Podcasts

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 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

Episodes

Episode 5 - Gratitude

November 25 • 29m 43.8s

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

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

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

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

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

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