The Stepping In It Podcast with Renee Schulte & Jason Haglund

In this episode, recorded live from Houston at the Bridge Think Tank, Renee and Jason dive into the complex intersection of economics, human behavior, and the real-world challenges facing behavioral health systems across the country. From the limits of academia and evidence-based models to the nationwide implications of data gaps across parole boards and community reintegration, this conversation...

As the new year approaches—and yes, in the middle of tax season—this episode takes a grounded, practical look at goal setting and why it truly matters. From the neuroscience behind writing goals down to the data showing how few people actually do it, the hosts unpack what separates vague intentions from real momentum. The conversation also zooms out to share Rural Policy Partners’ own focus areas...

In this energetic year-in-review episode, Renee and Jason look back on a whirlwind 2025 filled with travel, conferences, chaotic weather, unexpected wildlife encounters, and powerful moments with rural communities across the country. From Alaska to Texas, North Dakota to Georgia, and everywhere in between, they share what they learned on the road—highlighting innovative “hero programs,” persistent...

This week, we’re stepping in it—live from Indiana! After a chaotic detour through CMA Fest (yes, we accidentally ran into Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts on Broadway), we’re back with crop scouting updates and a deep dive into a powerful conversation from the Hoosier State. Chief Justice Loretta Rush shares Indiana’s bold efforts to reform how the judiciary addresses substance use and behavioral h...

We’re on the road in Flagstaff for the Arizona Rural Health Conference, diving into the unique challenges and opportunities facing rural healthcare in the Southwest. From a whiny farmer update about Arizona’s never-ending dry spell (and Iowa’s surprise rain) to on-the-ground conversations about provider recruitment, mobile crisis units spanning multiple states, and age-friendly system goals by 202...

In this special on-the-ground episode, we’re coming to you live from Anchorage, Alaska at the National Association of Rural Mental Health Conference—moose sightings, state fair stories, and all. From the icy beauty of Chickaloon overlooking the Matanuska Glacier to villages with no roads along the Bering Strait, rural takes on a whole new meaning here. We unpack what true community orientation loo...

In this episode, we take you inside the Louisiana Rural Health Conference, where Renee and Jason delivered the morning keynote focused on the continuum of care and the persistent gaps between high-level inpatient treatment and traditional outpatient services. From powerful conversations about silos, workforce shortages, jail data, and telemedicine reimbursement to unexpected innovations—like a fut...

In this episode, Renee and Jason dive into the science and practice of gratitude—what it is, why it matters, and how it impacts resilience, mental health, and daily life. Through personal stories, practical strategies, and a look at how gratitude shapes mindset and behavior, they explore how small intentional shifts can create meaningful change, especially during challenging seasons. Whether you&a...

In this episode, hosts Renee Schulte and Jason Haglund sit down with Daryn Nelsen-Soza from NAMI National to explore how the NAMI Provider Program bridges understanding between mental health professionals and the people they serve. Together, they discuss how empathy, education, and lived experience can transform behavioral health care. Daryn shares insights into provider training, NAMI’s mission t...

In this on-the-road episode, Renee and Jason broadcast live from the Wisconsin Mental Health and Substance Use Recovery Conference, reflecting on how community-driven solutions, workforce realities, and systemic challenges continue to shape behavioral health in rural America. From their trademark “whiny farmer” intro to honest conversations about burnout, access, and innovation, this episode captu...

In this episode of Stepping In It , Renee and Jason return to their annual collaboration with Lead DSM to explore one powerful truth: the solutions are in the systems. From the fields to the frontlines of healthcare, they examine how integrated systems can solve some of our most persistent challenges in behavioral health. The conversation opens with a collective check-in—how are we really doing?—b...

In this special “Scary” episode of Stepping In It , we dive into the top 10 most frightening challenges confronting behavioral health in 2025. From looming Medicaid cuts and crushing rural healthcare debt to the persistent stigma, workforce shortages, and the rise of AI in care, we uncover the realities keeping providers, patients, and policymakers up at night. Alongside hard-hitting issues like t...

In this episode of Stepping In It, we dive into the often-overlooked reality of vicarious trauma—the emotional residue left behind when professionals are repeatedly exposed to the pain, fear, and trauma of others. Sometimes called “secondary traumatization,” this phenomenon is distinct from burnout and is now recognized in the DSM-5 as a trauma- and stressor-related disorder. We explore the data b...

In this episode of Stepping In It , we go live from the Missouri Rural Mental Health Conference to explore how technology is reshaping rural healthcare. From drones buzzing the farm fields to AI transforming patient care, we unpack innovations that spark both hope and hesitation. We also take a closer look at Missouri’s latest Rural Health Needs Assessment, spotlighting alarming increases in drug...

In this special live episode from the Texas Organization of Rural and Community Hospitals (TORCH) Conference, we dive into breaking policy news and its impact on rural healthcare. Governor Abbott’s recent signing of HB 18 brings $5 billion toward mental health service infrastructure, but looming federal Medicaid cuts could cost Texas $39 billion over the next decade—threatening access for rural co...

In this episode of Stepping In It , we sit down with Jerry Fu, a career and leadership coach who helps leaders become more visible, vocal, and valuable. With a background in pharmacy leadership and certifications in Emotional Intelligence, Talent Optimization, and Life Design, Jerry brings unique insight into how coaching can bridge the gap between providers and patients to improve compliance. We...

In this episode of Stepping In It , we sit down with Kaila Anderson, licensed social worker, professor, and creator of The LandLogic Model℠, a groundbreaking framework designed to meet farmers where they are in their mental health journey. Drawing from her family’s experience during the 1980s Farm Crisis and a decade of service in rural Kansas, Kaila shares how LandLogic uniquely leverages the agr...

In this episode of Stepping In It, we talk with Kimberly Johnson, CEO of Arch Collaborative and founder of the Children’s Legacy Center. Kimberly shares her journey as a mother of five navigating a broken behavioral health system and her work leading reform. We explore rural challenges—from crisis care gaps to lack of infrastructure—and the power of trauma-informed, community-driven solutions to t...

In this episode of Stepping In It , we’re fresh off the Ohio Rural Health Conference and digging into the biggest takeaways. From telehealth becoming the new standard for specialty and psychiatric care to the rise of telehospitalists improving patient outcomes in rural hospitals, we explore what these shifts mean for behavioral health access. We also unpack ongoing confusion around B3 and OBBBA de...

In this episode, we’re diving into the urgent realities of crisis care in rural and remote communities with the brilliant Dr. Jess Spohn (they/them), a neurosparkly public health social worker and national voice for equitable mental health and substance use services. From their home in Southern New Mexico, Dr. Jess shares what crisis really looks like in underserved areas, how the state’s Crisis N...

In this episode, we’re back in Champaign, Illinois, recapping key takeaways from the Illinois Rural Health Association Conference — and this one’s all about Artificial Intelligence. We’re talking workflow algorithms, predictive modeling, and using AI to actually improve patient-provider relationships (yes, really). Dr. Kayur Patel challenges the status quo, reminding us that better outcomes start...

In this episode of Stepping In It , Jason talks with Will Humble, former director of the Arizona Department of Health Services and now executive director of the Arizona Public Health Association. They dig into Arizona’s behavioral health challenges—from justice-related initiatives to the state’s 49th-place ranking in adult mental health care access. Will shares why mid-level treatment options coul...

Change is coming, fast and furious, and in this episode, we’re talking about how to stay sane and strategic while the world around you evolves. After a whiny farmer moment (new equipment shopping blues, anyone?), we’ll dig into today’s rapid pace of change, from back-to-office shifts and layoffs to funding cuts and digital disruption. We’ll also unpack the numbers: why most change initiatives fail...

In this episode, we’re digging into the heart of what makes a health system truly age-friendly . After a classic whiny farmer intro (spraying before the rain, you know the drill), we’ll break down the 4Ms framework—What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility—and explore how these evidence-based practices are helping older adults receive safer, more personalized care. We’ll also take a look a...

Ever wonder what it really takes to keep a podcast going for 100 episodes? In this special behind-the-scenes look, we’re sharing the bloopers, the breakthroughs, and the barriers we’ve faced along the way—from loud hotel lobbies and microphone mishaps to internet outages and cleaning lady cameos. We revisit the top 10 most-played episodes, the conversations that made an impact, and the YouTube Sho...