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Why Is That Tree Blue?
03/01/2026
Why Is That Tree Blue?
In this episode, host Merle Massie sits down with Kendall Whyte, the Australian founder of the . Kendall’s brother Jayden pulled off a cheeky prank on the family’s sheep farm: he and his friend painted a dead tree bright blue, then waited to see if their father noticed. Today, that blue tree has grown into a powerful symbol for mental health in rural and remote communities around the world. Note: This episode discusses suicide and its impact on families and communities. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for support. Suicide Crisis Help Line: call 9‑8‑8, text 9‑8‑8, or visit or contact the National Farmer Crisis Line: call 1‑866‑327‑6701 (1‑866‑FARMS01) When Jayden Whyte died by suicide in 2018, the story of the blue tree, shared during the funeral, prompted first one friend, then another, to pull out the blue paint. Soon, that shared energy became the Blue Tree Project, turning grief into hope and action, lightness and fun, and opening big conversations. The simple, hands‑on act of grabbing a few friends, firing up the barbecue, and slapping bright blue paint on a dead tree (or a stump, a power pole, or an old bit of machinery) opens up real, honest conversations about how people are actually doing. Kendall Whyte says the blue trees act as a conversation starter, prompting families, friends and communities to ask, “Why is that tree blue?” then talk about mental health. Throughout the episode, Merle and Kendall draw a clear line between awareness and the need for real action. If you’ve ever looked at a dead tree or a junk pile and thought, “I should do something with that,” this episode may be the nudge you need to grab some blue paint, call a few friends, and use your own corner of the yard to start a life‑saving conversation. You can , and use this link to . Even it’s not a blue tree, if you’ve built something cool on your farm, Merle wants to hear about it. Whether you have created something silly, fun, joyful, or simply a place that brings people together on your land, send to . Our thanks to Rob Stone and Joe Stone for theirs.
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