EmpowerND Podcast

This video is about kaylaWhat makes a relationship healthy and lasting? In Episode 24 of the EmpowerND Podcast, we explore the foundations of strong relationships, including communication, mutual respect, trust, healthy boundaries, and recognizing both positive and unhealthy relationship patterns. Whether you're dating, married, supporting a friend, or simply looking to build healthier connec...

Every feeding journey is unique, and every parent deserves support. In this conversation, Regina Martin, Certified Lactation Counselor, shares practical tips, expert insights, and encouragement for expecting and new parents navigating breastfeeding and infant feeding. From common challenges to building confidence, this episode offers compassionate guidance to help families feel informed and suppor...

What does a birth doula actually do? 🤰✨ In this episode of Birth Doula Basics: Support Before, During & After Labor, Crystal sits down with Regina Martin to talk about how doulas support families through pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. From emotional reassurance and advocacy to hands-on comfort measures and helping parents feel more prepared every step of the way. Whether you’re expecting,...

Testosterone is often talked about as a “male hormone,” but it plays an important role in women’s health too. In this episode of EmpowerND, Crystal is joined again by Megan Gietzen, FNP, for the final conversation in our hormone mini-series. Together, they talk about how testosterone can impact women’s energy, strength, mood, motivation, libido, and overall sense of well-being. They also discuss c...

This video is about progIn this episode of EmpowerND, we’re continuing our conversation with Megan Gietzen, FNP, for The Progesterone Piece: Sleep, Mood, Cycles & Hormone Balance. Progesterone is often talked about in relation to pregnancy, but its role in women’s health goes far beyond that. This hormone can impact sleep quality, mood changes, anxiety, cycle regularity, PMS symptoms, and the...

Estrogen impacts so much more than many of us realize—from mood and energy to weight, sleep, brain fog, hot flashes, and overall well-being. In this episode of the EmpowerND Podcast, we are joined by Megan Gietzen, FNP at Urban Unwind, for a conversation about how changing estrogen levels can affect women through different stages of life, including perimenopause and menopause. Megan shares insight...

Autoimmune Disease: The Search for Answers” featuring Paige Hood, FNP from Urban Unwind. In this honest and encouraging conversation, Paige shares what it is like living with autoimmune disease while helping others navigate it as a provider. We talk about the confusion, self doubt, frustration, delayed answers, and the emotional toll that can come with chronic illness. Paige also discusses advocat...

🎙️ Beyond Business Hours: Access to Healthcare Beyond the 9 to 5 In this episode, our host Crystal Sullivan takes a turn in the guest chair to share about her new clinic, Advanced Care Clinic, and the importance of accessible extended hours healthcare for our community. Joined by guest host Megan Gietzen, the conversation covers all things extended hours care, why flexibility matters for families...

Episode 16 of ABLE to Thrive features a conversation with Janelle Stoneking, CEO of ABLE Inc., as we explore supports available for adults with disabilities and what it truly takes to help people thrive beyond childhood services. We discuss how adult disability supports work in practice, including access to services, care coordination, community resources, and the challenges people and families of...

In this episode, we partner with Dickinson High School’s Peer to Peer program to take a closer look at the supports that help students with disabilities thrive in the school setting. From understanding IEPs to building meaningful peer relationships, this conversation highlights how inclusion goes beyond the classroom and into everyday student life. Hear directly from those involved in Peer to Peer...

In this episode, we sit down with Garnet Tisor from Northland PACE to talk about senior independence and the supports available through PACE services. Garnet walks us through how the program helps older adults stay in their homes longer while still receiving the care and coordination they need. We discuss what services are offered, who qualifies, and how Northland PACE works with families and care...

When every second counts, knowing what to do can save a life. In this episode of Step In, Save a Life: What to Do During Cardiac Arrest, we’re joined by clinical educator Pat Billings to walk through exactly how bystanders can step in with confidence. From recognizing cardiac arrest to performing hands-only CPR and using an AED, this conversation breaks down the fear and replaces it with action. Y...

Early intervention is one of the most important, and often misunderstood, parts of supporting children’s development. In this episode, we are joined by Jessica Zuroff, an early intervention professional, and Sarah Carlson, an experienced parent, both representing the Kids Program. This conversation brings together both the clinical perspective and the lived experience of navigating early intervent...

Health is about so much more than what happens in a doctor’s office. In this episode of EmpowerND, we sit down with Shelby Floberg, Community Health Integration Supervisor, and Allie Wanner, Community Health Worker at CHI St. Alexius Health, to talk about the real factors shaping health in our communities. From access to care to social and environmental influences, we explore what truly impacts ou...

Your skin does more than protect you. It can be one of the first indicators of what is happening inside your body. In this episode of EmpowerND, we sit down with Lindsey Koach from SkinWin Dermatology to take a closer look at skin health and how it connects to your overall well being. From new spots and changes in moles to dryness, irritation, and other visible changes, your skin can offer importa...

BE FAST: Don’t Miss the Signs of a Stroke ⚠️ In this episode, we’re joined by Kelsie Maher, ER Trauma and Stroke Coordinator at CHI St. Alexius Dickinson, to break down the signs and symptoms of a stroke, why fast action is so important, and how you can respond in an emergency. This is information everyone should know. https://wewnetwork.org https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke Send us Fan Mail...

Stronger Together Adaptive Fitness and the Power of Respite Care In this episode we sit down with Rachel Melvin mom of a child with special needs and Cody Chapel his coach trainer and respite care provider to talk about the powerful impact of adaptive lifting and why respite care is not just helpful it is essential. Rachel shares her journey as a parent navigating the challenges and victories of r...

Too many men put their health on the back burner. Work comes first. Family comes first. The doctor can wait… right? In this episode, we sit down with real blue collar workers Josh and Warren for an honest, unfiltered conversation about men and their health. They talk about the job site culture, the mindset of “toughing it out,” and why so many guys convince themselves the doctor can wait. This con...

Measles can spread fast, and knowing what to watch for can make all the difference. In this episode, we give parents the essential information they need to spot early signs and keep their families safe.  We cover: How to recognize measles in children How the virus spreads and who’s most at risk Practical steps to protect your children and community Whether you’re in North Dakota or elsewhere, we’l...

Postpartum is real, raw, and often misunderstood. This episode is filled with compassion, reassurance, relatable stories, and practical takeaways you can carry with you. In Episode 5, The Fourth Trimester: What Every New Mom and Their Partner Need to Know, we lean into the honest, tender realities of life after baby arrives. The physical recovery. The emotional waves. The shifting roles. The quiet...

Perimenopause. Menopause. Hormones. Let’s talk about what is really happening. In this episode, we sit down with FNP Megan from Urban Unwind to break down the changes women experience during perimenopause and menopause and why so many of us feel confused, dismissed, or unprepared. We talk about: • What perimenopause actually is and when it starts • Common symptoms that often get overlooked • Hormo...

Parents play a powerful role in STI prevention and helping youth understand testing. Talking about STIs with your kids can feel uncomfortable, but avoiding it doesn’t protect them. Hosted by Crystal from Aspire Health Clinic, this episode features Chelsey and Madison from Connect Medical. Together, as moms and healthcare professionals, they share practical guidance for parents on STI prevention an...

In Episode 2, Shining Bright & Living with HIV, we sit down with Jason from Shine Bright & Live, a nonprofit dedicated to education, advocacy, and support for people living with HIV. Jason shares his personal journey, breaks down common myths and misconceptions, and talks openly about what it truly means to live and thrive with HIV today. This honest conversation shines a light on stigma,...

In this episode, we’re joined by Connect Medical to break down the facts about STIs and HIV. What’s true, what’s not, and why it actually matters for your health. We cut through myths, clear up common misunderstandings, and talk honestly about testing, prevention, and care, so you can make informed choices without fear or stigma. This episode was made possible by an STD Prevention and Control Gran...