You can learn a lot about someone by what they choose to build when nobody’s asking them to.

On this episode of Life Unscripted with Kevin Shook, I sit down with Bradley Wood, also known as Farmer Brad. He’s a remote software builder, runs an eight-acre homestead, and is now stepping into the race for Wayne County Council District 2. What pushed him there wasn’t politics as usual. It was frustration. Important local decisions buried in hard-to-read documents, scattered meeting notes, and a lack of clear access for everyday people. So he started building tools to fix it… and then decided to be part of the change himself.

We get into the moment that flipped the switch for him, the wheel tax debate, and how numbers can tell a completely different story when you ignore inflation and real context. Bradley breaks down what county council actually does, why transparency shouldn’t be political, and how something as simple as searchable meeting minutes and clear voting records could change local engagement overnight.

We also dig into tax abatements, accountability, and why economic development deals should be simple enough for taxpayers to understand without needing a law degree. Then we zoom out into bigger conversations hitting Indiana right now. AI data centers, energy demand, water usage concerns, and the growing frustration when projects show up through shell companies instead of honest local conversations.

We also touch on I-70 improvements, toll road conversations, local taxes like the food and beverage tax, and the ripple effects of SB1. And throughout it all, you’ll hear how his life on the homestead, raising sheep, pasture chickens, and yes… chicken math, has shaped how he approaches problem-solving and leadership.

If you care about transparency, local budgets, and real accountability in Richmond and Wayne County, this is one you need to hear. Share it with someone who should be paying attention, and leave a review to help more people find the conversation.

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I learned 'nope rope' is in fact, very offensive to a snake. Even a calm little milksnake can leave a mark. We’re joined by Joyce from Animal Care Alliance, who brings Jewel an apricot milksnake and a perfect lesson in wildlife safety. We break down the simple stripe-pattern guidance people remember from childhood, why education reptiles help kids replace fear with respect, and what responsible exotic pet care actually requires.

Then the conversation opens up into the bigger mission behind the moment: Animal Care Alliance is a nonprofit veterinary clinic that also provides wildlife rehabilitation and care for native birds, raptors, and mammals. We talk about what that looks like day to day, why fundraising never stops, and how small actions like saving aluminum cans can turn into real medical dollars for animals that need help.

We also preview Whiskers, Whiskey and Wine at Forest Hills Country Club April 17th at 7pm, including live and virtual bidding, sponsors, and some of the most unusual auction items around: animal-created paintings from a turkey vulture, an owl, and Jewel herself, plus celebrity donations and travel experiences. Finally, we get into community animal welfare problems that do not show up on a cute adoption post, like unvaccinated pets, distemper risks, spay and neuter work, and a new outreach grant aimed at meeting families where they are. Subscribe, share this with an animal lover, and leave a review with one question you want us to ask Joyce next time.

Learn more about the Animal Care Alliance: https://animalcarealliance.com

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Guest Jason Falcone joins host Kevin Shook for a grounded conversation on technology, business, marketing, and real estate. Both are entrepreneurs in the marketing world. Jason handles real estate marketing for his own brand and listings, while Kevin provides marketing services across many industries. Because of that, both genuinely love making videos and thinking about better ways to tell stories.

The episode opens with smart glasses and how Ray-Ban Meta AI Gen 2 can become a real workflow when set up correctly. They break down the small adjustments that matter, shooting in 3K at 30 fps, keeping clips to one minute, and using simple voice prompts to capture moments without breaking eye contact. What starts as a novelty quickly becomes a practical tool for better storytelling, faster edits, and more authentic reactions.

From there, the conversation zooms out to the infrastructure behind AI. Power, water, cooling, and land all determine where data centers are built and why parts of the Midwest are heating up. Kevin and Jason talk about investing in the picks and shovels of AI, the jobs that follow, and why the smartest opportunities are often behind the scenes instead of tied to flashy brand names. They also cut through the noise by comparing major AI models and explaining why strong prompts, clear processes, and human judgment matter more than hype.

Real estate threads through the discussion with practical, local clarity. Mortgage rates tend to follow the ten year treasury, inventory still drives pricing, and the right loan depends on time horizon and monthly comfort. Jason breaks down credit ranges lenders consider, first time buyer programs, and why rising taxes and insurance continue to pressure rents.

The episode closes with a reminder that brand is behavior. As more content begins to sound automated and generic, energy, consistency, and service are what set people apart. A simple story about a small Ohio garage that answered the phone on a Saturday, fixed the issue, and followed up afterward becomes a clear example of what good business still looks like.

If you care about doing business the right way, adapting as technology reshapes workflows, and creating content that actually connects, this conversation will resonate. Be sure to check out the episode titles below for key themes and moments pulled directly from the discussion. Subscribe, share, and leave a review with your biggest takeaway.

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