Farmstrong’s Live Well Farm Well Podcasts

Module Overview

What does it take to get through a challenging time on farm or orchard?

Check out Farmstrong’s popular ‘Live Well, Farm Well’ podcasts hosted by The Country’s Rowena Duncum about how these farmers manage the ups and downs of farming and growing and how they look after their wellbeing.

Waikato farmer Marc Gascoigne talks about the stress and anxiety he hid for eight years, before finding the courage to speak up.

Paparimu farmer Amber Carpenter chats about her transition from the fashion industry to running multiple farming operations while juggling a young family and a global pandemic.

Bay of Plenty farmer Paul Walker who’s once again calling on everything he’s learned about wellbeing to cope with the challenges currently being thrown at farmers.

Mt Nicholas Station farmer Jack Cocks talks about his courageous recovery following a near-fatal brain aneurysm and subsequent surgeries and setbacks.

Clarence River Valley farmer Hamish Murray chats about how he overcame burnout following a period of prolonged drought, and what tools he now uses to avoid that trap again.

Taranaki farmer Kane Brisco – founder of FarmFit and author of ‘Tools for the Top Paddock’ on how to make farming easier for the mind and the body.

Junior Taulago – an inspirational convert to the primary sector, who’s gone from hip-hop dance instructor to Hawke’s Bay sheep and beef farmer at the epicentre of Cyclone Gabrielle.

Troy Hall – an inspirational horticulturalist who turned his life around, only to be electrocuted. Twice. The first shock killed him, the second brought him back to life, but left him engulfed in flames. Here, Troy opens up about his lengthy recovery and new-found drive to build awareness around health and safety.

Dairy farmer Abbi Ayre, who shares her tips on juggling farming, family, and voluntary roles in the agriculture industry. Abbi also bravely opens up about two bouts of post-partum psychosis and how she and her new family coped in the aftermath.

Slade McDonald, who in just 24 years has dealt with more challenges than most people do in a lifetime. Moving continents (twice), losing both his parents before he’d finished high school and eventually finding a healthier path to deal with loss, burnout and depression – Slade’s done it all. Here he shares what he’s learnt along the way and how he stays Farmstrong.

Nuffield Scholar and Golden Bay dairy farmer Corrigan Sowman, chats about coping with change and uncertainty. He explores how a flexible mindset is required to navigate a constantly evolving industry and keep in a positive frame of mind.