Let's meet Emma—one of six siblings from a sprawling beef cattle clan, now bridging country roots with coastal life. The What a Stranger Told Me podcast uncovers honest moments from everyday lives.

Growing up, family stretched beyond blood: a tight-knit rural community where everyone leaned in. “We relied on each other.” With 18 cousins and a matriarch nan at the centre, gatherings were loud, constant, essential.When nan passed, an auntie took the reins—now yearly reunions rotate from Tassie to Condobolin, keeping the bond alive. “We’re so lucky.”

Emma spends hours each week on the phone, nurturing ties across generations. Her 14-year-old niece gets gentle nudges away from screens: “Comparison steals joy—live your own life.”Coast living for nine years hasn’t faded the country pull. She helps friend Kristen grow Cowgirl Surf Club (sparked by a viral horse-surfing clip), blending rodeo grit with beach vibes. Fashion work beckons internationally—big travel ahead—but asked to choose? “Country, every time. The space, the realness, the air."

Favourite time? Red wine, country vinyl, family stories flowing. City crowds post more than they talk; out west, conversations run deep, even when service drops.

This episode of What a Stranger Told Me is about legacy, closeness, and the family you choose. It’s warm, real, and full of heart—proof a quick chat can open a whole world of love. Join Tim to hear Emma’s story, a gentle reminder of the importance of family - no matter the size.

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Made & Hosted by Tim Reid & Jon Coghill
Music Supervision by Dennis Feletto
Photography by Will Reid & Andy McColl

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