Is parenting on a farm different to parenting in the city? What are our farm kids missing out on... and do the benefits of farm life out way the drawbacks?

In this bonus episode we welcome the hosts of The Barnyard Language podcast, which is an American podcast, focused on 'real talk about running farms and raising families.' But don't be fooled into thinking they are cutesy farm ladies - these are a wickedly funny and slightly sarcastic pair.

Arlene Hunter is a dairy farmer from Ontario, Canada and Caite Palmer is a sheep/beef producer from Iowa in the U S.

While there are obvious differences between Australia, Canada and the US... when it comes to the rollercoaster of raising kids in remote areas, we have A LOT in common.

We talk about everything from postnatal depression and the baby years. Right up to succession planning and raising kids that are proficient in "city", as much as they are in "farm".

This is a Rural Podcasting Co production.

** Interested in sponsoring an episode? Drop us a line on the Ducks on the Pond website.

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**COLLABORATION WITH LETS TALK**

Gosh it’s fun, being a woman. So how much of how we’re feeling is actually at the whim of our hormones and brain chemicals?

In our final episode of our 3-part collaboration series with Lets Talk, we chat about the ways we can naturally boost our moods, through what we eat and what we do, on a daily basis. These are simple tips, like getting sunlight, enjoying nature and avoiding refined sugars, that can have a big impact on your life.

Dr Belinda Bell, a GP based in Warrnambool in south-west Vic is our guest. She experienced depression when she was younger and was even told she shouldn’t talk about it, because it might be used against her. But she didn’t listen and is now on the Board of the Lets Talk Foundation and finds her patients actually appreciate her openness about her mental health.

Dr Bell, also hugs her patients. Her empathy is her superpower. Hear her story and insight into what’s going on with our bodies, (from periods, to pregnancy, to menopause) that can be wreaking havoc with our emotions.

Abby Power, of Lets Talk also joins us again as co-host with Kirsten Diprose.

Make sure you listen to all 3 episodes in this special “Self Care is Not Selfish” series, with the Lets Talk Foundation.

Please Note: The views expressed in this episode are our own, we are not providing any medical advice

This is a Rural Podcasting Co production.

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* *COLLAB SERIES WITH LET'S TALK**

A conversation can save someone's life.

So, when someone you care about is not OK, how do you start the conversation? And just as importantly, make sure it leads to that person taking action (such as talking to a GP).

In Part 2 of this series on "Self Care is Not Selfish," we look at how to foster deeper conversations about mental well-being, while also knowing your own limits and boundaries in helping someone else out.

Jenna Robinson, a running coach based in Birregurra, VIC and volunteer for the Let's Talk Foundation shares her own experience of post-natal depression. She describes how a conversation with a friend, was the beginning of her journey to recovery.

We're also joined by Abbi Power from Let's Talk, as co-host, along with regular host, Kirsten Diprose. Both women have also experienced post natal depression and remember the conversations that led them to take action and ultimately get better.

This is a conversation about having important conversations. It's full of different strategies about how to validate feelings, listen and employ the campfire analogy (that one is so you don't scare away the blokes with too much eye contact!). We also discuss mental health first aid training and what to do if you're helping someone in a crisis situation.

Are you interested in a collaboration series? Or sponsoring an episode? Download our Sponsorship prospectus from our website

This is a Rural Podcasting Co production.

Send us a Text Message.