Beyond The Back Paddock

Summary
Kendall White, founder of the Blue Tree Project, shares her journey of growing up in the central wheat belt of Western Australia and the inspiration behind the project. The Blue Tree Project aims to spark conversations and break down the stigma surrounding mental health. Kendall discusses the impact of the project, the growth of blue trees internationally, and the significance of individual trees. She also provides tips for reducing mental health stigma and shares her vision for the future of the project. In this conversation, Kendall discusses her favourite books, music, quote, and the people who inspire her. She also shares her dream dinner party guests. Additionally, she talks about how to get involved with the Blue Tree Project and emphasizes the importance of self-care and reaching out for help when needed.
Takeaways
Growing up in the country instils resourcefulness, resilience, and an active lifestyle.The Blue Tree Project started as a grassroots movement and has grown to include over 1,000 registered blue trees worldwide.Sharing personal stories and experiences can empower others to seek help and support.Reducing mental health stigma requires mindful language, education, and having an action plan for mental health crises. Reading can be a mindful activity and a good strategy for mindfulness.Kendall recommends the books 'Zero to One' and 'I Am Pilgrim'.Kendall enjoys listening to Frank Sinatra and Beyonce.Her favourite quote is 'I share my story not to share the pain, but to share the hope' from Eddie Jacu's book 'The Happiest Man Alive'.Kendall gathers inspiration from various sources and does not have one particular person who inspires her.Her dream dinner party guests include Dylan Alcott, Serena Williams, Frank Sinatra, Beyonce, and Michelle Obama.To get involved with the Blue Tree Project, visit their website for information on volunteering, events, mental health awareness sessions, and merchandise.Kendall encourages self-care and reaching out for help when struggling.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Kendall White and the Blue Tree Project03:02 Kendall's upbringing in the central wheat belt of Western Australia05:12 Education and boarding school experience08:03 Lessons learned from growing up in the country11:29 The story behind the first Blue Tree14:46 The growth and impact of the Blue Tree Project17:29 Breaking the stigma around mental health21:30 Reflecting on mental health knowledge and awareness22:41 The international reach of the Blue Tree Project24:46 The significance of individual Blue Trees26:52 Creating curiosity and starting conversations29:40 The future of the Blue Tree Project35:27 Self-care and wellbeing practices38:16 Tips and tricks for reducing mental health stigma43:44 Expanding the Blue Tree Project and future plans46:48 Building resilient communities and support networks48:27 Random questions and conclusion48:30 Favourite Books50:30 Favourite Music51:48 Favourite Quote52:44 Who Inspires You53:47 Dream Dinner Party Guests55:22 Getting Involved with the Blue Tree Project57:30 Final Message

Summary
In this episode, Mick Walsh, an educator, speaker, and author, shares his journey and insights on building resilience and well-being. He discusses his early career as a teacher and coach, emphasizing the importance of resilience and the development of keystone habits. Mick also talks about his work in Kyabram and the impact of community and relationships on resilience. He introduces his framework for building strengths and highlights the significance of small actions and caring for others. Mick emphasizes the role of teachers and leaders in being the picture on the box and inspiring others to share their stories and pay it forward. In this conversation, Mick Walsh discusses the importance of building confidence and connection, the role of self-awareness and empathy in emotional intelligence, and the impact of screens on interpersonal skills. He also highlights the illusion of social media and the need to do hard things. Additionally, he explores the consequences of overprotection, the power of real-life experiences, and the importance of tying theory to real-life examples. He emphasizes the value of kindness and community support, the significance of family and personal connections, and the importance of authenticity and real relationships. Finally, he expresses appreciation for community support and the opportunity to make a difference.
Takeaways
Building confidence and connection is essential for effective communication.Self-awareness and empathy are key components of emotional intelligence.Excessive screen time can negatively impact interpersonal skills.Social media can create an unrealistic view of the world.Doing hard things is often the right thing to do.Overprotection can hinder the development of resilience and immune systems.Real-life experiences are valuable for personal growth.Tying theory to real-life examples enhances understanding.Kindness and community support are powerful forces for positive change.Family and personal connections are important for personal well-being.Authenticity and real relationships are more valuable than fame and fortune.Appreciation for community support and the opportunity to make a difference.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background02:11 Early Career and Resilience06:18 Teaching in Sunshine West High School08:04 Building Resilience through Sports10:42 Moving to Kyabram and Coaching Football16:15 Starting Learning Curve20:10 Shift in Education and Focus on Well-being23:55 Framework for Building Strengths25:14 Importance of Doing to Become28:10 Importance of Personable Skills29:03 The Framework for Building Strengths35:33 The Power of Little Things38:11 Resilience in Rural Communities44:49 The Importance of Caring and Selflessness46:56 The Five Steps Before Teaching50:15 Being the Picture on the Box51:00 The Power of Sharing and Paying It Forward51:28 Building Confidence and Connection52:55 The Importance of Self-Awareness and Empathy54:31 The Impact of Screens on Interpersonal Skills56:15 The Illusion of Social Media57:19 The Value of Doing Hard Things57:49 The Consequences of Overprotection59:07 The Power of Real-Life Experiences59:55 The Importance of Tying Theory to Real-Life Examples01:01:41 The Need for Kindness and Community Support01:02:50 The Importance of Family and Personal Connections01:05:29 The Value of Authenticity and Real Relationships01:06:44 Appreciation for Community Support and Making a Difference

Catherine is the third generation in her family to start a career in horticulture, working from her father's packing shed and wholesale markets to becoming the managing director of her family business.
Catherine has expanded the business to supply leading supermarkets while also diversifying into education, Veg Education to be exact where Catherine brings her love of vegetables and the industry directly to the next generation via a variety of unique school and community programs
Catherine is paving the way for women in the food and agricultural industry.
Please enjoy this episode of the Beyond The Back Paddock Podcast

Summary
In this episode, Warren Davies interviews Jason Banks, the head of partnerships at TIACS, a mental health support service for blue-collar workers in Australia. Jason shares his personal journey and the story of how TIACS was founded. He discusses the importance of mental health support in the workplace and the challenges faced by the blue-collar industry. Jason also highlights the need for continuity of care and the impact of funding on mental health services. The episode concludes with a discussion on favourite books. In this conversation, Jason Banks discusses the importance of reaching out for support and the barriers that often prevent people from doing so. He also shares his love for country music and how it provides a sense of relaxation and storytelling. Jason's favourite quote, 'Be humble, be brave, be you,' emphasizes the importance of authenticity and making bold decisions. He then imagines a dinner with influential figures from different fields. The conversation concludes with reflections on change and history, as well as information on how to connect with TIACS.
Takeaways
Mental health support is crucial in the workplace, especially for blue-collar workers.Continuity of care and long-term sustainability are important factors in mental health services.It is essential to remove barriers to accessing mental health support, such as stigma, anxiety, and physical distance.Early intervention and ongoing support are key to maintaining mental well-being.Personal experiences and stories can help break down barriers and encourage others to seek help. Reaching out for support is crucial, regardless of the level of care needed.Country music provides a sense of relaxation and storytelling.Being humble, brave, and authentic is essential in making decisions and staying true to oneself.Reflecting on history and change helps us appreciate the progress made and the challenges faced.TIACS aims to be a mental health support service that people recommend to their friends.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background06:16 Jason's Personal Journey13:59 The Story of TIACS27:54 Statistics and Feedback38:25 Favourite Books41:20 The Importance of Reaching Out42:03 The Power of Country Music42:48 Be Humble, Be Brave, Be You44:07 Dinner with Influential Figures46:28 Reflecting on Change and History47:43 Connecting with TIACS48:55 The Vision of TIACS49:08 Appreciation and Farewell

Summary
In this episode, Warren interviews Marie McPherson, a leader, mentor, businesswoman, and author. Marie shares her journey from growing up in a regional town to becoming a social worker, CEO, and leadership development coach. She discusses her current business, where she helps leaders lean into their roles and lead as their best selves. Marie also talks about her experience as an author and the lessons she has learned along the way. She shares her favorite books, music, and quotes, and reveals the five people she would invite to a dream dinner.
Takeaways
Leadership can be lonely and thankless, but it is also rewarding and the most fulfilling thing one can do.Being authentic and true to oneself is crucial in leadership and in life.Asking for help is a sign of strength and self-leadership.Time is precious, and it is important to make the most of it.Curiosity is a valuable trait that can lead to growth and learning.Resilience, capability, wisdom, and self-knowledge are qualities that can be developed and nurtured.All shall be well, and all manner of things shall be well.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background02:24 Early Life and Career Trajectory09:52 Current Business and Helping Others15:29 Lessons Learned from Career19:24 Journey of Becoming an Author29:00 Lessons Learned about Self38:16 Favourite Book, Music, and Quote44:10 Dream Dinner Guests46:21 Conclusion and Contact Information