The Recovering Farmer’s Mental Health Journey & The Profound Impact of Sharing Your Story
Wednesday, April 30, 2025
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The Recovering Farmer’s Mental Health Journey & The Profound Impact of Sharing Your Story
In this heartfelt and insightful episode, Tracy reconnects with long-time friend of the show, Gerry Friesen – also known as The Recovering Farmer. Gerry has spent years sharing his personal journey with mental health, and today, he joins us to discuss the profound impact of opening up, especially through his latest milestone: publishing his first book.
A year after its release, Gerry reflects on what inspired the book, how readers have responded, and what it was like to put his life story into words. From emotional healing to personal growth, Gerry dives deep into the challenges and triumphs that came with this vulnerable and powerful step.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
- Gerry introduces himself and shares his ongoing journey as a mental health advocate
- The story behind publishing his book and what it means to him
- Honest reflections on the writing process and emotional toll
- How readers have connected with the book – and the chapters that resonate most
- Tracy asks Gerry to choose a “favorite chapter” (like picking a favorite child!)
- The personal wins, surprising feedback, and biggest lessons
- Is there a magic bullet for mental health? Gerry shares what farmers—and everyone—need to hear
- Why storytelling can be one of the most powerful tools in the healing process
When we share our stories, we not only heal ourselves—we give others permission to do the same.
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Thank You to our Show Sponsor
Here at The Impact Farming Show, our goal is to bring our audience the people and ideas that will IMPACT their farming operation. We couldn't do it without the continued support of our sponsors that are committed to supporting our show and our shared vision of helping farmers succeed.
Please take a moment to check out this week's show sponsor: KWS Seeds Canada
Seeding the future – since 1856
- Website: www.kws.com/ca/en/
- Social Media: Facebook / X / Instagram / YouTube
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Gerry Friesen
The Recovering Farmer, Consultant, Mediator
Gerry comes from a diverse background of experience, learning and discovery. He grew up on a farm and in 1983
took over the family farm. He operated the farm until 2007 when other interests demanded more and more of his time. Today, Gerry’s passion is in helping others find solutions for the various issues that life throws at us whether that is conflict or stress.
Aside from his private practice Gerry provides mediation services for Farm Debt Mediation Services and the Automobile Injury Mediation office and is a conflict management specialist. Gerry is a recipient of the Manitoba Pork Friend of the Industry award for “providing emotional support and expertise to help farmers cope with financial and emotional stress in their darkest days”.
Connect with Gerry Friesen - Twitter / LinkedIn / Website
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⚠️ Disclaimer - As always, this information is not intended to provide business or medical advice. To ensure that your own circumstances have been properly considered and that action is taken based on the latest information available, you should obtain professional advice from qualified business or medical professionals before acting on any of the information in this post.
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The Impact Farming Show
Welcome to Impact Farming, Farm Marketer's video and audio show dedicated to helping Canadian farmers excel in the business of farming. Our goal with this show is to introduce our audience to the people and ideas that are going to make an IMPACT on their farming operation.
Show Host - Tracy Brunet
CEO of Farm Marketer
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Tracy and her husband are cattle ranchers in South East, Manitoba. As host of the show, primary producer and agvocate, Tracy is passionate about helping farmers succeed in the business of farming.
In each episode, Tracy chats with today's most successful farm advisors and industry leaders to bring our audience the best and most important ideas.
Connect with Tracy Brunet - Twitter / Facebook / Instagram / Linked in
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