The Stepping In It Podcast with Renee Schulte & Jason Haglund

Join us for a deep dive into the challenges of implementing evidence-based therapy practices in real-world settings. We’ll explore proven methods like Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Multi-Dimensional Family Therapy (MDFT), and Functional Family Therapy (FFT) and discuss why these approaches, despite their strong data and effectiveness, often face barriers in adoption. From the misalignme...

As the 2025 legislative session heats up, we’re unpacking the key priorities shaping mental health policy for the year ahead. From the challenges of re-aligning Medicaid systems to the pressing need for a comprehensive kids’ mental health framework, we’ll discuss how these issues impact individuals and families. Dive into data from the Kaiser Family Foundation and explore advocacy agendas from org...

In this episode, we sit down with Annette Dubas, Executive Director of the Nebraska Association of Behavioral Health Organizations (NABHO), to explore the challenges and opportunities facing mental and behavioral health in Nebraska. Annette shares insights into NABHO’s mission to build alliances and advocate for improved access and capacity across the state. We discuss the impact of state provider...

As 2024 winds down, we’re gearing up for an exciting year ahead in rural health policy and behavioral health advocacy. Join us for an episode packed with updates, insights, and plans for 2025. We’ll reflect on our nationwide speaking engagements—from North Dakota to Alaska—on topics like strategic planning, clinical pathways, and workplace mental health. Celebrate our podcast milestones, including...

What’s the secret to ensuring your strategic plan crashes and burns? In this episode, we tackle the most common pitfalls organizations face when planning for the future. From ignoring essential data and tracking the wrong metrics to writing reports no one reads, we explore how poor oversight and accountability can set you up to fail. We also dive into the costly consequences of neglecting contract...

Join us on a deep dive into the buzzworthy world of Community Health Care Workers (CHWs) as we explore their evolving role in rural healthcare! Recorded from Bowling Green, Kentucky—where the CHW model has been in motion for over 30 years—we'll unpack the origins, state certification processes, and Medicaid billing implications driving this workforce's rapid expansion. With insights from...

In this episode, we welcome Jill Barr, Outreach Navigator for Clay County Behavioral Health LINC, to discuss the transformative work happening in Spencer, Iowa. Jill shares the story behind the creation of the Local Initiative for Networking and Collaboration (LINC), the findings of the Community Stakeholder Study, and the power of braided funding in driving meaningful change. We dive into how LIN...

This week, we're coming to you from Bowling Green, Kentucky—just a stone's throw from Santa Claus, Indiana! With the holiday season in full swing, we're tackling the chaos of packed ERs, generational family dynamics, and sky-high stress levels. Join us as we dive into the latest stats on self-care, share fun tips like building your "self-care snowman," and break down the A...

Join us as Jason reports from the Maryland Rural Mental Health Conference, where the intersection of policy, healthcare, and rural needs takes center stage. We'll explore the conference highlights, including insights from the Medicaid director, discussions on jail diversion, and the challenges of telehealth adoption. With themes like housing, partnerships, and the influence of economic and po...

Substance use in the workplace poses serious risks, from decreased productivity and poor decision-making to accidents and high turnover. Kicking off with our trademark whiny farmer intro, this episode breaks down the challenges employers face, including inefficiency, theft, and morale issues, while navigating the gray areas of detecting substance abuse. We present recent data on the prevalence and...

In this episode, we explore the hidden impact of vicarious trauma on employees, especially those exposed to traumatic stories through their work. After our whiny farmer intro (the combine is running till midnight, and someone might fall asleep on-air!), we break down how chronic stress, burnout, and vicarious trauma differ—and why it's essential to recognize this emotional residue. Drawing on...

In this episode, we dive into the world of workplace mental health awareness training and help you navigate the overwhelming acronym soup (cue our whiny farmer intro!). From Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) to QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), and specialized programs like NAMI Provider and ACE for the military, we break down key trainings and what they offer. We’ll also explore new initiatives, incl...

In this first episode of our Workplace Series, we dive into the critical role mental health plays in the modern workplace. After a warm welcome (featuring our signature whiny farmer intro), we tackle how to start conversations about mental health at work and explore topics like stress, burnout, addiction, suicide prevention, and anxiety. From corporate mental health training to first aid for traum...

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...

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the rise and fall of Johnny Manziel, the former football phenom whose fame skyrocketed after leading Texas A&M to a historic victory over Alabama in 2012. From becoming the youngest Heisman Trophy winner to the eventual collapse of his career due to substance use and mental health struggles, Manziel’s story is a cautionary tale for young athletes. We e...

In this episode, we explore the growing use of cannabis and psychedelics, particularly in the form of vaping. With vaping devices now a common method for consuming THC and other substances, is it truly a safer option? We break down what vaping does to the lungs, the harmful chemicals found in e-liquids, and the rising popularity of psychoactive Delta-8 THC. Join us as we analyze the health risks,...

In this episode, we tackle the often-overlooked issue of alcohol use in rural communities, where drinking is not only prevalent but socially accepted. From "Farmer Water" at tailgates to tables of empty beer cans at agricultural conferences, alcohol is a fixture of rural life. We explore the stigma around substance use disorder in rural areas and how it impacts those struggling with addi...

The opioid crisis continues to claim lives, but why isn't the situation improving? In this episode, we take a closer look at the ongoing issues with opioids, fentanyl, and prescription drug misuse, exploring recent news like the charges against Matthew Perry’s physicians. We’ll dive into the alarming data on overdose death rates, state-specific trends, and the escalating impact of fentanyl. F...

In this episode, we break down the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Levels of Care, a crucial framework for understanding the continuum of addiction treatment services. From residential treatment programs to detox facilities, we’ll explore how different levels of care are defined, why they matter, and where the system often falls short. With real-life stories of treatment in unexpecte...

In this episode, we dive into the controversial topic of medications for treating substance use disorders. Are we simply trading one dependency for another? We’ll explore the loose prescribing practices that contributed to the opioid crisis, and the complex reality of now using FDA-approved medications like Methadone, Buprenorphine, and Naltrexone to manage addiction. With data highlighting the st...

In this episode, we continue our deep dive into the Illinois Rural Health Conference, held in Champaign, IL. Join us as we explore the latest trends and critical topics discussed at the conference, from how Millennials are shaping the future of healthcare to the evolving role of peer support in the workforce. We’ll also cover comprehensive chronic care management, the challenges of rural health cl...

In this special episode recorded on the road in Champaign, IL, we kick off National Recovery Month by exploring "The Art of Recovery 2024." We discuss how recovery is a holistic journey that involves not just the individual, but also their families, caregivers, and communities. From the unique challenges faced by families to the importance of culturally tailored care, this episode highli...

In this episode, we kick off our Substance Use Series with a comprehensive overview of the pressing substance use issues facing the United States today. From the growing concerns around drugs, alcohol, and marijuana to the broader societal impacts, we’ll explore the challenges and statistics that illustrate the scope of the problem. We delve into recent data from trusted sources like the National...

In this insightful episode, we welcome guest Megan Hammes to discuss the vital role of Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) in the workplace and its intersection with human resources. Megan shares her journey into training and launching her own business, highlighting the importance of employee well-being from an HR perspective. We explore key components of an effective employee well-being strategy, incl...

In this episode, we dive into the critical concept of competency to stand trial, exploring its key elements and implications for defendants. We discuss the legal requirement that individuals must understand the proceedings against them and assist in their own defense. Discover the factors that contribute to a finding of incompetence, including intellectual disabilities and mental illness, as well...