Discover Willie Nelson's Farm Aid, The Truth About Apeel, & Jelly Roll Meets the Pope

Ep 229 | This week on Discover Ag, Natalie and Tara dig into the headlines shaping agriculture, food safety, and pop culture — with their usual dose of fact-checking and fun.

First up: The Apeel controversy explodes across social media with fearmongering videos, Bill Gates conspiracy theories, and actual lawsuits. The hosts break down the misinformation campaigns targeting the food coating company, from Michelle Pfeiffer's apology to why transparency in food labeling has become such a flashpoint.

Then, the most unexpected crossover of 2025: Jelly Roll meets the Pope! The country star performed at the first Vatican City concert in 2,000 years, and the hosts can't get over this redemption story that has everyone talking about grace, second chances, and the power of music.

Next, Farm Aid hits its 40th anniversary milestone. Willie Nelson's nonprofit has raised $85 million for family farmers over four decades, and this year's concert almost didn't happen due to labor strikes. Plus, they're pioneering local food at major events with their "Homegrown Concessions" model.

And finally, natural fibers are making a comeback in sportswear! Venus Williams wore wool to the US Open, signaling a shift away from synthetic fabrics. The hosts dive into sustainability, microplastics in oceans, and why your grandma's scratchy sweater perception of wool needs an update.

BUT WAIT — there's more!

Stick around for Lainey Wilson's viral Family Feud moment that has the internet losing it over Britney Spears songs, plus updates on the hosts' "Discover on the Road" series featuring sheep trails in Montana and cotton farming adventures.

What We Discovered This Week 🤠

🪩 Apeel's legal battle against misinformation campaigns
🪩 Bill Gates conspiracy theories vs. actual food science
🪩 Jelly Roll's journey from prison to the Vatican
🪩 Farm Aid's 40-year legacy and local food innovation
🪩 Lainey Wilson's perfect Family Feud answer
🪩 Venus Williams brings wool back to tennis

CHAPTERS:
00:00 - Intro
01:27 - Discovery 1: The Apeel Controversy — Fearmongering, Lawsuits & Bill Gates Conspiracy Theories
06:20 - Michelle Pfeiffer apology & Food Transparency
12:30 - Is Apeel a Pesticide?
19:37 - Discovery 2: Jelly Roll Meets the Pope
22:45 - The First Vatican City Concert in 2000 Years!
27:31 - Discovery 3: Farm Aid 40 — An $85M Legacy
36:33 - Disco Debrief: Lainey Wilson goes viral on Family Feud
42:27 - Discovery 4: Natural fibers return to sportswear — Venus Williams' wool tennis dress
50:53 - Discover on the Road updates (wool & cotton episodes)
53:12 - Outro

🪩 WELCOME TO DISCOVER AG

A top-ranked podcast where agriculture meets pop culture. Hosted by @NatalieKovarik — western tastemaker & millennial cattle rancher — and @TaraVanderDussen — sustainability expert & millennial dairy farmer. Every week, we dive into the top headlines in food, agriculture, and Western culture with a pop culture twist.

🪩 JOIN CLUB DISCOVER

Want more Discover Ag? Become part of our exclusive Club Discover on Facebook!

• Vote on the articles we cover
• Connect with other Disco listeners
• Discover behind-the-scenes content

🎉 Join the community: https://facebook.com/groups/clubdiscover 

📲 CONNECT WITH US ONLINE

• Website: https://discoverag.com/ 
• Podcast: https://pod.link/1615443750 
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/discoveragpodcast 
• TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@discoveragpodcast 

🤝PARTNERS AND SPONSORSHIPS

MARY T FABER Bookkeeping Services for Rural Entrepreneurs

OUR FARMS Code "DISCOVER" 10%

ARMRA COLOSTRUM SUPPLEMENT Code "DISCOVER" 15% off (first order)

SWEETWATER PILLOWS Code "DISCOVER" for a free tote

TOUPS & CO Use link for 20% off

FARM WIFE TALLOW Code "DISCOVER" 10% off

TURTLEBOX OUTDOOR SPEAKERS Code "DISCOVER" free hat

COZY EARTH Code "DISCOVER" 40% off

SUNRISE FLOUR MILL Code "DISCOVER" 10% off

DUCKWORTH Code "DISCOVER" 10% off

Please note this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.