The Stepping In It Podcast with Renee Schulte & Jason Haglund

In this episode, we’re digging into what it really takes to care for ourselves when life—and work—feel like too much and not enough all at once. From waiting on contracts to managing uncertainty, we get real about the emotional toll of the in-between. We explore clinically-backed benefits of self-care and why it matters more than ever during busy seasons. Plus, we share the biggest barriers to sel...

In this episode, we dig into how physical spaces can foster emotional wellbeing, strengthen communities, and serve as true social hubs—not just buildings. From healthcare clinics tucked along the interstate to state hospitals undergoing transformation, we explore how intentional design can either isolate or invite connection. Join us as we talk with Zach from MKM in Indianapolis and Todd from JLG...

In this episode of Stepping In It , we head north to check in on the bold system changes underway in North Dakota. From a $300 million investment in a new state hospital to expanding pediatric and acute care beds across the state, it’s clear the momentum is building. Governor Armstrong has declared behavioral health a statewide priority—backed by creative partnerships, smart policy, and a vision t...

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 powerful episode, we sit down with Nina Richtman, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Treatment Advocacy Center, to explore what happens when behavioral health needs go unmet and youth fall through the cracks—landing in the justice system instead. Nina shares her unique journey from agriculture scientist to nonprofit advocate, and how her data-driven mindset and experience at NAMI and t...

Reporting live from the Association of Parole Authorities International conference in Atlanta—right after finally getting that dryer delivered—we're digging into the surprising overlap between mental health and the parole system. From a panel discussion that bridged the worlds of corrections and behavioral health to staggering data on incarceration and supervision, this episode challenges the...

Today’s episode takes a raw and relatable look at what it means to live with mental illness—and why peer support is more than just a feel-good idea. We’re joined by Josh, a certified peer support specialist, NAMI program leader, and unapologetic gamer navigating home ownership (with the help of a clueless cat). From personal experience to public policy, Josh shares how his journey shapes the work...

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...

Welcome back—and hold onto your pitchforks—because even the whiny farmer is feeling the pressure. With family farm bankruptcies up 55% over last year and no signs of slowing down, it’s a reminder that these are challenging times for leaders across every industry. In this episode, we go back to the basics of leadership. We explore how to stay steady when everything around you is shifting, why burno...

Imagine a world where we didn’t fund mental health services—where Medicaid comes with work requirements, SAMHSA loses a billion dollars, and vital programs like CCBHCs vanish. In today’s episode, we kick things off with our whiny farmer intro (because even rural folks feel the cuts) and then dive into the real-life consequences of slashing support for mental health care. From Arkansas to Iowa, we...

In this episode, we dive into the complicated and often chaotic state of healthcare delivery in Montana—with a whiny farmer intro and a serious question: why don’t we have corn ice cream in the Midwest? From emergency departments overwhelmed due to a lack of psychiatric beds, to the legislative push for expanded forensic capacity at Warm Springs, Montana's behavioral health system is under st...

Thanks for joining us—still hauling corn, but progress has been made! Just in time to plant this year's crop… and just in time to plant seeds of change in Nebraska’s mental health policy landscape. In this episode, we sit down with Amanda McGill from Nebraska Cures and James Bowers from NAMI Nebraska to talk about their collaboration following the Nebraska Mental Health Convening. We dig into...

Welcome back—still corn to haul and somehow still in the middle of planting… and if that doesn’t sum up hospital life during a crisis, we don’t know what does. In today’s episode, we explore the critical yet often complicated role families play when a loved one is hospitalized, especially in behavioral health and addiction-related crises. Research is clear: family support significantly improves pa...

Welcome back, and thanks for joining us—yep, it’s that time again: planting season, fixing everything for it just to break again… and that’s not just on the farm. In this episode, we’re digging into the escalating issue of workplace violence in hospitals. From chaotic emergency room scenes to underreported assaults on staff, we uncover what workplace violence really looks like and why it’s often s...

In a fragmented healthcare system, hospitals have the unique opportunity to lead as conveners—bringing together providers, community organizations, and first responders to improve patient outcomes. This episode explores how strong partnerships can transform systems of care, from telehealth integration to warm handoffs and safety planning. We break down key findings from the 2024 Joint Commission/P...

As mental health and addiction services surpass basic healthcare concerns in rural communities, Emergency Departments have become the default access points for pediatric behavioral health care. In this episode, we explore the growing role of EDs as makeshift access centers—offering screening, referrals, and pre-treatment support for children and youth in crisis. With data showing that non-acute be...

Emergency Departments are overwhelmed with behavioral health patients, many of whom face long waits, inappropriate referrals, and a lack of clinical pathways for care. In this four-part series, we dive into the growing crisis of mental health care in EDs, starting with the system-wide backlog that leaves patients boarded for hours—or even days. This episode explores firsthand reports from local li...

Does it feel like your clutter is taking over and impacting your mental well-being? You may have been told to simply clean up and get organized, but the stress and overwhelm persist. The frustration and anxiety of living in a cluttered space can be exhausting, leaving you feeling drained and disheartened. It's time to understand the real impact of clutter on your mental health and find effect...

In this episode, we unpack key insights from the VitAL Alabama Conference in collaboration with the National Association of Rural Mental Health (NARMH) held in Tuscaloosa. From Johnny Manziel’s story of resilience to Dr. Ashley Norwood Strickland’s approach to ensuring mental health access in rural areas, we explore the diversity of rural America and the unique mental health challenges faced by fi...

Are you aware of the valuable benefits your employer provides? Discover the secret resources that could be helping you with therapy, counseling, and even financial support. But what happens when the very program meant to assist you suddenly disappears? Tune in to find out. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover the importance of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) in creating a supportive...

In this episode, we sit down with Courtney Ackerson, a licensed clinical mental health counselor and the president-elect of the American Mental Health Counselors Association. Courtney shares insights into the work of the Iowa Mental Health Counselors Association (IMHCA), their legislative priorities, and the pressing mental health needs in Iowa. We also discuss the importance of joining profession...

What does a Legislative Agricultural Summit have to do with rural mental health? In this episode, we share insights from the State Agriculture and Rural Leadership (SARL) summit, where the intersection of agricultural policy and rural well-being took center stage. Kicking off with a whiny farmer intro (featuring a custom crustbuster bin tool), we explore the summit’s key events—from the World Food...

In this episode, we explore the complex conversation around rates in healthcare. Starting with a whiny farmer intro (because selling corn isn’t all that different from setting rates), we dive into the tangled web of contracted rates, delayed payments, billing headaches, and operational inefficiencies. Are rates truly the issue, or is there a deeper problem? Drawing on real-world examples, includin...

In this episode, we dive into the evolving role of Administrative Service Organizations (ASOs) in Iowa’s healthcare landscape. Starting with a whiny farmer intro (hauling corn struggles included!), we discuss the new statewide ASO spearheaded by the Iowa Primary Care Association and the critical updates outlined in their winning proposal. We'll unpack the new access standards and behavioral h...