Practicing Connection

OneOp

Improve your resilience and readiness in a rapidly changing world.Jessica Beckendorf and Bob Bertsch host this exploration of personal and collective practices that empower us to work together to help each other, our families, and our communities improve our resilience and readiness.

  1. SEP 25

    Scaling Your Skills: Feedback & Mentorship That Works

    Send us a text Feedback and mentorship aren’t just buzzwords - they’re the shortcuts to better skills, stronger confidence, and real momentum.  Discover a simple, practical approach that makes getting feedback and finding a mentor less intimidating - and highly actionable! In this episode of the Practicing Connection podcast, Jessica and Coral dig into the roles of feedback and mentorship in professional growth. Coral shares a step-by-step method that makes seeking input approachable and turns it into real progress.  Learn how to choose the right people to ask, reflect on what you hear, and take small, sustainable actions.  Plus, find out how to invite mentorship into your journey - even if you don’t have a formal mentor. Perfect for anyone who wants to develop new skills, boost confidence, and foster authentic connections at work. Links and resources from this episode: Join our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/ Send us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org OneOp Academy is a free online series designed for anyone interested in positive change, whether you're an educator, community leader, student, or just passionate about supporting families. This year's Academy spotlights the unique challenges facing military connected youth, from mental health to resilience education to community support.  Explore the 2025 OneOp Academy and register today at oneop.org/series/2025academy

    11 min
  2. SEP 18

    Don’t Keep It to Yourself! Creating a Culture of Shared Learning

    Send us a text What if the fastest way to master any skill was to teach it to someone else?  This episode reveals how sharing your learning not only helps others – it solidifies your own growth, strengthens your team, and can transform your workplace culture. Are you holding on to valuable insights, or passing them along? In this special round-up episode, Jessica and Coral explore why teaching others is the secret weapon for growth.  Instead of just one practice, you’ll get a toolkit of real-world ways to share what you’re learning, from quick tips to full team huddles.  Listen in to discover how knowledge sharing deepens your understanding, boosts your confidence, and creates a ripple effect far beyond your own desk.  Whether you’re a seasoned leader or just starting out, you’ll walk away ready to build a culture of curiosity, generosity, and ongoing development. Links and resources from this episode: Join our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/ Send us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org OneOp Academy is a free online series designed for anyone interested in positive change, whether you're an educator, community leader, student, or just passionate about supporting families. This year's Academy spotlights the unique challenges facing military connected youth, from mental health to resilience education to community support.  Explore the 2025 OneOp Academy and register today at oneop.org/series/2025academy

    14 min
  3. SEP 4

    From Outreach to Impact: Extension’s Role with Military-Connected Communities. With Rachel Brauner and Karrie Calloway

    Send us a text This episode of Practicing Connection explores the incredible bridge-building work happening in Texas with guest Karrie Calloway - military liaison, educator, chef, and advocate - who doesn’t just connect resources, but transforms lives. Join host Jessica Beckendorf and guest co-host Rachel Brauner for a compelling conversation today with Karrie Calloway, Texas 4-H Military Liaison and a passionate advocate for military-connected families.  Karrie shares her unique journey from farm-to-table learning and culinary arts to leading statewide initiatives that support youth, families, and thriving communities. In this episode, we discuss: The daily work of connecting Extension agents, volunteers, and installations to create meaningful support networks.Practical, high-impact ways anyone can do to include and empower military-connected families in their programs.The crucial role of volunteers in building bridges for military youth and families.Sustaining yourself in service-oriented work—and why ongoing connection matters.Whether you’re an Extension professional, service provider, volunteer, or simply interested in community-building, you’ll walk away inspired by fresh ideas and the power of purposeful connection. Links and resources from this episode: Military Culture: A Guide for Extension ProfessionalsJoin our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/ Send us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org  OneOp Academy is a free online series designed for anyone interested in positive change, whether you're an educator, community leader, student, or just passionate about supporting families. This year's Academy spotlights the unique challenges facing military connected youth, from mental health to resilience education to community support.  Explore the 2025 OneOp Academy and register today at oneop.org/series/2025academy

    32 min
  4. AUG 28

    From Networking to Meaningful Connections: Learning Together

    Send us a text Professional development isn’t just about the content - it’s about the people. Whether it’s a quick follow-up question, a shared takeaway, or an invitation to debrief, connecting with others during a learning event can spark fresh ideas, deepen your understanding, and expand your network in a meaningful way. In this episode of the Practicing Connection podcast, Coral and Jessica explore how connecting with other attendees - or even speakers - can transform your professional development experience.  Jessica shares a simple, low-pressure practice for starting conversations, learning collaboratively, and expanding your network in ways that feel authentic and focused on shared learning.  Whether you’re attending in person or online, discover practical ideas for reaching out, sharing takeaways, and creating spaces for meaningful dialogue. Links and resources from this episode: Join our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/ Send us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org  OneOp Academy is a free online series designed for anyone interested in positive change, whether you're an educator, community leader, student, or just passionate about supporting families. This year's Academy spotlights the unique challenges facing military connected youth, from mental health to resilience education to community support.  Explore the 2025 OneOp Academy and register today at oneop.org/series/2025academy

    8 min
  5. AUG 21

    Military Kids and Public Schools: Finding Common Ground Together. With Mark Paolicelli and Dulce Carrillo

    Send us a text When a redistricting proposal put military children’s routines at risk, two communities came together, transforming crisis into collaboration. Discover how a proactive partnership made all the difference. Jessica Beckendorf welcomes Mark Paolicelli (former Deputy Base Commander for joint base Meyer-Henderson Hall) and Dulce Carrillo (Supervisor of Community Partnerships and Engagement at Arlington Public Schools) in this special episode, sharing their story of coming together to solve a collective challenge that affected each of their respective communities. When a redistricting proposal threatened to disrupt the school experience of military kids, little did anyone know it would spark a dialogue that led to meaningful, long-term partnerships.  Hear firsthand how Mark and Dulce navigated misunderstandings, built bridges, and turned neighbors into allies - all in the name of supporting military-connected students.  Their story offers timely lessons in resilience, communication, and the power of coming together for a common cause. Links and resources from this episode: Join our LinkedIn group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12879756/ Send us a message: practicingconnection@oneop.org OneOp Academy is a free online series designed for anyone interested in positive change, whether you're an educator, community leader, student, or just passionate about supporting families. This year's Academy spotlights the unique challenges facing military connected youth, from mental health to resilience education to community support.  Explore the 2025 OneOp Academy and register today at oneop.org/series/2025academy

    42 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.3
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Improve your resilience and readiness in a rapidly changing world.Jessica Beckendorf and Bob Bertsch host this exploration of personal and collective practices that empower us to work together to help each other, our families, and our communities improve our resilience and readiness.

You Might Also Like