Motherland Australia
Kids & Family
About
Hosted by Stephanie Trethewey. Motherland shares real, raw, and unbelievable stories of motherhood told by women on the land. Each week, a rural mum from somewhere in Australia shares her motherhood journey. You'll hear stories of true grit, resilience, grief, and pure joy. Motherhood is the most life changing and transformative journey a woman can go through, and it's not always easy. No matter where you live or what you do, we're in this together and you're not alone.
Episodes
- 298: Cailyn Muntelwit on Breaking Generational Cycles, Neurodivergence & 48 Hours in Paris
In this episode, Cailyn Muntelwit shares her experiences growing up, navigating neurodivergence, and starting a family. She discusses learning to break generational patterns and building a life that works for her family, including a busine…
- 297: Alison Gossage on Postpartum Rage and the Decision to Leave the Land
Alison Gossage shares her experiences with postpartum rage and the challenges of raising children in rural Australia. She discusses her decision to leave farm life and seek support for her mental health.
- 296: Ellen Fitzgerald on Unimaginable Loss, Motherhood & the Rural Childcare Crisis
This episode features Ellen Fitzgerald, a mother from rural Australia, who shares her personal story of loss, including the death of her mother and multiple miscarriages, as well as the heartbreaking loss of her daughter. She also discusse…
- 295: Courtney Moir on Winning Muster Dogs and the Hobby That Became Her Lifeline
Courtney Moir, winner of Muster Dogs Season Four, shares her story about moving to a remote property, experiencing anxiety, and finding confidence and community through dog training. She explains how this hobby became a lifeline and helped…
- 294: Rachel Bjelke-Petersen on Following Her Gut & the Pothole That Changed Everything
Rachel Bjelke-Petersen shares her journey from a childhood in the Queensland campdraft circuit to establishing a rural life and business in the South Burnett. She discusses recovering from spinal surgery, moving west, and how an unexpected…
- 293: Tahnee McCarthy On Motherhood, Her Husband’s Life-Changing Farm Accident & Finding Herself Again
Tahnee McCarthy joins Motherland Australia to discuss navigating motherhood, her husband Aaron's journey toward becoming a Paralympic snowboarder after a farming accident, and rediscovering herself.
- 292: How A Chance Encounter With Alpacas Changed Michelle Hamilton’s Life & Helped Her Find Joy Again
Michelle Hamilton discusses how breeding alpacas helped her navigate postpartum depression and rediscover purpose, as well as how a family farming accident prompted a re-evaluation of her priorities.
- 291: Vanessa Bell's Life From High Fashion to High Country, And How Wool Healed Her
Vanessa Bell shares her journey from a high-fashion modelling career to becoming a Merino wool grower in rural Australia. She discusses overcoming personal challenges, including domestic violence and health struggles, and how she found hea…
- 290: Kimberly Stevens Turned the Loss of Her Son into A Lifeline For Other Parents
Psychologist and mother Kimberly Stevens shares her experience of losing her son, Ethan, to leukemia and explains how she founded the Kids Connecting Parents app to support other bereaved parents.
- 289: Prue McCormack on Navigating Her Son's Autism & ADHD Diagnosis in the Bush
In this episode, Prue McCormack, a cattle farmer and mother of two, discusses her journey navigating her son's autism and ADHD diagnosis while living in rural Australia. She shares her experiences with rural healthcare, parenting challenge…
- 288: Born for Motherhood - Laura Wilson's Incredible Journey Raising 6 Kids Under 10
Laura Wilson shares her experience raising six children under the age of ten in remote Queensland. The conversation covers her journey through motherhood, remote healthcare, and managing family life while solo parenting.
- BONUS ep: Kylie Lindsay on Motherhood at 40, Anxiety and Juggling an Incredible Career
Kylie Lindsay discusses her experiences with leadership, motherhood at 40, and managing anxiety while balancing a career. She also shares her perspective on regional life, flexible work, and her journey as a solo mother.
- 287: Corrina Rawlinson on When You Can’t Push Through Anymore and Finding Joy Again
Corrina Rawlinson joins Motherland Australia to discuss her personal experience with motherhood, mental illness, and trauma. She shares her journey from reaching a breaking point and being admitted to a psychiatric hospital to finding heal…
- 286: Why Rachel Kirby Chose to Live in a Caravan, Raise Three Kids, & Work the Shearing Circuit
Rachael Kirby discusses her decision to raise her children while living full-time in a caravan on the shearing circuit with her husband. She shares insights on balancing work, motherhood, and family life in the bush.
- 285: Belinda Vivers’ extraordinary story of love, loss, betrayal and rebuilding her life
In this episode, Belinda Vivers shares her journey through grief, betrayal, and rebuilding her life following the sudden death of her husband in 2020. She discusses her experiences with loss and the process of finding hope and purpose desp…
- THROWBACK: How city girl turned pilot & farmer Debbie Dowden has "seized life by the throat"
This episode of Motherland Australia features the story of Debbie Dowden, who moved from the city to operate Challa Station in Western Australia. The discussion covers her journey from flight instructor to pilot and farmer, alongside her e…
- THROWBACK: Sonja Chrystal on growing up with a paraplegic farming dad, no mum, & surviving PNDA
Sonja Chrystal shares her experience of growing up with a paraplegic father after her mother left, her transition from Sydney to rural NSW, and her journey through stage 4 endometriosis, IVF, and postpartum depression and anxiety.
- THROWBACK: Queen of the jungle & netball superstar Liz Ellis on fame, farming & fertility
In this episode, former netball captain Liz Ellis discusses her life beyond sports, including living on a farm, her journey through motherhood and fertility struggles, and her experience with menopause. She also reflects on her career and…
- THROWBACK: The heart-warming tale of how Phoebe White inherited a mountain
Phoebe White discusses her transition from a high-profile career abroad to managing the Woolooma Glass House on her family's property in rural Australia. She shares her experience of raising her two daughters while serving as the custodian…
- THROWBACK: Five Children, One Remarkable Woman: Louise Taheny’s story
In this throwback episode, Louise Taheny shares her life story, including raising five children, navigating her son Hugo's Down syndrome diagnosis, her husband's stroke, and her son Will's quadriplegia resulting from a car accident. Throug…
- 284: Whitney Spicer on Motherhood, Identity & How Art Changed Her Life
Artist Whitney Spicer discusses the evolution of her career and identity while balancing motherhood. She shares her experiences with navigating financial responsibility, personal grief, and the challenges of pursuing an art career as a par…
- 284: Amanda Ferrari & the Boarding School Journey That Changed Everything
Amanda Ferrari shares her path from city life to agriculture, detailing her experiences with premature twins, motherhood, and mental health. She discusses founding The Boarding School Collective to support rural families navigating the cha…
- 283: Sarah Henney on Watching the Life She Built Fall Apart and Starting Again
Sarah Henney discusses her experience moving to regional Australia, navigating the breakdown of her marriage, and starting over as a single mother. She also shares how she established her business, Outback Linen Co, while redefining her li…
- 282: Kelly Johnson on Motherhood, Miracles & the Grit Behind Her Purpose-Driven Enterprise
Kelly Johnson discusses her experience raising children with autism and overcoming personal health challenges to establish a food-waste enterprise on the Murray River. This episode covers her journey through adversity and her commitment to…
- 281: Demi Crooks and the fight for survival just weeks after becoming a mum during seeding
In this episode of Motherland Australia, Demi Crooks shares her experience of surviving a life-threatening case of sepsis and complications following the birth of her son during the busy seeding season on a grain farm.
- 280: Jenny Lutz and her 11 year fight to find answers for her son
Jenny Lutz shares her experience raising her son, Greg, and her eleven-year search for an autism diagnosis while living in rural Queensland. Following his diagnosis, she founded the South Burnett Autism Support Group to provide resources a…
- Episode 279: From the Outback to Switzerland and Back - Megan Holzwart’s Story of Motherhood, Grit & Adventure
Megan Holzwart discusses her experiences raising children in Switzerland and rural Australia, and her work with the Katherine Isolated Children's Service. She shares her journey through motherhood, including the challenges of living abroad…
- 278: The Jungle Doctor: Chloe Buiting on Motherhood, Belonging, and a Life Between Continents
Wildlife veterinarian and conservationist Dr. Chloe Buiting discusses her upbringing on Lord Howe Island, her international career in wildlife protection, and balancing motherhood with her work across continents. She shares her experiences…
- #8: AFL Legend Tom Hawkins on Grief, Footy, Farming and Fatherhood
AFL legend Tom Hawkins discusses his life, career, and transition into farming after retiring from professional football. He shares personal reflections on fatherhood, grief, and finding purpose on the land.
- 277: Claire Brett’s Journey Through Five Miscarriages and the Courage It Took to Keep Going
Claire Brett shares her personal experience of navigating five consecutive miscarriages and how she now supports other rural and regional women through similar losses. This episode discusses her journey of grief, hope, and advocacy during…
- #7: Facing Himself First: Dave Woods on Fatherhood & Challenging our Approach to Mental Health in the Bush
Queensland farmer and Nuffield Scholar Dave Woods discusses his journey toward fatherhood, addressing his own mental health struggles and the culture of stoicism among rural men. He shares his perspective on the challenges of rural mental…
- 276: Virginia Tapscott on Why All Mothers Work and Why It’s Time the World Valued Care
Journalist Virginia Tapscott discusses her book, All Mothers Work, and her advocacy through the Parents Work Collective regarding the societal undervaluation of childcare and domestic labour. She shares her personal experiences balancing a…
- #6: Sobriety, Vulnerability & Masculinity on the Land with Matthew Tonkin
Matthew Tonkin discusses his journey of sobriety and redefining masculinity while working in agriculture. He shares how moving from silence and despair to vulnerability and self-respect has impacted his life as a father, grandfather, and l…
- #5: Piers Dumaresq — Rebuilding After Divorce and Putting Fatherhood Before Farming
Piers Dumaresq shares his transition from a finance career to managing a family farm in Tasmania. He discusses the personal challenges of navigating divorce, co-parenting, and rebuilding his life while prioritizing his children and preserv…
- #4: Dolly’s Dad Tick Everett Speaks on Fatherhood, Family and Fighting On
Tick Everett discusses his experience with fatherhood, the loss of his daughter Dolly to suicide, and his work with the charity Dolly's Dream. He also reflects on resilience, the importance of men's mental health, and the impact of bullyin…
- #3: Ben Wundersitz — From Fat Farmers to Fit Fathers, A Movement Saving Rural Lives
Ben Wundersitz, co-founder of the grassroots movement Fat Farmers, discusses how the initiative supports rural health and mental well-being in Australia. He also reflects on his farming background, his journey to being named a Bush Champio…
- 275: From Anxiety to Author: How Renae Black Wrote Her Way Through Motherhood
Renae Black shares how she managed postnatal anxiety and life as a mother by writing books during her maternity leave. She discusses her background, her career as a social worker and author, and the influence of her upbringing on her rural…
- #2: From Rock Bottom and Back — Stuart Austin on How Fatherhood Saved His Life
Cattleman and father Stuart Austin discusses his personal journey with mental health, the role of fatherhood in his life, and his career in the Australian agriculture industry.
- 274: Dr Tjanara Goreng Goreng’s Extraordinary Lifelong Work of Healing and Fighting Her Demons
Dr. Tjanara Goreng Goreng discusses her upbringing in Queensland, her family's efforts to maintain their culture, and her career as an academic and author. She also shares her experiences with childhood trauma, sacred leadership, and her c…
- #1: NFF Vice President John Hassell on his journey through depression, succession and showing up as a dad
NFF Vice President John Hassell discusses his experiences with depression, financial stress, and succession planning on his Western Australian farm. He also reflects on his journey as a father and the importance of supporting rural mental…
- 273: Kirsty Evans swore she’d never have kids. Then came motherhood, farm succession & floods
Kirsty Evans discusses her transition from a corporate law career to motherhood and farming life in regional NSW. She also shares her experience with postnatal depression and her pro bono legal work supporting her community following the 2…
- 272: Paige Schmidt on Motherhood, Medical Emergencies, & Managing Chronic Illness Remotely
Paige Schmidt shares her experiences raising children on a remote cattle station in Queensland. She discusses navigating medical emergencies in isolation, managing a chronic illness, and the impact of rural life on her mental health.
- Father Land: A special series launching September 3rd!
Motherland Australia is launching a new podcast series titled Father Land on September 3rd, which will be available on the Motherland Podcast channel. The series is supported by Nutrien Ag Solutions.
- 271: Country Music Artist Shenai Johnston On Finding Her Voice Again After Loss
Country singer-songwriter Shenai Johnston discusses her upbringing in Western Australia, navigating grief after the death of her mother, and returning to music. She also shares her experiences as a mother of three on a farm.
- 270: Diann Hawkins has fostered over 100 children over the past 35 years
Diann Hawkins shares her experience of fostering over 100 children during the past 35 years. She discusses her life as a mother and former nurse in rural Queensland and her continued commitment to providing a safe home for children.
- 269: Why Kylea Hodgkinson-Jones Swapped Life in the Navy for Life on the Land
Former Navy officer Kylea Hodgkinson-Jones discusses her transition from a career in maritime warfare to running a regenerative farm in Queensland. The episode also covers her personal journey, including motherhood and the birth of her dau…
- 268: Kath Chiverton on Love, Loss, and Preparing for Boarding School Goodbyes
Kathleen Chiverton joins Motherland Australia to discuss her experiences with rural life, boarding school, marriage to a soldier, personal loss, and raising children. She shares her journey of mothering through grief and the challenges of…
- 267: Why Ash Napolitano wants to talk about the worst day of her life
Ash Napolitano shares the story of her son Hunter, who passed away in a drowning accident, and discusses the launch of the Hunter Boyle Children’s Swim Program. This episode addresses child loss, grief, and the importance of rural water sa…
- 266: Christina Baehr on Raising 10 Kids Off-Grid (And becoming a bestselling author)
Christina Baehr discusses her life raising ten children off-grid in Tasmania’s Huon Valley while homeschooling and working as an author. She shares her experiences with motherhood, balancing a busy family life, and her creative journey in…
- 265: The axe-wielding nurse - inside Katrina Head's incredible double life
Katrina Head, a nurse and mother of three, discusses balancing her demanding career, family life, and her unique passion for competitive woodchopping. She shares her personal experiences with grief following her father's passing and findin…