Christina Baehr is one of the calmest, happiest women you’ll ever meet, which is remarkable, considering she lives off-grid in Tasmania’s Huon Valley, homeschools her 10 kids (yes, 10!), runs a hostel with her husband, and somehow finds time to write fantasy novels… five of them. Three were typed entirely on her iPhone during any spare moment to herself she could get. Today, Christina shares her incredible journey, from growing up as an only child in rural Tassie, to marrying an American, to building a life full of chaos, connection, and creativity. We talk homeschooling, mental load, motherhood, and how a tough year led to her most unexpected creative breakthrough. Her story is extraordinary, but the way she tells it makes you feel like anything is possible. This is her story.

This season is proudly supported by Blundstone, an iconic Aussie brand that’s been making boots since 1870. Built tough for every walk of life, their range has something for the whole family. CLICK HERE to explore their story and shop the collection.

Next week is National Farm Safety Week 2025. Together with Kidsafe Victoria, let’s make our farms and rural communities safer for our families. CLICK HERE to learn more and access Kidsafe Victoria’s free resources:

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Meet Katrina Head, a nurse, mum of three, and…a competitive woodchopper who lives life at full throttle! By day, she coordinates Queensland’s Intensive Care Clinical Network. By weekend, she’s swinging axes at shows across the country alongside her husband and kids. Katrina’s story starts on a farm near Dalby, where her deep bond with her dad shaped her work ethic and love for hands-on challenges. After the heartbreaking loss of her father to suicide in 2017, Katrina found solace and strength in her family, her career, and the woodchopping community. In this episode, she shares candidly about the juggle of motherhood, a demanding healthcare career, grief, and finding joy in unexpected places. Her honesty, humour, and strength shines through in our beautiful chat. A wonderful way to wrap up our Autumn season of the show.

Warning: This episode touches on mental health and suicide. If you or anyone you know needs help, contact Lifeline now on 13 11 14.

Thanks to our Autumn sponsor Telstra for supporting rural and regional Australia through the incredible Connected Community Grants Program. In partnership with FRRR, these grants help improve digital access and skills in regional communities just like yours to help you thrive at home, at school, and in business. To learn more about the 2025 Telstra grant recipients, CLICK HERE

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Nearly two years ago, I stood on stage at Parliament House in Canberra, emceeing the National Rural Women’s Award. I wore a stunning hot pink gown, hand-dyed, made entirely from 100% Australian merino wool, and created just for me. That gown wasn’t just beautiful, it was meaningful. And it was made by today's guest, Nikki Atkinson. Nikki is the founder of Horrocks Vale Collections, a rural fashion brand crafting one-of-a-kind wedding and formal gowns from Australian merino wool. She’s a mum of three, a hands-on designer, and the 2024 South Australian winner of the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award. She lives with her family on a sheep farm in South Australia’s Flinders Ranges, a region currently in the grip of a crippling drought. Over the past two years, Nikki’s designs have gained national and international attention, from magazine features to London Bridal Week. But behind Nikki’s success is another story - one she’s never shared publicly. Until now.

While raising her kids and building her brand from the bush, Nikki has been facing the biggest challenge of her life: her husband Dallas’s diagnosis with stage 4 cancer. In this episode, we talk about building a brand with purpose, the power of wool, the grit of rural life… and what happens when your world falls apart, but you keep showing up anyway. This is her story.

A big thank you to our Autumn sponsor, Telstra - championing regional, rural, and remote families across Australia. From next-gen networks to local community support, they’re redefining what’s possible. To learn more about their 5-year strategy, Connected Future 30, and what it means for you and your community CLICK HERE

Rural Health Connect has more than 400 psychologists available to provide support across a broad range of areas. Sessions are done under a mental health treatment plan - simply share this flyer with your GP and request a referral. If accessing a GP is a barrier for you, you can see one bulk billed through RHC (for MHTPs only) here: https://ruralhealthconnect.com.au/general-practitioner/

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