Motherland Australia

Cailyn Muntelwit grew up on cattle properties across Central Queensland in a loving but emotionally unstable home, navigating school, undiagnosed neurodivergence, and a brain that never switched off. At 19, she met her partner Frank in the stock camp, and by 27 they were starting a family of their own. But motherhood hit hard. With ADHD, a child navigating ADHD and autism, and a partner working away for months at a time, those early years became more about survival than balance. In this episode, Cailyn shares how she’s learning to break generational patterns, parent differently, and build a life that works for her family — including a business idea that unexpectedly took her all the way to Paris to represent regional Australia on the world stage. Motherland is proud to partner with Mums Matter, a bulk-billed psychology service, supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum, and the journey of motherhood. If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply not like yourself, you don’t have to go through it alone. Visit mumsmatterpsychology.com to learn more or book a telehealth appointment with Mums Matter.https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Not long ago, Alison Gossage made a decision that some rural women quietly face… but rarely talk about. She left the land. Ali is a mum of two, who was living and working on a farm in Esperance, WA, building a life in agriculture alongside her husband, raising babies in the bush, and doing everything she could to hold it all together. But behind the scenes… things were not okay. What started as the everyday juggle of motherhood - two under two, long days alone, limited support - slowly became something much heavier. Something that Ali didn’t recognise at first… and didn’t have the words for. Until one moment changed everything. For Ali, that moment led her to a diagnosis many women still don’t talk about… postpartum rage. In this episode, she shares what that actually felt like; the shame, the fear, the isolation — and what it took to ask for help. We also talk about the realities of raising young kids in rural Australia without a village, the pressure of farm life, and the incredibly hard decision to leave it behind in order to survive it. This is Ali’s story.Motherland is proud to partner with Mums Matter, a bulk-billed psychology service, supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum, and the journey of motherhood. If you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, or simply not like yourself, you don’t have to go through it alone. Visit mumsmatterpsychology.com to learn more or book a telehealth appointment with Mums Matter.PANDA National Helpline (Monday to Saturday) 1300 726 306  Lifeline for Crisis Support: 13 11 14https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Ellen Fitzgerald is a mum of three living on a cattle property northwest of Longreach. Like so many rural mothers, her days are full… raising children, running a business, and building a life on the land alongside her husband. But recently, Ellen has found herself in a position she never expected… becoming an accidental advocate for rural families. Right now, Ellen’s family  (like many in remote areas) is facing the very real possibility of losing the in-home childcare they rely on, with current support systems not extending to families in her situation, making it increasingly unaffordable. I invited Ellen on the podcast to talk about this issue — and we did, but along the way I uncovered a much deeper story. Ellen’s journey to motherhood has been shaped by profound loss — from losing her own mum at just 21, to experiencing 4 miscarriages in a row, and then the heartbreaking loss of her daughter Adelaide. And still, she kept going. This is her story. A warning, this episode discussed multiple pregnancy losses including termination. If you need support: Red Nose Grief & Loss:  24/7 Support Line 1300 308 307https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/ PANDA helpline: 1300 726 306Mums Matter is a bulk-billed psychology service, supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum, and the journey of motherhood. Mums Matter offers compassionate, evidence-based psychology via telehealth, so you can speak with a specialist from the comfort of your home. Visit mumsmatterpsychology.com to learn more or book a telehealth appointment. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Last month, rural mum of two Courtney Moir was crowned the winner of Muster Dogs Season Four. But there’s a lot more to her story than what you saw on TV, and today she shares all of it publicly for the first time. From working in banking, to swiping right on a farmer, to moving to a remote property just weeks before becoming a mum — it was a lot of change, all at once. What followed was a period of anxiety and isolation and it wasn’t until Courtney found something just for herself… that things began to shift. Dogs soon became more than just a hobby. They helped her rebuild her confidence, find her community and become the kind of mother she wanted to be. And she just so happened to win a TV show along the way. This is Courtney’s story. When was the last time you had space to think about your goals? Parent Pathways is a free program offering mentoring, financial support and guidance to help parents and carers move forward. Eligible parents can access up to $1,250 per year. T&Cs apply. Head to: trainingalliance.com.au/parent-pathways/https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Rachel Bjelke-Petersen spent her childhood weekends travelling Queensland’s campdraft circuit with her dad. While horses, cattle and red dirt were always part of her, life took her in many directions — but something was always missing.After spinal surgery in her mid-20s, her goal was simple: get back on a horse… and she did exactly that. In 2022, she packed up and drove 1,100 kilometres west, where she says she’d never felt more at home. Then one unexpected moment changed everything… hitting a pothole and meeting her future husband! Within months, Rachel had stepped into life on Christian’s fourth-generation family property, and into motherhood. Alongside her husband, she’s since built The Old Hangar,  a thriving rural venue in the South Burnett. Rachel’s story is about backing yourself, trusting your gut, and building a life you truly love. This is her story. Discover beautifully crafted, timeless furniture and homewares at Provincial Home Living. From linen sofas to solid timber dining tables, each piece brings warmth, character and effortless style. Visit one of 37 stores across Australia or shop online to create a home you truly adore today: provincialhomeliving.com.au When was the last time you had space to think about your goals? Parent Pathways is a free program offering mentoring, financial support and guidance to help parents and carers move forward. Eligible parents can access up to $1,250 per year. T&Cs apply. Head to: trainingalliance.com.au/parent-pathways/https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Tahnee McCarthy is a paediatric physiotherapist, mum of two, and stepmum to one living outside Wagga Wagga in New South Wales. The life she’s building with her young family has been shaped by extraordinary challenges. After the traumatic birth of her first baby and undiagnosed postnatal depression, Tahnee was navigating early motherhood when her husband Aaron was involved in a catastrophic farming accident that changed everything. Aaron lost his leg that day — but somehow saved his own life. What followed was a journey neither of them expected. While Aaron channelled his recovery into becoming a Paralympic snowboarder, Tahnee began searching for herself again through the chaos of motherhood and farm life. A chance moment opened the door to something she didn’t realise she needed. This is a story about loss, love, and what’s possible when a family refuses to let life’s hardest moments define them. This is her story. Gidget Foundation: www.gidgetfoundation.org.auPANDA Helpline: 1300 726 30Cable is known for its exceptional Merino wool knitwear. Explore their Autumn 2026 collection of timeless, elevated essentials, crafted from 100% Australian Merino wool. Shop in store or online now. Visit: www.cablemelbourne.com/When was the last time you had space to think about your goals? Parent Pathways is a free program offering mentoring, financial support and guidance to help parents and carers move forward. Eligible parents can access up to $1,250 per year. T&Cs apply. Head to: trainingalliance.com.au/parent-pathways/https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Michelle Hamilton lives on a farm in Central Queensland with her husband Pete and son Wiley. Growing up on the land, she thought she was ready for rural life — but motherhood brought challenges she never saw coming including post natal depression. But Michelle’s turning point came unexpectedly at a local agricultural show, where she encountered alpacas! What began as a simple encounter grew into something much bigger. Breeding alpacas and growing her business helped Michelle rediscover purpose, energy and connection, and re-engage with motherhood, her family and herself. Then a near-fatal farming accident involving her husband forced their family to pause and rethink what truly mattered, including their marriage.Today, with more joy, a paddock full of alpacas, and a clearer perspective, Michelle is living life very differently.Gidget Foundation: www.gidgetfoundation.org.auPANDA Helpline: 1300 726 30CABLE's new Heritage 365 collection features timeless wardrobe pieces crafted from luxurious 100% Australian Merino Wool — designed to be worn and cherished season after season. Explore the latest arrivals in Cable stores or online HERE. Hogans Family Jewellers is a family-owned business with over 80 years of craftsmanship. From engagements to life’s special milestones, their timeless pieces are designed to be treasured for generations. Discover their ready-to-wear collection online HERE or in-store at 241 Margaret Street, Toowoomba.https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Vanessa Bell has lived many lives in one. Discovered at just 15, she was launched into high fashion — travelling the globe and shooting for Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. But behind the glamour came grit. A chapter marked by domestic violence, sleeping in her car, and temporarily losing her sight from stress forced Vanessa to rebuild from the ground up. It was through knitting that she began to heal. In a full-circle moment, that same fibre now sits at the heart of her life. Today, Vanessa is a Merino wool grower in the New England high country, a stepmum to three and mum to her son Charlie. Alongside her husband Philip, she now runs vast Australian stations and has launched a luxury knitwear brand championing Australian wool and sustainability. From city lights to shearing sheds, her story is one of courage, reinvention and backing yourself. Cinta Insights, the new community connecting rural Australians, is proud to partner with Motherland’s summer podcast series. Join the Cinta Collective HERE to share your voice, earn rewards, go in the draw to win one of five $250 Prezzee cards, and trigger a $10 donation to Motherland in your name.For more than 100 years, Anglican Church Grammar School, commonly known as Churchie, has nurtured generations of boarders from rural Australia. Located on a spacious campus, just minutes from Brisbane’s CBD, Churchie offers an immersive seven-day boarding program for boys in Years 7 to 12. To learn more about a Churchie education for your son, visit churchie.com.au/boarding https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Kimberly is a psychologist and mum from Moranbah, Queensland. Five years ago, her world was shattered when she lost her 13-year-old son, Ethan, just nine weeks after a leukemia diagnosis. Ethan was a talented young footballer, signed to the Broncos’ elite development squad — strong, determined and full of life. And then, in a matter of weeks, everything changed. In this episode, Kimberly shares those unimaginable months… from the first signs something wasn’t right to a Christmas Day hospital visit that turned their world upside down. But this conversation isn’t only about loss. In her grief, Kimberly saw how little real-time, local support exists for bereaved parents (especially in rural communities) and how quickly support can fade. From that realisation, Kids Connecting Parents was born: an app connecting grieving parents so no one has to navigate child loss alone.Griefline (1300 845 745): A national helpline, 8am to 8pm (AEST), 7 days a week.Red Nose Grief and Loss (1300 308 307): Support for the loss of a child.Cinta Insights, the new community connecting rural Australians, is proud to partner with Motherland’s summer podcast series. Join the Cinta Collective HERE to share your voice, earn rewards, go in the draw to win one of five $250 Prezzee cards, and trigger a $10 donation to Motherland in your name.Thank you to Cobram Estate for supporting the Motherland podcast. Proudly Australian and made with care, their extra virgin olivehttps://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Prue McCormack is a sixth-generation cattle farmer in the Hunter Valley, NSW, a vet, and a mum of two. When her son Jock was three, Prue and her husband began noticing developmental delays. What followed were long waitlists, countless appointments, and eventually a diagnosis of autism and ADHD. In this episode, Prue shares the shock, grief and guilt that came with that moment — along with the fierce love that drives her motherhood. She speaks candidly about meltdowns, public judgment, rural healthcare gaps, and the toll it’s taken on her nervous system. But she also shares the beauty — the strengths, the hyper-focus, the gift of farm life, and the power of community understanding. Prue said yes to this conversation because it’s the one she wishes she’d heard at the beginning of her journey raising a neurodivergent child. This is her story.Cinta Insights, the new community connecting rural Australians, is proud to partner with Motherland’s summer podcast series. Join the Cinta Collective HERE to share your voice, earn rewards, go in the draw to win one of five $250 Prezzee cards, and trigger a $10 donation to Motherland in your name.Thank you to Cobram Estate for supporting the Motherland podcast. Proudly Australian and made with care, their extra virgin olive oil is grown, harvested, and cold-pressed within just hours for exceptional freshness and flavour. It’s a staple in kitchens right across the country. Go to https://cobramestate.com.au/ https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Laura Wilson lives in Quilpie in far western Queensland, where she and her partner Jake are raising six children under the age of ten. Yes, six! A registered nurse by background, Laura always knew she wanted to be a mum. What she maybe didn’t plan on was becoming a mother at 24, growing her family quickly, and spending long stretches solo parenting while Jake built their trucking business. She’s birthed babies hundreds of kilometres from home, and in one case, delivered one of her sons herself. In this conversation, we talk about big families, remote healthcare, and why Laura genuinely loves motherhood…even in the chaos. This is a story of perspective, joy and choosing gratitude in the season you’re in.Cinta Insights, the new community connecting rural Australians, is proud to partner with Motherland’s summer podcast series. Join the Cinta Collective via THIS LINK to share your voice, earn rewards, go in the draw to win one of five $250 Prezzee cards, and trigger a $10 donation to Motherland in your name.For more than 100 years, Fairholme College Toowoomba has delivered an exceptional all-girls education from Kindy to Year 12. A day and boarding school, it’s a home away from home for rural and regional families, nurturing confidence, character and community. Visit fairholme.qld.edu.au. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Today I’m thrilled to bring you a bonus episode with Kylie Lindsay, Head of nbn Local in Queensland, for a powerful conversation about leadership, motherhood, mental health, and regional connectivity. Kylie shares her journey from growing up in Townsville to working in high-pressure politics, navigating anxiety, and becoming a mum to her son Archie just before turning 40. We talk about what it’s really like returning to work after having a baby, why flexible workplaces matter, and how leadership can look different after motherhood. Kylie also opens up about separation and life as a solo mum and why she's so passionate about raising a free-range kid outside the city. This is her story.We’re proud to have nbn back as our Platinum Motherland Connect Partner for the next 12 months. Motherland Connect is Australia’s first online health directory for rural mums, helping women find the right mental and physical health support faster. Thanks to nbn’s support, we’re strengthening digital access so no rural mum is left behind. Learn more at motherlandconnect.org.au.https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Today's episode is one of the most raw and important conversations I’ve ever shared. Corrina Rawlinson is a rural mum from Esperance, WA — a businesswoman and straight shooter, bravely telling the truth about what motherhood and mental illness can look like behind closed doors. She shares growing up in small rural communities, carrying childhood trauma into adulthood, pushing through while keeping everyone else afloat — until she reached breaking point. Corrina speaks openly about being admitted to a psychiatric hospital and what it took to come back from the darkest place. This is a conversation about survival and hope — proof that healing is possible and life can be rebuilt.Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/1800RESPECT: https://1800respect.org.au/PANDA: https://panda.org.auPink Elephants Support Network: https://www.pinkelephants.org.auThe Empowered Motherhood Program is an online pregnancy, birth and postnatal recovery program designed by a women’s health physiotherapist. EMP offers expert guidance, safe workouts and real support from home. Motherland listeners get 20% off with code MOTHERLAND20 at empoweredmother.com.au For more than 100 years, Fairholme College Toowoomba has delivered an exceptional all-girls education from Kindy to Year 12. A day and boarding school, it’s a home away from home for rural and regional families, nurturing confidence, character and community. Visit fairholme.qld.edu.au. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Rachael Kirby’s version of motherhood looks nothing like it did a year ago. After growing up in rural central NSW and meeting her husband in the shearing sheds out west, she’s now raising three young kids (with a fourth on the way) while living full-time in a caravan on the shearing circuit. Her husband is a shearer, Rach is a shearer’s cook, and together they juggle work, marriage, parenting and life in the bush—side by side, every day. This isn’t just a story about life on the road, but about burnout, bravery, and choosing time over routine. Today, Rach shares why she blew up her life, what caravan motherhood really looks like, and how redefining stability has brought her closer to peace. The Empowered Motherhood Program is an online pregnancy, birth and postnatal recovery program designed by a women’s health physiotherapist. EMP offers expert guidance, safe workouts and real support from home. Motherland listeners get 20% off with code MOTHERLAND20 at empoweredmother.com.au For more than 100 years, Fairholme College Toowoomba has delivered an exceptional all-girls education from Kindy to Year 12. A day and boarding school, it’s a home away from home for rural and regional families, nurturing confidence, character and community. Visit fairholme.qld.edu.au. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Today's episode is a story of love, unimaginable loss, betrayal, and deep, hard-won hope. Belinda Viver’s daughter Adelaide tapped me on the shoulder at a Motherland event last year and said, “You need to speak to my mum.” She was right. Belinda grew up on the land, built a full life with her husband Jack, and raised three daughters until everything changed in July 2020, when Jack died suddenly. What followed was a cascade of heartbreak: multiple family losses, shock, grief, and a betrayal that turned her world upside down and forced her to question everything she thought she knew. But this is not a story that sits in darkness. It’s about resilience, truth-telling, learning to live alongside grief, and discovering that even after immense loss, there can still be meaning, purpose and hope.Just a quick warning today’s show does contain a brief mention of suicide. If you or anyone you know needs help, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14For more than 100 years, Fairholme College Toowoomba has delivered an exceptional all-girls education from Kindy to Year 12. A day and boarding school, it’s a home away from home for rural and regional families, nurturing confidence, character and community. Visit fairholme.qld.edu.au.  If you’re thinking about having a baby (or already there) The Memo makes it easier. Thoughtfully curated by parents who know what you actually need, from hospital bags to postpartum care. Motherland listeners get 10% off with MOTHERLAND10. Ends Feb 1. Visit thememo.com.au. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Debbie Dowden arrived in Australia by boat when she was just 3 years old. Her family were ‘10 pound poms’ in search of a sunnier life in Australia. Little did she know that life would see her raising 4 children 600kms from Perth in Outback Western Australia. Debbie was working as a theory instructor at a flight school when she decided that she actually wanted to fly the planes, not just teach people about them. It was here that she met her husband Ash- and she approached her relationship with Ash the same way she did with learning to fly, getting out of her comfort zone. As a young single mum at the time, all of Debbie’s family lived in Perth. But when she met Ash Dowden, the owner of Challa Station in the Southern Rangelands of WA, she knew she needed to go bush. And bush she went. She packed up her life, her daughter and quit her job and arrived at Challa with limited experience. Fast forward to 2025 and she’s now running it alongside her husband. This is her story. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Weeks before Sonja Chrystal was born, her father was in a farming accident and became a paraplegic. Months after she was born, her mother packed her bags and left her paralysed husband and two little girls, and never returned. Her dad and her grandparents raised Sonja and her sister on a cropping and grazing property in the central west of NSW before Sonja found herself living and working in Sydney as a graphic designer. It was there that she met her fiance Jeremy, and the father of her son, Herbie, who just turned one. After her dad passed away, Sonja and her non-farmer husband decided to trade their life in Sydney’s Paddington and moved an hour from Dubbo so Sonja could run the family property. While running the property, Sonja and Jeremey decided to start trying for a baby. Things weren’t as simple as they hoped and after an operation, Sonja was diagnosed with stage 4 endometriosis. After booking in for a round of IVF, she then found out she was pregnant. Herbie was born in February 2024, but Sonja had never felt more alone. Sonja is a truly remarkable person and her story is unlike anything I’ve ever heard. From her incredibly unique upbringing, what it was like growing up without a mum, through to isolation, grief, a traumatic birth, a radiant sense of positivity, all while managing a property -  we discuss everything including the depths of her postpartum depression and anxiety that she’s been through and survived….. and how telehealth saved her life. This is Sonja Chrystal’s story.A quick warning today’s episode discusses mental health including birth trauma and PNDA if you or anyone you know needs help, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

When I say the name Liz Ellis, you probably think one of three things:One of the greatest Netballers our country has ever seen A very funny media commentatorThe winner of I’m A Celebrity Get Me out of here a few years ago.What you probably don’t think of is Liz Ellis the farmer. Liz, her husband of 25 years, Matthew, and their two children live on a farm in between Lismore, Ballina and Byron Bay growing beef cattle. Liz and Matthew bought the land 14 years ago when their professional sporting careers came to an end, Matthew as a former Waratahs rugby union player, and Liz as the captain of the Australian Netball team the Diamonds. Liz’s road to motherhood wasn’t as simple as she had initially thought. After falling pregnant easily with her daughter, Liz thought she’d be able to fall pregnant again with her second child. But after 3 miscarriages and IVF treatment, Liz and Matthew were ready to give up. But then, along came her son, in his own time. On this episode, Liz and I chat about it all - including farming, fertility, motherhood, and menopause. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Phoebe White has had a lot of titles and lived in a lot of places in her 35 years. She’s been a PE Teacher in Sydney. A Fashion stylist in London. A High-profile real estate agent in Miami. But it’s the two she’s been given in the past eight years that light up her life, and have brought her home. The first is being a mum to her two daughters Camilla and Olympia, and the second, is being the custodian of a Mountain near her family’s property outside of Scone, NSW. Phoebe’s family have been farmers for 7 generations on “Belletrees” - one of Australia’s most famous rural properties. And she is the third generation to inherit Mount Woolooma, a piece of land with an architect-designed residence her grandparents commissioned as their own private retreat in the 70s. Now, the house on Mount Woolooma, the Woolooma Glass House, offers luxury accommodation on the side of the Mountain, and Phoebe and her husband Jonathan, Elle McPherson’s former wellness coach, run it. So how do you adjust from living the high life in Miami with supermodels as friends to running a family business in rural Australia? And what’s it like inheriting a mountain while raising your two young daughters? This is Phoebe White’s story.https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

At 56, Louise Taheny has lived a very big life. The twists and turns and setbacks have truly made her who she is today; a very remarkable woman, as you’re about to hear. Louise was born and raised in regional South Australia, and met her husband John, a farmer, in her early 20s. They knew they wanted a big family. First came Edwina, then Tom, Lucy, Will and then, their youngest, Hugo. After five children in six years, when Hugo was born, Louise knew instantly that things weren’t the same as her other babies. A few days after his birth, Hugo was diagnosed with Down syndrome, and that came with its own kind of challenges. More than a decade on, Louise’s husband had a stroke, and then unbelievably in 2022, their son Will was a passenger in a car accident that left him a quadriplegic. But just wait until you hear what both Hugo and Will have been up to despite their challenges. Over the years, again and again, everything Louise knew, particularly as a mother, was tested, but her positivity and love for her family has shone through all the hardships. So, after everything that has been thrown her way, what has she learned? This is Louise Taheny’s story. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Whitney Spicer always dreamed of becoming a mum. What she didn’t expect was that a few sample pots of Bunnings paint would change the course of her life. While raising her babies, Whitney picked up a paintbrush again — and it grew into a thriving art career that now helps support her family. But behind the success is a huge identity shift: going from stay-at-home to the primary breadwinner, navigating guilt, grief, pressure and the constant juggle between creating and mothering. In this episode, Whitney opens up about her why, the lessons she wants to show her kids, and the courage it takes to back yourself when everything is changing. This is her story. Join Motherland Village in 2026. Limited spots available: motherlandaustralia.com.au/motherland-village/https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Amanda Ferrari grew up in Sydney with no ties to agriculture, yet felt an undeniable pull to the bush. That path took her from nannying and ag college nights, to Warren, Trangie, the cotton industry, and eventually to a life with her husband, Ross. Motherhood began with a shock—discovering she was pregnant with twins during a “friends with benefits” chapter. Premature labour, weeks in hospital, a traumatic birth, and deep loneliness shaped her early years of parenting. Later, the arrival of her son Ollie brought her darkest mental health battle yet. Today, Amanda channels her strength and honesty into supporting rural families through The Boarding School Collective, helping parents and children navigate the distance and grief she knows so well. This is her story.Pregnancy Loss Support: https://www.pinkelephants.org.au/ 24/7 Crisis Support: Lifeline 13 11 14  R.M.Williams boots are made to last—strong, dependable, and built for life on the land. For generations, rural mums have trusted RMs for paddock runs, long drives, and moments that matter. Shop now HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

What happens when the life you built falls apart? Sarah Henney moved to Longreach for love, leaving behind her Gold Coast life to build something new. But years of IVF, raising two little boys and feeling the weight of holding everything together slowly began to take a toll…not just on Sarah, but on her marriage. As the isolation deepened and her marriage broke down, Sarah was forced to rebuild. Now, from the coastal town of Yeppoon, she’s raising her boys and running Outback Linen Co, redefining what happiness and home looks like, on her own terms. This is her story. Mental health crisis support: Contact Lifeline on 13 11 14Based in regional NSW, Birdsnest truly understands regional life. Visit their stores in Cooma or Burleigh Heads, or shop online from your kitchen table.  Birdsnest stocks sizes 8–24. Join their supportive ‘wardrobe wingbirds’ on Facebook, Instagram or via their weekly newsletter. Join Motherland Village today: motherlandaustralia.com.au/motherland-villagehttps://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Kelly Johnson lives a purposeful life running a heartfelt food-waste enterprise from her houseboat on the Murray River. But the road here has been anything but smooth. As a mum to identical twins with autism and a youngest son who survived BECAUSE of a medical mistake, Kelly’s early motherhood years were filled with illness, and deep exhaustion… including one incredibly dark moment she’s bravely chosen to share. Through every challenge, Kelly rebuilt, adapted, and found strength. Now, that same determination powers her mission to turn unwanted produce into wholesome meals that give back to farmers. This is her story. This episode briefly discusses mental health and dark thoughts. If you or someone you know needs support, please contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.Birdsnest’s $9.95 Changeroom Upgrade brings the store to you. Get styles delivered, try them on at home stress-free, and only pay for what you keep. With thousands of looks in sizes 8–24, it’s fashion made simple. Explore more at birdsnest.com.au. Have a curious child in Year 3 or 5? Aurora College, NSW’s virtual school for high-potential rural and remote students, offers live, interactive lessons with specialist teachers. Applications for Year 5 (2027) and Year 7 (2027) are open now until 20 Feb 2026. Learn more at aurora.schools.nsw.gov.auhttps://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Demi Crooks always wanted to be a Mum. But she never knew that her journey into Motherhood would be so challenging nor that it would threaten to take her life. After two gruelling rounds of IVF - Demi successfully conceived her first son River.  It was a mentally and physically challenging three years - Demi thought the worst was over but the journey was just beginning. After River was born, Demi developed what Doctors called the ‘worst case of Mastitis they’d seen in 25 years.’ It left her literally fighting for her life for 16 days in hospital as she developed sepsis, had multiple surgeries and a secondary infection of Deep Vein Thrombosis which threatened to clot in her heart. All the while, River’s dad, Aston was learning to bottle feed and settle his three week old boy by himself. To make matters worse it was one of the busiest times in the WA grain farming calendar. It was seeding. This is Demi's story. Birdsnest is based in Cooma, NSW and they’ve helped Aussie women find outfits they love for over 20 years. Enjoy personalised style picks, outfit ideas, and videos. Shop by body shape or style, sizes 8–24, with express delivery and 365-day returns at birdsnest.com.au. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

When Jenny Lutz became a mum at 22, she had no idea how profoundly her world was about to change. After a traumatic birth and months of sleepless nights, her baby boy Greg cried constantly, struggled to feed, and couldn’t be soothed. Living rurally in Queensland, Jenny faced exhaustion, isolation, and heartbreak, navigating early motherhood with no answers and little support. It wasn’t until Greg was 11 that she finally received the diagnosis she’d spent years searching for: autism. In a time when few in rural Australia even knew what that meant, Jenny’s fierce determination to understand and advocate changed everything. By founding the South Burnett Autism Support Group, she’s spent three decades helping regional families find the understanding and connection she once went without. Her story is one of love, survival, and hope... proof that from the hardest chapters of motherhood can come extraordinary strength and lasting change. Birdsnest is based in Cooma, NSW and they’ve helped Aussie women find outfits they love for over 20 years. Enjoy personalised style picks, outfit ideas, and videos. Shop by body shape or style, sizes 8–24, with express delivery and 365-day returns at birdsnest.com.au. JUCA is the Australian brand delivering chef-crafted, nutritious baby meals right to your door, Australia-wide. Made with 100% whole foods and no nasties, every pouch is bursting with flavour. Created by a Michelin-starred chef using premium local ingredients. Discover real food joy for your little one at juca.au. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

From a childhood spent building fences and mustering cattle on her family’s remote Northern Territory station, to life in a Swiss city where she could see France from her balcony, Megan Holzwart’s story is one of grit, adventure, and deep reflection on motherhood. After years abroad, she’s now back in the bush, raising two young kids in Katherine and running KICS- the Katherine Isolated Children's Service, a remote, mobile playgroup for socially and geographically isolated children and families. Today, Megan shares her incredible journey - from the challenges of birthing a breech baby in a foreign country, to navigating postpartum anxiety alone during a European lockdown, to rediscovering her roots and redefining what motherhood means on her own terms. This is a story about choosing adventure over comfort and how one woman’s journey from the outback to overseas and back again is supporting the future of rural families in Australia. At KRB, boarding is about balance, excellence in learning, and care that supports every girl’s wellbeing. It’s where potential is realised every day, and where confidence grows. Learn more at www.krb.nsw.edu.au/boardingWith 100% whole foods, no preservatives, no filler fruits, and nothing artificial, JUCA gives babies the chance to explore flavours beyond sweet, setting them up for a lifelong appreciation of healthy, delicious food. Shipping to the doorstops of families Australia-wide, visit juca.au. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Before she was known as The Jungle Doctor, travelling the world as a wildlife vet, dehorning rhinos in South Africa and fitting elephants with prosthetics, Dr Chloe Buiting was a barefoot kid in the bush on Lord Howe Island. That tiny island sparked her lifelong fascination with the natural world and taught her what it means to belong...to live close to nature and be shaped by it. Today, Chloe is a conservationist and mother of two on Kangaroo Island, splitting her year between global work with Fauna & Flora International and the Earthshot Prize, and hands-on fieldwork across Africa and Asia. She’s dined with David Attenborough, darted rhinos from helicopters, and is raising her children between continents. Behind the adventure is a story about belonging — building a home while constantly on the move, finding community across the world, and reconciling motherhood with a calling that takes her to the wildest corners of the planet. This is Dr Chloe Buiting’s remarkable story.Lifeline: 13 11 14 | PANDA support line: 1800 595 212 | Gidget Foundation From the bush to the bay, KRB Boarding offers girls the best of both worlds: a strong education, care for their wellbeing, and a place that feels like home by the harbour. That peace of mind is what families have trusted at KRB since 1882. Visit  www.krb.nsw.edu.au/boardingJUCA is the Australian company redefining how we feed our little ones. Created by a Michelin-starred chef using premium local ingredients, JUCA offers 100% whole food baby meals with no preservatives or fillers. Delivered Australia-wide, they inspire flavourful, adventurous eating from the very first bite. Head to juca.auhttps://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Once upon a time, in the small farming town of Finley in southern New South Wales, there was a boy who spent his afternoons chasing footies across dusty paddocks and helping his parents on the land. That boy grew up to be one of the greatest AFL forwards the game has ever seen. Today, I chat with three-time premiership player, father of three and Geelong legend, Tom Hawkins. As you’ll hear, for Tom, life was never just about football. It was about family. About home. About the kind of hard work that doesn’t end when the whistle blows. After 17 seasons, in 2024, Tom retired from professional AFL. He traded the stadium lights for sunrises over the paddocks - raising three kids with his wife Emma, catching calves instead of taking marks, and rediscovering what it means to be grounded.  These days, he’s building a new chapter with Nutrien Ag Solutions, working closely with farmers across Victoria while running a small cattle property of his own.In this rare conversation, Tom opens up about it all. The highs and lows of his career, the grief of losing his mum too young, the guilt that comes with missing moments as a dad, and the quiet joy of finding purpose again…this time, on the land.As we wrap up this season of Father Land, thanks to our sponsor, Nutrien Ag Solutions, for backing the stories that matter. From field days to community grants, Nutrien proudly supports rural Australia. Drop into your local branch or visit nutrienagsolutions.com.au/find-a-branch to see what’s happening near you. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Claire Brett’s story begins in a country pub on the NSW/QLD border — a lively, dusty place where everyone knew your name. But after losing her dad at just five, grief became a quiet thread through her life. Years later, on a farm in Kentucky, NSW, Claire and her husband Jake built a life together and welcomed their first child... until pregnancy loss changed everything. While trying for her second baby, Claire endured five miscarriages in a row, each one testing her strength, faith, and identity. In this episode, she opens up about love, loss, and finding meaning again. Through her work with Pink Elephants and Lighting the Way, she now helps support rural and regional women navigating miscarriage and pregnancy after loss. October is Pregnancy & Infant Loss Awareness Month, and Claire's story is one of the heartbreak and hope that so many rural women experience. Support: www.pinkelephants.org.auRed Nose Grief & Loss Support 24/7 support line: 1300 308 307 At Kincoppal-Rose Bay, boarding means belonging, friendship, and support — everything a daughter needs to feel at home while striving for her best. That’s the balance nurtured since 1882. See the boarding experience firsthand at www.krb.nsw.edu.au/boardingJUCA is the Australian company changing the face of pouch baby meals. JUCA ships directly to families across Australia, reaching even the most remote tiny taste buds. Their savoury baby meal range is crafted by a Michelin-starred chef using premium local Australian ingredients. Explore the range at juca.au.https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

What does it really mean to do the work before becoming a dad? For today's guest, Queensland farmer Dave Woods, fatherhood wasn’t something he wanted to just stumble into.  He wanted to be prepared. So, long before he and his wife Alice welcomed their three children, Dave confronted his own mental health struggles head-on, determined to build the kind of stability he hoped his kids would grow up with. In this conversation, Dave opens up about growing up on his family’s farm, the pressures of succession, and the often-silent battles rural men face.  He talks candidly about depression, ego, and the culture of stoicism in the bush - and how alternative approaches gave him the tools to change his life. It’s this work that led him to become a 2025 Nuffield Scholar, focusing his research on why, despite increasing investment, rural Australia’s mental health challenges are not improving. His story is one of courage, challenging the status quo, and what it takes to become the kind of father you always hoped you’d be.Father Land is proudly sponsored by Nutrien Ag Solutions — delivering expert agronomy advice to help Australian growers thrive.Explore their Win Big promotion and Digital Crop Insurance Tool today to grow smarter, save time, and boost productivity this season. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

When journalist Virginia Tapscott became a mum, she thought she’d be back at work within six months. But motherhood had other plans. Raised on a cattle and cropping farm near Narrabri, Virginia had built a career telling stories that mattered, first in the city and later back in the bush she loved. But once she became a mother, life on the farm with young children gave her a front-row seat to the invisible labour of care. Balancing paid work with childcare drop-offs, she realised what society calls “work” often overlooks the unseen labour mothers do at home — the sleepless nights, the meals, the emotional load. That realisation fuelled her advocacy. Through the Parents Work Collective and her new book All Mothers Work, Virginia is challenging how our systems undervalue the job of raising children. This is her story. Support services:1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 Lifeline on 13 11 14 Kincoppal-Rose Bay Boarding is a second home where balance, care, and belonging come first. For rural and regional families, it’s a place where girls grow in confidence and discover their potential. Visit www.krb.nsw.edu.au/boardinghttps://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

What does it mean to be a good man in the bush? For Matthew Tonkin, the answer has transformed over time. Growing up the youngest of five on his family’s farm near the NSW–Queensland border, Matthew believed a man’s worth was in hard work and providing for his family. But as farm debt and expectations mounted, he equated strength with silence—a silence that led to drinking, despair, and darkness. Seven years sober, Matthew now speaks openly about vulnerability, self-respect, and caring for yourself so you can care for others. As a father of four, grandfather, and leader in agriculture, he’s found a new kind of strength rooted in compassion, discipline, and connection. This episode explores masculinity, resilience, and hope—how one man remade his life, and what his journey reveals about the men raising families and running farms across rural Australia.Lifeline: 13 11 14Sober in the Country Father Land is proudly sponsored by Nutrien Ag Solutions. Get unmatched market access, expertise and results for your livestock and wool. Talk to your local team today: www.nutrienagsolutions.com.au/livestockwww.nutrienagsolutions.com.au/woolhttps://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

12 years ago, Piers Dumaresq walked away from the high-flying world of Sydney wealth management, to return home to the family farm in Tasmania with his future wife. On paper, it looked like a tree-change success story: a 200-year-old family farm, marriage, two children, and a future firmly rooted in the soil.  But behind the original stone buildings of Mount Ireh, life wasn’t as simple on the family front.  Piers’s marriage ended when his children were still little, and in the aftermath he found himself confronting not just the realities of co-parenting and running a farm, but the deeper question of who he was as a man and a father.  He hit rock bottom, then rebuilt—choosing to put his kids first, reshaping the family business, and doing the hard personal work to heal. Today, Piers opens up about life on the land, fatherhood, the reason he believes so many marriages fail, and what it means to rebuild after loss while carrying a very big family legacy forward. This is his story.Get in touch with Pier's via https://divorce-recovery-guide.com/ Nutrien has teamed up with the VFF to help farmers facing record-breaking dry conditions by connecting them with drought relief grants, practical resources, and vital mental health support. Nutrien is also helping farmers prepare for tomorrow, with sustainability services that measure and manage environmental impacts like soil health and greenhouse gas emissions. https://www.nutrienagsolutions.com.au/sustainabilityhttps://www.nutrienagsolutions.com.au/vff-and-nutrien-ag-solutions-team-help-drought-hit-victorian-farmers https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Tick Everett is a man who never imagined he’d be the face of a national movement. For decades, he worked the land, raised his daughters, and built a life around family and farming. But in January 2018, that life changed forever. At just 14, Tick’s youngest daughter, Dolly, died by suicide after an extended period of bullying and cyberbullying. Soon after, Tick and his wife Kate launched Dolly’s Dream. Today's episode isn’t the story you’ve heard before. With honesty and vulnerability, he opens up in ways he never has before about love, loss, and what it means to keep going when your world has fallen apart. He reflects on resilience, fatherhood, the importance of men speaking up about their mental health, and why even the smallest acts of kindness can matter more than we’ll ever know. This is his story.Since teaming up with Dolly’s Dream in 2022, Nutrien’s people and communities have turned blue each year, raising over $600,000 to help end bullying and improve mental health for young people in rural Australia.. And that’s just part of more than $2.8m invested in projects that strengthen and support regional communities right across the country.  Learn more: www.nutrienagsolutions.com.au/supporting-communitieshttps://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

12 years ago on South Australia’s Yorke Peninsula, three farmers looked in the mirror and didn’t like what they saw. So they founded Fat Farmers, a grassroots movement now inspiring rural communities to get moving, check in on each other, and quietly save lives. One of the founders is Ben Wundersitz, a fifth-generation farmer from Maitland, SA — a state still crippled by drought. Ben shares how those first awkward workouts grew into 35 groups nationwide, the mental health conversations that happen between reps, and what fatherhood means to him after raising two kids with his high-school sweetheart, Belinda. Last month, his impact was recognised when he was named the overall Bush Champion and Ag Champion at the inaugural Bush Champions awards. This is his story.Father Land is proudly sponsored by Nutrien Ag Solutions, a leading agribusiness that draws on more than 180 years of service to Australian agriculture. With a network of over 700 locations nationwide, Nutrien offers more than just farm supplies. Their services span agronomy, livestock marketing, animal health, crop protection, digital ag, finance, insurance, rural real estate, and water management. https://www.nutrienagsolutions.com.au/https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

When Renae Black stepped into her second maternity leave, she was in the thick of postnatal anxiety and overwhelm. Instead of letting it swallow her, she opened her laptop and set herself a challenge: write a book before going back to work. By the time she returned to the office, she had four manuscripts under her belt! Raised on a farm north of Wagga, Renae’s childhood was full of cattle, dogs, snakes and even the occasional ostrich. That sense of small-town grit and community never left her, and now, in Queensland’s Moreton Bay, she balances life as a mum, social worker, and rural romance author. In this episode, Renae reflects on how writing became a lifeline during her hardest seasons of motherhood, how farm life and her social work continues to shape her storytelling, and why love and community will always remain at the heart of her work.Thank you to Blundstone for proudly supporting our Winter season. Built for life on the land and beyond, their boots are made to go the distance and keep up with life’s adventures. Explore the range: https://www.blundstone.com.au Domestic violence or sexual assault support:Lifeline: 13 11 141800 RESPECT or 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 73213 YARN or 13 92 76 for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait IslandersNSW Domestic Violence Line 1800 65 64 63QLD DV Connect 1800 811 811Victoria Safe Steps 1800 015 188WA Women's Domestic Violence Helpline 1800 007 339 https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

There was a day when Stuart Austin picked up the phone and called his wife, asking her to come home because he needed her. He wasn’t sick, and he wasn’t injured…but he was in a very dark place, and he knew he couldn’t get through it alone. Stu is a cattleman, entrepreneur, and father of three. His story stretches from long days on Northern Territory stations, working on ranches in Canada, 8 years as General Manager of Wilmot Cattle Co, and now, his own advisory business, Audacious Ag. But this conversation isn’t just about his career in ag. It’s about fatherhood, identity, the moments that nearly broke him — and the family and community who helped him through. From meeting his wife in the stock camp, navigating years of mental health struggles, and raising his beautiful kids, Stu’s story is very raw, honest, and full of lessons about what it means to be a farmer and a father.Right now, Nutrien is looking for passionate people to join its Livestock Career Development Program in QLD, NSW, VIC and SA. Over two years, you’ll build real skills in stock agency work, livestock productivity, animal health and nutrition, AuctionsPlus, auctioneering, wool marketing, and the latest technology shaping our industry. Applications close September 28: CLICK HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Dr Tjanara Goreng Goreng is a mum, grandmother, academic and author. A proud Wakka Wakka/Wulli Wulli woman, she was born in 1958 in Longreach, central western Queensland. Her story is one of resilience across generations. Under the Queensland Act, Aboriginal people were controlled and forced onto missions — but her great-grandfather kept the family on Country by working the land and negotiating with station owners, ensuring their culture survived. From this foundation, Tjanara’s life unfolded — through Catholic schooling, champion swimming, and later, confronting the trauma of childhood abuse. She’s since built a diverse career, from her groundbreaking work on sacred leadership to her memoir A Long Way from No Go. At the heart of her life, though, is family: her daughter, granddaughter, and her former husband, whom she now cares for full time. This is her story. Every mark on our boots tells a story, and Blundstone boots are made to be part of yours. Built for life on the land and beyond, they’re ready for whatever’s next whether it’s chasing cattle, or kids. Explore the full range via the link in our show notes. https://www.blundstone.com.au/  https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

John Hassell has spent his life farming in Western Australia, raising three kids, and now spoiling grandkids. As Vice President of the National Farmers Federation, he’s fought for fairer outcomes for farmers and sparked deeper conversations about rural mental health. His drive comes from lived experience — grappling with succession pressures, crushing financial stress, and a battle with depression that once left him collapsed on the shearing shed floor. Behind his grit and humour is a raw story of struggle and resilience. In this conversation, John speaks more openly than ever about marriage, fatherhood, and the determination to show up for his kids, even in the hardest seasons. Father Land is proudly supported by Nutrien Ag Solutions. With over 700 locations nationwide, Nutrien’s people live and work in rural communities, delivering trusted advice and farm supplies. Their genuine commitment to farmers and families makes this series possible. Learn more at nutrienagsolutions.com.au.https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Kirsty Evans swore she’d never have kids. Then came motherhood, farm succession, and floods. Raised in Dubbo by a single mum, Kirsty built a career in corporate law and imagined a child-free city life. But love (and a six-foot-five farmer from Orange) changed everything. Now a mum of three, solicitor, and partner in a farming enterprise, Kirsty juggles family, career, and life on the land. Her path into motherhood wasn’t smooth. After her third child she faced postnatal depression, learning the strength of asking for help. That resilience was tested again in 2022, when catastrophic floods hit her community of Molong in NSW. While her husband joined the clean-up, Kirsty used her legal skills to fight for locals, taking on insurers pro bono.  Her advocacy returned nearly a million dollars to the community and earned her the title of NSW Regional Woman of the Year. This is her story.Spring is here, and Blundstone boots are ready for every season. Tough enough for the farm, comfortable enough for town, and dependable enough for whatever the day brings. Explore the full range at: https://blundstone.com.auhttps://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Paige Schmidt was just 23 when she became a mum for the first time, living and working on a remote cattle station in central Queensland. From the challenges of raising kids whilst so isolated, to managing her own chronic illness, she's faced more than her fair share of health hurdles. Living hours from the nearest hospital, she’s had to navigate her children’s unexpected medical emergencies while adapting to a life-changing diagnosis herself. Today, Paige shares her story with honesty and strength, from the realities of motherhood in the bush, to the impact on her mental health, and the lessons she’s learned about looking after herself along the way. This is her story. Life in the bush isn’t always easy, but it’s full of grit, laughs, and memories - in trusted Blundstone boots.  For rural families who don’t just wear boots, but live in them! CLICK HERE to sign up, learn more and shop their range https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

The secret is out.Introducing... Father Land 💚A special podcast series dropping Wednesday September 3rd right here on the Motherland Podcast channel!Proudly supported by Nutrien Ag Solutions. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Country singer songwriter Shenai Johnston grew up near Ongerup in WA with music in her veins — singing from the moment she could talk, winning competitions, and chasing her dreams. But at 19, she lost her mum — and with her, the music she loved. She put down the guitar, stopped singing, and tried to navigate life without the woman who had shaped her. Now, Shenai is a mum of three boys, two with autism, and is raising her family on a small farm in Boyup Brook while her husband works FIFO. Life has been chaotic, isolating, and at times overwhelming — but it also brought her back to the thing she thought she’d lost. Her voice. Country music has helped her process grief, navigate motherhood, and tell the stories that matter most. Last year, she recorded her debut EP in Nashville, marking a major milestone in her journey. This is her story. A word from Blundstone, our Winter podcast sponsor...Remember, a quick clean and regular conditioning go a long way in keeping your boots work and adventure-ready. Treat your Blundstones well, and they’ll stick with you through every season! Head to https://www.blundstone.com.au/boot-care for more boot care tips. Raising a child with disability or developmental differences can be isolating, especially in regional Australia. ENVISAGE is a free five-week online program offering support, connection, and practical tools for parents wherever they are located. No diagnosis or NDIS plan needed and free. Learn more at envisage.community. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

When Diann Hawkins saw a small ad seeking foster families, she couldn’t have known it would define the next 35 years of her life. A former nurse, bush cook, and mum of three, Diann had just farewelled her youngest to boarding school. The house was quiet. She was lonely. So she opened her heart (and home) to children in need. From their remote Queensland property, she and her husband Morris have fostered more than 100 children, welcoming newborns through to teens, saying painful goodbyes, and giving every child a safe place to land. Now in her 70s, Diann is still answering calls and still setting extra places at the table. This is the story of a rural mum whose quiet legacy is bigger than she’ll ever admit. This is her story. Thanks to Blundstone for supporting our Winter podcast season. Blundstone Kids boots are tough, comfy, and built for adventure - rain, hail or shine. Rugged, reliable, and ready for anything. Blundstone Kids boots are made to grow with them. To learn more about Blundstone and their range CLICK HERE Following on from National Farm Safety Week, together with Kidsafe Victoria, let’s make our farms and rural communities safer for our families. CLICK HERE to access Kidsafe Victoria’s free resources:Apply for a Motherland National Conference Scholarship HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Kylea Hodgkinson-Jones didn’t grow up on a farm - she trained as a maritime warfare officer. From life at sea to six months in Antarctica, her Navy career took her to the most extreme, isolated corners of the planet. But burnout and a medical discharge changed everything. Today, Kylea’s raising cattle, and her beautiful daughter Maggie, on a regenerative farm in Queensland’s South Burnett. Her journey from Navy officer to rural mum is raw, powerful, and full of surprises (including the kidney stone that led her to meet her husband). In our chat she opens up about it all, including the birth of her daughter at just 28 weeks, and the relentless fight to bring her home. This is her story.This episode touches on childhood trauma - including references to family violence and sexual abuse. If you need support, call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)Style your winter with Blundstone. Boots that are made for layering, tough enough for the farm, comfortable enough for town. From winter denim to chunky layers, they go with everything. Discover your go-to boots this season, built for comfort, worn with confidence. CLICK HERE to check out their range.Following on from National Farm Safety Week, together with Kidsafe Victoria, let’s make our farms and rural communities safer for our families. CLICK HERE to learn more and access Kidsafe Victoria’s free resources:Scholarship Applications for Motherland's 2026 National Conference are now OPEN. Click here to apply. https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

When Kathleen Chiverton answered a random phone call from me one afternoon, she had no idea it would lead to this conversation. We’d only just met at Motherland’s Clermont event and I knew her story was one rural mums needed to hear. Kath grew up on a remote cattle station in Central Queensland, the youngest in a family of boys, before heading off to boarding school at 13…homesick and lonely. Years later, she fell in love with a butcher-turned-soldier, only to watch him deploy to Afghanistan while she held the fort at home. She’s endured the heartbreak of multiple miscarriages. Survived a horrific school bus accident involving both her children. And now, after everything, she’s preparing to let her eldest go as her daughter heads to boarding school next year. This is a raw, powerful episode about mothering through chaos, grief, and the moment you have to start letting go.Red Nose Grief & Loss: 24/7 Support Line 1300 308 307When I’m wrangling the kids, managing muddy mornings, or spending precious time in my veggie patch - my Blunnies are with me every step of the way. They’re a true staple of rural life. So if you’re after boots that work as hard as you do, head to blundstone.com.au to check out their range.This DonateLife Week, rural NSW mum Emily Smith shares how a heart transplant saved her life just weeks after giving birth. Now thriving, she urges fellow mums to register as organ donors at donatelife.gov.au. For more on Emily’s story CLICK HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

On August 12, 2020, Ash Napolitano’s world shattered when her little boy, Hunter, drowned in a dam on a family property. Today, Ash bravely shares the story of Hunter’s life and the heartbreak of losing him, along with the trauma of that day. The details, while very difficult to hear, are something Ash feels compelled to share in the hope of preventing this tragedy from happening to another family.Ash also speaks about the purpose her and her partner have found amidst their unimaginable pain through launching the Hunter Boyle Children’s Swim Program, a life-saving initiative helping vulnerable kids in rural communities access water safety. This is a raw and powerful conversation. But please be warned, it discusses child loss, grief, and birth trauma.  24/7 Red Nose Grief and Loss Support Line on 1300 308 307 or visit rednosegriefandloss.org.auThis season of the Motherland podcast is proudly supported by Blundstone, born in Hobart in 1870 and still going strong today. Built to last and made for every kind of step, Blundstone boots are trusted by generations - we are proud to share their story. To learn more about Blundstone and their story CLICK HEREIt’s National Farm Safety Week this week! Together with Kidsafe Victoria, let’s make our farms and rural communities safer for our families. To learn more and access Kidsafe Victoria’s free resources CLICK HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Christina Baehr is one of the calmest, happiest women you’ll ever meet, which is remarkable, considering she lives off-grid in Tasmania’s Huon Valley, homeschools her 10 kids (yes, 10!), runs a hostel with her husband, and somehow finds time to write fantasy novels… five of them. Three were typed entirely on her iPhone during any spare moment to herself she could get. Today, Christina shares her incredible journey, from growing up as an only child in rural Tassie, to marrying an American, to building a life full of chaos, connection, and creativity. We talk homeschooling, mental load, motherhood, and how a tough year led to her most unexpected creative breakthrough. Her story is extraordinary, but the way she tells it makes you feel like anything is possible. This is her story.This season is proudly supported by Blundstone, an iconic Aussie brand that’s been making boots since 1870. Built tough for every walk of life, their range has something for the whole family.  CLICK HERE to explore their story and shop the collection.Next week is National Farm Safety Week 2025. Together with Kidsafe Victoria, let’s make our farms and rural communities safer for our families. CLICK HERE to learn more and access Kidsafe Victoria’s free resources: https://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia

Meet Katrina Head, a nurse, mum of three, and…a competitive woodchopper who lives life at full throttle! By day, she coordinates Queensland’s Intensive Care Clinical Network. By weekend, she’s swinging axes at shows across the country alongside her husband and kids. Katrina’s story starts on a farm near Dalby, where her deep bond with her dad shaped her work ethic and love for hands-on challenges. After the heartbreaking loss of her father to suicide in 2017, Katrina found solace and strength in her family, her career, and the woodchopping community. In this episode, she shares candidly about the juggle of motherhood, a demanding healthcare career, grief, and finding joy in unexpected places. Her honesty, humour, and strength shines through in our beautiful chat. A wonderful way to wrap up our Autumn season of the show. Warning: This episode touches on mental health and suicide. If you or anyone you know needs help, contact Lifeline now on 13 11 14.Thanks to our Autumn sponsor Telstra for supporting rural and regional Australia through the incredible Connected Community Grants Program. In partnership with FRRR, these grants help improve digital access and skills in regional communities just like yours to help you thrive at home, at school, and in business. To learn more about the 2025 Telstra grant recipients, CLICK HEREhttps://www.instagram.com/motherlandaustralia