Rachael Oakes-Ash and Nicole Smith

So Highlands

Society EN ↓ 8 episodes

A provocative podcast in the Southern Highlands of NSW from a long-time local, Nicole Smith, and a self-confessed Sydney transplant, Rachael Oakes-Ash. It's the podcast that says what we’re all thinking, because regional living comes with its own conversation.*Nicole Smith is a Wingecarribee Shire Councillor, but what she says on the podcast is strictly her own personal views, not those of council. Rachael Oakes-Ash isn’t on council and is gloriously unfiltered. They don’t always agree and honestly, that’s when it gets interesting. Follow @sohighlandspod on IG and @sohighlands on FB and YT

Author

Rachael Oakes-Ash and Nicole Smith

Episodes

The Dirt on Regenerative Farming in the Highlands - with John Mauger 04.04.2026 47:29

Third-generation farmer, local legend and master storyteller, John Mauger joins Nicole and Rachael in the So Highlands studio for a chat that digs deep into regenerative farming, how the health of our soil and our people are inextricably linked, and how we can all give back to the locals who feed us. And because no Mauger yarn is complete without a little nostalgia, we also take a wander down Bu...

When the Three Blue Ducks come to town 23.03.2026 44:51

Three Blue Ducks are flocking into Burradoo Park Farm next month and the Highlands is already in a full-blown flutter (see what we did there). Rachael and Nicole pulled up a chair with two of the Ducks—chef/author/TV personality Darren Robertson and MasterChef winner/judge/chef Andy Allen—to get the goss on what’s cooking when the doors finally swing open. Follow So Highlands on social: Instagram...

From potholes to pickle ball - what does the Highlands need in 2026? 02.01.2026 33:13

Resolutions, they're so last year (see what we did there). In this episode we discuss what the Highlands needs in 2026 from more coffee shops (not) to a drive-through car wash and better drivers. It's fun, irreverent and filled with good-natured banter - pothole anyone? Follow So Highlands on social: Instagram ⁠@sohighlandspod⁠ Facebook ⁠@sohighlands⁠ YouTube ⁠@sohighlands

So Highlands: The Maltings of Mittagong new architect spills the tea 20.12.2025 34:53

Have you ever noticed The Maltings in Mittagong ? Chances are you’ve cruised past it a thousand times en route to Bunnings, unaware of what’s hiding in plain sight. The historic Maltings has now been approved for a major transformation into a hotel, hospitality precinct and significant art gallery, with the site designed by international architecture powerhouse Snøhetta for the Medich family's Hal...

In the club - how do you make friends in the Highlands? 09.12.2025 40:35

Nicole and Rachael have taken it upon themselves to dive deep into the region’s more niche community groups - the ones everyone knows about AND the ones whispered about behind hydrangea hedges. They examine everything from nudist gatherings to swinger meet-ups, book clubs where reading is optional, pistol clubs, dungeons & dragons and more. If there’s a nook, cranny or club where like-minde...

So Highlands: Fakers, Makers and Shakers 24.11.2025 38:44

We like to call this episode, "the dodgies." Those charlatans dressed in Emperor's New Clothes who see the Southern Highlands as a mark. Nicole and Rachael pull back the Hamptons linen curtains to reveal just some of those who talked a big Highlands game but then ran away with the ball. Follow So Highlands on social: Instagram @sohighlandspod Facebook @sohighlands YouTube @sohighla...

Throw away the hotel key, the fight for Berrima Gaol 13.11.2025 38:22

Berrima Gaol will be welcoming new inmates as a boutique hotel but not all villagers are raising a glass of Artemis pinot to celebrate. There’s a fight to stop the development in its current form, and it begins with the infamous gaol wall - which side are you on? Nicole and Rachael chat to Berrima Gaol project architect from Turner Studios, Dan Szwaj, on one side and Berrima Heritage Matters spo...

So Highlands: Who even are we? 28.10.2025 29:19

Southern Highlands local, Nicole Smith, and Sydney transplant, Rachael Oakes-Ash banter about the who, what and why of the new So Highlands podcast in the hope everyone keeps listening. Instagram @sohighlandspod Facebook @sohighlands YouTube @sohighlands