EPISODE · Mar 18, 2026 · 53 MIN
Deciding on a big, bold life
from Conversations · host Australian Broadcasting Corporation
From wearing red stilettos on her first day of university and travelling solo into rural Egypt, to relocating to the United States with four kids in tow, Margie Warrell created her own life for herself off the dairy farm.Margie grew up on a dairy farm in Victoria, the eldest daughter in a big Catholic family. It was assumed she would either enter the convent or marry a farmer. But Margie knew she wanted a very different life.First, she branched off into the big smoke to go to university; then she packed her terrible backpack from the Army Disposal Store for a yearlong solo adventure around the world.Margie went on to survive an eating disorder, an armed robbery, and family tragedy to create her own big, bold, beautiful story.Now, she helps other people make big, bold choices for their lives.Content Warning: this episode of Conversations includes reference to eating disorders, armed robbery and suicide.Margie's latest book is called The Courage Gap, and is published by Berrett-Koehler.You can find more information about Margie's work and her other books at her website.This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris. Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison.It explores farming, agriculture, invisible siblings, moving out of the country, motherhood, miscarriage, eating disorders, bulimia, anorexia, marriage, expatriate life, Washington DC, politics, Congressional chiefs, leadership, coaching.
What this episode covers
From wearing red stilettos on her first day of university and travelling solo into rural Egypt, to relocating to the United States with four kids in tow, Margie Warrell created her own life for herself off the dairy farm. Margie grew up on a dairy farm in Victoria, the eldest daughter in a big Catholic family. It was assumed she would either enter the convent or marry a farmer. But Margie knew she wanted a very different life. First, she branched off into the big smoke to go to university; then she packed her terrible backpack from the Army Disposal Store for a yearlong solo adventure around the world. Margie went on to survive an eating disorder, an armed robbery, and family tragedy to create her own big, bold, beautiful story. Now, she helps other people make big, bold choices for their lives. Content Warning: this episode of Conversations includes reference to eating disorders, armed robbery and suicide. Margie's latest book is called The Courage Gap, and is published by Berrett-Koehler. You can find more information about Margie's work and her other books at her website. This episode of Conversations was produced by Meggie Morris. Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison. It explores farming, agriculture, invisible siblings, moving out of the country, motherhood, miscarriage, eating disorders, bulimia, anorexia, marriage, expatriate life, Washington DC, politics, Congressional chiefs, leadership, coaching.
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Deciding on a big, bold life
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