Ever wondered what goes on in the head of a country bloke?

If you’ve ever wondered what goes on ‘In the head of a country bloke', then you might like to listen to my podcast series. It’s full of inspiring, down-to-earth conversations with ex and current locals from my South Australian country town of Naracoorte.

I started the series in the midst of the Pandemic when none of us knew what that would mean in our world. Everything had changed, and like most, my business had to pivot.

While I was planning on what to do next, I needed to make sure I could still reach as many people as possible in a way that would work. I wanted to challenge myself and be able to look back on that time knowing I was able to contribute in some way.

The obvious thing for me at the time was to provide a much-needed platform for men to tell their stories, in the hope that the guys listening would take something from it at such a challenging time. I wanted to remind them that we are all ‘human’ and no amount of status or success changes that fact.

We all have our ‘stuff’ and depending on how we choose to move through those challenges will ultimately determine the outcome of our life. It was all about ‘growth and awareness’ really. The episodes reached thousands of listeners, both men, and women, mums, dads, farmers, truckies, tradies, footy players, other sportspeople and professionals.

During the series, I chatted to over a dozen men, including but certainly not only…

Glen ‘Hambo’ Hamlyn, a well-respected and well-known retired stock agent and community figure, about the trials and tribulations of business.

Jack ‘Chipper’ Kelly, a well-rounded guy, and passionate footy coach who led his Robe A grade team to a famous premiership win, the first in over a decade.

Charles Brice, who at 19 came off a motorbike on a casual morning ride with mates, and now over a decade later, continues to turn his challenge into an opportunity and live life to its ‘fullest' as a quadraplegic.

Matt Rowett, who has beaten the odds after being diagnosed with the ‘world’s deadliest brain cancer.’ Matt was given 12 to 18 months to live, but now (as I write this blog post) over 3 years later, he continues to tell his story and gives insight into his amazing, and extremely challenging journey and how he came to be in the 2% of survivors.

I also chatted with Richie ‘Punter’ Oliver, a very genuine and hard-working guy, who survived not one but two brushes with death in the space of 12 months. We talk in-depth about the details of those events, as well as the challenges he faced in his recovery, and beyond.

Lachie Neale is a much-loved local, now an elite athlete and AFL Brownlow Medal winner, and there were many more.

I loved every minute of chatting with these guys, hearing their perspectives on life, and knowing they each genuinely wanted to give back by contributing to the series. It was an absolute honor.

You’ll also find my series ‘In The Heart Of a Country Girl’ on Spotify and Anchor platforms - another extremely rewarding series of heartfelt stories from inspirational women.

Gratefully supported by Country SA PHN.

Click below to hear what goes on ‘In The Head Of A Country Bloke’.