This episode is sponsored by our friends at @agproworkwear. Be sure to check them out at http://www.agproworkwear.com

In this episode of The Rural Well, Bridgette and Lauren dive into the complex and often emotional topic of boundaries in farm life—and not just the kind made of fences and stone walls. From multi-generational family farms to community and church commitments, they explore why setting clear limits isn’t about being harsh or distant—it’s about creating space for growth, respect, and mental wellness.

Lauren shares personal stories and counselling insights on how boundaries help others become more resourceful, prevent resentment, and protect relationships. We also discuss how to respond when lines are crossed, how to communicate needs with courage and curiosity, and why unspoken frustrations can lead to “emotional barfing” if left unchecked. A memorable quote from Brené Brown ties it all together:

• “Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.”

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The episode closes on a moving and hopeful note, as Lauren reflects on finding joy in small, unseen acts—reminding listeners that boundaries and compassion can coexist beautifully on and off the farm.

Key Themes:

• Setting emotional and relational boundaries in family farming

• Preventing burnout and resentment through healthy communication
• The courage to say no and protect personal well-being
• Learning from multi-generational dynamics
• Finding joy and meaning in everyday acts of service

Links and Resources:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠- National Farmer Mental Health Alliance

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane Media

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Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

This episode is sponsored by our friends at @agproworkwear. Be sure to check them out at http://www.agproworkwear.com

When conflict hits close to home — whether it’s in the barnyard, the boardroom, or around the family table — it can feel personal and painful.

In this episode of The Rural Well, Bridget and Lauren open up about what it means to feel attacked, exploring how old wounds, sarcasm, and control dynamics show up in rural life and multigenerational farm families.

We talk practical wisdom, recognizing boundaries, changing harmful patterns, and reclaiming peace — without losing heart or heritage.

• Lauren shares a personal high school bullying story — and how it shaped her understanding of conflict.

• Bridgette and Lauren unpack “adult bullying” in farm settings — from land deals to family disagreements.

• How to tell the difference between conflict (shared goals) and boundaries (self-protection).

• Why sarcasm can be a “safe” way of hurting others — and how to stop using it.

• The family scapegoat dynamic: what it is, how it forms, and how to break it.

• A reminder that bullying isn’t a “rite of passage” — it’s a learned behavior we can unlearn.

• A lighthearted closing question: If you could send your income tax dollars anywhere, where would they go? (Spoiler: Convoy of Hope, FFA, Compassion Canada, and Farm Rescue all get some love.)

  
  

Links and Resources:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠- National Farmer Mental Health Alliance

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane Media

Facebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

This episode is sponsored by our friends at @agproworkwear (Advertisement at 1:58). Be sure to check them out at http://www.agproworkwear.com

In this episode, Bridgette and Lauren sit down with Ashley Nicolls, founder of Reach Agriculture Strategies, to explore how better communication and organizational health can transform farms and rural life.

Ashley shares how his concept of “low-stress people handling”—inspired by low-stress livestock handling—helps reduce turnover, improve workplace culture, and support mental health in agriculture. From tackling the loneliness epidemic to guiding families through succession planning, he emphasizes that strong relationships and clear communication are just as vital as financial planning.

The conversation also touches on men’s mental health in ag, building community through simple gatherings, and why effective teamwork benefits both people and livestock.

Takeaway: Success in agriculture isn’t just about running it like a business—it’s about recognizing that it is a business, powered by people who thrive when communication and connection come first

Shifting Gears Segment:

We also discuss the quote: “The history of the land is etched in the faces of the farmers who till it.” We explore how joy, pride, hardship, and generational legacy leave visible marks—just like the rings of a tree.

Fun Wrap-Up:

If we could take any job for one month, Bridgette would be Minnie Mouse at Disney World, Lauren dreams of working on a research vessel, and Ashley would pack on horses into the mountains.

Connect with Ashley:

https://reachag.ca/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-nicholls-08a003134/

📸 Instagram: @reachagstrategies

Links and Resources:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠- National Farmer Mental Health Alliance

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane Media

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Email: info [at] theruralwell.com