Podcast Summary: Trading Secrets Episode 236 Guest: John Sansone
Release Date: May 26, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 236 of Trading Secrets, hosted by John Sansone and co-host David Arduin from Audioboom Studios, John Sansone—a beloved contestant from Season Three of Farmer Wants a Wife—joins the conversation. John brings a unique blend of southern charm, honesty, and a deep-rooted legacy from his family's fifth-generation farm. Additionally, he is navigating the demanding path of law school while exploring opportunities in the media and financial sectors.

Journey on Farmer Wants a Wife

John Sansone shares his unexpected journey into the world of reality TV. Originally hesitant about joining Farmer Wants a Wife, John did not anticipate forming a deep connection with Claire, his eventual partner from the show.

[02:04] John Sansone: "What came first is, you know, it's an insane opportunity to do something new, to walk on this new frontier and possibly make something out of it. If I happen to find a wife, great. If I don't. So what?"

John reflects on the unpredictability of reality TV relationships, comparing his experience to that of contestants on shows like The Bachelor, emphasizing the challenges of transitioning relationships from a "bubble" environment to real life.

Relationship with Claire

The relationship between John and Claire evolved as a slow burn, contrasting with the typically rushed pace of reality TV romances. They maintained their relationship privately for about six months post-filming, managing the challenges of distance—John in St. Louis and Claire in Chicago—while balancing his law studies and her professional commitments.

[07:02] Host: "Her and my relationship was a very slow burn... ours kind of slowly became that way, which is more natural."

John highlights the importance of communication and mutual understanding in sustaining their bond amidst the pressures of newfound fame and academic responsibilities.

Balancing Law School and Farming Legacy

John delves into his dual life, balancing the responsibilities of managing his family's farm with the rigorous demands of law school. He discusses the careful consideration he took before joining the show, consulting with his father and relying on his faith to make informed decisions.

[05:55] Host: "It took me about a month of back and forth talking to people, going through it with my dad, praying about it to actually decide to go okay."

He emphasizes the integral role his family's legacy plays in his life and his aspirations to contribute meaningfully to the farming business while pursuing his legal career.

Reality TV Opportunities and Challenges

The conversation shifts to the broader implications of reality TV participation. John candidly discusses the initial risks associated with potential negative impacts on his professional career and the strategic opportunities that arose from his appearance on the show.

[06:11] Host: "Yeah, 100%. It took me about a month of back and forth..."

John acknowledges the unexpected benefits, such as increased visibility and subsequent opportunities in media and social media, which have become lucrative avenues for him.

Monetizing Social Media: Challenges and Insights

John shares his experiences with monetizing his social media presence. Despite growing his follower base significantly, he has only secured a modest $3,200 from brand deals, attributing this to initial miscalculations in pricing and the complexities of negotiation.

[23:12] Host: "You're going to laugh. Okay, about 3200."

John emphasizes the importance of understanding the market value of his influence and the need for professional assistance in negotiating deals to maximize earnings.

Samantha Kiss Incident: Reflection and Impact

A pivotal moment discussed is the infamous Samantha kiss incident on Farmer Wants a Wife, where John refrained from engaging in a staged kiss despite apparent chemistry. This decision sparked widespread attention and debate among viewers.

[14:56] John Sansone: "You get to do it on TV with producers there and cameras watching you. Then you're led to believe that, like, this is a good moment and bam, you get hit with the curveball."

John reflects on the emotional and professional impact of this moment, recognizing its significance for the show's dynamics and his personal experience. He advocates for personal comfort and integrity over conforming to production pressures.

Insights on Farming and Family Legacy

John provides an in-depth look into his family's farming legacy, detailing the operations spanning five generations and the 170-acre farm in New Hamburg, Missouri. He discusses the division of labor on the farm, the role of agricultural professionals, and the global impact of farming practices.

[31:16] Host: "A little piece of corn on my grandfather's property could end up, you know, in a completely different part of the world."

He acknowledges his limited hands-on experience with farming but expresses a strong desire to deepen his involvement in the future.

Future Plans and Career Aspirations

Looking ahead, John outlines his ambitions to blend his legal studies with his burgeoning media presence. He considers adjusting his law school schedule to accommodate his growing social media and content creation efforts.

[20:23] John Sansone: "In a perfect world, you're never working on that farm again and you're not an attorney. Is that the perfect world?"

John remains committed to completing his law degree while exploring the potential of building a sustainable career in media and influencing.

Listener Questions and Answers

Throughout the episode, listener-submitted questions delve into topics such as:

• John's stance on prenuptial agreements.
• The logistics of maintaining a relationship across different cities.
• Personal anecdotes about meeting each other's families.
• Advice on monetizing social media effectively.

John's responses provide valuable insights into balancing personal values, professional aspirations, and public life.

Trading Secrets: Lessons Shared

In the concluding segment, both John and the host share their "Trading Secrets"—personal philosophies and actionable advice gleaned from their experiences.

[46:03] Host: "If you consider those [faith, gut, morality] in the decisions that you make, it's all gonna work out."

[47:01] John Sansone: "You're so authentically yourself... You encourage others to open up."

These reflections emphasize the importance of authenticity, strong foundational values, and effective communication in personal and professional success.

Conclusion

Episode 236 of Trading Secrets offers a comprehensive look into John Sansone's multifaceted life as a reality TV star, law student, and heir to a farming legacy. The dialogue provides listeners with an authentic portrayal of navigating love, career opportunities, and personal growth under the spotlight of public attention.

Notable Quotes:

• John Sansone on Joining Reality TV:

  [02:04] "What came first is, you know, it's an insane opportunity to do something new, to walk on this new frontier and possibly make something out of it."

• Host on Communication in Relationships:

  [44:44] "Communication is absolutely everything... we constantly communicate and tell each other how we're feeling about certain things, and that's how we get through it."

• John Sansone on Authenticity:

  [47:01] "You're so authentically yourself... You encourage others to open up."

• John Sansone on Reality TV Challenges:

  [14:26] "Nothing in my brain or filter that goes through any type of, like, thinking of, like, how do I answer this?"

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