5 minute read
The power of the pod
Boots and Heels podcast hosts Becca Wilson and Lizzie McLaughlin interview each other rather than podcast guests for a change
Olivia Brabbs
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After the pandemic, we’ve seen first-hand how people are now connecting with food more than ever. With the likes of new, emerging shows, such Clarkson’s Farm and Kelvin’s Big Farming Adventure, farming is breaking barriers and starting a conversation which is not stopping any time soon.
Boots and Heels was a created a year ago, by Yorkshire fifth-generation farmer, Becca Wilson and Farmers Weekly Community Editor, Lizzie McLaughlin; we’re two people with different backgrounds but one shared purpose.
After launching the podcast, which has now been acquired by Farmers Weekly, we’ve highlighted the amazing people behind agriculture, sparked conversations with the public and even charted in Apple’s top 200.
Alongside bridging the gap between the public and food production, we also want to showcase how diverse the industry is for careers. All too often, the stereotype of farm jobs is that of low-skilled roles but as two girls with academic backgrounds, we’re keen to show that all routes can lead into agriculture.
To tell you more about our journey so far and what exciting things we have coming next, we’ve done a ‘ask me anything’ between us.
Lizzie McLaughlin (LM): Let’s kick off Becca, how did you get into agriculture?
Becca Wilson (BW): I’ve been lucky enough to be in farming my whole life – I live and work on the family farm and as a fifth-generation farmer, I have always wanted to make a difference. Being the ‘Boots’ part of the duo, my day to day is based on farm and I feel privileged to feed the nation.
Lizzie, you didn’t grow up on a farm, so how did you make it into the industry?
LM: Well, I’m not from a farming background and after finishing my studies, I fell into the industry in a creative role – and I guess my heels just got stuck. I love what farming has to offer and wish I’d known more about the people behind our produce when growing up. As ‘heels’ I’ve been able to contribute to the industry using my passions and skillset. Becca, why don’t you tell the readers how we started?
BW: Funnily enough, in our previous roles, Lizzie and I used to have very similar conversations that we now share with the world. We soon realised we have completely different perspectives and while farming is second nature to me, there’s a lot of unanswered questions for the public. Then, one day we thought, ‘actually, there’s not a lot out there that answers these questions in an accessible way – or with young women at the forefront – so if we don’t do it, who will?’. And Boots and Heels was born. We’ve had an incredible journey during the past year – what have been your highlights Lizzie?
LM: That’s a challenging one because we’ve done so much! I love more than anything how we’ve come from recording under a duvet in our bedrooms to now
Watch our videos on the Farmers Weekly YouTube Channel
interviewing well-known celebrities in their homes – we’ve built it from a shared passion. It’s fantastic that having such opportunities has sparked a conversation with listeners from both farming and non-farming backgrounds alike. Plus, a real highlight is the messages we receive from people who now know what I didn’t thanks to our podcast.
BW: I noticed you avoided talking about your heels in the lambing shed… do you want to share that blooper? photoshoot? Why wouldn’t I want to mention that haha? But in all seriousness, if people can laugh with us and enjoy what we do, whilst learning something about farming, then we’re doing something right!
Becca, series two has just ended… How was that and what’s next?
BW: Our second series has been a whirlwind of fantastic guests, incredible stories and countless bloopers which you’ll see on our Instagram. I’ve really learnt just as much as Lizzie by surrounding myself with those from different sectors. For our final couple of episodes, we were fortunate enough to film with famous YouTuber, Tom Pemberton and Rugby Legend Nigel. Gaining tens of thousands of views, we soon realised that our followers loved the visual aspect so that’s what we’re going to do next — a video series! I’m so excited. Lizzie, what can our followers expect from series three?
LM: So much more. We’re going to be touring the UK and filming on farms with a difference, with familiar faces and showing everything along the way. So, that means getting out of my heels and both of us taking on new challenges. One of our listeners challenged me to reverse a tractor and trailer, so if you want to see me drive a tractor for the first time and attempt this, you won’t be disappointed. We’re going to be busy – what does the future hold for us and for farming, Becca?
BW: For Boots and Heels, we want to keep growing to get the message further out there. Alongside the video series, we’ve also been honoured to be asked to be key speakers at some industry events this year, so keep your eyes peeled on our social media.
As for farming, there’s massive questions around trade, economy, and politics but, for us, it’s about bringing agriculture into everyday conversations – through careers, conscious shopping, and education. At the end of the day, we all need to eat and what’s better than supporting British produce. So, can you sum Boots and Heels up a in sentence?
LM: No matter your background, or shoe choice for that matter, you can find your feet in the industry.
