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8. Claire
01:23:45||Season 5, Ep. 8This is a truly fascinating story—one that offers a rare glimpse into life in one of the most remote corners of Australia. It’s not often that I get the opportunity to speak with someone who has lived as remotely as today’s guest. Claire’s journey is remarkable: after leaving her career in the wine-making regions of Canada, she and her husband made the bold decision to move to Groote Eylandt, a secluded island in the Northern Territory, to start their family.Life on Groote is both breathtaking and challenging. The landscapes are stunning—untamed wilderness, endless blue horizons, and a deep connection to the land. But with such beauty comes isolation. Most forms of medical care require a flight to the mainland, raising profound questions about how one prepares for birth in such a remote location.Claire’s story is also one of contrast. Her first baby was conceived and born on Groote, surrounded by its wild, remote beauty. Her second, however, was born in Tasmania—an entirely different environment, yet just as significant in its own way. Both births were beautiful, yet starkly different, highlighting how place, access to care, and personal experience can profoundly shape the journey into motherhood.This is an incredible testament to the power of intuition, resilience, and trust in one’s body. Claire speaks beautifully about how women are often “forged in the fire” of their experiences, with each challenge shaping the way they navigate future ones. Her reflections on pregnancy and birth offer deep insight into what it means to listen to yourself, embrace uncertainty, and find strength in the unknown.Stay tuned until the very end—Claire shares some of the most profound and empowering advice I’ve heard on the podcast so far. And if her story resonates with you, you’re in luck! Claire runs Your Brighter Beginnings, offering a suite of resources and support for mothers during pregnancy and postpartum.This is a conversation you won’t want to miss—one that will transport you to the vast and remote beauty of Groote Eylandt while exploring how the experience of birth can be shaped by the places we call home.
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7. Sara
38:29||Season 5, Ep. 7Welcome to today's episode! If you love scrolling through warm, beautiful corners of the internet, chances are you’ve come across Sara’s world—StoneyCreek Flower Farm. It’s one of those peaceful, inspiring spaces that might even have you planning your own trip to a nursery.But today, we’re stepping beyond the flowers and into an incredible birth story—one that highlights the challenges of giving birth in a rural town where maternity services can be put on bypass at any time. Sara, a mother of two beautiful boys, Archie and Freddie, experienced this firsthand when she went into labor with Freddie, only to find that the local maternity ward wasn’t available.If you’re a rural woman navigating a similar reality—where services can suddenly be unavailable, and you’re left wondering how to plan for your own birth—this episode is for you. Sara’s story is powerful, eye-opening, and one that every expecting mother in a rural community needs to hear.A huge thank you to Sara for sharing her story with such raw, beautiful honesty—layered with the practicality and strength we’ve come to know and love from women of the bush. Your openness and courage in telling this story will no doubt resonate with so many, offering both insight and support to those facing similar challenges. We’re so grateful to have had you on to share this journey.6. Chloe
40:14||Season 5, Ep. 6In this week’s episode of the podcast, Chloe shares her incredible and eye-opening birthing experience, revealing what happens when maternity services are an hour away. Chloe’s story is one of resilience and courage—she’s been through so much, from the heartbreaking loss of her daughter at 26 weeks, to having her first son 100 kilometers from home, and then delivering in a situation where the nearest maternity ward was no longer an option. In fact, Chloe was told, "Do not come here," leaving her with only two choices: a netball court or the emergency department of a hospital that had recently closed its maternity services. What do you do when your husband is the only one there to catch your baby? Chloe’s journey makes it clear why the fight for accessible rural and regional maternity services is so critical. Chloe, we’re beyond thankful that you shared your story with our Herd community, and we’re honored to provide the platform for you to set the record straight on what really happened.5. Sophie (Part2)
01:40:37||Season 5, Ep. 5When we first sat down with Sophie in Episode One, we were introduced to a woman whose openness, raw emotion, and unwavering honesty set the bar for everything that followed. Sophie's ability to share the highs and lows of her life – from motherhood to running a sheep farm with her husband Ross, to navigating rural life with their son Dougal – touched a chord with so many of you. Her unique combination of grace, humor, and vulnerability made her story unforgettable.Sophie’s journey, as she so honestly described, included the unexpected surprises of a COVID birth and the battles that came with fertility. She spoke candidly about the emotional toll and the challenges of accessing treatment while living rurally – a reality many women know all too well. Sophie's message was clear: listen to your gut, advocate for yourself, and never be afraid to ask for help.As we pick up with Sophie in this second chapter, we are reminded why her first episode remains a fan favorite. This time, we dive deeper into the complexities of fertility, love, loss, and the unexpected twists that life throws your way. Sophie brings us her characteristic honesty, humor, and wisdom as she discusses the heartache of miscarriages, the unpredictability of pregnancy, and the ongoing battle that fertility presents.For Sophie, this isn't a "journey" – as she so brilliantly puts it, fertility is a battle. There is nothing fun about it. It's a daily fight filled with tough decisions, emotional setbacks, and, at times, unimaginable grief. Yet, true to her spirit, Sophie shares it all with humor, grace, and the kind of candidness that continues to resonate with listeners.So, buckle up for a conversation that’s filled with both tears and laughter, a reflection of life with Sophie, Ross, and their incredible family. It’s not always easy, but it’s always real, and that's why we are so grateful to have Sophie back with us once again.4. Raechel
01:04:32||Season 5, Ep. 4In this heartfelt podcast episode, I sit down with Raechel, an incredibly talented country singer-songwriter, whose story is as inspiring as her music. Raechel’s journey into the world of songwriting was deeply shaped by her childhood spent performing in her family band, while traveling and living in a caravan across rural Australia. These early years fostered a profound connection to the land, and it’s this connection that permeates her music today.Raechel is not only a gifted artist but also a dedicated mum, radiating warmth, positivity, and an unshakeable talent. As we delve into her personal story, she opens up about her unique pregnancy and birth experiences. From her first birth in the private system in a big city to her final one—a home birth in a rural community with no local maternity services—Raechel’s journey highlights the incredible resilience and strength of women, especially in rural maternity black spots.Raechel speaks so beautifully about her last birth, supported by midwives who truly go above and beyond to create innovative and compassionate solutions for women in these under-served areas. She talks openly about the process, the beauty of trusting her intuition, and the empowering experience of leaning into her own power.The conversation takes a vulnerable turn as Raechel shares her story of miscarriage. With raw honesty, she walks us through her personal experience of miscarrying at home, discussing the emotional and physical challenges she faced, both expected and unexpected. Her openness and honesty about the process offer comfort and understanding to those who may have gone through a similar journey.This episode is an epic conversation with a woman who feels like your best friend by the end. Raechel’s warmth, honesty, and incredible strength shine through as she shares her personal experiences, her wisdom, and her deep connection to the experiences that shape both her art and her life.3. Kate
01:36:21||Season 5, Ep. 3Welcome to this powerful episode of Her Herd, where we’re joined by the brilliant, witty, and incredibly passionate Kate Brow. Kate’s the kind of rural mum who manages to juggle a high-profile job with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade while running a sheep and cattle farm in rural New South Wales. And she does it all with a sharp sense of humor and the kind of grace that can only come from someone who's walked through the fire—literally and figuratively.Kate’s story is one of resilience, raw beauty, and incredible strength. In the summer of 2019, while bushfires ravaged her region, she gave birth prematurely to her second daughter at just 35 weeks. If that wasn’t enough, Kate found herself navigating the chaos of postpartum life during the COVID-19 pandemic. She opens up about the trauma of losing her second pregnancy, the intense challenges of a premature birth, and the mental health hurdles that followed. But her story isn’t just about survival—it’s about healing, too. Her third pregnancy was what Kate calls her "healing pregnancy," and it empowered her to rebuild her confidence and reconnect with her own expertise as a mother.Kate’s journey is one that speaks to the power of leaning into your support network, trusting yourself, and knowing that you are the expert on your own experience. This conversation is full of raw, confronting imagery—from living through the fires and smoke of 2019 to navigating postpartum in the midst of a global pandemic. But it’s also filled with hope, healing, and the kind of insight that only someone as grounded and real as Kate can offer.Kate, thank you so much for sharing your story with us today. Your bravery and vulnerability are a gift, and we are honored to have you as part of the Her Herd community.2. Kirsty - Part 2
49:08||Season 5, Ep. 2Welcome back to Part 2 of my interview with Kirsty Bryant.If you listened to Part 1, you know just how powerful Kirsty's story is. From being the first woman to receive a uterus transplant to navigating her IVF journey, Kirsty has faced challenges most people can’t even imagine. But her story is about so much more than just medical procedures—it’s about love, resilience, and what it truly means to keep fighting for your dreams.In this episode, we dive deeper into the journey to baby Henry. What happens when you wake up and don’t have a uterus? How do you process the emotions when it seems like everyone around you is getting their period back, while you’re still facing infertility? Kirsty shares the raw, real experiences of secondary infertility and the decision to move forward with a uterus transplant, as well as the IVF process that ultimately led to the birth of Henry.I also ask her some tough questions—like whether it’s easier to have a hysterectomy when it's a choice, and what the healing process really looks like after such a life-changing decision.This is the conclusion to an incredible journey. Kirsty, Nick, and their kids Henry and Violet have been through so much, and I’m so grateful they’ve chosen to share their story.If you missed part 1 go back now and listen!