Business with Brooke

In this episode of the Business with Brooke podcast, I sit down with Zoe Carter for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about her journey through the agriculture industry.Zoe unpacks the misconceptions that still exist around ag, the breadth of career pathways available, and why transferable skills matter more than job titles. We also talk about her passion for improving job connections across the sector through Young Aussie Farmers & Ag Jobs Auswide, and the lessons she learned through building her own businesses. Zoe also shares openly about living with chronic pain, and how it has shaped the way she works, leads, and advocates for others in agriculture. Note: This episode was recorded in October 2025. Since recording, Zoe has made the decision to close her Rugged Country clothing business. A powerful conversation about resilience, adaptability, and building an industry that better reflects the people within it.

In this episode of Dr Jenny Cook's couch conversations, Brooke sits down with her long-time fertility specialist, to unpack her personal story, share practical tips for those living with endometriosis, and dive into fertility insights with Jenny’s expert perspective.At just 20, Brooke had an ovary removed due to a dermoid cyst, a moment that set her on a journey she never expected. Referred to Dr Jenny Cook soon after, she discovered widespread endometriosis. Over the past 4 years, Brooke and Jenny have navigated egg freezing and abnormal cervical cells, alongside Brooke's ongoing challenges of chronic urinary retention managed with a sacral neuromodulator. This is a candid conversation about pain, resilience, and possibilities for the future.

In this episode, Amy Van De Ven, owner of Quest Orange, shares her inspiring journey from working in the hospitality industry to becoming a franchisee. She discusses the importance of creating a unique guest experience, building a strong team culture, and engaging with the local community. Amy emphasizes the value of feedback, mentorship, and the role of tourism in regional growth. She also shares her leadership lessons and how she balances multiple responsibilities while maintaining consistency in her business practices. Tune in to the end for exciting news on what's on the horizon for Amy & her team.

In this engaging conversation, Katie Nash, known as the First Time Farmer, shares her journey from city life to embracing the challenges and joys of farming. She discusses the importance of social media in connecting with others in the agricultural community, the diverse career opportunities within the industry, and the essential skills needed for success. Katie emphasises the value of curiosity, resilience, and community support while advocating for better connections between urban and rural perspectives. She also highlights the significance of storytelling in agriculture and shares her upcoming projects, including a pyjama brand inspired by her farming life.https://thefirsttimefarmer.com.au/

Dusty Creek was born from behind a camera, out where the red dirt settles deep and stories are lived, not staged.What started as rural photography soon grew into something bigger. Something people could wear. Something Jess & Lacey could build. A family-owned clothing brand built for those who live life on the land and the little ones coming up behind them.Jess is founder of Dusty Creek and mum to Lacey, who’s now just as much a part of this journey as Jess. Raised on cattle stations across the Northern Territory, Jess grew up chasing dust, light honest moments and started this brand with a camera in one hand and a story to tell, and trucker caps in the other. Together, they're building more than just a business. They're building a legacy.In this episode, Jess Townsend, the founder of Dusty Creek shares her journey from a rural upbringing to building a successful clothing brand that embodies the spirit of country life. She discusses the evolution of her brand, the importance of community, and the challenges of running an online business. Jess emphasizes the significance of authenticity and storytelling in connecting with customers, while also reflecting on her personal growth and future aspirations. The conversation offers valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those in rural areas.You can support dusty creek here: https://www.dustycreek.com.au/Mention BIZBROOKE10 for 10% off.

Introducing, Jackie Elliott from Rural Women's Day. Jackie grew up on the land in regional Victoria, and now lives with her farmer husband, Dan, in the Western District. Through her experience living and working in rural Australia, Jackie understands the unique challenges faced by women in these areas, with limited resources, access to healthcare, and networking opportunities. Jackie is a passionate advocate for creating opportunities that help rural women to connect in their communities.The ‘Rural Women’s Day’ brand grew beyond expectation, following the inaugural event held in the Southern Grampians on October 15, 2019. Since, Jackie has facilitated over 20 RWD celebrations with volunteer hosts, and welcomed over 2000+ women to events across Australia. She has organically grown a social media community of 15,000+ followers, and supported the start-up collaborative podcast ‘Ducks on the Pond’, which now has over 60,000 downloads.With collaboration at the heart of her not-for-profit, Jackie has formed collaborations and partnerships with over 200 businesses and individuals, and published two keepsake magazines celebrating the stories of rural women, with distribution of 2500 copies across Australia and New Zealand. In 2023, Jackie was awarded the ABC Rural & Kondinin Group Community Leader of the Year at Farmer of the Year Awards.Jackie contributes her time to Rural Women’s Day in a volunteer capacity alongside Directors, Christine Elliott (Jackie’s Mum) and Emma Newton, who you may get to meet at your local event. She has been fortunate to work in various agricultural industries including livestock production, machinery sales, and more recently joined the family’s beef and sheep property alongside her Dad and spends her spare time creating floral arrangements, or on an adventure with her husband Dan and their little dog Ted.

Excited to introduce Iain MacLennan on this episode of Business with Brooke. Iain MacLennan is the Orchard and Farm Manager at his family’s 27-hectare apple orchard, ‘St Albans,’ in Orange, NSW. Passionate about quality, sustainability, and efficiency, he is leading the orchard’s redevelopment and overseeing a major expansion. As a Nuffield Scholar, Iain is investigating how apple orchards can operate profitably within carbon capture initiatives. His research will explore global best practices in sustainability and carbon markets to drive innovation in horticulture. Previously, Iain worked as a broadacre and pasture agronomist for seven years and managed a first-cross lamb enterprise for three years. His approach integrates scientific knowledge, industry engagement, and practical solutions to advance sustainable farming.🍏🍎

Excited to introduce Patrice Douglas on this week's episode of Business with Brooke, celebrating International Women's Day. Patrice is a motivational speaker, online coach and podcast host. Patrice supports people all over the world in feeling centered, calm, confident, capable and clear.She's a country girl who has had her corporate career and today is an entrepreneur. Through her own life experience, she knows what it feels like to be overwhelmed, have doubts and to allow insecurities to block potential. But Patrice also knows how to help people overcome all of these barriers to live purposefully, passionately and make themselves proud.

Introducing Ashley Hollis on this week's episode of Business with Brooke. Ashley is the Brand Relationships Manager at Cotton Australia, with 20 years’ experience in retail, fashion, education, and stakeholder engagement. She drives brand and industry partnerships, fostering supply chain interactions to increase demand for Australian cotton.With deep expertise in sustainability and supply chain development, Ashley has led successful collaborations across the cotton and wool industries, from farm to fashion. Known for her strong industry relationships, diligence, and enthusiasm, she takes pride in mentoring the next generation of industry leaders.

Introducing Brooklyn Coverdale. Brooklyn Coverdale is a self taught photographer servicing the rural and western industries. She balances working full time in her business alongside being a mum. We discuss the rebrand of her business, how it is evolving with her move to a new area and more! https://www.coverdalemedia.com.au/

Introducing Paris Capell, soils queen; who shares her passion on the latest business with Brooke episode on Spotify. Paris grew up with a love for community and agricultural landscapes. At university she studied both environment and agriculture, and now works as the Natural Capital Advisor for Western Local Land Services.Through her community involvement she hopes to increase awareness about soils in our farming systems and make a direct impact on the ground. Paris believes in building networks for young people in regional areas and hopes to provide young people in agriculture with development and leadership opportunities.This episode is a bonus this week, with some info on the Central West Young Aggies field day coming up. Thanks for your insights Paris, they are brilliant!

Business with Brooke is the go-to podcast for uncovering the inspiring success stories of regional and rural Australia. Hosted by Brooke Watts, a dynamic leader in agriculture and business management, this podcast shines a spotlight on the people and enterprises driving innovation and growth in the bush. Each episode dives into the journeys of entrepreneurs, community leaders, and change-makers who are transforming their regions, showcasing the passion, resilience, and ingenuity that make the heart of regional Australia so extraordinary. This is a rich, conversational podcast exploring the intersections of career, personal growth, and regional living.From innovations to grassroots initiatives, Brooke takes listeners behind the scenes to explore the challenges and triumphs of building a business in the regions. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a seasoned business owner, or simply curious about the thriving spirit of rural Australia, Business with Brooke delivers inspiration and practical insights. Join us as we celebrate the people redefining success in regional Australia.