Cultivate Contentment

Jess Knight
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Are you a rural farming woman, wife, or mother struggling to find peace in your busy life? Do you find yourself trying to squeeze joy out of your daily routine, manage stress that seems never-ending, and somehow reconnect with your passions in the midst of it all? Do you love your rural life yet often feel overwhelmed by the challenges it brings? Welcome to "Cultivate Contentment," the podcast designed just for you. I'm Jessica Knight, a fellow rural woman, wife, and mother. I get it—I've been there, right there in the trenches, juggling the demands of farm life, motherhood, and trying to keep my sanity intact. I understand the challenges you face every day. From being a first-generation dairy farmer to raising three energetic boys, I'm right there with you, navigating the ups and downs of rural life. Come along with me and my guests as we explore balancing farm life with personal needs on a realistic level, practical ways to sprinkle a little joy and peace into your daily routine, nurturing relationships without losing your sense of self, and how to keep stress at bay and prevent burnout. All while staying focused on what we really want; feeling content and settled in our lives. This is a show to delve into the heart of your daily struggles and triumphs, providing practical advice and heartfelt support to help you find peace and fulfillment in your unique journey. I know how hard it can be to juggle the responsibilities of farm life, motherhood, and personal well-being. "Cultivate Contentment" aims to be your companion and guide, offering insights and strategies that resonate with your experiences. So, whether you're savoring a cup of coffee before the morning chaos begins, stealing a moment of quiet on your drive to town, or popping in your earbuds while wrestling with laundry and dishes, I invite you to join me. Let's laugh, learn, and cultivate contentment together.

  1. 12/17/2025

    When Responsibility Becomes Growth

    There are seasons where responsibility feels heavy.Unwanted, even.Like one more thing added to an already full plate. But sometimes, responsibility isn’t just something to get through — it’s the very thing that grows us. In this episode, I’m reflecting on how often growth doesn’t happen in the quiet, prepared, well-rested moments we imagine it will. Instead, it shows up right in the middle of chaos — when someone hands us a job we didn’t exactly volunteer for, and we have no choice but to figure it out. I share two very real stories from farm life that taught me this in a big way. The first takes us into the calf shed — back to the very first job I ever properly took on on the farm: feeding calves. What I thought would be the “easy” job quickly became a steep learning curve, especially when we were hit with crypto during calving season, in the middle of COVID, with no staff. Tubing sick calves every three hours was terrifying, overwhelming, and something I didn’t feel ready for — but it was also the moment I realised I was far more capable than I thought. The second story is about learning to drive the tractor. Something I didn’t grow up doing, didn’t feel confident with, and honestly avoided for a long time because the timing never felt right. It wasn’t until I had space — real space, without pressure or someone watching over my shoulder — that I could learn in my own way and at my own pace. And once again, responsibility quietly turned into confidence. As I talk through these stories, I also reflect on how closely this mirrors motherhood. We give our kids small responsibilities every day — feeding the dog, shutting gates, carrying eggs, helping out — and we watch how those moments build their confidence. Yet when it’s us standing on the edge of something new, we’re so much harder on ourselves. We forget that we deserve the same opportunity to learn, to wobble, and to grow. This episode is a reminder that confidence doesn’t come before responsibility — it comes because of it. That growth rarely feels empowering in the moment. And that many of the things you now do without thinking once felt completely overwhelming. If you’re in a season where responsibility feels uncomfortable, heavy, or just plain scary, I hope this episode helps you see it a little differently — not as something that’s breaking you, but as something that might be quietly shaping you. In this episode, I talk about:Why growth so often happens in chaos, not calmFeeding calves and learning hard things in high-pressure momentsThe fear and responsibility that comes with tubing sick calvesLearning to drive the tractor later than I thought I “should”Why confidence usually comes after responsibility, not beforeThe strong parallels between farm life and motherhoodHow responsibility builds confidence in our kids — and in usWhy communication matters when we want to learn and growRecognising just how capable you already are Connect with Jess: @thejess.knight Join the Grounded Journey Waitlist

    16 min

  2. 12/10/2025

    Slowing Down and Trusting Your Gut with Krysta Paffrath

    When I first connected with Krysta on Instagram a couple of years ago, I had no idea we’d eventually sit down and record a conversation like this — two women on opposite sides of the world, somehow living through the same questions, tensions, and gut feelings. This episode is all about stepping out of the boxes we’ve put ourselves in, slowing down long enough to hear our own thoughts, and letting change unfold in a way that actually supports us… not burns us out. Krysta shares how she left the corporate world after just three months, trusting a gut instinct that her purpose would never fit inside a nine-to-five. From there, she built multiple businesses over ten years — social media management, podcast management, and now a new chapter in coaching blended with wellness practices. What I loved most is how she talks about intuition, yoga, and slowing down not as “woo woo,” but as tools that gave her space to breathe, think, and live below that 99% stress line she used to sit at. We also talk about what it’s like to shift identities in an industry like agriculture, where boxes and expectations can feel tight. Krysta opens up about choosing to become a yoga teacher — something she feared people in her ag community wouldn’t understand — and how that decision has invited deeper connection, curiosity, and honesty in her life and business. This conversation keeps circling back to one thing: women aren’t meant to carry all of this alone. Whether it’s listening to the quiet, protecting your capacity, saying no, tending to your own “garden of ideas,” or simply finding five minutes to breathe, there is space for all of us to slow down and build lives that actually feel like ours. What We CoverHow Krysta knew early on that corporate life wasn’t where her purpose lived.The imposter syndrome that still shows up — even ten years into entrepreneurship.Listening to your gut and why quiet moments matter more than we admit.Becoming a yoga teacher while working in agriculture…and why it felt scary.Breaking out of the “boxes” rural women are often placed in.Slowing down after years of running at 99% capacity.Burnout, boundaries, and the power of saying no.Finding what genuinely works for you instead of copying others’ systems.Daily rituals, journaling, movement, and supporting your own nervous system.Why connection — especially online — matters so deeply for rural women.What cultivating contentment looks like in Krysta’s life right now.If Krysta’s week-long self-care + business series sounds like what your end-of-year soul is craving, the link is waiting for you in the notes. Resources & Links: Grounded Farm Wife Journal Connect with Krysta: @ruralpodcastnetwork @krystapaffrath www.krystapaffrath.com Connect with Jessica: @groundedfarmwife www.groundedfarmwife.com.au

    45 min

  3. 12/03/2025

    Finding Myself Again — and What’s Next

    In this episode, Jess shares a heartfelt life update, reflecting on the challenges faced during the calving season, including personal health struggles and the impact of burnout. She discusses the importance of setting boundaries for mental and physical health, the transformative experience of attending retreats, and the journey towards finding clarity and alignment with her values. Jess emphasizes the need for self-care and the importance of community support, especially for rural women, as she looks forward to new beginnings and projects.

    17 min
  4. You Can Love and Hate the Farm

    06/25/2025

    You Can Love and Hate the Farm

    I never thought I'd love this life as much as I do. And I also never expected it to feel so hard. In this episode, I open up about the emotional tug-of-war so many farm wives experience — the reality that you can love your life on the farm and still hate the parts of it that leave you feeling lonely, overlooked, and completely exhausted. I share what life looked like for us in the early years with three boys under four, how I carried the load through drought, newborns, and endless solo parenting, and how I finally stopped pretending it was all fine. You’ll hear honest stories about missing milestones, crying in hospital alone, resenting wet towels on the floor, and the mindset shifts that helped me stop bottling it all up. I also talk about the little changes that made a big difference — from bundling the kids up to take dinner to the paddock, to finally having those hard conversations with my husband about what we needed as a family. And I share the unexpected gifts in it all — the flexibility the farm actually gives us, and the privilege of being able to show up for our kids in ways not every family can. This is a vulnerable one, but it’s real. If you’ve ever found yourself thinking, “Is this what I signed up for?” while still feeling proud of the life you’ve built — you’re not alone. In this episode:Why it’s okay to love and hate the farm at the same timeWhat solo parenting looked like during the early yearsThe emotional and financial pressure of farming lifeWhen the resentment creeps in and how I’ve learned to name itHow I stopped pretending everything was fineThe small shifts that helped us survive busy seasonsWhy asking for help isn’t weakness — it’s wisdomHow the flexibility of farm life is also a giftA reminder that this life needs to work for your whole family ✨ You’re not doing it wrong if it feels hard. You’re just being honest. 💬 Let’s keep the conversation going: message me on Instagram and tell me what part of this episode you related to most. Resources and Links Grounded Farm Wife Journal Values Bundle Connect with JESSICA: Follow me on Instagram Instagram Join my newsletter community Join my newsletter community Check out my website Website Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/40

    28 min
  5. Cozy Comforts and Real-Life Sanity Savers for Winter

    06/18/2025

    Cozy Comforts and Real-Life Sanity Savers for Winter

    Winter has arrived with a bang here on the farm—frosty mornings, short days, and that bone-deep cold that makes everything feel just a little bit harder. But this year, it feels a little easier than it has in the past. I think that’s because I’ve been paying attention to the small things—the simple comforts and routines that are helping me stay grounded and get through this season with a bit more ease. In this episode, I’m sharing the five things that are helping me through this cold farm winter. These aren’t big, fancy solutions—they’re real, everyday things like the slow cooker bubbling away in the kitchen, a crackling fire (even if I forget to keep it going), warm clothes from the dryer, and the moments I get to be present for my boys, whether it's at the library or the sidelines of their footy games. I also chat about how this winter feels different—how the cold set in fast, but my routines and rhythms are making all the difference. Whether you’re a rural woman navigating a busy farm season or a mum just trying to keep the house warm and the kids fed, I hope this episode encourages you to take a moment and notice what’s helping you get through the season too. In this episode I share: Why the slow cooker is my best friend right now (and how I keep it super simple)A funny story about trying—and failing—to keep the fire going on my ownThe pride I feel watching my boys become readers and our weekly library rhythmWhy I finally built a backyard fire pit and how it’s getting us outside moreWhat it’s like showing up for winter sport when you don’t know all the rulesHow good routines are helping me feel more motivated this winter I’d love to know—what little things are getting you through winter right now? Come say hi on Instagram @groundedfarmwife and share your winter comforts with me. Resources and Links Grounded Farm Wife Journal Values Bundle Connect with JESSICA: Follow me on Instagram Instagram Join my newsletter community Join my newsletter community Check out my website Website Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/39

    22 min
  6. A Winter Update and Dairy Deep Dive

    06/02/2025

    A Winter Update and Dairy Deep Dive

    Episode Summary: Winter is well and truly here on the farm, and while Stephen complains the second it gets cold, I actually love the slower pace, the warm mugs of coffee, and the chance to reflect. In this episode, I give you a behind-the-scenes look at what’s happening on our dairy farm right now — from breeding season and weaning calves, to prepping our new block and making tough feed decisions as the weather turns. But the second half of the episode is where things really heat up. After one of my recent reels about milk prices went unexpectedly viral, I had a flood of comments and questions about how dairy farmers are actually paid. So today, I’m answering those questions — openly and honestly. I break down how the dairy code of conduct works, what “milk solids” really are, and why most dairy farmers supply the big companies (spoiler: we often don’t have another choice). I also explain why selling our own milk sounds simple but would cost millions, and how you can make informed choices to support Australian farmers at the supermarket. Whether you’ve been around dairy your whole life or are just curious about what’s in your fridge, this episode brings clarity, real-life context, and a reminder that every litre of milk starts with a farmer. Key Points Covered in this Episode: A seasonal update from our farm: breeding, weaning, drying off, and managing feed shortagesWhat winter looks like for dairy farmers and how we plan ahead for calvingWhy June is such an important month for the dairy industryHow dairy farmers are paid and what the Dairy Code of Conduct means for usThe truth about milk solids, price variations, and seasonal premiumsWhy most farmers can’t process or sell their own milk (even if we wanted to)What happens to our milk after it leaves the farm (spoiler: it’s not always bottled)How to support Aussie farmers through the dairy products you buy 💛 If this episode helps you understand our industry a little better or makes you feel more connected to where your food comes from, I’d love if you shared it with a friend or on your stories.

    27 min
  7. It Feels Hard Because It Is Hard

    05/26/2025

    It Feels Hard Because It Is Hard

    Some days feel heavy — not because you’re doing life wrong, but simply because life is hard. And that’s something we don’t say often enough. In this episode, I’m talking honestly about what it means to sit in the hard seasons without guilt, pressure, or pretending. Whether it’s endless laundry, school holiday chaos, or just the daily grind of farm life, I want to remind you that you’re not failing — you’re human. We talk about the pressure to romanticise your life (hello sourdough and glass jar laundry liquids), why high-achieving women often push through without pausing to celebrate what they’ve already overcome, and how learning to say “this is hard” might be the strongest thing we can do — not just for ourselves, but for our kids too. ✨ Key Points Covered in This Episode:Why life often feels hard even in our best seasons, and how accepting that truth can lighten the loadInsights from The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris, including why chasing constant happiness can leave us feeling more stuckThe rise of romanticising rural life on social media — and why it can backfire when it adds more pressure instead of joyThe sourdough example: how doing “what looks good online” can sometimes cause more stress than peaceA not-so-glamorous look at laundry: the unrealistic tips that make us feel worse (and why decanting detergent won’t fix burnout)The importance of saying “this is hard” without guilt — especially in farm culture where getting the job done often takes priority over how we feelWhy hard doesn’t mean bad — we grow and build resilience when life challenges usHow acknowledging our emotions helps us and teaches our kids emotional regulation in real, everyday ways 🎧 Listen to this episode if you need a reminder that you're not weak for feeling worn out — you're strong for showing up anyway. Tag me @groundedfarmwife or send this to a friend who might be in a hard season too. Resources and Links Grounded Farm Wife Journal Values Bundle Connect with JESSICA: Follow me on Instagram Instagram Join my newsletter community Join my newsletter community Check out my website Website Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/37

    23 min
  8. What No One Talks About on Mother’s Day

    05/12/2025

    What No One Talks About on Mother’s Day

    Mother’s Day isn’t always the joyful, relaxing celebration it’s made out to be. In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on the pressure, disappointment, and hidden challenges so many of us mums quietly carry on a day that’s supposed to be “all about us.” Let’s be honest — the expectations are huge. We’re meant to feel appreciated and pampered, but often, it’s us mums who are still organising the day, juggling the kids, and trying to make it special… for everyone else. Meanwhile, our kids don’t really know the difference between Mother’s Day and a Tuesday. We say we want a break, but even asking for that can feel like a big ask. And then there’s social media. We scroll through highlight reels of families smiling in perfectly clean homes, posting about heartfelt cards and fancy breakfasts. But we’re not seeing the chaos behind the scenes, the meltdowns, or the fact that sometimes we receive a gift while sitting in a trashed kitchen. It becomes another day for comparison — and the feeling that somehow, we’re not doing it right. Mother’s Day tries to squeeze all the recognition and gratitude for motherhood into one overly commercialised day. But what if we don’t feel seen? What if we feel let down? I’ve had so many conversations with mums who feel quietly hurt by the way this day plays out — and no one talks about it out loud. In this episode, I reflect on: Why the pressure to have a “perfect” Mother’s Day often backfiresThe impact of over-commercialised celebrations and social media comparisonHow romanticising motherhood can make us feel worse, not betterThe meaning behind those cards and flowers — and what we really wantWhy it’s so hard to feel seen on a day that’s meant to be about usThe idea that maybe… we don’t have to make such a big deal out of it Resources and Links Grounded Farm Wife Journal Values Bundle Connect with JESSICA: Follow me on Instagram Instagram Join my newsletter community Join my newsletter community Check out my website Website Find the complete show notes here: https://www.groundedfarmwife.com.au/podcast-1/36

    19 min
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About

Are you a rural farming woman, wife, or mother struggling to find peace in your busy life? Do you find yourself trying to squeeze joy out of your daily routine, manage stress that seems never-ending, and somehow reconnect with your passions in the midst of it all? Do you love your rural life yet often feel overwhelmed by the challenges it brings? Welcome to "Cultivate Contentment," the podcast designed just for you. I'm Jessica Knight, a fellow rural woman, wife, and mother. I get it—I've been there, right there in the trenches, juggling the demands of farm life, motherhood, and trying to keep my sanity intact. I understand the challenges you face every day. From being a first-generation dairy farmer to raising three energetic boys, I'm right there with you, navigating the ups and downs of rural life. Come along with me and my guests as we explore balancing farm life with personal needs on a realistic level, practical ways to sprinkle a little joy and peace into your daily routine, nurturing relationships without losing your sense of self, and how to keep stress at bay and prevent burnout. All while staying focused on what we really want; feeling content and settled in our lives. This is a show to delve into the heart of your daily struggles and triumphs, providing practical advice and heartfelt support to help you find peace and fulfillment in your unique journey. I know how hard it can be to juggle the responsibilities of farm life, motherhood, and personal well-being. "Cultivate Contentment" aims to be your companion and guide, offering insights and strategies that resonate with your experiences. So, whether you're savoring a cup of coffee before the morning chaos begins, stealing a moment of quiet on your drive to town, or popping in your earbuds while wrestling with laundry and dishes, I invite you to join me. Let's laugh, learn, and cultivate contentment together.

Information

  • Creator
    Jess Knight
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    44
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Jess Knight
  • Show Website
    Cultivate Contentment