Wellness Valley - Podcast

To mark international women's Day, Jo speaks to Marina Maguire, our Yass Valley Australia Day Community Ambassador for 2026. As a mentor and advocate for mental health, Marina works with people to rebuild confidence and navigate life’s next chapter through coaching, mentoring and equine-assisted programs. Her work with Remount, supporting veterans and their families, has made a significant contribution to the community. Marina is also fresh from the Yass Valley Business Chamber International Women’s Day Breakfast, where she was part of the panel discussion alongside a group of distinguished local leaders - a wonderful example of women sharing their experience and leadership in a spirit of collaboration. Connect with Marina Remount Website Remount Facebook Gunben Website Listen again to the Business Breakfast panel - Yass Valley Business Chamber  

Jo is joined by Judy Paterson and Karin Laird from the Yass & District Gardening Club for her monthly catch-up about what to to do in the garden this late summer/autumn. The lovely gardening ladies also have a good chat about water conservation and suitable drought tolerant plants in light of the Level One Water Restrictions that are in place across the Yass Valley. Also included: roses- fruit trees - water crystals - Yass Valley Council Tree Management Strategy Contact them:  yassdistrictgardenclub@gmail.com https://www.facebook.com/YassGardeningClub  

Step back in time for the upcoming Wee Jasper Heritage Fair, to be held 25–26 April 2026 over the ANZAC Day weekend. Wee Jasper local and Heritage Fair organiser Nathan joins Jo for a chat about the event that will bring rural Australian lost trades, artisan skills, and rich local history back to life. The event, recognised by the National Trust of Australia and the ACT Heritage Festival, will feature traditional trades on display, including experts from Longford Academy Tasmania, Tharwa Valley Forge, Canberra Woodcraft Guild, Stonemasonry, and Bushskills Australia. There will also be guided tours of the recently restored 1800s police barracks, as featured on Restoration Australia. Keep an eye on social media and local advertising for further details. To assist with logistics planning in historic Wee Jasper, visitors are asked to please register their attendance at the following link: https://form.jotform.com/260421009796053 If you would like a market stall or more details about the event, please email Nathan on weejasperfair@gmail.com

What’s driving the sweet success of award-winning Murrumbateman? In this episode, Jo chat's with Yasmin Coe, founder of the Murrumbateman Chocolate Company, about chocolate, community and collaboration. Yasmin talks about local producers raising the bar in Murrumbateman, award-winning events in the region, and the ways the community comes together to support the Makers of Murrumbateman. As part of our new 'Wellbeing with Local Business' series in conjunction with the Yass Valley Business Chamber, this is a celebration of regional pride, collaboration, and local business — with chocolate at the heart of it. Find and connect with local businesses through:  Yass Valley Chamber Business Directory. Makers of Murrumbateman Contact Yasmin Coe: Murrumbateman Chocolate Company  

Wellness Valley has a special guest host, John Thorne from Classic Yass Valley, leading a thoughtful conversation with Sally Walker - internationally recognised flautist, performer, academic and music educator. Sally is a lecturer in Classical Performance (Woodwind) at the Australian National University, a guest Principal Flautist with the Australian Chamber Orchestra, and an artist who has toured internationally. Reflecting on her recent performance with the Yass Music Club, she shares insights into her life, her career and living in the Yass Valley.

Ben Maguire AM reflects on the healing power of horses, community and what is means to be Australian this Australia Day.  A lifelong horseman, mental health advocate and this year’s Yass Valley Australia Day Community Ambassador, Ben speaks about what it means to represent and serve a community, and how values like care, resilience and connection sit at the heart of the work he and his wife Marina do through Remount, and their family farm, Gunben. Ben also shares an exciting new chapter with their horsemanship and equine wellbeing programs now opening to the wider community, offering more people the opportunity to experience the grounding, restorative power of horses in the Yass Valley. An inspiring conversation about healing through connection — to horses, to land and to community, and above all what it means to be Australian.   Yass Valley Australia Day Ceremony 2026 - Coronation Park, Yass - Breakfast BBQ from 7.30am, awards and citizenship ceremony 8.30am - 10.30am  Connect with Ben  Remount Website Remount Facebook Gunben Website Ben Maguire Facebook

For two years Lisa Brough was exhausted, cold, gaining weight – and doctors kept telling her everything was normal. Blood tests showed nothing. Desperate for answers, she tried a little-known therapy called Biomagnetism. After just three sessions, her symptoms lifted. In this episode of Wellness Valley, Jo Shipley chats with Lisa who shares what biomagnetism is, how it works, and the incredible story that led her from fitness professional to leading practitioner. A must listen for anyone struggling to find answers to your physical symptoms.  Connect with Lisa Biomagnetism Australia Website Lisa Brough Facebook Sovereign Healing Instagram  

In this episode, Jo chats with the Linda Willow Roberts, fresh from her win as Best Spiritual Business of the Year at the ALIBI Awards. Linda has more than 35 years of experience in the spiritual world - from psychic mediumship to ThetaHealing, oracle cards, and her beautiful manifestation teachings. She’s all about helping people clear their blocks, trust their intuition, and step into their own power. We talk about what the award means to her, how she guides people through big shifts, and the simple daily practices that help you reconnect with your purpose and manifest a life that actually feels good. If you’ve been needing a reminder that you truly are the magic-maker in your life, this episode is for you. Contact Linda:  Linda's Website Facebook - Linda Willow Roberts Australian Ladies in Business Initiative    

Discover how former Royal Marine Jim Hutton turned personal loss into life purpose through the mindful art of spoon carving. With 35 years in the Royal Marines and eight years with the Royal Australian Navy, and now serving as a Reservist Leadership Coach, Jim has some incredible stories and insights. He talks about how military training taught him to really understand people, how personal tragedy led him to discover his own life purpose, and how he now supports the next generation of leaders - especially women stepping into military command roles. These days, Jim brings all that experience into his spoon carving, creating beautiful pieces from fallen wood. You might know him from our local artisan markets or the lost trades scene. He’s also developed Calm Through Carving workshops from his beautiful Yass workshop - a space where people can slow down, get creative, and connect with their own mindfulness and life purpose. Listen in for some top life tips and lessons - perfect for my Empowering You series! Connect with Jim and find out about his upcoming spoon carving workshops 'Calm through Carving' on 15 Nov and 13 Dec 2025:  1 Life Coaching: LinkedIn - Jim Hutton, OBE www.1-lifecoaching.com.au Made from Fallen Wood  Instagram: @madefromfallenwood email: madefromfallenwood@gmail.com

Jo chats withMichele Witters and Willy Stanford from the Yass Gardening Club for her 'Gardening for the Soul series' - and it’s all about the beauty oflate spring in the garden! We talk about what’s flowering and fruiting right now, what to plant as summer approaches, and how spending time in the garden is so 'good for the soul'. Michele and Willy also share what’s coming up for the Yass Gardening Club - from guest speakers and garden visits to how you can get involved and meet other local garden lovers. Catch up with our monthly 'Gardening for the Soul' Series on Wellness Valley. 

In this episode of Wellness Valley, we continue our Empowering You series with the inspiring Christine Maudy - Reiki Master, Past Life and Soul Regression Therapist, Shamanic practitioner, teacher, mentor, international visual artist, and author of Never Alone: The Journey from Pain to Love. Christine shares her own journey - moving through childhood trauma, a career in the fashion world of Paris, life in Africa, and ultimately to Australia, where her healing path led her to shamanic practices and supporting others on theirs. She speaks about energy work, hypnotherapy, creativity, and ancient wisdom as powerful tools to step out of despair and into hope, motivation, and healing. We also explore how art can ground and transform us, and how the Munay-Ki Rites open new pathways of empowerment. Connect with Christine Maudy: Website: livinginspired.com.au Facebook Contact Book:Never Alone: The Journey from Pain to Love  

In this episode of Gardening for the Soul, Jo chats with David Trood – better known as Weedy from The Weedy Garden. After a celebrated 30-year career travelling the world as an award-winning photographer, David returned to Australia in 2020 and discovered a new way to tell stories: through permaculture and organic gardening. His YouTube channel, The Weedy Garden, became a YouTube sensation, inspiring thousands to bring the magic of food forests into their own backyards. We talk about how David’s passions for photography, storytelling, and creativity have come together in the garden, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and his exciting competition – giving the Yass community (and everyone across Australia!) the chance to win their very own Weedy Garden. A conversation about growth and gardening for the soul – and how anyone can start growing their own backyard food forest. Find David and the 'The Weedy Garden', with all the competition details at www.theweedygarden.com YouTube youtube.com/@TheWeedyGarden Listen to more from Jo Shipley on Wellness Valley - live on YassFM 100.3 Friday 11am - 1pm 

We catch up with Emma Webb, President of BBCAG - Bowning & Binalong Community Action Group - for the latest on the Bendenine Wind Turbine project. With recent media reports highlighting delays and a council decision to send a further letter of objection to the Minister for Energy, Emma shares what this means for the Bowning community, how locals are responding, and what’s next for the project. Tune in to hear about the latest community advocacy, staying informed, and navigating change in rural areas.

In this episode of the Empowering You series, Jo Shipley is joined by estate agent Kate Billson, from Windrose Property, who we like to call a “house-buying therapist.” Kate’s work goes far beyond property - she helps people during some of the most daunting transitional stages of their lives.  Whether it’s the joy of a first home, moving in with a partner, or the heartbreak of divorce, bereavement, or an unwelcome relocation, Kate brings compassion, steadiness, and guidance that helps people feel supported and strong. Together, we explore her journey into real estate, how she empowers her clients through life's big changes, and why she believes it’s a rewarding career path for women today. A heart-warming chat about life, navigating change and supporting people through life's big transitions.   Connect with Kate Billson: windroseproperty.com.au or call her on 0417 514 045.

In the first of the series ‘Gardening for the Soul’, Jo Shipley hosts Michele Whitters and Karin Laird from the Yass & District Garden Club. They discuss the importance of gardening for mental well-being, the essential tasks for spring gardening, including soil preparation and composting, and the benefits of worm farming. The conversation also covers the activities of the gardening club, including excursions to local gardens, upcoming ‘Open Gardens’, dealing with swooping plovers/magpies, and the therapeutic benefits of gardening. The episode concludes with an invitation for listeners to engage with the gardening club and participate in future discussions. New members always welcome - find out more: https://www.facebook.com/YassGardeningClub

Max Stettner and Nat Barnes, organisers of Dragon Dreaming Festival at Wee Jasper chat about this year's festival - a celebration of music, art and the 'dreamers' community. We cover what the festival stands for, the recent DA process with council (including tough reports from police and LEMC on safety and roads), and the strong support shown by the local Wee Jasper community and local  businesses. We also talk about the steps being taken to make the festival safer and more sustainable, what it means to win the Yass Valley Business Chamber Equality & Diversity Award, plus a sneak peek at the music, family-friendly activities, and the amazing music and art line up.  Special tickets for Yass Valley residents (proof of 2582 postcode) – just turn up at the box office on Saturday for $50 day tickets. Be there for the impressive opening ceremony at 10am!  The perfect way to get excited about Dragon Dreaming. Tickets and info: www.dragondreaming.com.au

Irish & Celtic Music Festival 2025, Yass - Everything you need to know! Janno Scanes, organiser of the Irish & Celtic Music Festival in Yass, talks about who it’s for, what’s happening, and why this beautiful festival means so much to our community. It’s on 19–21 September 2025, and you’re warmly invited to come along, soak up the music, the markets, the dancing and the craic, and be part of the magic in Yass. Tickets: www.irishcelticmusicfestival.com    

How to reclaim your power! Explore ways, tips and tricks to feel more empowered!  With the shadow of more wind turbines hanging over the Yass Valley, and the alarming experience of the Rye Park/Bango residents now becoming more widely known, Jo would like to explore ways that we can reduce the ‘perceived’ sense of powerlessness and worry, and provide useful tips and tricks to support the mental health of those affected. As the first in her Empowering You series, she's joined by Lucy Baker — internationally renowned Wisdom-keeper and Shaman — and chats about her work helping people regain their Energetic Boundaries & Power. Lucy shares her thoughts on intuition, spirit guides, and why so many of us end up feeling drained or stuck. She also talks about simple, powerful ways to create stronger energetic boundaries so you can feel clearer and more grounded, and able to face the next challenge. And if you’d love to experience Lucy’s work in person, she’s running a one-day workshop here in Yass! It's on Saturday 13 September and please contact info@sixthsenseconsultancy.com.au for details. Or see www.lucybaker.net or Jo at sixthsensehealing.com.au. 

Scammers are getting smarte - but seniors are fighting back. In this episode, Jo speaks with Bec Turner, Public Policy Manager at Google Australia, about Project BRIDGE, a new program for Scams Awareness Week helping older Australians build digital confidence and spot scams before they strike. Learn simple tips like STOP, CHECK, PROTECT to stay safe online and protect yourself.  INFO - For more information on scams and how to stay safe, head to scamwatch.gov.au. To build your digital skills, confidence and safety online, check out the free Be Connected courses offered by eSafety.  

Jo chats with former Miss World Australia, Sarah Marschke, about growing up in Bundaberg, being talent-scouted to become an international model and Miss Australia, playing rugby and AFL, and now her journey into the London country music scene. Along the way, she has championed women’s empowerment, founded charities, and is releasing her new single, “Bundaberg Beauty Queen,” this Monday. Listen in to this empowering conversation as she shares the moments that shaped her journey from Miss Australia to country singer.

Jo chats with the fabulous Rose McDonnell, owner of the much-loved Spotty Rose boutique clothing store in Yass. Rose shares her journey into the world of fashion, what inspired her to take the leap and open a small boutique in the Soldiers’ Memorial Hall, and how it has grown into one of Yass’s most stylish stores. Now proudly located in a delightful new space on Comur Street next to Priceline, Spotty Rose knows how to make women feel beautiful and has become a firm favourite among Yass Valley locals. Listen in to this warm, honest, and inspiring chat with one of Yass’s favourite fashionistas. Find out more about the Spotty Rose on her website or Facebook

In this episode, we speak with Duncan Waugh, a local farmer and business owner from Bowning, about the growing community concerns surrounding the proposed Bendinine Wind Factory -a project involving 90 wind turbines between Bowning and Binalong. We unpack the controversial community meeting that drew over 200 people and sparked headlines across national media. Duncan shares firsthand insights into what many are calling the “worst example of community engagement ever seen,” and opens up about the emotional, environmental, and social toll of large-scale renewable projects on rural communities. We also explore the mental health challenges farmers are facing, the issue of absentee landowners, and the environmental risks to native species like wedge-tailed eagles and little owls. This is a heartfelt, honest conversation about the balance between progress and respect - and the importance of being heard.

In this episode of Wellness Valley, Jo Shipley speaks with Bowning local Emma Webb, whose heartfelt plea at a recent Yass Valley Council meeting captured the attention of many. Emma shares her personal journey as a farmer, mother, and unexpected advocate, standing up against the over-saturation of renewable energy projects in the Yass Valley region. Together, they explore the proposed Bendenine Wind Project, the formation of the Bowning Binalong Community Action Group (BBCAG), and what it really means to protect the land you love.  Plus — details on the upcoming community meeting at Bowning Hall on Wednesday 16 July, 6.00pm, where locals can hear directly from Wind Prospect (the developers) and ask questions. 

The Yass Valley community is being encouraged to apply for grant funding through Transgrid’s newly launched HumeLink Community Investment and Benefits Program. As part of Transgrid’s $4.89 billion HumeLink project, Yass Valley is set to benefit from a share of a $1.8 million grant stream, allocated to the four host councils in the HumeLink East corridor over the next two years. Jo talks to Jeremy Roberts, the Transgrid Project Director for HumeLink about what it means for our communities.

Supporting Yass Men: Health, Mateship, and Where to Get Help To mark Men’s Health Week, we open up about prostate cancer and discuss the importance of getting tested, as well as the support available for men in the Yass Valley. We join the Yass RSL Sub-Branch as they host a Men’s Health Week event at the Yass Veterans Hub. Special guests Peter Gibbs and Terry Butler from the Yass Prostate Cancer Support Group speak with veterans and their families about men’s health and why early testing matters. We also chat with Ginger Carr, Secretary of the Yass RSL Sub-Branch, about the Yass Veterans Hub and the range of support services available to veterans across the Yass Valley. Yass Veterans Hub Veterans are welcome to drop in to the Yass Soldiers Memorial Hall for the Yass Veterans Hub on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month, from 10am to 12pm. This service is open to all veterans and their families - regardless of service or RSL membership. Tea, coffee, biscuits and muffins are always on hand, so come along for information, support, and a friendly chat. 🔗  https://www.facebook.com/yassrslsubbranch Yass Prostate Cancer Support Group To get in touch with Peter and Terry, or to join the group: Meetings are held on the second Monday of each month at 7pm, Yass Soldiers Club Peter Gibbs, Group Leader 📧 yasspcsg@gmail.com 🔗 Yass Valley Prostate Cancer Support Group | PCFA

Jo talks with Melissa Ohana about her personal journey through HeartHealing® - a deeply nurturing process that helps heal the hidden wounds of the heart. Mel shares how she discovered this transformative approach to release pain and the stories that keep them stuck, and how she now helps others do the same. https://www.melissaohana.com/  

Yass Rotary made contact with one of Australia’s most prominent country music artists – Travis Collins – and he’s headlining a Flood Benefit Show in Yass on Saturday 31 May at the Clubhouse Hotel!  Yass Rotary Club President, Simon Bernhard, talks to Jo Shipley about how it came about and what's happening on the night.   Event Details: Travis Collins – Flood Benefit Show Saturday, 31 May Club House Hotel, 190 Comur Street, Yass Doors Open: 6:00 PM Supporting Act: Megan Baragry (Acoustic Set – from 7:00 PM)

In this special ANZAC Day episode, we share the moving story of Trooper Peter Wold - a First World War veteran of the 12th Light Horse Regiment - whose unmarked grave in the Old Yass Cemetery has now been formally recognised as an official Australian War Grave. Peter served bravely in Gallipoli, Egypt and Palestine, and rode in the legendary charge at Beersheba. After the war, he spent his last years in the service member's home Linton, Yass, passing away in 1977. His grave remained unmarked for decades - until now. With the support of Yass Valley Council and the determination of his descendants, Peter's service has finally been honoured with a war grave headstone. In a touching full-circle moment, two of Peter’s step great-grandsons are now serving in the Australian Army - one of them with the modern-day successor to Peter’s own regiment. Tune in as we speak with Peter’s grandson Stephen Wold and his wife Hilary Wold, and reflect on the importance of remembering every soldier’s story. Lest we forget.

In this episode, we chat with Edward Wakatama and Lee Pinder, the owners of Highclere Farm - the new name for Blackburn Homestead - just outside Yass. After purchasing the historic property in 2020, they spent four years lovingly restoring it, a journey captured over two years by Restoration Australia. Now a beautifully transformed wedding and events venue, Highclere Farm blends heritage charm with a fresh new purpose. We talk about the highs and lows of renovation, what it was like being on national television, and how their move to the Yass Valley has shaped their lives and business.

When Yass locals Linn and Orida Armour received their COVID-19 vaccinations, they never imagined the road that lay ahead. Both were later declared vaccine-injured — but instead of receiving support, they found themselves facing silence, disbelief, and a lack of answers. In this episode, Linn and Orida open up about their experience — from the moment symptoms began, to the long and frustrating journey to be heard and believed. They share how their lives have changed, how the system has responded (or not), and why they are now speaking out to raise awareness, demand accountability, and help others facing similar challenges.

Join Jo Shipley as she chats with Mary-Clare Walker from the Yass Valley Business Chamber about the winners of the Yass Valley Business Chamber Business Awards 2025! The Yass Valley Business Chamber Awards celebrates the innovation, resilience and dedication of businesses across the Yass Valley, and winners were announced at the gala awards night held at the newly reopened Shaw Estate, Murrumbateman, on Friday 28 March. Find us online:  Yass FM - Website: www.yassfm.org or on Facebook: Yass FM 100.3 - Your Voice in the Valley Yass Valley Business Chamber - Website: www.yassbusiness.com.au or on Facebook: Yass Valley Business Chamber