Emotion Well: Recent Episodes
Johanna Dunlevy - Wellness Manager
EFR's Podcast about all things related to emotional wellness. Listen to learn about the different experiences people face and how to enhance emotional well-being!
In this episode of Emotion Well, we talk with Nick Krehbiel from Agri-Prime Consulting. Bringing over a decade of experience in facilitation, education, and organizational development, he is a certified DiSC partner, helping teams strengthen communication and performance.
In this conversation, Nick shares real-world examples from his consulting work and explains what DiSC assessments are and how they go beyond labels to help individuals and teams work better together. We also discuss the bigger picture: how strong local businesses play a vital role in supporting rural communities.
You can connect with Nick here:
Nicholas Krehbiel - LinkedIn
Agri-Prime Consulting
Learn more about our DiSC training: Understanding Yourself and Others: A DiSC-Based Approach to Communication
EFR offers our clients a variety of services, including Counseling, Life Coaching, and Child and Eldercare Resources. If your company would like to partner with us to offer these services to your employees, visit efr.org/employers to learn more.
Donate to EFR. 1 in 3 Iowans needing mental health care cannot afford it. Your gift enables us to offer counseling to anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. Thank you for helping us keep our promise to the community: that everyone who needs help, gets help.
Sydney Marshman, OTD, OTR/L is an occupational therapist and the founder of Happy at Home Consulting, where she helps individuals and families thrive in their own homes through practical, person-centered solutions—from simple adaptive tools to full remodel planning. A graduate of Drake University’s OT program with a background in kinesiology and public health, Sydney partners with clients, caregivers, and community organizations to support independence, accessibility, and aging in place. In this episode you’ll learn about what OT really is, how it relates to mental health, and how proactive planning can help people stay home and live well.
Sydney's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-marshman/
Call for more information about Happy at Home Consulting: 515-635-4050
Explore your Eldercare benefit with EFR: https://efr.org/employee-assistance-program/child-elder-care/
This episode discusses suicide and suicide prevention. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
In this episode of EFR’s Emotion Well Podcast, Hayl Bergeland, Suicide Prevention Grant Coordinator at EFR, joins us for an important conversation on suicide prevention, awareness, and support. Hayl discusses why suicide remains such a difficult topic for people to talk about, the stigma that still surrounds it, and how we can break down barriers by talking openly and compassionately. She also highlights the latest data on suicide in Iowa, the unique risk factors among youth and older adults, and what communities can do to foster prevention and support. She also shares practical steps that can be taken if an individual is worried about someone they love and how to create a safe space for open conversations.
Click to see resources forYouth Suicide Prevention
Read more on our blog:
Suicide Prevention in the Workplace: What Employers Need to Know
Asking Hard Questions: Suicide Prevention
You may be interested in our other podcasts:
What Zac Knew
What Andy Taught Us
EFR offers our clients a variety of services, including Counseling, Life Coaching, and Child and Eldercare Resources. If your company would like to partner with us to offer these services to your employees, visit efr.org/employers to learn more.
Donate to EFR. 1 in 3 Iowans needing mental health care cannot afford it. Your gift enables us to offer counseling to anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. Thank you for helping us keep our promise to the community: that everyone who needs help, gets help.
Are you a caregiver struggling with attending to your own self-care needs? In this episode of EFR’s Emotion Well Podcast, Melody Vachal, Amazon best-selling author, speaker, and caregiving advocate, shares her experiences on both sides of the caregiving journey—having spent many years as a primary caregiver to her son with special needs and then having to be the recipient of care after a serious car accident. She gives practical advice on how to carve out the mental, emotional, and physical spaces needed so caregivers can show up as the best versions of themselves to the people who rely on them.
You can connect with Melody through her website, or on her LinkedIn or Facebook pages. Click here to learn more about or purchase her book, Still, I Rise.
EFR offers our clients a variety of services, including Counseling, Life Coaching, and Child and Eldercare Resources. If your company would like to partner with us to offer these services to your employees, visit efr.org/employers to learn more.
Donate to EFR. 1 in 3 Iowans needing mental health care cannot afford it. Your gift enables us to offer counseling to anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. Thank you for helping us keep our promise to the community: that everyone who needs help, gets help.
Do you want the children in your life to develop not only physical strength, but mental strength, resilience, and confidence? Laura Arneson, owner of The Little Gym, joins us to discuss how encouraging physical activity and participation in sports helps children develop these important life skills. Laura talks about her early experiences in sports and shares how the support of her parents and other mentors influenced her growth and development. She believes one of the most important lessons is learning that the effort is just as important as the outcome. In this conversation, Laura shares how promoting physical activity for kids, coupled with family and community support, allows them to build trust, develop friendships, and shows them the importance of teamwork.
The Little Gym in Johnston, IA is a fitness and recreation center for families with kids from 4 months to 12 years. Through the use of gymnastics and music, kids learn gross motor control, skill development, cognitive problem solving, and language skills as well as social and emotional development tools such as sharing and taking turns. Follow The Little Gym’s Facebook and Instagram pages and visit their website here for more information.
Donate to EFR. 1 in 3 Iowans needing mental health care cannot afford it. Your gift enables us to offer counseling to anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. Thank you for helping us keep our promise to the community: that everyone who needs help, gets help.
National Board–Certified Health Coach and Firefly Wellness owner Kimberley Jackman joins us to share why a workstation setup is more than a comfort perk—it’s foundational for whole‑person well‑being. From emotional wellness to physical fitness, she dives into how your workspace ergonomics impact both body and mind—and why small adjustments can lead to big changes in comfort, focus, and energy throughout the day. Whether you're at a desk or on your feet, this episode will help you rethink what “the right fit” really means.
Connect with Kimberley on LinkedIn
Learn more about Firefly Wellness
Follow Firefly Wellness on Facebook
Licensed psychotherapist Bronwyn Schweigerdt—host of “Angry at the Right Things”—joins us to rethink anger as a vital barometer, not a character flaw. We talk alexithymia (the struggle to recognize and express feelings), why anger is often suppressed rather than expressed, and how tuning in to this emotion can reveal insightful information. Bronwyn shares practical tips for spotting the signals in your body, communicating them clearly, and channeling anger into constructive change. Listen in and learn how to transform frustration into your most clarifying tool for well‑being.
Check out Bronwyn's podcast, Angry at the Right Things here!
Donate to EFR. 1 in 3 Iowans needing mental health care cannot afford it. Your gift enables us to offer counseling to anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. Thank you for helping us keep our promise to the community: that everyone who needs help, gets help.
Leadership can be as rewarding as it is challenging—especially when you focus on cultivating and motivating people, rather than just “fixing” issues. In this episode, we’re joined by international keynote speaker and author Jones Loflin, who shares a human-centered approach to leadership. Learn how embracing a gardener’s mindset and viewing team members as individuals first unlocks creativity and resilience that boost performance, productivity, and career growth. Tune in for motivating, real-life examples that will help you tend to your team more effectively—and grow as a leader in the process.
Visit Jones' website!
Email Jones!
Donate to EFR. 1 in 3 Iowans needing mental health care cannot afford it. Your gift enables us to offer counseling to anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. Thank you for helping us keep our promise to the community: that everyone who needs help, gets help.
For 35 years, Joy Peterson lived with chronic health conditions that were dismissed, overlooked, or misdiagnosed. Doctors couldn’t connect the dots, but she knew something wasn’t right. When she finally received the diagnosis she had been searching for, everything clicked—"My life finally made sense." But a diagnosis isn’t a cure—it’s a starting point. Now armed with the right information, Joy is making choices that protect her health and future. In this episode, she shares what decades of self-advocacy have taught her, why you should never stop fighting for answers, and how having the right support system can change everything. If you’ve ever felt unheard in a doctor’s office, this conversation is for you. Your health is worth fighting for!
Learn more about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Learn more about MALS
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Facebook Group
Learn more about Norma-H
In a world of health fads and quick fixes, what does healthy living really mean? And how do you create a lifestyle that supports it? In this episode, we sit with Kevin Peterson, a lifestyle medicine provider, to discuss the foundational health practices that lead to lasting well-being. Kevin explains why it’s so important to meet yourself where you are right now. He explains how identifying what’s already working in your life can help you answer the question, "What does healthy living mean for me?" He dives into the one thing we can all count on—change—and how embracing it through personal reflection can make you a stronger healthcare advocate for yourself and your loved ones.
Learn more about Peterson Holistic: www.petersonholistic.com
Learn more bout Norma-H: www.norma-h.com
Connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/normah.healthyliving
Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/normah.healthyliving
After five years as the voice of Emotion Well, EFR's Wellness and Marketing Manager Johanna Dunlevy steps into the guest seat to share how the podcast began, the episodes that left a lasting mark on her life, and how a trifecta of powerful resources—Al-Anon, Life Coaching, and Counseling—provided pivotal support while navigating life's most difficult changes.
Joined by colleague and host Jen Perez, Johanna opens up about the profound role self-care played during her father’s final days, and the two reflect on how life's circumstances changed their childhood dreams in unexpected ways, shaping their paths and molding them into who they are today.
Tune in for a heartfelt and thought-provoking conversation about growth, support, and finding your way through life’s unexpected twists.
Connect with Johanna on LinkedIn
Check out Johanna's favorite podcasts:
Armchair Expert
Divorce Survival Guide
Serial (Season One)
Help EFR accomplish its mission by donating today!
Meet Wendy Padob, a board-certified health & wellness coach specializing in executive stress management. Wendy helps high-achieving professionals prevent stress from impacting their health and careers.
Before founding her practice, Wendy spent over two decades as a communications executive in high-pressure environments. Her unsustainable, fast-paced lifestyle led her to severe burnout and physical injuries that forced her to take disability leave. Her experience was a powerful wake-up call: “If you don’t make time for wellness, you’ll be forced to make time for illness.”
Wendy shares her journey from executive burnout to wellness advocate, offering practical advice on managing stress proactively to prevent exhaustion. Tune in to learn how to take control before stress takes control of you!
Connect with Wendy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wpcreative/
Take a stress assessment: https://wpcreativewellness.com/stress-quizzes
Donate to EFR! https://efr.org/who-we-are/how-you-can-help/
CEO of Employee and Family Resources, Tammy Hoyman, sits down for a candid conversation about the history of our organization since it's inception in 1964. Having worked at EFR in a variety of roles since 1996 and serving as our CEO since 2009, Tammy sheds light on the evolution of our EAP, SAP, and SAS programs, and shares her observations of the landscape surrounding mental healthcare in our workplaces, schools, and communities.
Learn more about our 60th Anniversary: https://secure.qgiv.com/event/efr/
Learn more about EFR: https://efr.org/who-we-are/
For 1 in 10 women, the hormonal shifts of the menstrual cycle can trigger extreme, debilitating emotions. In this episode, we sat down with Meredith Gallivan for a vulnerable conversation about her experience with pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Meredith describes the overwhelming 'hell week' she faced each month—like PMS on steroids—and how, after years of trying different medications for depression and anxiety, a perceptive leader urged her to seek answers. Meredith talks about how she pursued a diagnosis and shares resources for those navigating this often misunderstood and stigmatized condition.
Download the app to track PMDD!
Take the PMDD quiz.
Read Meredith's blog about post-partum reboarding for parents!
Connect with Meredith on LinkedIn.
Join the Facebook group for PMDD.
Join us as Jennifer Anderson provides a glimpse into the unique challenges faced by the first responder community. Whether you're a front-line responder or behind-the-scenes dispatcher, exposure to constant unpredictability and moment-to-moment challenges can create repeated trauma. This stress extends to families, fueling anxiety and uncertainty about what their loved ones face each day.
We'll discuss how EFR’s new First Responder Coaching benefit is a powerful tool for support that connects emergency response workers with peers who understand their experiences. Jennifer also shares details about an upcoming event hosted by First Responder Coaching.
Visit the First Responder Coaching website
Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn!
Join Mary as she shares her 25-year transformative journey with yoga as a participant and an instructor. She explores how this welcoming and inclusive practice reshaped her physical and mental health in unexpected ways. Mary and Johanna dive deep into how yoga transcends the mat, offering tools for mindfulness that improve everyday life. Whether you're new to yoga or an experienced yogi, we'll cover insights to help you begin or deepen your practice, transforming your mind and body from the inside out.
Mary's Website
Mary's Podcast
Mary's YouTube
Yoga with Adriene
Alternate nostril breathing
Join us as EAP/SAP Counselor Jessi Allard provides a glimpse through the lens of a mental health professional, unraveling the crucial role of self-advocacy in mental well-being. Breaking the silence can be challenging, but Jessi explains why it's essential for overcoming the barriers that stigma creates. She delves into how advocating for yourself bridges gaps in understanding and why this is especially critical in healthcare settings and interpersonal relationships. With her extensive experience, Jessi offers actionable strategies to recognize, embrace, and move forward in your mental health journey. Tune in to empower yourself with the skills to advocate for your mental well-being effectively.
Meet EFR's Counselors
Learn more about EAP Counseling
Learn more about EFR's Outpatient Counseling Services
Americans with Disabilities Act
Join us as we welcome MJ Andonie, an EFR EAP counselor and mother of two, for a heartfelt exploration of self-care in motherhood. MJ offers a transparent look at her journey into parenthood, revealing how it reshaped her practice and perspective of self-care. Discover the joys and challenges of raising children guided by deep-rooted values and gather invaluable insights into nurturing well-being while nurturing others. Tune in for an episode full of heart and practical wisdom!
Book Recommendations from MJ:
Raising Good Humans
Whole Brain Child
Year of Yes
Dive into an unforgettable episode as Saul Hammond opens up about fostering and ultimately adopting his son. Beginning when his son was just six weeks old, Saul shares the highs and lows of loving and parenting within the foster care system, describing the experience as an "emotional rollercoaster." With raw honesty, he recounts the challenges and milestones, from recognizing early signs of autism to pursuing a diagnosis. This episode is a testament to Saul's relentless dedication to his son's well-being and his courage to face the future's uncertainties with love. Join us as we delve into the beauty and complexity of forming a family through fostering.
Four Oaks: https://fouroaks.org/locations/ankeny/
ChildServe: https://www.childserve.org/
YSS: https://www.yss.org/
From childhood dreams to the NFL, EFR board member Josh Lenz takes us on his journey from high school sports to the spotlight at Iowa State University and, eventually, signing with several NFL teams as an undrafted free agent. During our conversation, Josh reflects on the exhilarating highs and challenging lows of pursuing his dream. He shares how shifting away from that season of life inspired him to mentor the next generation of athletes. Tune in for an inspiring tale of resilience, transition, and giving back.
Connect with Josh on LinkedIn!
Tune in for a compelling conversation with Jen Perez, EFR's Call Center Manager, as she shares her dual experience of providing direct care to at-risk populations and seeking support to manage the demands of her role. Jen opens up about the rewarding yet challenging nature of her work and the secondary trauma that took hold, highlighting the critical moment when she realized the necessity of self-care to continue caring for others. In this candid discussion, she reflects on overcoming secondary trauma, the importance of mental health support for caregivers, and the life-changing impact of professional support in developing resilience.
Learn more about your EFR benefits: https://efr.org/how-we-help/work/
Listen to Jen's other favorite podcast, New Heights: https://www.youtube.com/@newheightshow
Join us for an inspiring conversation with EFR's newest board member, Jim Wichman. In this episode, Jim opens up about his lifelong struggles with his mental and emotional health. He recounts how reaching out to EFR's counseling became a catalyst for change as he confronted and healed from childhood trauma. Witness how developing his mental well-being turned into a ripple effect, transforming his professional aspirations from public schools to public speaking and, most importantly, deepening his relationship with his family.
Connect with Jim on LinkedIn
Connect with Jim on Facebook
Question Behind the Question book
Join 'The Budget Captain,' Dave Won, as he uncovers a crucial aspect of financial well-being – your personal relationship with money. This episode dives into how childhood experiences shape our money habits. Dave reveals that financial health is not just a "money in versus money out" math equation; it's deeply rooted in behavioral science. He explains why having more money isn't a cure-all if your ingrained money behaviors are unhealthy. Gain valuable insights into achieving true financial wellness by integrating both the psychological and practical sides of money management.
Follow Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davewon/
Join us as we sit down with Andrea Dencklau from Iowa ACEs 360, delving into a topic that hits closer to home than you might expect: Adverse Childhood Experiences, or ACEs. If you're thinking this doesn't apply to you, Andrea's insights might just change your mind. We'll explore how these early experiences have a ripple effect and shape not just individuals, but entire communities. Andrea will unpack the crucial need for systemic changes to support those facing adversity, share strategies for preventing ACEs, and highlight the transformative power of healing-centered engagement in helping people overcome challenges rooted in their formative years. Ready for an eye-opening journey? This is one conversation you don't want to miss!
Take the ACEs quiz: https://americanspcc.org/take-the-aces-quiz/
Learn about Iowa ACEs 360: https://www.iowaaces360.org/
Join us as we dive deep into the power of human connection. Our guest, Mary-Lyn Kieffer, sheds light on the transformative perspective shift within the simple acts of reaching out to receive or offer help and the strength you can draw from realizing you're not alone.
We explore Togetherall, a platform that unites people from across the globe in a secure and welcoming space where they can share, connect, and provide invaluable support. Don't miss this discussion on the power of community and the shared human experience.
Have EFR's benefits and want to join Togetherall? https://efr.org/how-we-help/work/togetherall/
Want to learn more about Togetherall? https://togetherall.com/en-us/
Step into a world of impact with Emily Holley of the American Red Cross. Beyond initial disaster response, the Red Cross volunteers are pillars of support for those facing challenges after immediate relief efforts have concluded. Emily sheds light on the everyday, inspiring stories of volunteers who bring solace and restore hope through mental health recovery resources in the aftermath of disasters. Delve into the heart of volunteering with the American Red Cross, and find your place in roles like the Disaster Action Team and beyond.
Disaster Action Team information here
Red Cross Blood Donor App here.
Volunteer info here
Smoke Detector form for Iowa here
Phone Number: 1-800-RED-CROSS
Join Emotion Well as we sit down with Angie Chaplin as she shares her raw and powerful journey to sobriety. In this candid conversation, Angie reveals her struggles with career shifts, grief, and relationship woes that led her to lean on alcohol for a decade. After a life-changing wake-up call and attempts to heal through conventional methods, Angie found her lifeline: identifying her core values. Don't miss this powerful reminder that true liberation lies within ourselves.
Visit Angie's website: https://www.angiechaplin.com/leadership
Access resources from James Clear
Explore Brene Brown's library of resources
Get ready to dive deep into a topic that affects everyone, yet often goes unexplored - how your pelvic floor plays a vital role in your quality of life. Join us for an eye-opening discussion as we uncover the fascinating connections between your pelvic floor and your overall well-being with informative insights and unfiltered candor. From intimate relationships to everyday activities, Courtney Buhrow and Hayley Wilkening unravel the mysteries and myths surrounding this overlooked part of your well-being.
https://www.reviveptwdsm.com/
Find them on Facebook
Follow on Instagram
Scarlett Lunning joins us to discuss how life can be viewed from the inside out. She shares the Three Principles of mind, consciousness, and thought, and how they work together to create our realities. She shares her personal experiences with the Three Principles as well as recommends how someone can take small steps to greater self awareness.
Connect with Scarlett
One Thought by Mara Gleason
Coming Home by Natasha Swerdloff and Dr. Dicken Bettinger
The Missing Link by Sydney Banks
Enlightened Gardener by Sydney Banks
Three Principles Guiding Community
Wim Hoff breathing method
Connect with EFR
Zac Easter was an all-American kid; he loved football, he loved his family, and he had hopes and dreams for a future with his high school sweetheart. Zac also lived with mental illness that was the result of chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE. Zac knew something was wrong with his brain and wanted others to understand what he was going through so he kept journals of his experiences. Having played football since elementary school, Zac had endured multiple brain injuries, or what we commonly call concussions. Zac died in 2015 as a result of his mental health issues and to honor Zac's life and prevent future tragedies, his mother, Brenda Easter, founded CTE-Hope, a foundation that raises awareness and supports research and funding for CTE. Brenda shares her family's journey through Zac's mental health struggles and how even in his absence, his story lives on and makes a difference for future generations of kids who play sports.
CTE Hope
Love, Zac
GQ Video
To recognize Child Abuse Prevention month we hear from Greg Bellville and Abby Patterson from Prevent Child Abuse Iowa. They share the importance of shifting the focus towards proactive and preventative measures to protect children, such as identifying and supporting families in need of assistance, instead of the reactive way the system is set up to report, observe, and remove children from their families. In addition, hear how Prevent Child Abuse Iowa supports families and how you can become a member of their Imperfect Parent Club!
Prevent Child Abuse Iowa
Imperfect Parent Club
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Psychological testing is a highly requested service but the number of providers available to perform testing falls short leaving a very long wait for families looking for answers, support, and resources. Hear from Amanda Khader, a licensed school psychologist, about what type of behavioral health diagnoses are most common, how they are screened and tested, and why having a diagnosis can be helpful and important for children and their families. In addition, learn about EFR's new psychological testing services available.
Explore EFR's Services
Barb Ranck joins us to discuss what imposter syndrome is and what it isn't. She shares scenarios from childhood that could predispose someone to imposter syndrome and provides different ways for us to think through our insecurities. Barb reminds us that when you give yourself grace, space, and time, anything is possible and you can lead an authentic life.
Learn more about EFR's Life Coaching benefit
Learn more about Barb here
Check out Brenè Brown's Call To Courage on Netflix
Dr. Lauren Welter, PhD joins us for a candid conversation on emotional abuse. In this episode we uncover common characteristics of emotional abuse and discuss why it can be difficult for people in abusive relationships to see themselves caught in the cycle of abuse. Dr. Welter explains the challenges individuals face when trying to leave an abusive relationship and the importance of having a safety plan when preparing to leave.
National Hotline for Domestic Violence: 800-799-7233
Definitions of Types of Emotional Abuse
Checklist to consider if you’re in an abusive relationship:
Cycle of Abuse
Power & Control Wheel
Lundy Bancroft
The Mend Project/Resources for Victims and Therapists
Prairie Home Wellness and Counseling
Humans thrive when they feel supported and connected. Mary Doherty, LMSW, and one of EFR's counselors, shares how group therapy and support groups can make a difference when someone needs support outside of, or in addition to, individual therapy. Mary shares information about the new services coming to The Healing Space, EFR's new center for support groups, therapy groups, and classes.
Click to check out our group and class offerings!
Season six of Emotion Well kicks off with our very own wellness consultants, Johanna Dunlevy and Kylie Mitchell, sharing stories of setting New Year resolutions and helping guide others to do the same. Hear from them on the importance of habit stacking, the secrets to sustainable lifestyle changes, and how to consistently make the easy choice when it comes to healthy living.
Connect with EFR!
At some point we will lose people we know and love to death making grief an inevitable life experience. Buffy Peters, the Director of Hamilton's Academy of Grief and Loss, joins us to speak about the different ways grief presents itself, how people can embrace and grow with grief, and the abundance of resources available for those grieving.
Connect with Hamilton's Grief Academy
Learn More About November 6 Grief Symposium
Podcast Recommendations for Widows/Widowers
Book Recommendations about Grief
Connect with EFR
The demand for mental health services has never been greater but what does that mean for those living in rural and farming communities? Jason Haglund, a fifth generation farmer and expert in the field of mental health shares how accessibility, availability, and acceptability play a factor in addressing mental health and preventing suicide. Jason also shares how Mental Health First Aid can help move us towards greater acceptance and comfort when mental health concerns arise.
ISU Extension - Click for Stress on the Farm info
Bank of Iowa - Click to learn more about the survey on Iowa Farmers' mental health
Mental Health First Aid - Click to learn more
EFR Mental Health First Aid - Click to explore our offerings
Kristin Clark empowers teenagers and young adults to focus on their interests instead of passions when planning for college and career paths. Kristin shares how using CliftonStrengths can help untangle college planning and how focusing on strengths can spark joy and fulfillment and lead to more long-term career satisfaction.
Click here to connect with Kristin!
In this episode we speak with Licensed Mental Health Counselor Ashley Morgan about her experience being part of the LGBTQ+ community. Ashley informs us of the differences between gender identity and sexual orientation and discusses how mental health and substance use disorders affect the LGBTQ+ community. In addition, she shares great resources for individuals who are questioning or coming out, as well as resources for their friends and family members.
Click here to watch EFR's webinar with Ashley Morgan.
Click here to learn more about resources available through The Trevor Project
Click here to see the 2021 National Survey on Youth and LGBTQ+ Mental Health
Click here to explore resources for friends, family members, and allies.
Click here to review resources available through GLAAD.
The Enneagram is a popular personality model, describing nine types and what motivates each type to respond in unique ways. How these types show up at their best and under stress is key to building empathy and successful collaboration in the workplace and beyond. Hear from Enneagram expert Barb Ranck what the different types mean and how you can work with your types shine spots and blind spots.
Connect with Barb via her website!
Identify Your Enneagram Type here.
June marks Men's Health Month and Father's Day. To honor both occasions we invited former EFR colleague and founding co-creator of Emotion Well, Joseph Jackson, to share his experience as a new father. Joseph shares how being intentional about self-care has helped him adapt to his first year of fatherhood and how being present with family has helped establish a routine that benefits everyone's well-being.
Want to be a guest on our podcast or have questions about this episode? Email Emotion Well!
Lyndsey Fennelly is a mother, wife, basketball skill trainer, former Iowa State University All American athlete, and mental health advocate. Lyndsey shares her first-hand account of living with a mental health diagnosis, the path she took to get the help she needed, and how opening up about her journey has been helpful to others and herself.
Connect with Lyndsey
Read More About Lyndsey
Lars Peterson sits down with us to discuss mental health diagnoses, the prevalence of mental health across all age ranges, and why it matters that workplaces and leaders understand the basics of mental health. Lars shares ideas for grounding exercises, breathing exercises, and explains the Window of Tolerance. In addition, we share our benefit upgrades for EAP clients effective immediately!
Window of Tolerance
EFR Training Catalog
We are joined by Jay Foote who shares how mindfulness and body awareness can make a difference in how someone feels, both physically and emotionally. Jay shares information about the Alexander Technique, a way to move more mindfully through life to improve balance, coordination, and support. We learn about Jay's experiences as a professional musician living with chronic pain and how by practicing the Alexander Technique, he was able to sustain and grow his career and hobby as a performer.
Learn More About Jay!
Connect with Jay on an Alexander Technique Session!
Check out EFR's April webinar with Jay.
In celebration of National Nutrition Month we sit down with Susie Roberts, RDN, LD and the recipient of the Iowa Academy's 2021 Emerging Dietetics Leader Award to debunk some common nutrition myths and misconceptions. We cover everything from intermittent fasting to how important breakfast really is to supporting gut health. In addition we discuss the importance of knowing where you get your nutrition information from.
Why Breakfast? https://health.clevelandclinic.org/do-you-really-need-to-eat-breakfast/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/employeeandfamilyresources/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/employee-&-family-resources/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/efrhelps?lang=en
Hear from Prevention Team Lead Joe McQuerry about how organized sports prepare youth for the ups and downs of life. Joe shares his philosophy on winning, losing, and how showing up and getting to work are critical to successes on and off the field.
Questions? Email Emotion Well!
Learn more about EFR's Prevention Team https://efr.org/programs-services/prevention-services/
Sarah Sparks shares her story on better understanding herself, how she identified her purpose in life, and how she guides others to finding their spark in business and personal relationships. Sarah is a highly sought out Spiritual Business Mentor who helps people identify purpose and the path to embracing life to its fullest. Sarah also shares her definition of spiritual wellness and how one can pursue a whole life embracing mind, body, and spirit.
Visit Sarah's website!
Check out Sarah's Podcast, Floating on a Cloud!
Read Sarah's book, Hateful to Grateful!
Check out the book, The Four Agreements
Want to send us a question or comment? Email Emotion Well!
Gabbie Ruggiero, Prevention Specialist and Grant Coordinator from EFR's Prevention Team sits down to talk about the current meth and opioid trends in the United States and explains why overdose deaths are continuing to increase. She introduces us to the concept of harm reduction strategies and how this approach to drug use is focused on reducing negative consequences and overdose deaths and how harm reduction is a form of social justice.
River to River Podcast
Harm Reduction Principles
Harm Reduction in Iowa
Information and Access to NARCAN
Reach out to EFR 24/7/365 at 800.327.4692.
Free, confidential support for Iowans without EFR’s EAP in crisis or in need of mental health and substance use resources: https://yourlifeiowa.org/ or call (855) 581-8111 or text (855) 895-8398.
Questions: email emotionwell@efr.org
Many people dream of the day they no longer need to work but often times those dreams are dashed with the reality that retirement might not look the way they expected from a financial perspective. Learn from Scott Nelson of Legacy Financial Group how to create a roadmap to a financially sustainable retirement. Scott shares tips for individuals who are just entering the workforce, those mid-career, and individuals on the cusp of retirement. As Scott shares, it is never too early or too late to think about the golden years!
Resources and Financial Calculators:
- https://lfgplanners.com/resources.php
Questions: Email emotionwell@efr.org
Scott Nelson is an Investment Advisor Representative with Legacy Financial Group], a Registered Investment Adviser. Opinions expressed on this program do not necessarily reflect those of Legacy Financial Group]. The topics discussed, and opinions given are not intended to address the specific needs of any listener. Legacy Financial Group does not offer legal or tax advice, listeners are encouraged to discuss their financial needs with the appropriate professional regarding your individual circumstance
Dr. Warren Phillips, a clinical psychologist and expert on emotional intelligence, or EQ, helps us understand the importance of paying attention to our feelings and how we can use that information to help us navigate relationships at home and in the workplace. We also explore whether there are any downsides to EQ and if personality traits, like introversion or extroversion are related to someone's EQ.
Check out Warren's Business: Transformative Workplace Solutions:
Check out Warren's podcast: Take the Irk out of Work
Learn more about: Six Seconds
Check out EFR's training catalog to explore EQ workshops for your workplace!
Questions or comments? Email emotionwel@efr.org
September is Suicide Awareness Month and in this episode we hear from Destiny Welsh Teixeira who shares how her family found ways to cope after her brother took his own life. Destiny shares how her faith and family got her through a challenging season of life and how her family and the community continue to honor her brother Andy’s life.
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
National Suicide Hotline: 800.273.8255
Suicide Prevention Awareness Month: https://www.nami.org/get-involved/awareness-events/suicide-prevention-awareness-month
Email Emotion Well: emotionwell@efr.org
EFR’s Clinical Team Lead, Tina Leaf (MSW, LISW), explores common myths and misconceptions about counseling in our latest episode of Emotion Well! In addition, Tina shares how to identify a counselor who will be a good fit, how to know when a child is ready for counseling, and why many people are hesitant to take the first step of reaching out to a counselor.
Questions for Emotion Well? Email us at emotionwell@efr.org
Learn more about EFR's counseling services: https://efr.org/programs-services/counseling/
Use your EAP benefit with EFR: https://efr.org/how-we-help/work/
To kick off season three we have Alysa Mozak sharing information about identifying and communicating healthy boundaries. Alysa is an educator and consultant with her own business called Blossoming Pathways, LLC. She provides customized policy audits using trauma informed care methods, and professional development trainings and workshops on empathy building skills, sexual health and healthy relationships skills, compassion fatigue, and bystander training. In this episode we explore boundaries across all types of relationships and also hear about the importance of boundary setting in the workplace.
Questions for Emotion Well? Email us at emotionwell@efr.org
Blossoming Pathways: https://www.facebook.com/blossomingpathwaysdsm/
Book Recommendation: Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawab: https://www.nedratawwab.com/my-book
Healthy Relationships Initiative: https://healthyrelationshipsinitiative.org/community-resources/toolkits/
The Relationship Foundation: https://therelationshipfoundation.org/
Steve Arneson joins us for a candid conversation about parenting, coaching, counseling, mentoring, and being a girl dad. In addition to being a dad (and grandpa!), Steve has worn the hat of teacher, school counselor, and coach and provides great insights into best ways to communicate with children and adolescents. Steve also shares how EFR's Student Assistance Program (SAP) can be a way to keep communication open between parents and children.
Learn more about EFR's Student Assistance Program (SAP) here: https://efr.org/programs-services/student-assistance-program/
Joe Laslo is a man on a mission. Since 2015, Joe has been serving radical hospitality one burrito at a time to the homeless and food insufficient in Des Moines, Iowa through the non-profit, Urban Bicycle Food Ministries (UBFM). Learn how a bike accident in 2014 turned into one of Joe's greatest endeavors and how it has changed the lives of those who he has met along the way. In addition, find out how you can get involved with UBFM and learn more about EFR's annual fundraiser, Ride Don't Hide!
Urban Bicycle Food Ministries: https://ubfmdsm.com/
Urban Bicycle Food Ministries Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/groups/410291065841161/
Ride Don't Hide: https://efr.org/stay-connected/ride-dont-hide/
Being aware and noticing what's going on in the natural world is one way to enhance overall well-being. Leslie Berckes shares her passion for being a voice for the voiceless through her work with Trees Forever and helps us explore the many ways someone can interact with the natural world to boost physical and emotional well-being.
Check out the Trees Forever Growing Futures program: http://www.treesforever.org/growingfutures
Want to learn more about trees? Explore the TreekKeeper program: www.treesforever.org/treekeepers
How environmentalism intersects with diversity, equity, and inclusion: http://www.treesforever.org/Blog7-14-20
Study on Widening Disconnect with Nature: https://e360.yale.edu/digest/u-s-study-shows-widening-disconnect-with-nature-and-potential-solutions
Stephanie Majeran is the owner of Well Run Results and shares her path to finding purpose through taking the leap into entrepreneurship while navigating the early years of motherhood and then homeschooling during a pandemic. Learn what advice Stephanie gives others interested in pursuing career goals and how important her self-care routine has been to finding balance across all dimensions of well-being.
Well Run Results:https://www.wellrunresults.com/
EFR Culture Audit: https://efr.org/how-we-help/work/culture-audit/
Have you ever thought about your relationship style when it comes to money? Is money causing stress in your personal relationships? Hear from Scott Nelson of Legacy Financial Group the small and big steps you can take to have a healthier relationship with your banking and retirement accounts.
Webinar – My Financial Life: Money Matters: https://lfgplanners.com/wp/events/
Questions about workplace financial wellness programming: kathy@lfgplanners.com
Resources and Financial Calculators: https://lfgplanners.com/resources.php
- What is the value of reducing, postponing or foregoing expenses?
- No-Cost Retirement Checkup
National Endowment for Financial Education NEFE: https://www.smartaboutmoney.org/
Scott Nelson is an Investment Advisor Representative with Legacy Financial Group], a Registered Investment Adviser. Opinions expressed on this program do not necessarily reflect those of Legacy Financial Group]. The topics discussed, and opinions given are not intended to address the specific needs of any listener. Legacy Financial Group does not offer legal or tax advice, listeners are encouraged to discuss their financial needs with the appropriate professional regarding your individual circumstance
On average, you will spend 1/3 of your life working so establishing healthy work routines and incorporating self-care in the workplace is essential for health and happiness. Learn what individuals, leaders, and employers can do to make self-care and wellness a priority and work for everyone.
EFR Wellness Benefits:https://www.efr.org/how-we-help/at-work/wellness-benefits/
Marquee Health: http://marqueehealth.com/
Stats on Worksite Wellness: https://insights.myshortlister.com/employee-wellness-statistics
It is easy to fall into and normalize a lifestyle that overlooks healthy habits and often difficult to get on the path to a healthier way of living. In this episode, Kevin Peterson shares his steps to setting up a successful routine that incorporates healthy living into your existing lifestyle and circumstances. Learn the steps you can take to get on make 2021 the best year yet!
Peterson Holistic Services:https://www.facebook.com/PetersonHolisticServices/
Grace Fitness: https://www.gracefitnessdsm.org/
The holidays are around the corner and no holiday is complete without the tradition of feasting on your favorite treats and sweets! Hear from Registered Dietician Susie Roberts on how to enjoy your favorite foods without ruining the best of your health goals and intentions. Susie is the owner of DASH Coaching and Consulting Solutions and can be reached at dashccs@gmail.com. Make sure to check into Susie’s favorite resources:
www.myplate.gov
https://www.eatright.org/
https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/index.html
Haley Pederson Hundley shares her journey into motherhood and through postpartum OCD in this episode centered on self-care and self-awareness for new moms. Learn what resources Haley used to guide her through the ups and downs of becoming a mom and how those resources helped her gain a different perspective on the must-have tools and conversations one needs as they journey into motherhood.
Resources: International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation: https://iocdf.org/expert-opinions/postpartum-ocd/
American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/pi/women/resources/reports/postpartum-depression
Learn from Steve Arneson, a retired school teacher and school counselor some of the best ways to support your student, how to stay connected to the resources available to students and parents, and how to keep open communication channels about the emotions your student is experiencing.
Season one is a wrap! 2020 has been a trying year to say the least but Emotion Well is here to continue inspiring and sharing stories and ideas about how to take care of your emotional wellness. Check out our season one recap and stay tuned for season two this fall!
Kevin Peterson is the owner of Peterson Holistic Services, located in Urbandale, Iowa, and the founder of Permanent Weight Loss Solutions. He has a wealth of knowledge and experience when it comes to making lifestyle related changes, and he so generously shared his secrets to sustainable success with Emotion Well!
Kevin has combined his philosophy and experience in weight loss with his education in Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, certification as a Personal Trainer, and diploma in Nutrition Therapy to create a Virtual Training Program that taps into the intelligence of your body and supports its natural ability to heal. Because, in the end, that is what weight loss is, a healing process.
Email us with your questions: emotionwell@efr.org
Learn more about EFR: www.efr.org
Learn more about Peterson Holistic Services: https://www.facebook.com/PetersonHolisticServices/
Louise Crall is the Human Resources and Community Engagement Director at Employee and Family Resources. Louise is a two-time cancer survivor and shares how her treatment and recovery benefitted from making new connections in her community with others going through similar experiences.
In addition, Louise shares how she remains involved in Above and Beyond Cancer, years after her diagnosis and treatment.
Email us with your questions: emotionwell@efr.org
Learn more about EFR: www.efr.org
Learn more about Above and Beyond Cancer: https://aboveandbeyondcancer.org/
Learn more about Camino de Santiago pilgrimage: https://caminoways.com/camino-de-santiago
Podcasts Sources:
WebMD Magazine: https://img.webmd.com/dtmcms/live/webmd/consumer_assets/site_images/magazine/digital_issues_pdf/Oct19_DigitalIssue.pdf
BREASTCANCER.ORG: https://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/understand_bc/statistics
Hannah McMunn is a Prevention Specialist with Employee and Family Resources. A large part of her role on the Prevention Team is to provide resources and programming around the opioid epidemic in Jasper County, Iowa.
Oftentimes people view legal drugs as much safer and less harmful than illegal drugs but in recent years, the opioid epidemic has proven that prescription pain medication can have just as many health consequences and can be just as dangerous and deadly.
Email us with your questions: emotionwell@efr.org
Learn more about EFR: www.efr.org
Podcasts Sources:
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: https://www.hhs.gov/opioids/about-the-epidemic/index.html
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/epidemic/index.html
Partnership for Drug Free America PSA from 1987: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOnENVylxPI&list=PL08OrAWRwrDlQ_GicxkT6Ev-QKvniaNzP
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health: https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/opioids/data.html
Tom Farley is living a life of purpose in retirement and shares his professional knowledge and personal experiences about retiring with purpose and passion. With 10,000 people turning 65 every day for the next two decades, learning about retirement beyond financial security is critical for optimal well-being during your golden years.
Email us with your questions: emotionwell@efr.org
Learn more about EFR: www.efr.org
Check out AARP: https://www.aarp.org/
Podcasts Sources:
Business Record: https://businessrecord.com/MobileContent/Insider/Business-Record-Insider-/Article/Guest-Opinion-The-retirement-conundrum/191/1013/89356
Susie Roberts is the Nutrition Services Director for Community Health Partners, a community-based organization focused on achieving outstanding results for patients, clients, families, and communities.
Did you know you make over 200 food choices each day? While many people associate making food choices with their physical health and appearance, food choices affect emotional well-being, too. In this episode, Susie answers the many questions floating around regarding those choices, diet fads, and explains the difference between eating disorders and disordered eating. In addition, Susie shares which diet fad she believes people need to be very cautious about trying.
Email us with your questions: emotionwell@efr.org
Learn more about EFR: www.efr.org
Learn more about Community Health Partners: https://my-chp.com/
Podcasts Sources:
Iowa State University Extension: Spend Smart, Eat Smart: https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/
Cost of Diets: https://www.healthline.com/health-news/americans-spend-billions-on-vitamins-and-herbs-that-dont-work-031915#1
Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating: https://www.eatright.org/health/diseases-and-conditions/eating-disorders/what-is-disordered-eating