Mentor Moments

Michael Kiener, Brayton Wooters
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Education
  • Biweekly

Counseling, Higher Ed., Tech. & Career Development

  1. 8h ago

    Intellectual Disabilities & Retirement: What Do We Do? Ft. Leslie Quarles, MA

    Why do so many people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) get told to slow down or stop working just when employment matters most? In this conversation, Leslie Quarles—direct service veteran, Employment First Missouri expert, and ICI Boston training associate—joins the show to unpack the intersection of ageism and ableism in disability services. Rather than treating work or retirement through a one-size-fits-all lens, Leslie challenges providers, case managers, and families to rethink how aging and employment intersect across the lifespan. Key Themes & Takeaways The Power of Continued Employment: Work is about more than just income; it drives identity, connection, routine, self-esteem, and community participation. Assuming someone has "worked long enough" at age 50 ignores what employment actually provides.Overcoming Institutional Assumptions: The conversation shifts dramatically between age 30 and 50. Leslie explores real-world barriers providers face, why "push versus pull" dynamics nudge people toward premature retirement, and how to address "fake retired" statuses.Holistic & Technological Support: As life expectancy increases in the IDD population, teams must implement preventative supports for memory, balance, and health changes—leveraging tools like health apps, checklists, and independent travel tech.Redefining Retirement: Retirement shouldn't mean a forced exit or an abrupt loss of social connection. Just as we ask children what they want to be when they grow up, support teams should help adults "dream" about retirement, utilizing phased transitions and Community Life Engagement models.Actionable Research & Professional Growth: Leslie shares how her field insights evolved into stakeholder-informed action research, a webinar series, and an online course, highlighting the urgent need for better staff training and cross-system problem-solving.Essential listening for anyone who supports individuals with disabilities, navigates employment services, or wants to build a more thorough next chapter for aging adults.

  2. Oct 15

    Why Higher Ed Is Still Ambivalent About AI

    When does AI support learning, and when does it quietly replace it? We explore that question through the realities of counseling education, supervision, and practicum training. We discuss the ethical challenges of using AI as a study aid, feedback tool, or role-play partner, alongside the pressures educators face when guiding new clinicians. The conversation also examines how AI affects writing and revision, why faculty remain ambivalent, and how students might use AI to practice and learn rather than take shortcuts. From practicum supervision and student mental health to emerging research on AI and professional engagement, this episode looks beyond the hype to ask a deeper question: What should good learning feel like? A thoughtful conversation for anyone interested in counseling education, faculty development, and the role of AI in training and practice. Timestamps 00:13 - Welcome to Mentor Moments and a mid-semester catch-up 00:54 - Brayton's busy counseling caseload with athletes and university adjustment 02:27 - Michael’s three teaching assignments across different student cohorts 03:06 - What practicum looks like for counseling students in real sessions 04:13 - Three papers in revision, including two studies on AI 05:51 - The 17-item Professional Engagement Questionnaire is ready to use 06:24 - Research plans for how practicing counselors are using AI 08:52 - Where practicum students are placed this semester 10:38 - Why practicum teaching can become an ethical and logistical puzzle 11:57 - Cohort bonding, role-play, and group supervision norms 13:41 - How much hands-on guidance is appropriate for new counselors 16:01 - Michael’s publishing rhythm and how workload changes over time 18:05 - Why research on teaching, learning, and AI keeps him engaged 19:13 - Early findings from the AI studies and the persistence of ambivalence 21:26 - Why some counselors see AI as useful and others as ethically risky 23:31 - Ethics, law, and values in the AI conversation 25:16 - When AI is a learning aid and when it may just be doing the work for you 26:54 - Why Michael is shifting AI use toward study support and role-play 28:23 - Reflection on how scattered higher ed’s AI response feels 29:53 - Maryville’s evolving stance on AI and why the gray area remains 31:30 - A comparison to MOOCs and why that movement never fully took hold 32:36 - AI role-play in practicum and the limits of practice with nonhuman agents 34:31 - Can AI or classmates really prepare students for real counseling clients? 35:36 - The limits of role-play across identity, bias, and lived experience 36:32 - How long research projects really take from idea to publication 37:35 - Why participant recruitment and review timelines slow everything down 40:25 - Music, concerts, and a quick pop culture detour 47:48 - Wrapping up, and one more mentor moment

  3. Oct 5

    Career Paths Aren't Linear, and That's Good News (MM Rewind)

    Elizabeth Perkins shares the career decisions, mentors, and experiences that shaped her 20-year journey in vocational rehabilitation—and the leadership lessons that keep her challenging the system to help more people thrive. From her early days supporting customers at UPS to becoming coordinator of programs for Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation, Elizabeth reflects on the moments that drew her toward counseling, opened the door to leadership, and sparked her passion for advocacy, inclusion, and community partnership. If you care about disability employment, career development, or leading with purpose, this conversation will resonate. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How an unexpected path through psychology, HR, and counseling led Elizabeth into vocational rehabilitationWhy one participant’s “dream job” in a junkyard became a turning point in how she tells the VR storyThe leadership qualities she values most: adaptability, authenticity, collaboration, and genuine relationshipsHow transformational and authentic leadership shape her decisionsWhy she stays current through boards, training, advocacy, and ongoing feedbackThe mentorship advice that still guides her: “Don’t let boundaries limit your imagination” Elizabeth also discusses normalizing disability, embracing diverse perspectives, and asking a question every professional should revisit: What is your why? Her answer is a reminder that meaningful work comes from staying rooted in purpose and showing up for the people you serve. Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome to Mentor Moments and introduction to Elizabeth Perkins 00:31 — Elizabeth’s role with Missouri Vocational Rehabilitation 00:49 — From psychology and UPS to considering counseling and HR 01:46 — Choosing graduate school and discovering vocational rehabilitation 02:43 — Two decades with the agency: from counselor to leadership 03:10 — Why direct counseling work was her favorite job 04:07 — A participant’s dream job and the power of competitive employment 05:01 — Using video to tell participant and employer stories 05:51 — Building partnerships across schools, providers, workforce, and family support 06:49 — Career happenstance and the theory of planned happenstance 08:58 — Why adaptability, trust, genuineness, collaboration, and innovation matter 11:47 — Staying relevant in a changing field and updating old systems 13:17 — Why collaboration and partnerships matter more than silos 15:39 — Transformational leadership and authentic leadership 17:31 — Being solution-focused and challenging legacy processes 18:40 — Wanting to be part of the solution and drive change 19:26 — How boards, advocacy, training, and feedback help her stay current 23:46 — Mentors who opened doors 26:31 — “Don’t let boundaries limit your imagination” 27:31 — What inspires her about serving people directly 29:17 — Encouraging diversity, inclusion, and authentic self-expression 30:39 — Normalizing disability and sharing lived experience 33:07 — Knowing your “why” and keeping it visible 34:41 — Closing thanks and listener call to actionAction items

  4. Sep 18

    Why Talk Therapy Hits a Wall Without the Body ft. Amy Turk, MA, LPC

    Amy Turk reveals why talk therapy and EMDR can hit a wall, and how yoga, somatic work, and movement-based healing can unlock relief that insight alone sometimes can't. Amy opens up about the evolution of her practice, from private practice therapist to founder of a new Webster collective that blends counseling with yoga and somatic dance. She explains why she began looking beyond traditional therapy, what changed when she pursued yoga teacher training, and how that training reshaped both her own anxiety and the way she supports clients. You’ll discover: Why somatic therapy matters when the mind understands but the body still feels stuckHow EMDR and talk therapy can help, and where their limits can show upWhy yoga is more than a coping skill and can function as a true healing artHow somatic dance uses body keys, movement, and feeling to release shame, guilt, and fearWhy group classes, routines, and community can make healing more sustainable We also dig into the practitioner side of growth, lifelong learning, and what it means to keep evolving when your current tools are no longer enough. Our conversation gets honest about burnout, resistance, and the challenge of inviting clients into something deeper than a quick fix. If you work in the helping professions, support athletes, or are simply curious about the mind-body connection, this episode offers a fresh, practical lens on healing that is both compassionate and concrete. It’s a reminder that lasting change often starts when we stop treating the body like an afterthought. Perfect for therapists, counselors, coaches, and anyone ready to explore what happens when healing moves beyond the talk. Timestamps 00:00 - Welcome back and Amy’s new Webster practice 00:41 - Amy’s background in rehab counseling and recovery settings 01:41 - Why she began looking for somatic approaches 03:25 - Mike’s idea of the scholar-professional and lifelong learning 05:19 - A full-circle moment with EMDR training 06:09 - How EMDR works and where its limits can show up 08:17 - How yoga shifts attention from the mind to the body 09:45 - Flow state, exercise, and why movement matters 11:30 - Yoga as more than a coping skill 12:52 - Why yoga teacher training changed everything 14:24 - Getting clients to buy into yoga and somatic work 16:55 - Teaching as nurture, not performance 18:12 - Process over outcome in habits and movement 19:51 - Solo yoga, group classes, and community energy 21:29 - What somatic means in therapy 23:01 - Somatic dance and how it differs from general exercise 25:41 - Why some clients stay stuck even after insight 26:17 - Working with childhood trauma in private practice 27:56 - How nutrition, sleep, and movement support the mind 29:57 - Applying the ideas to student athletes and resistant clients 33:35 - What private practice ownership looks like now 34:34 - Building a collective and expanding the space 35:53 - Local yoga and somatic training shoutouts 37:24 - Advice for helping professionals

  5. Sep 1

    Tissue Ethics, Autonomous Cars, & Fall Semester Goals

    Season six opens with a real conversation about the work, the weird, and the deeply human moments that shape both counseling and athletics. If you care about student mental health, grad school life, or the unexpected ethical questions that can change how you practice, this catch-up episode is for you. Dr. Kiener shares what it looks like to step back into the school year with a full slate of classes, practicum students, and cohort energy, while Brayton breaks down the reality of screening NCAA athletes across multiple teams and the pressure, patterns, and caseload demands that come with it. Along the way, the conversation also touches on higher ed shifts, NCAA changes, and the messy intersection of ethics, identity, and performance. It’s insightful, funny, and refreshingly honest - the kind of episode that reminds you how much of good counseling starts with asking better questions. Perfect for counselors, counselor educators, students, and anyone who likes their professional conversations grounded in real life instead of theory alone. Season six is here, and it’s starting strong. 00:00 Welcome and Episode Introduction 00:07 Summer Recap: Personal Projects and Family 01:11 Visiting Coach Denny and Cookie Story 02:16 Retirement and Continued Involvement of Coach Denny 03:03 First Week of Classes and Student Engagement 07:36 Ethical Dilemma: Giving Tissues in Counseling 09:54 Cultural and Personal Factors in Counseling Behavior 12:34 Reflections on Cultural and Family Influences 13:31 Cohort Trends and Student Interests 15:11 First Week Activities at Lindenwood 17:51 Mental Health Screenings for Athletes 21:55 Professional Development and Certifications 22:58 Upcoming Workshops and Goals 23:27 Personal Life: Car Shopping and Technology 25:50 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

  6. Jul 1

    Five Years of Mentor Moments: A Reflection on Growth and Learning

    Celebrating five years of Mentor Moments, this episode reflects on the journey, lessons learned, and future directions. We discuss the evolution of our podcast, the value of organic conversations, and the importance of learning styles, including informal and formal education, through personal stories and insights. Mentor Moments Reflection: Five Seasons in the RearviewIn this episode, hosts Brayton Wooters and Mike Keener reflect on five years of podcasting, exploring the journey, growth, and evolving themes behind Mentor Moments. They share insights on personal development, storytelling, and the importance of organic conversations. Key Topics: Celebrating five seasons of Mentor Moments and the journey's highlightsThe significance of 'time capsule' episodes and personal growth over the yearsThe shift from planned themes to organic, spontaneous conversationsExploring the role of vulnerability, storytelling, and highlighting impactful peopleThe value of interviewing students and early-career professionalsDiscussing the potential of AI in education and informal learningMuseum vs. classroom learning: engagement, emotional states, and interactionDevelopmental appropriateness in learning strategies and content deliverySharing favorite episodes, moments, and notable guest appearancesFuture plans: engaging with college students and returning guests Chapters 00:00 Reflecting on Five Seasons of Podcasting 08:24 The Evolution of Conversations and Themes 16:11 Learning Through Informal and Formal Methods 24:51 The Impact of AI on Learning and Development 30:27 Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Guest Engagement

  7. Jun 15

    Community Mental Health Leadership ft. Jessica Dickson, MA, LPC & Rachel Elmore, PsyD, LPC.

    In this episode, we host two dynamic Maryville alumni, Rachel Elmore and Jessica Dickson, to share their journeys in community mental health, leadership styles, and insights into working at Compass. Their stories highlight their diverse pathways in mental health careers and the importance of growth, mentorship, and community impact. Key Topics: The advantages of starting in community mental health and nonprofit organizationsCareer progression: from case management to leadership rolesThe importance of mentorship and internal growth at organizations like CompassLeadership styles: advocacy, delegation, and leading by exampleThe significance of community support roles and hands-on client experienceTrends in mental health: overdose reduction, integrated primary care, and COVID-19 impactsNavigating supervision, internships, licensure, and early career fearsThe evolving landscape of mental health services post-pandemicRachel's doctorate work on burnout among emergency room staff and medical-mental health connectionsHow organizations promote internal advancement and support employee wellbeing Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction and guest introductions 00:24 - Jessica’s background and Maryville program journey 01:28 - Rachel’s pathway from biology to counseling 02:20 - How Dr. Parker inspired Jessica’s choice at Maryville 03:50 - Post-graduation roles at Compass for Jessica and Rachel 04:48 - Leadership progression and responsibilities at Compass 06:55 - Jessica’s doctorate on burnout and emergency medical workforce 09:12 - Why Compass fosters internal growth and employee investment 11:45 - Leadership styles: advocacy, delegation, visibility 13:23 - How leadership shapes organizational culture 15:26 - Internship and practicum opportunities at Compass and role readiness 16:19 - Licensure support and supervision programs 17:49 - Addressing concerns about nonprofit mental health careers 18:44 - Stability, funding, and organizational support at Compass 20:09 - Pay equity, benefits, and job satisfaction in nonprofit settings 21:36 - The value of diverse career paths beyond therapy 24:04 - Emerging trends in mental health: overdose decline and health monitoring 27:41 - Impact of COVID-19 on mental health and physical health links 29:27 - The idea of a podcast by Jessica and Rachel 30:59 - Mentors’ advice for students: network, give grace, and stay open-minded

  8. May 15

    Surrendering the Outcome: How College Wrestlers Trigger Flow State & Peak Performance ft. Jeremiah Larson & Elijah Almarinez

    Most champions start by learning to have fun and letting go of the pressure—to truly unlock peak performance. Elijah and Jeremiah, two top-tier college wrestlers, share how shifting mindset from fear of failure to focus on the process transforms not just their season, but their entire approach to competition and life. In this episode, they reveal the power of treating every practice and match as a step in the journey rather than an endgame. Elijah talks about the importance of mental toughness, having fun, and maintaining a growth mindset—even through injury and setbacks. Jeremiah shares how surrendering expectations, focusing on daily improvements, and building team culture can elevate both individual and collective success. Together, they discuss practical tactics like visualization, staying present, and leading by example—lessons that go beyond wrestling and resonate with anyone striving for excellence under pressure.  Timestamps:  00:00 - Welcome and episode overview  00:12 - Introducing guests Jeremiah Larson and Elijah Almarinez  01:02 - Reflecting on Elijah’s season and experience as a true freshman  01:54 - Jeremiah's journey to becoming an All-American and final season reflections  03:04 - Jeremiah’s mindset shift: letting go of expectations and focusing on the process  04:21 - The significance of surrendering outcome anxiety during competition  05:27 - Jeremiah discusses maintaining a daily mindset and consistency  07:29 - Insights into team culture: bonding, rituals, and leadership in wrestling  08:33 - Elijah’s transition from high school to college wrestling  09:32 - The importance of self-reliance and routines during college sports  10:39 - The role of trainers and recovery routines in athletic performance  11:33 - The humility of being humbled by college competition and embracing growth  12:00 - Overcoming the top-dog mentality and staying motivated  13:53 - Elijah's approach to summer training and injury recovery  15:50 - The value of steady, consistent effort and self-tracking  17:09 - The development of team culture in college wrestling  19:17 - Building bonds through shared hardships and team support  21:06 - Leading by example: the importance of small acts for team unity  22:14 - The significance of collective effort and shared sacrifice  24:14 - Academic success as part of mental resilience  25:06 - Intrinsic motivators and maintaining flow through purpose  28:29 - Elijah’s perspective on having fun and enjoying each match  30:55 - Recognizing and avoiding mental traps: burnout, outside distractions  31:42 - The importance of seeking help and mental health awareness  33:41 - Self-worth, identity, and the impact of wins and losses  35:52 - The concept of being 'optimal' rather than perfect in training and diet  37:57 - Using mental preparation strategies like visualization and affirmations  39:55 - Overcoming injuries and dominating in high-pressure moments  42:00 - Patience and focus in clutch situations, avoiding overthinking  44:52 - The power of visualizing success and staying present  45:17 - Final motivational advice: enjoy the college experience and stay positive

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Counseling, Higher Ed., Tech. & Career Development

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  • Creator
    Michael Kiener, Brayton Wooters
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Michael Kiener, Brayton Wooters
  • Show Website
    Mentor Moments