The Stepping In It Podcast with Renee Schulte & Jason Haglund

Renee Schulte
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

The Stepping In It Podcast is a weekly discussion of the latest news and trends in behavioral health policy development and practice. Each episode features interviews with experts from across the field, including policymakers, clinicians, researchers, and advocates. The podcast provides listeners with practical tips and resources for improving the quality and access to behavioral health care. 

  1. 4d ago

    155. Why Every Family Needs a Caregiving Plan Before It's Too Late: With Raymond Lavine

    Most people spend years planning for retirement but very little time preparing for the possibility of needing care. In this episode of Stepping In It, Renee Schulte and Jason Haglund welcome extended care benefits advisor Raymond Lavine for a practical conversation about why every family needs a caregiving plan. From understanding the true costs of long-term care to creating environments that allow people to age with dignity, Raymond shares why planning isn't just about insurance—it's about protecting your independence, your family, and your legacy. Whether you're caring for aging parents, thinking about your own future, or hoping to preserve a family farm or business, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the most important conversations families often avoid. In this episode, you will be able to: Understand why caregiving planning is about far more than long-term care insurance. Learn how preparing your home and finances today can preserve independence later. Discover the financial realities of long-term care and why early planning matters. Explore how caregiving impacts families emotionally, financially, and practically. Gain insights into protecting family assets and creating a plan that reflects your personal goals and values. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 – Introduction & Corn Sweat Farmer Update 00:03:15 – Meet Raymond Lavine & His Work in Extended Care Planning 00:07:15 – What Caregiving Really Means Beyond Insurance 00:12:20 – Aging in Place, Home Modifications & Protecting Family Farms 00:17:30 – The Financial Reality of Long-Term Care Costs 00:22:10 – When Should You Start Planning for Care? 00:27:30 – Building a Personalized Caregiving Plan 00:31:30 – Raymond's Book, Resources & Final Takeaways Links: https://lifehappens.org/long-term-care-insurance-101/how-much-does-long-term-care-cost/  https://investor.genworth.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1005/long-term-care-costs-increase-in-iowa-on-par-with-national  https://www.milliman.com/en/insight/2025-milliman-long-term-care-index   Connect with us:  https://ruralpolicypartners.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/  https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SLqE6OQ6sfI

  2. Aug 11

    154. Have We Forgotten How to Meet? The Cost of Bad Meetings

    Meetings have become a constant part of professional life, yet many participants leave wondering whether they accomplished anything at all. In this episode, Jason and Renee kick off a new series on meeting effectiveness by exploring why so many meetings feel unproductive, how poor planning wastes valuable time and resources, and what organizations can do to improve collaboration and decision-making. From meeting overload and unclear objectives to practical strategies for better agendas, follow-up, and accountability, this conversation offers a fresh look at one of the most common frustrations in the workplace. In this episode, you will be able to: Why ineffective meetings cost organizations time, money, and momentum.What current data reveals about the growing number of meetings in today’s workplace.How the 40/20/40 rule can improve meeting outcomes and execution.The key metrics organizations should use to evaluate meeting effectiveness.Practical strategies for running meetings with clear purpose, agendas, and action items. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:09 – Introduction to the New Meeting Series 00:01:22 – Farm Update & The “Whiny Farmer” Story 00:02:45 – Have We Forgotten How to Meet? 00:06:05 – The Rising Cost of Meeting Overload 00:08:58 – Meeting Statistics and Workplace Trends 00:11:50 – Understanding the 40/20/40 Rule 00:15:42 – Measuring Meeting ROI and Success 00:19:20 – What Makes a Good Meeting? 00:22:48 – Agendas, Follow-Up, and Clear Outcomes 00:26:15 – Meeting Mondays and Protecting Productive Time 00:29:10 – Final Thoughts & Looking Ahead to the Series Links: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-indexhttps://asana.com/resources/state-of-work-innovation  Connect with us:  https://ruralpolicypartners.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/  https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7RQb9q5cuUk

  3. Aug 4

    153. Summer Self-Care: Why Taking Time Off Is Good for Your Health, Career, and Community

    In this episode, Renee Schulte and Jason Haglund explore an often-overlooked aspect of wellness: actually using the time off you've earned. From the health risks of burnout to the surprising benefits of vacation on productivity and career growth, they discuss why Americans struggle to disconnect from work and what we can learn from cultures that prioritize rest. Along the way, they share practical strategies for using PTO effectively, preventing overwhelm before and after vacations, and finding creative ways to build self-care into both personal and professional travel. In this episode, you will be able to: Why taking paid time off is critical for preventing burnout and improving overall well-being.How vacation and rest can boost creativity, focus, productivity, and even career advancement.What current PTO trends reveal about American work culture and our relationship with time off.Practical strategies for planning vacations without returning to an overwhelming workload.Creative ways to incorporate self-care, community connection, and personal growth into travel and work trips. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:09 - Introduction to Summer Self-Care 00:01:34 - Why Americans Struggle to Use PTO 00:06:40 - The Health and Career Benefits of Taking Time Off 00:12:15 - PTO Statistics and Workplace Trends 00:18:10 - Planning Time Away Without Falling Behind 00:22:45 - Creative Approaches to Vacation and Business Travel 00:26:30 - Self-Care Through Life Transitions and New Seasons 00:29:22 - Final Encouragement to Use Your PTO and Recharge Links: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642https://washingtonnational.com/explore/at-work/6-ways-using-pto-boosts-your-career/https://acarasolutions.com/blog/recruiting-trends/the-importance-of-using-all-your-vacation-time/https://acarasolutions.com/blog/recruiting-trends/the-importance-of-using-all-your-vacation-time/https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/paid-time-off-reasons-should-use-ptohttps://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/03/30/how-americans-view-their-jobs/https://share.google/2aVRdOJg7f8EYduKfhttps://clockify.me/pto-statistics  Connect with us:  https://ruralpolicypartners.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/  https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lQxAy7PPk4I

  4. Jul 28

    152. Culture, Connection, and Care: Lessons from the Indiana Rural Health Conference

    In this episode, Jason and Renee reflect on key takeaways from the Indiana Rural Health Conference in French Lick, Indiana. From conversations about rural culture and help-seeking behaviors to surprising data on Employee Assistance Program (EAP) utilization, they explore why access to care is only part of the equation. This discussion highlights the powerful role of culture, trusted relationships, and community influence in shaping behavioral health outcomes, especially in rural communities where asking for help is often easier said than done. In this episode, you will learn: Why rural culture can create unique barriers to seeking help and support.What surprising EAP utilization data reveals about behavioral health engagement.How stigma and workplace culture influence whether people access available resources.Why trusted relationships often have a greater impact on behavioral health than formal systems.How leaders can create environments that encourage help-seeking and self-care.What conference discussions revealed about strengthening rural behavioral health support systems. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:06 - Introduction and Farm Life Updates 00:01:36 - Exploring French Lick and the Indiana Rural Health Conference 00:06:52 - Johnny Crowder’s Message on Rural Help-Seeking Culture 00:07:38 - The Reality of EAP Utilization and Access to Care 00:11:05 - Surprising Statistics on Appointment Follow-Through 00:12:33 - Why Workplace Culture Matters More Than Policy Alone 00:15:30 - Creating Safe Spaces for People to Ask for Help 00:19:00 - The Power of Trust, Relationships, and Word-of-Mouth Connections 00:22:15 - Lessons for Leaders Supporting Employee Well-Being 00:25:00 - Final Reflections and Closing Thoughts Connect with us:  https://ruralpolicypartners.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/  https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QcQ41mKv4ZM

  5. Jul 21

    151. Hoarding, Inheritance, and the Great Wealth Transfer: When “Stuff” Becomes the Legacy

    As an estimated $124 trillion in wealth changes hands over the coming decades, many families are discovering that inheritance is about far more than money. In this episode, Renee and Jason explore the intersection of hoarding, aging, rural life, and the Great Wealth Transfer. Through personal stories, data, and practical reflections, they discuss how decades of accumulated possessions can create emotional, financial, and logistical challenges for families. From farmland and collectibles to safety risks and mental health concerns, this conversation sheds light on a growing issue that many families will face in the years ahead. In this episode, you will be able to: What the Great Wealth Transfer means for rural families and farmland ownership.How hoarding differs from collecting and why the distinction matters.The mental health and safety risks commonly associated with hoarding disorder.Why inherited possessions can become a significant burden for the next generation.How families can begin conversations about legacy, possessions, and planning before a crisis occurs. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:05 - Introduction & The Great Wealth Transfer 00:01:52 - $124 Trillion Changing Hands 00:03:25 - Inheritance vs. Collections and Clutter 00:06:45 - The Consumer Culture Behind Accumulation 00:10:18 - Collectibles, Memorabilia, and Family Treasures 00:15:38 - Hoarding Disorder and Mental Health Connections 00:16:51 - Fire Hazards and Rural Safety Concerns 00:20:49 - 35,000 Pounds Sent to the Landfill 00:24:05 - What We Choose to Keep and Why 00:26:34 - Rethinking Legacy and Financial Support 00:30:03 - Final Reflections on Hoarding and Inheritance Links: https://www.google.com/search?q=Hoarding+disorder&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS987US987&oq=hoarding+statis&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgAEAAYgAQyBwgAEAAYgAQyBwgBEAAYgAQyBggCEEUYOTIHCAMQABiABDIICAQQABgWGB4yCAgFEAAYFhgeMggIBhAAGBYYHjIICAcQABgWGB4yCAgIEAAYFhgeMggICRAAGBYYHtIBCDQ1NDBqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&ved=2ahUKEwiVvPa7wraUAxXw1vACHdrMMiEQgK4QegoIAggACAAIARADhttps://www.abct.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/hoarding.pdf  Connect with us:  https://ruralpolicypartners.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/  https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lvtpBWMypIY

  6. Jul 14

    150. Dakota Conference on Rural Health: When Innovation Meets Reality

    In this episode, Jason shares insights from the Dakota Conference on Rural Health in North Dakota, reflecting on conference trends, healthcare innovation, and the realities of implementing system change in rural communities. From discussions about award banquets and conference logistics to promising presentations on care coordination, shared technology infrastructure, and emergency department transfers, Jason and Renee explore the gap between ambitious healthcare solutions and the hard work required to make them successful. They highlight lessons from the Rough Rider Network, the importance of honest reporting in healthcare improvement efforts, and why process, patient safety, and continuous improvement matter more than flashy presentations. In this episode, you will be able to: Why conference presentations that sound too good to be true often deserve a closer look.How North Dakota’s Rough Rider Network is advancing shared healthcare technology and care coordination.What rising emergency department utilization means for rural hospitals and healthcare systems.The role of the Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Program (MBQIP) in improving care within Critical Access Hospitals.Why effective emergency department transfers depend on strong processes, standardized documentation, and staff education.How transparency and realistic expectations help build trust during healthcare transformation efforts. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:09 - Introduction & Summer Travel Stories 00:01:40 - Overview of the Dakota Conference on Rural Health 00:04:28 - The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Conference Award Banquets 00:09:35 - Sessions That Sound Too Good to Be True 00:13:20 - The Rough Rider Network & Shared Healthcare Technology 00:16:32 - Care Coordination, Data Sharing & Rural Innovation 00:19:55 - Emergency Department Challenges in Rural Healthcare 00:20:34 - Emergency Department Transfers & Patient Safety 00:21:24 - The Eight Essential Elements of a Successful Transfer 00:23:01 - Why Process Improvement Requires Honesty & Trust 00:25:15 - Clinical Pathways, Staff Education & Continuous Improvement 00:27:00 - Closing Reflections & Takeaways from the Conference Connect with us:  https://ruralpolicypartners.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/  https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/G1KDGgFBXBQ

  7. Jul 7

    149. On the Road Again: Lessons, Innovations, and Acronym Soup from the Arizona Rural Health Conference

    In this episode, Renee Schulte reports from the Arizona Rural Health Conference in Flagstaff, sharing key insights from conversations happening across rural healthcare systems. Renee and Jason explore the challenges facing Medicaid programs, the impact of new federal work requirements, and the financial pressures rural providers are navigating. They also highlight innovative initiatives focused on substance use treatment, housing as healthcare, whole-person care, and preventative health strategies. Along the way, they unpack Arizona’s famous “acronym soup,” discuss what rural communities can learn from emerging models of care, and reflect on the importance of collaboration, innovation, and practical solutions in strengthening rural health systems. In this episode, you will be able to: How Arizona is preparing for major Medicaid and workforce-related policy changes.Why rural healthcare leaders are focused on collaboration, efficiency, and whole-person care.What innovative programs like Building a Bridge, H2O, and Whole Person Care are doing to improve outcomes.How housing, substance use treatment, and healthcare access are becoming increasingly interconnected.Why rural communities must balance short-term funding opportunities with long-term sustainability.How data, innovation, and community partnerships are shaping the future of rural healthcare. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:16 – Arizona Rural Health Conference Overview 00:06:33 – Medicaid Funding & Policy Challenges 00:13:17 – Work Requirements and Rural Workforce Concerns 00:19:00 – Innovative Programs Improving Rural Health 00:22:58 – Addressing Housing, Behavioral Health, and Reentry 00:23:39 – Data, Innovation, and Future Opportunities 00:26:12 – Final Reflections and Takeaways Connect with us:  https://ruralpolicypartners.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/  https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/v53moe-HaWc

  8. Jun 30

    148. Building Belonging: Designing Spaces for Connection and Care

    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 Fargo about trauma-informed architecture, sunlight and color’s impact on mood, and the growing need for spaces that promote interaction in a world where more people than ever are living—and dining—alone. Plus, we revisit the “barbershop model” and how communities can flourish in the most unexpected places. In this episode, you will be able to: Master strategies to navigate behavioral health system challenges.Uncover the keys to improving access to vital mental health services.Design healthcare facilities tailored to meet the unique needs of your community.Understand the profound impact of social isolation on mental health.Break down barriers within the healthcare system to enhance community wellness. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:15 - Navigating Behavioral Health Systems 00:04:14 - Designing Behavioral Health Buildings 00:08:00 - Challenges in Rural Behavioral Health Projects 00:10:53 - Building Social Hubs for Community Well-being 00:12:03 - Importance of Location in Healthcare 00:15:33 - Effects of Social Isolation 00:18:26 - Designing Hospitals as Community Hubs 00:20:07 - Inclusivity in Healthcare Design 00:21:12 - Creating Community-Centered Healthcare Spaces 00:23:51 - Importance of Community Planning for Health 00:24:57 - Role of Environment in Health 00:25:20 - Importance of Socialization in Fitness Activities 00:26:36 - Embracing Community Activities for Health 00:27:56 - Designing Community for Social Connection  Links: https://traumainformedhousing.poah.org/sites/default/files/rkdl/files/What_is_Trauma-Informed_Design.pdfhttp://bowlingalone.com/https://www.cnn.com/2024/08/31/business/solo-dining-restaurants-reservationshttps://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/surgeon-general-social-connection-advisory.pdfhttps://www.healthpopuli.com/2025/03/25/from-bowling-alone-to-eating-alone-what-the-shift-to-take-out-food-means-for-our-social-well-being-and-mental-health/ Connect with us:  https://ruralpolicypartners.com/  https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/  https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ozI3B3KXiUk

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The Stepping In It Podcast is a weekly discussion of the latest news and trends in behavioral health policy development and practice. Each episode features interviews with experts from across the field, including policymakers, clinicians, researchers, and advocates. The podcast provides listeners with practical tips and resources for improving the quality and access to behavioral health care. 

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