Ducks on the Pond: Recent Episodes

Kirsten Diprose and Jackie Elliott

A podcast for rural women... by rural women. Hosted by Kirsten Diprose and Jackie Elliott, they seek expert advice and the stories of other rural women on issues such as succession planning, motherhood, starting a business...running for politics and much more!

Have you ever wondered what would happen if you walked away from the life you thought you were supposed to live?

Amie Penny grew up in the suburbs of Sydney and went on to work at an investment bank in the CBD. She loved the corporate world and always imagined herself in a successful nine-to-five career. Farming was never part of the plan.

Then, what was supposed to be a two-week break on her extended family’s farm near Cowra changed everything.

Something clicked for Amie. She surprised herself by walking away from her corporate career and, after meeting her husband, the pair pulled out a map, picked Rockhampton and packed up their horse float to start a new life. With very little money, they spent close to a year living in that horse float in someone else’s backyard while saving for a place of their own.

From there, they built their life one step at a time. They bought 60 acres, lived in sheds and less-than-glamorous houses, and kept buying slightly bigger properties as they could afford them. What started with 16 Brahman cows eventually grew into a farming business running around 1,200 Angus cattle across properties near Gunnedah and Walcha.

In this episode of Ducks on the Pond, Amie shares what it’s like to build a life in agriculture when you don’t come from a farming background — including teaching herself how to farm through Google, instinct and the occasional phone call to a neighbour.

We also dive into the big questions around the realities of starting from scratch and why breaking into farming can be so difficult for people without inherited land, Amie is also asking an important question: when do you give yourself permission to actually enjoy what you’ve created?

Thank you to Weighting for Happiness for sponsoring this Season of Ducks on the Pond. Listen to the episode to hear their special offer. And listen to the Before Dieting podcast - for a systems thinking approach to health.

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What happens when a rural community decides to stop waiting for someone else to solve its biggest problem?

For the people of Mudgee in central-west New South Wales, it meant creating their own solution to the growing shortage of GPs. The result is Doctors 4 Mudgee, a community-led initiative that set an ambitious goal of attracting 10 new doctors in three years.

Just 11 months in, they're already halfway there.

In this episode of Ducks on the Pond, Kirsten Diprose speaks with winemaker, business owner and Doctors 4 Mudgee Region Program Coordinator Kate Day. While Kate never imagined she'd be working in healthcare recruitment, she's helped build a program that's becoming a blueprint for regional Australia.

The conversation explores why welcoming doctors' families has been just as important as offering financial incentives, and how a simple idea—a "lifestyle concierge" service—has helped new GPs feel connected from day one.

Kate also shares the remarkable story behind her wine business, In Two Minds Wine, founded with her sister-in-law

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It can be hard to attract and retain professionals in the regions and vets are no exception. Entering the eighth year of a regional vet shortage, our guest Dr Rebecca Faris wants to curb it.

Having worked as a vet in South West Victoria for many years, Rebecca transitioned to focus on helping students move into the workforce and then eventually vet wellbeing at the Australia Veterinary Association.

Rebecca shares that vets experience high rates of poor mental health, one of the reasons behind the high turnover in regional areas.

As the workforce becomes more feminized, issues like childcare shortages, lack of upskilling and ability to find housing are among some of the reasons vets and young professionals move away from the regions.

But vets face further challenges such as inflexible work hours with long on-call periods, difficulty making vet businesses profitable and struggling to prove their experience to farmers.

Rebecca shares her hopes for the industry and changes that can be made to both improve wellbeing and retention of rural vets across regional Australia.

Complete the Vet Wellbeing survey here.

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Losing a loved one is a worst fear for most, and something that Sarah Guthrie and Georgia Lillie have in common.

Sarah’s son Ford died 10 years ago from an accident when he was only 17.

Georgia’s husband James died of an aggressive cancer seven years ago, leaving her and her two young boys behind.

While they both lived close by in Western Victoria, neither women met until they were encouraged to swap books that they each wrote about their grief. For Sarah it’s an intimate book remembering her son's life and documenting her grief afterwards, and for Georgia a children's book for her sons could remember their dad by.

Grieving in a regional community can sometimes feel like you’re under a microscope and these authors talk about their unique experiences of coping with grief in such a tight knit community.

There is a lot of resilience, relatability and humour in how Sarah and Georgia talk to Kirsten about their loved ones and their lives after a great loss.

Thank you to Weighting for Happiness for sponsoring this Season of Ducks on the Pond. Listen to the episode to hear their special offer. And listen to the Before Dieting podcast - for a systems thinking approach to health.

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How much do you know about your soil microbiology? Dr Aurelie Quade makes a very good argument for why we should know more about it… including improving farm productivity and lowering inputs.

Originally from a forestry community in France, Aurelie fell in love with the desolate landscape of Australia when she arrived here 20 years ago.

Initially doing her PhD in plant pathology, she said she became bored at trying to fight nature and instead wanted to learn to work with it, leading her to become a highly sought after expert on soil microbial activity, soil health and resilient production systems.

She speaks about encouraging farmers, particularly smaller producers to learn more about their soil health, run their own tests and experiments and make changes to ensure you’re getting the most from your soil.

Her expertise at her consultancy, Soil Resilience has been used by producers, corporate farming and regional bodies and her long term goal is to help Australian farming systems grow and to get more out of their soil health.

Dr Quade has a far ranging discussion in this episode from the politics around soil carbon, the complex language of climate change and the future of farming.

Thank you to Weighting for Happiness for sponsoring this Season of Ducks on the Pond. Listen to the episode to hear their special offer. And listen to the Before Dieting podcast - for a systems thinking approach to health.

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Unrealistic body standards are inescapable for young women. Between diet culture, food rules at home, and stick- thin models all over our screens, it’s hard to feel in touch with what our body needs.

Nurse, midwife and systems-thinking expert Bronwyn Fletcher spent her childhood fixated on understanding what was and wasn’t healthy - she later found she wasn’t always given the right information. Turns out eating less and moving more doesn’t always equal weight loss and more importantly being thin doesn’t always mean being healthy.

After interviewing a thousand women on their experiences with food, eating and their body she created the Weighting for Happiness project. This program takes a systems based approach to weight management, encouraging women to look at the underlying emotions they have towards food and showing why habit based approaches like dieting and medications often backfire.

From Victoria’s Secret models, the Biggest Loser and Ozempic, Bronwyn addresses why it is so hard to feel in touch with our bodies in a society that wants women to look a certain way.

You can learn more about the Weighting for Happiness project and listen to Bronwyn’s podcast Before Dieting.

A huge thank you to Weighting for Happiness for supporting us at Ducks on the Pond, as the Season Sponsor!

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What should you do when your ideas at work are always getting shot down? Or you’re being micromanaged by your boss? Or letting perfectionism stand in your way?

Workplace expert Lynne Cazaly has the answers for you. She is a consultant, future work expert, international speaker and award winning author (just to name a few of her hats!).

But despite all those qualifications, she also makes time for hobbies and speaks to the importance of doing things you love, even if you do them badly. She is an advocate for women letting go of perfectionism and instead learning to be just good enough.

Lynne speaks about the importance of stepping into leadership in rural communities and speaking up about your passions, interests and experiences.

Come to Lynne’s workshop! If you’re in South West Victoria you can catch Lynne’s workshop on expressing ideas to create change at Rural Women Lead in July, brought to you by Leadership Great South Coast.

Thank you to Weighting for Happiness for sponsoring this Season of Ducks on the Pond. Listen to the episode to hear their special offer. And listen to the Before Dieting podcast - for a systems thinking approach to health.

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This is a Rural Podcasting Co. production. Interested in making your own podcast? Let us help you tell your own story!

Climate change can be one of those topics that people either avoid, argue about, or feel completely overwhelmed by. Meanwhile, climate policy is often a political football.

So how do we have better conversations about it, especially in rural and regional Australia, where the impacts are often felt first and hardest? And why is it still considered by some to be a ‘leftie inner city issue?”

We’re joined by two brilliant minds: Social researcher Dr Rebecca Huntley and climate scientist, Emeritus Professor of Biology Lesley Hughes have dedicated themselves to raising awareness about the impacts of climate change, including supporting regional communities.

Together, they unpack the science, the politics, the psychology, and the opportunities that come with climate action in Australia.

This is not a doom-and-gloom climate chat.

Lesley and Rebecca share how both the scientific and social sides of the issue are intertwined and the tough balance of motivating people to act on climate change without losing hope that the situation is impossible.

Thank you to Weighting for Happiness for Sponsoring this Season of Ducks on the Pond. Listen to the Before Dieting podcast, by founder Brownyn Fletcher

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This is a big, honest, and deeply human conversation.

In this episode, Kirsten sits down with Warrnambool mother, Amanda Gaudion, who shares the story of her former husband Troy — a devoted dad, police officer, and someone who experienced a severe mental illness that ultimately led to his death by suicide.

It’s a conversation about love, confusion, systems, stigma and what it’s actually like to live alongside complex mental illness that doesn’t fit neatly into the categories we’re more comfortable talking about.

This episode gently but powerfully challenges the way we think about mental health — especially the conditions we don’t talk about.

If this episode raises anything for you, support is available:

Lifeline (Australia): 13 11 14

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When was the last time you had a difficult conversation? Maybe it was with a family member, at work or even within your community. While it can be easy for us to shy away from hard chats, our next guest considers her ability to have “crunchy” conversations a superpower.

From a young age Liz Brennan had these conversations role modelled within her family. So by the time she found herself in Papua New Guinea working alongside cultural leaders in a tourism role, she felt well prepared to put in the hard yards to build trust, find community and have “crunchy” conversations.

Now living in Kunnunurra but originally from WA’s wheatbelt, Liz works as the managing director for AgDots, an organisation connecting people in rural Australia to make things happen.

Liz speaks about how she first became interested in food systems while living in Papua New Guinea, the importance of diversifying and how to feel empowered by your choice to live regionally, instead of feeling hindered by it.

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Ducks on the Pond is back with Season 8!

Hear what's coming up on this powerful 10 episode season and meet Bronwyn Fletcher, founder of Weighting for Happiness.... and Ducks Season 8 sponsor.

Bronwyn is working to change the conversation around women and weight through a systems-thinking approach to health and wellbeing. She unpacks why rural women often face different barriers to support and services, and why addressing complex challenges requires moving beyond simple fixes.

Bronwyn also has a fabulous podcast called Before Dieting.

Season 8 of Ducks on the Pond launches soon, with a new lineup of powerful stories, fresh perspectives and thoughtful conversations.

Follow the podcast now so you don’t miss the first episode of the season.

This is a Rural Podcasting Co. production

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“If farmers don’t have a voice, they’ll be dealt a poorer hand.” That’s the simple mantra that motivates Rebecca Reardon to be involved in advocacy with NSW Farmers.

Rebecca is a mixed farmer from Moree in NSW, an agricultural economist, board director and Vice President of NSW Farmers.

Her path into agricultural leadership wasn’t linear. After 20 years working post–farm gate in the grains industry, including stepping into a CEO role during one of the most personally challenging periods of her life, she made the conscious decision to step back and prioritise family when one of her children became seriously ill

What followed were two phone calls that changed her trajectory; one inviting her onto an industry board, and another encouraging her to join the Grains Committee at NSW Farmers

That “gentle push” led her into policy, advocacy and leadership at a state and national level.

In this collaboration episode with NSW Farmers, Rebecca reflects candidly on:

How family crisis reshaped her perspective on leadership and success
Why advocacy isn’t just about what farmer groups win; but what they stop
How NSW Farmers develops grassroots policy through branches, committees and annual conference
The mounting pressures facing agriculture; from telecommunications and biosecurity to land tax, diesel rebates, insurance and renewables
The widening city–country divide and the fight to maintain farming’s social licence
Why we need more women and more young farmers stepping into advocacy roles

If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, but worried you didn’t know enough, weren’t qualified, or might upset someone… this episode is your nudge.

Learn more about NSW Farmers or become a member HERE

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What if the difference between a struggling farm and a thriving one isn’t the cows, the land or the milk price… but the systems?

When Jana Hocken and her husband returned to their 1,000-head dairy farm in New Zealand, they were facing two seasons of low milk prices, a $500,000 overdraft and long, exhausting workdays. Something had to change.

In this practical and eye-opening live recording from the Australian Dairy Conference, Jana shares how applying Lean management principles, developed by Toyota, transformed their business.

The results?

15% reduction in costs
72% increase in labour productivity over 10 years
Major gains in production
Overdraft eliminated — and cash surplus at season start

Same herd. Same genetics. Same infrastructure. Different management.

Instead of hoping milk price rises to improve profit, Jana explains why the real opportunity lies in controlling what you can; cost, systems, communication and culture. Jana has now founded The Lean Farm Project, to help others.

Hosted by Kirsten Diprose, this episode captures Jana’s keynote on how Lean tools; from weekly team meetings and visual management boards to root-cause problem solving and radical financial transparency, can dramatically reduce stress, lift productivity and build a farm that lasts generations.

This is the final collaboration episode with the Australian Dairy Conference. Go back and listen to earlier episodes, to hear more wisdom from the fabulous speakers and leaders involved in the event.

Produced by the Rural Podcasting Co… can we help YOU tell your own story?

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This is a Rural Podcasting Co. production. Interested in making your own podcast? Let us help you tell your own story!

What happens when you don’t make time for your wellness?

For wellbeing researcher and speaker Carli Phillips, the answer was confronting: double pneumonia, a heart infection and total burnout in her late thirties... all while juggling two jobs, a masters degree, young children, farm life and caring responsibilities.

In this powerful live recording from the Australian Dairy Conference, Carli, the founder of the Corporate Wellbeing Hub, shares the lesson that changed her life:

If you don’t make time for your wellness, you will be forced to make time for your illness.

Hosted by Kirsten Diprose, this episode captures Carli’s keynote address to more than 900 people, followed by a practical and heartfelt Q&A focused on rural workplaces, leadership and psychosocial safety.

This is a collaboration episode with the Australian Dairy Conference. Produced by the Rural Podcasting Co... can we help YOU tell your own story?

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This is a Rural Podcasting Co. production. Interested in making your own podcast? Let us help you tell your own story!

Where did the anti-farming sentiment begin, not just in Australia, but around the world? And most importantly, what can we do about it?

Claire Taylor brings a genuinely global perspective to this conversation. Originally from Scotland, she travelled across multiple countries as part of her Nuffield Scholarship, exploring how farming is portrayed, discussed and defended in different cultural contexts.

That journey eventually led her to Australia—where she fell in love with a farmer and now lives just outside Orange, New South Wales. Having only been in Australia for a year, Claire speaks candidly about what it’s like to miss your old life while navigating a major career pivot.

Once an agricultural reporter working across TV and newspapers in the UK, Claire is now the founder of her own consultancy, Agvocacy Consulting, focused on helping agriculture tell its story better.

This episode is has been made in collaboration with the Australian Dairy Conference and is packed with practical, accessible advice on sharing positive stories about farming—and you don’t need to be an influencer or media professional to do it well.

The Australian Dairy Conference is on in Melbourne from February 11 to 13, so make sure you're getting quick to book your ticket!

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This is a Rural Podcasting Co. production. Interested in making your own podcast? Let us help you tell your own story!

Farmers are often portrayed as being lone operators, but we know that working in agriculture, or any rural business, is a team sport. No matter what specific industry you’re in, you’re not going to get far without the ability to get people working together towards a shared goal.

None of this is possible without effective leadership, and that’s the topic we’re going to be tackling in this episode. How do you define your leadership?

And who better to ask than two women in leadership roles within the massive event that is the Australian Dairy Conference.

Rose Philipzen is the first woman to act as president of the Australian Dairy Conference. With a lifetime of experience in the industry in New South Wales, Rose shared what her trailblazing journey has taught her about the benefits of leaning into a collaborative leadership approach.
Ella Credlin is working in Rose’s team as the conference’s programming chair. As a passionate dairy farmer from south-west Victoria, Ella was tapped on the shoulder to work for the ADC, and told me all about her hope to create positive change within the industry she loves.

Also in this episode we discuss the Australian Rural Leadership Program. The ARLP is a 15-month program that helps rural people develop their skills as leaders in their field.

This episode was brought to you in collaboration with the Australian Dairy Conference, Australia’s premiere conference. Next year the conference will be held in Melbourne in February at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. You can register for the conference or explore the program at this link.

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Nikki Davey is well known in the rural women's community as an entrepreneur, flower farmer, speaker and absolute go-getter. She founded Grown Not Flown, an app connecting customers with local flower growers. This startup business had a great cause in directly challenging the lack of sustainability in the flower industry, where many flowers are flown to Australia from countries in South America, Africa and Asia. Which is a crazy amount of unnecessary flower miles... given the amazing flowers we have right here in Australia.

As a business and a movement, Grown Not Flown was kicking goals. Nikki won the National Agrifutures Rural Women's award in 2023. She fostered a large social media following and most importantly, created a platform that was popular with both growers and customers. But a couple of months ago, Nikki posted online about how she was winding up Grown Not Flown. This came as quite a shock to many.

But the reality of any startup is that most fail. Sometimes you can even have the market fit, a brilliant founder and a popular platform... and things don't work out.

So you're about to hear an interview with Nikki Davey that she did on another podcast called Agtech.. So What, who have kindly shared it with us. Sarah Nolet is the interviewer and dives into the business side of things, from what it's like being the founder of a startup, the challenges of finding funding and how difficult it is to make the final decision to wind up the business.

Nikki is still doing amazing things of course too, including a new role in the sustainable flower industry, her new startup AI business, Stratlas and she just released a book for business owners about collaboration... called "The Pie Gets Bigger."

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It can feel very murky when diving into measuring things like nature, biodiversity, carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. Essentially, how do you know what you’re doing is working? And while the tools are still improving there are many reasons why it’s worth giving it a crack.

In part 3 of our collaboration series with Farmers for Climate Action, we dive into ways to help you account for all the good environmental work you do on farm. We also get insights directly from the bank, including what financial tools are out there and how to best communicate your vision with your bank manager.

Hear from:

Carmel Onions, Executive Manager Agribusiness Sustainability at Commonwealth Bank
Leah Garnett, dairy farmer at Mohyu, VIC and science researcher on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in dairy.

We also discuss some of the latest scientific developments in greenhouse gas reduction, including a ‘methane vaccine’.

Please note - this episode does not contain any financial advice. All financial discussions are general in nature.

Quack! Are you interested in sponsoring the next season of Ducks on the Pond? Contact us at Rural Podcasting Co.

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“Climate smart farming” has become somewhat of a buzz word (or buzz phrase, rather!). But what does that even mean? Instead of becoming caught up in definitions, we hear from two women who are each running farming operations in two very different landscapes...but are both proudly, climate smart farmers.

At its essence, climate smart farming is about lowering inputs where you can, making decisions for your soil and grass, and in some cases, tapping into opportunities such as renewable energy or carbon sequestration. It’s going to look different, depending on your property. However, it's often thinking about farm productivity from the soil up, and yes, it also means making a profit too.

Hear from:

Ellen Litchfield - runs a cattle and sheep station in remote South Australia. She’s also a vet, and has a Masters in Sustainable Agriculture and works part-time for Farmers for Climate Action.
Dimity Taylor - runs a sheep farm near Crookwell in NSW. She is implementing regenerative agriculture practices on the farm and also works part-time as a physiotherapist.

Both Ellen and Dimity talk about the challenges and successes they’ve had in getting others on board their climate smart farming journeys.

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Behind every good Ag business, is a good woman. Well, a smart and caring one.

There are many women doing innovative things on farm and in the broader agriculture industry. From cracking a value added business, to finding more sustainable ways of producing food. In this episode, you’ll meet two women who think strategically about their own farming businesses, as well as broader issues around soil science, national food security (such as a national food plan) and how to bring more diversity into industry board rooms.

Hear from:

*Fiona Marshall -Chair, Grain Growers National Policy Group Member. Chair, Riverine Plains Farming Systems Group. Grains producer and advocate for agriculture. Based in Mulwala, NSW.

*Cressida Cains - President of Australian Women in Agriculture and founder of Pecora Dairy, a raw-milk sheep cheese dairy. Based in Robertson, NSW.

This is episode one of a 3-part collaboration series with Farmers for Climate Action. Come to their national summit - and receive 20% off! Listen to the episode to find out how!

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How do you create systemic change, especially when it involves changing the culture and attitudes of not just a workplace, but an entire society?

There is no specific playbook for systemic change. But there are a number of tools you can try. In this final episode of our three part series with Rural Women Lead, we explore this adaptive process by looking at space of women’s health and wellbeing - including reproductive health, family violence and menopause - which are all areas that have been overlooked, misunderstood and mischaracterised throughout history.

Hear from:

Jodie Hill - CEO at Women’s Health and Wellbeing Barwon Southwest, from Crossley, VIC.

In her role, Jodie is tackling multiple systemic problems. To do this, she says you need to have conversations with people with very different attitudes and ideas to you. This inevitably comes with discomfort - but if you want to create change, you need to have the courage to be able to sit with that discomfort and do it anyway. Jodie tells the story of having to speak to a room full of tradies about gender equity, when it was clear they hadn’t really chosen to be in the room. She adjusted her talk to better fit the audience..but summoned the courage to speak!

This series has been made in collaboration with Rural Women Lead, lead by Leadership Great South Coast. Other members includes: O2 Advisory, are-able, GenHealth, Wannon Water and Rural Podcasting Co.

This is a Rural Podcasting Co. production.

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Storytelling is so important for connection and information retention (there are several studies that prove this!) But have you ever stopped to think how important knowing YOUR OWN story is?

Hear from Sherry Johnstone, a Keerray Woorong woman, based in Warrnambool who didn’t feel confident in embracing her indigenous heritage, because she was so tired of people questioning it. But when she finally did acknowledge her culture, it markedly changed the direction of her life, giving her greater purpose and re-awakening her passion as an artist.

In this episode hear from:

*Sherry Johnstone - Artist (Spirit and Soul Connections) and educator and Kerray Woorong woman based in Warrnambool, VIC.

*Trudy Marr - Head of Strategy of Strategy and Projects at are-able, a not for profit organisation, which helps people with disabilities find meaningful employment.

Connection is also a strong theme of this episode, and the link between sharing your story and connecting with others. Trudy moved to Warrnambool from Scotland in her early 20s and had to quickly learn how to forge meaningful relationships. Since then, she has reimagined what networking means. For her, it's not about starting with an intention to climb the corporate ladder, but rather form a genuine connection - and through this, wonderful opportunities will emerge.

This episode has been made in collaboration with Rural Women Lead - an initiative led by Leadership Great South Coast. It captures some of the insights shared at recent workshops, funded by a community projects grant, from Elders.

Would you like to collaborate with us? Or sponsor a full season? Get in touch! kirsten@ruralpodcastingco.com

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If you haven’t heard about ‘bio-hacking’ - it’s all about using our neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin and hormones to maximise our wellbeing. And you can do really simple things for a big pay off.

This is the beginning of a 3-part mini series on leadership: focusing on self, story and change. In this episode, focusing on ‘self’ speak to Jessica Fishburn, a women’s health physiotherapist and Director at Gen Health, in Hamilton, VIC.

Drawing on her expertise in pain science and neurobiology, she gives us a few tricks to help increase focus, productivity and overall wellbeing. Jess talks about ‘the flow state’ and how to work out what that is for you, plus what foods and simple exercises can give you a good injection from our natural chemicals and hormones.

Jess doesn’t believe in ‘taboo’ topics, so she gives some very frank and useful advice on how to reduce your stress levels and optimise your wellbeing. From a leadership perspective, this all comes from the idea that you need to look after yourself first to be a good leader.

This episode has been made in collaboration with Rural Women Lead - an initiative led by Leadership Great South Coast. It captures some of the insights shared at recent workshops, funded by a community projects grant, from Elders.

Would you like to collaborate with us? Or sponsor a full season? Get in touch! kirsten@ruralpodcastingco.com

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Farm life can sometimes be romanticized, with the wide open spaces, animals and the freedom to do what you want. You might love the bush and your community…but are you actually happy?

There are many factors that influence our wellbeing. This includes how well the business is running financially, farm succession (including whether it has been worked out or not) and your experiences of drought and natural disaster (including how many times you’ve been impacted). Then of course, all of these factors intersect. So, that’s why we’re looking at these issues altogether.

Hear from:

*Alice Byrnes - Family lawyer and Co-Director at Cheney Suthers Lawyers. She shares her own personal experience of growing up, when her grandparents died unexpectedly, without a clear plan for what would happen to the farm.

*Prof. Jacki Schermer - lead researcher on the Regional Wellbeing Survey team at the University of Canberra. Her research has found that happiness in rural areas has gone down recently.

There are big and sometimes difficult conversations that need to be had when working with family on the farm.

This episode will remind you why it’s so important to have them… and have them often enough to keep up with the inevitable changes and unpredictable events that come with life on the land.

Resources:

From Crisis to Clarity Report: Proactive and Collaborative Farm Succession - Cheney Suthers Lawyers
The Regional Wellbeing 2025 survey is open to responses now!

Interested in sponsoring the NEXT season of Ducks on the Pond? Let us know! Email: kirsten@ruralpodcastingco.com

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There’s a perception that rural healthcare means second-best or second-rate. Whereas the opposite is actually true. Rural medical students often out-perform their city-based counterparts on standardised tests. Most rural patients are better off being treated closer to home in their rural location (unless they have a very rare condition). And rural medical practices can often be better at adopting new technologies because of their smaller, more agile teams.

So why then, is it so difficult to attract and retain doctors, nurses and other health care professionals to rural and regional areas?

Hear from:

Dr Bridget Clancy - Ear, nose and throat surgeon based near Warrnambool, VIC and Chair of the Rural Surgery section at the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons .

Rebecca Bradshaw - child health nurse and founder of Rural Child Health, based in Jackson, QLD

In this episode we dive into some of the systemic issues from the housing and childcare crises, to sexism in the medical profession. But we also look at what we as individuals and rural communities can do better to help make health professionals feel welcomed and supported.

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Regional Australia has always been at the frontline for energy innovation and delivery. Sure, it's the politicians in the cities that talk about a transition, but it's in our backyard that these projects actually happen.

Some renewables, such as wind, seem to be particularly controversial in a few parts of the country right now. This episode is not diving into that. Instead, it’s looking at how we design renewable energy projects, to ensure farmers and communities have the value of renewables delivered back to them. This includes exploring how renewable could offset farm emissions, to demanding more from big companies to provide long term support to a community, in areas that will make a difference.

Guests:

Karin Stark - Cotton Farmer in Narromine, NSW and founder of the National Renewables in Agriculture Conference.
Susan Findlay-Tickner - Grain Grower near Horsham, VIC, who is part of a wind farm project.

So if you’re curious about renewables, from solar, to hydro, wind and even bio energy, we dive into how to assess whether it’s a good investment for your farm, what questions you should be asking and how to work together as a community.

Also, the National Renewables in Agriculture Conference is coming up on 23 July, in Bendigo.

This episode is sponsored by ByCC Fine Jewellery, thank you for your support. And there’s a special promo for listeners!

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There's sometimes a feeling in agriculture, that “climate” and “climate action” is a dirty word. Despite ‘the weather’ being every farmer’s favourite topic, the word “climate” can be seen as divisive. And you'd certainly better not talk about “climate action!”

However, this episode’s guest is not afraid of “climate action”… and also wants the best for farmers. The two aren't mutually exclusive.

Natalie Collard is the CEO of Farmers for Climate Action. She's been in the job for a couple of years now, but the group itself started 10 years ago as a growing voice for farmers who wanted to be able to talk about the realities of climate change, while also advocating for farmers.

FCA has steadily grown and is now holding its first National Summit in Canberra, called Farming Forever, on September 1- 3.

In this episode, Natalie talks about why FCA began and how farmers can be better recognized and incentivized for the simple practice changes (that many of us have already made). We also talk about the political mix we're facing in the Federal Parliament, after a resounding Labor win.

We also touch on ‘the climate guilts’ - that feeling some of us have that we could be doing more to be cleaner and greener. But why is it okay to just take it one step at a time!

GIVEAWAY! Listen to the episode to get the promo code, then head to the Ducks on the Pond website. (THIS GIVEAWAY RUNS FROM 19/6/2025 - 14/7/2025)

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It can be a hard case to argue… that your children should be subsidised to attend a private boarding school. But when you live in rural and remote Australia, boarding school is really the only option.

The Federal Government doesn’t fund state boarding schools (and you could only imagine the expense if they did). So if you are running a farm 600 kilometres away from the nearest high school, your only option is an expensive private school or distance education. But how many teenagers do you know, want to hang out with their Mum and Dad all the time?

Yes, some farmers can draw down on their land assets to help afford private schooling. But what about the wage earners in town? Many of them are forced to leave small towns, so their children can go to school in the cities. This has a huge knock-on effect for rural communities. So is there a way to make it easier for everyone?

Hear from:

*Louise Martin - President, Isolated Children’s Parent’s Association. Louise lives on a sheep and cattle property 30km from Tambo, in QLD. She is the mother of twins.

*Alana Moller - lives on a cattle station in central, west of Clermont, QLD. She is the mother of children at boarding school.

Louise and Alana share the realities of what it’s like to send your children to boarding school. From the fees, to the restrictions… and simply not being able to see your child every morning. These mothers share it all.

Follow Ducks on the Pond on Instagram. Like this podcast? Check out Two Smart Blondes and Town Criers. This is a Rural Podcasting Co. producton.

Want to contact us? Email: kirsten@ruralpodcastingco.com

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For too long, we as a society have dealt with the loss of a baby, by almost pretending he or she didn’t exist. But for the mother, that baby is always with her. The love is the same as it would be for any child; it’s just as strong and fierce.

But the grief is unique. The grief is for the baby they love, but also the future they never got to have. This can then be compounded by a healthcare system that doesn’t always assist grieving mothers in the way that’s needed.

In this special episode of Ducks of the Pond, we hear individual stories of grieving and baby loss, as well as a collective response from a group of Warrnambool mothers, who call themselves “the Electric Eight”. It’s a support group that started forming 13 years ago, for mothers whose babies have died.

You’ll hear the voices of:

Louise Murrihy - Mother of 3 who is speaking on behalf of the Electric Eight. She lost her first born son, Max. She’s based in Warrnambool, VIC
Rochelle Olsen - Mother of 3 who founded The Baby Loss Mentor. She lost her first born son, Edward. She’s a pharmacist, based in Hillston, NSW

This collective response is so valuable, because it’s a reminder that we all grieve differently - and that mothers who have lost a baby have different needs at different times. You’ll gain insight how a mother might be feeling and how to best support her as a friend, family member or co-worker.

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We get to design some of the chapters of our life… but others we don’t. Ashley Molloy has been a police officer, worked in marketing, built her own home and now designs jewellery. Each chapter seems very different on face value. But Ashley sees her life as a continuity of growth; in skills, experience and understanding what’s right for each chapter of life.

Her most difficult chapter was the unexpected loss of her daughter, who was stillborn. It was in this Chapter where Ashley learned courage, acceptance and perspective about what really matters in life.

Ashley is now channeling her passion into a new Australian gold jewellery business, ByCC Fine Jewellery. Her aim is to align her values with a business that supports other rural women.

Ashley’s business ByCC Fine Jewellery is also the sponsor of this season of Ducks on the Pond. Thank you Ashley!

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We are hearing more and more about the use of agtech for precision farming tech, for water level monitoring, soil carbon accounting, and so much more. So where do you even start? And is it even worth the time and effort?

In this episode we look at how you can better engage with these emerging technologies - whether that’s on farm, as an investor, or getting involved in the industry itself. In the future, we can also expect more regulations around sustainability, whether that’s in the form of carbon accounting or another form of environmental governance. So should we be getting ready now?

To discuss, we have two industry leaders:

Ebony Greaves - CEO of Sea Oak Consulting, which helps agriculture businesses transition to more climate resilient practices. Ebony is based in Victoria’s High Country.
Sarah Nolet - CEO and co-founder of Tenacious Ventures, an agrifood venture capital firm and advisory in climate resilient systems.

We also have some very frank discussions about the role of women in driving this change. Let's face it, when you get the technology industry mixed with the agriculture industry…. you generally get a lot of men. So, how can we, as women, get more involved to even up the scale?

This episode is hosted by Kirsten Diprose.

This is a Rural Podcasting Co. production. Love this podcast? You might also like: Two Smart Blondes and Town Criers.

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We’re in the middle of a Federal election campaign…and you can already see that issues such as the cost of living, housing, health and crime are going to be crucial areas of focus for pretty much any candidate hoping to get elected.

But what if the issue that matters most to you, or to your family or your community… is NOT one of those hot button topics?

And while we are seeing progress being made in terms of the representation of women in politics, there's still a long way to go before we have true parity on issues that affect women's health, safety, and general wellbeing.

So how can rural women make sure they're heard when it comes to raising important issues in the lead up to the election? And how do you have productive and meaningful conversations with people who are on the completely opposite side of the political spectrum? That's what we are talking about in this episode, with our guests:

Cynthia Mahoney - Facilitator, Mentor and Author of “Cultivate: How Neuroscience and Wellbeing Supports Rural Leaders to Thrive”
Gillian Fenell - Farmer at Lambina Station, SA and ‘Agvocate’

This episode is sponsored by ByCC Fine Jewellery. Australian made, ethically sourced, keepsake pieces. Check out the ‘Beyond the Pond’ drop made for Ducks on the Pond!

This podcast is produced by the Rural Podcasting Co. Love this podcast? You might also like, Two Smart Blondes.

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We're coming back! And we're looking at the BIG issues facing Australian rural women. From healthcare, baby loss to climate change... this Season of Ducks is going even bigger than before.

We also introduce out Season 7 Sponsor, Ashley Molloy, the founder of ByCC Fine Jewellery... and announce an exciting giveaway!

This is a Rural Podcasting Co. production. Interested in podcasting? We can help!

Like this pod? You should also check out Two Smart Blondes.

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Do you have a goal or dream that you want to pursue, but stop yourself because you feel it’s too selfish or you don’t have enough time?

Sometimes we women formulate the idea that we need to be of service to others… in order to be loved. And it’s not our fault. This idea can come from messages coming from society, or perhaps from the homes we grew up in.

The good news is that we can learn how to reprogramme these unhelpful ways of thinking and get ourselves motivated to pursue what we want, or stop the ‘busyness’ to actually understand what makes us happy.

Hear from two experts, who work with women every day, using positive psychology to help them break through their own mental barriers… (while chipping away at the societal ones!)

Jodie Fleming - Clinical and Health Psychologist, Warrnambool, VIC

Karen Foster - Business and Leadership Development consultant and Mayor of the Moyne Shire, Port Fairy, VIC.

Jodie and Karen are part of Rural Women LEAD - a personal and professional development series, running from May - July 2025 across south west Victoria. Book tickets here.

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Agriculture isn’t just the act of growing crops or tending to the animals, as the dictionary likes to define it. And it's how outsiders can see it too. A bloke with his sheep and cows.

Rather, agriculture is a complex system, that impacts and is impacted by a variety of things from government regulation, people, climate change, business, politics etc. And it's also integrated with family systems too (including, women and children!).

Therefore stepping into the space of advocacy on an issue in agriculture, can often feel difficult. I am delighted to bring on Catherine Marriott OAM onto the Ducks on the Pond podcast, as part of a collaboration with Australian Rural Leadership Foundation.

Catherine (or "Maz") is a systems thinker and beef industry advocate, who has often has to explain to regulators and politicians what shutting down or changing one part of the system will mean to other parts of the system... and beyond.

This has given Maz a unique insight into how to make changes in the Ag sector successfully. She talks about her experiences with live export and her recent efforts in the ESG space.

You’ll also hear from Claire Delahunty in this episode, another rural woman (and host of Rural Leadership Unearthed), as our host. With Kirsten Diprose, this time as a guest!

THANK YOU to our episode sponsor: Aspen Lou - Rural Interior Design Specialist (She has a special promotion for Ducks listeners too!)

This is a Rural Podcasting Co. production

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Tea tree oil and nanotechnology for fly strike and foot-rot resistant sheep…. These are just some of the exciting innovations happening in agriculture. But how do lift an entire sector or industry?

It’s not always easy in farming when most of us work alone or with family.

But in this episode, you'll hear about the benefits of taking part in extension programs, learning from research trials, and even just forming local groups to learn from your neighbours.

Emily King is the National Extension Manager for Australian Wool Innovation. She's based in Dubbo and in her role, delivers a range of programs to help growers improve their production and trial the latest in research. In this episode, Emily discusses some of the latest innovations for wool production and sheep as well as some of the most successful extension programs that are still being delivered today.

So if you’re keen to improve farming practices and production not just on your farm, but for your whole community or industry, this episode is for you!

This is the third and final episode in our Knowledge is Power series that we're making in collaboration with Rural Industries Skill Training (RIST). Make sure you listen to the other two episodes: “Building a farm business from scratch” - feat. Dr Lexi Leonard and “Managing the Family Farm” - feat. Rachael McGrath.

More about RIST:

We are a leading independent provider of Training & Education for the Agricultural Sector.Located in the heart of Victoria's Western District, RIST are your Local Agricultural College with a National Reach. TOID4198

This podcast is produced by the Rural Podcasting Co.

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Owning a home these days is hard enough, so what about building your own farm from scratch?

Dr Lexie Leonard is a vet, an animal health trainer and a farmer who is building her own farming business alongside her husband and their young children in Balmoral, Victoria. Originally from the suburbs of Melbourne, Lexie would never have predicted she would grow up to be a farmer.

And it has been a steep learning curve at times. In part two of this collaboration series with RIST, Lexie shares her story of how she gained the skills and knowledge to run a farm and grow the business. She talks about the importance of goal setting and prioritising time to help you achieve your big dreams.

The road to farm ownership may not be easy, but it is possible.

Thank you to our episode sponsor: Rural Industries Skill Training (RIST)

More about RIST:

We are a leading independent provider of Training & Education for the Agricultural Sector.Located in the heart of Victoria's Western District, RIST are your Local Agricultural College with a National Reach. TOID4198

This podcast is produced by the Rural Podcasting Co.

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Women have a powerful voice in agriculture, but would you call it equal to men?

In Australia, there are more than 88, 000 women working in agriculture across multiple industries. The numbers are growing, but women only make makes up one third of the overall ag workforce. There are also fewer women in positions of seniority, while research shows daughters only inherit the farm about 10 percent of the time.

It's a complex problem, but a key leveller is undoubtedly education and knowledge. So in this 3 part-series, sponsored by RIST, we meet three women who have gained knowledge and power to make big things happen in their fields - from farm ownership, to becoming recognised leaders and change agents in agriculture.

In this episode, we meet Rachael McGrath, winner of the 2024 Young Dairy Leader Award. At 30 years old, Rachael is managing her family's dairy farm at Orford, in south-west Victoria. She's a lover of genetics, with her own Jersey and Swiss Brown stud.

But it's actually quite amazing that Rachel has such a passion for farming... because growing up, it wasn't easy. Her family came close to losing their entire livelihood, after a tragic quad bike accident in which a man who worked on the farm was killed and another employee was seriously injured. A farm fatality is every farmer's worst nightmare. And yet here's Rachel, now building her own dream of running a farm.

Thank you to our episode sponsor: Rural Industries Skill Training (RIST)

More about RIST:

We are a leading independent provider of Training & Education for the Agricultural Sector.Located in the heart of Victoria's Western District, RIST are your Local Agricultural College with a National Reach. TOID4198

This podcast is produced by the Rural Podcasting Co.

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New podcast alert! If you're into film, TV, pop culture, the media, and what it actually means for us, then you'll love Two Smart Blondes. Kirsten Diprose (who you know from Ducks on the Pond!) is hosting with film-maker Leila McDougall. Each week they also bring on a special guest, who has insight into the media/film world.

The first episode has just dropped and we get the inside goss on the AACTA awards, how the new Bridget Jones movie will translate to a modern audience and chat about the new Netflix series, Apple Cider Vinegar. Is it glorifying scammers?

This is just a taste of our first episode of Two Smart Blondes, which we release basically unedited.... and that's going to become clear right away.

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Chances are, when you were growing up, the idea of becoming a professional female footballer or even a female footy umpire for men’s games… was simply impossible.

But NOW, it is. And that’s awesome. However it’s throwing up a few issues; such as how can women achieve pay parity with the men? How can we ensure women are safe playing the game (acknowledging that women’s bodies are different to men’s bodies)?

In this episode we meet two passionate pioneers of women’s footy. Yes, we cover both AFL and NRL (whatever ‘footy’ means to you!):

Tara McGrath-West - NRLW player - a ‘workhorse’ middle forward for the St George Illawarra Dragons. Originally from Harden, NSW
Bec Malseed - one of the only female umpires for AFL Victoria men's games (she umpires for women too!), based in Hamilton, VIC.

These women don’t shy away from the hard questions around getting their professions the recognition and remuneration they deserve.

EPISODE SPONSOR: Squadron Energy - Australian owned renewable energy company that develops, operates and owns energy assets for local communities. Squadron Energy is also the Major Partner of the Dragons’ NRL and NRLW teams.

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If you’ve spent a decade or more building a professional career - the idea of starting a business might seem out of reach. But you have plenty of skills already, in fact you are probably REALLY good at a couple of things… that people will actually pay you for.

In this episode, hear from two rural women who talk about how you can use your established skills, networks and passion to start a business. All you need to do is plug the gaps in your knowledge. (And work pretty bloody hard).

*Rebecca Saunders**- serial entrepreneur, business coach and founder of the Champagne Lounge, Mudgee NSW

*Paige Cross**- founder and owner of Cross Country Management, former agribusiness manager for NAB, Greater Adelaide region, SA.

We discuss whether you need to identify a problem first to have a business, how to tap into your established network and how to find mentors. Also, how do you know when to spend money to make money?

EPISODE SPONSOR: The Hamilton Hamper - we are delighted to have such a wonderful brand sponsoring us for this episode!

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If you can’t get your partner to book a holiday with you… would you just go without them? That’s just one of the tips and tricks we discuss in this episode on how to convince your partner to go on a holiday… because we all know what farmers can be like.

We also look at the research behind the benefits of taking a break and the psychological barriers around taking time away from the farm that our partner (or even ourselves) might have. And we get some practical advice about how to discuss this issue with your partner, how to get the farm and household ready to leave and clever ways to save for a trip.

This episode, from 2023, is one of our most popular so we are replaying it for you over the holidays!

It features:

Chantal Corish – Psychologist and PhD Candidate, based in Goondiwindi, QLD

Carmen Quade – Director of AgriFocused, a business skills consultancy, based in Tallimba, NSW

By the end of this episode, we want you to find the answer to break through whatever holiday barrier you have... to get that get away booked!

** This episode is sponsored by Alison Hamilton, farm office coach and creator of the Functioning Farm Office.

This episode was originally released in April 2023.

If you would like to sponsor an episode, email us: ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com

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When it comes to WHAT you wear, do you ever feel damned if you do care, but also damned if you don’t?

Clothing is not trivial, it’s actually an expression of self. This episode is not about needing to look like a supermodel or spend ridiculous amounts of money on clothes (gosh, there’s enough pressure on us as women to do that already!). Rather, it’s about how looking and feeling good has value - whether you’re a busy mum, struggling with changes to your body or just wanting to look good at work, including if you’re on a farm or worksite.

Our next guests aren’t here to tell you ‘how to look good,’ for them it’s more about how you feel and dressing to express your inner self.

Hear from:

*Marion Sauders - creator of ‘Maz Life Styles,’ an over 50s fashion influencer with 150+ Instagram followers, from Carinda NSW

Olivia Thwaites - founder of Green Hip Workwear, Geelong VIC

Both guests noticed a need not being met, when it comes to women’s fashion. Marion’s kids helped set her up on Instagram ten years ago and she wondered, why doesn’t anyone look like me? So she started her own fashion account for people just like her. Now it’s enjoyed by thousands of women all over the world.

Olivia is a horticulturalist who was tired of having to wear uncomfortable men’s clothes to work. She couldn’t find anything decent for women, so she started designing and making it herself. Now you can find Green Hip workwear in stockists all over the country… and she’s just signed an exciting contract with Bunnings.

EPISODE SPONSOR: Gro Events Group - hear from founder Dimity Smith, at the end of this episode. Thank you for your support!

If you liked this episode you might also like:

Is your farmwear or work tools sexist? - Chelsea Christensen and Liz Bresinger
How to build a brand with a bigger purpose - Sallie Jones and Elizabeth Hermann
Getting your next big idea off the ground - Angie Armstrong and Natalie Egleton

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Episode sponsor: Dimity Smith, Founder of GRO Rural

If you’ve moved to a small town or even moved back to your hometown, after a long time away… how do you make friends?

There are suggestions that Australia is in the middle of a loneliness epidemic; in fact one in three people experience it. Country towns are pretty good at welcoming people in, but making close, meaningful relationships takes time and it takes effort.

In this episode we get advice from two experts and women who have experienced being the new girl in town, first-hand. (So have the hosts, Kirsten Diprose and Jen McCutcheon!)

Malinda Guest - psychologist at Boundless Psychology, who after a long time living elsewhere, returned to her hometown, Narrabri, NSW.
Katja Williiams - farmer and creator of The Ultimate Farm Wife podcast and You Tube channel, who moved to Dubbo, NSW.

We talk about strategies to meet local people, how to find those who share common values and interests and how long it takes to form deep connections. And we’re all adults here… so if a seemingly likely friendship doesn’t work out, that’s ok too!

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Does how we talk about men influence the massive problem of violence against women?

There are conversations we need to have in broader society about family violence. But where are the men?

How do we get our men to actively participate in a stand to stop violence against women? This is a tricky conversation. Clearly, it would be great if men just stop being violent. But telling men to simply ‘stop it,’ isn’t working.

And this is certainly NOT about blaming women. This is more about how do we make family violence prevention a whole of community thing? So not just something for “women's groups” to tackle. We need a multifaceted approach. And we need the men to come along with us.

In part 2 of this series, we speak to Louise O’Neill, a rural counsellor and founder of Farm Life Fitness, based in Denmark, WA. Louise is challenging the unhelpful and unhealthy expectations that can heavily influence the mental health and lives of both rural men and women.

This is a Rural Podcasting Co. production. Would you like to create your own podcast? We can help! Find out how.

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With gender roles for men not being as defined as perhaps they once were, what does this mean for our rural men who grew up with certain ideas of 'what a man should look like?'

Does how we talk about our blokes matter too? Whether that's whinging about our husbands who seem to always miss kids bath time... or on a broader societal level about what men should or shouldn't be?

This is a tough issue for a women's-centred podcast to dive into. But if we're ever going to tackle two major killers in rural Australia; suicide and family violence, we need to have some tough conversations.

This is a 2 part deep dive into two complex problems. In this episode we speak to Leila McDougall, producer of the movie "Just a Farmer," about gender roles, the pressures of generational farming, and our own roles as wives, mothers and daughters. She's also a farmer and mother in Tatyoon, in the western districts of Victoria.

Suicide rates amongst farmers in Australia is 94% higher than non-farmers. On average one farmer dies by suicide every 10 days. And it's mostly men.

In Part 2 of this series, we dive into family violence and how we can better involve men in these difficult conversations to help prevent violence against women.

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EPISODE SPONSOR: Moore Australia

Being diagnosed with a chronic illness is a massive change. And most people who have experienced this, speak about a grieving process for your old life and even your old identity, especially if it was based on being physically active.

But our two guests insist a medical condition is not the end of your life. In fact, they say their illnesses have forced them to be innovative, creative and push for change - resulting in opportunities that never would have opened up for them otherwise.

This episode is not just for people who are dealing with health conditions - it’s for their friends, family and colleagues (so everyone really). We can all learn how to be more inclusive and supportive of people who can’t do the same things we can.

Hear from:

Chrissy Symeonakis - who founded PR firm, Creative Little Soul in 2013, not long after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Chrissy grew up in Renmark, SA and has many rural clients. She has designed a workplace that not only helps her to balance her health needs, but also provides the same flexibility to her employees (many of whom also have an illness or are busy rural Mums).
Kelly Barnes - a mental health and wellbeing advocate based in Dunkeld, VIC. Kelly was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2015. She was named the Victorian Rural Women’s Award Victorian Winner in 2020 for developing workshops using working dogs to help spark conversations about mental health. She says her own experience with chronic disease was the catalyst to realising the significant role dogs can play in a person’s wellbeing.

Thank you to our episode sponsor: Moore Australia

Would you like to sponsor an episode of Ducks on the Pond? Contact us here.

This is a Rural Podcasting Co. production. Would you like to create your own podcast? We can help! Find out how.

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EPISODE SPONSOR: Rural Women’s Day

There’s this persistent notion that starting up a retail store in the main street of town is just too hard. From the high rents, cost of living crisis, to the relatively low foot traffic in country towns, finding a physical space to sell things, the ‘ye olde way’ can seem impossible.

But in this episode, we meet three business owners who have found success by leaning into the community side of their business. Economically, this might not make a lot of sense at first. How do you put a price on community? Well, in the country, it’s worth something.

The Botanic House in Nagambie, VIC and Workshop 26 in Kimba, SA have transformed their local streetscapes, created a community space with good coffee and atmosphere, as well as a retail store to sell their wares.

This episode features:

· Krystie Holley – Founder and owner of The Botanic House in Nagambie, VIC

· Heather Baldock – Co-Founder of Workshop 26 and owner of High Street Vintage

· Danna Kassebaum – Owner of Zozo and Ace

So if you dream of opening up a store in your town, you will learn A LOT from this episode!

Thank you to our episode sponsor: Rural Women’s Day. Book to attend an event near you in October 2024.

Would you like to sponsor an episode of Ducks on the Pond? Contact us here.

This is a Rural Podcasting Co. production. Would you like to create your own podcast? We can help! Find out how.

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** Episode Sponsor: Cheeky Mac Productions - do the 1000 Rural Women Survey!

We’re full of good ideas here in the country. So how do you access the funds and the people to make it happen?

It’s important for community projects and local businesses to come from the bottom up. It’s the people on the ground who know what’s actually needed and how to best deliver it. But so many grants and programs are top-down.

In this episode we hear from two women who are making big ideas happen, using grassroots methods.

Hear from:

Angie Armstrong - Owner of Callubri Station, a commercial farm and agritourism business in Buddabadah, NSW.

Natalie Egleton– CEO of Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR), based in Maldon, VIC.

Angie Armstrong shares her journey of setting up an agritourism business in central West NSW, including the challenges of getting tourists to travel further than Dubbo. She explains how she tapped into tourism bodies to find support and her approach to remaining innovative in business.

Natalie Egleton explains how FRRR supports community-led initiatives and the types of projects the philanthropic organisation funds.

We hope this episode will help you to get your next big idea off the ground!

Thank you to Cheeky Mac Productions for sponsoring this episode. Make sure you help them out by doing the 1000 Rural Women Survey!

Would you like to sponsor an episode of Ducks on the Pond? Contact us here.

This is a Rural Podcasting Co. production. Would you like to create your own podcast? We can help!

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**Sponsored by the Victorian Women’s Trust - Check out Rural Women Online, free digital skills platform.

There’s this idea that if you want to make it in film, you need to move to the city. But is that really true?

In this episode, we meet Jospehine Croft. She’s a film producer and actor, based in Melbourne, but is part of a movement that’s making film more accessible to women. This includes job sharing on film sets, shorter hours and looking after the mental health of film crews.

Josephine, who runs Tenacious Studios, also talks about opportunities for rural women who want to work in film. In fact, part of her most recent production, “The Returned” has been filmed in Wannon, near Hamilton in western Victoria.

She also discusses the challenges facing the Australian film industry, and remembers what it was like being a young actor in the 1990s and early 2000s (this includes her role as an angsty teenager in Neighbours who burnt down Lou Carpenter’s bus!)

**Thank you to the Victorian Women’s Trust for sponsoring this episode. They are running free digital workshops in Yackandandah 11 - 14 September. Head to Rural Women Online to register!

Would you like to sponsor an episode of Ducks on the Pond? Let us know!

This is a Rural Podcasting Co. production.

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Is parenting on a farm different to parenting in the city? What are our farm kids missing out on... and do the benefits of farm life out way the drawbacks?

In this bonus episode we welcome the hosts of The Barnyard Language podcast, which is an American podcast, focused on 'real talk about running farms and raising families.' But don't be fooled into thinking they are cutesy farm ladies - these are a wickedly funny and slightly sarcastic pair.

Arlene Hunter is a dairy farmer from Ontario, Canada and Caite Palmer is a sheep/beef producer from Iowa in the U S.

While there are obvious differences between Australia, Canada and the US... when it comes to the rollercoaster of raising kids in remote areas, we have A LOT in common.

We talk about everything from postnatal depression and the baby years. Right up to succession planning and raising kids that are proficient in "city", as much as they are in "farm".

This is a Rural Podcasting Co production.

** Interested in sponsoring an episode? Drop us a line on the Ducks on the Pond website.

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COLLABORATION WITH LETS TALK

Gosh it’s fun, being a woman. So how much of how we’re feeling is actually at the whim of our hormones and brain chemicals?

In our final episode of our 3-part collaboration series with Lets Talk, we chat about the ways we can naturally boost our moods, through what we eat and what we do, on a daily basis. These are simple tips, like getting sunlight, enjoying nature and avoiding refined sugars, that can have a big impact on your life.

Dr Belinda Bell, a GP based in Warrnambool in south-west Vic is our guest. She experienced depression when she was younger and was even told she shouldn’t talk about it, because it might be used against her. But she didn’t listen and is now on the Board of the Lets Talk Foundation and finds her patients actually appreciate her openness about her mental health.

Dr Bell, also hugs her patients. Her empathy is her superpower. Hear her story and insight into what’s going on with our bodies, (from periods, to pregnancy, to menopause) that can be wreaking havoc with our emotions.

Abby Power, of Lets Talk also joins us again as co-host with Kirsten Diprose.

Make sure you listen to all 3 episodes in this special “Self Care is Not Selfish” series, with the Lets Talk Foundation.

Please Note: The views expressed in this episode are our own, we are not providing any medical advice

This is a Rural Podcasting Co production.

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COLLAB SERIES WITH LET'S TALK*

A conversation can save someone's life.

So, when someone you care about is not OK, how do you start the conversation? And just as importantly, make sure it leads to that person taking action (such as talking to a GP).

In Part 2 of this series on "Self Care is Not Selfish," we look at how to foster deeper conversations about mental well-being, while also knowing your own limits and boundaries in helping someone else out.

Jenna Robinson, a running coach based in Birregurra, VIC and volunteer for the Let's Talk Foundation shares her own experience of post-natal depression. She describes how a conversation with a friend, was the beginning of her journey to recovery.

We're also joined by Abbi Power from Let's Talk, as co-host, along with regular host, Kirsten Diprose. Both women have also experienced post natal depression and remember the conversations that led them to take action and ultimately get better.

This is a conversation about having important conversations. It's full of different strategies about how to validate feelings, listen and employ the campfire analogy (that one is so you don't scare away the blokes with too much eye contact!). We also discuss mental health first aid training and what to do if you're helping someone in a crisis situation.

Are you interested in a collaboration series? Or sponsoring an episode? Download our Sponsorship prospectus from our website

This is a Rural Podcasting Co production.

Send us a Text Message.

How did we get to that point, where we think having a shower... or going grocery shopping alone is "self care?" .

It isn't. In this 3-part collaboration series with Let's Talk, a charity with the goal of breaking down the stigma around mental health, we delve into self-care; why it’s not selfish,and how do it properly.

We address how to challenge that 'little voice' in your head that tells you, you don't have time to look after yourself. You can even name that little voice. We did.

And we also look self care from a men's perspective; we know a lot of rural men like to go to the pub... but is that self care?

Hear from:

Karen Foster - Professional Mentor, and Board Chair at Let's Talk, Port Fairy VIC
Abbi Power - Community Activation Lead at Let's Talk and mother of twins, Naracoorte, SA

Produced by the Rural Podcasting Co.

If you'd like to Collaborate or advertise on Ducks on the Pond, check out our options here. We'd love to hear from you!

Send us a Text Message.

EPISODE SPONSORED BY JOY JOHNS WINES

Does the farm always HAVE to come first?

We meet two very successful women in agriculture who are challenging this traditional concept of 'the farm comes first'. To do this, they have both come up with unique business models.

Instead of shaping their lives around the farm; they're shaping the farm around their family and other career and business goals.

Hear from:

Chloe Brown - a dairy farmer in south west Victoria, who has pushed back on the 'get big or get out' mentality of modern dairying to build a business with her husband, that works for their young family. Chloe is also reshaping perceptions of the industry through her podcast, More Than Milk.
Claire Booth - while Claire doesn’t like to call herself a farmer, she plays an integral role in her family’s farming business Booth Ag, which is based in Geurie in central west NSW. She also runs her own law firm in Dubbo.

Both Claire and Chloe discuss how they've managed to define their business roles and manage this alongside with their roles as 'wife' and 'mother'. They talk about how they gained confidence and learnt about the business of farming too, as first time farmers.

Thank you to our Episode Sponsor, Joy Johns Wines

** Would you like to sponsor an episode? Get in touch via our website.

This podcast is brought to you by the Rural Podcasting Co

This Episode is Sponsored by: Creative Little Soul

Yes, we invented the term “Bush Podpreneur.” But that’s because there’s a phenomenon that’s been happening in rural Australia that we need to recognise. “Bush Podpreneur” captures the way rural women are producing podcasts in entrepreneurial ways to build community, social connections and even businesses and income.

In this special episode, Kirsten Diprose is joined by guest co-host Dr Maria Rae, Senior Lecturer in Politics and Policy at Deakin University to unpack why and how rural women are starting their own podcasts and what it means for them.

You’ll hear from six rural women podcasters:

Skye Manson, founder of Manson Podcasting Network, Gunning, NSW
Kimberley Furness, founder of Oak Magazine, Bendigo VIC
Katrina Myers, This Rural Life, Barham NSW
Stephanie Coombes, Central Station Podcast, Katherine, NT
Stephanie Tretheway, Motherland, TAS
Samantha Meurant, Rural Compass, Cunnamulla, QLD

We discuss the realities of creating a podcast (including time and money), the opportunities podcasting can bring you and how to manage the duty of care you have to your guests, especially when they’ve emotionally opened up to you.

The podcast market is becoming increasingly saturated, but the listenership continues to grow in Australia. The latest figures (2023) show 43% of Australians regularly listen to podcasts. And that's up quite significantly from four years ago when it was about 25%.

Read the academic paper written by Dr Maria Rae and Kirsten Diprose: Bush Podpreneurs: How Rural Women Podcast Producers Are Building Digital and Social Connectivity

EPISODE SPONSORSHIP Thank you to Chrissy Symeonakis, founder of Creative Little Soul for sponsoring this episode. If you’d like to sponsor an episode (or a series!) of Ducks on the Pond, get in touch: kirsten@ruralpodcastingco.com

You’ll laugh so hard in this episode, you’ll wet yourself. But then, learn how you can fix that wee problem of yours too!

Many of us probably never thought about our pelvic floor, until we had a baby. Perhaps you were sent home with exercises to tighten it up.But did you know, your pelvic floor can be too tight? Or that stress, hormonal changes, lifting heavy things, and even constipation can all potentially lead to pelvic floor issues?

We meet Courtenay Polock (Wodonga, VIC), who is an accredited exercise physiologist, specialising in women's health. She launched Her Exercise Physiology, which is a virtual clinic, helping women through video consultations.

It makes sense that many of her clients are rural women.

In this episode, we learn what causes pelvic pain, what a prolapse is, what happens if your pelvic floor is too tight and just about the way women's pain is treated in general.

Ever heard of a wandering womb? It's one of those lovely old phrases for women's problems that no one cared to understand back in the day… we talk about that too. So brush aside any awkwardness and hit play!

**Would you like to sponsor an episode of Ducks on the Pond and get your brand out here to thousands of rural women? Email us at ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com

Are we allowed to call it a 'crisis yet?"

As any Mum in rural and regional Australia and they can tell you stress and the cost of not having access to reliable childcare.

Rural women are waiting months if they are 'lucky', but it is not unusual now to wait years for a place in childcare. The Parenthood has released a report, called "Choiceless" which sheds light on the difficult experiences more than 150 women around the country have had.

According to the report about 450 towns with a population under 3, 000 do not have centre based daycare.

This is affecting the careers of women in the country and also the development of children, who aren't always school-ready by the age they should be. The housing crisis and labour shortage is directly linked to the lack of childcare options too, yet you don't hear about it in the media, nearly as much. So we are.

Hear from:

Tara Rich - Mother and Communications Professional, who has spent nearly a decade looking for suitable childcare for her family.
Maddy Butler - Campaign Director at the Parenthood, who is advocating for the Federal Government to better fund a multi-level approach to improving childcare options.

There's no single solution to this. It's complex, but the Parenthood is arguing for a National Workforce Strategy to boost childcare educator numbers in rural and regional Australia.

** Would you like to sponsor an episode? Get in touch to promote your business on our podcast. Email: ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com

This podcast is brought to you by the Rural Podcasting Co (We can help YOU make a podcast!)

Do you own a small rural or regional business and feel bogged down or just completely overwhelmed by the thought of marketing? Do you use Facebook or Instagram, but aren't sure where to turn, to take your business to the next level and build your community?

Top social media and marketing consultant, Jenn Donovan has recently released a book; Small town, Big impact: 107 Simple Marketing Strategies for Regional Business Success.

Jenn is a country girl, who lives in Yarrawonga, NSW. So she actually understands rural and regional life. In this episode, we discuss

Why you should't be afraid of sending emails to your list
How to create a lead generator (for emails)
The difference between posting on social media and a social media strategy
How to decide if you should be adding Tik Tok, a book or even a podcast into your suite of marketing channels
Is Twitter (or X, as it's known these days) a dead channel these days?!

Would you like to sponsor an episode? Get in touch to promote your business on our podcast. Email: ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com
We also do collaboration series - we'd love to hear your idea!

This podcast is brought to you by the Rural Podcasting Co (We can help YOU make a podcast!)

Is 'volunteerism dead... or dying'? We know volunteer numbers in the city are dropping, but are our rural volunteers feeling burnt out too? And why is often the same few people doing all the hard work?Angie Nisbet, host and creator of "Married to the Land" podcast joins us for this special collaboration episode of Ducks on the Pond.

Angie lives in north-western QLD, 80 km south of Hughenden, where she's a rural mother, wife, grazier, podcast host... and dedicated community volunteer, including at the Fashions on the Field, at the Cloncurry Race Day.

But, with many women now balancing work and family responsibilities, finding spare time to volunteer can be daunting. Yet so many of our schools, sporting clubs, local events and fire services rely on volunteers to function.

Kirsten and Jackie volunteer locally too. All three of us love it. But there have been some tough lessons along the way. So, join us for some very candid conversations about volunteering in the country and the demands of modern life.

This podcast is produced by the Rural Podcasting Co.

***Are you a rural woman looking to get your brand in front of other rural women? Well hello! We're looking for episode sponsors! Email us at ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com or send us a DM over Instagram for more information.

Why do we have such a tough time acknowledging that death, is part of life?

If you talk about death, you might be considered morbid, or worry that you'll upset someone. But is our fear of planning for death, actually preventing us from celebrating the life our loved ones lived?

In this episode, we hear from two rural women who are changing the way we approach death, to better honour the lives of the deceased and help those left behind grieve:

Becky Barry- marriage celebrant turned funeral celebrant, from the Wimmera, VIC.

Becky is breaking away from more traditional services to help families host the kind of celebration their loved one would have loved to attend. From bottles of champagne, to AC/DC music... it's all about celebrating how someone lived, not how they died.

* Colleen Hughson** - freelance filmmaker and creator of 'legacy videos' in Warrnambool, VIC.

Colleen is helping to preserve the stories and memories of loved ones, by creating meaningful videos, by interviewing someone while they're still alive. These videos may be played at funerals, or viewed by families later, as a special keepsake and piece of family history.

This podcast is produced by the Rural Podcasting Co.

***Are you a rural woman looking to get your brand in front of other rural women? Well hello! We're looking for episode sponsors! Email us at ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com or send us a DM over Instagram for more information.

Being outspoken in agriculture can mean taking on vegan activists, the Government and even other members of the agriculture industry.... all in one day.

Gillian Fennell is a South Australian cattle farmer who is not afraid to call out misinformation and spin when it comes to farming. She has gained a significant following on social media for her ability to cut through the media noise.

In this episode, Gillian discusses some of the major media debates in agriculture at the moment, including:

Hemp versus cotton
Whether eating meat is good or bad for the environment
The ethics of live export.

Gillian breaks down these often heavily politicised topics, with evidence and considered thought... all delivered in her straight-up, Aussie style.

Would you like to sponsor an episode? Get in touch to promote your business on our podcast. Email: ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com

We also do collaboration series - we'd love to hear your idea!

This podcast is brought to you by the Rural Podcasting Co.

Have you ever felt like you missed the opportunity to chase your big life dream? Perhaps you feel like you're 'too old' now or the juggle of farming life or kids has made it impossible?

This episode is about proving those beliefs wrong. We meet two women who are building two creative careers, while living rurally and raising children.

Jasmine Mansbridge - Artist based in Hamilton, VIC. Jasmine is known for her striking geometric-style paintings, murals and sculptures. She now showcases her work all over Australia and overseas. Jasmine is also the mother of five and shares how she built a dream career over time, that she can support her family with.

*Maggie Hartley aka Soulty Music- Singer and songwriter, based in Hamilton, VIC. Maggie started releasing and performing her music just a few years ago (as a 30-something mother of three!). She shares how she thinks of music hooks while playing lego with her kids and how she found the courage to put herself forward for local music gigs.

Jasmine and Maggie are at different stages of their 'big dream' journey - but both offer some practical advice and even 'hard truths'. Pursuing your dream rarely ever easy - but it's incredibly rewarding.

This episode has been sponsored by Farmers2Founders. Applications are now open for their TekWomen program!

Would you like to sponsor an episode? Get in touch to promote your business on our podcast. Email: ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com
We also do collaboration series - we'd love to hear your idea!

This podcast is brought to you by the Rural Podcasting Co.

You can grow up in the country, or choose to live in the country... and still have an extraordinary life. Lisa Millar, host of ABC News Breakfast and former foreign correspondent is a perfect example of this.

She began her life on a dairy farm in the small QLD town of Kilkivan. But she always had big ambitions to be a journalist and to travel the world. And turns out, she did precisely that. But her success hasn't always been easy. In this episode she talks about:

Some of the big stories she covered as a foreign correspondent, including the devastating and tragic Sandy Hook School Shooting in the US, in 2012.

*Her unique childhood, growing up in rural Australia, but also with a Dad who became the Federal Member for Wide Bay.

Dealing with social media trolling as a TV host and sexist comments based on appearance.
Why there's no better advocate in life for you, than yourself (and how to do this!)

APPLY NOW!

This episode re-release is sponsored by Food Futures - check out their Circular Value Program for startup ideas tackling food waste. It's free! (Funded by the NSW Government). You'll also hear from Anna Phillips, Food and Beverage Innovation at Food Futures.

Ducks on the Pond is produced by the Rural Podcasting Co

So what's funny about fertility? For anyone going through the 'fertility treatment journey', probably not a lot. But we meet two rural women who are sharing their stories; the ups, the downs... and the downright funny ... as a way to break the silence and stigma around what actually happens in assisted reproduction.

From being told you have 'juicy follicles," to having to keep a sperm sample warm while racing down a country highway... these are just some of the strange realities of what it can take to make a baby in the regions.

Hear from:

Dimity Smith - founder of GRO Group, based in Tamworth NSW. Dimity has decided to freeze her eggs, so she can have the option of having children when the time is right for her.
Jennifer McCutcheon - ABC journalist in Dubbo, and based on a farm in Gilgandra, NSW. Jen talks about a highway sperm dash to the lab, as the best option they had, due to the lack of fertility services in regional Australia.

Infact, there is a lack of fertility and women's health options across rural and regional Australia. We dive into the deeper issues of healthcare for women... and whether we have a 'right' to have a baby

Would you like to sponsor an episode? Get in touch to promote your business on our podcast which has had 58 thousand downloads.
Email: ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com

This podcast is brought to you by Rural Podcasting Co. Want to launch your own podcast? Or want us to make a podcast for you? Book a call or send a message!

Should you go to sleep on an argument with your partner? Why do we sometimes get along better with our partner... when we are away from each other?

Step Schmidt, founder of Farm Life Psych and South Australian farmer, answers these questions and so much more, in this third and final episode in our Dealing With Stress collaboration series.

In this episode, Steph gives us practical tips, to help us turn up as the best version of ourselves in our relationships.

Harvest, shearing, sowing... these are all times when both partners or even the entire family unit is likely to be feeling under pressure. We discuss a realistic approach to nurturing our closest relationships when times are hard.

Steph also has a discount to her coaching program for Ducks on the Pond listeners. Listen to the episode for the promo code!

** Would you like to sponsor an upcoming episode of Ducks on the Pond and get your brand out there to rural women across Australia and NZ? Email us: ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com

This podcast is produced by the Rural Podcasting Co.

When it comes to managing your stress levels, do you need to sort yourself out?

We can be so busy with life that we forget to do those little things, that keep us level headed and bring us back to centre, after a stressful time.

So in part 2 of our collaboration series with Steph Schmidt, of Farm Life Pscyh, we discuss how to find the good de-stressing activities that work for you. No, going for the chocolate bar or glass of wine every night is not the answer. Although Steph explains we so often do that.

We also talk about the importance of not taking on too much, knowing our values and how to know whether you're in the right frame of mind to be making those big life decisions like selling the farm or quitting your job.

Steph also has a discount to her coaching program for Ducks on the Pond listeners. Listen to the episode for the promo code!

** Would you like to sponsor an upcoming episode of Ducks on the Pond and get your brand out there to rural women across Australia and NZ? Get it touch! ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com

This podcast is produced by the Rural Podcasting Co.

When a small group of farmers put their hands up to say, "Hey, our community needs help." You listen.

So we're supporting the Farmers Helping Our Own initiative, which is running workshops across parts of New South Wales and Queensland.

They say it's a rally cry; to help farmers dealing with the current perfect storm of high input costs, high interest rates, dry conditions, and low cattle prices. There are tough farming decisions being made right now. Or worse; not being made. People are stuck.

In this episode we speak to one of the organisers, grazier at Chesney Pastoral, Gem Green.

Just 8 weeks ago, Gem along with a few other farmers, noticed the need in the community. So, instead of waiting until crisis point, they wanted to be proactive in creating a safe and open space, to combat decision-paralysis and improve farmer wellbeing.

There are 10 workshops from Roma, down to Cooma:

Monday, 13 November – Roma, Explorers Inn
Wednesday, 15 November – Goondiwindi, Gateway To Training
Thursday, 16 November – Inverell, Inverell Services Club
Friday, 17 November – Tamworth, Sanctuary Inn
Saturday, 18 November – Hernani, Hernani Hall
Monday, 20 November – Narrabri, Crossing Theatre
Tuesday, 21 November – Walgett, Barwon Inn
Wednesday, 22 November – Dubbo, Quality Inn
Thursday, 23 November – Bathurst, Bathurst RSL
Friday, 24 November – Cooma, The Alpine Hotel

All workshops are free of charge but do require registration, via bit.ly/farmershelpingourown

This is a Rural Podcasting Co production.

It's hard to imagine farm life, without stress. But how do you know, if you're "just a bit stressed" or that perhaps you might need to look more seriously at your mental health?

This is the first episode of a 3-part series on "Dealing with Stress", featuring Stephanie Schmidt of Farm Life Psych. Steph is a clinical psychologist, South Australian farmer and mother of three. So, she gets it.

Steph shares her own mental health struggles, including post natal depression... and the strategies she uses to better deal with every day farm stress.

For many farmers, these past few years have been incredibly tough, going from droughts, to floods and even fires... with two years of Covid-19 lockdowns in the middle. So what's the effect of cumulative stress? And how can we better cope?

Stress is also hormonal. Women react differently to external pressures depending on where we are in our menstrual cycle. It's great to be a woman right?! But understanding this, can make life a lot easier.

So, breathe in... and out... and listen to the first episode in this 3 part series aimed at reducing the stress in your relationships, in your farm life... and making that little voice in your head, a whole lot friendlier!

Steph also has a discount to her coaching program for Ducks on the Pond listeners. Listen to the episode for the promo code!

** Would you like to sponsor an upcoming episode of Ducks on the Pond and get your brand out there to rural women across Australia and NZ? Get it touch! ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com

This podcast is produced by the Rural Podcasting Co.

Starting a soil carbon project is exciting right? Well it is... but there are a few Government regulation hoops you'll need to jump through.

In part two of our series on how to build a soil carbon project, Sarah Whinney of Chatsworth House Pastoral, offers her advice on how to make sure you start off on the right foot, from project registration to making sure you have "a newness factor" (which is a government requirement).

Sarah explains how she, along with her husband Tom, approached baselining their grazing property in Victoria's Western Districts, as well as testing for soil carbon. She also speaks about the work she's done on her personal and business mindset and how it's helped in their transition from a more traditional mixed farm, to adopting regenerative grazing practices.

This podcast is brought to you by the Rural Podcasting Co. Want to make your own podcast? We can help!

Interested in doing a collaboration with Ducks on the Pond? Let us know: ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com

Ever considered starting a soil carbon project? It's hard to decide if it's right for your farm and what the opportunities might be in the future.

So, in this two-part collaboration series, we look at why you would consider a soil carbon project and how to actually do it.

Sarah Whinney is a farmer, mum and co-director of Chatsworth House Pastoral, in Western Victoria. She lives in a a historic homestead, that was even used by British Royalty in the 1800s. And while the history of the property is very interesting... what Sarah and her husband Tom, are doing to improve the land around it, is just as fascinating.

In part one of this series, hear how Sarah built a soil carbon project for her livestock grazing property and why she believes carbon accounting and emissions reporting will become increasingly important in the future.

This podcast is brought to you by the Rural Podcasting Co. Want to make your own podcast? We can help!

A bonus episode to celebrate "Flanno for a Farmer Day!"

Tess Brookman, who found love on Farmer Wants a Wife last year with "Farmer Harry" joins us for this special episode. Tess is helping to raise money for the Drought Angels' new charity initiative, Flanno For A Farmer Day, August 25.

In this episode, Tess talks about what it's really like behind the scenes of the reality TV show.

Tess is living at Airlie Beach, QLD while she finishes off her psychology degree and Harry works with stud cattle. Tess also discusses the importance of knowing what you want in a relationship, the importance of well being, and her future plans for rural life when she returns to Harry's family property in Kyabram, Victoria (one day!).

And yes, we did ask when they're getting married.

Make a to Drought Angels for Flanno For a Farmer Day

Hi! We've been busy during our Ducks on the Pond "off season" (shall we call that, Ducks Off the Pond?) Anyway.... we want to tell you all about it!

In this episode we discuss:

The Rural Podcasting Co - Kirsten's new biz! If you've ever wanted to create your podcast, Kirsten can help. She's offering podcast coaching to launch your new podcast in less than 3 months (among other pod related things!)
Rural Women's Day - Can you believe Jackie has expanded her not-for-profit to 12 events around Australia! Coming to a town near you in October. And there's a magazine coming as well.
Coming up on Ducks on the Pond - You'll have to listen to the pod for this one! Plenty of new and exciting things.

This ep is really just to say 'hi', have a laugh .... and that we'll be coming back soon! (There are a few shout outs to some awesome rural women too)

If you'd like to sponsor an episode for our next Season to get your brand out there, let us know: ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com (or DM over Insta!)

We're also loving the response to our collaboration mini series - if you'd like to do one with us, then send us an email or DM on Insta!

Catch you soon, ducks.

What does your farm office look like? Is it a mess... or does it exist only as a pile on the kitchen bench? The bigger question to ask yourself though is.... is this the space where you are most productive?

If you, answered "no," then never fear! Alison Hamilton is back for our third and final episode in this collaboration series, "Being the Boss of Your Farm Office". As a farm office coach, Alison says having a comfortable, functional space that you actually want to be in (ie. no cold, dirty shed offices, ladies!), is vital to your productivity.

So in this episode, we look at decluttering your physical office, as well as your mind. This includes how to deal with those paper pile ups, keeping on top of your emails and how to assess whether any of the new digital organisational tools are worthwhile.

Again, this all goes back to owning your role, as the farm office boss... or Queen! And every Queen, needs her own throne room.

Alison is also offering Ducks on the Pond listeners a 20% off deal on her 6-week coaching program: The Functioning Farm Office. Listen to the episode to hear the exclusive code for Ducks on the Pond listeners.

**Interested in sponsoring an episode or collaborating with us at Ducks on the Pond? We’d love to hear from you! Email: ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com

This episode was made in collaboration with Alison Hamilton.

If someone else had to step into your farm office and run the show for 6 months while you were away... could they do it?

That's the test Alison Hamilton, Farm Administration Coach, uses to understand whether the systems and process in a farm office are clearly defined and running smoothly. If you're NOT at this point, don't worry! You're certainly not alone.

So, in part two of our collaboration series, Alison talks about some of the loopholes to look out for in our systems that might be costing us time and unnecessary effort. She talks explains how to best utilise your online calendar, set boundaries around payroll and other regular tasks, and how to build in learning, growth and your interests into the role. There shall be no such thing as a boring office job!

We also look at some of the psychological drivers or habits that are causing us to do things in a certain way. The truth is, we all have systems and processes governing our businesses... whether we created them consciously or not, or whether they're actually serving us or not!

Alison is also offering Ducks on the Pond listeners a 20% off deal on her 6-week program: The Functioning Farm Office. Listen to the episode to hear the exclusive code for Ducks on the Pond listeners.

**Interested in sponsoring an episode or collaborating with us at Ducks on the Pond? We’d love to hear from you! Email: ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com

This episode was made in collaboration with Alison Hamilton.

“Time cannot be managed – you need to prioritise, and you need to prioritise time for you as well.” – Alison Hamilton

Doing the farm books or running a small business office is an important role, that often gets downplayed (including by ourselves!)

Women can can feel as though they're playing a supportive or even 'lesser' role in the farm business, often supporting everyone else’s needs first, before their own.

But that mindset will only leave you feeling stressed out and ultimately unsatisfied. So how can you own your role, like the total boss that you are?

Alison Hamilton is a business coach based in Wagga Wagga, NSW. She’s also a farmer and has created a course specifically for the farm office, after experiencing the shock and chaos of being handed over the bookwork of her husband’s family business many years ago.

This is a three-part collaboration series on how to be an absolute boss of your farm office; from better time management, getting good systems and process in place, to making sure you have a clutter-free office space.

This episode is all about owning your time; learning how to say “no” (or “maybe later” if you still can’t say it!), writing your own job description to help set boundaries and giving up the illusion of multitasking.

Alison is also offering Ducks on the Pond listeners a 20% off deal on her 6-week program: The Functioning Farm Office. We’ll give you the code you need in the episode!

**Interested in sponsoring an episode or collaborating with us at Ducks on the Pond? We’d love to hear from you! Email: ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com

The final years of high school are the some of the best, but most stressful years of our lives. But in the country, the challenges can be even greater; from virtual classrooms , having to travel long distances and battling bad internet connections.

This episode is for both parents of senior school students and the teenagers going through it. If you're a parent, supporting your child through their final exams can have big impacts on your life - from your own career to social engagements. So how can you best assist your teenager through one of their biggest life challenges, while also looking after yourself?

And as a teenager, what supports are out there (beyond your family) to help you achieve your goals and stay mentally strong throughout your final school years?

Hear from:
Natalie Thomson - Mother of a recently graduated year 12 student and onion grower in Swan Hill, VIC
Ruby Riethmuller - Founder and Director, Womn-Kind (an online support community for young people) NSW

** Collaborate with us! Or you can sponsor an episode and feature your business. Email ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com or send us a DM on Instagram. Let's chat about it!

Do you have a burning passion to address a social issue? Sometimes in rural Australia, when you see something needs to be done, you look around... and there's just YOU left to do it.

So, if you are up for the challenge, then this episode has some solid advice on how to build a not-for-profit (NFP), register it correctly for your purpose and even turn it into a fully fledged charity.

Hear the story of how Drought Angels rapidly grew from a gmail account and two mobile phones in Queensland, into a million dollar, national charity.

And get some tips from Jackie, who is not just a host, but a guest in this episode too! She talks about growing Rural Women's Day from a "once off event" near her town, to a national series of events and NFP.

Featuring:

Natasha (Tash) Johnston - Founder and CEO, Drought Angels, based in Chinchilla, QLD
Jackie Elliott - Founder, Rural Women's Day, based in Byaduk, VIC

Sign up to our Newsletter! (on the Rural Women's Day website) Our first Ducks on the Pond Newsletter is coming out soon and we're so excited, we have a giveaway!

** Collaborate with us! Or you can sponsor an episode and feature your business. Email ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com or send us a DM on Instagram. Let's chat about it!

Can altruism and business mix? Maybe not in the purest sense...but there are many rural women who have created strong businesses, while also having a bigger social or environmental purpose.

So, how can you the ensure your higher purpose doesn't distract from being profitable? Or can you make it a useful marketing tool?

In this episode we ask two rural women, who have grown substantial businesses, while also "doing a good thing":

Elizabeth Hermann - founder and jeweller, Argent Silversmith, which is made from recycled metals.

Sallie Jones - co-founder of Gippsland Jersey, a locally sourced milk company with a mental health message.

NEW NEWSLETTER COMING SOON - Sign up here (on the Rural Woman's Day website) to receive the first Ducks on the Pond Newsletter. We're excited!

***If you'd like to sponsor an episode or collaborate with us, then let us know! Email: ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com or send us a message on Instagram!

Ever been ignored at a farm expo or agtech conference?

It's a frustrating experience for any woman... and foolish behaviour if you're working at an agtech company. There's research which shows that women are often the ones who find the tech and implement it, on farming businesses.

In this episode, we look at why women have been the tech decision-makers over the past 10 years, how to find the right digital solutions and tech for your business and how tech can open up completely new opportunities.

Hear from:
Kara Worth - Digital Ag Consultant, Tropical North QLD Drought Hub, based in Innisfail, QLD
Dr Rachel Hay - Knowledge Broker, Tropical North QLD Hub and lecturer at James Cook University, based in Townsville, QLD
* Cressida Cains - producer and founder of Pecora Dairy and Dairy Cocoon, based in Robertson, NSW

***If you'd like to sponsor an episode or collaborate with us, then let us know! Email: ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com or send us a message on Instagram!

Are you priority number 1 in your own life?

As rural women, we often put ourselves behind the kids, our partner, the farm business or even the community. So this episode is about how to break that expectation that we need to be everything for everyone, everyday... and take small steps to build in more time for our own health.

Featuring:

*Charlotte Heald - holistic health coach (and former nurse) and organic dairy farmer based in Norsewood, New Zealand.

Ginny Stevens - founder and CEO of Active Farmers, and farmer at Mangoplah, NSW

Charlotte shares her story of how being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at a young age, forced her to take stock of her life and shares her advice on how to spot burn out before it hits you.

Ginny talks about her inspiration for starting Active Farmers and the link between exercise and mental health. She also shares practical advice on how to build an exercise habit (which doesn't need to be running a marathon!)

** We're looking for episode sponsors! If you're interested in collaborating with us or sponsoring an episode - then send us an email: ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com

If you can’t get your partner to book a holiday with you… would you just go without them? That’s just one of the tips and tricks we discuss in this episode on how to convince your partner to go on a holiday… because we all know what farmers can be like.

We also look at the research behind the benefits of taking a break and the psychological barriers around taking time away from the farm that our partner (or even ourselves) might have. And we get some practical advice about how to discuss this issue with your partner, how to get the farm and household ready to leave and clever ways to save for a trip

This episode features:

Chantal Corish – Psychologist and PhD Candidate, based in Goondiwindi, QLD

Carmen Quade – Director of AgriFocused, a business skills consultancy, based in Tallimba, NSW

By the end of this episode, we want you to find the answer to break through whatever holiday barrier you have... to get that get away booked!

** This episode is sponsored by Alison Hamilton, farm office coach and creator of the Functioning Farm Office.

If you would like to sponsor an episode, email us: ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com

Season Four of Ducks on the Pond is kicking off!

Kirsten and Jackie make excuses as to why they have taken longer than expected to bring back the podcast. They discuss what they've been up to in between seasons (including exciting news about Rural Women's Day) ... and preview what's coming up this season.

In reality, this short episode is just a fun catch up, so join us!

This episode is sponsored by Alison Hamilton, farm administration coach and creator of "The Functioning Farm Office"

We're looking for new topics and guests for this season too - as well as episode sponsors. If you'd like to get in touch - DM us on Instagram or email: ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com

Visit our website here.

Our teenagers might look like us, be as big as us...but cognitively, there is a difference. This can involve risk taking or it might just be a lack of complex decision making. They're also simply inexperienced.

In this episode, we look at the safety risks on farm involved with our older teenagers (aged 14 and above). This is the age where we often put more responsibility on our children on the farm, because they are more 'useful'. But they still need boundaries and advice.

We also discuss mum guilt - the difficult emotion women often carry with them if something has gone terribly wrong on the farm.

Grace Larsen and Sarah Duncanson, paedatric intensive care nurses, rural mums and directors of PAEDS Education guide as through how to best talk to teenagers about safety and mitigate some of the biggest risks. And Ash Napolitano, founder of the Hunter Boyle Swim Program shares her experience of grief and building a foundation to honour her two year son, who died on farm in Shepparton in 2020.

This is the third and final episode in this summer mini series about child farm safety. This series has been produced in collaboration with PAEDS Education

If you're interested in collaborating with us or sponsoring an episode - then send us an email: ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com

When you live so far away from the nearest hospital and ambulance response times are blowing out... should you wait for an ambulance or take your child in to hospital yourself? Also, how do you know you're not being overly anxious about your kids going out on the farm?

These are just some of the questions we explore in episode two of our summer mini series on child farm safety. This episode focuses on safety and first aid for children aged between 5 and 15.

Intensive care paediatric nurses and rural mums, Sarah Duncanson and Grace Larson, from PAEDs Education discuss the most common farm accidents for school aged children and how to prevent them. Meanwhile, Gemma Cramer, a rural mum in Nhill, shares her story of how her son was injured in a farm accident, in a safety risk many of us don't even know about.

This 3-part series is a collaboration with PAEDS Education. The final episode focuses on older teenagers. If you're interested in collaborating with us or sponsoring an episode - then send us an email: ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram.

No one wants a 'cotton wool kid', but as parents we know how unsafe the farming environment can be for children.

In Australia, the rate of fatal injuries amongst our regional and remote children is three times higher than kids who live in the city.

So how do we balance the freedoms and family connections that growing up on a farm brings, with making sure our children don't find themselves in dangerous situations?

In this special, three-part series, Kirsten speaks with two intensive care paediatric nurses and rural mums, Sarah Duncanson and Grace Larson, from PAEDs Education. The pair have seen the worst of what can happen on farms - but have designed a 'triage of safety' to help us as parents make better decisions about risk on farm - that's appropriate for a child's age.

In this first episode, we focus on babies and toddlers. We also hear from Ash Napolitano, who bravely shares the story of her 2 year old son Hunter, who died on a farm near Shepparton, Victoria in 2020.

The second episode focuses on farm safety for school aged children and the third and final episode in the series is about older teens.

Resources mentioned in this podcast:
The Hunter Boyle Swim Program

This podcast has been produced in collaboration with PAEDS Education. If you're interested in collaborating with us or sponsoring an episode - then send us an email: ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com

Don’t Call Us ‘Resilient’- Getting mental health support for your community

How do you feel when your town or region is called ‘resilient’? It seems a lot of rural people are tired of hearing this word and instead would rather genuine, well-funded support for the mental health.

According to Rural and Remote Mental Health (RRMH), the rates of suicide in regional Australia are two times higher than the national average. In rural areas, it’s three times higher.

Chair of RRMH Genevieve Fraser says rural mental health lacks government funding and the support itself isn’t culturally sensitive. Basically, it just doesn’t fit the realities and pressures of rural life.

But while we might not feel like we can change how rural mental health is funded, there is actually a lot we can do to help our neighbours. Lauren Stracey is a psychologist from Rural Aid who talks about how rural towns can best heal together after a disaster and how each of us can strike up a conversation with someone, if we can see they’re struggling.

***We’re looking for episode sponsors! If you’re a rural woman with a business or organisation you’d like to promote, or have an idea for a collaboration, send us an email: ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com Or send us a DM over Instagram. We’d love to hear from you!

You may be a rural woman at heart, but that doesn’t mean you can’t operate a global empire (or at least, tap into overseas markets). In this episode, we meet two women who left Australia and set up unique businesses overseas, by capitalising on their rural identities.

And these days you don’t even need to leave country Australia for world domination: both guests talk about how social media marketing has opened up new networks across the globe.

Hear from:

*Jess Pryles – Hardcore Carnivore, specialising in seasoning and gear for meat lovers. She is also a cook, author and influencer. Jess is living in Austin, Texas, but is originally from Melbourne.

*Rose Hood (formerly Mann) – co-founder Farm Girl Cafe in the UK, known as “perhaps the most Instagrammed café in London” (and now they have six!) Rose is originally from the Western District, Victoria.

For more information, visit our website

***We’re looking for episode sponsors! If you’re a rural woman with a business or organisation you’d like to promote, or have an idea for a collaboration, send us an email: ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com Or send us a DM over Instagram. We’d love to hear from you!

Yes, it’s clear. Research shows it is harder to access abortion services in rural Australia compared with metro areas.

So, in this episode we ask, why is that?

Abortion has now been decriminalised in all states and territories, moving from the criminal code to be covered under health policy. But is abortion really being treated like any other women’s health service?

In rural areas, it can be hard to find a GP who will prescribe abortion services and sometimes there aren’t any local pharmacists who stock the medication needed for early medical abortion. So can this be changed?

This episode features:

· Shannon Hill – Sexual Health Advisor, Women’s Health Grampians, VIC

· Anna Barwick – Pharmacist in Walcha, NSW and founder, PharmOnline

For more information, visit our website.

Are you a rural woman or a business which serves rural women? If you’d like to sponsor an episode or collaborate with us then send us a DM over Instagram or email ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com.

On average, 79 Australians die every year in farm accidents, making farming one of the most dangerous occupations in the country. So, what can we do to turn this around?

Approaching farmers with a rule book is unlikely to work. But rural women are often in a unique position to influence health and safety culture. Many of us have worked off-farm in large organisations which already have a strong safety culture. And many of us take up the admin and HR role while raising young kids.

So, in this episode, hear some great safety ‘influencer’ advice from:

· Alex Thomas - founder of Plant a Seed for Safety, who has watched her Dad struggle with multiple disabilities, after a life on the land.

· Danyel Cucinotta – Vice-President, Victorian Farmers Federation which is supporting the Making Our Farms Safer program.

· Dr Jacquie Cotton – researcher at the National Centre for Farmer Health

For more information visit our website.

Would you like to sponsor an episode? Let us know! Episode sponsors are featured on a podcast episode and on our social media channels. DM us over Instagram or email: ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com

When you're part of a farming enterprise it can be hard to figure out whether you're better off working on the farm or pursuing a career off the farm.

So, in this episode, we try to try to measure it.

The off-farm work is fairly easy to understand; you have a payslip which tells you how much you earn. But how do you financially measure the hours you put into doing the books, or helping out with lamb marking or picking up parts in town?

We look at how you can sit down and do the sums, as well as weigh up all the lifestyle factors too.

Hear from:

*Carmen Quade - founder of AgriFocused, an ag training business and farmer in Tallimba, NSW

Kate Cain - cattle farmer in Heywood, Victoria and teaching graduate (but Kate is yet to use the degree she finished years ago!)

For more information, you can visit our website.

This episode is sponsored by Creative Little Soul. Hear from founder, Chrissy Symeonakis at the end of this episode, If you would like to be featured on our podcast (and social media) as an episode sponsor, then send us a DM on Instagram or email ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com

It took until 2019 for TV advertisements for sanitary products to stop using ‘blue dye’ to symbolise menstrual blood. So why do periods make us feel so uncomfortable?

But the awkward feeling is just the start of the problem. By not talking about periods and pelvic floors, women aren’t getting the medical help they need, the right support in the workplace and even research into women’s health is being negatively affected.

For rural women, a lack of access to specialist women’s health practitioners is exacerbating the problem. In this episode, we hear from two rural women, who are passionate about breaking the stigma:

Jess Fishburn – Pelvic Physiotherapist and Director, Gen Health, Hamilton

Anna Barwick – Pharmacist and founder, PharmOnline

Jess and Anna share their expertise on how to know when something is not ‘normal’ and what treatments are available. For more information visit our website.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITY If you're a rural woman and would like to promote your business on this podcast, contact us at ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com to find out about our advertising opportunities.

Let's be honest, the perception of a "life coach" isn't always the best. The term can be associated with cult-like 'personal development' courses or well meaning 'wellness' types, who may not have the experience or credentials for a such a title. But then, who does?There's no university degree in "life coaching," but, there's no handbook to life either. So, while we can never be sure what should be on the "CV" of a life coach, in this episode we meet two highly recommended women:* Rebel Black - Entrepreneur, founder of the Rural Woman and Life Coach, Lightning Ridge, NSW * Karen Foster - Businesswoman, founder of The Future You Academy, Moyne Shire Councillor, Port Fairy VIC

People turn to a life coach when they are at a crossroads in their life, it could be choosing between career opportunities or a structural change in the family (such as a grown up child leaving the home).Both Rebel and Karen have extensive business careers, are passionate about local community and supporting rural women. They share their insights on what a life coach is, how to value yourself and what it means to live "intentionally".This episode is sponsored by: Sophie Murfett Design and her new business, Digital Ag. (Hear from Sophie at the end of this episode). If you would like to hear more about sponsorship opportunities, contact us over Instagram or email: ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com.

There’s a saying, ‘you can’t have the love without the loss.’The great love you have for someone, means the pain of losing them will equally be as great. But how do you actually cope with such profound grief, especially when the loss is sudden? And how do you best help a friend who is suddenly struck by tragedy?In this episode, Grampians Estate winery owner, Sarah Guthrie talks about her own grief journey, after her 17-year-old son, Ford, died in a car accident near the family home on Australia Day, 2016.Sarah speaks about the importance of celebrating Ford’s life, dealing with grief through small and big projects and what she found to be most helpful from friends and family during those darkest hours.Perhaps her most healing project so far, has been her book, “Picking up the Pieces: Remembering Ford,' a joyous recollection of family life on the farm, coupled with the sudden grief of losing her much-loved son. If it were truly possible to write a guidebook to grief, this book would be it (and it's especially poignant for any woman on the land).This episode also includes advice on dealing with grief from Stephanie Schmidt, clinical psychologist and founder of Act for Ag.

We're back! Coming up in Season 3, we're tackling the topics you WON'T hear at a local potluck casserole night or scone bake off. This includes access to abortion in rural and regional areas, dealing with grief and trauma and plenty of business insights from rural women with online empires and even good ol' fashioned shop fronts.
Also, we have some exciting updates to share about how YOU can get involved in the podcast, from sponsorship opportunities and upcoming promotions (including giveaways!)
For more information about episode sponsorship opportunities, email us at: ducksonthepond.podcast@gmail.com or send us a DM on Instagram!