FERNCAST FERNCAST

This week we crossed timezones to speak with Luke Dilley from Akita International University, Japan. We discussed how Japan is tackling its rural population decline issues as well as innovations in the country's rural development.

In this week's edition of Ferncast, we interview Dr Veronika Rasic, a doctor in rural England. Veronika discusses the challenges involved in providing care and the ongoing pressures on healthcare providers with strained budgets.

Dr Veronika Rasic is the creator and host of the Rural Road to Health Podcast which aims to amplify the stories and voices of rural communities and people working in rural health. As an advocate for rural health equity, Dr Rasic encourages students and early career healthcare professionals to delve into opportunities within rural healthcare. In 2017 she co-founded Rural Seeds, a global network designed for students and early-career health professionals with an interest in rural health. Dr Rasic also holds an executive role within EURIPA (European Rural and Isolated Practitioner Association), she is a part of the WONCA Working Party on Rural Practice and contributes to the WONCA Europe Working Party for Policy Advocacy. Dr Rasic is passionate about working on the intersection between rural health and policy to improve health outcomes for rural communities.

Dr Rasic earned her medical degree from the University of Rijeka in Croatia. Her early career in Croatia cantered around pre-hospital emergency medicine and rural primary care. In 2016, she relocated to the UK and by 2019, completed her GP training. She now actively practices as both a locum and digital GP across various primary care settings in the UK while also undertaking a Masters in Global Health Policy with the University of Edinburgh.

In our latest episode of the Ferncast, we spoke with Andy Barr of Barrnon Engineering. Andy has been at the forefront of bringing cutting-edge engineering to a rural area in Cumbria. We met him on-site to interview him about how his companies have developed in recent years.

In this episode, we'll delve into how Phil is bridging the world of technology with environmental activism, his adventures on the saddle fundraising for Protect.earth, and how his initiative is seeding hope by turning barren lands into lush landscapes, one tree at a time. We'll also explore how Protect.earth is fostering partnerships with landowners and farmers to not only tackle climate change but also improve soil quality, making a positive impact on the community.

Don't miss out on this week's exciting episode of Ferncast, where we'll be joined by Professor Simon Pemberton from Keele University. Professor Pemberton is a highly acclaimed expert in rural regeneration and the author of a fascinating book on the topic. Join us as we delve into the captivating world of social and societal advancements in rural areas across the United Kingdom. Be sure to tune in and explore the latest insights with us!