​EPISODES | SERIES #1

JOURNEY with John to meet AUSTRALIAN farmers, locals & mental health PROFESSIONALS, hearing the stories & struggles of life in the bush and strategies to get through the sh*t.
 “For 6-9 months I refused to acknowledge that I had depression. I came to the conclusion that I was dying from cancer instead.”

- JOHN HARPER, Stockinbingal, NSW

EPISODE #1 - Meet John Harper

ABOUT

John Harper’s a wheat and sheep farmer from Stockinbingal, NSW. He describes himself as an ‘ordinary joker’, but after being bitten by the black dog he’s lived an extraordinary life. Learn a bit more about our colourful host John and why he works tirelessly to help improve mental health in the bush.
Note: The advice in this podcast is of a general nature, and not an excuse for not seeing your GP or medical professional.
If you need to talk to someone right now give Lifeline a call on 13 11 14.

 

 “My problems were bigger than Mount Everest. There wasn’t a person in the world that could solve them, and I wasn’t prepared to climb.”

- Chris Wilson, farmer, Eurongilly, Wagga WAGGA, NSW.

EPISODE #2 - When you’re not OK

ABOUT

What should you do when you’re feeling rough? Who should you turn to? Chris Wilson thought he had everything he dreamed of when he took over his family farm. But the drought hit Chris hard, along with grief from losing his brother, and he slid into a dark depression. He shares his story of coming out the other side.
Note: This episode deals with themes of suicide and some listeners may find it hard to listen to. Thanks to Chris for being courageous and coming on the show, and we’re glad he’s feeling like himself again.
“Talking helps to heal me.
​When I hear other people's stories, I realise it’s not just me.”

- Julie Andreazza, Griffith, NSW

 EPISODE #3 - Spot the signs: 
look, listen, reach out 

ABOUT

What are the clues to look for if you think a mate is struggling with their mental health? If you spot them, what should you do? John speaks with irrigation farmer Julie Andreazza about the incredible support she received from her husband and community when she went through a hard time, along with counsellor David Post, who has some top-notch advice for helping others.
Note: This episode touches on themes of suicide and some listeners might find this hard to hear. We’re grateful to Julie sharing her story, and happy she’s now in a good place. Good on you Julie.
"I recognised I wasn’t going OK because I couldn’t plant flowers.
I was paralysed. I couldn’t do things that gave me pleasure.”

- Fiona - wife & mother, Cootamundra, NSW

EPISODE #4 - Family and RElationship dynamics around mental health

ABOUT

When someone you love is having a tough time, what should you do? John sits down with wife and mum Fiona to talk about the impact of depression on her marriage and family life, and psychologist Dr Lisa Paterson-Kane, who shares some thoughts on looking after yourself so that you can support others, and some surprising pathways to help.
​Note: The advice in this podcast is of a general nature, and not an excuse for not seeing your GP or medical professional.
If you need to talk to someone right now ​give Lifeline a call on 13 11 14.
“If only I knew then what I know now about coping strategies and dealing with mental health....
​I would have enjoyed my time a lot more.”

- Phil Moroney, shearer and farmhand, Temora, NSW

EPISODE #5 - How to ask for help

ABOUT

If you’re struggling, how can you ask for help? John chats to shearer Phil Moroney about his battles and the lessons he’s learned, and counsellor Dave Honeysett from the Royal Flying Doctors about some strategies for reaching out to a mate when you need some help.
Note: The advice in this podcast is of a general nature, and not an excuse for not seeing your GP or medical professional.
If you need to talk to someone right now ​give Lifeline a call on 13 11 14.
 “I met a counsellor in Ballarat
​who changed my life.”

- Chris McGregor, Griffith, NSW

EPISODE #6 - Finding the right support team

about

A problem shared is a problem halved. How do you find the right people to help improve your mental wellbeing when you need it? John chats with Chris McGregor, whose brother died by suicide and has experienced his own struggles with the black dog, and counsellor David Post, who shares some handy tips about finding a great support team that works for you.
 
Note: This episode deals with themes of suicide and some listeners might find this upsetting. We’re grateful for Chris and his gutsy effort to share his story and make this episode as special as it is – thanks Chris.
The advice in this podcast is of a general nature, and not an excuse for not seeing your GP or medical professional. There’s some handy links on our resource page to learn more about resources you can access. If you need to talk to someone right now give Lifeline a call on 13 11 14.
All series #1 Photography by Erin Johnson for Room3

SERIES #2

“There was no bloody way
I was going to let a
spinal cord injury
get in the road of
what I wanted!”
​Sam Bailey

EPISODE #7 Keeping a positive attitude when facing adversity

ABOUT

Sam Bailey is a beef producer from Cropper Creek. He’s been through the wringer after a motor vehicle accident when he was 19 left him a quadriplegic. Sam shares his strategies which have prevented him from sliding into depression, keeping his head above water and maintaining a positive mindset. It's a ripper episode! Sam’s now got an ambitious goal to become the first quadriplegic in the world to fly a helicopter. You’ll love his story. Have a listen!

You can read more about Sam at ​sambailey.com.au

When the going gets tough!
Ben's tips on how to get going!
​- BEN BROOKE, WAGGA WAGGA​

#8 Being a good mate & how to identify when you or a mate is strugglin'

Ag teacher and young sportsman Ben Brookes chats with us about his role in the Rugby team after tragically losing a great mate and great player. He’s got some wisdom to share with us about the strategies he used in keeping the team on track. And also how he identifies when he's struggling and what he does about it!