Beyond The Back Paddock

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

Wally Lewis, a rugby league legend, discusses his love for sport, early influences, and memorable moments in his career. He reflects on the support of his family and the emotional experiences of playing for Queensland and Australia.
Wally also shares the story behind his nickname 'King' and compares the NRL and AFL.
He opens up about his battle with epilepsy and the successful surgery that changed his life.
Wally then reveals his diagnosis of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) and the impact it had on his memory and career.
Wally discusses the impact of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) on his memory and daily life. He shares his experience transitioning from being a news presenter to retirement and the challenges he faced. Lewis talks about dealing with questions about his forgetfulness and the importance of relying on his diary and support from his partner. He emphasizes the need to seek help and support and shares his journey in managing sleep patterns and sleep apnea.
Wally encourages others to speak up and ask for help, and highlights the importance of consistency, routine, and proper training in contact sports. He concludes by advocating for a safer game and the need for more research and care.
 
Takeaways:
Sport is a privilege and a significant part of life that should be cherished.
Family support and teamwork are crucial for success in sports.
Memorable moments and achievements in a sporting career bring immense joy and pride.
Health challenges, such as epilepsy and CTE, can have a profound impact on an athlete's life. CTE can have a significant impact on memory and daily life.
Relying on a diary and support from loved ones can help manage forgetfulness.
Seeking help and support is crucial in dealing with CTE and related symptoms.
Proper sleep patterns and treatment for sleep apnea can improve overall wellbeing.
Promoting safety, proper technique, and head positioning in contact sports is essential to reduce the risk of CTE.
More research and care are needed to better understand and address CTE.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Appreciation of Sport
01:34 Early Sporting Influences
03:23 Thrilling Moments in Wally's Career
06:13 First-Grade Debut and Family Support
07:37 Playing for Queensland and Australia
09:17 Emotional Moments with Parents
10:02 Becoming the 'King'
14:02 Comparison of NRL and AFL
16:28 Challenges in Expanding Rugby League
16:32 Dealing with Epilepsy
24:01 Memory Issues and Career Impact
30:27 Unfamiliarity with CTE and Fear of the Future
32:49 Impact of CTE on Memory
33:49 Transition from News Presenter to Retirement
34:16 Dealing with Questions about Forgetfulness
35:38 Relying on Diary and Support from Others
36:55 Importance of Seeking Help and Support
39:00 Managing Sleep Patterns and Sleep Apnea
40:49 Speaking Up and Asking for Help
42:01 Importance of Consistency and Routine
43:25 Addressing Sleep Issues and Sleep Apnea Treatment
44:21 Taking Control of Health and Wellbeing
46:49 Understanding the Causes of CTE
50:19 Promoting Safety and Proper Training in Contact Sports
52:43 Importance of Correct Technique and Head Positioning
54:47 Accepting the Need for Recovery and Rest
57:43 Influence of Father in Developing Rugby League Skills
01:00:06 Learning from Past Mistakes
01:02:42 Encouraging Proper Training and Safety Measures
01:05:45 The Need for More Research and Care
01:06:37 Reflecting on Personal Experience and Changes
01:08:49 Desire for a Safer Game
01:08:57 Closing Remarks

Welcome to beyond the back paddock podcast. I hope you enjoyed the last episode with exercise physiologist Tory Trewhitt.
Continuing on the theme of adding tools to you mental health and well being toolbox todays guest is Dr Marny Lishman.
 
Marny is a Health & Community Psychologist, Author, Wellbeing & Mindset Coach, Keynote Speaker, Media Commentator and Channel 9 Perth’s Resident Psychologist.
 
Marny delivers inspirational and influential presentations to audiences to arm them with the psychological tools to increase their own psychological capability and flexibility to fit with todays fast-moving and uncertain world.
 
She holds a Bachelor Degree in Psychology as well as a Doctor of Psychology degree, with Health & Community Psychology speciality titles.
 
Marny is a sought after national mental health & wellbeing expert that provides commentary on a variety of mental health topics on TV, radio and in print. She is the Resident Psychologist on Channel Nine’s '9 News at 5' in Perth and has been a columnist for Australia’s Body + Soul, & The Sunday Times.
We discusses the impact of grief and loss, the importance of breaking down stigma and barriers to mental health, and strategies for managing stress and preventing burnout. She emphasizes the need for authenticity and shared wisdom in conversations about mental health and highlights the power of recognizing and addressing stress in our lives.
Marny also shares her personal journey and the motivation behind writing her book on Burnout To Brilliant.
The conversation covers the themes of trust, slowing down, burnout, and contacting Marny Lishman.
Marny emphasizes the importance of trusting the process and slowing down instead of constantly pushing and hustling.
 
This is a great chat full of useful tools to implement into you daily lives. Please enjoy
Webisite:
https://www.marnylishman.com.au/
Burnout To Brilliant:
https://www.booktopia.com.au/burnout-to-brilliant-marny-lishman/book/9781922848505.html
 
 
Takeaways:
Grief and loss can deeply impact and change us, and it is important to reflect on these experiences and their cumulative effects on our outlook on life.
Psychologists and mental health professionals are also human and experience their own ups and downs, and it is important to practice self-care and use the tools and techniques we recommend to our clients.
Breaking down stigma and normalizing conversations about mental health is crucial in order to reach and help more people who may not seek professional help.
Burnout is a combination of mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual exhaustion, and recognizing the symptoms is the first step in managing and preventing it.
Setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care are essential for maintaining mental health and preventing burnout.
Designing a healthy life after burnout involves reflecting on what is truly important to us and incorporating healthy rituals and practices into our daily lives.
Authenticity and shared wisdom are powerful tools in the mental health space, as they create connections and provide valuable insights and support.
Chapters:
 
00:00Introduction and Background
04:01 The Impact of Grief and Loss
08:29 Breaking Down Stigma and Barriers to Mental Health
10:56 The Importance of Normalizing Mental Health
11:48 Writing a Book on Burnout
14:26 Understanding Burnout and Its Symptoms
17:54 Setting Boundaries for Self-Care
21:02 Strategies for Managing Stress
23:35 Recognizing and Addressing Stress
26:21 Designing a Healthy Life After Burnout
36:12 The Power of Authenticity and Shared Wisdom
39:07 Random Questions and Insights
43:19 Trust and Slowing Down
44:04 Salad and Squirrels
44:44 Burnout and Insight
45:13 Contacting Marny Lishman

Graduating from one of Australia’s Elite sporting universities, Tory Trewhitt is one of Melbourne’s most respected Exercise Physiologists – having worked as a senior physiologist for BUPA in the UK. Having played football as a semi professional, Tory was naturally drawn to athletes and the science behind improving athletic ability. This pursuit of athletic excellence led Tory to undertake a sports science scholarship at the prestigious Victorian Institute of Sport (VIS) in 1998. Following Tory’s time at the VIS, he became heavily involved in competitive running, having completed an incredible 14 half marathons between 1999-2007. Tory’s passion for competing led him to run the Comrades Ultra Marathon in South Africa in both 2007 & 2008 as well as; • The Mark Webber Challenge – 500km in 5 days in 2007• The 100km Tan Ultra Marathon in 2008 It wasn’t long before Tory became one of Melbourne’s most sought after Athletic conditioning coaches & developed a reputation for challenging clients to push through their mental barriers.
In this conversation, Tory shares his journey from the health and fitness industry to hospitality and back again.
He discusses the importance of practicing what you preach and staying in your lane.
Tory emphasizes the need for personal health accountability and setting boundaries to avoid burnout. He highlights the link between physical and mental health and the benefits of exercise. Tory also provides simple tips and strategies for incorporating exercise and nutrition into daily life.
He also shares his goal of making an impact on men's health and the importance of finding a mentor.
The conversation explores the importance of supportive networks, building a well-rounded team, filtering advice, and keeping things simple.
The main takeaways include the need for a diverse support system, the importance of seeking expertise in different areas, and the value of simplicity in decision-making and problem-solving.
 
Takeaways
Practice what you preach and stay in your lane.
Set boundaries and prioritize your personal health.
Consistency and variety are key in exercise and nutrition.
Find a mentor and learn from their success.
Chapters
00:00Introduction
00:56Moment that Changed Perspective
05:12Background in Physical Fitness
09:09Key Themes in Health and Fitness
16:31Burnout and Overwhelm
19:26Link Between Physical and Mental Health
25:12Importance of Consistency and Variety
29:06Simple Tips and Strategies
36:02Goal to Impact Men's Health
43:41Advice to Younger Self
45:42The Importance of Supportive Networks
46:27Building a Well-Rounded Team
47:06Filtering Advice and Keeping it Simple
47:56Key Takeaways
 
 

The moment that you meet Adam Wake you are captivated by his energy, enthusiasm and passion.
His passion has and continues to be working to provide better life opportunities for children.
Adam joined Cottage by the Sea in Queenscliff as CEO in 2019, and that is where our paths crossed. I have been privileged to be an Ambassador at Cottage for many years.
The Cottage was founded in 1890 in Queenscliff, Victoria as the Ministering Children’s League by Annie Hitchcock and Elizabeth Calder, the vision has always been that every child deserves a happy and healthy childhood. Our rich history continues to this day.
Located only a stone’s throw from the beach, Cottage by the Sea aim to empower young people by providing them with inspiration, fun and opportunity through our four tailored programs – Take A Break, REEF, Mentor and National.
The young people who attend are chosen with the help of schools and welfare agencies from all around Australia.
Prior to taking on the role at Cottage by the Sea, Adam had spent 11years managing the Lions Village Licola Inc (LVL). A not-for-profit, 270-bed outdoor education camp in remote Victoria.  Many of the children welcomed to LVL are either disadvantaged, disabled or disengaged and have enjoyed rewarding, if not life changing, experiences.
Adam's resume is quite impressive. He has held management roles in outdoor education around the world including Australia, England, Scotland, Ireland and Venezuela. He holds a law degree and also worked as an Investment Banker in London.
In addition to a valuable career experience, Adam has training in mental health first aid, childhood trauma, child protection and a range of professional studies that support his role as CEO of Cottage by the Sea.
Adam also pushes his own personal boundaries undertaking and competing in some extreme ultra marathon events across the world.
Adam has great values, where his family are at the core.
This is a great chat. Please enjoy.
To find out more information or to support the ongoing programs at Cottage By The Sea. Go to www.cottagebythesea.com.au