The Farmer-Senator: How Dan Innis Balances Academia, Agriculture, and Public Service

Ever wonder what happens when academic expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and agricultural passion converge in one person? Senator Dan Innis exemplifies this rare combination, and his story reveals the extraordinary depth behind the political title.Born into an Ohio family whose roots trace back to the American Revolution, Innis carries forward a legacy of land stewardship that skipped a generation before he reclaimed it. His journey from Ohio State University professor to University of New Hampshire dean showcases his academic prowess, particularly in his crowning achievement—building the Paul College without a penny of state funding. "We doubled business school enrollment," he notes proudly, "and those are students that are going to graduate, be trained in business right here in our state."But academia represents just one facet of this Renaissance man. Innis's entrepreneurial ventures in Portsmouth's hospitality scene reveal his marketing genius. Transforming the rundown Bow Street Inn into the hip Ale House Inn, he targeted craft beer enthusiasts through precision Facebook marketing. The result? Brooklyn, New York became their number one source of guests—proof that understanding your audience pays dividends.Perhaps most fascinating is Innis's 153-acre regenerative farm in Bradford, where he and his partner Spencer raise Wagyu cattle, 150 chickens, and several goats. Their restoration of an 1800s barn featuring a 75-foot king pine center beam demonstrates their commitment to preserving New Hampshire's agricultural heritage. When comparing his farm-fresh eggs to store-bought, Innis displays a photo showing the striking difference: "Ours are bright orange... the flavor is so different."Throughout our conversation, Innis's philosophy emerged clearly: "When you love what you're doing, it's not work." This explains how he simultaneously manages teaching at UNH, running a farm, and serving in the State Senate. His motivation? Making people happy and leaving the world better than he found it.Ready to discover more about this fascinating public servant whose life extends far beyond political boundaries? Listen now to understand what truly makes New Hampshire special through the eyes of someone who chose to make it home.Anything But Politics is a groundbreaking new podcast that is redefining how we view political figures by focusing on everything about them—except their political careers. Co-hosted by former journalist and media expert Tiffany Eddy and seasoned lobbyist and ex-politico Tom Prasol, this video podcast dives into the personal lives, passions, and pivotal experiences of notable figures, offering a refreshing and intimate look at who they are beyond the public eye.