Welcome to From Stress to Strength, a special podcast series by Farm Life Psych with Steph Schmidt, proudly supported by Ski for Life.

Join Steph Schmidt, a psychologist, farmer and mum as she explores strategies to help navigate the challenges (and the joys) of farming life.

In this first episode, Steph sets the scene for the season ahead—sharing why this podcast series was created, what’s been happening on farms across South Australia (and beyond), and why it’s okay to simply be surviving right now. With so many juggling relentless drought, financial pressure, and emotional fatigue, Steph introduces the powerful concept of “filling your silo”—a relatable and practical wellbeing metaphor for farming life.

💬 In this episode, you'll hear:

• A real-time check-in on the 2024 season and what farmers are facing

• Why running on empty might get the job done—but at what cost?

• A guided "silo check-in" to reflect on your current energy levels

• Practical strategies for noticing what’s draining or filling your tank

• A reminder that thriving isn’t the only goal—sometimes surviving is enough

Whether you’re in the paddock, the ute, or at home with the chaos of life, this short, honest episode will help you pause, reflect, and gently care for yourself.

📝 Take the 2-minute check-in survey:
Help us understand how this series is supporting you and your community. Your anonymous responses will guide future episodes and help evaluate the impact of the series.
👉 Complete the podcast check-in at www.stephschmidt.com.au/podcast

🌱 This series is proudly supported by Ski for Life, a grassroots organisation promoting mental health, wellbeing, and suicide prevention in rural communities across Australia.

👩‍💻 Connect with Steph:
Website: www.stephschmidt.com.au
Instagram/Facebook: @stephschmidt.farmlifepsych
LinkedIn: Steph Schmidt

📩 Want to share your reflections or ideas for upcoming episodes? Get in touch at steph@stephschmidt.com.au

In this bite-sized Cultivate episode, join me, Steph Schmidt, a psychologist, farmer, and mum of 3. I explore the power of movement—not as punishment or pressure, but as permission to shift stress and reconnect with your body.

Whether you're shearing sheep, feeding out hay, or stuck in a tractor cab for 14 hours, this episode helps you rethink movement in a way that works for you.

From tiny micro-movements to driveway walks and squats in the sheep yards, I share how movement can send signals of safety to your nervous system, anchor you to the present, and improve your day—mentally, emotionally, and physically.

What you'll learn:

• Why movement matters (even when you're exhausted)

• Simple strategies to build movement into your day

• How to use movement as a mindfulness practice

• Ways to stay accountable (even if you hate gyms)

Links & Resources:

• Farm Life Fitness⁠

• Fat Farmers

• Kate Ivey Fitness

• Saltbush Stretch

• Active Farmers⁠

Make sure you subscribe or follow to stay up to date with future episodes.

Share this episode with someone who might benefit from it.

Send me your thoughts and feedback - steph@stephschmidt.com.au

Welcome to the Cultivate mini-series — bite-sized episodes from Farm Life Psych with Steph Schmidt that plant small seeds of change to support your mental health and wellbeing through the ups and downs of life on the land.

In this first episode, we’re talking about sleep — or the lack of it. Whether you’re out in the paddock working long hours or at home juggling everything else, sleep often gets sacrificed during seeding and other high-pressure seasons.

In this practical chat, Steph shares simple, evidence-based strategies to help you:

• Wind down and switch off (even with a wired, racing mind)

• Set up your space and body for rest

• Work with — not against — your sleep patterns

• Navigate alcohol, caffeine, and screen use mindfully

If your brain’s stuck in overdrive or you’re just plain exhausted, this one’s for you.

Stay up to date - www.stephschmidt.com.au/littlerocks

Send me your feedback - steph@stephschmidt.com.au

Share on socials and tag @stephschmidt.farmlifepsych