Advertise on podcast: Blether Together with Farmstrong Scotland

Helen Stewart took over her family's farm in Pitlochry quite suddenly - when her older brother decided he wanted a different life. The farm has a high wild deer population, which was making it difficult to graze cattle or sheep. To tackle this problem, Helen has set up Fair Feast - a social enterprise that has so far placed 2.5 tonnes of culled and butchered venison in nearby food banks and community pantries. She's come a long way since doing an English Literature degree at Glasgow University. -- How’s It Going? Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you. Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing. Follow Us Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more. Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland. Mentioned in this episode: Explore Foundations of Mental Strength Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings Contact us to find out more or book a session: [email protected]

It's a crowded one this time, as Sarah chats with all four 'Bute Shepherdesses'; namely Emma Gray, Cathinka Paterson, Lisa Gast and Sarah Farrell. These amazing women have come together to run an annual four-day island sheepdog event, the Trials of Bute. They talk us through what it's like living and working on Bute, their wellbeing tips and insights, and the challenges faced by people seeking opportunity on the island. -- How’s It Going? Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you. Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing. Follow Us Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more. Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland. Mentioned in this episode: Explore Foundations of Mental Strength Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings Contact us to find out more or book a session: [email protected]

We were delighted to hear last month that Blether Together had won the 'Best Interviewer' category at the first ever Scottish Podcast Awards. In this bonus episode, we're sharing the three clips that made up our entry to the award: Clip 1: From our Menopause Special episode, crofter Sally Crowe from This Farming Life, and expert gynaecologist Dr Heather Currie Clip 2: Tommy Dale from Forth Resource Management and Caledonian Horticulture, talking about his recovery from a severe bout of mental ill health in 2013. Clip 3: East Lothian farming couple Willie Thompson and Anna Davies – on how Willie’s rheumatoid arthritis has changed their family's outlook on life. Find each of these episodes in the Blether Together podcast feed -- and now that we are an award-winning podcast, there is all the more reason to tell your friends about us, and share links with those who'd be interested. -- How’s It Going? Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you. Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing. Follow Us Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more. Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland.

Gareth Gault, CEO of global agri brand Grassmen, is better known to friends, fans and followers as 'Donkey'. But he's lost over 10 stone in weight over the last year or so, and is a shadow of his former self! In this episode - recorded at the 2026 Royal Highland Show - Gareth talks with Blether Together producer Dave Howard about his weight loss, wellbeing, and setting himself a big challenge for September; Donkey is taking on the Belfast half marathon! -- How’s It Going? Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you. Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing. Follow Us Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more. Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland. Mentioned in this episode: Explore Foundations of Mental Strength Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings Contact us to find out more or book a session: [email protected]

Joe Barker published a video on TikTok in the aftermath of his 21st birthday, talking about wellbeing, and how he has struggled in recent years with his mental health and the pressures of family illness and managing the farm. The online response was huge - and he's become a champion for wellbeing, regularly posting videos with tips, advice and honest chat. He's @JoeBarkerfromYorkshire on social channels (even though he now farms in Lanarkshire), and posts on YouTube as Real Talk Rural. In this episode, recorded at the Farmstrong Scotland stand at the Royal Highland Show, Joe's chatting with producer Dave Howard. --- Important note: there is brief discussion of suicide in this episode. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, it's important that you talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123. --- How’s It Going? Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you. Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing. Follow Us Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more. Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland. Mentioned in this episode: Explore Foundations of Mental Strength Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings Contact us to find out more or book a session: [email protected]

A true Scottish agriculture powerhouse, Caroline Millar opens up about the warning signs that made her realise it was time to prioritise her wellbeing, and how inspiration from New Zealand's approach to farming life led her to make lasting changes. In this candid chat, first recorded for World Mental Health Day 2025, Caroline also shares the practical steps she's taken to build a healthier, more balanced life - for herself, her family, and the people she works with. Listen now - and share with someone who needs a boost. Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland. If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s (24-hours) helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587 or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123 Mentioned in this episode: Explore Foundations of Mental Strength Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings Contact us to find out more or book a session: [email protected]

Have you ever met a gin farmer? That's how Jenny McKerr of the Wee Farm Distillery introduces herself. This episode is Jenny's story of how she and her husband Stephen have spent the last 10 years building up their business - a farm, a farm shop, and a distillery - as first-generation farmers on 45 acres in South Lanarkshire. It's been a lot of work - but Jenny is also careful to prioritise family time, and says she always gets off farm when she needs to. In 2026, she is a proud recipient of the very prestigious Kings Award for Sustainable Development. She has been involved in the Rural Leadership programme. She was at SRUC, and is a member of Scottish Agritourism. Find the Wee Farm Distillery online here. How’s It Going? Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you. Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing. Follow Us Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more. Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123. Mentioned in this episode: Explore Foundations of Mental Strength Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings Contact us to find out more or book a session: [email protected]

This episode is packed with info about Farmstrong Scotland's 'Foundations of Mental Health' programme - a direct response to findings from our recent surveys. More than one in three respondents reported low levels of wellbeing - with scores falling below the national average across all age groups. 'Foundations of Mental Strength' - or FoMS - is a series of workshops designed to combat low wellbeing - and can be run by groups and organisations as a special day, or included in a package of other ongoing activities. Huge thanks to both The Scottish Government Knowledge Transfer & Innovation Fund, and to the NFU Mutual Charitable Trust, for providing funding to support the FoMS programme. This episode features: Kirsty Ritchie, mental health consultant and founder of Mind and Mission. Kirsty was involved in devising the Foundations of Mental Health programme for Farmstrong. Emily Grant, who's worked in Scottish agriculture for over 20 years, and trades as Forrit (Scots word for 'forward'). Emily is part of the team who deliver FOMS to groups and organisations across Scottish agriculture. Find out more about the Foundations of Mental Strength programme here. How’s It Going? Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you. Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing. Follow Us Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more. Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123.

Bobby Stevenson took the difficult decision to sell his family dairy farm after facing a mental health crisis. Bobby, from Lendalfoot in South Ayrshire, tells Sarah Stephen about his journey back from both a stroke and mental ill health - and how talking and sharing openly about his issues has helped his recovery. How’s It Going? Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you. Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing. Follow Us Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more. Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123. Mentioned in this episode: Explore Foundations of Mental Strength Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings Contact us to find out more or book a session: [email protected]

Sarah finds warmth on ice - and plenty of competition! - at the annual farmer's curling competition at Perth's Dewar Centre. 160 people from all over Scotland take part in the Chuck Hay Memorial Bonspiel, in teams of 4, over three days in January. There is camaraderie and connection - which is especially important in the bleak dark month of January, when isolation can feel particularly pronounced. In this episode: event organisers and brothers Sandy and Dave Hay tell Sarah what the event is all about, and pay tribute to their father, Chuck Hay, a former curling world championsheep farmers Glen and Thomas Muirhead - brothers of Eve Muirhead - stop by to share thoughts on the competitionFarmstrong's own Alix Ritchie shares thoughts on why events like this are great for social connection and wellbeing If listening to this episode has made you want to check out curling, please visit Scottish Curling's "Try Curling" website. It has info on all the ice rink venues across Scotland where there are organised taster sessions with qualified coaches. The sessions are open to anyone who wants to give it a go. You simply enter your postcode / location to get a list of times and venues. Link here: Sandy Hay is a trustee for RSABI - whose 24-hour helpline (below) is available to anyone in Scottish agriculture, and who offer practical, emotional and financial support: https://www.rsabi.org.uk/ How’s It Going? Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you. Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing. Follow Us Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more. Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123. Mentioned in this episode: Explore Foundations of Mental Strength Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings Contact us to find out more or book a session: [email protected]

Tommy Dale must have more hours in each day than the rest of us. He's run Forth Resource Management and Caledonian Horticulture since 2002, when he started both as an SRUC student project to recycle, compost and re-use garden and landscaping waste. He heads up Brose oat milk, works with Heriot-Watt University and others to run a lobster hatchery, and has a mission to clear plastic from Scotland's beaches, Scottish Coastal Clean Up. And there's plenty more charity and social enterprise work beside all that! He’s also been very generous in this chat for Farmstrong Scotland - sharing with Sarah the difficult lessons he learned in 2013, when he had a serious mental breakdown. How’s It Going? Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you. Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing. Follow Us Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more. Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123. Mentioned in this episode: Explore Foundations of Mental Strength Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings Contact us to find out more or book a session: [email protected]

This is a groundbreaking episode of Blether Together - as Sarah Stephen meets our first ever husband and wife duo – Willie Thomson and Anna Davies. Anna and Willie are tenants on a 250-acre arable farm near Haddington. They recently converted a steading into co-working spaces. Anna also runs rural PR and marketing firm Scene and Herd, and hosts Scottish farming podcast OnFARM. It’s a busy life – but recent health challenges for Willie have prompted a change in pace and approach. How’s It Going? Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you. Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing. Follow Us Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more. Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123. Mentioned in this episode: Explore Foundations of Mental Strength Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings Contact us to find out more or book a session: [email protected]

Being involved in Young Farmers - SAYFC - is fun, empowering, and a vital social connection for younger people across rural Scotland. In this special Blether Together, recorded with a live audience at AgriScot, Sarah Stephen speaks with Jack Young, a current young farmer, and Catriona Gemmell, who recently aged out of being part of SAYFC. Together, they consider the part SAYFC plays in wellbeing in rural Scotland - and how to keep social connections going when the dreaded day comes that you are too old to be part of Young Farmers! Also featured in this episode: Emily Simpson - SAYFC Events and Engagement Manager Jillian Kennedy - SAYFC Chair Will Murray - TikTok creator, sheep farmer, and ex SAYFC member How’s It Going? Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you. Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing. Follow Us Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more. Follow us on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, or subscribe to our Spotify Playlist, which includes hundreds of tunes recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123.

Firm friends Robert Neill and John MacInnes join Sarah Stephen to Blether Together about the joys and pressures of their working lives, whether running AgriScot, Robert’s newer role as NFUS Vice President, or on their family farms in Kelso and Iona. Both men share how they’re helping smooth the path into farming for the next generation -recognising when to step back, give younger voices room to grow, and trust them to make their own mark on the business. There’s also chat about how island life isn’t necessarily isolated. On Iona, John has a close community, some keen fellow golfers, and a steady stream of passing tourists to talk with (and to skive from shearing, says Robert!). Both men agree that having interests outside the farm, whether it’s golf, community work, or a project that’s just for you, plays a big role in keeping well and maintaining perspective. Robert also reflects on how wellbeing can come from being hands-on and helping others. Whether that’s getting practical in the workshop or pitching in to find solutions to people’s problems, giving your time and support can make a real difference. One of the Five Ways to Wellbeing is Give, and it’s something Robert and John live by, through mentoring, volunteering, and contributing to the wider farming community. Join us live at AgriScot We’ll be recording anepisode of Blether Together live at AgriScot on Tuesday 19 November. Come along to the Seminar Room Two at 9.00am to be part of the conversation, or catch the Farmstrong Scotland team as we make our way around the show. How’s It Going? Take a moment for yourself: try Farmstrong Scotland’s How’s It Going? tool. Answer eight simple questions and get access to resources tailored to support you. Farmstrong Scotland helps farmers, crofters and their families cope with the ups and downs of rural life by sharing practical ways to look after themselves and the people around them. It’s a peer-to-peer programme, shaped by scientific insight and real-life stories, so together we can share, learn and support each other’s wellbeing. Follow Us Visit the Farmstrong Scotland website to find out more. Follow us on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook, or subscribe to our Spotify Playlist, which includes hundreds of tunes recommended by farmers and crofters across Scotland. If you’re concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s 24-hour helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587, or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123. Mentioned in this episode: Explore Foundations of Mental Strength Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings Contact us to find out more or book a session: [email protected]

Thankfully, menopause is far less 'taboo' as a topic than it used to be. But there is still so much to do, to make sure that women experiencing menopause, and those around them, understand what is happening and what it means for health, wellbeing,and relationships. Dr Heather Currie MBE is a specialist gynaecologist and renowned menopause expert (and breeder of Aberdeen Angus cattle!) from Dumfries and Galloway. She joins Sarah for this month's Blether Together. Thanks also to crofter Sally Crowe and Caithness, and Lesley Mitchell who farms near Hawick, for sharing their menopause stories for this episode. LINKS: On 16th October 2025, there is a Farmstrong Scotland 'menopause special' live event taking place, at Guardswell Farm, Kinnaird, Inchture. Find out more online here. Farmstrong Scotland's menopause resource - created in partnership with Dr Heather Currie MBA - is online here. Follow Farmstrong Scotland on Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook. You can also subscribe to our Spotify Playlist including hundreds of tunes, recommended by farmers and crofters across Scoland. If you are concerned about yourself or someone else, talk to someone. Contact your doctor, RSABI’s (24-hours) helpline: 0808 123 4555, Breathing Space: 0800 838 587 or Samaritans (24-hours): 116 123 Mentioned in this episode: Explore Foundations of Mental Strength Read more about Farmstrong's Foundations of Mental Health programme: https://www.farmstrongscotland.org.uk/news-events/farmstrong-scotland-launches-new-mental-strength-programme-in-response-to-survey-findings Contact us to find out more or book a session: [email protected]