The Rural Well

Welcome back to the podcast! In this episode 27, we introduce you to our guest and author of "The Recovering Farmer" Gerry Freisen. Gerry is known to Lauren and he's a wealth of knowledge! In this episode, we talk about recovering well from addiction, powerful tools to equip you as you seek to move forward, and the reality that farmers face challenges many don't. Also that farmers need to encourage each other as they often times choose to suffer in silence.We also delve into anxiety and depression, Bridgette shares a quote and asks a fun question at the end. Be sure to stay with us right to the end!For more about Gerry, visit http://www.gerryfriesen.ca and for his book, visit https://www.amazon.ca/Recovering-Farmer-Journey-Labyrinth-Depression/dp/1038306132Links and Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- National Farmer Mental Health Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠... Lilac Lane MediaFacebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Twitter -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...TikTok -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  / theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

Sorry the first 1 minute was missing our banter video, be patient, it does start!In this episode, we talk about the blessings and complexities that come with step-parenting. There are many problems and pitfalls that can come with this dynamic situation and there is no "one stop shopping" answer. It's both complex, yet can be very rewarding if you are intentional and have a game-plan as spouse and former spouses. Let's discuss!We also talk about the quote "A step-parent is so much more than just a parent, they made the choice to love, when they didn’t have to."Lastly, we want you to chime in on our last question: If you were to be gone tomorrow, what would you want people to remember you most of all?As always, we thank you for coming along with us on this journey and look forward to hearing from you, our loyal listeners.Links and Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- National Farmer Mental Health Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane MediaFacebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

In this episode 25 of The Rural Well, Bridgette and Lauren discuss the reality of the hard, quiet and often depressing or discouraging times that can come after the holidays. The goal of this episode however is to provide hope! It's ok to give yourself a bit of grace. Set small reachable goals. Also check out later in the episode for our quote for consideration. Join the conversation!Links and Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- National Farmer Mental Health Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane MediaFacebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

In this episode of The Rural Well, Bridgette and Lauren have the opportunity to interview Samantha Selliers, an ambitious and driven leader and communicator , an Agricultural Communications Major and Founder of "One Farmer at a Time" based in Kansas. We look forward to having you join in the conversation!To learn more about Samantha, visit:- Linkedin- InstagramAnd listen in for more resources.Links and Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠- National Farmer Mental Health Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane MediaFacebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

In this episode we are joined by the Rural Well producer, editor Dan Thomson. We also discuss traditions, nostalgia at Christmas and the optimism that comes from being a farmer. Join in as we laugh, reminisce and discuss Christmas traditions and fun facts!Links and Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- National Farmer Mental Health Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane MediaFacebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

In this episode, Bridget and Lauren celebrate the one-year anniversary of The Rural Well podcast.We reflect on memorable guests and impactful stories from the past year.Key themes that resonated with listeners include guests being vulnerable about generational trauma, mental health, empathy, and family dynamics in agriculture.we share meaningful listener feedback, including stories of people feeling seen, understood, and less alone.We discuss the importance of community in rural life and how the podcast has helped normalize mental health conversations.We highlight the value of both women and men in agriculture and how their perspectives shape wellness discussions.We explore how spouses often play a key support role in farm families’ mental health.We recall which episodes surprised, challenged, and inspired them most.We share personal reflections on each other’s strengths and what they bring to the partnership.The episode closes with lighthearted fun—what word each host would define in the dictionary—and appreciation for the growing Rural Well community.Links and Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠- National Farmer Mental Health Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane MediaFacebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

This episode is sponsored by our friends at @agproworkwear. Be sure to check them out at http://www.agproworkwear.comIn this episode of The Rural Well, Bridgette and Lauren dive into the complex and often emotional topic of boundaries in farm life—and not just the kind made of fences and stone walls. From multi-generational family farms to community and church commitments, they explore why setting clear limits isn’t about being harsh or distant—it’s about creating space for growth, respect, and mental wellness.Lauren shares personal stories and counselling insights on how boundaries help others become more resourceful, prevent resentment, and protect relationships. We also discuss how to respond when lines are crossed, how to communicate needs with courage and curiosity, and why unspoken frustrations can lead to “emotional barfing” if left unchecked. A memorable quote from Brené Brown ties it all together:“Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.”The episode closes on a moving and hopeful note, as Lauren reflects on finding joy in small, unseen acts—reminding listeners that boundaries and compassion can coexist beautifully on and off the farm.Key Themes:Setting emotional and relational boundaries in family farmingPreventing burnout and resentment through healthy communicationThe courage to say no and protect personal well-beingLearning from multi-generational dynamicsFinding joy and meaning in everyday acts of serviceLinks and Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠- National Farmer Mental Health Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane MediaFacebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

This episode is sponsored by our friends at @agproworkwear. Be sure to check them out at http://www.agproworkwear.comWhen conflict hits close to home — whether it’s in the barnyard, the boardroom, or around the family table — it can feel personal and painful. In this episode of The Rural Well, Bridget and Lauren open up about what it means to feel attacked, exploring how old wounds, sarcasm, and control dynamics show up in rural life and multigenerational farm families.We talk practical wisdom, recognizing boundaries, changing harmful patterns, and reclaiming peace — without losing heart or heritage.Lauren shares a personal high school bullying story — and how it shaped her understanding of conflict.Bridgette and Lauren unpack “adult bullying” in farm settings — from land deals to family disagreements.How to tell the difference between conflict (shared goals) and boundaries (self-protection).Why sarcasm can be a “safe” way of hurting others — and how to stop using it.The family scapegoat dynamic: what it is, how it forms, and how to break it.A reminder that bullying isn’t a “rite of passage” — it’s a learned behavior we can unlearn.A lighthearted closing question: If you could send your income tax dollars anywhere, where would they go? (Spoiler: Convoy of Hope, FFA, Compassion Canada, and Farm Rescue all get some love.)Links and Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠- National Farmer Mental Health Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane MediaFacebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

This episode is sponsored by our friends at @agproworkwear (Advertisement at 1:58). Be sure to check them out at http://www.agproworkwear.comIn this episode, Bridgette and Lauren sit down with Ashley Nicolls, founder of Reach Agriculture Strategies, to explore how better communication and organizational health can transform farms and rural life.Ashley shares how his concept of “low-stress people handling”—inspired by low-stress livestock handling—helps reduce turnover, improve workplace culture, and support mental health in agriculture. From tackling the loneliness epidemic to guiding families through succession planning, he emphasizes that strong relationships and clear communication are just as vital as financial planning.The conversation also touches on men’s mental health in ag, building community through simple gatherings, and why effective teamwork benefits both people and livestock.Takeaway: Success in agriculture isn’t just about running it like a business—it’s about recognizing that it is a business, powered by people who thrive when communication and connection come firstShifting Gears Segment:We also discuss the quote: “The history of the land is etched in the faces of the farmers who till it.” We explore how joy, pride, hardship, and generational legacy leave visible marks—just like the rings of a tree.Fun Wrap-Up:If we could take any job for one month, Bridgette would be Minnie Mouse at Disney World, Lauren dreams of working on a research vessel, and Ashley would pack on horses into the mountains.Connect with Ashley:https://reachag.ca/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-nicholls-08a003134/📸 Instagram: @reachagstrategiesLinks and Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠- National Farmer Mental Health Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane MediaFacebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

In this episode, we explore the powerful idea that while women can do it all, they don’t have to. From "Rosie the Riveter" to today’s rural realities, we unpack how historical messages of resilience have quietly become expectations that leave women juggling careers, caregiving, and community roles, often at the expense of their own well-being.Our conversation highlights the mental health toll, especially post-COVID, when rural women experienced the steepest declines in wellness. We want to stress the importance of shifting from guilt and criticism to encouragement and support, reminding us that “you are enough, and your choices are okay.” Whether pursuing careers, raising families, or balancing both, women thrive when they are cheered on instead of judged.We also continue our “Catch a Phrase” reflection segment, and of course we want to reinforce our core message: That doing it all is not the standard — joy, balance, and support are.Links and Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠- National Farmer Mental Health Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane MediaFacebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

Welcome to The Rural Well!*Sensitive content warning*In today’s powerful and heartfelt episode, hosts Bridget and Lauren dive into a conversation that blends the proud heritage of farming with the complexities of mental health. They sit down with Dr. Ryan Burkhart — a farm kid turned mental health leader — who shares his journey from rural Indiana to Colorado, where he now serves as Dean of Counseling at Colorado Christian University.Ryan opens up about choosing a path away from the family farm, his reflections on faith, resilience, the epidemic of loneliness, and how rural communities can build meaningful connections. Together, they explore how farming values shape compassion, community support, and personal growth — even amid life’s deepest challenges.The episode also highlights the inspiring work of the Travis Burkhart Foundation, created by Ryan’s family after his brother Travis survived a life-altering brain injury. Their story of turning personal tragedy into community support is one of resilience, faith, and hope.This candid, thoughtful conversation reminds us all: while rural life has its hardships, it also holds deep strength, connection, and purpose.- https://www.travisburkhartfoundation.com/- https://www.ccu.edu/spotlights/faculty/rburkhart/Links and Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane MediaFacebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

In this episode, we have the privilege of talking with Brett Gardiner, the most awarded western sports announcer in Canadian history. As the thirteen-time and reigning Canadian Pro Rodeo Announcer of the Year, Gardiner has educated and entertained audiences all across North America. Brett has been behind the microphone at some of the most celebrated events including the Canadian Finals Rodeo, the Calgary Stampede and since 2016 he has been on the PBR Canada Cup Series featured on TSN. As a Speaker and Advocate, Brett speaks to over a million people annually and currently works many of the industries most celebrated events. But more than that, Brett was High School teacher for 14 years and worked with some of our school systems most complex learners. Over that time Brett learned first hand the importance of building relationships and fostering connection with both students and adults. After his successful teaching career, Brett would continue on his journey of helping others and obtain a Master of Counselling Psychology Degree and is currently working towards his doctoral degree in Sport and Performance Psychology. It is this combination of experiences and accolades that have quickly made Brett a strong advocate for mental health, and a highly sought after mental performance consultant and counsellor to many individuals, athletes and organizations. Brett has also become a public speaker in the area of mental health and motivation. In this episode: dealing with mental health as a “masculine male”Relationship and listening is key to building connection for mental healthWhat role do we play to help keep people connected?Every generation still needs face to face personal connection. Nowadays, we need to be creative about it in a social media worldYour job is to find something that IS for you - you may not get excited about the same connection types as others, but find your “thing”There’s some personalization in your process….does it fill your tank? That’s what you do!Quote: "Everything therapeutic is not therapy." Can we build you a little capacity. What fills your gas tank?Sometimes we have to have the tough times to appreciate the good timesOnly 11% of farms have succession plans…it’s important to recognize seasons in your livesQuote by Anne Bradstreet "If we had not winter, the spring would not be so pleasant. If we did not sometimes taste adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome”How do we define success for ourselves?What’s happiness and joy for ourselves?Once you get clear on those, then you have something to drive towards! What are you trying to get to?Finally, What’s your favourite tradition?Links and Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane MediaFacebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

Welcome back to The Rural Well! In this episode 15, we discuss a very important - yet difficult topic related to grief and loss with Diane Bergsma, a farmer from Ontario. The topics discussed in this episode may be difficult for some listeners, so be mindful if you are sensitive to certain topics regarding loss and grief.Todays question: “ We Must Accept Finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."We also end the episode with a fun question: If for 1 month, you could live at any famous residence or house in the entire world, which one would you pick?Links and Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane MediaFacebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

Welcome back to The Rural Well! In this episode (Part 2), we get the opportunity to talk more with Brian Reisinger, Author of Land Rich, Cash Poor. For more info on Brian, visit ⁠https://www.brian-reisinger.com/about⁠To catch up first, here's the link to Part 1This episode delves into deeper conversation regarding family trauma, so if this is not something you're prepared to participate in, we understand. We delve into deeper conversations into realizing you have to deal with trauma. We also walk through how to move on from it, realizing you are significant and special and how Brian shares his fear of failure of no making his father proud, led to his father's opportunity to join him (and even take over) at the book signing table. Brian is also vulnerable as he shares his concerns and care over wanting to make things brighter for his child's future. Todays question: “Think of something you used to love to do, but now you may have outgrown or lost interest in?".Links and Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane MediaFacebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

Welcome back to The Rural Well! In this episode, we get the opportunity to talk with Brian Reisinger, Author of Land Rich, Cash Poor among many different other endeavours that Brian pursues. For more info on Brian, visit https://www.brian-reisinger.com/aboutTopics in this episode:Mourning the loss of livestock as a farmerVulnerability with fatherGenerational survival modeDealing with hard times and farm crisisGenerational weight of hard work required as a farmerPressure to work hard generationallyBrian’s role is to tell the story, hard fought to get thereOlder farmers, generations tend to still horde things because of history and the reminders of the Great Depression or war rationsResilience isn’t just digging your heels in and working harder, it’s more like building a support network, approaching issues realistically, ask for help etc.Checking in on folks was more of a “come by and visit”, not a mental health “intervention”Brain’s role was “translator” - had to journey off the farm to learn and gain wisdom from a different perspective. Translating back to the farm worldTodays quote: “Agriculture is our wisest pursuit because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals and happiness.” - Thomas JeffersonThis is why farmers are in Superbowl commercials and permeate so much of our country - this is our identity, cultivating our own food and working the landQuestion? Harkening back to the days when the milk man would delivery, If you could get anything delivered to your home still, what would it be? Links and Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane MediaFacebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

Welcome back to The Rural Well Podcast! We've reached episode 12. We have the incredible privilege of having Brittany Olson join the podcast today, Brittany Olson is a fifth generation dairy farmer in north western Wisconsin with her husband Sam and son Titus. Brittany is also a business owner, photographer and blogger. Show Notes or discussion points:- Lived in abuse, a broken family relationship as a child- Miscarriage was the start of the end of my parents marriage- There is such a thing as "golden uterus syndrome" - tune in for explanation- Abusive moms don’t deserve the right to still have contact and control their child - this caused unnecessary trauma- Parents sometimes use their children to hurt the other spouse- Entered counselling but had to wait a year!- Had to build boundaries with mom- later in life, still had to deal with stress and problems, fires, barn rebuilds, birth trauma- Panic attacks, crushing anxiety are still there- We need to reorganize our expectations- Recognize that you are fearfully and wonderfully made and have value from your creator…”God made the moon and the stars and he also decided he needed one of us”Quote “If agriculture goes wrong, nothing else will have a chance to go right”Cheap food does have a cost. Moving away from our farming roots can have negative consequences in our culture. Question: If you could take on anyones voice, who would that voice be?Thank you for tuning in!Links and Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane MediaFacebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

Welcome back to The Rural Well Podcast! We've reached episode 11. We have the incredible privilege of having Katelyn Duban join the podcast today, so buckle up, grab a hot drink, and join in the conversation. Katelyn Duban is a first generation female farmer in Southern Alberta, Canada. As for podcasting, she continues to share and celebrate the stories of Women in Agriculture. She's also delving into a new venture of Podcast Coaching. Katelyn is the host of The Rural Women Podcast and is a well sought after public speaker!Show Notes or discussion points:Got into podcasting to hear the stories of women in agricultureFilling a void we felt was missing back in 2019No two stories are the same, no two farms may farm the samePodcasting with women in agriculture have really grown, especially through and out of the pandemicIt's a generational thing: when we think of women sharing their stories, stories are inspiring and have such value to learn from older women of traditional ways and experiencesResilience should not be a badge of honour, but can help propel you forwardMemorable moments include sparking and spurring someone on to literally “quitting her job” to get into agriculturetrue resilience IS vulnerabilityThere is a “culture” in agriculture - it’s a privilege to be a farmer!Postpartum depression often doesn’t get talked about. “I just thought that’s how you’re supposed to feel….”Some people cope in being vulnerable, others can “overshare” but we all have to get through our experiences in our own way. But sharing your story is importantVulnerability can be scary, but is so worthwhileIt’s ok to evaluate both family members and counsellors when decided what to share with whom. When you find that “fit”, you will know!Emotional safety is real - share or don’t share. You decide!Quote 1: “Bailing twine turns every farmer into McGyver” Quote 2: “We have neglected the truth that a good farmer is a craftsman of the kindest order, a kind of artist”. Final question to comment on: Is there something you used to do all the time and were passionate about, but you either just don’t have time anymore or just don’t have the same drive for it?Links and Resources:⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane MediaFacebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter -⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok -⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

Welcome back to the Rural Well Podcast. We've reached episode 10! We're so grateful you've taken the time to listen in and join in the conversation. This episode, we talk about communication.We specifically delve into 3 different types of communication:1.Active Listening- Are you listening to respond, or are you listening to listen?- Non verbal communication can comprise of 86-96%, with tone, physicality, hands and facial expression all playing a part2.Use open ended questionsas opposed to close ended questions3.Clarification and/or summarizationWe also discuss how important Validation is - especially for men.It’s not even about being right! Being right doesn’t help us, it’s just validation we’re looking for.We also talk about the quote by George Bernard Shaw: “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”We then end off with banter about not getting hung up on the back and forth of whether something was communicated or not.  Just move forward in communication.We look forward to having you join us on this journey at The Rural Well. Join the conversation!Links and Resources:⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane MediaFacebook -⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠Instagram -⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠Twitter -⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠TikTok -⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠⁠Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

In this episode, we have the wonderful opportunity to talk one-on-one with Sean Stanford, a grain farmer from Alberta who knows all too well the realities of stress on the farm. Sean walks us through his background, the many areas of responsibility he carries, and then ultimately how he came to terms with his anxiety, stress, and the courage it took for him to address it head-on - including the reality of the stigma that this can bring. We look forward to having you join us on this journey at The Rural Well. Join the conversation! Links and Resources: ⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance ⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane Media Facebook - ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠ Instagram - ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠⁠ Twitter - ⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠ TikTok - ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠ Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

Happy New Year! Our latest episode 8, the first of 2025 delves into the meaning of resilience, where some people - especially farmers - turn to in order to cope with stress, struggles and their farming industry and legacy. We talk practical solutions, offer encouragement and give real world ways to be truly resilient in a healthy way. Lauren also shares the reality of "bouncing back" and how it's not as simple and cut and dry as you may think. We also discuss the quote "No matter how much falls on us, we keep plowing ahead. That's the only way to keep the roads clear." —Greg Kincaid We look forward to having you join us on this journey at The Rural Well. Join the conversation! Links and Resources: ⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance ⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠ - Lilac Lane Media Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠ Twitter - ⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠ TikTok - ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠ Email: info [at] theruralwell.com