Share The Load Podcast - Podlediad Rhannwch Y Baich

The DPJ Foundation

Created by The DPJ Foundation and taking a look at different perspectives in the agricultural industry. We will be talking to Farmers, and those in the industry, as well as those who support farmers, both professionally and as family and friends.

  1. 5d ago

    More Than a Livestock Market: Farming, Community & Rural Mental Health | Dolgellau Mart

    In this insightful and down-to-earth episode, Emma and Kate from the DPJ Foundation visit Dolgellau Livestock Market to meet some of the people behind the mart and explore the important role it plays at the heart of the farming community. Joining them are Elin Dwyfor, Chartered Surveyor, Registered Valuer and Property Manager; Eleri Evans, Head of Finance at the mart and a farmer herself; and Dyfan Parry Jones, livestock auctioneer and farmer.Together, they take us behind the scenes of a working livestock market — discussing how the mart operates, the people who keep it running, and what someone visiting for the first time can expect. But the mart is about far more than buying and selling livestock. For many farmers, particularly those working long hours in isolated rural areas, market day can be one of the few opportunities during the week to see other people, catch up with friends and simply have a conversation. The episode explores the importance of that connection and the vital role livestock markets continue to play in bringing rural communities together. The conversation also turns to the pressures facing farming today, how Elin, Eleri and Dyfan manage their own stress during difficult periods, and why talking, checking in with one another and maintaining that sense of community can make such a difference. An honest and warm look at life inside a Welsh livestock market, the people behind it, and why places like Dolgellau Mart remain such an important part of farming and rural life. #DPJFoundation #Dolgellau #livestockmarket #WelshFarming #farming #agriculture #RuralMentalHealth #farmingcommunity #mentalhealth #sharetheload #farminglife #farmers

  2. Sep 7

    The Realities of Farming and Contracting: Work, Camaraderie, and the Power of Talking.

    In this open and down-to-earth episode, Emma and Kate from the DPJ Foundation sit down with three guests from within the agricultural community to talk honestly about the realities of farming life. Joining the conversation are Owen Jewell, a farmer and contractor based in Llangwyryfon, Prys Lewis, who has worked in a wide range of roles across agriculture, and Gareth Evans, an agricultural contractor. Together, they share their experiences of working in the industry — the long hours, the pressure, the responsibility, but also the strong camaraderie and sense of community that so often holds people together. The discussion explores the ups and downs of farming, managing staff and teams, adapting to challenges, and why having honest conversations can make such a difference when times are tough. Through humour, honesty, and shared experience, the episode highlights the importance of looking out for one another and creating a culture where talking is seen as a strength. This is a real and relatable conversation from people living and working in agriculture every day — offering insight, perspective, and a reminder of the value of connection within the farming community. Trigger Warning: Please note that this episode speaks about loss and death by suicide so may be distressing or activating, particularly for individuals with lived experience of suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or bereavement by suicide. Please take care of yourself whilst listening/watching and feel free to pause, step away, or seek support if needed. If you are struggling and would like to talk to someone for support please call our Share The Load 24/7 call line on 0800 587 4262 or text 07860 048799 www.thedpjfoundation.co.uk #ShareTheLoad #RhannwchYBaich

  3. Jun 15

    LGBTQ in Farming: Identity, Mental Health & Breaking Stigma in Agriculture | DPJ Foundation

    In this powerful and deeply honest episode, Emma from the DPJ Foundation sits down with Gethin Bickerton, Welsh actor and trustee of the DPJ Foundation, alongside Andrew Powell and Ren Fisher, to discuss the experiences of the LGBTQ community within farming and the wider agricultural industry. Together, they speak openly about growing up in rural communities, the pressures and struggles they faced around identity and acceptance, and how isolating life could feel at times while trying to navigate both personal and professional life within agriculture.At the heart of the conversation, however, is warmth, progress, and hope. T he episode reflects positively on the farming community, the role of Young Farmers Clubs, and the increasing openness and support being seen within agriculture today. The guests also discuss the importance of visibility, honest conversations, supportive friendships, and creating spaces where people feel able to be themselves both within and outside of farming life. This is a thoughtful, emotional, and uplifting discussion about identity, belonging, mental health, resilience, and the changing culture within modern agriculture — highlighting how important community and conversation can be. Whether you work in farming, live in a rural area, or simply want to hear real stories from real people, this episode offers an important and inspiring perspective on life within the agricultural community.

  4. May 20 ·  Bonus

    Lleisiau Ifanc mewn Ffermio: Teulu, Dyfodol, a Bywyd ar y Tir.

    Yn y bennod galonogol a gonest hon, mae Mal, merch Emma, sylfaenydd y DPJ Foundation, yn eistedd i lawr gyda Alun Elidyr, cyflwynydd S4C a ffermwr, a Meinir Howells, cyflwynydd teledu, ffermwr a mam, i drafod dyfodol amaethyddiaeth a sut i annog pobl ifanc i ddod i mewn i’r byd ffermio. Gyda’i gilydd, maent yn archwilio realiti byw a gweithio yng nghefn gwlad — harddwch y wlad, y gymuned glòs, a manteision magu teulu ar fferm. Mae’r sgwrs hefyd yn trafod yn agored rai o’r heriau sy’n dod gyda bywyd amaethyddol, gan gynnwys pwysau ariannol ac ansicrwydd, a’r realiti bod arian weithiau’n dynn, ond bod y ffordd o fyw a’r cysylltiad â’r tir yn dod â math gwahanol o hapusrwydd.Mae’r drafodaeth yn tynnu sylw at rôl bwysig Clybiau Ffermwyr Ifanc, adeiladu hyder ymhlith pobl ifanc, a chreu mannau cefnogol lle gall sgiliau, cyfeillgarwch a gwydnwch ddatblygu. Maent hefyd yn trafod effaith cyfryngau cymdeithasol — y cyfleoedd sydd ar gael ond hefyd sut i ddelio â’r pwysau mewn ffordd iach a chadarnhaol. Mae’r bennod hon yn sgwrs feddylgar ac ysbrydoledig am ddyfodol ffermio, yn dathlu’r ffordd o fyw tra’n cydnabod yr heriau’n onest, ac yn dangos sut mae angerdd, cymuned a phrofiadau a rennir yn parhau i ysbrydoli pobl ifanc i gamu i fyd amaethyddiaeth. Os yr ydych yn cael trafferth a hoffwch siarad â rhywun am gefnogaeth plis ffoniwch ein llinell Rhannwch y Baich 24/7 ar 0800 587 4262 neu tecstiwch 07860 048799 www.thedpjfoundation.co.uk #RhannwchYBaich #ShareTheLoad

  5. May 18

    Farming, Media, and Mental Health: Honest Conversations from Life in the Spotlight.

    In this powerful and open conversation, Emma sits down with three guests whose lives sit at the intersection of farming, media, and mental health. Joining the discussion are Anne, one of the DPJ Foundation’s regional volunteers and a news and livestock reporter for Farmers Weekly; Alun Elidyr, S4C presenter and farmer, who speaks openly and honestly about his personal battles with depression; and Meinir Howells, TV presenter, farmer, and mother, who shares her experiences of balancing life on the farm with working in broadcasting. Together, they discuss the realities of working within the farming world while reporting and presenting on stories that can often be difficult or emotionally heavy. The conversation explores the pressures faced within agriculture, the importance of openness around mental health, and how sharing personal experiences can help break stigma and encourage others to reach out. This episode offers a genuine and thoughtful insight into life behind the scenes — both on the farm and in front of the camera — highlighting the strength, vulnerability, and honesty that help keep important conversations moving forward. Trigger Warning: Please note that this episode speaks about loss and death by suicide so may be distressing or activating, particularly for individuals with lived experience of suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or bereavement by suicide. Please take care of yourself whilst listening/watching and feel free to pause, step away, or seek support if needed. If you are struggling and would like to talk to someone for support please call our Share The Load 24/7 call line on 0800 587 4262 or text 07860 048799 www.thedpjfoundation.co.uk #ShareTheLoad #RhannwchYBaich

  6. Apr 20

    What Happens When You Reach Out? Inside the Share The Load Support Line.

    In this informative and reassuring episode, Emma and Kate from the DPJ Foundation sit down with Natalie, a Share The Load volunteer, and Nicola, one of the service’s counsellors, to talk openly about what people can expect when they reach out for support. Together, they explore how the 24/7 Share The Load phone line and text service works, what happens when someone makes that first call or message, and the compassionate support that is available to those who may be struggling. The conversation offers an honest look behind the scenes — from the role of volunteers and counsellors, to how calls are handled, the importance of listening, and how small moments of connection can make a big difference. This episode aims to remove fear or uncertainty around asking for help, breaking down the process in a calm and approachable way. Whether you’re curious about the service, thinking about reaching out yourself, or simply want to understand more about how support works, this conversation provides clarity, comfort, and encouragement. Trigger Warning: Please note that this episode speaks about loss and death by suicide so may be distressing or activating, particularly for individuals with lived experience of suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or bereavement by suicide. Please take care of yourself whilst listening/watching and feel free to pause, step away, or seek support if needed. If you are struggling and would like to talk to someone for support please call our Share The Load 24/7 call line on 0800 587 4262 or text 07860 048799 www.thedpjfoundation.co.uk #ShareTheLoad #RhannwchYBaich

About

Created by The DPJ Foundation and taking a look at different perspectives in the agricultural industry. We will be talking to Farmers, and those in the industry, as well as those who support farmers, both professionally and as family and friends.