Boots and Heels

Welcome to Sunday Stories, a miniseries hosted by Becca and Lizzie, in which they delve into the latest farming and countryside book releases. In their latest episode, they share their thoughts on Jenny Jefferies new book, ‘For the Love of the Land II', reading extracts, British recipes, and as always, reacting from their different perspectives. Grab a hot brew and join the girls. Thank you to Jenny Jefferies for use of the book and extracts.

Welcome to Sunday Stories, a miniseries hosted by Becca and Lizzie, in which they delve into the latest farming and countryside book releases.In their second episode, they share their thoughts on Tom Pemberton’s new book, ‘Make hay while the sun shines', reading extracts, discussing his YouTube success, and as always, reacting from their different perspectives.Grab a hot brew and join the girls.-------------------------------------------------Thank you to Tom Pemberton for use of the book and extracts.

Welcome to Sunday Stories, a mini-series hosted by Becca and Lizzie, where they delve into the latest farming and countryside book releases.For the first episode, they share their thoughts on Jeremy Clarkson’s latest book, ‘Diddly Squat: ‘Til The Cows Come Home’, reading extracts, discussing chapters and as always, reacting from their different perspectives.Grab a hot brew and join the girls for the winter months.---------------------------------------------------Thank you to Penguin Random House for use of the book and extracts.

We're back for the autumn season! Kicking off October, we react to the topic of veganism which has been the center of attention on E4's latest series, Married at First Sight UK.We watch vegan Jenna and meat-eater Zoe tie the knot as they try to find common ground with their diet choices. How will 5th gen farmer Becca react to Jenna's reasons for saying no to meat and how will Lizzie add her non-farming background to the discussion?Plus, the we read your tweets to see what you thought.Grab a cuppa and listen now!

Why is poor mental health one of the biggest hidden problems facing farmers today? Where can you reach out for support? What is the #MindYourHead campaign?In this very special episode, we stand with Yellow Wellies for their Mind Your Head week, which aims to break the stigma of mental wellbeing in the agricultural industry, and share our own personal challenges.We start with Stephanie Berkeley, founder, about the initiative and the very real problems that anyone can face when it comes to mental health.We also catch up with James Arney, one of two reigning champions, of Farmers Weekly’s Britain’s Fittest Farmer, about why physical health can have a positive impact on mental wellbeing.Finally, we welcome Emmerdale and Strictly star, Kelvin Fletcher to find out how he’s getting on, on his new farm and how no matter the size of your farm, everyone can feel the realities of isolation and loneliness.      

 How do you become a successful YouTuber? Is social media a profitable diversification?  What are the top tips?In our final episode of Series 2, we join Tom Pemberton, famous dairy farmer, YouTuber and recently turned author, to talk about his successes and help him around his farm.We chat about how it all began, his new TV show and how he deals with trolls across the internet.Plus, make sure you check out our YouTube video to see us get stuck in on the farm!

What's it like going from crowds to cows? Can you join Young Farmers' if you're not a farmer? Is Rugby Union better than Rugby League?In episode 9, we join rugby referee legend Nigel Owens, at his home in Wales, to talk all things rugby and farming.We delve into the highlights of his career, the switch from sport to agriculture and hear what it's like to be a gay man in both industries.Plus, we find out how to say Boots and Heels in Welsh!

What does ‘animal welfare’ really mean? Do we need more labels on our food? What does the data reveal?With Veganuary a huge topic of conversation, we speak with Amy Jackson, PhD writer, about what the view on dairy farming really is. We find out more about her study, question who should dictate package designs and try to define the meaning of ‘welfare’.Plus, we look at the impact and backlash that social media can have.

What does diversity bring to agriculture?During episode 7, we speak with Wilfred Emmanuel Jones MBE, founder of the Black Farmer brand, to discuss the power of a diverse community and his new venture 'The Black Farmer Experience'.Later, we further catch up with Ben Theo Andrews to talk about his experiences in farming alongside being an advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.Join us as we spark a conversation about how valuing representation from all areas, races, genders and sexualities, can strengthen the farming industry and widen the skillset.

Is there clear sexism in farming? What does the future look like? Could Lizzie run for NFU president?We kick off 2022, with NFU President, Minette Batters, and discuss the important topic of women in agriculture and shaking off a once useful label.From Minette’s own experiences to her advice for the next generation, we delve into what it really means to be a female in the industry. Plus, find out what it’s like speaking with Boris Johnson, politicians and fighting for the farming community. 

When do you lamb a sheep? Does drilling involve DIY? How do farmers spend their Christmas?During episode 5, we speak with farmer and author, Joe Stanley, about the seasons, his latest book and sidekicks Ted and Toby.Whether spring is blossoming, or the leaves are burning red, it’s not just the seasons that change- it’s the farming calendar too and Joe is keen to share those moments with you.Join us to understand when strawberries are in season, what we grow in the UK and why we’re able to stuff our faces this festive season.

Are cows single-hoofedly destroying the planet? Should we really be eating less meat? How green really is our countryside?In episode 4, we speak with BBC’s Countryfile star, Adam Henson, about his life on the farm, the importance of nature and his thoughts on saving the planet.From changes to his own Cotswold Farm Park, visiting schools to educate children, to using his media platform to make a difference, Adam tells us about the importance of continuing to learn.In addition, we discuss how both farmer and non-farmer alike can make their own impact no matter their garden size.Plus, find out if Adam prefers his boot days on the farm or ‘heels’ on TV.

What’s a first gen farmer? Can you put a lamb on your birthday list? Are Facebook followers just sheep? Forget GenZ and make way for #FirstGen In this episode, we speak to Floss Styles who created the First Gen Farmer Facebook group. Her not-so-small Facebook following is, says Floss, not a following at all – it is a community.Getting a foothold in agriculture can be really hard for those who didn’t grow up on a farm, but Floss say the internet has created so many opportunities for new entrants like her.Find out how she got started on her farming journey and listen to her top tips for getting on that first rung.Plus hear Lizzie’s funniest farming moment so far… and how not to get over an electric fence! 

Are robots creating our dinner? Does the future of food lie in artificial intelligence? Will tractors be a thing of the past?  Well, forget Sophia and the robots heading to Mars, it’s Dick and his friends that are really taking over the earth.  In this episode, we speak to Sam Watson- Jones, co-founder of the Small Robot Company. We delve into the truth behind robotics and how the concept of robot grown produce could be the next big thing.  Whether you’re an algorithm artist or you prefer a screwdriver in your hand, they’re always on the lookout for coders, engineers, AI experts and those who like the back end of a computer, not just the front interface.  We discuss their latest robots, how they’re built, what they do and how careers in this sector really are open to anyone.  Plus, we’re giving away two free tickets to New Scientist Live! Listen now! 

Are TV shows a real representation of farming? Does the press just cement a narrow stereotype? Is social media simply a burden?In this episode, we join Amanda Owen- The Yorkshire Shepherdess - at her home in Ravenseat- as we have an honest chat about her success, facing criticism and the answers to our first mythbuster: the media.Sat by the fire, cuppa in hand and the dogs asleep, we delve into her latest series of Channel 5’s Our Yorkshire Farm, her new book Celebrating the Seasons and her successful UK tour.Further greeted by Clive and the children, with Clemmy encouraging us to take Tony the Pony in our car, Amanda continues to open up about family life, the power of hands-on education and the pressures of conforming to the expected stereotype.Plus, find out what ingredient Clive hates, Amanda’s view on Mary Berry and her favourite recipe to cook! 

We're back with a NEW BONUS episode! Join us as we speak with Brontë Mitchell- founder of Femme Country magazine-about her journey, the people behind the brands and our feature in their summer edition.

In the final episode of series 1, we speak with Olivia Brabbs, a photographer who combines a documentary approach to her images with a feminine eye for detail. Olivia's shots relating to her Farm to Fork portfolio particularly caught our eye when we were looking for someone to work with on a new exciting photo shoot project.Listen now, to hear a sneak peak about something NEW we have planned...

In Episode 9 of the Boots and Heels podcast, we chat to students who are currently studying at Hartpury College and hoping to form part of the next generation of those involved in agriculture.

In our 8th episode, we speak with Rob McAneney, who has taken on a five year tenancy part of the Next Generation programme.

In this episode, we welcome Ivory, a poultry manager and Clare a vegetarian who owns her own business. Together, we discuss the topic of animal welfare, education and look at two different perspectives.Disclaimer: This discussion is not to encourage arguments or divide people. Instead, we hope to bring people together to better understand one another, respect individuals opinions and decisions and to learn how we can grow as an industry and consumer.