In this episode of the Vance Crowe Podcast, we dive into the complexities of balancing business opportunities and personal commitments with Michael Ring, a cattle farmer and writer. Michael shares his journey of managing multiple ventures, from farming to writing, and the challenges of saying no to lucrative opportunities. He discusses the importance of setting boundaries and valuing relationships, both in business and personal life, while navigating the pressures of success. The conversation also touches on the nuances of pricing work, the opportunity costs involved, and the struggle to maintain family time amidst growing demands.We also explore deeper philosophical themes, such as the concept of the daemon, a guiding inner voice, and how it influences decision-making. Michael shares his insights on the importance of creativity, innovation, and the role of aesthetics in shaping our future. The discussion extends to the practical aspects of farming, including sustainable cattle grazing practices and the economic dynamics of the agricultural industry. Michael's reflections on personal growth, the impact of AI, and the future of energy and Bitcoin provide a thought-provoking perspective on the intersection of technology, agriculture, and personal development.www.VanceCrowe.comwww.LegacyInterviews.com1. 00:00:01 The Challenge of Success and Saying No2. 00:06:00 Writing and Personal Growth3. 00:10:00 Introducing Michael Ring and His Work4. 00:18:00 Navigating Grief and Personal Loss5. 00:30:00 Mechanical Skills and Learning by Doing6. 00:40:00 Parenting Philosophies and Challenges7. 00:52:00 Communication Styles and Feedback8. 01:00:00 The Impact of AI and Future Technologies9. 01:10:00 Commodity Trading and Market Dynamics10. 01:24:00 Legacy Interviews and Family Stories11. 01:32:00 The Future of Energy and Bitcoin12. 01:48:00 The Daemon and Personal GuidanceLegacy Interviews - A service that records individuals and couples telling their life stories so that future generations can know their family history. https://www.legacyinterviews.com/experienceRiver.com - Invest in Bitcoin with Confidence https://river.com/signup?r=OAB5SKTP