Nick Wise: Balancing Family, Farming, and Fulfillment

Explicit content warning

12/24/24 • 59 min

This episode delves into the captivating journey of Nick Wise as he transitions from a corporate manager to a full-time farmer, balancing family commitments, personal growth, and the challenges of agricultural life. Alongside hosts Burso and Fitzy, the discussion weaves through humorous anecdotes, thought-provoking debates, and honest reflections, offering listeners an engaging exploration of work-life balance, farming, and generational change.

What Questions Will This Episode Answer?

What’s it like to swap a desk job for the open fields of a dairy farm?
How do modern farmers balance family life and unrelenting responsibilities?
Why is generational farming fading, and what could reignite interest in agriculture?
Can manual labor be fulfilling in today’s convenience-driven society?

Anecdotes You’ll Enjoy

Trial by Fire:
Nick shares his first day on the farm when he had to milk cows with barely any training and his constant worry of letting his family down. He recounts the steep learning curve and the many improvisations required, from fixing machinery with limited tools to cutting hay while jogging 22 kilometers back and forth between tasks.
The Cow Standoff:
A hilarious moment unfolds as Nick describes watching Burso nervously face off with a herd of curious cows on the farm. The cows, equally unsure, mirrored his movements in a stand-off straight out of a comedy skit.
Generational Wisdom:
Nick’s father-in-law, a seasoned farmer, instilled efficiency and innovation into the farm, teaching Nick to reduce his workload drastically by adopting smarter techniques—like halving his steps during milking.
Pregnancy Testing Goes Wrong:
A veterinary student’s surprising first encounter with shoulder-deep pregnancy testing becomes a comical highlight, sparking laughter and admiration for the less glamorous side of farm life.
Family First:
Nick emphasizes his commitment to family, whether taking over the farm during his mother-in-law’s medical treatments or ensuring his kids grow up understanding the value of hard work and community.

Key Themes and Insights

The Challenges of Modern Farming:
Nick explains how unpredictable weather, financial strains, and the complexity of running a farm make it a demanding career. He also highlights the importance of efficiency and innovation in sustaining small-scale operations.
Generational Farming’s Decline:
The trio discusses how generational farming is fading due to high costs, lack of interest, and societal shifts. They propose solutions like mentorships and apprenticeships to bridge the gap between older and younger generations.
The Balance Between Work and Purpose:
Nick reflects on finding purpose in farming, even amidst its challenges, and the profound impact of stepping back into nature and prioritizing family.
Community and Resilience:
From helping neighboring farmers during peak seasons to relying on locals for support, Nick’s story underscores t

Matty Morris of https://www.zerolimitspodcast.com/ helps us out with a banger of a tune. If you want to hear about some real intense moments from Veterans and First Responders. Check out Zero Limits Podcast.

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What Questions Will This Episode Answer?

What’s it like to swap a desk job for the open fields of a dairy farm?
How do modern farmers balance family life and unrelenting responsibilities?
Why is generational farming fading, and what could reignite interest in agriculture?
Can manual labor be fulfilling in today’s convenience-driven society?

Anecdotes You’ll Enjoy

Trial by Fire:
Nick shares his first day on the farm when he had to milk cows with barely any training and his constant worry of letting his family down. He recounts the steep learning curve and the many improvisations required, from fixing machinery with limited tools to cutting hay while jogging 22 kilometers back and forth between tasks.
The Cow Standoff:
A hilarious moment unfolds as Nick describes watching Burso nervously face off with a herd of curious cows on the farm. The cows, equally unsure, mirrored his movements in a stand-off straight out of a comedy skit.
Generational Wisdom:
Nick’s father-in-law, a seasoned farmer, instilled efficiency and innovation into the farm, teaching Nick to reduce his workload drastically by adopting smarter techniques—like halving his steps during milking.
Pregnancy Testing Goes Wrong:
A veterinary student’s surprising first encounter with shoulder-deep pregnancy testing becomes a comical highlight, sparking laughter and admiration for the less glamorous side of farm life.
Family First:
Nick emphasizes his commitment to family, whether taking over the farm during his mother-in-law’s medical treatments or ensuring his kids grow up understanding the value of hard work and community.

Key Themes and Insights

The Challenges of Modern Farming:
Nick explains how unpredictable weather, financial strains, and the complexity of running a farm make it a demanding career. He also highlights the importance of efficiency and innovation in sustaining small-scale operations.
Generational Farming’s Decline:
The trio discusses how generational farming is fading due to high costs, lack of interest, and societal shifts. They propose solutions like mentorships and apprenticeships to bridge the gap between older and younger generations.
The Balance Between Work and Purpose:
Nick reflects on finding purpose in farming, even amidst its challenges, and the profound impact of stepping back into nature and prioritizing family.
Community and Resilience:
From helping neighboring farmers during peak seasons to relying on locals for support, Nick’s story underscores t

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Previous Episode

Farms, Family, and Fights: The Nick Wise Story

This episode dives into the life and ambitions of Nick Wise, a man who has seamlessly transitioned from gym bro culture to boxing rings, triathlons, and even farming—all while balancing the chaos of parenthood. With plenty of laughs, candid stories, and moments of introspection, this episode offers something for fitness enthusiasts, competitive spirits, and anyone curious about navigating life’s unexpected turns.

What questions will this episode answer?

What’s it like stepping into a boxing ring for the first time after just 12 weeks of training?
How does transitioning from city life to a dairy farm shape someone’s outlook?
Can balancing fitness, family, and personal ambition really be done without losing your mind?
How do competitive parents inspire—or challenge—their kids?

Anecdotes You’ll Love

Boxing Beginnings
Nick’s 12-week training for his first boxing match culminated in a heated bout that surprised even his coach. From sparring against opponents twice his size to navigating the nerves of stepping into the ring, Nick shares what it’s like to fight for the first time—including how punches got progressively harder as the match went on. Did it end in victory? You’ll have to tune in to find out!
Farm Strength
Nick shares his foray into dairy farming, stepping up to support his in-laws. He humorously recalls “finding muscles he didn’t know he had” while discovering the truth behind “farm strength.” He admits his father-in-law, even at 60, could still outwork him—a humbling yet inspiring realization.
Triathlon Triumphs (and Trials)
From surviving the questionable waters of Shepparton Lake to completing three triathlons on a secondhand bike, Nick’s journey into endurance sports offers both inspiration and hilarity. How does he compare to the “carbon fiber warriors” of the triathlon world? And why does he keep going back for more?
Family First
As a father of two under two, Nick shares how balancing his fitness ambitions with parenting isn’t easy but is always worth it. Whether it’s running a park run with his son in a stroller or encouraging his wife’s marathon dreams, Nick’s commitment to family shines through in every anecdote.
The Competitive Edge
Nick’s competitive spirit isn’t limited to the ring or the track—it’s alive and well in his friendly rivalry with his wife. With quips about who would win in a marathon (spoiler: they both think it’s them), this episode highlights the fun and friction of a family full of athletes.

Why Listen?

This episode is equal parts motivational and relatable, reminding us all that life’s victories aren’t just about the medals but the stories we collect along the way. Whether you’re a fitness fanatic or just looking for a good laugh, Nick Wise’s story will leave you inspired to take on your next challenge—whatever it may be.

So, what’s your next fight? 👊 Tune in to find out how Nick handles his.

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Next Episode

Creative Dreams and Christmas Schemes, The end of Season One, looking forward for Season Two.

In this lively Christmas-themed episode, the gang – Burso, Fitzy, and Nick Wise – weave through holiday banter, reflections on achievements, and plans for the year ahead. With their trademark humor and camaraderie, they take listeners on a meandering journey filled with anecdotes, jokes, and surprising insights.

What Questions Will This Episode Answer?

Can humorous banter carry a podcast?
How do veterans and everyday Aussies celebrate Christmas in unique ways?
Why does the crew believe in staying active and adventurous no matter your age?
What’s next for the Imposter Podcast and the broader "Vetaverse"?

Anecdotes to Enjoy

Christmas Crack Chaos:
Fitzy shares his culinary venture of making “Christmas crack,” a simple yet addictive caramelized chocolate treat. Amidst jokes about it sounding like a Walter White experiment, the team riffs on the hilarity of homemade traditions gone wrong.
Nick Wise’s Running Challenge:
The team playfully bullies Nick into considering another ultra-marathon, teasing him about his hesitations and challenging his resolve. Fitzy recalls his own ultramarathon experience, describing how he casually yawned mid-run – not out of exhaustion, but boredom!
The Yu Yangs Election:
In a tongue-in-cheek nod to local pride, Burso crowns himself “Mr. Yu Yangs” after participating in a community election. The crew riffs on the absurdity of claiming such a title, jokingly comparing it to medieval knighthood.
Podcasting Adventures:
The group reflects on their podcast journey, sharing milestones like hitting 15,000 downloads and recalling how early episodes felt chaotic. Nick Wise’s contribution is praised for adding unexpected depth, with Burso humorously admitting to tapping out during marathon recording sessions.
Aged Adventure Philosophy:
A recurring theme is the crew’s disdain for people who claim they’re “too old” for activities. Whether it’s late-night one-wheeling in the Yu Yangs or brainstorming triathlons, they emphasize that life is about trying new things – no matter your age or circumstances.

Catchy Questions Left Hanging

Is there such a thing as being too old for adventure?
Will the Imposter Podcast finally get consistent with releases?
What’s next for the Vetaverse, and who will join its ranks?

Key Themes to Look Forward To

Hilarious banter: From mocking Nick’s running aspirations to playful Christmas jokes.
The power of community: How collaborating with fellow podcasters and veterans fosters growth.
Embracing the absurd: The joy of making big plans, even when they seem improbable.
Looking ahead: Plans for a dedicated podcast studio, more guest features, and exciting real-world events.

Whether you’re driving to Christmas lunch or reminiscing about past adventures, this episode provides a hearty mix of laughs, inspiration, and a glimpse into the quirky camaraderie of the Imposter Podcast team.

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