Beyond The Back Paddock with Sam Fryer

Todays' guest on the podcast is Sam Fryer, a podcast host and regional area manager for QRIDA. Sam's personal journey, including the impact of having a sibling with a disability, his career in agriculture, and his podcast 'A Place to Call Home' which focuses on the next generation in agriculture and succession planning. Sam also opens up about his struggles with mental health and the importance of seeking support. In this conversation, Sam and Warren discuss the importance of talking about mental health and the tools they use to maintain their own mental well-being. They emphasise the power of sharing personal stories and experiences to inspire others to do the same. Sam shares his routine of exercise, healthy eating, and reading before bed as strategies to support his mental health. They also discuss the benefits of getting involved in community activities and finding hobbies outside of work. Sam reveals his hidden talent for singing and his dream of flying. The conversation concludes with advice to back oneself and not worry about the opinions of others.   Takeaways:

• Sam Fryer's perspective on life was shaped by growing up with a sibling with a disability, which taught him gratitude and a broader perspective on challenges.
• Sam is passionate about agriculture and the beef industry, and he works as a regional area manager for Q-Rider, providing concessional loans and disaster support to primary producers.
• Sam's podcast, 'A Place to Call Home', focuses on the next generation in agriculture and shares stories of people who have pursued different paths to become primary producers.
• Succession planning in agriculture is a complex topic, and Sam aims to provide resources and different perspectives to help the next generation navigate this process.
• Sam has faced his own mental health challenges and emphasizes the importance of seeking support and taking care of one's mental well-being.
• The conversation also touches on the diversity of rural areas in Queensland and the vibrancy of the younger generation returning to rural communities. Talking about mental health and sharing personal stories can help both the speaker and the listener.
• Maintaining mental well-being requires a routine that includes exercise, healthy eating, and quality sleep.
• Getting involved in community activities and finding hobbies outside of work can provide a sense of fulfillment and help reset the mind.
• Having a supportive partner or friend is crucial in maintaining mental health.
• Backing oneself and not worrying about the opinions of others is important for personal growth and happiness.

Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Perspective 08:14 Q-RIDA and Supporting Primary Producers 28:55 Reaching Out for Support 35:13 The Benefits of Community Involvement and Hobbies 43:28 Dreams of Flying