She Mines

FIFO workers often earn good money on paper — but that doesn’t always mean it feels easy. In this episode of She Mines , I'm having an honest conversation about finances, shame, and building money confidence in a FIFO lifestyle. I’m joined by Lacey Filipich from Money School, a former chemical engineer who worked in mining and is now a financial educator. Together, we unpack why so many FIFO w...

On site, we’re trained to fix problems. Breakdowns. Delays. Production targets. But what happens when the problem isn’t mechanical — it’s mental? In this episode, I talk about how to actually support a mate who might be struggling. Not as a counsellor. Not with perfect words. Just as someone who notices and cares enough to check in. I unpack the signs someone might not be okay, what to say (and wh...

In this episode of She Mines, I’m joined by Kendall, the founder of the Blue Tree Project — a movement that has become a powerful symbol for mental health awareness across Australia and the world. Kendall shares her deeply personal journey with mental health, the story behind how the Blue Tree Project began, and the impact it has had on individuals and communities. What started from a place of pai...

Starting your first FIFO swing can be exciting — but packing for it can feel overwhelming. What do you actually need to bring? What will site provide? And what do experienced FIFO workers wish they had packed the first time? In this episode of She Mines , I break down everything you need to know before heading out on your first FIFO swing. From travel essentials and PPE to camp life comforts, food...

In this episode of She Mines , I am joined by Laura, a crisis supporter and facilitator with Lifeline, to explore the human stories behind mental health support. Laura shares her journey into working with Lifeline, what it’s really like supporting people through crisis, and the importance of breaking down stigma around mental health — especially in high-pressure industries like mining. This conver...

In this Q&A episode of She Mines , I explore the tension between ambition and mental health in the mining industry. Using real listener questions, this conversation looks at burnout, pressure, rest, and what it means to build a sustainable career without sacrificing your wellbeing. I talk about staying ambitious without burning out, loving mining while struggling mentally, and feeling stuck be...

In this solo episode of She Mines , I take a deep dive into imposter syndrome: what it really is, why it shows up so strongly in high-pressure industries like mining, and how it affects anyone at any level. Drawing on psychological research and real industry experience, this episode explores: What imposter syndrome actually is (and what it isn’t) Why it often intensifies as you move into senior an...

As we step into 2026, this episode is a pause — not to slow mining down, but to look at it honestly. Across 2025, one major theme kept emerging: people aren’t leaving mining because the work is too hard. They’re leaving because of culture, fatigue, and the quiet identity conflict that comes with trying to sustain a long career in a demanding industry. In this episode, I talk about: Why technical c...

In this honest, Q&A-style episode of She Mines , Jayden and I have a real conversation about mental health in the mining industry—no scripts, no sugarcoating. We talk about the pressure to stay strong, isolation on shift, the weight of being the provider, and how mental health impacts identity, relationships, and life off site. We also cover what real support looks like, why vulnerability matt...

This episode explores the weight many men in mining carry — often silently. From the pressure to provide, survive in today’s economy, and uphold a culture of strength, to the impact of FIFO life on relationships, identity, and isolation, this is an honest conversation about what isn’t always said out loud in our industry. I talk about: The hidden expectations placed on men in mining Provider press...

In this episode of She Mines, I sit down with career coach Anna Black for an honest and empowering conversation about building courage, facing fear, and navigating career change with confidence. Together, we unpack why fear of failure shows up so strongly — especially in high-pressure industries like mining — and how shifting your mindset can open the door to clarity, alignment, and new opportunit...

In mining, technical skill might get you the job — but soft skills are what help you keep growing in it. In Part 2 of this series, I dig even deeper into the human side of mining — the traits that separate good workers from great teammates and leaders. This episode covers:🎯 Adaptability — how to stay steady when the plan, the shift, or the team changes unexpectedly💡 Problem-solving — why creativ...

When we think about mining, we often picture technical skills — machinery, geology, production targets, safety. But beneath every strong team lies something less visible and far more powerful: soft skills. In this two-part series, I uncover how communication, emotional intelligence, and empathy shape the culture, safety, and wellbeing of our industry. In Part 1 , I’ll explore:💬 How real communica...

FIFO life isn’t just about the long shifts and the roster – it’s about how those choices ripple through our relationships, families, and personal lives. In this episode, I sit down with my partner, Jayden, to have an open and honest conversation about what it really takes to keep a relationship strong while working FIFO together. We talk about the pressures, the sacrifices, and the unspoken mental...

Underground or surface — which path in mining is right for you? In this episode of She Mines , I dive deep into the realities of both worlds. From pay, rosters, and culture, to health, family, and career growth, I’ll break down what it really means to choose one over the other. I’ll explore the common misconceptions, the mental load of misalignment between your job and your values, and how to figu...

Feeling trapped in mining because of financial pressure? You’re not alone. In this episode of She Mines , I dive deep into the mental load that comes with believing you can’t leave site — because the bills, the mortgage, the lifestyle, and the fear of “what’s next” all feel too heavy. I’ll talk about the hidden costs of staying in a job that drains you, how financial fear impacts your mental healt...

In this episode of She Mines , I sit down with my high school friend, Tarnee Rutherford — a former Senior Environmental Advisor who climbed the FIFO and corporate ladder before making the bold decision to walk away. We talk about life in FIFO, the highs and lows of working on site, the transition to city life, and the pivotal moment when she knew it was time to leave. Tarnee shares how she backed...

In this episode, I dive deep into what working nights really does to the body and mind. I’ll be honest – I haven’t worked night shift myself, but I’ve spoken with plenty of people who have, and I’ve gathered their insights along with science-backed research to paint a clear picture of the challenges. I’ll unpack: - The physical and psychological impacts of working against your body’s natural rhyth...

Starting out in mining is equal parts exciting and overwhelming. In this Q&A episode, I dive into the early career challenges that so many of us face — from imposter syndrome and building confidence in high-vis, to dealing with loneliness on site, finding mentors, and knowing when it’s time to speak up or move on. Whether you’re brand new to FIFO or just navigating those first few years, this...

In this episode of She Mines , I'm talking about what it really means to bring feminine energy into a male-dominated industry — and why it’s not a weakness, it’s a strength. From intuition that spots hazards before checklists do, to empathy that builds trust in high-pressure teams, I’ll unpack how feminine traits actually make mining safer, smarter, and more human. I’ll explore how this energy...

In this episode of She Mines , I dive deep into the role of allies in creating safer, fairer, and more inclusive workplaces in mining. From why allies are critical for progress, to how small, consistent actions can lead to big change, I’ll explore the practical ways every person on site can make a difference. This isn’t about grand gestures or titles — it’s about showing up, speaking up, and takin...

It’s no secret that drinking culture is deeply woven into life on site — from knock-off beers in the wet mess to the pressure of “just having one.” In this episode, I take a look at why alcohol plays such a big role in mining, how dry camps are shifting the culture, and what it means if you choose not to drink. I talk openly about peer pressure, escapism, social rituals, and how to support yoursel...

Ever felt like you don’t quite fit in at work? Questioned your next move? Or wondered if you’re the only one struggling to feel confident in hi-vis? You’re not alone — and this episode is for you. In this Q&A session, I tackle your real, raw, and relatable questions about workplace culture in mining, building confidence in male-dominated spaces, and what it really looks like to pivot your care...

In this episode of She Mines , I unpack the powerful truth that vulnerability isn’t the opposite of strength—it’s the heart of it. In an industry where toughness is worn like a badge of honour, many of us have learned to suppress how we really feel just to get through the day. But what if being honest, asking for help, or admitting when we’re struggling actually made us stronger—not weaker? I expl...

In this deeply honest episode, I unpack the personal cost of working FIFO — the strain it places on our relationships, our identity, and our mental health. From missing milestones to feeling like a stranger in your own life, this episode explores what happens behind the scenes of the high-vis lifestyle. Through Q&A-style reflections, I answer your most common (and vulnerable) questions: – How...