It’s that stage where nothing in your life looks wrong. Everything is working. Your days are full, your family is cared for, the farm is moving, and on paper it all makes sense. But underneath that, something doesn’t feel quite right anymore.

It doesn’t hit when life is busy. In those seasons, you don’t have time to think about it. It shows up in the quiet moments… when you’re doing the school pick-up, folding the washing, sitting in the ute for a minute. Those small, in-between moments where your mind drifts and you catch yourself thinking… is this it?

And then just as quickly, you move on.

This episode sits in that space. The space before anything changes. Before you’ve said it out loud. Before you’ve figured out what to do next.

Because sometimes the hardest part isn’t that something isn’t working… it’s admitting it.

We talk about the tension of loving your life but still wanting more, the guilt that comes with that, and the fear of what it might mean if you actually let yourself be honest about it.

If you’ve ever felt like something is slightly off but you can’t quite explain why, or you’ve had that quiet thought of “I want more… or something” and then pushed it away, this episode will feel familiar.

And if you are sitting in that space right now, this is exactly why I created Back to Herself. Not for when everything is clear, but for this stage… when you can feel it, but you haven’t quite known what to do with it yet.

The waitlist is open now, and early bird opens next week.

In this episode, I talk about:

• The quiet awareness that something doesn’t feel right, even when life looks good on the outside
• Why this feeling shows up in the quiet moments, not the busy ones
• The small, passing thoughts we brush off (is this it? what if I did something different?)
• The difference between comparison and curiosity
• The weight of saying “I want more” and the guilt that comes with it
• How we soften or explain away what we’re really feeling
• Outgrowing the version of yourself that built your current life
• When routines and habits that once supported you start to feel restrictive
• The fear of what change might mean for your identity, your family, and your role
• Why we stay where we are, even when it doesn’t feel quite right anymore
• The “in-between” space before anything changes
• Why admitting it is often the hardest part

Back to Herself Waitlist

Contact Jess

Instagram @thejess.knight

www.jessknight.com

Calving, sickness in the house, the boys starting football, in-laws away, building Back to Herself in the background. Nothing unusual on its own, but all sitting together at once. And in that, I started noticing something I think a lot of women experience, but don’t always name.

How responsibility doesn’t just sit in your life… it slowly becomes your life.

From the outside, it often looks like everything is working. You’re showing up, getting things done, holding everything together. People tell you you’re doing well, that you handle so much, that you make it look easy. And maybe part of you believes that, because you are doing it.

But underneath that, there can be a quieter realisation.

That your life has slowly become a list of roles and responsibilities. Mum. Partner. Farmer. Worker. Community member. The one who remembers everything. The one who manages everything.

And somewhere in that… the person underneath gets quieter.

In this episode, I talk through the moment I first really saw this in myself, sitting in a leadership program where I was asked to describe who I was outside of my roles… and realised I couldn’t. I share how becoming the stay-at-home parent led to a natural progression of taking on more and more responsibility over time, how I became the “default person” for everything in our family, and how that role, while necessary and even valuable, slowly became the framework I lived inside.

We also explore the idea of an “identity state” — the roles and stories we create about who we are, and how over time, they can become so fixed that stepping outside of them feels uncomfortable, or even a bit scary.

This isn’t just about motherhood. This can happen in any area of life. On the farm, in a job, in community roles. Anywhere responsibility keeps building without you really noticing… until one day it feels like too much, or like there’s no space left for you.

This episode isn’t about fixing that.

It’s about recognising it.

Because often, this is the point where things start to shift.

In this episode, I cover:

• How responsibility can slowly become your whole identity
• Why capable women often become the “default person” for everything
• The natural progression of taking on more (and why you don’t notice it happening)
• The hidden weight of responsibility without recognition
• The concept of an “identity state” and how roles become who we are
• The tension of stepping outside a role you’ve lived in for so long
• Why this stage often feels like competence from the outside
• The small, quiet signs that you might have lost touch with yourself
• The question that often begins the shift: when did I last do something just because I wanted to?

If this episode felt familiar, if you found yourself in parts of it, this is exactly the space that Back to Herself is designed for.

It’s not about walking away from your responsibilities or becoming someone new. It’s about creating space to reconnect with who you are underneath all of it, and starting to shift your life in a way that includes you again.

Spots are limited, and women on the waitlist will receive access to a special discount when doors open.

Back to Herself Waitlist

Contact Jess

Instagram @thejess.knight

www.jessknight.com

My oldest has just started high school. My middle son is nearly finished primary school. My youngest is nine and still soft in that way only nine-year-olds can be. And I’m realising that the picture I had — even unconsciously — about what “raising boys” would look like doesn’t quite match reality.

Yes, our house is loud. There are cricket bags in the hallway, football boots under the couch, Minecraft battles in the lounge room and someone being tackled in the kitchen at least once a day. The overstimulation is real.

But underneath the noise and the sport and the wrestling, there’s so much more.

There are frogs and mealworms. There are space facts and wormholes. There are big emotions and quiet worries about fitting in. There are questions about body image and confidence that I didn’t expect boys to carry in the same way girls do. There are conversations at the kitchen bench about anxiety and friendship and what to do when something feels hard.

This episode isn’t about parenting advice. It’s about releasing expectations. About letting go of the unspoken “script” for what boys are meant to be like. About recognising that even in a house full of sport and noise, each child is wired differently.

I share what surprised me, what overwhelmed me when I was younger and didn’t understand little boys at all, and what I’m seeing now as my sons become their own people.

If you’re raising boys — especially in a loud, busy, rural household — I hope this feels like recognition.

In this episode we talk about:

• Why homes with multiple boys can feel overstimulating
• The stereotype of the “boy mum” house — and what it misses
• Raising three very different personalities under one roof
• Supporting a child who doesn’t fit the typical sport mould
• The emotional side of boys that often goes unnoticed
• Body image, confidence and fitting in during the teen years
• The importance of safe adults outside the family

Releasing expectations and letting boys be who they are

@thejess.knight

Join the Back to Herself Waitlist

It got me thinking about connection. How it doesn’t just happen. We have to choose it.

In this episode, I reflect on the nerves of my first big conference, reconnecting with a woman I met five years ago, and how my view of women’s circles has shifted from “woo woo” to deeply practical and grounding.

Connection doesn’t have to be a big event. It might be music time at the library, asking another mum for coffee, joining a class, or sending a message on Instagram.

But it does require effort.

If you’ve been craving connection in this season of rural life, this episode is your gentle reminder that you’re not alone — and that sometimes the bravest thing we can do is simply show up.

In This Episode, I Talk About:

• Walking into a 900-person conference and recognising familiar faces
• The nerves of attending my first big ag event and feeling like I didn’t belong
• Reconnecting with a woman I met five years ago and seeing how much we’ve both changed
• Trying to fit into a corporate agriculture leadership “box”
• Flying to America alone for a retreat and being welcomed into deep connection
• Why women’s circles aren’t as “woo woo” as I once thought
• The history and purpose of women gathering together
• The physical shift I felt from heavy to light in circle
• The fear that stops us from making the effort
• Small, practical ways to create connection in everyday rural life
• Why connection doesn’t just happen — we have to choose it
• An invitation to join the Back to Herself waitlist

@thejess.knight

Join the Back to Herself Waitlist

Not the big moments. Not the holidays or milestones or the things we plan and count down to. Just the ordinary days. The school runs. The washing. The late nights. The conversations we half-listen to because we’re already thinking about what’s next.

This isn’t a new idea. I’ve heard versions of it for years. I’ve nodded along to it. I’ve repeated it. But I don’t think I ever really lived it. I think I’ve been living like today is the obstacle and the good stuff is coming later. Like life will feel better once things slow down, or settle, or reach whatever imaginary point I’ve been waiting for.

Turning forty has stirred something in me. So has farm life. So has motherhood. So has sitting on the couch at the end of another long day and asking, what is this all for? And realising — almost painfully — that this is what it’s for. These days. These moments. The ordinary ones I keep rushing past.

In this episode, I talk honestly about the grief that can come with realising how much time slips by unnoticed. About how easy it is to live for the big moments and miss the life that’s actually happening. About what I’m noticing now — not because I’ve figured it out, but because I don’t want to keep living like this bit doesn’t count.

This episode is for the farm mum who is building a life for her family and quietly wondering when she gets to enjoy it. It’s not about fixing anything. It’s just about staying.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Why most of our lives are made up of ordinary days — and what happens when we treat them like they don’t matter
• How living for holidays, milestones, or “later” can pull us out of the life we’re already in
• A moment on the farm that made it painfully clear what we’re actually doing all of this for
• The grief that can come from realising how much time passes while we’re rushing
• What I’m learning about finding joy and meaning in the everyday — not perfectly, just more honestly

There’s no takeaway. No checklist.
Just something to sit with as you move through your own ordinary days.

Connect with Jess:

@thejess.knight

Join the Grounded Journey Waitlist

Not in a neat, “this would make a good episode” kind of way — more in that nagging, tap-on-the-shoulder way where something just won’t let you go.

I keep coming back to the phrase “you can’t pour from an empty cup” — and how often it gets used in conversations about motherhood. I know what people are trying to say when they use it. I know it usually comes from a good place. But the more I sit with it, the more it feels out of step with the reality of a lot of mothers’ lives.

Because the truth is, mothers pour from empty cups all the time. Not because they’re doing it wrong. Not because they’re failing to prioritise themselves. But because there are seasons where there simply isn’t space to stop and refill before you keep going.

In this episode, I talk through a conversation I had recently with a woman deep in the trenches — little kids, farm business, trying to build something of her own — and how well-meaning advice about “filling her cup” actually added more guilt to an already heavy load.

I reflect on guilt, productivity culture, and the way motherhood is often framed as a problem to optimise your way out of. And I share what I’m slowly learning (and still needing to be reminded of): that feeling overwhelmed, empty, or stretched thin is often a completely normal response to the season you’re in — not a sign that you’re doing something wrong.

I also talk about what actually helps in full, demanding seasons. Not in a fixing way. Not as advice. Just as honest reflection. Things like lowering expectations, adjusting the load where you can, and letting go of the idea that your cup has to be full all the time.

This episode isn’t about solutions or self-care checklists. It’s about recognition. About naming what’s heavy. And about letting the season you’re in make sense.

In this episode, I talk about:

Why the “you can’t pour from an empty cup” idea doesn’t always fit motherhood
How guilt sneaks in and takes up space
The link between productivity culture and self-blame
Why some seasons don’t respond to effort — only time
Letting go of impossible expectations
What actually helps in full, demanding seasons
Adjusting the load instead of trying to fix yourself

Connect with Jess:

@thejess.knight

Join the Grounded Journey Waitlist

I’m scrolling back through my camera roll from 2016 and talking out loud about what comes up. There’s no plan and no tidy storyline — just memories, moments, and the things I notice now that I didn’t have words for at the time.

In 2016, life was full and heavy. I had young children, we were early into farm ownership, and most days were about getting through rather than slowing down. Looking back now, I can see how much I was carrying — the pressure to do everything “right”, the weight of expectation, the way I shut down emotionally just to keep functioning.

This episode isn’t about lessons or advice. It’s about sitting with a season as it really was, noticing who I was then, and offering a bit of compassion to that version of myself.

If you’ve ever looked back at a past season and realised you were carrying more than you knew at the time, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Scrolling through my 2016 photos in real time
  
• Life in a full demanding season with young children and farm life
  
• The pressure I felt to be the “perfect” woman and mother
  
• Comparison, milestones, and quiet guilt
  
• Winter sickness, exhaustion, and long nights
  
• What connection looked like in survival mode
  
• Finding small outlets that kept me going
  
• Hospital stays, premature birth, and emotional shutdown
  
• Looking back with compassion instead of judgement

Connect with Jess:

@thejess.knight

Join the Grounded Journey Waitlist

But before we move forward, I wanted to pause.

In this episode of Cultivate Contentment, I’m reflecting on the year just gone — not through the lens of achievement or failure, but through the lens of reality. What did this year actually ask of us? What didn’t happen, and why does that make sense now? What quiet work did we do that no one else saw?

This conversation came from my own need to slow down and acknowledge a year that asked a lot — particularly in motherhood, personal growth, and capacity. Instead of jumping straight into planning, I’m sharing four reflective questions that helped me see the year more clearly and with more compassion.

I talk honestly about:

• A year that was heavier in motherhood than I realised at the time
• The business plans that didn’t unfold — and why that doesn’t mean failure
• The unseen internal work of asking for help, setting boundaries, and changing how I show up
• What I’m ready to loosen my grip on as I move forward
• Why my word last year was progress, and why this year it’s intentional

This episode isn’t about fixing or reinventing yourself. It’s about giving the year you’ve just lived the respect it deserves — before asking more of yourself in the year ahead.

I’ve also created a free reflection guide to go with this episode, so you can sit with these questions in your own time. You’re welcome to write along as you listen, come back to it later, or simply let the conversation settle.

If all you do today is listen and recognise yourself in parts of this story, that’s enough too.

Download the free reflection guide here.

Connect with Jess:

@thejess.knight

Join the Grounded Journey Waitlist

But sometimes, responsibility isn’t just something to get through — it’s the very thing that grows us.

In this episode, I’m reflecting on how often growth doesn’t happen in the quiet, prepared, well-rested moments we imagine it will. Instead, it shows up right in the middle of chaos — when someone hands us a job we didn’t exactly volunteer for, and we have no choice but to figure it out.

I share two very real stories from farm life that taught me this in a big way.

The first takes us into the calf shed — back to the very first job I ever properly took on on the farm: feeding calves. What I thought would be the “easy” job quickly became a steep learning curve, especially when we were hit with crypto during calving season, in the middle of COVID, with no staff. Tubing sick calves every three hours was terrifying, overwhelming, and something I didn’t feel ready for — but it was also the moment I realised I was far more capable than I thought.

The second story is about learning to drive the tractor. Something I didn’t grow up doing, didn’t feel confident with, and honestly avoided for a long time because the timing never felt right. It wasn’t until I had space — real space, without pressure or someone watching over my shoulder — that I could learn in my own way and at my own pace. And once again, responsibility quietly turned into confidence.

As I talk through these stories, I also reflect on how closely this mirrors motherhood.

We give our kids small responsibilities every day — feeding the dog, shutting gates, carrying eggs, helping out — and we watch how those moments build their confidence. Yet when it’s us standing on the edge of something new, we’re so much harder on ourselves. We forget that we deserve the same opportunity to learn, to wobble, and to grow.

This episode is a reminder that confidence doesn’t come before responsibility — it comes because of it. That growth rarely feels empowering in the moment. And that many of the things you now do without thinking once felt completely overwhelming.

If you’re in a season where responsibility feels uncomfortable, heavy, or just plain scary, I hope this episode helps you see it a little differently — not as something that’s breaking you, but as something that might be quietly shaping you.

In this episode, I talk about:

• Why growth so often happens in chaos, not calm
• Feeding calves and learning hard things in high-pressure moments
• The fear and responsibility that comes with tubing sick calves
• Learning to drive the tractor later than I thought I “should”
• Why confidence usually comes after responsibility, not before
• The strong parallels between farm life and motherhood
• How responsibility builds confidence in our kids — and in us
• Why communication matters when we want to learn and grow
• Recognising just how capable you already are

Connect with Jess:

@thejess.knight

Join the Grounded Journey Waitlist

Krysta shares how she left the corporate world after just three months, trusting a gut instinct that her purpose would never fit inside a nine-to-five. From there, she built multiple businesses over ten years — social media management, podcast management, and now a new chapter in coaching blended with wellness practices. What I loved most is how she talks about intuition, yoga, and slowing down not as “woo woo,” but as tools that gave her space to breathe, think, and live below that 99% stress line she used to sit at.

We also talk about what it’s like to shift identities in an industry like agriculture, where boxes and expectations can feel tight. Krysta opens up about choosing to become a yoga teacher — something she feared people in her ag community wouldn’t understand — and how that decision has invited deeper connection, curiosity, and honesty in her life and business.

This conversation keeps circling back to one thing: women aren’t meant to carry all of this alone. Whether it’s listening to the quiet, protecting your capacity, saying no, tending to your own “garden of ideas,” or simply finding five minutes to breathe, there is space for all of us to slow down and build lives that actually feel like ours.

What We Cover

• How Krysta knew early on that corporate life wasn’t where her purpose lived.
• The imposter syndrome that still shows up — even ten years into entrepreneurship.
• Listening to your gut and why quiet moments matter more than we admit.
• Becoming a yoga teacher while working in agriculture…and why it felt scary.
• Breaking out of the “boxes” rural women are often placed in.
• Slowing down after years of running at 99% capacity.
• Burnout, boundaries, and the power of saying no.
• Finding what genuinely works for you instead of copying others’ systems.
• Daily rituals, journaling, movement, and supporting your own nervous system.
• Why connection — especially online — matters so deeply for rural women.
• What cultivating contentment looks like in Krysta’s life right now.

If Krysta’s week-long self-care + business series sounds like what your end-of-year soul is craving, the link is waiting for you in the notes.

Resources & Links:

Grounded Farm Wife Journal

Connect with Krysta:

@ruralpodcastnetwork

@krystapaffrath

www.krystapaffrath.com

Connect with Jessica:

@groundedfarmwife

www.groundedfarmwife.com.au

Drawing from my own personal experiences and using agricultural metaphors that feel so familiar to life on the farm, I share how this liminal space can lead to powerful growth, even though it may feel uncertain. It’s a lot like planting a crop—you’ve done the work, you’ve planted the seeds, and now you need to nurture them and trust that growth will happen, even if you can’t see the results yet. In this episode, I’m offering practical advice on how to stay patient and trust the process, even when it’s tempting to slip back into old habits.

• Understanding the Liminal Space This in-between phase is a transitional period where you’re no longer in the old, but you’re not quite in the new either. I talk about how I’ve experienced this in my own life and how it often feels unsettling and uncomfortable. Recognizing that this is a natural part of any change can help us embrace it, rather than resist it. It’s like standing on a bridge between two places—you’re on your way, but you’re not quite there yet.

• The Importance of Gradual, Incremental Changes Change doesn’t happen overnight, and trying to force it can often leave us feeling overwhelmed. In this episode, I share how I’ve learned to make slow, incremental changes in my own life to help ease the discomfort of the liminal space. It’s about taking one step at a time, without trying to do too much at once. These small, manageable shifts can create lasting change without feeling like you’ve taken on too much.

• Trusting the Process, Much Like Tending to a Crop On the farm, we know that you don’t see the results of your work right away. After planting, it takes time for crops to grow, and you need to trust that all the nurturing and care will pay off. I apply that same mindset to navigating this liminal space. Even when you can’t see the progress, trust that growth is happening beneath the surface. It’s all part of the process, and having faith in that can help you keep moving forward.

• Resisting the Urge to Revert Back to Familiar Routines When things get uncomfortable, it’s natural to want to go back to what’s familiar, even if that old routine or role wasn’t serving you. I’ve been there myself, and in this episode, I discuss how to resist the urge to revert back to old habits. Instead, I encourage you to stay the course and trust that this discomfort is part of the growth process. It’s hard, but staying committed to the change you’ve started is so important.

• Embracing the Liminal Space as a Time for Reflection and Growth Though the liminal space is filled with uncertainty, it’s also a time for deep reflection and personal growth. I talk about how this period, though difficult, can be one of the most transformative if you allow yourself to sit in the discomfort and reflect on where you’re going. Much like how we tend to our crops, we need to tend to our inner growth and trust that, in time, the fruits of our labor will emerge.

We explore why change feels so uncomfortable, particularly for those of us who are tied to family traditions and rural lifestyles. Change pushes us out of our comfort zones, and that’s hard, especially when we’re surrounded by generations of people who’ve done things the same way for years. I talk about the fear of doing things "wrong," how the weight of tradition can hold us back, and the unique pressures that farm wives face when they challenge what’s expected of them. Yet, challenging tradition doesn’t mean you’re disrespecting it—it’s about finding a balance between honoring the past and making room for the future.

Finally, I discuss how to navigate the hard work that change requires, from overcoming fear and self-doubt to handling the tensions that arise when you try to do things differently. I offer practical advice on embracing change without losing yourself in the process. Next week, we’ll dive deeper into how to keep moving forward, even when you feel like you’re standing still. We’ll also explore identity shifts and how letting go of who you think you “should” be can help you discover who you truly are.

Key Points Covered:

• Why Change Feels So Uncomfortable: Change pushes us out of our comfort zones, which is why it feels so difficult. It’s easier to stick with what’s familiar, even if it no longer serves us. The uncertainty that comes with change makes us question if we’re making the right decisions, but it’s part of the growth process.

• The Fear of Doing Things "Wrong": There’s a fear of making mistakes or doing things the "wrong" way, especially when stepping away from the traditions we’ve been taught. This fear can hold us back from fully embracing change and moving forward, but it’s important to remember that mistakes are part of learning.

• The Weight of Tradition in Rural Life: In rural communities, traditions run deep, and stepping out of these long-standing practices can feel like you’re going against generations of family values. This is especially true for farm wives who are often expected to fill certain roles. Challenging those roles can feel overwhelming but necessary for personal growth.

• Generational Tensions When Bringing in Change: One of the hardest parts about change in rural life is the tension that arises between generations. The younger generation often wants to introduce new ideas, but it can feel like a battle when the older generation holds on to the "way things have always been done." This can create emotional strain, especially in tight-knit family farming operations.

• Challenging Tradition Doesn’t Mean Disrespecting It: Bringing in new ideas or changing the way things are done doesn’t mean you’re rejecting or disrespecting the past. There’s a way to honor the work and values of previous generations while still embracing change. It’s about balance—recognizing what’s valuable from the past and finding ways to evolve.

• Change Takes Hard...

In this episode, I talk about the strategies that help me cope with the mental load we carry, especially as rural women. We’ll dive into setting boundaries, reassessing commitments, and working together with our partners to lighten the load. It’s not about trying to do it all, but focusing on what truly matters. If you’ve ever felt like you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders, this episode is for you. Together, we’ll figure out how to find strength in what’s important and let go of the rest.

But it’s also made me think about what really matters. We all juggle so much—our roles as wives, mothers, and farmers—but there’s a point where we need to step back and figure out where to draw the line. How can we find the strength to manage it all without losing ourselves?

For me, it’s not about doing everything perfectly or fitting it all in—it’s about setting boundaries, letting go of what doesn’t align with my values, and working with Stephen as a team. Like so many of you, I’ve had moments where I feel guilty asking for help, especially when Stephen already has a lot on his plate. But I’ve realized we can’t carry it all alone, and sometimes, finding strength means doing less and focusing on what really matters. If you’ve ever felt like the weight of farm life, family, and everything else is too much, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

Key Points from This Episode

• Setting Boundaries: It’s crucial to define what aligns with your values and say "no" to things that stretch you too thin. Boundaries protect your time and energy, especially when you're juggling so many responsibilities.
• Delegating to Your Partner: Don’t be afraid to ask your husband for help, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Stephen and I are a team, and it’s important to work together. When you communicate openly, it reduces stress for both of you.
• Reevaluating Priorities: Over time, our values shift. Letting go of things that no longer fit your life can be hard, but it’s necessary to free up mental space.
• Focusing on What Matters Most: It’s easy to get caught up in the busy seasons of farming and motherhood, but true strength comes from focusing on the tasks that truly matter and letting go of trying to do it all.
• The Mental Load: The mental weight we carry as rural women is real, but we don’t have to carry it all by ourselves. It’s okay to ask for help and to prioritize what’s important over what feels urgent.

 Resources & Links: 

• Values Bundle
• Grounded Farm Wife Journal

Related Episodes

• Episode 003. My Struggle with Burnout as a Rural Farm Wife

Connect with Jessica: 

• Follow me on Instagram

Zoe’s passion is empowering women and mothers to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. We dive deep into how interconnected our physical health and emotions are, and Zoe explains the seven fundamental pillars of health that she focuses on with her clients. She highlights how diet, sleep, hydration, movement, and even nervous system regulation play a role in achieving vibrant well-being, sharing practical tips for rural women looking to improve their health sustainably.

• Health is interconnected; it's not just about diet or exercise, but how all aspects of your life come together.
• Nervous system regulation is crucial for emotional health and can prevent feelings of overwhelm.
• Start small and build up your wellness practices—perfection isn’t necessary to see positive changes.
• Emotional health plays a huge role in physical well-being, and addressing emotional blockages can lead to significant improvements.
• Simple, everyday changes, such as how you breathe or the time you spend in nature, can have a profound effect on your overall health.

Resources & Links:

Grounded Farm Wife Journal

CONNECT WITH JESSICA: 

Follow me on Instagram @groundedfarmwife

Check out my website www.groundedfarmwife.com.au

CONNECT WITH ZOE:

• Follow on Instagram 

• Check out her website

Find the complete show notes here:https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/zoe-boyce

On today’s episode of Cultivate Contentment, I’m talking about a topic that’s close to my heart—the power of sleep. For many of us as rural mums and farm wives, sleep feels like a luxury. Between the early mornings on the farm, caring for kids, and managing everything else that comes our way, we often put our own needs on the backburner. I’ve been there—those nights where you toss and turn, thinking about everything you have to do, only to be woken up by a child who needs you. It feels like a never-ending cycle, right?

I know I’ve struggled with sleep ever since becoming a mum, and farm life only makes it trickier. There’s always something to be done, whether it’s late-night calf feedings or worrying about the next day’s workload. And as we get older, sleep seems to change—our bodies don’t bounce back the way they used to. In this episode, I’m sharing not just why sleep is so crucial to our well-being but also some of the hard truths I’ve learned along the way about how we, as mums, often don’t give ourselves permission to rest.

Most importantly, I’m offering five actionable tips you can use to start improving your sleep tonight. These are simple changes you can make, even when life is busy and unpredictable. I’ve found them to be really helpful, especially during those hectic farm seasons when you’re running on empty. So, let’s dive into how we can get better sleep and start feeling more like ourselves again.

This episode is part of my 2 month Spring Reset series. This series is all focused on helping rural women reset their lives and shift their focus to the things that bring more peace, balance, and joy. Each week, we’ll dive into a new topic that will help you slow down, find moments of contentment, and feel more grounded—despite the chaos around you. 

In this episode about The Power of Sleep, we cover:

• The challenges of sleep after motherhood – I talk about how sleep changes once you become a mum, especially when you add the demands of farm life into the mix. It’s not just about getting less sleep, but the quality of sleep changes too. Between waking up for the kids and managing the farm, we’re constantly on edge, and that mental load can keep us awake long after the lights go out.

• Why sleep is so critical for our well-being – I explore how lack of sleep affects us as rural mums and farm wives. It’s not just about being tired; sleep impacts everything from our mood to our decision-making. When we’re sleep-deprived, we’re more likely to feel overwhelmed, make mistakes, or lose patience with those around us. I share my own experiences of how sleep (or the lack of it) has affected me on the farm and in my role as a mum.

• Five actionable tips for better sleep – These tips are designed to help you get better sleep, even when life is busy or unpredictable:

Episode Summary:

On today’s episode of Cultivate Contentment, I dive into the chaos that sometimes engulfs our rural lives, especially for us mums. It’s been one of those weeks where it feels like everything is going wrong – from a cow mishap to septic system issues, and even a website crash on the podcast launch day. I share my own experiences and frustrations, aiming to connect with those of you who might feel like you’re the only one dealing with a series of unfortunate events.

In this episode, I discuss the importance of reframing our thoughts during these tough weeks. By acknowledging that our mindset can sometimes exaggerate the negatives, I explore ways to shift our perspective and find small positives even in the midst of chaos. This approach has been a game-changer for me, and I hope it can help you too.

On today’s episode:

In this episode about When Everything Seems to Go Wrong, we cover:

How to handle those weeks when everything seems to go wrong.

The concept of confirmation bias and how it affects our perception.

Practical strategies for reframing negative thoughts and finding positives.

Resources & Links: 

Grounded Farm Wife Journal

Connect with Jessica: 

Follow me on Instagram @groundedfarmwife

Check out my website www.groundedfarmwife.com.au

Find the complete show notes here:https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/when-everything-seems-to-go-wrong

I also discuss the societal expectations placed on farm women and how these have changed over the years. Highlighting the pressures of balancing farm work, family life, and household responsibilities, emphasizing that it’s okay to seek help and make changes when needed. By sharing the stories of different generations of farm wives, I underscore the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of all women in agriculture.

In addition, I reflect on the unique challenges faced by farm wives when dealing with industry professionals who often overlook their expertise. I share personal stories of handling dismissive attitudes and emphasizes the significance of women's roles in farm decision-making and management. Through these reflections, I encourage listeners to find their own balance and to confidently embrace their multifaceted identities without feeling constrained by societal labels.

Tune in to gain insights into the unique experiences of farm women and find encouragement in the shared journey of balancing farm life, family, and personal identity.

On today’s episode…

In this episode about embracing both roles as a farm wife and a farmer, we cover:

Navigating Stereotypes and Assumptions: I discuss my encounters with individuals who assume I lack farming knowledge and how I handle these situations.

The Value of Being a Farm Wife: Highlighting the pride and importance of the farm wife role, I share a conversation with a farm wife from a different generation emphasizing the significant contributions of farm wives to the family farm.

Balancing Multiple Identities: I explore the pressures and joys of wearing multiple hats, from being a mom and a farmwife to taking on the title of a farmer, and how rural women can find contentment in their diverse roles.

Resources & Links: 

Grounded Farm Wife Journal

Connect with Jessica: 

Follow me on Instagram @groundedfarmwife

Check out my website www.groundedfarmwife.com.au

Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/farmwife-or-farmer

Throughout this episode, I recount specific instances from my life where burnout took a significant toll on my health and well-being. From collapsing from severe dehydration to battling recurring illnesses like pneumonia, these stories illustrate how ignoring the signs of burnout can lead to serious consequences. I also touch on the emotional aspects, such as feeling isolated, overwhelmed, and unable to enjoy daily activities. By sharing these experiences, I hope to shed light on the realities of burnout and emphasize the importance of self-care and seeking support.

Understanding Burnout: I explain what burnout is, how it develops over time, and why it’s so prevalent among rural women. Burnout is often the result of prolonged stress and pressure, not just a single overwhelming event.

Personal Stories: I share some deeply personal stories from my own life, such as the time I collapsed from dehydration while caring for my young children, and the recurring bouts of pneumonia I suffered due to pushing myself too hard. These stories highlight the severe impact of burnout on both physical health and daily functioning.

Recognizing Symptoms: We discuss the various signs of burnout, including fatigue, insomnia, forgetfulness, increased illness, anxiety, and more serious conditions like depression. I also talk about the emotional symptoms, such as loss of enjoyment, isolation, and a sense of hopelessness, which can be just as debilitating.

Resources & Links: 

Grounded Farm Wife Journal

Connect with Jessica: 

Follow me on Instagram @groundedfarmwife

Check out my website www.groundedfarmwife.com.au

Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/my-struggle-with-burnout-as-a-rural-farm-wife

In this episode about Tidy House, Tidy Mind - Dust and Chaos in the Farmhouse, we cover:  

Managing Dust and Dirt. I discuss the unique challenges of keeping an old farmhouse tidy, particularly with the constant traffic of farm vehicles and the activities of my three boys.  

Looking at what’s in your house and a regular routine of decluttering.  

Prioritizing Tasks: Learn how to focus on essential tasks each day to manage the never-ending to-do list effectively.  

15-Minute Tidy Up: Discover the benefits of a daily short burst of tidying to keep the house manageable.  

 Creating Zones: Implementing designated areas for activities to help maintain order and reduce clutter.  

 Letting go of what tidy means to mean and looking at it from my kids eyes.  

Tune in to gain valuable insights on balancing a tidy house and a peaceful mind, especially in the unique environment of farm life. 

Resources & Links:  

Grounded Farm Wife Journal 

Connect with Jessica:  

Follow me on Instagram @groundedfarmwife 

Check out my website www.groundedfarmwife.com.au 

Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/002tidy-house-tidy-mind-dust-chaos-in-the-farmhouse 

In this episode about "Law Books to Farm Boots," I cover: 

Growing up in a small town with an idyllic view of farming. 

Pursuing a law degree and dreams of city life. 

How meeting my husband shifted my life plans. 

Transitioning from law school to dairy farming. 

Challenges of raising three young children while learning to run a farm. 

Finding value and contentment in my new role as a farm wife and mother. 

Resources & Links: 

Grounded Farm Wife Journal

Connect with Jessica: 

Follow me on Instagram @groundedfarmwife

Check out my website www.groundedfarmwife.com.au

Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/law-books-to-farm-boots

Welcome back to another episode of Cultivate Contentment! It’s been quite the week here on the farm. I’ve tried recording this episode multiple times, but between sick kids, farm noise, and a thunderstorm, it’s been a challenge. Fourth time lucky, though—let’s get this done! 

In this episode, I’m diving into the chaos that comes with the busy seasons on the farm. Whether it’s calving, haymaking, or silage, these times can feel overwhelming, especially when things don’t go as planned. I’m sharing some of my tried and true tips for getting through these hectic periods, as well as a few new ideas you might not have thought of. From meal prepping to creating a daily checklist, we’ll cover practical strategies to help keep things running smoothly while sprinkling a little joy into the everyday chaos. 

In this episode about Keeping it Together- Planning for a Smoother Busy Season, we cover: 

• Dealing with the Unexpected: 

• This calving season caught me off guard, and I wasn’t as prepared as I should have been. We’ve had a lot of toast, cereal, and takeaway meals, and I deeply regret not prepping more. 

• The unpredictability of farm life can be overwhelming, but there are ways to make it more manageable. 

• Meal Prepping: 

Christmas on a farm is far from the idyllic snowy scenes you see in movies—it's hot, cows still need milking, and the work doesn’t stop just because it’s a holiday. In this episode, I reflect on the changes I’ve made to celebrate the season without letting the pressure take away the joy. From gift-giving strategies to finding time to enjoy the day amidst the farm chores, I share my personal journey of simplifying Christmas and making it work for our family in a way that feels right.

Key Points Covered in this Episode:

• The Reality of Christmas on the Farm
• Letting Go of the ‘Perfect’ Christmas
• The Gift-Giving Strategy
• Making Time for Family Amidst the Farm Chaos
• The Pressure to Create Magic for the Kids
• 
  

Resources & Links:

Grounded Farm Wife Journal

Connect with Jessica:

Follow me on Instagram@groundedfarmwife

Check out my websitewww.groundedfarmwife.com.au

Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/21

In the latest episode of "Cultivate Contentment," I had the pleasure of hosting an enriching conversation with Emily Reuschel. Emily Reuschel is a champion for the leaders, thinkers, doers, and dreamers of rural communities and beyond. Her thought leadership defies expectations, busts limiting beliefs, and asks better questions to understand this big beautiful world and the people in it. 

 Whether from the stage, behind the Gather in Growth podcast mic, or within her signature virtual communities, she fosters conversations to help women heal, grow, evolve, and build empathy bridges to transform from the inside out.

Summary

 Emily shares her journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming an entrepreneur and coach, navigating the complexities of rural life and motherhood. The episode delves into key themes and actionable insights, offering a comprehensive guide for listeners seeking to cultivate contentment in their lives. Emily's background includes transitions from an elementary education teacher to a nonprofit program director, and finally to a self-employed entrepreneur and coach, embodying resilience, personal growth, and authenticity.

• Emily’s journey from teaching to entrepreneurship and coaching.

• Experiences and challenges of rural life, particularly in agriculture.

• The pressures and expectations of motherhood in rural communities.

• The importance of self-care and prioritizing personal well-being.

• Societal expectations placed on women and the impact on their identities.

• The dynamics of marriage and the need for open communication about roles and responsibilities.

Episode Summary:

After an unplanned break from the podcast, I’m finally back, and today I want to fill you in on where I’ve been and what I’ve learned during my time away. Life got busy in all the best—and most unexpected—ways, and I found myself needing to step back and focus on my family, the farm, and my own well-being. In this episode, I’m sharing the lessons I didn’t expect to learn during this break. I’ll talk about how I had to let go of perfectionism, embrace the fact that things weren’t going to go as planned, and find contentment in the chaos of it all.

You’ll hear updates from my summer break, including family adventures, personal growth, and the challenges I faced getting back into my routine. From attending the Australian Dairy Conference to speaking at the Gippsland Red Meat Conference, the past few months have been a whirlwind of experiences. Most importantly, I’m talking about how I’ve had to reset my expectations and give myself the grace to move forward, even when it feels hard. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by unrealistic standards or struggled to get back into the swing of things, this episode is for you.

Key Points Covered in This Episode:

• My summer break in full: I share personal stories about our family trips to Melbourne, summer days spent by the pool, and how Christmas with family brought both joy and chaos to the farm. I also give an update on how the kids’ return to school brought its own set of challenges, both logistically and emotionally.
• The pressure of perfectionism: I dive into how I originally had grand plans to keep the podcast running smoothly over the holidays but quickly realized that life doesn’t always go as planned. I talk about the unrealistic expectations I had set for myself and how I finally let go of the idea of being “perfect” in every role.
• How I found my way back: Getting back into the swing of things wasn’t easy. I share how listening to my friend Emily’s podcast helped me stop making excuses and take that first step forward again. We often wait for the perfect time to start, but sometimes, it’s just about taking the first small step, even when it feels tough.
• A new mindset: I’ve learned that we’re all still learning, no matter how old we are. I reflect on a conversation with my kids about how they’re there to learn at school, not to be perfect. It reminded me that we, as adults, often hold ourselves to impossible standards, but we need to embrace growth and progress instead of perfection.
• What’s coming next: I talk about my plans for the future, including exciting potential podcast guests, updates on farm life, and how I’m balancing it all with my new health journey, working with a kinesiologist, personal trainer, and naturopath to take care of my well-being.

Resources and Links

• Grounded Farm Wife Journal
• Values Bundle
• Emily Reuschel "Do hard things: stop waiting for ideal conditions to start living"

Connect with JESSICA:

Follow me on Instagram Instagram

Join my newsletter community Join my newsletter community

Check out my website Website

Find the complete show notes here:

Winter is well and truly here on the farm, and while Stephen complains the second it gets cold, I actually love the slower pace, the warm mugs of coffee, and the chance to reflect. In this episode, I give you a behind-the-scenes look at what’s happening on our dairy farm right now — from breeding season and weaning calves, to prepping our new block and making tough feed decisions as the weather turns.

But the second half of the episode is where things really heat up. After one of my recent reels about milk prices went unexpectedly viral, I had a flood of comments and questions about how dairy farmers are actually paid. So today, I’m answering those questions — openly and honestly.

I break down how the dairy code of conduct works, what “milk solids” really are, and why most dairy farmers supply the big companies (spoiler: we often don’t have another choice). I also explain why selling our own milk sounds simple but would cost millions, and how you can make informed choices to support Australian farmers at the supermarket.

Whether you’ve been around dairy your whole life or are just curious about what’s in your fridge, this episode brings clarity, real-life context, and a reminder that every litre of milk starts with a farmer.

Key Points Covered in this Episode:

• A seasonal update from our farm: breeding, weaning, drying off, and managing feed shortages
• What winter looks like for dairy farmers and how we plan ahead for calving
• Why June is such an important month for the dairy industry
• How dairy farmers are paid and what the Dairy Code of Conduct means for us
• The truth about milk solids, price variations, and seasonal premiums
• Why most farmers can’t process or sell their own milk (even if we wanted to)
• What happens to our milk after it leaves the farm (spoiler: it’s not always bottled)
• How to support Aussie farmers through the dairy products you buy

💛 If this episode helps you understand our industry a little better or makes you feel more connected to where your food comes from, I’d love if you shared it with a friend or on your stories.

In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly how I managed my boys’ rooms from the newborn stage right up to tweens. From overflowing ball pits and tractors in the lounge room, to gamer desks and drum kits taking over their bedrooms, this episode is a real look at how our spaces changed as they grew.

I’m sharing what worked, what didn’t, and all the little lessons I’ve learned in between. Whether you’re setting up a nursery, navigating toddler toy explosions, or dealing with the chaos of tech and sports gear, I hope this gives you some ideas—and reassurance—that there’s no perfect system, just what works for your family.

Because whether you’ve got baby socks or basketball shoes lying around, every stage of motherhood brings its own version of mess—and a whole lot of memories.

✨ Key Points Covered

• Why I stopped buying baby gear until I actually needed it
• The simple nursery setup that saved us space in a small house
• Real talk about toddler toy chaos (and how we stored ALL the tractors)
• Creative storage ideas like “parking lots” for trucks and toy rotation
• The shift to bunk beds and book series during the school years
• Why sorting LEGO by colour was a huge waste of time (yes, I did it!)
• My system for keeping school uniforms under control
• Clear containers, sports bags, and other tween room hacks
• Managing gaming gear, musical instruments, and screen time
• The weekly room check-ins that keep us all sane

Resources and Links

• Grounded Farm Wife Journal
• Values Bundle

Connect with JESSICA:

Follow me on Instagram Instagram

Join my newsletter community Join my newsletter community

Check out my website Website

Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/33

During our chat, Angie opened up about the real-life challenges of starting from scratch—taking the leap into agritourism with no prior farming experience—and how that decision reshaped her life. We discussed the delicate balance of managing motherhood while running a demanding business, and how working hand-in-hand with her husband Mike has not only kept the business thriving but also strengthened their bond. Angie’s insights into merging authentic rural living with modern luxury, like the innovative Sky Suites crafted from repurposed shipping containers, offer a refreshing perspective on how to connect urban visitors with the heart of the Australian outback. This conversation is a must-listen if you're curious about overcoming obstacles, embracing new challenges, and finding that authentic connection between city life and rural roots.

Key Points Covered in this episode:

• Angie’s journey from a small family farm in the Yarra Valley to the outback
• The evolution of The Cocky’s Wife into a luxury agritourism experience at Callubri Station
• Balancing the demands of motherhood with running a successful agritourism business
• How Angie and her husband, Mike, collaborate as a team to navigate challenges
• The unique features of Callubri Station, including The Sky Suites and its breathtaking views
• Practical advice on taking the leap into agritourism and forging genuine connections between urban and rural communities

Resources and Links

• Grounded Farm Wife Journal
• Values Bundle

Connect with ANGIE:

Follow her on Instagram: @thecockyswife and @callubristation

Check out her website

Connect with JESSICA:

Follow me on Instagram Instagram

Join my newsletter community Join my newsletter community

Check out my website Website

Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/32

In this episode of Cultivate Contentment, I’m diving into something that might feel very familiar to many of you – being in the trenches of life, feeling like you're barely keeping your head above water, and realizing you need a reset. Have you ever felt like you’re just going through the motions, trying to survive one day at a time, without a moment to breathe or reflect? Maybe you're overwhelmed with the demands of farm life, family, and everything else that comes with it. If you’re feeling this way, you’re not alone. 

Recently, I found myself in that very place, where the days were running together, and I felt disconnected from my goals, my purpose, and even myself. Can you relate to that? Have you ever felt like you needed to hit the reset button on your life? In today’s episode, I’m sharing how I recognised that it was time for a life reset and the practical steps I took to get back on track. 

Resetting your life doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does require some intentional action. Together, we’ll go through the four steps I followed to reset and bring some clarity and peace back into my routine. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or just ready for a change, this episode is for you. Let’s take the first step towards finding more contentment and balance. 

Resources & Links:  

Grounded Farm Wife Journal 

Related Episodes 

Episode 6 No Sick Days: When Winter Illness Hits 

Connect with Jessica:  

Follow me on Instagram @groundedfarmwife 

Check out my website www.groundedfarmwife.com.au 

Join my email list 

Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/knowing-when-you-need-a-reset 

Renee is married to a dairy farmer and they live in central, MN where they milk 400 dairy cows, have 100 head of beef and raise all of our steers as well. Renee is involved with the farming operation and is also raising a farm loving little boy andhas another little baby on the way. 

Her main focus on the farm is the cattle records, managing our employees and taking care of managing all the animals. It has been a balancing act to learn to be a mom & a farmer. Renee shares a little bit about how she has learned to live in the balance and set her days up for more "YES" and less stress & anxiety in her home! 

In this episode, Renee talks about her journey from being an elementary school teacher to fully embracing her role as a wife, mom, and farmer. We dive into the challenges of stepping into a multi-generational family farm and how she navigated that transition, especially working alongside her husband’s father and uncle. 

Renee also shares how motherhood shifted her role on the farm and how she learned to ask for help without guilt. From setting up systems like her "Farmer Fridays" to becoming more organized and finding ways to be productive rather than just busy, Renee gives us a real look into what it’s like to balance it all on a family farm. Her honesty about juggling farm duties, raising children, and prioritizing self-care is something every rural woman will relate to. 

In this episode with Renee Capko on Balancing Farming, Family, Motherhood, and Self, we cover: 

• Renee’s transition from elementary teacher to full-time farmer and mom 

• The challenges of stepping into a multi-generational family farm 

• The impact of motherhood on...

We cover the reality of scheduling and balancing school holidays, from managing expectations and coordinating with other parents to creating a flexible routine that works for your family. I also talk about the unique challenges of living out of town, like the lack of local amenities and activities that are more accessible to urban families. Plus, I delve into the struggles of working from home or on the farm while the kids are home, and how to set boundaries around screen time to avoid letting it get out of hand. 

Whether you’re dealing with guilt over not being able to fill every day with activities, or just trying to find the right balance between work and family time, this episode is for you. Join me as we explore ways to make the most of school holidays without losing sight of what’s truly important. Remember, you’re not alone in this—many of us are in the same boat, and it’s all about finding what works best for your family and embracing the imperfect moments along the way. 

In this episode about Letting Go of Guilt: Real Life Talk on School Holidays, we cover: 

• Managing Expectations and Scheduling: How to find the right balance between scheduling activities and allowing for downtime during school holidays. Tips for setting realistic expectations and managing your family’s calendar. 

• Navigating Rural Challenges: Strategies for dealing with the lack of local amenities and activities when living out of town. How to coordinate with other parents and manage long commutes to ensure your kids have social opportunities. 

• Balancing Work and Family Time: Practical advice for working from home or on the farm while managing the chaos of school holidays. How to set boundaries and create a flexible routine that accommodates both work and family needs. 

Today I share a seasonal update on life at the farm as we transition into spring. From unpredictable weather to crop updates, calves, and exciting new projects, get an inside look at what this time of year means for farming life. Grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and tune in for an engaging chat that highlights both the challenges and the joys of spring on the farm. 

Spring is finally here, and I couldn’t be more relieved to leave winter behind. It’s been an intense few months, with the weather throwing everything at us—high winds, power outages, and even school closures. But now, as we step into spring, there’s this feeling of brighter times ahead. The winter bugs have taken their toll, but with warmer weather on the horizon, it feels like we’re turning a corner. 

This time of year is always unpredictable. The forecast is calling for a wet Spring, which we desperately need after a dry start to Winter. But, as every farmer knows, forecasts can be more of a guideline than a guarantee. We’re prepared to start early irrigation if the rain doesn’t come through, which is just another reminder of how varied farming can be across the country. Each region has its own challenges, and adaptability is key to surviving and thriving in this industry. 

We’ve got a lot going on with our crops and irrigation plans. This weekend, we’re planning our first cut of silage, aiming to store 500 tonnes of dry matter for the next year. It’s a big job, but it’s crucial for keeping our cows fed when the pastures aren’t as productive. On top of that, we’re managing a new lease block with oats and peas that should be ready to harvest by November. I’m hoping for a good yield—around 6 tons per hectare—which would be a great boost. 

The animal side of things is just as busy. We’re wrapping up calving season, with only a few special embryo cows left to go. We’re raising a versatile herd using a three-way breed mix, and it’s been exciting to see how well the calves are coming along. We’ve made some changes to our rearing practices, like tracking calf weights and using a new calf shed, which have really paid off. Our dairy operations are also at their peak right now, so it’s all hands on deck to keep everything running smoothly. 

Spring stock work is another big focus at the moment. We’ve got young stock that need drenching, and we’re keeping an eye out for seasonal illnesses like pink eye and issues caused by flies. Regular health checks are so important this time of year to keep the herd in top shape. 

And then there are the ongoing projects. We’ve taken on a new lease property and are in the middle of re-fencing it for the dairy cows. We’re also upgrading the irrigation system with pipe and riser setups, which should make a big difference. It’s a lot of work, but these projects are essential for keeping the farm running efficiently. 

As I wrap up this spring update, I’m reminded of how unpredictable yet rewarding farming can be. Every season brings its own set of challenges and joys, and it’s all part of the journey. Thanks for tuning in, and don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast for more updates. If you enjoyed this episode, please share it with friends who might relate. And I’d love to hear about your own spring experiences on the farm—leave a comment or review to join the conversation! 

In this episode about “Spring on the Farm: Weather, Calves, and New Projects”, we cover: 

Bridget Johns (no, not Bridget JONES!) is a Life Simplifier & Time Optimiser. She founded Be Simply Free, an online declutter coaching and life organisation business in March 2020 jus tbefore life was flipped upside down. Her mission is to empower women to live a life where their homes and minds are decluttered so they can be simply free. She WAS a busy, stressed, overcommitted perfectionist who found that by minimising the stuff in her home and mind she could live a much happier, joyful and meaningful life.

In this episode Bridget opens up about her personal transformation from being a stressed perfectionist to embracing a simpler, more fulfilling lifestyle. She shares her journey and the pivotal moments that led her to start Be Simply Free, aiming to help others achieve the same sense of peace and order.

Throughout our chat, Bridget offers a wealth of practical tips on how to reduce mental load and effectively involve family members in household tasks. One of the key strategies she discusses is her "1% theory," which advocates for making small, manageable changes that cumulatively lead to significant improvements in decluttering and organization. This approach makes the daunting task of decluttering feel more achievable and less overwhelming.

Tune in to this episode for a dose of practical advice, a good laugh, and a fresh perspective on how simplifying life can lead to greater joy and fulfillment.

In this episode about 'Simplify Your Life: Declutter Your Mind and Home with Bridget Johns', we cover:

- Importance of reducing mental load, particularly for women.

- Strategies for involving family members in household tasks.

- Practical tips for decluttering physical spaces and mental clutter.

- Personal journey of the guest and the founding of her business, Simply Free.

- Impact of COVID-19 on decluttering and home organization.

- Techniques for creating systems to manage household responsibilities.

- Emphasis on communication and collaboration within families.

- The significance of self-care and personal time for well-being.

- Understanding personality types and love languages in family dynamics.

- Teaching children life skills and responsibilities related to household tasks. 

Conclusion

Bridget's strategies offer a refreshing perspective on simplifying life. By addressing mental load, involving family in tasks, and implementing decluttering strategies, you can create a more harmonious home environment.

Resources & Links:

• Grounded Farm Wife Journal

• Remote OpShop Project on Instagram and Facebook

And I also never expected it to feel so hard.

In this episode, I open up about the emotional tug-of-war so many farm wives experience — the reality that you can love your life on the farm and still hate the parts of it that leave you feeling lonely, overlooked, and completely exhausted.

I share what life looked like for us in the early years with three boys under four, how I carried the load through drought, newborns, and endless solo parenting, and how I finally stopped pretending it was all fine.

You’ll hear honest stories about missing milestones, crying in hospital alone, resenting wet towels on the floor, and the mindset shifts that helped me stop bottling it all up.

I also talk about the little changes that made a big difference — from bundling the kids up to take dinner to the paddock, to finally having those hard conversations with my husband about what we needed as a family.

And I share the unexpected gifts in it all — the flexibility the farm actually gives us, and the privilege of being able to show up for our kids in ways not every family can.

This is a vulnerable one, but it’s real. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “Is this what I signed up for?” while still feeling proud of the life you’ve built — you’re not alone.

In this episode:

• Why it’s okay to love and hate the farm at the same time
• What solo parenting looked like during the early years
• The emotional and financial pressure of farming life
• When the resentment creeps in and how I’ve learned to name it
• How I stopped pretending everything was fine
• The small shifts that helped us survive busy seasons
• Why asking for help isn’t weakness — it’s wisdom
• How the flexibility of farm life is also a gift
• A reminder that this life needs to work for your whole family

✨ You’re not doing it wrong if it feels hard. You’re just being honest.

💬 Let’s keep the conversation going: message me on Instagram and tell me what part of this episode you related to most.

Resources and Links

• Grounded Farm Wife Journal
• Values Bundle

Connect with JESSICA:

Follow me on Instagram Instagram

Join my newsletter community Join my newsletter community

Check out my website Website

Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/40

In this episode, I’m sharing the five things that are helping me through this cold farm winter. These aren’t big, fancy solutions—they’re real, everyday things like the slow cooker bubbling away in the kitchen, a crackling fire (even if I forget to keep it going), warm clothes from the dryer, and the moments I get to be present for my boys, whether it's at the library or the sidelines of their footy games.

I also chat about how this winter feels different—how the cold set in fast, but my routines and rhythms are making all the difference.

Whether you’re a rural woman navigating a busy farm season or a mum just trying to keep the house warm and the kids fed, I hope this episode encourages you to take a moment and notice what’s helping you get through the season too.

In this episode I share:

• Why the slow cooker is my best friend right now (and how I keep it super simple)
• A funny story about trying—and failing—to keep the fire going on my own
• The pride I feel watching my boys become readers and our weekly library rhythm
• Why I finally built a backyard fire pit and how it’s getting us outside more
• What it’s like showing up for winter sport when you don’t know all the rules
• How good routines are helping me feel more motivated this winter

I’d love to know—what little things are getting you through winter right now? Come say hi on Instagram @groundedfarmwife and share your winter comforts with me.

Resources and Links

• Grounded Farm Wife Journal
• Values Bundle

Connect with JESSICA:

Follow me on Instagram Instagram

Join my newsletter community Join my newsletter community

Check out my website Website

Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/39

In this episode, I’m talking honestly about what it means to sit in the hard seasons without guilt, pressure, or pretending. Whether it’s endless laundry, school holiday chaos, or just the daily grind of farm life, I want to remind you that you’re not failing — you’re human.

We talk about the pressure to romanticise your life (hello sourdough and glass jar laundry liquids), why high-achieving women often push through without pausing to celebrate what they’ve already overcome, and how learning to say “this is hard” might be the strongest thing we can do — not just for ourselves, but for our kids too.

✨ Key Points Covered in This Episode:

• Why life often feels hard even in our best seasons, and how accepting that truth can lighten the load
• Insights from The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris, including why chasing constant happiness can leave us feeling more stuck
• The rise of romanticising rural life on social media — and why it can backfire when it adds more pressure instead of joy
• The sourdough example: how doing “what looks good online” can sometimes cause more stress than peace
• A not-so-glamorous look at laundry: the unrealistic tips that make us feel worse (and why decanting detergent won’t fix burnout)
• The importance of saying “this is hard” without guilt — especially in farm culture where getting the job done often takes priority over how we feel
• Why hard doesn’t mean bad — we grow and build resilience when life challenges us
• How acknowledging our emotions helps us and teaches our kids emotional regulation in real, everyday ways

🎧 Listen to this episode if you need a reminder that you're not weak for feeling worn out — you're strong for showing up anyway.

Tag me @groundedfarmwife or send this to a friend who might be in a hard season too.

Resources and Links

• Grounded Farm Wife Journal
• Values Bundle

Connect with JESSICA:

Follow me on Instagram Instagram

Join my newsletter community Join my newsletter community

Check out my website Website

Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/37

Let’s be honest — the expectations are huge. We’re meant to feel appreciated and pampered, but often, it’s us mums who are still organising the day, juggling the kids, and trying to make it special… for everyone else. Meanwhile, our kids don’t really know the difference between Mother’s Day and a Tuesday. We say we want a break, but even asking for that can feel like a big ask.

And then there’s social media. We scroll through highlight reels of families smiling in perfectly clean homes, posting about heartfelt cards and fancy breakfasts. But we’re not seeing the chaos behind the scenes, the meltdowns, or the fact that sometimes we receive a gift while sitting in a trashed kitchen. It becomes another day for comparison — and the feeling that somehow, we’re not doing it right.

Mother’s Day tries to squeeze all the recognition and gratitude for motherhood into one overly commercialised day. But what if we don’t feel seen? What if we feel let down? I’ve had so many conversations with mums who feel quietly hurt by the way this day plays out — and no one talks about it out loud.

In this episode, I reflect on:

• Why the pressure to have a “perfect” Mother’s Day often backfires
• The impact of over-commercialised celebrations and social media comparison
• How romanticising motherhood can make us feel worse, not better
• The meaning behind those cards and flowers — and what we really want
• Why it’s so hard to feel seen on a day that’s meant to be about us
• The idea that maybe… we don’t have to make such a big deal out of it

Resources and Links

• Grounded Farm Wife Journal
• Values Bundle

Connect with JESSICA:

Follow me on Instagram Instagram

Join my newsletter community Join my newsletter community

Check out my website Website

Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/36

From tourniquets to whistles, Katie explains five life-saving items that every farm should have on hand. She draws on real-life stories from her career in the emergency room and experiences on her own dairy farm to highlight the importance of preparedness. We dive into the most common farm injuries and discuss how having a well-equipped first aid kit—and knowing how to use it—can make all the difference in critical situations. Katie also shares tips on keeping kids safe around farm equipment, making this episode a must-listen for every rural family.

Key Points Covered in this Episode:

• Five essential first aid items that every farm family should have: tourniquet, quick clot, vet wrap, whistle, and a CPR shield
• Real-life stories of farm accidents and how quick thinking and proper first aid tools can save lives
• Creative solutions for farm emergencies when typical first aid supplies aren't available
• Tips for keeping kids safe around tractors, equipment, and animals, especially during busy times like harvest season
• The importance of clear communication on the farm and having emergency plans in place

Resources & Links:

Grounded Farm Wife Journal

Grounded Farm Wife Journal

CONNECT WITH KATIE

• Follow her on @thedairywife
• Find farm first aid items on Amazon
• Purchase a Farm Emergency Kit

Connect with Jessica:

Follow me on InstagramInstagram

Check out my Website

Join my newsletter community

https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/25

In this episode, I also talk about the realities of running a farm business and making strategic decisions for growth. It’s not all smooth sailing, and there’s a lot of work to be done, from learning to order water from the irrigation system to setting up miles of fencing. But it’s all part of the journey, and I’m sharing the ups and downs with you. I hope this summer update gives you a little insight into farm life and what’s been happening on our side of the world.

Key Points Covered in this Episode:

• The purchase of a new farm just across the river: We finally found the right property after almost a year of searching. It’s only a four-minute drive from our current farm, which makes it much easier to manage. The close proximity means we can share equipment and staff between the two farms without too much hassle.
• Managing a growing herd and young stock: With our herd growing to 650 cows for autumn, we needed more space for young stock. This new property will help us expand and better manage our replacements, but it also means a lot of work ahead to get the land ready for dairy use again.
• Transitioning from veggie farming to dairy use: The new farm used to be a vegetable farm, and while the soil is rich and perfect for our needs, there’s a lot of infrastructure work to do. We’ll need to put up fencing, install water lines, and prepare the land for grazing as it was flattened for vegetable production.
• Planning for the first maize crop and silage cutting: We recently cut 55 acres of silage on the new property, and now we’re preparing the soil for our first maize crop. This is new for us, so we’re relying on the advice of our agronomist to get it right, from planting to harvesting at just the right time.
• Challenges of setting up fencing and water lines on the new property: With 257 acres to cover, we’ve got about 15 kilometers of fencing and over a kilometer of water lines to install. It’s a big job, and while we plan to tackle the internal fencing ourselves, we’ll be bringing in contractors for the external boundaries to make sure they’re secure for young stock.
• Strategic decisions for the future of our farm business: Buying this new property was a necessary step for our long-term growth. It wasn’t a decision we made lightly, but after carefully planning our business strategy, we knew this was the right move to ensure we can continue expanding and managing our herd effectively in the years to come.

 Resources & Links: 

• Values Bundle
• Grounded Farm Wife Journal

Connect with Jessica: 

• Follow me on Instagram @groundedfarmwife
• Check out my website www.groundedfarmwife.com.au
• Join my email list

Subscribe to the Cultivate Contentment podcast

If you enjoyed this episode, you won’t want to miss what’s...

We explore how this mindset of "more is better" not only affects our own lives but also spills over into our children's schedules. Many of us push our kids into too many activities, fearing they'll miss out on opportunities or fall behind, but I challenge this notion. Is filling their days with constant busyness really benefiting them, or is it just adding stress to everyone involved? This episode encourages you to reflect on whether you’re doing more out of obligation or genuine desire and how embracing "enough" can lead to deeper contentment in family life and beyond.

Key Points Covered in this episode:

• The constant pull to add more to our schedules, thinking it will bring happiness, but how it often leads to burnout and stress.
• Why we say "yes" to more responsibilities and commitments, and the trade-offs that come with it—especially for rural women balancing farm work, family life, and community involvement.
• How overloading our kids with extracurriculars might be more about us feeling pressure than about what they truly need.
• Reflecting on whether doing "more" is genuinely bringing joy to your life or just adding more pressure to an already full schedule.
• The emotional and mental toll of packed schedules and the importance of allowing space for rest, play, and family time.
• Practical tips for embracing the idea that "enough" is truly enough—especially when it comes to balancing farm life, motherhood, and personal well-being.
• 
  

Reflection Questions for You:

• Do you feel like you're competing with other families to keep up with their busy schedules? What might happen if you gave your family more breathing room?
• Are you saying "yes" to things because you genuinely want to or because you feel obligated? What would it look like if you embraced "enough" instead?
• How can you simplify your children’s activities to focus more on quality time and less on constant busyness?
• 
  

Resources & Links:

Grounded Farm Wife Journal

Connect with Jessica:

Follow me on Instagram@groundedfarmwife

Join my email list

Check out my website www.groundedfarmwife.com.au

Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/22

Sally and I dive into all things Christmas cooking, sharing simple, practical tips to help you plan and prepare a stress-free holiday meal. Whether you're hosting a large family gathering or keeping it small and cozy, Sally’s advice will make your Christmas cooking easier, allowing you to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the day.

Sally shares her favorite go-to dishes for impressing guests, including a classic ham recipe and crispy roast potatoes, and talks about how to balance traditional Christmas meals with new, exciting ideas. We also discuss how early planning and delegating tasks can take the pressure off, leaving you more relaxed and organized when the big day arrives. Tune in for Sally’s down-to-earth tips on simplifying Christmas cooking and making the holiday season more enjoyable for everyone.

And a special bonus for Cultivate Contentment listeners use code GROUNDEDXMAS for a 10% discount onThe Christmas Pantry Box The Christmas Pantry Box from The Homestead Pantry. The Christmas Pantry Box is here to make things simple and delicious. It’s packed with handpicked products to help you create a beautiful stress free Christmas menu. Sally has done all the hard work for you. Finding the best Australian-made goodies and pairing them with recipes to spark a bit of inspiration. Think crowd pleasers that taste like effort but don’t feel like it. Ready to make your festive spread look like a pinterest board without the stress?

Key Points Covered in this Episode:

• Sally’s favorite go-to Christmas dishes, including her ham recipe and tips for the crispiest roast potatoes.
• How to balance traditional meals with new ideas, like swapping out classic sides for warm seasonal salads or seafood.
• The importance of starting your Christmas meal planning early and creating a solid plan to avoid last-minute stress.
• Practical tips for delegating tasks and getting family members involved in the meal preparation process.
• Make-ahead dishes and preparation steps to reduce stress on Christmas Day, such as freezing stuffing or parboiling vegetables in advance.
• How to accommodate dietary restrictions and preferences while planning for large family gatherings.
• Simple ways to make the most of seasonal ingredients in your Christmas meal.
• Sally’s advice on staying calm if something goes wrong and focusing on enjoying time with loved ones, rather than aiming for perfection.

RESOURCES AND LINKS:

• Grounded Farm Wife Journal
• The Christmas Pantry Box

CONNECT WITH JESS:

• Follow me on Instagram @groundedfarmwife
• Check out my website www.groundedfarmwife.com.au

CONNECT WITH SALLY:

• Follow her at @thehomesteadpantrybox
• Check out her

These steps aren’t complicated, but they’ve been game changers: first, I started tracking my time in 15-minute blocks to see where the day was actually going. Then I focused on protecting those little pockets of time once I’d found them (which meant setting boundaries, even with my husband!). And finally, I gave myself permission to embrace unstructured time—not every moment has to be productive. If you’ve been craving a bit more space in your day, I hope this chat feels like a breath of fresh air.

Key Points Covered in this episode:

• How tracking my time in small blocks helped me find free moments I was missing
• Why protecting time with boundaries made a huge difference
• The power of unstructured time (and how I plan for it!
• Letting go of routines that don’t work for this season of life
• How budgeting my time better made me feel more present, calm, and in control

Resources and Links

• Grounded Farm Wife Journal
• Values Bundle

Connect with JESSICA:

Follow me on Instagram Instagram

Join my newsletter community Join my newsletter community

Check out my website Website

Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/34

Episode Summary: 

Farm life is filled with uncertainty, and it's something that we, as rural women, know all too well. From weather changes to market fluctuations, the unpredictability of agriculture can make it challenging to find a sense of stability. But even in the midst of this ever-changing landscape, there are ways to navigate these challenges with grace and contentment. In this episode, I dive into the highs and lows of farm life and share how I've learned to embrace the unexpected while finding joy in the everyday moments. 

Whether you're dealing with a sudden storm that ruins your crops or the stress of fluctuating farm income, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the unpredictable nature of agriculture. But I've found that by focusing on what we can control and leaning into the support of our communities, we can not only survive but thrive in this unpredictable world. Join me as I share some personal stories, practical tips, and a reminder that contentment can be found, even in the most unexpected places. 

On today’s episode… 

In this episode about Navigating the Unpredictability of a Life in Agriculture, we cover: 

• How to cope with the stress and uncertainty of farm life 

• Practical tips for finding stability in an unstable environment 

• The importance of community support and connection during tough times 

In this episode, I’m getting raw and real about how chaotic this season is for so many of us mums. From the Christmas tree still not being up, to forgetting to move the elf for days on end—none of us are thriving right now, and that’s okay. I’ll be sharing how I’ve been managing (or barely managing) through the stress, and offering up some tips that have helped me keep my head above water. Let’s stop pretending we’re coping and start admitting that it’s hard—because it is. Together, we can make it through this season without completely losing it.

Key Points Covered in this Episode:

• The pressure mums feel to “do it all” during the holidays: The truth is, we’re all feeling the weight of trying to make everything magical for our kids while juggling a million other things. Social media makes it seem like everyone else is baking cookies, wrapping presents, and planning the perfect holiday—but behind the scenes, most of us are barely getting by. I open up about the guilt I feel when things slip, and why it’s okay to not do it all.
• Why it’s okay to not have everything perfect at the end of the year: There’s this constant pressure to finish the year strong, tick every box, and hit all our goals. But the reality is, we’re exhausted. I talk about why it’s perfectly fine to let some things go—whether it’s not sending teacher gifts, skipping the Christmas cards, or just ordering takeaway more often than you’d like. It doesn’t make us bad mums, it makes us human.
• Real tips to bring a bit more structure and sanity to the season: While I’m not about to tell you to overhaul your life, there are a few simple things that have helped me regain a bit of control during the chaos. From keeping a flexible routine to giving the kids small responsibilities, I share how adding just a little structure can stop the days from blurring together and give you a chance to breathe.
• The importance of letting go of expectations and focusing on what really matters: It’s easy to get lost in all the “shoulds” this time of year, but I’ve found that the most important moments are the ones where I’m present with my kids, not the ones where everything looks picture-perfect. I remind myself—and you—that the kids don’t care if the decorations are Instagram-worthy. They care about the time we spend together, even if it’s messy.
• How to get your kids involved without adding to your stress: Getting the kids to help around the house is a win-win—they feel useful, and you get a little help. But let’s be real, it doesn’t always go smoothly. I talk about the learning curve I’ve experienced with my boys, and how giving them small, manageable tasks (like unloading the dishwasher or putting their clothes away) has made a difference in keeping the household running, even if it takes a bit of extra time at first.

Resources and Links

• Grounded Farm Wife Journal
• Values Bundle

Connect with JESSICA:

Follow me on Instagram Instagram

Join my newsletter community Join my newsletter...

Winter illnesses bring a unique set of challenges, especially when you’re balancing the demands of motherhood and farm life. I'll talk about the days when it felt like everything was falling apart, yet somehow, we managed to keep things going. You'll hear about our strategies for handling daily chores, caring for sick children, and still finding moments to breathe and take care of myself. This episode is a reminder that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and that finding small victories in tough times is a part of the journey.

I open up about our daily life, sharing real stories and tips that have helped us through the worst of it. From stocking up on essentials to learning when to ask for help, I'll give you an honest look at how we survive these difficult seasons. Join me as I recount our experiences and offer practical advice on managing the relentless demands of farm life and motherhood during flu season.

Lastly, I touch on the common scenario where moms, often the primary caregivers, end up getting sick last. After taking care of everyone else, it's almost inevitable that the exhaustion catches up, and our immune systems take a hit. It’s a tough reminder of the need for self-care and the importance of prioritizing our health, even in the busiest and most stressful times.

On today’s episode…

In this episode about No Sick Days: When Winter Illness Hits, we cover:

The Onslaught of Winter Bugs: I discuss the various illnesses that hit our family, including influenza, COVID, and RSV, and how we managed through them.

Balancing Farm Life and Sickness: Learn about the challenges of keeping the farm running smoothly when everyone is sick and there are no sick days for farmers.

Practical Tips for Coping: I share my top tips for managing illness on the farm, from having essential supplies on hand to finding ways to rest and recover.

Moms Getting Sick Last: Explore why moms often get sick after everyone else, highlighting the importance of self-care and strategies to avoid burnout.

Tune in to hear my story and find comfort in knowing you're not alone in these struggles. Stay healthy, stay content, and see you next time.

Resources & Links:  

Grounded Farm Wife Journal 

Connect with Jessica:  

Follow me on Instagram @groundedfarmwife 

Check out my website www.groundedfarmwife.com.au 

Find the complete show notes here:https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/no-sick-days

We’ll talk about the emotional toll of disrupted routines, why doing the basics can feel impossible, and how I’m using small, practical steps to get back on track. You’ll also hear how the changing seasons and our own internal cycles can affect our energy, and why we need to stop expecting ourselves to operate at 100% all month long. Because motivation isn’t what drives us—it’s movement, habits, grace, and starting small.

Key Points Covered in this episode:

What happens when routines fall apart during busy seasons

The story of our flooded bathroom and how I’m still avoiding the mess

How my health goals got derailed by Easter chocolate and farm life

Why knowing what helps doesn’t make it easier to do

How our energy shifts with our hormonal cycle—and how I’m learning to plan around it

The impact of daylight savings and seasonal change on motivation

Practical ways I’m adding movement and sunlight into my day again

The list my personal trainer gave me to get back into good habits (without burning out)

A reminder that you don’t need motivation—you just need to start small

Resources and Links

• Grounded Farm Wife Journal
• Values Bundle

Connect with JESSICA:

Follow me on Instagram Instagram

Join my newsletter community Join my newsletter community

Check out my website Website

Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/35

In this episode, I’m diving into why decision-making feels so heavy and how we can take the pressure off. We talk about the mental load of constantly weighing up trade-offs, the fear of making the “wrong” choice, and why it’s so easy to second-guess ourselves. I also share the importance of trusting our gut and instinct—because deep down, we often do know what the right decision is, but we let doubt and outside opinions creep in. I walk through practical ways to simplify decision-making, silence external noise, and affirm your choices with confidence—so you can move forward without the stress of overthinking.

If you’ve been feeling the weight of too many decisions lately, this episode is for you. I hope it gives you permission to trust yourself, listen to your gut, and make choices that align with what truly matters.

Key Points Covered in This Episode:

• Why decision-making feels overwhelming – The sheer number of choices we make each day as farm wives and mums, how it adds up over time, and why the fear of making the “wrong” choice can leave us feeling stuck.
• Recognizing decision fatigue – How too many small, everyday decisions can become exhausting and why this can make big life choices feel even heavier.
• Trusting your gut and instinct – Why we often do know the right decision deep down but let doubt creep in. How to tune into that inner voice, recognize when outside noise is clouding your judgment, and feel more confident in listening to what feels right for you.
• Silencing external noise – The impact of outside opinions and self-doubt on our decision-making and practical ways to focus on what works for you rather than trying to meet expectations.
• Simplifying choices to reduce overwhelm – Strategies like narrowing options, using a “decision filter,” and focusing on what aligns with your values instead of trying to please everyone.
• 
  
• Affirming your choices with confidence – Practical ways to stop second-guessing, including tracking your decisions, setting timeframes, and limiting the number of opinions you seek.
• Letting go of guilt and moving forward – Why no decision is perfect, and how to reframe mistakes or uncertainty as part of the learning process rather than a failure.

Making decisions doesn’t have to feel so heavy. This episode will help you take the pressure off and start making choices with more confidence and contentment.

Resources and Links

• Grounded Farm Wife Journal
• Values Bundle

Connect with JESSICA:

Follow me on Instagram Instagram

Join my newsletter community Join my newsletter community

Check out my website Website

Find the complete show notes here:

As rural mums, we often have to get creative and find our own ways of making things work, whether that’s scheduling multiple appointments on one trip into town or setting rules (that don’t always get followed!) to keep the mess under control. By the end of the episode, I hope you’ll feel reassured that these challenges are normal, and that with a little preparation, we can all find ways to overcome them while raising happy, healthy kids in rural communities.

Key Points Covered in This Episode

Limited Access to Medical Services: One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced raising kids rurally is the limited access to medical services. Finding a GP you can consistently see is difficult, and wait times can be long—sometimes up to 10 weeks! I’ve learned the importance of booking appointments well in advance, especially when you have kids with ongoing health needs like asthma. In this episode, I talk about how I’ve built a strong relationship with our local GP and how I manage trips to the city for specialists by scheduling multiple appointments in one day. Telehealth has been a lifesaver for us, allowing us to avoid unnecessary travel for routine checkups. I also touch on the reality of long waitlists for pediatricians and other specialists and share tips on how to stay organized and prepared to make it all just a little easier.

Dealing with Feelings of Loneliness for Kids: Living rurally can be isolating for kids. With fewer nearby friends and limited opportunities for spontaneous playdates, it can be tough for them to feel connected. In this episode, I discuss how I’ve worked to combat those feelings of loneliness by creating strong family traditions at home, like pizza nights or game nights, to keep us all connected. I also make a big effort to get my boys involved in sports and social activities, even though that means spending a lot of time in the car driving to town. I talk about the reality of rural mums becoming part-time taxi drivers and how screen time, like Minecraft, has become a way for my kids to stay connected with their friends online, while balancing outdoor activities and family time.

Constant Muddy Boots and Dirty Clothes: If there’s one thing rural mums can all relate to, it’s the constant muddy boots and dirty clothes! Between outdoor play, farm chores, and the unpredictability of wet weather, it feels like the washing machine is always running. In this episode, I share the systems I’ve put in place to manage the chaos—like setting up a “no shoes past the front door” rule (even though it doesn’t always get followed!) and having separate ‘farm clothes’ and ‘town clothes.’ I also talk about how overclothes and waterproof coveralls have helped reduce outfit changes during messy days. But let’s be real—it always comes back to laundry, which I’m convinced is never-ending when you have boys! I give some tips on how I’ve tried to stay on top of it, including involving the kids in laundry routines, accepting that the washing will never truly be done, and finding a system that works for you.

Resources and Links

• Grounded Farm Wife Journal
• Values Bundle

Connect with JESSICA:

Follow me on Instagram Instagram

Join my newsletter...

We also discussed the unique challenges farmers face with debt and the stress it can cause, especially when it becomes intertwined with family dynamics and generational beliefs. I loved hearing Hayley’s insights on reframing debt as "support money" and the importance of celebrating the good years to counterbalance past financial traumas. If you're looking to cultivate a positive money mindset and embrace a more abundant approach to farming, this episode is packed with practical tips and heartfelt conversation that I hope inspires you as much as it did me.

Key Points Covered in this Episode:

• The definition of money mindset and its impact on how we feel, speak, and ultimately manage money on the farm.
• Hayley’s personal journey from accounting and property valuation to becoming a money mindset coach for farmers.
• How a negative money mindset can lead to stress around debt and limit business growth, even when the numbers look good.
• The concept of reframing debt as "support money" and using it strategically to expand your business.
• The role of generational beliefs in shaping our financial habits and the importance of breaking free from old patterns.
• Tips for couples and family farms on managing different financial perspectives to create a more unified, stress-free approach to money.
• The importance of celebrating successes and cultivating a positive outlook, even during challenging seasons.

Resources and Links

• Grounded Farm Wife Journal
• Values Bundle

Connect with JESSICA:

Follow me on Instagram Instagram

Join my newsletter community Join my newsletter community

Check out my website Website

Connect with HAYLEY:

Follow on Instagram @theabunduntfarmer

Follow on Facebook @HayleyGrosser.theabundantfarmer

Check out Hayley's website

Contact Hayley via email

Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/29

In this episode, I also dive into a few tractor mishaps, the mental and physical load of being a rural sports mum, and how juggling it all is no easy task—but worth it. Whether you’re a fellow farmer, parent, or just curious about the daily hustle of farm life, you’ll get a taste of how we keep things running smoothly (most of the time!) despite the challenges that come our way.

Key Points Covered in this Episode:

• Dealing with Unseasonably Hot Weather on the Farm: With temperatures staying at 30 degrees, it feels more like summer than autumn. This warm weather has been affecting everything on the farm, from calving to crops, making it more challenging to keep up with both the animals and the fields.
• Challenges of Autumn Calving and Calf Care: We’re halfway through autumn calving, and we’ve got about 90 calves in the shed, grouped in pens of 12. With 600 cows coming through the dairy each day, we’re also managing the logistics of split herds. I discuss how we handle socializing the calves, the importance of vaccinations, and the steps we’re taking after last year’s coccidiosis outbreak.
• Sowing Ryegrass and Prepping for Winter Crops: It’s the time of year when we’re sowing ryegrass to get the paddocks ready for Winter and Spring. We’re doing a lot of oversowing, which helps fill in the gaps in the pasture without needing a full replant. I also talk about how we’re monitoring the corn crop with help from our agronomist, using moisture meters to make sure we’re irrigating efficiently and on track for a mid-April harvest.
• The Juggle of Being a Rural Sports Mum: As a sports mum, my weekends are spent juggling farm chores with the kids’ soccer and footy schedules. With games often two hours away, there’s a lot of planning involved—packing gear, making sure the kids have everything they need, and sometimes organizing the other kids to come along or stay back. It’s a lot to coordinate, but it’s all part of supporting the kids in what they love.
• Tractor Mishaps and Learning New Equipment: I share a few stories about my recent tractor adventures, from trying to use the GPS on new equipment to running into a few hiccups that had me circling the paddock in frustration. Learning new machinery can be challenging, but sometimes you’ve got to laugh at the mistakes and keep moving forward.

Resources and Links

• Grounded Farm Wife Journal
• Values Bundle

Connect with JESSICA:

Follow me on Instagram Instagram

Join my newsletter community Join my newsletter community

Check out my website Website

Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/28

Jessica is an experienced Pelvic Health & Pain Physiotherapist with a fierce passion in population education. Leading with compassion and humility, Jessica is committed to changing the experience of health and wellbeing for rural women. Together with her business partners, Jessica is a Director of Gen Health Hamilton and Pro Feet Footwear Hamilton, a combined allied health clinic and a specialist podiatry shoe store respectively.

Professionally, Jessica strives to achieve the best outcomes for each individual despite rural isolation, using the latest evidence, technology and networks. As an advocate for women's health literacy, Jessica thoroughly enjoys her presenting roles at events, forums, conferences and universities.

Personally, Jessica is committed to lifelong learning and development. She strives to challenge the status quo, to be challenged to be the best leader she can be. Jessica endeavour's to think global and act local. Outside of her working roles, Jess is a mum, a wife, a volunteer, a board chair, a hiker, a veggie gardener, an ocean swimmer and the occasional salsa dancer

Today we talk about a topic that’s often overlooked but incredibly important for our well-being: the nervous system and how it impacts our emotions and health. Jessica shares her expertise in a way that’s not only practical but incredibly relatable for us farm wives and mums navigating the busy, often chaotic, rhythms of rural life.

We dive deep into how our nervous system plays a key role in how we manage stress and emotional health, especially when life on the farm feels like it’s constantly pulling us in a million different directions. Jessica shares easy, actionable ways to help balance our nervous system and reduce stress through simple daily practices, which can make a huge difference in how we feel and respond to life’s challenges.

We also dive into pelvic health and talk about some staggering figures around the number of women who suffer from pelvic health issues each year. It’s a topic that can be uncomfortable to talk about and often hard to find the right help. Jessica offers some great tips around finding the right health professional and tips for communicating what you’re experiencing.

Key Points Covered in this Episode

• How the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems affect our stress levels
• Simple ways to balance your nervous system and shift out of "fight or flight"
• The impact of neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins on mood and energy
• Finding flow and how it can boost resilience and happiness
• Easy practices like breathwork, structuring your day, and mindfulness to help reduce stress
• The importance of pelvic health and why it’s important to seek help when needed

Resources & Links:

Grounded Farm Wife Journal

CONNECT WITH Jessica:

Follow me on Instagram @groundedfarmwife

Check out my website www.groundedfarmwife.com.au

CONNECT WITH Jessica:

• Follow her at  @jessica.fishberg or @genhealthhamilton
• Check out her  website

Find the complete show notes here: