Blether Together with Farmstrong Scotland

By Farmstrong ScotlandBusiness Health & Fitness Education Self-Improvement

Blether Together with Farmstrong Scotland episodes

September 30 Fair Feast's Helen Stewart: venison for community food banks
Helen Stewart took over her family's farm in Pitlochry quite suddenly - when her older brother decided he wanted a different life.
The farm has a high wild deer population, which was making it difficult to graze cattle or sheep.
To tackle this problem, Helen has set up Fair Feast - a social enterprise that has so far placed 2.5 tonnes of culled and butchered venison in nearby food banks and community pantries.
She's come a long way since doing an English Literature degree at Glasgow University.
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How’s It Going?
Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you.
Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing.
Follow Us
Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more.
Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook.
You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland.
Mentioned in this episode:
Explore Foundations of Mental Strength
Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings
Contact us to find out more or book a session: [email protected]
42 min
September 02 The Bute Shepherdesses: teamwork in action
It's a crowded one this time, as Sarah chats with all four 'Bute Shepherdesses'; namely Emma Gray, Cathinka Paterson, Lisa Gast and Sarah Farrell.
These amazing women have come together to run an annual four-day island sheepdog event, the Trials of Bute.
They talk us through what it's like living and working on Bute, their wellbeing tips and insights, and the challenges faced by people seeking opportunity on the island.
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How’s It Going?
Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you.
Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing.
Follow Us
Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more.
Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook.
You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland.
Mentioned in this episode:
Explore Foundations of Mental Strength
Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings
Contact us to find out more or book a session: [email protected]
39 min
August 19 Scottish Podcast Awards 2026: our winning entry
We were delighted to hear last month that Blether Together had won the 'Best Interviewer' category at the first ever Scottish Podcast Awards.
In this bonus episode, we're sharing the three clips that made up our entry to the award:
Clip 1: From our Menopause Special episode, crofter Sally Crowe from This Farming Life, and expert gynaecologist Dr Heather Currie
Clip 2: Tommy Dale from Forth Resource Management and Caledonian Horticulture, talking about his recovery from a severe bout of mental ill health in 2013.
Clip 3: East Lothian farming couple Willie Thompson and Anna Davies – on how Willie’s rheumatoid arthritis has changed their family's outlook on life.
Find each of these episodes in the Blether Together podcast feed -- and now that we are an award-winning podcast, there is all the more reason to tell your friends about us, and share links with those who'd be interested.
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How’s It Going?
Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you.
Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing.
Follow Us
Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more.
Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook.
You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland.
22 min
August 05 Donkey, Grassmen's Gareth Gault, on weight loss and wellbeing
Gareth Gault, CEO of global agri brand Grassmen, is better known to friends, fans and followers as 'Donkey'.
But he's lost over 10 stone in weight over the last year or so, and is a shadow of his former self!
In this episode - recorded at the 2026 Royal Highland Show - Gareth talks with Blether Together producer Dave Howard about his weight loss, wellbeing, and setting himself a big challenge for September; Donkey is taking on the Belfast half marathon!
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How’s It Going?
Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you.
Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing.
Follow Us
Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more.
Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook.
You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland.
Mentioned in this episode:
Explore Foundations of Mental Strength
Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings
Contact us to find out more or book a session: [email protected]
34 min
July 01 Joe Barker from Yorkshire: wellbeing champion
Joe Barker published a video on TikTok in the aftermath of his 21st birthday, talking about wellbeing, and how he has struggled in recent years with his mental health and the pressures of family illness and managing the farm.
The online response was huge - and he's become a champion for wellbeing, regularly posting videos with tips, advice and honest chat.
He's @JoeBarkerfromYorkshire on social channels (even though he now farms in Lanarkshire), and posts on YouTube as Real Talk Rural.
In this episode, recorded at the Farmstrong Scotland stand at the Royal Highland Show, Joe's chatting with producer Dave Howard.
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Important note: there is brief discussion of suicide in this episode.
If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, it's important that you talk to someone.
Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123.
---
How’s It Going?
Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you.
Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing.
Follow Us
Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more.
Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook.
You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland.
Mentioned in this episode:
Explore Foundations of Mental Strength
Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings
Contact us to find out more or book a session: [email protected]
28 min
June 23 Caroline Millar MBE on prioritising wellbeing
A true Scottish agriculture powerhouse, Caroline Millar opens up about the warning signs that made her realise it was time to prioritise her wellbeing, and how inspiration from New Zealand's approach to farming life led her to make lasting changes.
In this candid chat, first recorded for World Mental Health Day 2025, Caroline also shares the practical steps she's taken to build a healthier, more balanced life - for herself, her family, and the people she works with.
Listen now - and share with someone who needs a boost.
Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook.
You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland.
If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s (24-hours) helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587 or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123
Mentioned in this episode:
Explore Foundations of Mental Strength
Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings
Contact us to find out more or book a session: [email protected]
35 min
June 03 Family before farming: Jenny McKerr of the Wee Farm Distillery
Have you ever met a gin farmer? That's how Jenny McKerr of the Wee Farm Distillery introduces herself.
This episode is Jenny's story of how she and her husband Stephen have spent the last 10 years building up their business - a farm, a farm shop, and a distillery - as first-generation farmers on 45 acres in South Lanarkshire.
It's been a lot of work - but Jenny is also careful to prioritise family time, and says she always gets off farm when she needs to.
In 2026, she is a proud recipient of the very prestigious Kings Award for Sustainable Development.
She has been involved in the Rural Leadership programme. She was at SRUC, and is a member of Scottish Agritourism.
Find the Wee Farm Distillery online here.
How’s It Going?
Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you.
Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing.
Follow Us
Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more.
Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook.
You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland.
If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone.
Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123.
Mentioned in this episode:
Explore Foundations of Mental Strength
Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings
Contact us to find out more or book a session: [email protected]
29 min
May 13 Introducing our 'Foundations of Mental Strength' programme
This episode is packed with info about Farmstrong Scotland's 'Foundations of Mental Health' programme - a direct response to findings from our recent surveys.
More than one in three respondents reported low levels of wellbeing - with scores falling below the national average across all age groups.
'Foundations of Mental Strength' - or FoMS - is a series of workshops designed to combat low wellbeing - and can be run by groups and organisations as a special day, or included in a package of other ongoing activities.
Huge thanks to both The Scottish Government Knowledge Transfer & Innovation Fund, and to the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, for providing funding to support the FoMS programme.
This episode features:
Kirsty Ritchie, mental health consultant and founder of Mind and Mission. Kirsty was involved in devising the Foundations of Mental Health programme for Farmstrong.
Emily Grant, who's worked in Scottish agriculture for over 20 years, and trades as Forrit (Scots word for 'forward'). Emily is part of the team who deliver FOMS to groups and organisations across Scottish agriculture.
Find out more about the Foundations of Mental Strength programme here.
How’s It Going?
Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you.
Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing.
Follow Us
Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more.
Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook.
You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland.
If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone.
Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123.
36 min
April 01 Resilience, rugby, recovery: Bobby Stevenson's story of selling his farm after mental ill health
Bobby Stevenson took the difficult decision to sell his family dairy farm after facing a mental health crisis.
Bobby, from Lendalfoot in South Ayrshire, tells Sarah Stephen about his journey back from both a stroke and mental ill health - and how talking and sharing openly about his issues has helped his recovery.
How’s It Going?
Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you.
Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing.
Follow Us
Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more.
Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook.
You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland.
If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone.
Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123.
Mentioned in this episode:
Explore Foundations of Mental Strength
Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings
Contact us to find out more or book a session: [email protected]
34 min
February 04Dave and Sandy Hay: Curling and community at the Chuck Hay Memorial Bonspiel
Sarah finds warmth on ice - and plenty of competition! - at the annual farmer's curling competition at Perth's Dewar Centre.
160 people from all over Scotland take part in the Chuck Hay Memorial Bonspiel, in teams of 4, over three days in January.
There is camaraderie and connection - which is especially important in the bleak dark month of January, when isolation can feel particularly pronounced.
In this episode:
event organisers and brothers Sandy and Dave Hay tell Sarah what the event is all about, and pay tribute to their father, Chuck Hay, a former curling world champion
sheep farmers Glen and Thomas Muirhead - brothers of Eve Muirhead - stop by to share thoughts on the competition
Farmstrong's own Alix Ritchie shares thoughts on why events like this are great for social connection and wellbeing

If listening to this episode has made you want to check out curling, please visit Scottish Curling's "Try Curling" website. It has info on all the ice rink venues across Scotland where there are organised taster sessions with qualified coaches. The sessions are open to anyone who wants to give it a go. You simply enter your postcode / location to get a list of times and venues. Link here:
Sandy Hay is a trustee for RSABI - whose 24-hour helpline (below) is available to anyone in Scottish agriculture, and who offer practical, emotional and financial support: https://www.rsabi.org.uk/
How’s It Going?
Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you.
Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing.
Follow Us
Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more.
Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook.
You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland.
If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone.
Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123.
Mentioned in this episode:
Explore Foundations of Mental Strength
Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings
Contact us to find out more or book a session: [email protected]
35 min

About Blether Together with Farmstrong Scotland

From the publisher's feed

Stories from farmers and crofters across Scotland, to support your wellbeing and share their top tips. A small change can make a big difference, so you can live well, and farm and croft well.