The Rural Well

In this episode, Bridget and Lauren sit down with Theresia Gillie, a wheat and soybean farmer from northwestern Minnesota, past president of the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association, and county commissioner. Theresia shares her family's near-bankruptcy, the 2017 financial collapse that led to an equipment auction, and her husband Keith's death by suicide that same weekend. She talks openly about...

What happens when a farm family faces a medical emergency, serious injury, or natural disaster and the crops still need to go in? In this episode, we sit down with Tim Sullivan, Executive Director of Farm Rescue, to talk about what it really means to show up for farm families in crisis. Farm Rescue is the only nonprofit of its kind in North America sending volunteers and equipment directly to farm...

In this episode, Bridget and Lauren sit down with Kate Nesheim, founder of Solid Signal Communication, who shares her personal story of navigating marriage, mental health, and loss. Kate's husband Matt, a two-tour Iraq and Afghanistan veteran, developed psychosis years after his service, turning their communication-strong marriage upside down. Kate shares what she learned, what she wishes she&...

Welcome back to the podcast! In this episode 28, we're blessed to introduce you to our guest Elaine Froese. Elaine isn't just a wealth of information, but she also connected us together to help get this podcast started! In this episode, you will hear: What are spiritual dynamics of transition on the farm? Farmers suffer from being overwhelmed, leading to stress and anxiety Dealing from resistance...

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 farmer...

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...

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 an...

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 - Instagram And listen in for more...

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 Alliance ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclane...

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 fe...

This episode is sponsored by our friends at @agproworkwear . Be sure to check them out at http://www.agproworkwear.com In 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 setti...

This episode is sponsored by our friends at @agproworkwear . Be sure to check them out at http://www.agproworkwear.com When 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...

This episode is sponsored by our friends at @agproworkwear (Advertisement at 1:58). Be sure to check them out at http://www.agproworkwear.com In 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 peop...

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 healt...

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 Coun...

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...

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 inf...

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/about⁠ To catch up first, here's the link to Part 1 This episode delves into deeper conversation regarding family trauma, so if this is not something you're prepared to participate...

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/about Topics in this episode: Mourning the loss of livestock as a farmer Vulnerability with father Generational survival mode Dealing with hard tim...

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 relat...

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...

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%...

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 re...

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...

Welcome to another episode of the Rural Well Podcast! In this episode, we discuss: - Lauren’s harrowing real Christmas tree story - Bridgette’s decorating priorities - Gift expectations - Needful gifts - Sacrificial thoughtfulness in gift giving - creative generosity - Gift of time - Budgeting - Start early! - Find time for yourself - It’s ok to change traditions and recreate new ones - We also re...