The Stepping In It Podcast with Renee Schulte & Jason Haglund

In this episode, we’re digging into the heart of what makes a health system truly age-friendly. After a classic whiny farmer intro (spraying before the rain, you know the drill), we’ll break down the 4Ms framework—What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility—and explore how these evidence-based practices are helping older adults receive safer, more personalized care. We’ll also take a look at recent data and research that show...

Ever wonder what it really takes to keep a podcast going for 100 episodes? In this special behind-the-scenes look, we’re sharing the bloopers, the breakthroughs, and the barriers we’ve faced along the way—from loud hotel lobbies and microphone mishaps to internet outages and cleaning lady cameos. We revisit the top 10 most-played episodes, the conversations that made an impact, and the YouTube Shorts that sparked new dialogue. Plus...

In this episode, we’re digging into what it really takes to care for ourselves when life—and work—feel like too much and not enough all at once. From waiting on contracts to managing uncertainty, we get real about the emotional toll of the in-between. We explore clinically-backed benefits of self-care and why it matters more than ever during busy seasons. Plus, we share the biggest barriers to self-care (time, guilt, and good old d...

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 arch...

In this episode of Stepping In It, we head north to check in on the bold system changes underway in North Dakota. From a $300 million investment in a new state hospital to expanding pediatric and acute care beds across the state, it’s clear the momentum is building. Governor Armstrong has declared behavioral health a statewide priority—backed by creative partnerships, smart policy, and a vision to become the healthiest state in the...

This week, we’re stepping in it—live from Indiana! After a chaotic detour through CMA Fest (yes, we accidentally ran into Blake Shelton and Rascal Flatts on Broadway), we’re back with crop scouting updates and a deep dive into a powerful conversation from the Hoosier State. Chief Justice Loretta Rush shares Indiana’s bold efforts to reform how the judiciary addresses substance use and behavioral health, moving away from punishment ...

We’re on the road in Flagstaff for the Arizona Rural Health Conference, diving into the unique challenges and opportunities facing rural healthcare in the Southwest. From a whiny farmer update about Arizona’s never-ending dry spell (and Iowa’s surprise rain) to on-the-ground conversations about provider recruitment, mobile crisis units spanning multiple states, and age-friendly system goals by 2026, this episode covers it all. We a...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Nina Richtman, Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Treatment Advocacy Center, to explore what happens when behavioral health needs go unmet and youth fall through the cracks—landing in the justice system instead. Nina shares her unique journey from agriculture scientist to nonprofit advocate, and how her data-driven mindset and experience at NAMI and the CSG-Justice Center have shaped h...

Reporting live from the Association of Parole Authorities International conference in Atlanta—right after finally getting that dryer delivered—we're digging into the surprising overlap between mental health and the parole system. From a panel discussion that bridged the worlds of corrections and behavioral health to staggering data on incarceration and supervision, this episode challenges the way we think about justice and sup...

Today’s episode takes a raw and relatable look at what it means to live with mental illness—and why peer support is more than just a feel-good idea. We’re joined by Josh, a certified peer support specialist, NAMI program leader, and unapologetic gamer navigating home ownership (with the help of a clueless cat). From personal experience to public policy, Josh shares how his journey shapes the work he does across Iowa. We dive into n...

In this special on-the-ground episode, we’re coming to you live from Anchorage, Alaska at the National Association of Rural Mental Health Conference—moose sightings, state fair stories, and all. From the icy beauty of Chickaloon overlooking the Matanuska Glacier to villages with no roads along the Bering Strait, rural takes on a whole new meaning here. We unpack what true community orientation looks like in some of the most remote ...

Welcome back—and hold onto your pitchforks—because even the whiny farmer is feeling the pressure. With family farm bankruptcies up 55% over last year and no signs of slowing down, it’s a reminder that these are challenging times for leaders across every industry. In this episode, we go back to the basics of leadership. We explore how to stay steady when everything around you is shifting, why burnout and misalignment are hitting rec...

Imagine a world where we didn’t fund mental health services—where Medicaid comes with work requirements, SAMHSA loses a billion dollars, and vital programs like CCBHCs vanish. In today’s episode, we kick things off with our whiny farmer intro (because even rural folks feel the cuts) and then dive into the real-life consequences of slashing support for mental health care. From Arkansas to Iowa, we explore the impact of Medicaid work...

In this episode, we dive into the complicated and often chaotic state of healthcare delivery in Montana—with a whiny farmer intro and a serious question: why don’t we have corn ice cream in the Midwest? From emergency departments overwhelmed due to a lack of psychiatric beds, to the legislative push for expanded forensic capacity at Warm Springs, Montana's behavioral health system is under strain. We unpack the data, discuss w...

Thanks for joining us—still hauling corn, but progress has been made! Just in time to plant this year's crop… and just in time to plant seeds of change in Nebraska’s mental health policy landscape. In this episode, we sit down with Amanda McGill from Nebraska Cures and James Bowers from NAMI Nebraska to talk about their collaboration following the Nebraska Mental Health Convening. We dig into why these two organizations joined...

Welcome back—still corn to haul and somehow still in the middle of planting… and if that doesn’t sum up hospital life during a crisis, we don’t know what does. In today’s episode, we explore the critical yet often complicated role families play when a loved one is hospitalized, especially in behavioral health and addiction-related crises. Research is clear: family support significantly improves patient outcomes. But navigating that...

Welcome back, and thanks for joining us—yep, it’s that time again: planting season, fixing everything for it just to break again… and that’s not just on the farm. In this episode, we’re digging into the escalating issue of workplace violence in hospitals. From chaotic emergency room scenes to underreported assaults on staff, we uncover what workplace violence really looks like and why it’s often swept under the rug. Backed by start...

In a fragmented healthcare system, hospitals have the unique opportunity to lead as conveners—bringing together providers, community organizations, and first responders to improve patient outcomes. This episode explores how strong partnerships can transform systems of care, from telehealth integration to warm handoffs and safety planning. We break down key findings from the 2024 Joint Commission/PEW Survey, revealing the gaps in co...

As mental health and addiction services surpass basic healthcare concerns in rural communities, Emergency Departments have become the default access points for pediatric behavioral health care. In this episode, we explore the growing role of EDs as makeshift access centers—offering screening, referrals, and pre-treatment support for children and youth in crisis. With data showing that non-acute behavioral health referrals are drivi...