaling into thousands, the realities of pollination across the country, and the hands-on process of producing raw honey. Mo explains the economics behind the industry, the challenges facing American beekeepers, and how foreign honey impacts local producers.

Beyond business, Mo shares her journey into grassroots politics, detailing how local involvement can create real change from the ground up. From county-level organizing to working alongside elected officials, she breaks down how everyday people can step into leadership and influence the direction of their communities.

This episode blends resilience, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement into a powerful introduction to the stories behind the people who support Badlands. Visit Benson Honey Farms: https://badlandsmedia.tv/honey