Rural Leadership Unearthed

In this episode of Rural Leadership Unearthed, the Unbreakable Farmer, mental health crusader Warren Davies, speaks to us about the insights and stories he feels privileged to share in as he travels around rural Australia. He reflects on the forces buffeting the communities he speaks to, and particularly the impact that the rapid transition to renewable energy sources is having throughout country Australia.

In this conversation,...

In this episode of Rural Leadership Unearthed, Australian Rural Leadership Foundation CEO, Matt Linnegar, sits down with former Australian diplomat and founder of Geopolitical Strategy, Michael Feller, for a conversation about leadership in an increasingly chaotic global environment.

Matt and Michael examine how leaders internationally are navigating rapid change and disruption. They discuss the limitations to a ‘transactional’ sty...

In this episode of Rural Leadership Unearthed, we have joined forces with the Ducks on the Pond podcast to bring you a conversation about advocacy; systems thinking; solutions journalism and more.

In this chat with Ducks on the Pond co-host and founder of the Rural Podcasting Co, Kirsten Diprose, and Catherine Marriott OAM – an ‘agvocate’, ARLF Associate and former WA Rural Woman of the Year, we explore the challenges surrounding h...

Andrew Bryant is a manager of learning at the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, responsible for the design and delivery of leadership programs.  

He joins us for this episode of ARLF podcast,Rural Leadership Unearthed, to illuminate what it takes to be a ‘vulnerable leader’. Andrew draws on our second ever episode, with regional arts leader Alysha Herrmann, who describes how she frames the raw and difficult parts of her story ...

There’s a huge amount of symbolism in a new year, and that can bring with it a lot of pressure.

In this episode, we reflect on the recent challenges and wins for Australian agriculture and take a look at trends that will continue to impact the sector. This is a conversation between two veterans of agricultural advocacy and leadership in rural Australia: CEO of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation and former head of the National Farmers Federation, Matt Linnegar, and our inaugural Special Representative for Australian Ag...

In this expansive episode registered nurse, John Wright, reflects on the career he has built as a remote area nurse and clinical educator currently serving some of Australia’s most remote communities. John is a proud emissary for a career that he has found to be rewarding, challenging and rich.

In this raw episode, dairy industry leader, Aaron Thomas, shares the story of his mental health break-down in the midst of a “perfect storm” of personal and professional hardship. As well as managing a dairy farm in Southeast Gippsland, Aaron is working to break down the stigma, shame and lack of support that can see people struggle alone – especially in rural communities.

In this inspiring episode, ‘connection cultivator’ and co-founder of the grass-roots group, Resilient Uki, shares her passion for hyper-local community leadership.

In this illuminating episode, cotton industry leaders and growers, Liz Stott and Aaron Kiely, share their stories of advocacy for their industry, and contribution to their communities. 

In this inspiring episode, Indigenous Midwife and Arrernte leader, Cherisse Buzzacott, shares her story of personal resilience and service to her community. She unpacks the ways systemic prejudice can compromise structures of care available to First Nations women and birthing people, and her determination not to accept what is broken, but to play a lead role in fixing it.

In this thoroughly aquatic episode, Port Fairy abalone diver, founder and director of Fox Wild Abalone, Craig Fox, takes us inside the world of this unique wild harvest industry. Craig revisits one of the darkest times in his professional life, when a highly contagious outbreak of Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis (AVG) swept through the industry’s Western Zone. He speaks about the devastating emotional and financial impact, and the co...

In this generous episode Indigenous leader, Bernice Hookey, shares her passion for disrupting the harmful cycles that exist around intergenerational trauma. She offers insight into her own journey of healing, and how it has led to her passion for fostering and supporting leadership through her amazing work with First Nations women.

In this raw episode, double organ transplant recipient and Herd of Hope founder, Megan McLoughlin takes us through the grief of receiving an extraordinary gift from a stranger, and her path to purpose and peace.

Oli Le Lievre is the founder of the hugely successful Humans of Agriculture podcast and media business. From suburban Sydney to a career in agriculture, Oli has let his curiosity and passion guide him to the frontline of reshaping the narrative about farming.

In this revealing episode, writer/creative practitioner/community advocate/youth mentor/Australian Rural Leadership Foundation alum Alysha Herrmann shares her journey of authentic and vulnerable leadership. 

Steve Tinker heads Telstra’s operations in Northern and Western Victoria and he’s part of Telstra’s Response Team. Over 30 years in the job, he’s led Telstra’s customer response, and support for impacted communities through some of the worst natural disasters we’ve seen. With our regions experiencing a cyclone, floods and fires in recent weeks, Steve and the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation’s chief executive Matt Linnegar dis...