Rise Above: a Podcast From Rogers Behavioral Health

In this episode of the Rise Above Podcast , host Andy Meddaugh sits down with Scott Elston , president of the Herrington McBride Alumni Association , to talk about life after addiction treatment and the critical role of community in long-term recovery . Scott shares his personal journey from alcoholism and entering treatment in 2006 to nearly two decades of sobriety. He explains how recovery is ab...

In this episode of Rise Above , a podcast from Rogers Behavioral Health, Andy Meddaugh sits down with Scott Elston, president of the Herrington McBride Alumni Association, to explore his powerful journey to sobriety and long-term recovery. Scott shares what life looked like before seeking treatment, the pivotal moments that led him to Rogers Behavioral Health, and how evidence-based care and commu...

In this episode, I sit down with Tracy Schlegel, Executive Director of NAMI Northwoods (National Alliance on Mental Illness) , to explore the unique mental health challenges facing rural communities . From limited access to care and workforce shortages to stigma and isolation, rural populations often experience significant barriers to receiving mental health support. Tracy shares insights from the...

In this episode, we explore the critical role of Rogers Behavioral Health’s Fire Watch program in supporting first responders facing trauma and mental health challenges. Through a powerful and personal story, we examine one police officer’s journey after a deadly incident and the lasting impact it can have on those who serve on the front lines. We’re joined by Jen Parra Nelsen, Clinical Director a...

What’s really behind the phrase “swimsuit season”? Kathryn Eddingsaas, a registered dietitian, joins us to unpack how seasonal body pressure affects mental health, self‑esteem, and physical well‑being. You’ll hear expert insight into how diet culture shows up in everyday language, why it’s so deeply ingrained, and what a healthier, more compassionate approach to food, movement, and body image look...

Are energy drinks helping your focus, or quietly hurting your mental health? In this episode, we sit down with a registered dietitian to uncover the real impact of energy drinks on mental wellness, including how caffeine, sugar, and common stimulants affect anxiety, mood, sleep, and overall brain health. Whether you rely on energy drinks for work, workouts, or long days, or you’re curious about th...

Jana returns to share how she transformed her recovery into a powerful platform for OCD education and advocacy . She talks about writing her children’s book on OCD, the motivation behind it, and why early understanding of mental health matters. Jana also opens up about her work in the beauty pageant world , where she uses her title and platform to raise awareness, spark conversations, and make men...

In this conversation with Jana, we explore her deeply personal battle with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and the moment she realized she needed help. Jana shares what life was like at the height of OCD, the barriers that delayed her diagnosis, and how she ultimately found the specialized treatment she needed at Rogers Behavioral Health. She discusses her time in treatment, the tools she learned, t...

In this episode of Rise Above , we reconnect with Emily to explore the next chapter of her bipolar disorder recovery: returning to work after treatment. Emily shares the practical and emotional steps she took to reintegrate into the workplace, the boundaries and habits that help her maintain stability, and the mindset shifts that allowed her to thrive rather than simply “get back to normal.” She a...

In this episode of Rise Above , Andy sits down with Emily, a former Rogers patient and mental health advocate. Emily shares her lived experience with bipolar disorder, offering an honest look at what mania actually felt like for her. Together, Andy and Emily explore how early signs of mania can be easily missed, why it can feel productive before becoming dangerous, and how understanding these patt...

In this episode, Brittany shares her powerful journey through anxiety, depression, trauma, and the life-changing treatment she received at Rogers Behavioral Health. She opens up about what led her to seek help, the tools that helped her heal, and how she learned to navigate life’s challenges with resilience. Brittany also offers meaningful advice for anyone struggling or considering treatment. A h...

Feeling overwhelmed, burned out, or frustrated when someone tells you to “give yourself some grace”? You’re not alone. In this episode, we break down why that phrase can feel dismissive or unrealistic, especially for high achievers, and how to turn it into a practical skill that supports real well‑being. We explore what grace actually means, why it’s so hard to practice during stressful seasons, a...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Victoria, a former patient at Rogers Behavioral Health who now works there, to share her inspiring journey of OCD recovery. Victoria opens up about her experience in residential treatment for intrusive thoughts, describing the overwhelming cycle that once consumed her life: "I didn't know what was going on in my head. At night or when I napped I actually...

In this episode of our mental health podcast, we sit down with Christina Mundschau, Addiction Services Liaison at Rogers Behavioral Health, and Page Feller, NCSE, ICS, LPC, MAC, CSAC, Clinical Operations Supervisor. Together, Christina and Page dive into Rogers Behavioral Health’s WORTH IT program, a groundbreaking telehealth initiative that provides same-day access to medications for opioid use d...

In this episode, we explore the powerful connection between physical health struggles and mental health challenges. Our returning guest, Aaron, has shared his personal journey as a former substance user and former patient at Rogers Behavioral Health, but on this episode he is opening up about the lasting physical effects of addiction and how they impact mental wellness. Joining the conversation is...

In this episode of Rise Above , we sit down with Rogers' expert Dr. Heather Jones for a timely conversation about the emotional toll of winter. As daylight dwindles and temperatures drop, many people experience the winter blues, or even seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which can make the holiday season feel more overwhelming than joyful. We explore how cabin fever, isolation, and the pressure of...

In this special episode, we sit down with Brian Kay, a key leader at Rogers Behavioral Health, to explore the rich history and inspiring evolution of one of the nation’s most respected mental health organizations. From its humble beginnings in Wisconsin to its national impact today, Brian shares details of Rogers’ founding, its mission-driven growth, and the vision guiding its future. Whether you'...

In this episode of our mental health podcast, we talk with Christina Mundschau, Addiction Services Liaison at Rogers Behavioral Health, who shares her powerful personal story of addiction recovery. Christina discusses how her lived experience with substance use disorder led her to a career in behavioral health, where she now helps others find hope and healing. We also dive into the details of Roge...

In this episode we sit down with Brittney Fair, Training Lead for Rogers Community Learning and Engagement and WISE, to explore the emotional toll of caregiving, especially for those supporting loved ones with mental health challenges. Brittney brings her expertise and lived experience to a conversation about burnout and compassion fatigue, two often-overlooked realities for caregivers. We discuss...

Join us for a conversation with Jennifer Parra Nelsen, LPC, ICS, Clinical Director at Rogers Behavioral Health, as we explore two leading PTSD treatments: Written Exposure Therapy (WET) and Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE). Learn how WET uses structured writing to process trauma in fewer sessions, while PE involves repeated, guided exposure to trauma memories and triggers. We discuss how each appro...

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Sam Cares, a licensed psychologist at Rogers Behavioral Health, about the dangers of eating disorders in men, a topic that’s often misunderstood or overlooked. Dr. Cares explains how male eating disorders can differ from those in women, especially in terms of diagnosis, symptoms, and treatment approaches. We also discuss the impact of stigma, masculinity, and ment...

Join us in this compelling episode as we interview Brian Cuban about his remarkable journey through eating disorders, addiction, and recovery. Brian shares his personal struggles, the turning points that led to his recovery, and the strategies he used to rebuild his life. This episode highlights the importance of mental health, the challenges of addiction, and the hope of recovery. Tune in for an...

In this episode, we're diving into the essential topic of helping kids handle their tough emotions. Join us as we chat with Amanda Heins, PsyD, a leading expert in child psychology, who will share her wealth of knowledge on practical strategies for parents and caregivers. From managing tantrums to easing anxiety, we'll cover it all. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or just someone passionate abou...

In this insightful episode, we delve into the complex and often intertwined worlds of substance use and eating disorders. Join us as we sit down with two esteemed experts from Rogers Behavioral Health, Dr. Nicole Stettler, the Executive Clinical Director of Eating Disorder Services, and Dr. Michelle Maloney, Executive Director of Addiction Services, to explore the similarities between these two ch...

In this episode, Craig discusses his lifelong struggle with OCD, which intensified as an adult and caused tension at home. He eventually sought help at Rogers Behavioral Health in Oconomowoc. Craig reflects on the 47 days of residential care as a crucial investment in a better future with his family, and he opens up about the challenges of seeking help as a man in his 50s despite the stigma. Click...