Business with Brooke

In this episode of the Business with Brooke podcast, I sit down with Zoe Carter for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about her journey through the agriculture industry.

Zoe unpacks the misconceptions that still exist around ag, the breadth of career pathways available, and why transferable skills matter more than job titles. We also talk about her passion for improving job connections across the sector through Young Aussie Farmers & Ag Jobs Auswide, and the lessons she learned through building her own businesses.

Zoe also shares openly about living with chronic pain, and how it has shaped the way she works, leads, and advocates for others in agriculture.

 Note: This episode was recorded in October 2025. Since recording, Zoe has made the decision to close her Rugged Country clothing business.

A powerful conversation about resilience, adaptability, and building an industry that better reflects the people within it.

In this episode, Felicity Haylock shares her inspiring journey from struggling with bipolar disorder to becoming a successful entrepreneur and marketing expert. She discusses the importance of authenticity in marketing, common mistakes businesses make, and the value of investing in quality content. Felicity emphasizes the need for consistency in social media presence and the role of analytics in shaping marketing strategies. She also touches on the impact of AI in marketing, the importance of collaboration, and her personal experiences with mental health, highlighting how sharing her story has empowered both herself and others.

In this episode of Dr Jenny Cook's couch conversations, Brooke sits down with her long-time fertility specialist, to unpack her personal story, share practical tips for those living with endometriosis, and dive into fertility insights with Jenny’s expert perspective.

At just 20, Brooke had an ovary removed due to a dermoid cyst, a moment that set her on a journey she never expected. Referred to Dr Jenny Cook soon after, she discovered widespread endometriosis. Over the past 4 years, Brooke and Jenny have navigated egg freezing and abnormal cervical cells, alongside Brooke's ongoing challenges of chronic urinary retention managed with a sacral neuromodulator.

This is a candid conversation about pain, resilience, and possibilities for the future.

In this podcast episode, Emily Sinderberry from EJS Business Services, discusses her journey from working in an accounting firm to establishing her own bookkeeping business. Emily shares insights on the unique challenges faced by rural businesses, the importance of effective bookkeeping, and strategies for managing cash flow. She emphasizes the need for goal-setting and regular financial reviews, as well as the significance of community support in both personal and professional life. The discussion also touches on work-life balance and future plans for EJS Business Services.

In this episode, Amy Van De Ven, owner of Quest Orange, shares her inspiring journey from working in the hospitality industry to becoming a franchisee. She discusses the importance of creating a unique guest experience, building a strong team culture, and engaging with the local community. Amy emphasizes the value of feedback, mentorship, and the role of tourism in regional growth. She also shares her leadership lessons and how she balances multiple responsibilities while maintaining consistency in her business practices. 

Tune in to the end for exciting news on what's on the horizon for Amy & her team.

In this episode, Georgia Redden shares her journey from a legal career to becoming a successful photographer based in Dubbo. She discusses the challenges of starting her business, the pivotal role of Instagram in her growth, and her passion for capturing rural life. Georgia reflects on her collaborations with notable brands, the importance of building confidence, and offers valuable advice for aspiring creatives. The conversation also touches on her balancing act of managing a busy family life while pursuing her passion for photography. 

Some of my favourite takeaways are:

- "Everything's hard. You just need to choose which hard you want"

- "Just keep going. If it ignites a fire inside of you, it will work. If you pour your passion into something, i guarantee it will work. And if it doesn't, at least you tried"

https://www.georgiareddenphotography.com.au/

In this engaging conversation, Katie Nash, known as the First Time Farmer, shares her journey from city life to embracing the challenges and joys of farming. She discusses the importance of social media in connecting with others in the agricultural community, the diverse career opportunities within the industry, and the essential skills needed for success. Katie emphasises the value of curiosity, resilience, and community support while advocating for better connections between urban and rural perspectives. She also highlights the significance of storytelling in agriculture and shares her upcoming projects, including a pyjama brand inspired by her farming life.

https://thefirsttimefarmer.com.au/

Join us as we delve into the intersection of governance, strategy, and legacy in regional businesses. Discover how regional enterprises can set themselves up for generational success through strategic planning and risk mitigation. With insights from CJ's diverse career, from Allied Partnerships Australia to aeromedical retrieval, this episode offers a unique perspective on thriving in the dynamic climate of regional Australia. Tune in to explore the challenges and opportunities that shape the future of regional business leadership.

CJ Baldry Adams is an award-winning strategist, governance specialist, and social enterprise leader whose career has been forged in some of the mosthigh-pressure, mission-critical environments from Australia’s most remote regions to global operational theatres. A proven operator and trusted advisor,  CJ is driven by a deep commitment to building ethical, inclusive, and future-focused organisations that lead with precision, accountability, and measurable impact.

Dusty Creek was born from behind a camera, out where the red dirt settles deep and stories are lived, not staged.

What started as rural photography soon grew into something bigger. Something people could wear. Something Jess & Lacey could build. A family-owned clothing brand built for those who live life on the land and the little ones coming up behind them.

Jess is founder of Dusty Creek and mum to Lacey, who’s now just as much a part of this journey as Jess. Raised on cattle stations across the Northern Territory, Jess grew up chasing dust, light honest moments and started this brand with a camera in one hand and a story to tell, and trucker caps in the other. Together, they're building more than just a business. They're building a legacy.

In this episode, Jess Townsend, the founder of Dusty Creek shares her journey from a rural upbringing to building a successful clothing brand that embodies the spirit of country life. She discusses the evolution of her brand, the importance of community, and the challenges of running an online business. Jess emphasizes the significance of authenticity and storytelling in connecting with customers, while also reflecting on her personal growth and future aspirations. The conversation offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those in rural areas.

You can support dusty creek here: https://www.dustycreek.com.au/

Mention BIZBROOKE10 for 10% off.

Business with Brooke is back for Season 2!

In this episode, I’m catching you up on what’s been happening since Season 1 wrapped, sharing some exciting updates, and announcing our brand new sponsor — Dusty Creek.

Season 1 was such an incredible journey thanks to the guests who shared their stories and the listeners who tuned in, supported, and spread the word. I’m so grateful for every download, message, and share. You made it happen!

Season 2 is set to be bigger and better, with even more honest conversations, practical tips, and inspiring stories from business owners, innovators, and change-makers making an impact in rural and regional communities.

Hit follow so you don’t miss what’s coming next. Let’s make this season one to remember!