Beyond The Back Paddock

In the first episode of the Capacity Before Crisis mini-series, Warren Davies The Unbreakable Farmer breaks open the myth of resilience and asks the raw, honest question so many of us avoid:
What happens when you keep dusting yourself off… and eventually run out of dust?
For decades, we’ve been taught to “just keep going” through droughts, floods, bushfires, market crashes, family pressure and mental health struggles. But resilience isn’t the first step in coping with life’s challenges. It’s the outcome of something far more important:
Capacity.
In this episode, Warren:
shares his own complicated relationship with resilience
explains why pushing through comes at a cost
introduces the concept of capacity as the foundation of wellbeing
explores how individuals and communities quietly lose their “dust”
highlights why we need to prepare before crisis hits
This is a powerful, grounded conversation about emotional preparedness, community strength, and shifting the way we approach mental health and adversity.
Raw. Real. Needed.
If you’ve ever felt like the bounce-back isn’t there anymore, this episode will speak directly to you.
Podcast Description
In the first episode of the Capacity Before Crisis mini-series, Warren Davies The Unbreakable Farmer breaks open the myth of resilience and asks the raw, honest question so many of us avoid:
What happens when you keep dusting yourself off… and eventually run out of dust?
For decades, we’ve been taught to “just keep going” through droughts, floods, bushfires, market crashes, family pressure and mental health struggles. But resilience isn’t the first step in coping with life’s challenges. It’s the outcome of something far more important:
Capacity.
In this episode, Warren:
shares his own complicated relationship with resilience
explains why pushing through comes at a cost
introduces the concept of capacity as the foundation of wellbeing
explores how individuals and communities quietly lose their “dust”
highlights why we need to prepare before crisis hits
This is a powerful, grounded conversation about emotional preparedness, community strength, and shifting the way we approach mental health and adversity.
Raw. Real. Needed.
If you’ve ever felt like the bounce-back isn’t there anymore, this episode will speak directly to you.

As we move into the festive season a time that can be tough for many and head towards Australia’s disaster season with storms, floods and bushfires on the horizon, it’s never been more important to focus on what comes before resilience:
Capacity Before Crisis.
I’m kicking off an 8-part mini-series on the Beyond the Back Paddock Podcast, diving deep into the tools, conversations and practical steps that help us build capacity long before we hit breaking point.
This series will also shine a light on my new keynote, workshops and program launching in 2026, all designed to help individuals, workplaces and communities strengthen their mental health and wellbeing from the ground up.
Because crisis shouldn’t be the moment we realise what we needed…We can start building it now.
CALL TO ACTION
If you want to stay ahead of the curve and build real capacity in your life, team or community, follow the podcast, share it with someone who needs it, and reach out if you’d like to bring this new keynote or program to your organisation in 2026.
Let’s build capacity before crisis together.www.theunbreakablefarmer.com.au

The guest on this episode of the Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast is Chris Roberts.
Chris discusses the importance of mental health awareness, particularly in rural communities. He shares his personal journey, including the impact of losing his father to suicide and how it shaped his understanding of mental health. They explore the significance of community, especially through football, in providing support and connection.
The discussion emphasises the need for open communication about mental health, recognising signs of distress, and the ripple effect of suicide on families and communities.
Chris also shares his daily practices for maintaining mental wellbeing, including exercise, journaling, and gratitude.
Takeaways:
Mental health is a crucial topic that needs more awareness.
Personal experiences can inspire others to share their stories.
Community support, especially through sports, is vital for mental health.
Open communication about feelings is essential for healing.
Recognizing signs of distress in others can save lives.
Suicide has a ripple effect that impacts entire communities.
Daily practices like exercise and journaling can improve mental health.
Gratitude and connection to nature are important for wellbeing.
It's okay to seek help and talk about mental health challenges.
Sharing stories creates a culture of openness and support.
Lifeline: Call 131 114
TIACS: by calling or texting 0488 846 988 
 
Resources:
https://www.theunbreakablefarmer.com.au/supportresources
eBook: https://www.theunbreakablefarmer.com.au/ebook-download-form
Newsletter: https://www.theunbreakablefarmer.com.au/newsletter
 

This episode guest of Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast is Dannielle Ford.
The podcast delves into one of those silent conversations, Succession Planning.
Dannielle is the Co-Owner and Chief Operations Officer of Cheney Suthers Lawyers, as well as a collaboratively trained lawyer specialising in succession, wills and estate planning and litigation, as well as commercial litigation and family law, but also wears many hats within family and community.With expertise in collaborative law, Dannielle specialises in resolving complex disputes efficiently while minimising unnecessary conflict. Recognising that not all matters can be resolved outside of Court, she is equally adept at advocating for her clients through litigation when required. Her commitment to empowering clients includes demystifying estate planning, offering practical legal solutions, and championing access to justice.
We explore the emotional and practical challenges that families face when discussing succession, the importance of community involvement, and the mental health implications of avoiding these conversations.
Dannielle shares insights on navigating family dynamics, the role of daughters in succession planning, and the impact of climate change on farming viability.
The conversation emphasises the need for collaboration among family members and external advisors to ensure a sustainable future for farming enterprises.
Takeaways:
Succession planning is often avoided due to fear and discomfort.
99% of agricultural operations in Australia are family-owned, yet only 18% have a succession plan.
Mental health is significantly impacted by uncertainty in succession planning.
Family dynamics play a crucial role in the success of succession planning.
Daughters and daughters-in-law should be included in succession discussions.
Climate change is reshaping the future of farming and succession planning.
Collaboration among family members and advisors is essential for effective succession planning.
Starting the conversation about succession planning can be a gradual process.
Communities rely on the viability of family farms for economic stability.
Surrounding oneself with knowledgeable individuals can enhance decision-making.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dannielle-ford-b278a1ba/
www.cheneysuthers.com.au
https://cheneysuthers.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CHENEY-SUTHERS-CRISIS-TO-CLARITY-REPORT-FINAL-APRIL-2025.pdf
 
Subscribe to the podcast at www.beyondthebackpaddock.com.au
 

Brooke Watts is a dynamic young agribusiness professional with a deep-rooted passion for agriculture, having grown up on her family farm in Molong, NSW. Specializing in ag tech adoption strategies, youth engagement, and marketing, she is dedicated to driving innovation in the farming industry and paving the way for the future of agriculture.
Alongside her professional achievements, Brooke has faced significant health challenges, including losing an ovary at 20, dealing with a permanently impaired bladder, infertility, multiple back surgeries, and endometriosis. At just 25, she now navigates infertility while advocating for women's health, particularly in regional areas where these issues are often overlooked. Brooke has become a prominent voice for women’s health, sharing her personal journey online to create a safe space for others to connect, share, and break the stigma surrounding women’s health issues. She is a sought-after speaker, regularly contributing to panel discussions, event MCing, and delivering keynote addresses. One of her recent highlights was facilitating the first LetsChatEndo event in Orange, a crucial space for endometriosis warriors to come together and support one another through their health journeys. Through her professional career and advocacy work, Brooke continues to champion collaboration, innovation, and opportunities for young professionals in both agriculture and women’s health.
Sign up for my upcoming Free Mental Health Webinar
 
Links to Brooke and her work.
https://www.bralca.com/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookewatts2493/
https://www.instagram.com/brooke__watts99/
https://www.instagram.com/business.withbrooke/
https://www.theland.com.au/story/8921941/brooke-watts-on-her-endometriosis-battle-in-regional-nsw/
 
To connect with my work and content.
www.theunbreakablefarmer.com.au
www.beyondthebackpaddock.com.au
https://www.linkedin.com/in/theunbreakablefarmer/
https://www.instagram.com/theunbreakablefarmer/
https://www.facebook.com/TheUnbreakableFarmer
 
 
 

The guest on this episode of the Beyond the Back Paddock Podcast is Becky Miller. Becky hail from over the ditch in New Zealand, only my second international guest, where along with her husband runs a dairy business.
Her passion is to empower leaders and teams to aspire, thrive and connect by creating environments of trust and support at all levels of business and life.
Becky is an idea creator who shares and explores strategic concepts in business. Collaborating with companies to support team leaders at all stages of their careers and established FARMILY to embody living philosophy and values where her people thrive on the farm and in business.
In this engaging podcast episode, Warren Davies interviews Becky Miller, a dairy farmer and community leader, who shares her journey from a childhood of constant relocation to establishing a successful dairy farming business. The conversation delves into themes of resilience, leadership, and the importance of building connections within the farming community. Becky emphasizes the significance of emotional intelligence in leadership, the impact of COVID-19 on workforce dynamics, and the need for a character-first approach in hiring. The episode concludes with insights on creating a supportive work environment that fosters growth and collaboration.
takeaways
Farming is a style of life, not just a lifestyle.
Building connections is essential for personal and professional growth.
Leadership should focus on empowering team members.
Emotional intelligence is crucial in managing diverse teams.
COVID-19 has changed workforce dynamics and expectations.
Character should be prioritized over qualifications in hiring.
Creating a supportive work environment leads to better retention.
Understanding cultural differences enhances team cohesion.
Resilience is built through challenges and experiences.
A living business requires empathy and understanding from leadership.

In this heartfelt conversation, Katrina Umback shares her profound journey following the sudden loss of her husband, Scott, to a heart attack. She reflects on how this life-altering moment reshaped her identity and purpose, leading her to advocate for heart health awareness in rural communities by sharing her story of love, loss, grief and leadership.
Katrina discusses the importance of community support, the non-linear nature of grief, and her commitment to educating others about heart disease prevention.
Through her leadership efforts, she aims to create systemic change in healthcare access and empower individuals to take charge of their health.
The conversation emphasises the significance of storytelling, connection, and resilience in the face of adversity.

In the lead up to Christmas on the Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast I am having a very special conversation with Shanna Whan..
 
Shanna is the rural woman, founder, CEO, and face behind Sober in the Country Ltd. She's an Australian of the Year recipient who decided to “do what she could to be part of the change” after almost losing her own life to alcohol addiction in 2015. Today, through her tireless advocacy, Sober in the Country has grown from an online blog into a nationally respected charity, shifting the entire conversation around booze in the bush and saving and changing lives.
She lives in rural northwest New South Wales with her husband, 'Timbo' and her beloved dogs.
 
Sober in the Country is a national grassroots charity changing an ancient narrative across rural Australia by ensuring our mates know it's always #OK2SAYNO (to booze) in the bush.
They're creating social impact and change by encouraging social inclusion, connecting peers to each other and to further support, and through their trademark story-telling and lived-experience advocacy.
 
Far from being anti-alcohol or prohibitionist in their approach, Sober in the Country openly discusses the link between rural mental health and alcohol harm using straight talk, humour, and the simple truth.
 
#OK2SAYNO
 
https://www.soberinthecountry.org/