It's in our Roots: Recent Episodes
Holly Gilbert & Dan Grist
The new podcast about inspiring people that have grown up in the countryside, with Holly Gilbert & Dan Grist đ±
Each week we interview a new guest who has grown up in a rural area and gone on to do something amazing. We talk about their upbringing and how this has helped them create who they are today!
Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and Google Play.
We are back in Birmingham for the NFYFC Achiever Awards 2023, celebrating the very best of Young Farmers across England and Wales. We chat to all the winners, as well as National YFC Chairman Rosie Bennett and Vice Chairman James Nixey. We also bump into a few past guests of the podcast, including Ally Hunter Blair, Ant Thomas and Charlie Beaty!
This month we ventured up to London for the Farmers Weekly Awards 2023! Celebrating the very best of British agriculture, we chatted to just some of the brilliant characters and award winners in attendance. This included a chat with Andy Eadon who won this yearâs âFarming Championâ alongside his wife Linda for their âLenâs Lightâ mental health campaign. From getting ready in the hotel room to partying on the dance floor, listen to our full Farmers Weekly Awards experience and relive an unforgettable evening!
As an end of Series 4 treat, we visit The Game Fair for the first time! Have a listen to our trip up to Ragley Hall where we catch up with some of our series 4 guests. From a spot of shopping with Jake Flett from Wop Wops, to a trip to the fishing village with fishing icon Marina Gibson! We also chat to the founder of Country Girls UK Tania Coxon, Tom Litten from Digby and Litten, as well as a surprise feature from Hollyâs Dad NickâŠ
Weâve come to the end of series 4, so we take a look back at our biggest series yet. From our valentines day episode featuring Tom and Joanna Pemberton, to our most recent trip to Groundswell Agriculture, itâs been a packed series full of inspiring stories, guests and events.
âSoil is sexy!â This week weâre at Groundswell - the Regenerative Agriculture Festival - in collaboration with the headline sponsor Affinity Water. Weâre visiting this world-renowned festival for the first time and bump into loads of inspiring farmers, speakers and exhibitors. Listen to part 1 to hear from Groundswell Event Director Alex Cherry, Author Nicole Masters, Karl Franklin (aka the pretend farmer), JJ Livestock and lots more!
In part 2 of our Groundswell adventure we chat to the innovative farmer, author, teacher and regenerative agriculture expert - Richard Perkins. We also bump into lots of familiar faces, finding out where their interest for regenerative agriculture comes from and what theyâve learnt from this yearâs festival. Thanks to the headline sponsor Affinity Water for having us.
In the words of Holly's Dad Nick Gilbert âweâre a Wop-Wops familyâ here on the podcast. Just like the rest of the agricultural community, we have become obsessed with this country clothing brand inspired by the kiwi lifestyle. This week weâre chatting to the Wop-Wops founder Jake Flett about the story behind the creation of the brand, how itâs become a YFC must-have and what âWop-Wopsâ actually means!
You will have heard us chat about the country dating site Muddy Matches for two series now, but this week we get to chat to the co-founder herself - Lucy Rand! From the initial idea during a chat at the pub, to travelling the country to encourage people to join, we talk through the story of how Muddy Matches has grown to help thousands of country loving people find their match. Make sure you listen to the end to hear an exciting exclusive about the future of the site!
On the eve of this yearâs Devon County Show, we joined our friends at the Addington Fund for the 2023 Devon Farm Business Awards. Have a listen to see who we chatted to at the awards, as well as interviews with lots of the winners including The Dartmoor Shepherd, Oliver Lee from How Now Dairy, Niall Tewson from South Devon Dairy, Elizabeth Hammett, Surfing Cow Ice cream and more!
Holly and Dan take on Devon County Show round 2 - this time giving you a taster of their 2023 experience. Talking to those who show cattle, cheering on the Tug of War and Sheep Shearing, to the YFC After Show Party and everything in between, this episode is definitely a unique one not to be missed!
Not many people could have both Nuffield Scholar and Team USA captain on their CV, but this weekâs guest certainly does. Kendra Hall tells us her story, how growing up in rural Indiana turned into her captaining the USA sitting volleyball Paralympic team at London 2012⊠Before moving to the UK where sheâs currently embarking on her Nuffield Farming Scholarship. Thereâs a lot to pack in, but we covered it all.
This week weâre chatting to plant operator and business owner Amy Underwood aka the Digger Girl! Based in Scotland, Amy showcases her career and love for diggers to thousands of followers across the globe. We chat about growing up around diggers, the realities of working as part of a family business and which celebrities are sliding into her DMsâŠ
This week weâre heading down to Cornwall to chat to cattle hoof trimming extraordinaire Ant Thomas, aka âKeeping Cows Moovin!â His hoof trimming videos rack up millions of views across TikTok and Instagram and we get to chat about the roots of where it all began. Ant talks about about his passion for animal welfare, public perception of the agricultural industry and the weird questions he gets onlineâŠ
How can having an allotment change your life? This week weâre off to North Devon to find out. We chat to Shannon aka âDiary of a Lady Gardenerâ about her journey to becoming a fully fledged flower farmer, Instagram gardener and host of the âDiaries of a Lady Gardenerâ podcast. Make sure you listen to the end to hear Shannonâs biggest gardening fail!
This week weâre visiting Adam Hensonâs Cotswold Farm Park and for the first time ever we have a co-host! Weâre joined by sheep farming YouTuber Will Roobottom and have a walk around the park to see the rare breeds on show. We stop by at the lambing shed to have a chat to Katie following her âlambing liveâ presentation and we also learn more about Willâs farming journey.
This week weâve gone fishing with the brilliant Marina Gibson! We chat about how Marina turned her hobby into her career and how sheâs now inspiring the next generation of women getting into fishing. Marina also talks about the creation of the Cancer and Pisces Trust - an incredible charity that aims to enhance the lives of cancer sufferers through the therapeutic pastime of angling.
Itâs in our ROOTSTOCK! Weâre excited to be hosting an episode from the first ever Rootstock - a conference discussing how farmers can build resilient businesses through regenerative methods and the latest technical developments. We have a catch up with Cotswold Farmer and Agronomist Ed Horton, as well as Devonâs Farmer of the Year Chris Berry!
For Dan and Hollyâs 50th episode, they talk to a lady who does the extremes - from surviving the jungle to taking on a self-sufficient farm whilst pregnant, Ness Knight knows how to defeat the unimaginable. This podcast is about inspiring people - and this episode will leave you ready to take on the world!
Holly and Dan take it back to the very root of their friendship - Young Farmers! NFYFC kindly invited the podcast to their first ever awards ceremony to help showcase the talent amongst our members. From the achievements, to the community spirit, through to the very heart of YFC - Holly and Dan cover it all! Have a listen to hear from lots of young farmers from across the country, the award winners, NFYFC President Nigel Owens and more!
We are back with a very special pair of guests to kick-off series four - Tom and Joanna Pemberton! We discuss all things from the ârootsâ of their relationship, to the truth behind balancing dairy farming, social media and married life. Joanna also shows us that farmers wives are far from stereotypical. Stay to the end for a quick-fire round of Mr & Mrs!
Weâve come to the end of Series 3, so this week weâre having a look back at the past 14 weeks and the incredibly inspiring guests weâve had on. From tackling stereotypes within agriculture to testing Hollyâs cider tasting capabilities⊠this series has had it all. Make sure you listen to the end as we also hear from five of YOU, in our very first listenerâs edition of âWhat a load of old bull!â
Recorded at LAMMA 2023, in this weekâs episode weâre chatting to the founder of Forces Farming, Jeremy Gibbs. Forces Farming supports ex service men and women into agricultural and rural careers. We chat to Jeremy about why he set it up and what drives him to continue to help as many people as possible into the agricultural industry.
Itâs our first episode of 2023 and weâre talking to the incredibly inspiring author and entrepreneur from Yorkshire - Hannah Russell. Hannah talks about her journey to becoming a published author, setting up numerous businesses, being an ambassador for different charities, as well as her work as a public speaker. Standing at 28 inches high, Hannahâs miniature Shetland âLittle Alfâ is the star of her childrenâs books, so we end the episode with a Little Alf special of âWhat a load of old bull!â
In our final episode of 2022, weâre virtually heading off to Paris to speak to Chef and Butcher, Connor Reed. Connor talks about his journey to becoming a chef, growing up as a vegetarian and then finding his passion for the art of butchery. We also talk to him about his move to Paris, as well as his work at Pipers Farm in Devon.
To fend off the cold, Dan and Holly are reminiscing on one of their favourite country show competitions - sheep shearing! Marie talks us through her journey to setting the first-ever women's eight-hour strongwool ewe world record. Make sure you listen to the end to find out how to become a young member of the Devon County Agricultural Association and watch even more shearing in May!
This weekâs episode is a Farm Business Innovation Show special! We walk around the show chatting to inspiring rural entrepreneurs including Herefordshire farmer Ally Hunter Blair and sheep farming YouTuber William Roobottom. We also hear from different rural businesses and organisations including FarmED and Canopy & Stars! If youâre looking to diversify your farm business, this is the show you donât want to miss. Have a listen to hear a slice of the action!
This week weâre chatting to Donna Edmonds, the CEO at Farms for City Children. This charity immerses children from urban communities into a totally new world. Donna reminisces about her first experience of the countryside aged 21 as a teacher on a Farms for City Children visit and how this had a profound impact on her. We talk about the importance of teaching children about where their food comes from and inspiring the next generation of agricultural workers.
This week, Holly and Dan are chatting to Instagram famous artist Kate Simpson! In between coaching us through her own âhow to drawâ guides, she chats about how she stumbled into the world of farming, achieving her dream of writing a childrenâs book and gives us some Christmas gift ideas!
The Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution (R.A.B.I) supports rural communities all across the UK, and this episode we caught up with Laura Ractliffe, one of their Regional Managers. We were both blown away by how varied their support on offer is, including financial, wellbeing and in the community.
If you want to reach out to them, please call their helpline on 08001884444. Or alternatively, visit https://rabi.org.uk/how-we-help/get-in-touch/ to reach out to a deficated member of their staff in confidence.
Smashing stereotypes and championing the butchery industry, this week weâre chatting to Justine the Butcher aka âRack of Glamâ. We talk about the reception she received starting out, misconceptions of the industry and what inspired her to start a meat company during lockdown.
Famously a friend of the podcast, we finally catch-up with Flav who has supported the podcast since series 1. We hear about his roots in Kenya and navigating his way through becoming one of the most prominent voices for ethnic minorities within the British agricultural industry, before the return of âwhat a load of old bullâ!
This week weâre visiting Myrtle Farm in Somerset to chat to Eleanor Thatcher, 5th generation farmer and cider maker. The Thatcher family have been making the cider that we all know and love since 1904 - we chat to Eleanor about growing up on the farm and working as part of the family business. Holly also has a go at the Thatchers Cider taste challenge⊠listen to the end to see how she gets on!
In the week leading up to the British Farming Awards, we chat to fellow nominees Emma and Ewan, about their life as sheep farmers on the Isle of Bute. As if raising a little one whilst featuring on This Farming Life for the BBC isnât enough, we hear about how they also find time to go sheep dog trialling internationally. And of course, we end with a game - Shepherd and Shepherdess!
Itâs in our Roots is BACK with a third series! To kick things off, weâre chatting to the Farmerâs Weekly presenting duo, Becca and Lizzie. We chat about the creation of their Boots and Heels podcast, as well as common misconceptions about the agricultural industry. We also challenge them to our Boots & Heels version of Mr & Mrs!
Dan and Holly go back to their own roots to bring you an episode in collaboration with Devon County Show! From stock to steam engines, tractors to tasty treats - they chat to everyone that makes the show what it is. We chat to exhibitors, stewards, Grays Devon Cider, Darts Farm, the Salcombe Dairy and more! Listen out for some familiar voices and some previous guests of the podcast.
This week weâre having a look back at all the best bits from our second series. Hear highlights from the Chief Shepherdess, Tractor Ted, Gail Muller, Dan OâNeill, Danny Gallagher, Maria Warne and more, as well as Dan and Hollyâs highlights from the series. Also, make sure you listen to the end to hear whatâs next for the podcast⊠as well as a voice note from one of our listeners!
This week weâre chatting to Devon based Food Adventurer - James Brooks! James is on a mission to inspire people to be more adventurous around food and encourage us to become freestyle cooks. We talk about telling the story from farm to fork and his very own Secret Food Society.
You know her as the name behind so many Farmers Guardian articles, this week weâre chatting to Hannah Binns, upland Sheep Farmer and New & Business Reporter. We talk about how she landed her job at the Farmers Guardian, her top tips on how to get into journalism and we attempt our new game - have I got news for MOO?
20 nations, 22 organisations and half a million young people! This week weâre talking to Linzi Stewart, Chairman of Rural Youth Europe. We chat to Linzi about her journey to becoming Chair of this international organisation, the similarities and differences between rural organisations across Europe, as well as share memories from past Rural Youth Europe events.
You know her from her incredibly popular TikTok videos with her Granfer, this week weâre talking to Maria Warne, a Fifth Generation Farmer and Yellow Wellies Ambassador from Cornwall. We talk about how Mariaâs TikTok has blown up to nearly a million followers and why she now uses her platform to talk about farm safety and mental health.
This week weâre talking to Naomi Wright, a Dairy Farmer and Therapist based in the Lake District. We talk about mental health and farming, discussing why Naomi set up âTherapy for Farmersâ to help reach out to the agricultural community. We discuss the power of therapy, the importance of self-care and what we can all be doing to look out for each other.
This week weâre talking to country singer and songwriter, Scotlandâs very own Kevin McGuire! We talk about how he got into country music and the growing country music scene in the UK. Also in this weekâs âWhat a load of old bullâ weâve got stories about supporting Basshunter, X Factor Auditions and singing at Hampden Park - but which one is the lie?
This week weâre chatting to Danny Gallagher aka Danny the Farrier! We talk about his journey to becoming a farrier, the importance of educating children about countryside trades and pursuits, as well as juggling his day job with farming, renovating a house, CrossFit and more.
This week we're joined by former Team GB Wheelchair Rugby Captain and Gold Medalist Paralympian - Jim Roberts MBE. After catching Meningitis at University he spent two and a half years in hospital and it was a nurse who introduced him to Wheelchair Rugby. He has since travelled the world competing, which took him to the Paralympic Games in Tokyo. We talk about growing up in the countryside, his Olympic journey and his relationship with the great outdoors now.
This week weâre chatting to fellow young farmer Charlie Beaty, aka the Globe Trotting Farm Girl! Charlie joined Young Farmers aged 13 years old and is the current reigning National Young Farmers Senior Member of the Year. We talk about what sheâs learnt from travelling the world and more recently becoming a Farmers Weekly Columnist.
This week weâre chatting to wildlife presenter and director, Dan OâNeill. It was several experiences during his childhood that led him to the jungle and made him want to pursue a career in research and filmmaking. Heâs a trailblazer for the LGBT+ community, has founded his own wildlife film festival and we have the most adventurous round of âwhat a load of old bullâ yet - so we had lots to discuss!
To celebrate the start of FebruDAIRY, Dan and Holly chat to fellow Devon Young Farmer Emily Peters, founder of Udder Stuff. They discuss how she diversified her family farming business to sell milk directly to the consumer, her passion for educating the public about the dairy industry and the challenges she faced setting up her new business.
Adventurer. Educator. Author. Gail Muller chats to Holly and Dan about overcoming chronic illness against the odds and her epic hike of the Appalachian Trail.
This week we talk to the founder and creator of the one and only - Tractor Ted! Ally Heard explains how being persuaded by her kids to pull the car over to watch the tractors, gave her the idea to create her very own films that now enlighten thousands of children across the country about farming.
Itâs in our Roots is back for Series Two! ZoĂ« Colville, aka the Chief Shepherdess, chats to Holly and Dan about her journey from working as a hairdresser in Soho, to farming in Kent. We discuss women in agriculture, being a new entrant in the industry and try out a brand new game.
In our final episode of 2020 we get into the Christmas spirit, look back at all our guests from Series 1 and Holly plays her own 'What a Load of Old Bull'. Make sure you listen to the end to hear our big announcement!
For our series finale, weâre taking it back to the podcastâs roots: talking to rural people who have came through an incredible journey. Listen to pig farmer Lee Thompsonâs honest and thought-provoking story of how a teammateâs tragedy on the rugby pitch impacted his mental health, inspiring him to start his own podcast with the motto âitâs not weak to speakâ.
Episode 14 - Erin Fflur McNaught, British Sheepdog trialling champion is doing it all. Listen to the challenging journey she is on, as she takes over her family farm, whilst sitting her A levels, applying to university and of course, training and working her award winning sheepdogs!
Between practising in a small animal veterinary surgery, presenting on family television, farming a smallholding and hosting his own podcast... Dr James Greenwood managed to find time to talk to us. Hear all about his busy schedule here, in our 13th episode!
Episode 12 sees our first duo of guests - Matt and Pip Smith. Between shearing world records and their new venison business, the pair are full of inspirational advice!
Farming rare breed Hebridean sheep and reporting international news for the BBC - Gareth Barlow doesn't do things by half! Listen to hear his journey from farmer to broadcaster in episode 11.
From singing in a pub in St Ives, to winning the voice UK... This week we are talking to Molly Hocking! We cover growing up in Cornwall, dealing with negative comments on social media and breaking into the music industry, along with the most revealing game yet.
Focussing more on the nature-related aspects of the countryside this week, science communicator Sophie Pavelle talks to us about the importance of appreciating the British countryside and the pressures young people face in todayâs job market.
This week we chat to the man behind the articles of Farmers Weekly - Oli Hill. We talk about growing up on a Somerset Farm, moving to London to pursue a career in journalism and starting conversations about mental health and diversity within the agricultural industry.
This week weâre talking to Great British Bake Off 2019 star Michelle Evans-Fecci! Listen to how growing up on a Welsh farm inspired her to bake, stories from the tent that werenât aired on TV, and about Michelleâs passion of growing her own produce.
Episode 6 sees us talking to farm vet - Tom Searle. With our first listener Q&A session, you asked questions and he answered! Tom talks about the best way to get into the farm vet profession, with Herriot-style stories throughout!
Covering a wide array of topics from wheelchair racing to farm safety, this week's episode with world record holding Paralympian, Samantha Kinghorn, is one not to be missed.
This week weâre talking to Team GB Wrestler and founder of âFarmer Strongâ - Charlie Bowling! We cover growing up on the farm, getting into wrestling, competing internationally and setting up his new venture on the farm over lockdown.
For episode 3 we are so excited to be talking to Farmer Flo! We discuss how she juggles both farming and midwifery, as well as uni experiences, instagram blogging tips and #WomenInAg đȘđ»
Weâre talking to World Darts Champion 2015, Scott Mitchell for our second episode. From Young Farmers to Johnny Depp and everything in between, this episode is full of laughs and Scott shows that any of us can become âa big kid from a little villageâ!
We couldnât think of anyone better to have as our first guest - we all know her as a photographer, but it was amazing to sit down and listen to her full story!
We cover her growing up on the farm, building her business, her brain hemorrhage, reconnecting with her faith and volunteering for FCN.