What happens when a simple poem reaches 100 million listens and touches people all over the world?

This week Nicola and Di chat with poet and writer James McCrae. James is the author of the viral poem Instructions Before Visiting Earth, which has now reached over 100 million people, and he kindly opens the episode by reading it to us live. It's a beautiful, grounding way to start a conversation that stayed with us long after we stopped recording.

We talk to James about where the poem came from and he shares the line that moves him most, about how nothing in life is truly ours to keep, and why that simple, humbling truth is something we spend our whole lives trying to avoid.

James opens up about creativity as a form of self-care, something he beautifully describes as "spiritual hygiene," and tells us about the open mic nights and writing workshops he hosts in Austin. We also talk about intuition, somatic writing, and why James believes stepping back from our logical minds opens us up to something far wiser than we give ourselves credit for.

We loved hearing James's thoughts on why he believes we're here to experience the full spectrum of life rather than clinging only to the good. His reflections on endings being bridges to new beginnings, drawn from his own experience of being fired multiple times before finding his path as a writer, left us both a little teary and so inspired.

We had the most beautiful, soul-filling conversation with James. His wisdom and warmth are a gift. We hope you love this episode as much as we did!

This episode is proudly supported by Montgomery Investment Management, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or investor@montinvest.com

Follow James on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/wordsarevibrations/

Join the Waitlist to Buy James’ Book Instructions Before Visiting Earth here - https://www.jamesmccrae.com/instructions-before-visiting-earth

Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/ 

Find out more about the next OTBF trip to Bhutan in October 2027 - https://www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/michellenicholas/explore/travel-itineraries/

Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts

What happens when a simple poem reaches 100 million listens and touches people all over the world?
This week Nicola and Di chat with poet and writer James McCrae. James is the author of the viral poem&nbsp;Instructions Before Visiting Earth, which has now reached over 100 million people, and he kindly opens the episode by reading it to us live. It's a beautiful, grounding way to start a conversation that stayed with us long after we stopped recording.
We talk to James about where the poem came from and he shares the line that moves him most, about how nothing in life is truly ours to keep, and why that simple, humbling truth is something we spend our whole lives trying to avoid.
James opens up about creativity as a form of self-care, something he beautifully describes as "spiritual hygiene," and tells us about the open mic nights and writing workshops he hosts in Austin. We also talk about intuition, somatic writing, and why James believes stepping back from our logical minds opens us up to something far wiser than we give ourselves credit for.
We loved hearing James's thoughts on why he believes we're here to experience the full spectrum of life rather than clinging only to the good. His reflections on endings being bridges to new beginnings, drawn from his own experience of being fired multiple times before finding his path as a writer, left us both a little teary and so inspired.
We had the most beautiful, soul-filling conversation with James. His wisdom and warmth are a gift. We hope you love this episode as much as we did!
This episode is proudly supported by <a href="https://investwith.montinvest.com/otbf">Montgomery Investment Management</a>, trusted experts helping you build and protect your financial future. For further information, please contact David Buckland, Chief Executive Officer or Rhodri Taylor, Account Manager on (02) 8046 5000 or <a href="mailto:investor@montinvest.com">investor@montinvest.com</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/wordsarevibrations/">Follow James on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/wordsarevibrations/</a>
<a href="https://www.jamesmccrae.com/instructions-before-visiting-earth">Join the Waitlist to Buy James&rsquo; Book Instructions Before Visiting Earth here - https://www.jamesmccrae.com/instructions-before-visiting-earth</a>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/">Follow Nicola and Di on IG here - https://www.instagram.com/overthebackfencepodcast/&nbsp;</a>
<a href="https://www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/michellenicholas/explore/travel-itineraries/">Find out more about the next OTBF trip to Bhutan in October 2027 - https://www.travelmanagers.com.au/ptm/michellenicholas/explore/travel-itineraries/</a>
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts">Watch Over The Back Fence on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@Overthebackfencepodcast/podcasts</a>

Di Edwards and Nicola Dale have been best friends for close to four decades & they actually share a ‘back fence’ in Sydney! 
They share a love of life, a passion for people, and have discovered a simple conversation over the back fence, can change a life and give a sense of belonging . 

“We’re not neuroscientists, psychologists, doctors or monks - we just love people - and know with age comes wisdom."

Di Edwards and Nicola Dale have been best friends for close to four decades &amp; they actually share a ‘back fence’ in Sydney!  They share a love of life, a passion for people, and have discovered a simple conversation over the back fence, can change a life and give a sense of belonging . 
“We’re not neuroscientists, psychologists, doctors or monks - we just love people - and know with age comes wisdom."

Over the Back Fence

Over the back fence is a podcast by two incredible women in their 50’s and 60’s - for women.

Di and Nicola have an infectious energy that is bound to light you up. It’s a podcast which values community, connection and lifting each other up. 

Here, Di and Nicola will delve in to the highs and lows they’ve experienced in life… From starting a family, experiencing marriage breakdowns, to embracing new beginnings. They’ll discuss the lessons they’re still learning, and interview people with inspiring stories to tell. 

Di and Nicola will invite guests on OTBF from all over the globe. From close friends, entrepreneurs, comedians, councillors to motivators and life coaches - to unlock their wisdom and have a laugh along the way.

Over the back fence is a podcast by two incredible women in their 50’s and 60’s - for women.
Di and Nicola have an infectious energy that is bound to light you up. It’s a podcast which values community, connection and lifting each other up. 
Here, Di and Nicola will delve in to the highs and lows they’ve experienced in life… From starting a family, experiencing marriage breakdowns, to embracing new beginnings. They’ll discuss the lessons they’re still learning, and interview people with inspiring stories to tell. 
Di and Nicola will invite guests on OTBF from all over the globe. From close friends, entrepreneurs, comedians, councillors to motivators and life coaches - to unlock their wisdom and have a laugh along the way.