In this episode of Built in the Bush, I sit down with Dr Kate Burke — independent farm consultant, PhD agronomist, and author of Succession: Future-proofing your family farm and Crops, People, Money & You.

With experience spanning both the paddock and the boardroom — including her time as Commercial Manager for one of Australia’s largest grain producers — Kate brings a rare perspective on what it actually takes to build a profitable, sustainable farm business.

But this conversation goes deeper than production and performance.

We explore the concept of the “mind mechanic” — and how, over the past decade, this way of thinking has fundamentally shaped how Kate approaches decision-making, leadership, and the complex human dynamics inside farming families and businesses.

Because behind every operational challenge… there’s a thinking pattern driving it.

And often, that’s where the real work begins.

🔗 Learn more about Kate’s work: Kate’s Books - Think Agri

 📩 Connect with Kate directly via her website contact page

If you’re navigating succession, scaling a farm business, or simply want to think more clearly about the decisions in front of you — this is a conversation worth listening to.

Episode Summary:
What does it really mean to be a man today—especially when you’re Built in the Bush?

In this episode, I sit down with Lachlan Stuart, speaker, coach and founder of @themanthatcanproject, for a raw, honest conversation on the evolving identity of modern masculinity.

From hitting rock bottom to building one of Australia's leading movements for men’s wellbeing, Lachlan’s story is one that will challenge, inspire, and shift the way you think about what it means to lead, live, and show up as a man—particularly in regional and rural communities.

What we cover:
✔️ The hidden pressures men carry—and rarely voice
✔️ How Lachlan rebuilt his identity and found purpose through service
✔️ Why emotional fitness is strength, not weakness
✔️ Masculinity beyond the stereotype
✔️ How to create healthy male spaces without shame or ego

Who this is for:
If you’re raising sons, leading men, working in regional leadership, or simply seeking better conversations about mental health and purpose—this one’s for you.

Guest Links:
🌐 themanthatcanproject.com
📱 Instagram – @themanthatcanproject

New to the podcast?
Built In The Bush is where we amplify real conversations from rural Australia. We speak to leaders, creatives, founders, and everyday locals doing extraordinary things—with dirt still on their boots.

Subscribe, share with a mate, and leave a review—it helps others find us.

 #AustralianPodcasts #LachlanStuart #MasculinityPodcast #MensHealthAustralia #RuralVoices #MentalFitness #LeadershipInTheBush #BuiltInTheBush #FoundersPodcast #MensWellbeing #MenInBusiness #ModernManhood #PersonalGrowthPodcast #AustralianFounder

🎯 Episode Sponsor: RB Finance

This episode of Built In The Bush is proudly sponsored by RB Finance — trusted finance brokers for rural and regional Australians who want more than just a loan.

Whether you're growing your agribusiness, upgrading your gear, or finally buying that dream property, RB Finance brings deep local knowledge and personal service to every deal.

 ✅ Tailored finance for farmers, families, and founders
 ✅ Fast, reliable, and jargon-free
 ✅ Backed by experience you can trust

💻 Learn more at: rbfinance.com.au
 📱 Or connect on Instagram: @rbfinance

Thanks to RB Finance for helping us tell stories that matter—right here in the bush.

🎙️ Ben Law – Slaying Dragons & Planning With Purpose from the Bush

What does growing up in rural Australia teach you about leadership, legacy, and planning with purpose?

In this episode, host Tanya Atkinson sits down with Ben Law—Strategic Coach, CEO of Agricoach, and founder of the High Performing Families Accelerator. Ben shares how the bush shaped his thinking and the lessons that now guide his work with proactive, family-focused farming families preparing for succession and long-term success.

From childhood resilience to the power of structured transition, this conversation is a powerful reminder that where you come from deeply shapes where you're going.

🎧 Listen now on your favourite podcast app.

#BuiltInTheBush #BenLaw #Agricoach #RuralLeadership #FamilyFarming #SuccessionPlanning #HighPerformingFamilies #TheFinancialBloke #PurposeDriven #BushWisdom

📍 Episode Description:
In this episode of Built In The Bush, we welcome globally respected behavioural scientist, master negotiator, and communication strategist  Allan Parker OAM, for an unmissable conversation on what it takes to build sustainable, successful family businesses — without losing your mind or your relationships.

With a career that spans over 30 countries, boardrooms of the United Nations, OECD and Microsoft, and grassroots consulting with multi-generational Australian family enterprises, Allan brings a unique blend of global insight and deep local heart.

Together, we explore:

• The soft spot Allan holds for family-run businesses, and why their unique strengths and challenges matter more than ever
• How to navigate conflict, succession, and communication breakdowns with clarity and care
• The surprising emotional patterns behind business disputes — and how to diffuse them early
• Why traditional negotiation tactics do not apply to families(and what to do instead)
• How bush values, legacy thinking, and emotional intelligence can transform leadership

Allan also shares stories from his time advising the OECD, shaping global SME policy, and working with the NSW Law Society, Macquarie Bank, and Microsoft across 11 countries, plus tips from his bestselling books Switch on Your Brain and Beyond Yes.

Whether you're in the thick of a family business, dreaming of passing on a legacy, or curious how to lead with more impact — this episode will leave you inspired, grounded, and future-focused.

🌾 Because in the bush, we build more than businesses — we build legacies

Tune in for part two, with Geoff Pike, to learn how things unfolded in the town of Thargomindah, during and after this devastating flood.  Hard to believe that right now in Australia there is a township living in caravans and tents, hoping the country doesn't forget about them and the long road ahead to rebuild.  This little community epitomises what it is to be Australian and how just turning up for your mates, is sometimes all the hope you need. 

Tune in to listen to Geoff Pike - Ago Vires, Thargomindah.  Hear how they prepared & adapted to a dynamic event that resulted in the biggest flood Thargomindah has every seen.  Hear how an isolated community banded together and harnessed their collective ingenuity & resilience, to buy their town 3 more days and ultimately divert the worst case scenario as the SWQ flood unfolded for them in Thargomindah

Tune in as we catch up with Kris Jennings to find all that's happened since last week, and find out where they're trucks and donations are heading to this week.

Hear from the CEO of Rural Aid, John Warlters about what their involvement is in this disaster.  How it all began, how much they've raised, where they support best AND his response to some of the questions that have been made in the media.

Imagine getting double your ANNUAL rainfall in a matter of 5-6 days.  That's what happened in Quilpie.  With annual rainfall of only 12 Inches, they received 24 (& more) in places.

If you live in Brisbane, the annual rainfall is 46 Inches (1.1 Metres of water), imagine getting 2.2 Metres of rain in 5-6 days?  That's approx how much rain they had to cause the 1974 City Flood but they had warning & notice.

How is it in 2025 we've got regions facing similiar and no BOM to provide warning

Hear first hand from Primary Producer and business owner, Louise Hoch on how this devastating disaster unfolded.............without ANY warning, what the flow on effects are and what support looks like today.

Tune in, 

Episode Synopsis:
In this heartfelt special edition of Built in the Bush, host Tanya returns to her hometown of Quilpie, a resilient rural community in Western Queensland, now grappling with the aftermath of unprecedented floods. She is joined by Quilpie Mayor Ben Hall, who shares raw insights from the ground—on how the disaster is impacting locals, the recovery efforts underway, and most importantly, how Australians can offer meaningful help.

Ben unpacks the real needs of the community, highlighting why direct donations of goods can often do more harm than good, and urging supporters to channel funds through local businesses and trusted organizations like CWA and GIVIT. From boundary fences to local jobs, Ben paints a vivid picture of how deeply the floods have disrupted life in Quilpie and what recovery truly looks like in the bush.

Listeners are also given a glimpse of hope as the town rallies around plans to hold the beloved Mungerannie Rodeo, a symbol of local spirit and survival. This episode is a vital call to action for anyone who values regional Australia and the food it produces.

Episode Breakdown:

• [00:00 – 02:00] Welcome & context: Tanya introduces the episode, Quilpie’s devastation, and the importance of rural recovery for all Australians
• [02:00 – 05:00] Mayor Ben Hall joins: Updates on the current situation, community resilience, and the early stages of recovery
• [05:00 – 09:00] How to help: Why donating items can cause issues, and how vouchers and local business support are far more effective
• [09:00 – 13:00] Economic impact: The invisible crisis hitting small businesses and why keeping money flowing locally is essential
• [13:00 – 16:00] Donation channels: GIVIT and CWA as key platforms; call for tech-savvy support to improve rural donation logistics
• [16:00 – 18:00] Emotional toll & the path forward: Damaged fencing, lost livelihoods, and the urgent need to sustain rural jobs
• [18:00 – 20:00] Looking ahead: Hopes to proceed with the Mungerannie Rodeo as a morale boost and Ben’s final message to supporters

Key Takeaway:
Supporting flood-impacted communities like Quilpie isn't just about donations—it's about doing it in a way that keeps rural economies alive. Buy vouchers, donate through trusted platforms, and when safe, visit and spend locally.

In this deeply moving and powerful episode, host Tanya Atkinson sits down with Keiron Lander—former professional rugby league player turned community leader and changemaker. From his energetic childhood in Quilpie to captaining the Ipswich Jets and leading Indigenous employment initiatives, Keiron’s story is a testament to resilience, community, and purpose.

He opens up about the challenges of growing up in foster care, navigating professional sport, hitting rock bottom, and ultimately finding his calling in giving back to others—especially young Indigenous Australians.

Now serving as Head of Indigenous Impact at Young Guns Crew, Keiron builds life-changing employment pathways for marginalized youth. His insights into culture, leadership, and the power of belonging will inspire anyone questioning their path or purpose.

This episode is rich with honesty, laughter, hard-earned wisdom, and hope—perfect for listeners craving a raw, real, and uplifting story about what it truly means to be built in the bush.

🔍 Episode Breakdown:

00:00 – 05:00
Introduction to the podcast and Tanya’s personal connection to Keiron from childhood in Quilpie.

05:00 – 15:00
Keiron shares his upbringing—being raised by his grandmother, connections to Indigenous culture, early life in Western Queensland, and discovering sport as an outlet.

15:00 – 30:00
Education as a vehicle for opportunity: Keiron’s boarding school journey, challenges with learning, and the support network that got him through.

30:00 – 45:00
Chasing the rugby dream: From the Reds and Broncos to heartbreak, injuries, and mental health struggles. Keiron opens up about the realities behind professional sport and moments of disillusionment.

45:00 – 60:00
Finding purpose beyond sport: Leading the Ipswich Jets to victory, discovering community leadership, and transitioning to his next chapter in life.

60:00 – 75:00
Keiron’s work with Young Guns Crew—creating job pathways for Indigenous youth, rethinking education, and the importance of strong cultural foundations in work and life.

75:00 – 85:00
The role of family, personal growth, and what keeps Keiron going. Insights on burnout, mental health, resilience, and what the bush—and the rest of Australia—needs most.

85:00 – 90:00
Rapid-fire wrap-up: What his younger self would say today, his go-to recharge strategy, and a call to action for businesses to help create change, one young person at a time.

💡 Why You Should Listen:

This episode is for anyone passionate about community, youth development, Indigenous empowerment, or simply in need of a powerful story of personal transformation. Keiron Lander’s humility, humour, and honesty will leave you inspired to lead with heart, give back, and believe in the power of connection.

🔗 Perfect for listeners who love:
Real stories of resilience | Indigenous leadership | Rural Australia | Rugby league | Social impact | Coaching and mentorship

🎙️ Podcast: Built in the Bush
🕒 Duration: 71 minutes
👤 Host: Tanya Atkinson, Executive Coach & Growth Facilitator
🎤 Guest: Julia Spicer, Regional Business Leader & Advocate

🎧 Episode Summary:

What does it take to build a thriving career in regional Australia? In this inspiring episode, Julia Spicer shares her unexpected journey from growing up on a sheep and cattle farm near Roma to becoming a leading voice in regional economic development and business strategy.

Julia opens up about:
✅ The pivotal moments that shaped her career – including a year in Switzerland and her unexpected leap into business
✅ The reality of rural business life – from big wins to hard lessons learned
✅ The power of saying ‘yes’ – and how taking on new challenges led to surprising opportunities
✅ Burnout, balance & contentment – why redefining success is crucial for long-term fulfillment
✅ Why regional voices matter – and the importance of having local leaders at decision-making tables

Packed with personal insights, leadership wisdom, and practical advice, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone passionate about regional business, leadership, and making an impact in their community.

📌 Episode Breakdown:

🔹 [00:00] Welcome & Introduction
Tanya introduces Built in the Bush & guest Julia Spicer

🔹 [02:10] Julia’s Rural Roots & Early Career

• Growing up on a sheep & cattle property near Roma
• Moving to boarding school in Toowoomba
• The transformative year spent in Switzerland at 17

🔹 [15:40] Finding Her Path – From Science to Business

• Studying Natural Resource Management
• Early jobs in sustainable agriculture & extension work
• First experiences in leadership & project management

🔹 [30:25] The Unexpected Leap into Business

• Why Julia started her own consulting business
• Saying "yes" to anything & learning through experience
• Building a thriving regional business network

🔹 [45:10] Burnout, Balance & Business Growth

• The wake-up call from a breast cancer diagnosis
• Realizing she had built a job, not a business
• How she restructured work & life for sustainability
• The shift from "enough" to "contentment" in defining success

🔹 [58:00] Leadership & The Power of Regional Voices

• Why rural communities need more leaders at decision-making tables
• The importance of mentors, networks, and advocating for others
• Why regional Australia is full of innovation & opportunity

🔹 [1:05:00] Final Thoughts & Takeaways

• Tanya & Julia reflect on growth, resilience & the power of storytelling
• Encouragement for regional Australians to step up & chase their dreams

🎧 This is a conversation about resilience, reinvention, and making a real impact in regional Australia. Don’t miss it!

💡 Loved this episode?
🔗 Connect with Tanya Atkinson | Built in the Bush
🔗 Follow Julia Spicer for more insights on regional business & leadership

👉 Listen now & be inspired to build your own path – wherever you are! 🎧✨

In this episode of Built in the Bush, host Tanya Atkinson sits down with Jess Galvin, founder of JG Audit and Assurance, to discuss her bold leap from corporate life to entrepreneurship in rural Australia. Jess shares how her upbringing on a Stanthorpe farm instilled resilience and a strong work ethic, which ultimately shaped her approach to business.

From unexpectedly discovering her passion for auditing to the burnout that led her to quit a 15-year career, Jess talks about the turning points that pushed her to build something of her own. She also opens up about juggling business with family, including navigating her daughter’s rare medical condition, and the importance of human connection in her work.

If you've ever considered stepping away from the traditional career path to follow your passion, this episode is full of honest insights, encouragement, and a reminder that success doesn’t always follow a set plan.

Episode Breakdown:

• [00:00] Introduction – Tanya introduces the podcast and guest, Jess Galvin.
• [02:15] From Corporate to the Bush – Jess’s journey from a corporate audit career to starting her own firm.
• [08:40] Finding Passion in Audit – The accidental way she discovered her love for audit work.
• [14:20] Burnout and Breaking Away – The challenges of corporate life and how burnout led her to make a life-changing decision.
• [20:10] Starting JG Audit – Launching her business two weeks before COVID and how it quickly grew beyond expectations.
• [26:00] Balancing Business and Family – How she prioritizes her children while running a thriving business.
• [31:50] Overcoming Challenges – Navigating her daughter’s rare medical condition and how it shaped her perspective.
• [38:00] Advice for Those Stuck in a Career Rut – Encouragement for anyone considering a career shift.
• [40:00] Quick-Fire Questions – Burnout, success, self-care, and what the bush needs more of.

🔊 Duration: 41 minutes
🎙️ Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

In this inspiring episode of Built in the Bush, host Tanya Atkinson speaks with Glen Young, General Manager of PBR Australia, about his incredible journey from a small-town Queensland boy with big dreams to a key figure in the world of professional bull riding. Glen shares his experiences growing up in Ayr, discovering his passion for rodeo and the cowboy way, and how his time abroad shaped his career and personal philosophy. Through tales of hard work, resilience, and the lessons learned from failure, Glen offers insights into creating opportunities, building communities, and leaving a meaningful legacy.

This episode is packed with wisdom about perseverance, building authentic relationships, and balancing professional ambition with a love for the bush lifestyle. It’s a must-listen for anyone chasing their dreams, navigating career transitions, or seeking inspiration to leave a positive impact on the world.

Episode Breakdown

0:00 – 3:30:

• Introduction by Tanya Atkinson: the podcast’s mission to share stories of success, failure, and growth.
• Introduction of Glen Young and an overview of his role as General Manager of PBR Australia.

3:31 – 10:25:

• Glen’s early life in Ayr, Queensland: his childhood fascination with cowboys, John Wayne, and horses.
• First jobs as a child cleaning stables, learning resilience, and developing a love for the rural lifestyle.

10:26 – 19:10:

• The pivotal role of international experiences: moving to the U.S. and Canada for rodeo and ranching.
• Lessons learned from mentors and working on ranches abroad.
• Building a network of lifelong friendships and connections.

19:11 – 30:05:

• Glen’s return to Australia: navigating career uncertainty and creating opportunities in bull riding.
• The inception of PBR Australia and the challenges of growing the sport domestically.
• Stories of setbacks, including event scheduling failures and business partnerships gone wrong.

30:06 – 40:30:

• Creating sustainable events that benefit local communities and foster economic growth.
• Reflections on how bull riding has evolved into a professional sport with real financial opportunities for athletes.
• Glen’s philosophy on leaving a positive legacy and giving back to the bush.

40:31 – 51:15:

• Balancing work, family, and farm life: Glen’s reflections on burnout and the importance of self-care.
• Lessons from a young Brazilian guest living with Glen about discipline, gratitude, and daily routines.

51:16 – 58:00:

• Reflections on success, happiness, and the value of pursuing your dreams.
• Glen’s goals for the future, including more time fishing and creating deeper connections with communities across Australia.
• Final words of wisdom about embracing challenges, building relationships, and living without regret.

Duration: 58 minutes

Perfect for listeners looking for inspiration, real-world wisdom, and a deep dive into how rural values and resilience can drive success on both personal and professional levels. Tune in and be inspired by Glen’s incredible story!

In this candid 57-minute episode, Michael Atkinson, a prominent sports broadcaster for Stan Sport and Channel 9, shares his unconventional journey from a rural upbringing in Quilpie, Queensland, to becoming a leading voice in rugby media. Joined by his sister, Michael opens up about his path of persistence, resilience, and adaptability. From early career setbacks to pivotal mentors and defining opportunities, Michael reflects on lessons learned growing up in the bush, the value of networking, and the importance of pursuing one's passion.

Listeners will gain insight into Michael's strategies for overcoming self-doubt, embracing failures as opportunities, and maintaining balance between professional ambition and family life. It's an inspiring conversation about grit, growth, and the power of embracing the unexpected.

Episode Breakdown

0:00 – 5:00 | Introduction and Background
Michael Atkinson introduces himself and his role as a sports presenter covering rugby for Stan Sport and Channel 9. He reflects on his upbringing in rural Queensland and how his bush roots shaped his independence and resilience.

5:01 – 14:00 | Early Career and Breaking into Media
Michael recounts his start at Queensland Rugby Union and the pivotal moments that launched his media career, including his first on-camera roles and how he gained exposure through volunteering and internships.

14:01 – 25:00 | Overcoming Non-Traditional Career Paths
A deep dive into Michael's unconventional journey, including returning to university at 28, taking unpaid work, and leveraging connections to open doors in the industry.

25:01 – 35:00 | Failures, Resilience, and Mentorship
Michael discusses significant personal and professional challenges, including the impact of losing a close friend, navigating career disappointments, and how mentors played a critical role in shaping his path.

35:01 – 45:00 | Work-Life Balance and Mental Health
Michael shares his perspective on defining success, balancing family life with a demanding career, and strategies for managing anxiety and obsessive-compulsive tendencies.

45:01 – 55:00 | Lessons Learned and Advice for Aspiring Professionals
The importance of networking, being proactive, and embracing feedback are key themes as Michael offers advice for those starting out. He also reflects on the role of regional Australia in his journey and how his younger self would view his current success.

55:01 – End | Closing Thoughts
Michael reflects on his growth, expresses gratitude for his support network, and shares his aspirations for the future.

Duration: 57 minutes
Podcast Title: Built in the Bush: From Quilpie to Rugby's Frontlines
Guest: Michael Atkinson