Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast

07/01/2025

Congratulations Leila McDougall on your Big News!
Just A Farmer - Feature Film is on Channel 9 this SATURDAY
🗓 When: January 11th
⏰ Time: 9:50 PM

Just A Farmer is must watch Television. The movie demonstrates the resilience, fierce determination and sacrifice that every farmer displays to provide our country with food and fibre, at times it comes at unsurmountable cost and if you don’t take anything else away from this movie than to have a greater understand that food and fibre doesn't just arrive in the shops and to thank and support our farmers, then it's worthwhile watching.

So many parts and themes of the movie resonated with my own story as a farmer and the struggles with my own mental health. The feeling of complete despair, of failure not only to my family, but to my animals and farm, which as a farmer was my core roll, a steward to my land and animals. The guilt and shame I felt through my darkest times was palpable as I sat there and watched. Something else that really resonated with me was the feeling financial, physical and emotional exhaustion that I also experienced as we entered the third and then fourth and Fifth year of the millennial drought. With that exhaustion came a sense of numbness, where I operated on auto pilot for an extended period.

Do yourself a favour and tune in Saturday Night.

I wrote a blog on my thoughts and reaction after watching the movie for the first time
https://www.theunbreakablefarmer.com.au/blog/just-a-farmer
and was privileged to chat with Leila on the Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast
https://www.beyondthebackpaddock.com.au/e/beyond-the-back-paddock-with-leila-mcdougall/

23/12/2024

The latest episode of Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast is uploaded and ready for your listening enjoyment.

Thanks Shanna from Sober in the Country Ltd for her time and wisdom.

Listen or subscribe at www.beyondthebackpaddock.com.au
Or listen on Spotify 👇
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1HDULrvXGaMSr7BNmhJvaL?si=Wc8r1kyQT1CD-9QCtftQvw&context=spotify%3Ashow%3A2ueG38ykfp5EO6DTDgZpNp

22/12/2024

In the lead up to Christmas tomorrow on the Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast I am having a very special conversation with Shanna Whan..

Shanna Whan is the rural woman, founder, CEO, and face behind Sober in the Country Ltd. She's an Australian of the Year recipient who decided to “do what she could to be part of the change” after almost losing her own life to alcohol addiction in 2015. Today, through her tireless advocacy, Sober in the Country has grown from an online blog into a nationally respected charity, shifting the entire conversation around booze in the bush and saving and changing lives.
She lives in rural northwest New South Wales with her husband, 'Timbo' and her beloved dogs.

Sober in the Country is a national grassroots charity changing an ancient narrative across rural Australia by ensuring our mates know it's always (to booze) in the bush.
They're creating social impact and change by encouraging social inclusion, connecting peers to each other and to further support, and through their trademark story-telling and lived-experience advocacy.

Far from being anti-alcohol or prohibitionist in their approach, Sober in the Country openly discusses the link between rural mental health and alcohol harm using straight talk, humour, and the simple truth.







***deprevention

11/12/2024

In this episode of Beyond the Backpaddock, Kevin Sullivan shares his remarkable journey from a nearly 30-year career in the police force to becoming a full-time musician.
He discusses life-changing moments, including a serious injury that altered his path, his experiences in crime scene investigation, and the impact of trauma and PTSD on his life.
Kevin also reflects on his transition to music, the importance of family, and the lessons learned along the way, emphasizing that it's never too late to pursue one's dreams.

Listen to the full episode.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/71hxtFZAeFMeQmNf2IFVZy?





***deprevention

11/12/2024

In this episode of Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast , Kevin Sullivan
shares his remarkable journey from a nearly 30-year career in the police force to becoming a full-time musician.
He discusses life-changing moments, including a serious injury that altered his path, his experiences in crime scene investigation, and the impact of trauma and PTSD on his life.
Kevin also reflects on his transition to music, the importance of family, and the lessons learned along the way, emphasizing that it's never too late to pursue one's dreams.

Listen to the full episode.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/71hxtFZAeFMeQmNf2IFVZy?





***deprevention

22/11/2024

22/11/2024

Out Today

Series 3 of Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast

Sallie Jones co founder of Gippsland Jersey shares her life's journey with vulnerability.

Thanks Sal

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6h4TGDyt325Mojm3itQ68O?si=FtqsNwORRYOdYESnbQ8SfA

Please listen, subscribe, and share your thoughts.

www.beyondthebackpaddock.com.au

In times of crisis and or uncertainty, when you feel like a conversation is too big for family or friends alone, connect with a trusted health professional like your GP, and or services like Lifeline 13 11 14 or TIACS by calling or texting
0488 846 988 Mon-Fri 8am-10pm AEST or the many other local and government support services.





***deprevention

21/11/2024

Tomorrow Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast will be back with Series 3.

Episode 24 will see the long awaited conversation with Sallie Jones. Sallie, the co founder of Gippsland Jersey is a passionate mental health advocate and community leader.

In a confronting conversation Sallie shares her lived experience with loss, grief, su***de, and the challenges of starting a milk brand from scratch.

If you are not subscribed to the podcast you can do so at www.beyondthebackpaddock.com.au





***deprevention

16/09/2024

On Saturday I am heading to Mildura for two special events for the Northern Mallee Leaders where I get to work with the amazing Leila Sweeney McDougall.

https://www.nml.org.au/program/

I was privileged to have Liela as a guest on Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast . Leila is a magnetic entrepreneur and influential advocate for Women in Agriculture, who is on a mission to promote, support, and celebrate farming life. Her diverse career, spanning from
fashion designer to rural teacher, now sees her donning the hat of award winning actor and filmmaker.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/18eU1QCFefYCOMYbIfk1FX?si=rqKjdqJ1Rc6QoIdZ522jqA

The first event is a sold out exclusive lunch where we will both get to share our stories with the guests.

The second event is a screening of the Just A Farmer - Feature Film where we will both be sitting on a panel along with Corey Iredale from Mates Incorporated Stephanie Ferdelja from RFCS Victoria West and Bill Banfield from Tapio Station.

Tickets are still available for the screening at Wallis Cinemas Mildura with 150 tickets already sold.

https://events.humanitix.com/just-a-farmer-nml-screening?fbclid=IwY2xjawFVaoVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHeYiWXLBCVkEXtIIQqGHOIhmuK7GYzU2iNRByW2efufWPyqH_A9C35t-dA_aem_3JP-cweqEW_2fyHnUlkfUA

On the podcast Leila shares her journey from growing up on a farm to becoming an advocate for mental health in rural communities.

She explains her motivation behind releasing a movie that highlights the challenges faced by farmers and encourages conversations about mental health and the undervalued role of farmers in society.
The conversation explores the key themes of mental health, generational mental health, the impact of su***de on families, the silence surrounding su***de, and the importance of open communication.
Leila shares her personal experiences and research on these topics, highlighting the stigma and blame associated with su***de.

Download the full episode at www.beyondthebackpaddock.com.au or read my thoughts at www.theunbreakablefarmer.com.au/blog/just-a-farmer

Take care listening to this episode as it contains conversations around su***de.

Contact Lifeline or TIACS for support.







***deprevention

30/07/2024

Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast

When I set out to create a podcast, I had a particular guest in mind. Lucy Marsh was that person.
I share Lucy's story quite often and the impact her story has had on me.

Lucy has had a massive impact on what I actually do today.

Lucy probably doesn't realize the impact that she has had.

As a quick heads up this episode covers topics of suicidal ideation, so care should be taken when listen, and if you are challenged by the conversation please seek help. Lifeline 13 11 14

On my travels as a speaker, we met back in 2018 at an event in South Australia, and the impact that she had on my life has changed the way that I thought about being a speaker and how I'd share my story.

Her life hasn't been easy and has had plenty of ups and downs. I can't wait for her to share her story with us.

Its is an absolute privilege to have Lucy as guest and hopefully those who listen can take something away from her story even if it is just empathy towards those how struggle with their mental health.

You can listen to Lucy's episode on www.beyondthebackpaddock.com.au or on Spotify. Links in the comments.

In times of crisis and or uncertainty, when you feel like a conversation is too big for family or friends alone, connect with a trusted health professional like your GP, and or services like Lifeline 13 11 14 or TIACS by calling or texting
0488 846 988 Mon-Fri 8am-10pm AEST or the many other local and government support services.

Beyond Blue
1300 022 946

Su***de Call Back Service
1300 659 467

05/06/2024

After a few weeks off the Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast is back with an amazing guest, Paul Taylor.
Paul and I have bumped into each other on a number of occasions at Cottage by the Sea Queenscliff events where he has been presenting. Every time I have heard Paul's presentation it has challenged my thinking.

A former British Royal Navy Aircrew Officer and former Research Professor at the University of San Francisco,Paul is an Exercise Physiologist, Nutritionist and Neuroscientist who is currently completing a PhD in Applied Psychology, where he is developing and testing resilience strategies with the Australian Defence Science Technology Group.

A Podcast host, published Author and TV presenter through his program Body and Brain Overhaul, he was twice voted Australian Fitness Industry presenter of the year.

Paul has a proven track record in leadership, management and dealing in high-pressure situations, through his former roles as an Airborne Anti-submarine Warfare Officer and a Helicopter Search-And-Rescue Crew Member with the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and has undergone rigorous Combat Survival and Resistance-to-Interrogation Training.

Paul doesn’t just talk about resilience - he lives it.

Enjoy listening to Episode 23 of the podcast by subscribing and downloading it at www.beyondthebackpaddock.com.au






***deprevention

03/06/2024

Tomorrow Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast is back with Episode 23 and what an episode it is with my guest Paul Taylor.
There is a lot of wisdom pack into this episode so make sure you tune in.

Here is a sneak peek. Full episode out tomorrow afternoon.

You can Subscribe and Download the Podcast at www.beyondthebackpaddock.com.au

30/04/2024

I have just released this week's episode of the Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast and it is with Sam Fryer the host of A Place To Call Home .
I met Sam in Roma at the ABL Southern Cohort 'A night off the farm' Event where we shared our stories with the audience and tried our hand at being comedians.
Sam wears many hats, Husband, Father, Son, Beef Producer, regional manager for QRIDA
Sam shares his story, the challenges he has faced and how he has overcome them and his burning desire to one day have A Place To Call Home.

To listen to the full episode by downloading and subscribing at www.beyondthebackpaddock.com.au





Please enjoy this great chat with a great bloke.

20/04/2024

Aiden Clarke and I had an interesting conversation around leading major crime news stories with implying mental health is the cause and the stigma that it applies to the conversation.

To like, listen or download this or any of the previous episodes of the Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast go to www.beyondthebackpaddock.com.au





***deprevention

19/04/2024

18/04/2024

This week on the Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast with some of the tragic events and uncertainty that's in the world, today's guest has come at a perfect time. He is on a journey to make the world a brighter place, one sock at a time and much, much more.

Aiden Clarke is the general manager of We Are Posi

Posi Socks was a business founded by Trent and Brooke Cotchin back in 2020. And has now been rebranded as We Are Posi. And is a business that lives, breeds and promotes, shares positivity throughout the community.

We Are Posi exists to make the world a better place, more positive place. And through their content messaging and how they show up, they wanna be the best part of someone's day.

Aiden's journey from leading as the general manager at We Are Posi to previous roles as head of operations at AFL Publications and his earlier years as the head strength and conditioning coach at the old Caulfield Grammarians football club, he has learnt the art of blending strategic vision with hands -on leadership, whether it's optimising the team's performance on the field or spreading positivity into the community via Posi socks or We Are Posi.

He's all in.

Beyond business, Aiden is passionate about mental health and wellbeing and championing positivity in the community. He has his own story and life's challenges are real. But Aidan believes that mindset can change how you feel.

Listen and Subscribe at www.beyondthebackpaddock.com.au

12/04/2024

‘Just a Farmer’ transcends traditional cinema authentically portraying the challenges and triumphs of resilient farmer in rural Australia the cinematic journey amplifies the often overlooked voices of rural communities and sheds light on mental health struggles it's more than a movie it's a dedi...