In this powerful and practical episode, Nick Paltridge sits down with Mary O’Brien, founder of the grassroots mental health initiative Are You Bogged Mate?

Mary shares her trademark no-nonsense approach to rural mental health, offering honest reflections on the pressures faced by farmers, how mental load builds quietly, and why mateship and straight talk are sometimes the best tools we've got.

The conversation dives into:

• Why rural men often go quiet when they’re struggling

• How Mary uses relatable language (and a bit of humour) to cut through the stigma

• The signs to look for in yourself or your mates

• Why being available—and being real—makes a difference

• Simple ways to start a conversation that could save a life

Whether you’re personally doing it tough or just want to be a better support to your mates, this episode is worth your time.

This episode is part of our "Farming a Growth Mindset" series - practical conversations that focus on the mental and emotional wellbeing when living life on the land.

🔗 Links and Resources

• Visit Are You Bogged Mate?

• Check out TIACS for free and confidential phone or text support

This episode is brought to you by the South Australian Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub, through funding from the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund.