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What do a sausage sizzle, a farm in rural NSW, a patented phonics kit and a mother-daughter duo have in common? Meet Jess and Ellen, the women behind Bandicute — an Australian-made business turning creativity, a love of Aussie wildlife and a whole lot of “she’ll be right” spirit into something special.
What started with handmade baby rompers sewn around the dining table has grown into a business creating beautifully designed educational toys, sensory play products and personalised gifts that help Aussie kids learn through play.
In this episode, we chat about taking a leap of faith, building a business with family, navigating the challenges of rural life and staying true to your values when cheaper options could mean bigger profits. We also get into the realities behind the online success stories, why opening a physical shop isn't always the answer, and the importance of backing Australian-made products.
Jess and Ellen share their biggest lessons from a decade in business, including why passion matters, knowing your customer is everything, and why sometimes you just have to back yourself and give it a crack.
And, of course, things get a little cheeky with our quick-fire questions and a camping story that takes an unexpected turn into poo territory! 💩😂
If you love hearing the real stories behind Australian businesses, this episode is full of inspiration, laughs and reminders that success doesn't have to mean becoming the biggest — it means building something you believe in.
🛍️ Shop Bandicute: www.bandicute.com.au
Keep supporting local, keep backing small, and keep it Homegrown.
00:00 Introduction and Casual Banter
00:00 The Birth of Bandicoot
07:47 Navigating Business Growth and Family Life
10:47 Innovative Educational Products and Their Impact
12:34 Cultural Relevance in Educational Toys
14:10 Navigating Family Dynamics in Business
16:52 Innovative Educational Products and Their Impact
17:04 Lessons Learned from Challenges
18:50 The Role of Support Systems in Parenting
18:50 The Commitment to Australian Made
22:47 Balancing Quality and Cost in Business
22:47 The Shift from Physical Store to Online Success
26:08 Giving Back Through Creativity
29:39 Innovative Product Development
32:47 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
37:58 Navigating Challenges in Business
What does it take to turn a family farm into one of Australia’s most recognised country clothing brands — and then start thinking about what comes after the clothes have been worn?In this episode of Homegrown, we’re joined by Harry Coulton from Goondiwindi Cotton, part of the fifth generation of a farming family that has spent decades adapting, innovating and finding new ways to keep both their business and their regional community moving forward.We talk about everything from growing cotton and managing water to the technology changing Australian agriculture, the realities of working in a multigenerational family business and how Goondiwindi Cotton went from the paddock to the wardrobe.But some of the biggest ideas are about what comes next.Harry takes us inside Goondiwindi Cotton’s Circular Cotton project, which is exploring whether unwanted 100% cotton garments can be shredded and returned to agricultural soil rather than ending up in landfill.We also talk about the brand’s ambitions for Brisbane 2032, including its bid to help supply garments for the Games — and why, for the Coulton family, the opportunity is about much more than clothing. It’s a chance to put Goondiwindi, regional Queensland and Australian agriculture on a global stage.In this conversation: How cotton is actually grown — including water use, crop rotation and soil health The Circular Cotton project and turning textile waste into “farm fill” How Goondiwindi Cotton grew from agriculture into fashion The technology transforming modern farming How social media and influencers changed the way the brand sells The plans to grow Goondiwindi Cotton beyond Australia The Brisbane 2032 bid and the possibility of completely traceable Australian cotton garments What Harry has learnt from joining a multigenerational family business Why creating opportunities in Goondiwindi matters just as much as growing the brandAnd yes… we also find out whether Harry was ever tempted to appear on Farmer Wants a Wife, what happens when he and Sam disagree, and why sometimes the best business strategy really is simply to pivot.This is a story about cotton, but it’s also about family, innovation, resilience, sustainability and the future of regional Australia.Don't forget to sign the gundygoesforgold petition to show your support: https://petition.goondiwindicotton.com.au/
If you enjoy hearing the stories behind Australian businesses, make sure you subscribe, leave us a comment and share the episode with someone who loves supporting Australian-grown businesses. Keep supporting local. Keep backing small. Keep it Homegrown.#GoondiwindiCotton #Homegrown #AustralianBusiness #AustralianCotton #Goondiwindi #AustralianAgriculture #RegionalAustralia #CircularCotton #SustainableFashion #FarmToFashion #Brisbane2032 #FamilyBusiness
What does it take to launch a Tasmanian wine label when you don’t own a vineyard, a winery or even a cellar door?In this episode of Homegrown, Moira and Emma sit down with Paige, co-founder of Town Wine, to discover how an idea shared with her partner, Justin, grew into a small-batch Tasmanian wine brand producing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and an exciting sparkling wine currently in the works.Paige’s journey into the Tasmanian wine industry began at just 17, working in a cellar door and restaurant before gaining hands-on experience pruning vines, picking fruit and learning how great wine begins in the vineyard.Years later, an unexpected phone call gave Paige and Justin the opportunity they had been waiting for and Town Wine was born.Paige shares how they built the brand without following the traditional path, working with local growers and winemakers to source exceptional Tasmanian fruit and create wines they genuinely love to drink.We discuss:• How Town Wine started with three barrels of Pinot Noir• Why you don’t need to own a vineyard to create a wine label• The process behind making Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and sparkling wine• How climate, soil, fruit quality and vineyard location affect wine• The logistical challenges of running a wine business from Tasmania• Town Wine’s unconventional approach to social media and marketing• The importance of relationships, mentors and community in business• Why the most expensive bottle isn’t necessarily the best• What makes Tasmanian wine so unique• Paige’s advice for anyone waiting to start their own businessTown Wine’s story is a reminder that you don’t always need every resource, qualification or piece of equipment before beginning. Sometimes you simply need to use what is available, trust the people around you and have a crack.As Paige says, there are no rules—it’s all made up.Whether you’re interested in Tasmanian wine, Australian small business, entrepreneurship, winemaking or the realities of building a brand from the ground up, this conversation offers an honest and entertaining look behind the bottle.🍷 DISCOVER TOWN WINEInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/townwinetas/ Shop Town Wine: https://spiltdrinks.com/🎙️ FOLLOW WHAT SHE SAIDInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatshesaidau/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatshesaidau
Enjoyed the conversation? Please like the episode, leave us a comment and subscribe for more Homegrown interviews celebrating Australian founders, creators and small businesses.Let us know in the comments: are you choosing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay or sparkling?Please enjoy alcohol responsibly. LISTEN UP! Listen to us over on; YouTube - https://youtu.be/cVOA2ohw2Ec?si=_Wl8lEeBQWlIpNyWApple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-she-said-and-more/id1795267907 Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3fe5a70e-452b-498a-ae8c-e0d98500dda5/what-she-said-and-more#TasmanianWine #AustralianSmallBusiness #Homegrown #Wine #AustralianWine #WhatSheSaidPodcast #SpiltDrinks #TownWine
In this episode of Homegrown, we sit down with Emma, founder of Angus the Label, to talk about the journey from designing reusable baby products to creating one of Australia's most recognisable small fashion brands.
Emma shares the story behind her wildly popular "Overstimulated" sweatshirt—a design that struck a chord with thousands of women because it captured a feeling so many experience but rarely talk about.
We explore how clothing can become a form of self-expression, why fashion should make people feel seen, and how creativity has shaped every stage of her business.
We also dive into the realities of running a growing Australian brand, including manufacturing overseas, competing with fast fashion and copycat designs, balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship, embracing inclusivity, and why earning customer trust matters more than guilt-driven marketing.
Whether you're a small business owner, a creative entrepreneur, or someone who simply loves supporting Australian brands, this conversation is full of honest insights, practical business advice, and plenty of laughs along the way.
In this episode we discuss:
• The story behind Angus the Label's iconic "Overstimulated" collection
• Why fashion is about expressing yourself, not just getting dressed
• Growing from baby essentials into a thriving lifestyle brand• Designing products that genuinely solve problems for busy families
• The reality of manufacturing in China and breaking down common misconceptions
• How Emma approaches copycats, trends, and staying authentic
• Building an inclusive brand without making it a marketing gimmick
• Why customer experience matters more than asking people to "shop small"
• The challenges of balancing motherhood, creativity, and business growth
• Emma's advice for anyone thinking about starting their own business
This episode is a refreshing reminder that successful businesses aren't built by chasing trends—they're built by staying true to your values, listening to your customers, and having the courage to evolve.
🎧 If you enjoyed this episode, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves supporting Australian small businesses.
Check out Angus the label: https://angusthelabel.com/
#HomegrownPodcast
#WhatSheSaidPodcast #AngusTheLabel #SmallBusinessAustralia #WomenInBusiness #CreativeBusiness #australianfashion #Entrepreneurship #SupportSmall #FashionWithPurpose #Overstimulated #BusinessPodcastSHOW YOUR SUPPORT – IT’S FREE! Follow us on;Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whatshesaidau/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/What-She-Said-More/61571634658857/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@whatshesaidauLISTEN UP! Listen to us over on; Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/05jlWNkSvnChmOqeaAeRvj?si=13606656335245d1Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-she-said-and-more/id1795267907 Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3fe5a70e-452b-498a-ae8c-e0d98500dda5/what-she-said-and-moreWANT MORE? Like Spicy Books? Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBSJEdX22y0 Need A Catchup With The Girls? Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-SN1ZQCRVE Need a deep dive? Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxFCUwgPfO4&t=40sWE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Whether you have a funny story to share, got a burning question you need 3 fabulous opinions on, or maybe you just need some advice on life’s weirdest situations? We’ve got you covered! Drop us a message, and we’ll give you our best (possibly questionable) advice, or just share a good laugh. If you just want to tell us how much you’re enjoying the podcast, don’t be shy—reach out! Your messages keep us going and help shape future episodes.📩 Slide into our DMs - Instagram/ Facebook/ TikTok 💬Leave us a review on Spotify/Apple Podcasts! ⭐Drop a comment on YouTube#Laughter #Friends #Gossip #Chat
Welcome to the very first episode of our brand-new WHAT SHE SAID segment, Homegrown, where we shine a spotlight on incredible Australian entrepreneurs, creatives, and small businesses making a difference.
This week, we're joined by Casey Smith, founder of Smudge Tallow, a regional NSW mum and small business owner creating handcrafted lamb tallow skincare products straight from her family farm.
With beef tallow skincare taking social media by storm, we dive into what makes lamb tallow different, why it's becoming a favourite for natural skincare enthusiasts, and how Casey turned a maternity leave passion project into a growing Australian business.
In this episode we discuss:
✨ What lamb tallow is and why it's so compatible with human skin
✨ The differences between lamb tallow and beef tallow
✨ Natural skincare, skin barrier health, and low-tox living
✨ Real customer stories and results
✨ Sustainability and using farm by-products responsibly
✨ Building a business from a regional homestead
✨ Advice for anyone dreaming of starting their own business
Plus, we put Casey through a round of our completely ridiculous "Lamb Logic" quiz, featuring sheep jokes, New Zealand references, and plenty of laughs.
🎁 EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT FOR WHAT SHE SAID LISTENERS
Use code: WSS10
to receive 10% OFF your order at:Lamb Tallow Skincare | Smudge Tallowwww.smudgetallow.com.au
If you've been curious about natural skincare, tallow products, or supporting Australian-made businesses, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
👍 Like, Subscribe & Follow
Don't forget to subscribe to What She Said for more inspiring conversations, powerful stories, and incredible Homegrown Australian businesses.
#WhatSheSaidPodcast #Homegrown #SmudgeTallow #LambTallow #NaturalSkincare #AustralianMade #SmallBusinessAustralia #LowToxLiving #SkincarePodcast #WomenInBusiness #RegionalNSW #AustralianEntrepreneurs #TallowSkincare #FarmToFace #SupportLocal
What if the best marriage advice you’ve ever heard is actually making your relationship worse?
“Never go to bed angry.”
“Happy wife, happy life.”
“Don’t sweat the small stuff.”
We’ve all heard them. We’ve all probably said them. But what if these well-meaning clichés are quietly fueling resentment, miscommunication, and emotional distance?
In this episode, we sit down with certified relationship and intimacy coach Monica Tanner, host of Secrets of Happily Ever After and author of Bad Marriage Advice, to unpack the myths couples have been handed for generations — and what to do instead.
Monica shares why going to bed angry might actually be healthy, how tiny annoyances turn into full-blown resentment over time, and the simple 3-step formula to finally ask for what you need (without sounding like a nag).
We also dive into:
Plus we play a quick round of Love Myth Busters where Monica calls out total BS on some of the most common relationship beliefs.
If you’ve ever felt annoyed at your partner for something “small,” struggled to explain what you actually need, or wondered why long-term relationships start to feel like logistics instead of connection — this episode will change the way you see it.
You’ll walk away with practical tools you can use tonight.
Website:
Bad Marriage Advice Website
Book on Amazon:
Bad Marriage Advice on Amazon
Monica’s Podcast:
Secrets of Happily Ever After Podcast
If this episode made you rethink the advice you’ve always believed, share it with a friend who loves giving relationship advice 😉
Don’t forget to like, subscribe on YouTube, and leave a review
#marriageexpert #marriageadvice #authorMonicaTanner #badmarriageadvice
Welcome to What She Said – Before You Buy (Mother’s DayEdition) 💐
This week we’ve refreshed our Pick of the Week intoBefore You Buy — honest, heartfelt recommendations we genuinely love (but onlywhen they’re worth sharing).
With Mother’s Day just around the corner, we’re sharing twomeaningful gift ideas that go beyond flowers and chocolates:
🧢 Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer
Support vital brain cancer research with a cute beanie, cap, hoodie or kids’gear from Carrie’s Beanies 4 Brain Cancer. Every purchase helps fund researchinto this devastating disease — and you can even make a direct donation too.👉Shop or donate at carriesbeanies4braincancer.com 🎗️
☕ Still Social
Give the gift of connection! Still Social is a vibrant community for women over40 (and open to others too) centred on friendship, meet-ups, events, travel andreal connection — online and in person. Memberships start at around the priceof a coffee.
Learn more and join at stillsocial.com.au 🌟
These are gifts mums might never buy for themselves — butones that truly matter. ❤️
We also tease an upcoming series where Emma road-testsproducts for the aging woman — inside and out (you’ll have to listen tounderstand that one 😏).
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT – IT’S FREE!
Follow us on
· Instagram @whatshesaidau
· Facebook WhatShe Said & More
· TikTok @whatshesaidau
You can also watch and subscribe to us over on YouTube @WhatSheSaidandMore
LISTEN UP!
Whether you have a funny story to share, got a burningquestion you need 3 fabulous opinions on, or maybe you just need some advice onlife’s weirdest situations? We’ve got you covered! Drop us a message, and we’llgive you our best (possibly questionable) advice, or just share a good laugh.
If you just want to tell us how much you’re enjoying thepodcast, don’t be shy—reach out! Your messages keep us going and help shapefuture episodes.
📩Slide into our DMs -Instagram / Facebook/ TikTok
💬Leave us a review on Spotify/ApplePodcasts/AmazonMusic
⭐Drop a comment over on YouTube
This week we sit down with Alex Fennell — a post-production producer with 15+ years behind some of the biggest shows on Australian screens, including Married at First Sight Australia, MasterChef Australia, The Project, Neighbours, Home and Away, Sunrise and Dancing with the Stars Australia.If you’ve ever screamed at your TV during MAFS and thought “this has to be set up”… she knows exactly why.Alex is now known for her viral TikToks breaking down what we really watched on MAFS, co-hosts That's Showbiz Baby with Jordie Lucas, and writes the Substack Confessions of an Ex-MAFS Producer.And in this episode… she does NOT hold back.________________________________________In this episode, Alex reveals:• The worst thing that can happen when you meet a global superstar at The Project… and how she ended up in accidental “beef” with Lizzo • What post-producers actually do with 10+ hours of footage from a single dinner party • How producers “stir” drama without scripting anything • Why MAFS contestants often have cluster B personality traits • The truth about burnout, 60-hour weeks, and the toxic side of TV production • Why normal people don’t go on MAFS anymore • How casting really works (and why influencers keep getting through) • What makes a “good episode” behind the scenes • The competitiveness inside production offices you never see • Why she walked away from TV at the peak of her career • Her new life as a tarot reader and spiritual counsellor ________________________________________If you love:• Behind-the-scenes TV secrets • Reality TV psychology • Unfiltered industry tea • MAFS, MasterChef and Aussie TV gossip
This is the episode you don’t want to miss.🎙️ Follow Alex: 📍 Confessions of a MAFS Producer (Substack)👉 https://substack.com/@alexandriafunnell 🎙️ That’s Showbiz Baby! (Podcast)You can listen on all major podcast apps — for example:👉 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5viGC71iNHT4cF1zUMaBlM 👉 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/thats-showbiz-baby/id1739718212👍 Like, subscribe, and send this to the friend who still thinks reality TV is real.
#mafsau #mafs #mafsaustralia
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT – IT’S FREE!
Follow us on
· Instagram @whatshesaidau
· Facebook WhatShe Said & More
· TikTok @whatshesaidau
You can also watch and subscribe to us over on YouTube @WhatSheSaidandMore
LISTEN UP!
Whether you have a funny story to share, got a burningquestion you need 2 fabulous opinions on, or maybe you just need some advice onlife’s weirdest situations? We’ve got you covered! Drop us a message, and we’llgive you our best (possibly questionable) advice, or just share a good laugh.
If you just want to tell us how much you’re enjoying thepodcast, don’t be shy—reach out! Your messages keep us going and help shapefuture episodes.
📩Slide into our DMs -Instagram / Facebook/ TikTok
💬Leave us a review on Spotify/ApplePodcasts/AmazonMusic
⭐Drop a comment over on YouTube
What does it take to go from singing as a child in Australia to performing around the world and landing #1 country hits?
In this episode we sit down with country-pop powerhouse Cassidy Rae, whose journey has taken her from the Australian Girls Choir to cruise ship stages, Nashville songwriting rooms and chart-topping singles like Cheers Y'all.
Cassidy shares the incredible behind-the-scenes stories from her career — including performing for Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Ellen DeGeneres, and even singing in the Vatican for Pope Benedict XVI.
We talk about the reality of building a music career, writing songs inspired by real life, and why Cassidy doesn’t call her audience “fans”… she calls them friends.
You’ll also hear the hilarious story behind her famous “train dance” during Wagon Wheel, the moment a crowd chanting “one more song” inspired a track, and what it’s really like performing hundreds of shows a year.
If you love country music, songwriting stories, and artists who truly connect with their audience, this episode is for you.
Grab a drink, raise a glass and say it with us… Cheers y’all.
Go support Cassidy-Rae on all her socials @Cassidy-Rae or check out her website: www.cassidy-rae.com
#countrymusic #countryinterviews #Cassidy-Rae #podcastinterview #australianmusic SHOW YOUR SUPPORT – IT’S FREE! Follow us on;Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/whatshesaidau/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/What-She-Said-More/61571634658857/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@whatshesaidauLISTEN UP! Listen to us over on; Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/05jlWNkSvnChmOqeaAeRvj?si=13606656335245d1Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-she-said-and-more/id1795267907 Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3fe5a70e-452b-498a-ae8c-e0d98500dda5/what-she-said-and-moreWANT MORE? Like Spicy Books? Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iBSJEdX22y0 Need A Catchup With The Girls? Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-SN1ZQCRVE Need a deep dive? Listen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxFCUwgPfO4&t=40sWE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Whether you have a funny story to share, got a burning question you need 3 fabulous opinions on, or maybe you just need some advice on life’s weirdest situations? We’ve got you covered! Drop us a message, and we’ll give you our best (possibly questionable) advice, or just share a good laugh. If you just want to tell us how much you’re enjoying the podcast, don’t be shy—reach out! Your messages keep us going and help shape future episodes.📩 Slide into our DMs - Instagram/ Facebook/ TikTok 💬Leave us a review on Spotify/Apple Podcasts! ⭐Drop a comment on YouTube#Laughter #Friends #Gossip #Chat
Two couples gone. Two mid-week meltdowns. And one VERY unexpected drumming performance… 👀🥁This week on The Experiment recap, the drama came in pairs. Not one, but TWO couples leave the experiment, not one but TWO brides storm off mid-week, and just when we thought we’d seen it all… the internet resurfaced Joel’s legendary drumming video that had the entire comment section in hysterics. Let’s just say… it wasn’t your average drumsticks. 😅We break down everything from the commitment ceremony exits, the Stan unseen footage bombshells, and the ongoing chaos between Juliet and Joel, to the awkward dinner party moments and surprising heroes of the night (looking at you, Danny 👏).Plus we dive into:The truth about Grayson & Julia’s relationship 👀Why Gia walked out on Scott over THAT photo 📸Whether Filip & Stella will finally say “I love you” ❤️Why Tyson might actually be getting a redemption arcAnd the couples we think won’t survive next weekAnd of course… we had to talk about that viral drumming video and the internet’s savage comment section. Some talents simply cannot be ignored. 😂If you love MAFS drama, messy dinner parties, and brutally honest recaps, you’re in the right place.👉 Jump in the comments – we read them first every week and your reactions are our favourite part of the show!Don’t forget to LIKE 👍 SUBSCRIBE 🔔 and FOLLOW because we’re covering all things MAFS every week.#MAFS #MAFSAU #RealityTVRecap #MAFSDrama #DinnerPartyChaosSHOW YOUR SUPPORT – IT’S FREE! Follow us on;Instagram - / whatshesaidau Facebook - / 61571634658857 TikTok - / whatshesaidau LISTEN UP! Listen to us over on; Apple Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3fe...WANT MORE? Like Spicy Books? Listen: • March Book club- An offer from a gentlema... Need A Catchup With The Girls? Listen: • Spill the Tea: Drunk shopping, Lawn pawn, ... Need a deep dive? Listen: • Adolescence (Netflix) - Taking the world b... WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Whether you have a funny story to share, got a burning question you need 3 fabulous opinions on, or maybe you just need some advice on life’s weirdest situations? We’ve got you covered! Drop us a message, and we’ll give you our best (possibly questionable) advice, or just share a good laugh. If you just want to tell us how much you’re enjoying the podcast, don’t be shy—reach out! Your messages keep us going and help shape future episodes.📩 Slide into our DMs - Instagram/ Facebook/ TikTok 💬Leave us a review on Spotify/Apple Podcasts! ⭐Drop a comment on YouTube#Laughter #Friends #Gossip #Chat
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