Katharine Tier

CHANGE YOUR TUNE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

I acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Eastern Kulin Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which this podcast was recorded. I pay my respects to their Elders past and present, and I recognise their enduring connection to land, waters, and culture. Sovereignty was never ceded—this always was and always will be Aboriginal land.

ABOUT KATHARINE

Until 2020, Kate was an international opera singer, and during her travels was exposed to varieties of vegetables that were brand-new to her. She became passionate about wanting to bring not only variety to the Australian table but also the quality and nutrient density that becomes possible with a shift towards local production and regenerative agricultural practices. Covid made Kate realise the importance of food security has never been more evident and she decided that she wanted to contribute to Australia’s ability to achieve it.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

What happens when an opera singer trades the spotlight for soil, building a life centered around sustainability and self-sufficiency? Katharine Tier, a talented musician and business owner, shares her compelling journey from a high-profile opera career in Europe back to her roots in Tasmania, Australia. Faced with the challenges of establishing a regenerative farm during the COVID-19 pandemic, she and her husband Florian navigated the unpredictable world of sustainable farming and business ownership. From initial ventures into veggie boxes to thriving with their seed company, Seed Freaks, Katharine opens up about adapting to new environments and finding resilience through community support and personal growth.

But the journey wasn't without its hurdles. Katharine reveals the intricacies of maintaining seed purity amidst an ecosystem of possums, wallabies, and coastal winds. Her candid insights into these experiences offer a glimpse into the relentless yet rewarding path of sustainable farming. Beyond agriculture, Katharine reflects on overcoming personal struggles, including an eating disorder, and emphasizes the importance of vulnerability as a source of strength. This episode delves into her evolution from performer to farmer, highlighting transferable skills and the significance of collaboration in building a more sustainable, ethical lifestyle.

Katharine's passion for music and education remains a vibrant part of her story, as she recounts memorable musical projects like performing Mahler's Symphony No. 2 in Tasmania. Balancing her artistic pursuits with postgraduate studies in counseling, she shares her dedication to ethical artistry and the importance of addressing societal challenges, such as mental health and generational issues. Through her experiences, Katharine demonstrates the transformative power of collaboration, respect, and a commitment to future-proofing emotional well-being as cornerstones of a healthier society. Join us for an inspiring narrative that underscores the interconnectedness of art, agriculture, and personal development.

IMAGE CREDIT

Andrew Finden

LINKS

Katharine on Facebook

Seed Freaks on Facebook

Quintessence on Facebook

@katharinetier on Instagram

@seedfreaks on Instagram

@quintessence_voices on Instagram

PODCAST TEAM

Production Support and Audio Engineering by Thomas Grayden

Theme Music Composed by Danna Yun

Theme Music Performed by Jasper Ly

RECORDED

Recorded on 15 January 2025