Beyond The Back Paddock

When I asked Bonnie Pappas to come onto the Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast I knew that the conversation would be fantastic. The conversation is full of gold. But also Bonnie's personality shines through in the conversation, and that is what makes Her good at what she does, She, above all is a caring person first.

Bonnie is a social worker who's worked across the mental health field in many situations. I met Bonnie in Rochester as part of the work that she was doing in flood recovery, particularly with small business support in Rochester, a small town in Northern Victoria, devastated by the October 2022 floods.

When Bonnie's contract expired in that role she's moved on to another field, working with kids in secondary school. This is a topic and field is something I am very interested in. There are many pressures navigating the teenage years, for both child and families.

Bonnie shares some great insights into her experience in flood recovery and also from her role now working in the education sector.

This is a great conversation. Bonnie has a tremendous amount of value to share. If you are from a community recovering from disaster, a parent of a teenager or a teenager yourself, please take the time to listen. Also if you know someone who might benefit from listening please share this conversation with them.

Please Enjoy. 

G'day and welcome back to the podcast.

My guest today on the Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast is 17-year-old regional NSW student, Rory Phillips, is an aspiring (and inspiring) young guitarist/singer/songwriter with a passion for positive change.  I recently had the privilege to witness his talent when he toured to Nathalia with The Bushwackers.

In 2020 he was named the Snowy Valleys Young Citizen of the Year, and more recently, the 2023 Folk Federation of NSW Young Artist of the Year (under 25 category).  A two-time graduate and now staff member of the CMAA Academy of Country Music, an officially endorsed artist of Cole Clark Guitars, Buzz Box Guitars and Achilles Amps, and this year selected as a Featured Artist in the NSW Schools Spectacular, Rory continues to achieve great things with his music.

In 2022 Rory’s single ‘The Truth’ was named a finalist in the inaugural Environmental Music Prize alongside industry heavyweights such as Paul Kelly, Briggs + Tim Minchin, Lime Cordiale and Eskimo Joe to name a few. 

His follow-up single, ‘Because Boys’, has really intrigued me as a mental health advocate, as it takes an insightful look into the mental health struggles of young men and tries to break down the stigma associated with asking for help.  Rory also did a short video for Headspace where he sits down with a group of young men and discuss the challenges and tips to reaching out.

‘Because Boys’ was chosen by the NSW Department of Education's The Arts Unit as the repertoire piece for their 2023 Boys' Vocal Program, was a semi-finalist in the 2023 ‘Listen Up Music’ Song writing Prize (which advocates for mental health), and is being featured in the 2023 Schools Spectacular which will be broadcast on Channel 7.  2022 Toyota Star Maker Winner, Max Jackson, says “Young men will hear this song from Rory and take it like a high five from a mate, rather than a lesson from a teacher”.  

This young man has a bright future in anything he will put his had to.

Please Enjoy

Starting this podcast, it was all about bringing you stories of interesting people that I made along the way and bringing them to the audience. Today's guest is no exception.

Tess Marnane hails from Cork in Ireland, found her soulmate in Shepparton after a short stint of traveling.

For 18 years of her working life has been spent in leadership roles with vulnerable groups in the care industry.

After a less than smooth 12 months with her first child and the home birth of her second child, decided to put her experience into practice and is now a Doula, focused on providing families with support needed in childbirth and parenting, particularly with young families.

You can find out more about Tess at Nature Doula Tribe on Facebook or her podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/doula-tribe/id1649075800

Please enjoy

Welcome back to the podcast.

After having a week off due to some technical difficulties and some traveling that I've been doing across Australia speaking we are back.

Today our guest is a coach, a connector, author, artist and poet.

After spending most of his working career in the banking industry developing teams and people today's guest Nathan Carkeek took a leap of faith and left the banking industry to follow his purpose and co founded Minds on Purpose a business that's passionate about helping people live with purpose clarity and choice.

There is massive value to all aspects of your life particularly your mental health and wellbeing, when you discover a more balanced and in tune self.

Enjoy todays podcast with a curious and open mind and I am sure you will come away with some tools to become the best version of you.

Enjoy

Todays guest on the Podcast is Alex Thomas. Alex is the founder of #PlantASeedForSaftey

If you've checked out Alex's socials, the first thing you'll notice is her bubbly personality and her infectious delivery.

Alex is full of energy full of energy.

Inspired by her journey as a carer for her disabled Dad as a result of his life’s work in agriculture, Alex is a speaker,

With 17+ years’ experience in work health and safety, Alex was a national winner in the 2020 Syngenta Growth Awards, the 2018 AgriFutures Rural Woman of the Year (South Australia) and the winner of the 2018 SafeWork SA Augusta Zadow Award, amongst others.

For Alex, her work is all about challenging the status quo. About synthesising real life experience with evidence-

As a consultant, Alex empowers organisations to rethink policies, procedures and box-ticking, and to consider a different approach. A people-based approach.

A Fellow of the Governor’s Leadership Program and a graduate of the National Farmers Federation Diversity in

Passion, professional rigor and an infectious energy for change are at the heart of everything she does.

Please enjoy my chat with Alex

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

When I set out to create a podcast, I had a particular guest in mind. The guest on this episode is that person.

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

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

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

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

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

In times of crisis and or uncertainty, when you feel like a conversation is too big for family or friends alone, connect with a trusted health professional like your GP,  and or services like Lifeline 13 11 14 or TIACS  by calling or texting

Beyond Blue

Suicide Call Back Service

Summary

Georgie Coughlin, a TV presenter and business owner, shares her journey of self-discovery and personal growth. She discusses her courage to change careers and the importance of having a strong support system. Georgie reflects on her experience in television and the challenges she faced. She also talks about coping with the impact of COVID-19 and rediscovering her passion for music and performing. Georgie's focus now is on creating Birmingham Farm and helping others through workshops and programs. She emphasizes the importance of radical acceptance and implementing boundaries for personal and professional growth. In this conversation, Gorgi Coghlan discusses the importance of setting boundaries and reframing societal expectations for women. She emphasizes the need to raise children, especially girls, with kindness and boundaries. Gorgi shares her favourite books, including 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho and 'You Can Heal Your Life' by Louise Hay. She also mentions Gabriel Marte's book 'The Myth of Normal' for those interested in the science behind our stories and trauma. Gorgi's eclectic taste in music ranges from country to rock, with artists like Johnny Denver, The Waifs, Cold Chisel, and Frank Sinatra being her favourite. She concludes with her favourite quote by Deepak Chopra: 'Everything I desire is within me.'

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

Summary

Kendall White, founder of the Blue Tree Project, shares her journey of growing up in the central wheat belt of Western Australia and the inspiration behind the project. The Blue Tree Project aims to spark conversations and break down the stigma surrounding mental health. Kendall discusses the impact of the project, the growth of blue trees internationally, and the significance of individual trees. She also provides tips for reducing mental health stigma and shares her vision for the future of the project. In this conversation, Kendall discusses her favourite books, music, quote, and the people who inspire her. She also shares her dream dinner party guests. Additionally, she talks about how to get involved with the Blue Tree Project and emphasizes the importance of self-care and reaching out for help when needed.

Takeaways

Growing up in the country instils resourcefulness, resilience, and an active lifestyle.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kendall White and the Blue Tree Project

Summary

In this episode, Mick Walsh, an educator, speaker, and author, shares his journey and insights on building resilience and well-being. He discusses his early career as a teacher and coach, emphasizing the importance of resilience and the development of keystone habits. Mick also talks about his work in Kyabram and the impact of community and relationships on resilience. He introduces his framework for building strengths and highlights the significance of small actions and caring for others. Mick emphasizes the role of teachers and leaders in being the picture on the box and inspiring others to share their stories and pay it forward. In this conversation, Mick Walsh discusses the importance of building confidence and connection, the role of self-awareness and empathy in emotional intelligence, and the impact of screens on interpersonal skills. He also highlights the illusion of social media and the need to do hard things. Additionally, he explores the consequences of overprotection, the power of real-life experiences, and the importance of tying theory to real-life examples. He emphasizes the value of kindness and community support, the significance of family and personal connections, and the importance of authenticity and real relationships. Finally, he expresses appreciation for community support and the opportunity to make a difference.

Takeaways

Building confidence and connection is essential for effective communication.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background