Beyond The Back Paddock

Summary
 
In this episode of Beyond the Backpaddock, Kevin Sullivan shares his remarkable journey from a nearly 30-year career in the police force to becoming a full-time musician. He discusses life-changing moments, including a serious injury that altered his path, his experiences in crime scene investigation, and the impact of trauma and PTSD on his life. Kevin also reflects on his transition to music, the importance of family, and the lessons learned along the way, emphasizing that it's never too late to pursue one's dreams.
 
Takeaways
Kevin Sullivan served nearly 30 years in the police force.
A life-changing injury led him to reevaluate his career.
He transitioned from banking to policing, seeking excitement.
His experiences in crime scene investigation were intense and traumatic.
PTSD developed from his years in the police force.
He became a bomb technician for the 2000 Olympics.
Music became his outlet and eventually his full-time career.
Family plays a crucial role in his life and music.
He emphasizes the importance of mental health support.
It's never too late to chase your dreams.
find out more about Kevin at www.kevinsullivanmusic.com.au

G'day, welcome to the Beyond the Back Paddock Podcast. 
This is series three of the podcast and today's guest is an exceptional guest. I've  been really looking forward to interviewing Sally Jones.
Sally is the co-founder of Gippsland Jersey and she joins me today and shares a lot of her story and the inspiration for her to start her own milk brand and to be a mental health advocate and community leader that she is today. 
In this conversation, Sallie Jones shares a poignant story about a life-changing moment that led to reflections on loss and grief. The discussion delves into the emotional impact of such experiences and the importance of understanding and processing grief.
 
Takeaways
Life-changing moments can redefine our perspectives.
Grief is a complex and personal journey.
Understanding loss requires empathy and patience.
Sharing personal stories can help in healing.
It's important to check in on loved ones.
Conversations about mental health are crucial.
Support systems play a vital role in coping with grief.
Processing emotions takes time and self-compassion.
Every individual's experience with loss is unique.
Finding meaning in loss can lead to personal growth.
This episode is dedicated to my cousin Wayne Thomas, who always listened, gave me encouragement to pursuit the creation of The Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast. 

After a few weeks off the Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast is back with an amazing guest. Paul Taylor.
Paul and I have bumped into each other on a number of occasions at Cottage by the Sea Queenscliff events where he has been presenting. Every time I have heard Paul's presentation it has challenged my thinking.
A former British Royal Navy Aircrew Officer and former Research Professor at the University of San Francisco,Paul is an Exercise Physiologist, Nutritionist and Neuroscientist who is currently completing a PhD in Applied Psychology, where he is developing and testing resilience strategies with the Australian Defence Science Technology Group.
A Podcast host, published Author and TV presenter through his program Body and Brain Overhaul, he was twice voted Australian Fitness Industry presenter of the year.
Paul has a proven track record in leadership, management and dealing in high-pressure situations, through his former roles as an Airborne Anti-submarine Warfare Officer and a Helicopter Search-And-Rescue Crew Member with the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and has undergone rigorous Combat Survival and Resistance-to-Interrogation Training.
Paul doesn’t just talk about resilience - he lives it.
Enjoy listening to Episode 23 of the podcast by subscribing and downloading it at www.beyondthebackpaddock.com.au
 
Takeaways:
Paul Taylor's decision to join the armed forces was influenced by a moment in India and a desire for discipline in his life.
The military provided Paul with a sense of camaraderie and purpose, but transitioning to civilian life can be challenging, especially in terms of finding a new identity.
Paul's experience in the military and his passion for helping others led him to become an educator and speaker, focusing on behavior change and helping people become better versions of themselves.
He is currently pursuing a PhD in psychology and working with the Australian military on resilience and peak performance. Building stress fitness and resilience requires implementing strategies and tools.
Hormesis is the concept that sublethal exposure to stressors can induce stress resistance.
Recovery and balance are crucial in managing stress.
Focusing on what is within our control and finding the silver lining in difficult situations can help build resilience.
Character development is important for personal growth and well-being.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Shared Wisdom
02:28 The Impact of a Moment in India
05:06 Joining the Armed Forces and Challenges of Transitioning to Civilian Life
09:16 Helicopter Search and Rescue
12:24 Camaraderie and Loss of Identity
21:18 Pursuing a PhD in Psychology and Working with the Australian Military
22:11 Moving Beyond Resilience: Stress Fitness
24:02 Building Stress Fitness and Resilience
26:17 The Power of Sublethal Stressors
29:09 Hormesis: Building Strength through Stress
32:31 Focusing on What is Within Our Control
35:16 Finding the Silver Lining in Difficult Situations
45:28 Character Development: A Path to Personal Growth

Todays' guest on the podcast is Sam Fryer, a podcast host and regional area manager for QRIDA.
Sam's personal journey, including the impact of having a sibling with a disability, his career in agriculture, and his podcast 'A Place to Call Home' which focuses on the next generation in agriculture and succession planning.
Sam also opens up about his struggles with mental health and the importance of seeking support.
In this conversation, Sam and Warren discuss the importance of talking about mental health and the tools they use to maintain their own mental well-being.
They emphasise the power of sharing personal stories and experiences to inspire others to do the same.
Sam shares his routine of exercise, healthy eating, and reading before bed as strategies to support his mental health. They also discuss the benefits of getting involved in community activities and finding hobbies outside of work. Sam reveals his hidden talent for singing and his dream of flying. The conversation concludes with advice to back oneself and not worry about the opinions of others.
 
Takeaways:
Sam Fryer's perspective on life was shaped by growing up with a sibling with a disability, which taught him gratitude and a broader perspective on challenges.
Sam is passionate about agriculture and the beef industry, and he works as a regional area manager for Q-Rider, providing concessional loans and disaster support to primary producers.
Sam's podcast, 'A Place to Call Home', focuses on the next generation in agriculture and shares stories of people who have pursued different paths to become primary producers.
Succession planning in agriculture is a complex topic, and Sam aims to provide resources and different perspectives to help the next generation navigate this process.
Sam has faced his own mental health challenges and emphasizes the importance of seeking support and taking care of one's mental well-being.
The conversation also touches on the diversity of rural areas in Queensland and the vibrancy of the younger generation returning to rural communities. Talking about mental health and sharing personal stories can help both the speaker and the listener.
Maintaining mental well-being requires a routine that includes exercise, healthy eating, and quality sleep.
Getting involved in community activities and finding hobbies outside of work can provide a sense of fulfillment and help reset the mind.
Having a supportive partner or friend is crucial in maintaining mental health.
Backing oneself and not worrying about the opinions of others is important for personal growth and happiness.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Personal Perspective
08:14 Q-RIDA and Supporting Primary Producers
28:55 Reaching Out for Support
35:13 The Benefits of Community Involvement and Hobbies
43:28 Dreams of Flying

This week with some of the tragic events and uncertainty that's in the world, today's guest has come at a perfect time. He is on a journey to make the world a brighter place, one sock at a time and much, much more.
Aiden Clarke is the general manager of We Are Posi.
Posi Socks was a business founded by Trent and Brooke Cotchin back in 2020. And has now been rebranded as We Are Posi. And is a business that lives, breeds and promotes, shares positivity throughout the community.
We Are Posi exists to make the world a better place, more positive place. And through their content messaging and how they show up, they wanna be the best part of someone's day. 
Aiden's journey from leading as the general manager at We Are Posi to previous roles as head of operations at AFL Publications and his earlier years as the head strength and conditioning coach at the old Caulfield Grammarians football club, he has learnt the art of blending strategic vision with hands -on leadership, whether it's optimising the team's performance on the field or spreading positivity into the community via posse socks or we are posse.
He's all in.
Beyond business, Aiden is passionate about mental health and wellbeing and championing positivity in the community. He has his own story and life's challenges are real. But Aidan believes that mindset can change how you feel. 
Takeaways:
A pivotal moment can lead to seeking help and making positive changes.
Comparing oneself to others can contribute to mental health struggles.
The educational system should consider individual needs and provide support.
Internal dialogue can be both supportive and critical.
Seeking help for mental health issues is essential and can be a challenging process. Finding the right mental health professional may require persistence and determination.
The stigma surrounding mental health still exists, but society is slowly shifting.
Empathy and understanding are essential in mental health discussions.
Daily tools such as keeping a tidy space, exercising, and reading can help navigate mental health challenges.
We Are Posi aims to spread positivity and make a positive impact in the world.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:55 A Pivotal Moment
05:58 Transition to Corporate World
07:56 Struggles in School
13:55 Mental Health Journey
34:42 The Importance of Finding the Right Mental Health Professional
36:07 Barriers to Conversations about Mental Health
37:21 The Stigma Surrounding Mental Health
39:12 Empathy and Understanding in Mental Health Discussions
41:38 The Impact of Mental Health Awareness on Support Networks
44:15 Daily Tools for Navigating Mental Health
47:53 Introduction to We Are Pozzy
52:58 The Mission of We Are Pozzy
56:11 The Power of Curiosity in Mental Health
59:32 Unfulfilled Childhood Dreams

Leila McDougall, a magnetic entrepreneur and influential advocate for Women in Agriculture, is on a mission to promote, support, and celebrate farming life. Her diverse career, spanning from fashion designer to rural teacher, now sees her donning the hat of filmmaker, spearheading her latest venture – the feature film
“Just a Farmer”. 
Official Trailer to Just A Farmer
Summary:
Leila shares her journey from growing up on a farm to becoming an advocate for mental health in rural communities.
She discusses her experience with dyslexia and how it shaped her as an educator. Leila also talks about her involvement in various initiatives, such as starting a non-profit organization and participating in pageants, to raise awareness about mental health and promote agriculture.
She explains her motivation behind releasing a movie that highlights the challenges faced by farmers and encourages conversations about mental health and the undervalued role of farmers in society.
The conversation explores the key themes of mental health, generational mental health, the impact of suicide on families, the silence surrounding suicide, and the importance of open communication. Leila shares her personal experiences and research on these topics, highlighting the stigma and blame associated with suicide.
The movie 'The Farmer' addresses these themes and aims to start conversations and raise awareness. Leila also discusses her goals and dreams, including winning an Academy Award and continuing to tell Australian stories.
 
Takeaways:
Leila's experience with dyslexia taught her to embrace her unique abilities and use them to solve problems.
She is passionate about helping others and has been involved in various initiatives to raise awareness about mental health and support rural communities.
Leila believes in the power of storytelling and wanted to create a movie that would generate empathy and understanding for farmers and their mental health struggles.
She hopes that the movie will spark conversations and encourage people to appreciate the sacrifices made by farmers and the importance of mental health in rural communities. Mental health is a key theme in the movie 'The Farmer', addressing topics such as despair, failure, guilt, shame, stigma, and the impact of suicide on families.
The movie highlights the blame and stigma associated with suicide, particularly towards the spouse of the deceased.
The silence surrounding suicide is a significant issue, with people avoiding conversations and not offering support to those affected.
Generational mental health is explored, with the movie depicting the impact of mental health struggles within families.
Open communication and support within families are crucial in navigating mental health challenges.
Leila's goals include continuing to act and tell Australian stories, with a dream of winning an Academy Award.
The movie 'The Farmer' aims to start conversations, raise awareness, and potentially save lives by addressing mental health and rural challenges.
 
 
Chapters:
 
00:00 Introduction and Childhood
02:54 The Power of Conversation
09:03 Embracing Dyslexia and Becoming an Educator
13:36 From Farming to Advocacy
21:12 Leila's Acting Journey
26:57 The Motivation Behind the Movie
29:38 Shining a Light on Farmers and Mental Health
33:29 Exploring Mental Health in 'The Farmer'
44:31 The Impact of Suicide on Families
49:06 Generational Mental Health
53:02 The Stigma and Blame Surrounding Suicide
56:33 The Power of Open Communication
59:28 Leila's Dreams and Goals
 
Official Trailer to Just 

Cynthia Mahoney is a facilitator, coach, mentor, speaker and author with a passion for personal disruption, neuroscience, positive psychology, courageous conversations, human performance and well-being. Her mantra (taken from the latest neuroscience research) is that “Happier people are higher performing,” and she strives to help leaders and teams achieve this in the workplace.
Her first book, Cultivate: How Neuroscience and Well-Being support Rural Leaders to Thrive, helps leaders understand how to use the latest brain science and positive psychology and add to their toolkits with practical ways to thrive in our modern world that is full of disruption and change.
Cynthia is passionate about working with people to develop their life and leadership skills and to increase diversity and participation in decision-making in industry, government and the community. She’s a strong believer in bringing people together to identify issues, exchange ideas and develop solutions that work for them, their business or organisation, their family and community.
In this chat Cynthia shares her personal story and the moment that changed her perspective on life.
She discusses the challenges of identity and ego, particularly in the context of farming.
Cynthia also talks about her background and career in agriculture, including her transition to facilitation and coaching. She highlights the importance of authentic leadership and cultivating a positive work environment.
Cynthia provides insights on how individuals can cultivate their own leadership skills. In this conversation, the importance of self-care and wellbeing as a leadership skill. She emphasizes the need for leaders to prioritize their own wellbeing in order to set an example for others.
Cynthia also highlights the significance of personal accountability and self-awareness in leadership, explores the negative impact of treating leadership as a tick-box exercise and emphasizes the importance of cultivating a positive organisational culture.
Cynthia discusses the role of reducing stress and making better decisions in effective leadership. She also emphasizes the need for creating a psychological safe environment and shifting from transactional to relational workplaces. Cynthia shares the wisdom of Taylor Swift and the importance of being authentic and true to oneself. Lastly, she reveals the story behind her dog Alfie's name and invites listeners to connect with her and her work.
 
 
Takeaways:
Authentic leadership involves being true to oneself and walking the talk.
Leaders should challenge and develop their team members, providing clear feedback and accountability.
Effective leaders create cultivating environments that prioritize the well-being and growth of their team members.
Leadership is not limited to formal positions and can be demonstrated in various aspects of life. Self-care and wellbeing are essential leadership skills.
Personal accountability and self-awareness are crucial for effective leadership.
Leadership should not be treated as a tick-box exercise; it requires genuine commitment and integrity.
Creating a positive organizational culture is vital for success.
Reducing stress and making better decisions are key aspects of effective leadership.
Psychological safety is essential for creating a supportive work environment.
Shifting from transactional to relational workplaces fosters greater employee engagement and satisfaction.
Being authentic and true to oneself is a powerful leadership quality.
Finding joy and inspiration in passions, such as sports, can enhance overall wellbeing.
Embracing and utilizing one's unique talents can contribute to personal and professional success.
Connecting with others and seeking support is important for personal and professional growth.
Chapters:
 
00:00 Introduction and Personal Story
01:10 Moment that Changed Perspective on Life
08:11 Loss of Identity in Farming
10:14 Background and Career in Agriculture
13:12 Transition to Facilitation and Coaching
31:23 What Leadership Looks Like
40:27 Cultivating Leadership Skills
41:24 The Importance of Self-Care and Wellbeing
43:00 Personal Accountability and Self-Awareness
45:01 Leadership as a Tick-Box Exercise
46:31 Cultivating a Positive Organizational Culture
48:49 Reducing Stress and Making Better Decisions
51:26 Creating a Psychological Safe Environment
53:20 The Shift from Transactional to Relational Workplaces
56:05 Being Authentic and True to Yourself
58:38 The Wisdom of Taylor Swift
01:02:59 Embracing Your Unique Talents
01:09:49 The Story Behind Alfie's Name
01:12:09 Connecting with Cynthia and Her Work
 
https://cynthiamahoney.com.au

Summary
 
Narelle Fraser was a member of Victoria Police for 27 years, 15 of those as a Detective with squads including Homicide, Rape, Sex Crimes, Missing Persons & Child Exploitation, specialising in sex offences & child abuse.   She was involved in many high-profile criminal investigations.
In 2012 Narelle was diagnosed with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) & was never able to return to Policing, however she overcame many adversities to become a mental health advocate, keynote speaker & true-crime podcaster where she openly discusses stress in the workplace & the challenges of first responders facing trauma & grief on a daily basis. 
She discusses a life-changing moment during a counseling course with Lifeline that led her to become a policewoman. Narelle highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in policing, particularly in cases involving child abuse and sex offenders. She also shares her transition into keynote speaking and the impact of her work in the police force.
In this conversation, Narelle shares her experiences in solving high-profile cases and the impact it had on her mental health. She recounts the discovery of Maria James' body in the boot of a car and the emotional toll it took on her. Narelle also discusses the Anna and Gracie Sharp case, where she found the bodies of a murdered mother and her 17-month-old daughter.
She opens up about her diagnosis of PTSD and the challenges she faced in accepting her mental illness.
Narelle concludes by reflecting on the impact of the floods on her mental health and sharing her hidden talent for making roast potatoes.
 
TakeawaysSolving high-profile cases can have a significant impact on the mental health of detectives, leading to conditions such as PTSD.
Accepting and seeking help for mental illness is crucial for recovery and well-being.
The emotional toll of traumatic experiences can be long-lasting and may require ongoing support.
Sharing vulnerabilities can be a strength and help connect with others who have had similar experiences.
Sound Bites
 
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Life-Changing Moment
04:15 Becoming a Policewoman
07:07 Challenges and Growth in the Police Force
09:03 Dream Job and Keynote Speaking
14:39 Career in the Victorian Police Force
25:42 Child Abuse and Sex Offender Cases
28:46 Maria Corp Investigation
44:49 Finding Maria James
45:43 Discovering Maria in the Boot
47:21 Maria's Rescue
48:16 Tanya's Involvement
49:03 The Anna and Gracie Sharp Case
49:56 Emotional Impact of the Cases
52:12 Encounter with Victor Pierce
59:23 Diagnosis of PTSD
01:05:23 Impact of Floods on Mental Health
01:18:21 Hidden Talent: Making Roast Potatoes
01:19:09 Memorable Advice: Stop Comparing Yourself