Episodes
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This Episode is Sponsored by: Creative Little Soul
Yes, we invented the term âBush Podpreneur.â But thatâs because thereâs a phenomenon thatâs been happening in rural Australia that we need to recognise. âBush Podpreneurâ 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.
Youâll hear from six rural women podcasters:
Skye Manson, founder of Manson Podcasting Network, Gunning, NSWKimberley Furness, founder of Oak Magazine, Bendigo VICKatrina Myers, This Rural Life, Barham NSWStephanie Coombes, Central Station Podcast, Katherine, NTStephanie Tretheway, Motherland, TASSamantha Meurant, Rural Compass, Cunnamulla, QLDWe 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 theyâve 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
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EPISODE SPONSORSHIP Thank you to Chrissy Symeonakis, founder of Creative Little Soul for sponsoring this episode. If youâd like to sponsor an episode (or a series!) of Ducks on the Pond, get in touch: [email protected] -
Youâll laugh so hard in this episode, youâll 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 [email protected]
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Are we allowed to call it a 'crisis yet?"
Tara Rich - Mother and Communications Professional, who has spent nearly a decade looking for suitable childcare for her family.
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:
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: [email protected]This podcast is brought to you by the Rural Podcasting Co (We can help YOU make a podcast!)
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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?
Why you should't be afraid of sending emails to your listHow to create a lead generator (for emails)The difference between posting on social media and a social media strategyHow to decide if you should be adding Tik Tok, a book or even a podcast into your suite of marketing channelsIs Twitter (or X, as it's known these days) a dead channel these days?!
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
Would you like to sponsor an episode? Get in touch to promote your business on our podcast. Email: [email protected]
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 [email protected] or send us a DM over Instagram for more information.
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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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]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: [email protected]
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
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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: [email protected]
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: [email protected]
This podcast is produced by the Rural Podcasting Co.
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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! [email protected]
This podcast is produced by the Rural Podcasting Co.
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When a small group of farmers put their hands up to say, "Hey, our community needs help." You listen.
Monday, 13 November â Roma, Explorers InnWednesday, 15 November â Goondiwindi, Gateway To TrainingThursday, 16 November â Inverell, Inverell Services ClubFriday, 17 November â Tamworth, Sanctuary InnSaturday, 18 November â Hernani, Hernani HallMonday, 20 November â Narrabri, Crossing TheatreTuesday, 21 November â Walgett, Barwon InnWednesday, 22 November â Dubbo, Quality InnThursday, 23 November â Bathurst, Bathurst RSLFriday, 24 November â Cooma, The Alpine Hotel
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: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! [email protected]
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: [email protected]
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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!
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.
In this episode we discuss: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: [email protected] (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? Weâd love to hear from you! Email: [email protected]
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? Weâd love to hear from you! Email: [email protected]
This episode was made in collaboration with Alison Hamilton. - Show more
