Growing Up in a Big Country Family of 18 Grandkids & 6 Siblings | Loving Stranger Stories

Listen & Subscribe:

Topics in this Episode

AS HEARD ON

Jon Coghill & Tim Reid 

Imagine growing up in a big family where your nan’s death sparks yearly reunions, and the country authenticity trumps coast influencer life. Meet Emma, from a beef cattle farming clan, who loves rodeos, fashion, netball, and keeping social media in check. This chat on growing up in a big family is warm, funny, and full of heart – listen and feel the community vibe.
 
Ready for some stranger stories? Personal stories of love, resilience & daring unfold in this loveable podcast, as story-collectors Tim Reid & Jon Coghill wander the streets of Australia, microphone in hand, chatting to strangers.
 
It’s conversations… with everyday people.
 

Episode Summary

 

Meeting Emma at Cowgirl Surf Club

Tim spots Emma helping her friend Kristen at Cowgirl Surf Club – a viral brand from a horse-pulled surfing video on Sunrise. Kristen’s country motocross roots mixed with coast surfing built an incredible women’s community. Emma jumped in to support, but her heart’s still in the country.
 

Growing Up in a Big Family on the Farm

Emma comes from a beef cattle farming family – one of six siblings, her nan had six kids too. She was one of 18 grandkids. Growing up in a big family meant relying on the whole community. Spread out in the country, neighbours became family. You helped each other survive.
 

The Matriarch’s Death Sparks Reunions

Nan was the heart – when she passed, Emma’s auntie stepped up. Now they do yearly reunions: Tassie last year, Condoblin this October at her uncle’s property. Growing up in a big family like this keeps everyone connected. It’s rare; most people don’t have that depth.
 

Country vs Coast Life – Authenticity Wins

Growing up in a big family in the country taught Emma real engagement. Coast life on Gold Coast? Too influencer-heavy – people post on phones instead of talking. Country? No service, so you chat. Social media’s the devil, but useful. Emma shows her 14-year-old niece life without it – comparison kills joy.
 

Passion for Rodeos, Fashion & Netball

Emma loves rodeos, farming, fashion, netball. Growing up in a big family meant quality time always came first. She’s in international expansion now – travel, responsibility ahead. But country calls every day: wide spaces, fresh air, authentic people, even no service.
 

Emma’s Vibe & Wrapping Up

Emma’s energy? Warm, grounded, inspiring. Growing up in a big family shaped her – actions over words, community over screens. This chat leaves you craving a reunion.
 

Time-Coded Chapters

00:00 – Intro and meeting Emma at Cowgirl Surf Club
00:46 – Cowgirl Surf Club viral story & community
01:34 – Growing up in a big family on beef cattle farm
02:29 – Nan’s death sparks yearly reunions
03:14 – Country authenticity vs coast social media
04:41 – Rodeos, fashion, netball passions
05:58 – Passing on real connection to niece
06:58 – Country every day over coast – farewell
 

Key Moments

  • Growing up in a big family: one of 6 siblings, 18 grandkids
  • Nan’s death – auntie starts yearly reunions (Tassie, Condoblin)
  • Country life: rely on neighbours, become family
  • Coast vs country: influencers post, country people talk
  • Social media’s “devil” – comparison kills joy
  • Loves rodeos, farming, fashion, netball – family first
  • Teaching niece life without phones – actions over words
 

Listen to the Full Conversation

Growing up in a big family – reunions, authenticity, no service bliss. Emma’s story is gold.Listen now on your favourite platform
 
 

 

🎙️ Want more, Stranger?

Like the idea of story-collectors Tim Reid & Jon Coghill chatting to attendees at your next conference or event? Or maybe you’d like them to chat to strangers in your part of the world. Hit them up here.

📸  Join us behind-the-scenes

Follow the What a StrangerTold Me podcast madness on Instagram.

☎️  Got a story you’d love to share?

Call us +61 489 272 286. You’ve got a whopping 10-minutes, so sit back, take a big breath and go for gold.

👽  Don’t be a stranger

Got some feedback? Bring it on. Just be gentle. One of us has thin skin 😉

🤩  Who’s behind all this strangeness?

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

“Loved Ashton’s butterfly story and Ben’s heartfelt dad wisdom—raw and real human chat. Thanks Tim & Jon.”

Emma L.

“Episode 1 hooked me with Ashton’s quirky animal collection and punk-goth courage, then Ben’s faith-fueled hope amid grief hit deep. The mom’s perimenopause honesty? Relatable gold. Tim and Jon nail that non-judgy vibe—must-listen for story lovers.”

Amelio S.

“Alex’s phoenix rise from burnout moment and Jackie’s sweet post-surgery glow—pure inspiration! What a wonderful podcast, so right for its time.”

Sophia M.

“Loved this episode. Who’d have thought you’d go lolly shopping after weight loss surgery! Go girl!”

Steph L.

“Mind-blowing tales from PNG riots to Vietnam village magic. Makes me want to get out and adventure.”

Liam K.

“Episode 3’s humanitarian deep dive gripped me. That PNG mob standoff diffused by an elder, Haiti’s earthquake horrors, and the Dalai Lama unification pitch? Epic. Tim and Jon let the storyteller shine—perfect for anyone craving real-world grit and hope.”

Olivia S.

“That rodeo dad’s comeback story had me cheering—tough love and big heart all in one ep!”

Tyler B.

“Stumbled on ep 4 during a road trip, and wow—the entrepreneur’s escape from a life of crime to building a care empire was amazing, while the cowgirls’ dirt-bike dreams took me back to farm summers. Tim and Jon keep it real, no fluff. Instant subscribe.”

Isla F.

“This podcast makes me feel normal. Magic for my daily grind.” Terry M.

“Caught Ep 5 mid-shift break, and the train driver’s near-miss chills stuck with me all night—raw stuff. Then that smoker’s no-BS relapse chat? Been there. Tim and Jon make you feel seen, like chatting with a mate over brekkie.”

Marcus L.

“Hugh has got me thinking that anything is possible. Thanks guys for a great podcast. I’ve subscribed.”

Will O.

“Ep 6 snuck up on me during a late-night scroll— the train driver’s cab solitude stories had me nodding along like I was riding shotgun, and Hugh opening up on stutter strategies? Empowering as hell. Tim and Jon, you guys turn market strolls into soul food.”

Felix A.

Lovin' it? Then Here's More Strangeness ...