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The Rural Well

Welcome to the Rural Well! Your hosts Bridgette Readel and Lauren Van Ewyk are thrilled to have you join in our discussion. We have the well being of rural areas like yours in mind when building this podcast. We know the ag industry has its challenges, but we’re right alongside you and cannot wait to connect and inspire one generation's legacy to the next. Let's get started!

Latest Episode

Episode 11 - A Conversation with Katelyn Duban

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 into a new venture of Podcast Coaching. Katelyn is the host of The Rural Women Podcast and is a well sought after public speaker! Show Notes or discussion points: Got into podcasting to hear the stories of women in agriculture Filling a void we felt was missing back in 2019 No two stories are the same, no two farms may farm the same Podcasting with women in agriculture have really grown, especially through and out of the pandemic It's a generational thing: when we think of women sharing their stories, stories are inspiring and have such value to learn from older women of traditional ways and experiences Resilience should not be a badge of honour, but can help propel you forward Memorable moments include sparking and spurring someone on to literally “quitting her job” to get into agriculture true resilience IS vulnerability There is a “culture” in agriculture - it’s a privilege to be a farmer! Postpartum depression often doesn’t get talked about. “I just thought that’s how you’re supposed to feel….” Some people cope in being vulnerable, others can “overshare” but we all have to get through our experiences in our own way. But sharing your story is important Vulnerability can be scary, but is so worthwhile It’s ok to evaluate both family members and counsellors when decided what to share with whom. When you find that “fit”, you will know! Emotional safety is real - share or don’t share. You decide! Quote 1: “Bailing twine turns every farmer into McGyver” Quote 2: “We have neglected the truth that a good farmer is a craftsman of the kindest order, a kind of artist”.  Final question to comment on: Is there something you used to do all the time and were passionate about, but you either just don’t have time anymore or just don’t have the same drive for it? Links and Resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane Media Facebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter -⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok -⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

February 26 • 42m 25.3s

Episodes

Episode 11 - A Conversation with Katelyn Duban cover art

Episode 11 - A Conversation with Katelyn Duban

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 into a new venture of Podcast Coaching. Katelyn is the host of The Rural Women Podcast and is a well sought after public speaker! Show Notes or discussion points: Got into podcasting to hear the stories of women in agriculture Filling a void we felt was missing back in 2019 No two stories are the same, no two farms may farm the same Podcasting with women in agriculture have really grown, especially through and out of the pandemic It's a generational thing: when we think of women sharing their stories, stories are inspiring and have such value to learn from older women of traditional ways and experiences Resilience should not be a badge of honour, but can help propel you forward Memorable moments include sparking and spurring someone on to literally “quitting her job” to get into agriculture true resilience IS vulnerability There is a “culture” in agriculture - it’s a privilege to be a farmer! Postpartum depression often doesn’t get talked about. “I just thought that’s how you’re supposed to feel….” Some people cope in being vulnerable, others can “overshare” but we all have to get through our experiences in our own way. But sharing your story is important Vulnerability can be scary, but is so worthwhile It’s ok to evaluate both family members and counsellors when decided what to share with whom. When you find that “fit”, you will know! Emotional safety is real - share or don’t share. You decide! Quote 1: “Bailing twine turns every farmer into McGyver” Quote 2: “We have neglected the truth that a good farmer is a craftsman of the kindest order, a kind of artist”.  Final question to comment on: Is there something you used to do all the time and were passionate about, but you either just don’t have time anymore or just don’t have the same drive for it? Links and Resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane Media Facebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter -⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok -⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠ Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

February 26 • 42m 25.3s
Episode 10 - Communication cover art

Episode 10 - Communication

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%, with tone, physicality, hands and facial expression all playing a part 2.Use open ended questionsas opposed to close ended questions 3.Clarification and/or summarization We also discuss how important Validation is - especially for men. It’s not even about being right! Being right doesn’t help us, it’s just validation we’re looking for. We also talk about the quote by George Bernard Shaw: “The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” We then end off with banter about not getting hung up on the back and forth of whether something was communicated or not.  Just move forward in communication. We look forward to having you join us on this journey at The Rural Well. Join the conversation! Links and Resources: ⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance ⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane Media Facebook -⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠ Instagram -⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠ Twitter -⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠ TikTok -⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠⁠ Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

February 10 • 27m 12s
Episode 9 - Addressing Stress with Guest Sean Stanford cover art

Episode 9 - Addressing Stress with Guest Sean Stanford

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 reality of the stigma that this can bring. We look forward to having you join us on this journey at The Rural Well. Join the conversation! Links and Resources: ⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance ⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane Media Facebook - ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠ Instagram - ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠⁠ Twitter - ⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠ TikTok - ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠ Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

January 24 • 30m 7.3s
Episode 8 - Pivoting Into Resilience cover art

Episode 8 - Pivoting Into Resilience

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 not as simple and cut and dry as you may think. We also discuss the quote "No matter how much falls on us, we keep plowing ahead. That's the only way to keep the roads clear." —Greg Kincaid We look forward to having you join us on this journey at The Rural Well. Join the conversation! Links and Resources: ⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance ⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠ - Lilac Lane Media Facebook - ⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠ Instagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠ Twitter - ⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠ TikTok - ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠ Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

January 6 • 27m 5.3s
Episode 7 - Traditions on the Farm cover art

Episode 7 - Traditions on the Farm

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 respond to today’s quote "If you could be totally enlightened on any one subject, what subject would you choose?" - How to hid gifts from present seekers  We also want to hear from you! What’s your tradition? Also, please send us a picture of your Christmas tree We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

December 21 • 30m 47.5s
Episode 6 - Grief on the Back 40 cover art

Episode 6 - Grief on the Back 40

In this episode, we talk about Grief on the Back 40, with our special guest Iris Parr, Author, Teacher, Encourager and also serves as the Director of Communications for the National Farmer Mental Health Alliance. Iris shares her story, we all talk about practical ways to deal with grief - particularly during holidays. We also talk about how to help others deal with grief in their own ways, to be intentional with support and then some lighthearted conversation at the end. Question for our listeners? If you HAD to wear a hat, what kind of hat would it be? Links and Resources: Iris Parr's Blog - https://irisparr.ca/ Iris Parr's Books: https://irisparr.ca/my-books/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irisparr Iris Parr's LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/irisparr http://www.nfmha.ca/ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/ - Lilac Lane Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell Twitter - https://x.com/theruralwell TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

December 9 • 32m 46s
Episode 5 - Gratitude cover art

Episode 5 - Gratitude

In this episode, we reflect on Thanksgiving and focus on the topic of gratitude. Here are some waypoints in our conversation: Memories can bring gratitude For those that struggle or have had hard backgrounds, it's not your story forever Gratitude is a dopamine producer Practicing gratitude is a great mental health strategy  Gratitude doesn’t naturally come to us. We need to be intentional - then it trains our brain to look for the bright spots in our day You can be influenced by those around you. We change the trajectory for our own lives and others. If you practice an attitude of gratitude, it becomes contagious   There’s opportunity every day to look for a moment of gratitude. It can bring life! Dopamine is a happy hormone and our brain seeks out the positive aspects - when we do that, we find bright spots which carry us forward. Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools to treat depression - it’s one tool, not to the exclusion of other treatment plans like medication and talk therapy - A combination of all of them builds a strategic long term strategy to battle depression Traditions are important in child development- the one that produces the long lasting memory can be the weirdest places and experiences Do you enjoy the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade? Then we play Catch a Phrase Quote about Gratitude What are you favourite memories? National Farmer Mental Health Alliance http://www.nfmha.ca/ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/ - Lilac Lane Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell Twitter - https://x.com/theruralwell TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell Email: mailto:info@theruralwell.com

November 25 • 29m 43.8s
Episode 4 - A Moment of Remembrance cover art

Episode 4 - A Moment of Remembrance

In this episode, we take some time to talk about remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms. We also talk about taking the time to listen, cherishing and honoring the stories of or parents, grandparents, the stories of history from family, friends and others.  We also discuss how much we can miss out by not hearing those stories. We also play "Catch a Phrase" - With a quote - discussing bravery and how vulnerability can be brave.  May this episode serve as a reminder to always reflect and respect November 11th for what it stands for and to never forget our past as it also informs our future. National Farmer Mental Health Alliance http://www.nfmha.ca/ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/ - Lilac Lane Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell Twitter - https://x.com/theruralwell TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell Email: mailto:info@theruralwell.com

November 11 • 24m 8.3s
Episode 3 - Help When Help Isn't Wanted cover art

Episode 3 - Help When Help Isn't Wanted

On this episode, Lauren and Bridgette dive deep into the reality of a farmers mentality of getting things done themselves. Also, the impact of making these decisions on friends, family, spouses and business partners. We also talk about the different ranges of emotions and what fear is often the result of. Then we walk through some practical solutions to encourage the help where needed and finally some lighthearted responses to our catchphrase. Links shared on the episode National Farmer Mental Health Alliance http://www.nfmha.ca/ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/ - Lilac Lane Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell Twitter - https://x.com/theruralwell TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell Email: mailto:info@theruralwell.com

October 28 • 30m 3.1s
Episode 2 - Farm Safety cover art

Episode 2 - Farm Safety

In this episode, we discuss the following topics: New farm safety training for kids in North Dakota including stress management Lauren talks about ADHD links and triggers and interesting parallels to PTSD Social capital types: Bonding, Bridging and Linking and how they related “generally” to stress in rural families Loneliness  Changing the messaging to our rural kids about “measuring up” to expectations Quote from Charles Buckowski about freedom vs loneliness Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Early onset Alzeimers impacts Current epidemic in Canada and USA is “Loneliness is our battleground” We need intentionality in our connections, relationships - especially in our families A challenge to our listeners! Choose 3 people that you can regularly check in on, send a note or mentor and choose them with intentionality We do a “catch a phrase” quote discussion on Excellence and discussion around examples of it Ending fun question! Links shared on the episode National Farmer Mental Health Alliance Website: ⁠https://nfmha.ca/⁠ Shout out to "Ag with Emma" Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCs1j7bHd_IpFaV4iUhDfGRw Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/agwithemma/ Twitter - https://www.instagram.com/agwithemma/ http://www.nfmha.ca/ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/ - Lilac Lane Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell Twitter - https://x.com/theruralwell TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell Email: mailto:info@theruralwell.com

October 14 • 32m 39.6s
Episode 1 - Stress on the Back 40 cover art

Episode 1 - Stress on the Back 40

In this episode, we talk about stresses in farming, impacts on the farming community right down to the food chain sourcing and continual changes and complexities getting product to market. We also talk about industry and environmental changes for farmers, the stresses that come with those changes and then how us as farmers need to stop punishing ourselves for putting undue stress and unrealistic expectations on ourselves.  We also discuss training options for therapists that would like to visit farmers and clients on site and how to properly strategize and insure yourself to overcome barriers to visiting clients. We also talk about communicating with farmers, recognizing behavioural changes that can lead to check-ins, talking about signs of depression and it’s “ok to not be ok”. Lastly, we discuss one of the resilient aspects of being a farmer; looking for potential where others wouldn’t.   Book Recommendation: Kelly McGonigal "The Up Side of Stress" YouTube TED Talk by Kelly McGonigal - https://youtu.be/RcGyVTAoXEU?si=SgtSCfPWdk2w437X Here are some links to connect with us further: http://www.nfmha.ca/ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/ - Lilac Lane Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell Twitter - https://x.com/theruralwell TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell Email: mailto:info@theruralwell.com

September 30 • 33m 47.9s
Introducing The Rural Well Podcast cover art

Introducing The Rural Well Podcast

In this our introductory episode, we introduce ourselves! We are Bridgette Readel and Lauren Van Ewyk, and we talk briefly about our respective backgrounds, family, careers, farming and education. We also talk about what to expect in the coming weeks on the podcast as we're thrilled to have you join in our discussion. We have the well being of rural areas like yours in mind when building this podcast. We know the ag industry has its challenges, but we’re right alongside you and cannot wait to connect and inspire one generation and legacy to the next. Let's get started! Here are some links to connect with us further: http://www.nfmha.ca/ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/ - Lilac Lane Media Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell Twitter - https://x.com/theruralwell TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell Email: mailto:info@theruralwell.com

September 16 • 17m 34.2s
The Rural Well Introductions Episode Trailer cover art

The Rural Well Introductions Episode Trailer

Here's just a short snippet of a greater conversation in our Introductions episode. Our first official episode will be published September 16, 2024! We look forward to having you join us!

September 11 • 55.2s
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