As an occupational therapy student, I recognize the power of living a purposeful lifestyle and have grown up appreciating the agricultural lifestyle's purpose. My podcast aims to advocate for the incredible people in the agricultural population who have suffered injuries, accidents, or have disabilities. These individuals' challenges never hold them back from checking calves at 4:00 AM in the midst of a bitter winter storm or an overnight harvest shift and, most notably, from helping to feed this wonderful world we live in. The Cutting Fences Podcast is filled with these amazing individuals' stories, experiences, equipment, life hacks, and more. Farming and ranching are far from your average 9:00-5:00 job, and no short of this, the individuals featured on this podcast are filled with perseverance, grit, pride, and a wealth of wisdom. This is a space molded to cultivate compassion, empathy, and support. Join my guests and I in eliminating barriers and unit fields while we plant seeds of support to harvest humanity.
We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to visit with Todd Lemay from TerrainHopper USA! He shares his own story and perspective on why adaptive equipment can be life changing. He also shares the "bells and whistles" of the TerrainHopper and how they have impacted others as well.
On this episode I have the pleasure of visiting with Amberley Snyder. She tells her story of "tragedy to triumph". We talk inspirational speaking, rodeo, adaptive equipment, and more! Listen and be inspired!
Find out more about Amberley and her story by following her on social media or visiting her website below!
https://amberleysnyder.org/
Join us on this episode with Hunter Pinke, retired UND football player, current U of A wheelchair basketball player, and mechanical engineer. Hunter shares his amazing story and a lot of inspiring ways to live your life to the fullest and never let circumstances determine your joy. Thank you so much, Hunter!
To learn more about Hunter at the links below:
https://www.hunterpinke.com/
Follow him on Facebook at Hunter Pinke and Instagram @hunter_pinke
Interview with Dana Jansen, Director of Safety, Montana Ag Safety Program. Happy National Farm Safety & Health Week!
Learn more about the Montana Ag Safety Program and their resources at the link below!
https://www.mtagrisafety.com/
This episode I visit with Dan Livingston, Co-Founder of Tour Engineering. One of the amazing products of Tour Engineering is their FreedomTrax mobility device. Check out this episode and their website below to learn more.
If you are interested in trying a FreedomTrax, please reach out to Cutting Fences Foundation!
https://freedomtrax.com/
On this week's episode we visit with James Gebert, US Army Veteran and Owner of Mobility Quad LLC. James brings function and quality of life to indiviudual living with mobility challenges with his adaptive UTVs. Thank you for your service and for all that you do, James.
Learn more about Mobility Quad at the link below!
https://mobilityquad.com/
Thank you to our Mobility Quad Sponsors:
Sibayne Stillwater
Wheaton Precious Metals International
United Grain Corporation
If you are interested in donating please visit our website:
www.cuttingfencesfoundation.net
I had the opportunity and honor to visit with Robert Enigl a 2022 Paralympic Sit- Skier. Rob shares his stories of adjusting to his life after his accident and how he got into sit skiing. Rob and his family also raise therapy and service dogs with their business, Harvestime Kennel. You can learn more about their business at the link below. Please enjoy this episode and be inspired to take chances and work hard to make your what you want it to be, just like Rob and his friend David.
https://www.harvestimekennel.com/montana-kennel1.html
On this episode we interview Cheryl Witt and Dale Dobson to talk about their Kentucky Raising Hope Campaign.
Thank you, Montana Department of Agriculture for your support in funding our Holistic Ag Mental Health series!
On this episode Rand, Brenda, and Sheryl tell us about their work with No More Empty Saddles to work towards decreasing suicide and addiction within the western world. This episode is raw, real, and heavy. Their work is so important and we appreciate them.
Learn more about NMES at their website below:
https://nmemptysaddles.com/
Thank you Montana Department of Agriculture for funding our holistic agricultural mental health podcast series.
Learn about this amazing program with the mission to "PROTECT OUR NATION’S FOOD SECURITY AND SUPPORT THE SUCCESS OF OUR FELLOW SERVICE MEMBERS".Thank you Adam for your service and for sharing your story! To learn more visit the link below.
https://www.miffs.org/heroestohives
On this episode Jolene Brown talks all about relationships, family business, and being proactive with finances and planning to be able to celebrate your agricultural legacy as it is passed down to the next generation.
To learn more about Jolene and the work she does visit; jolenebrown.com
On this episode we talk to Kaila Anderson, LMSW as she tells us about her program LandLogic. Kaila talks about the healing that can come from incorporating the connection to the land into Ag mental health.
To learn more:
Read the article in the link provided
https://ruralmentalwellness.com/landlogictm-connecting-health-and-identity/
On this episode Susan Harris give us some tips about sleep in the ag population! She was the previous Nebraska Extension Rural Health Wellness & Safety Educator. Susan has done amazing work in regards to researching and supporting the value of sleep in the agricultural population.
Thank you, Montana Department of Ag for supporting our holistic mental health series!
On this episode of Cutting Fences I am joined by Jenny Gilbert, owner of Go Rope Clothing Co. Story from website below.
"In 2008, while heading steers at a local jackpot, my father’s horse stumbled and fell with him during a run, resulting in a severe, traumatic brain injury. Defying the doctor’s predictions, he survived and began the painstakingly slow road to recovery with one goal in mind – to rope again.
I encourage each of you to never take your God given abilities and life’s opportunities for granted. God didn’t create us to be spectators. Live boldly. Pursue your passion. Count your blessings.
You never know when you might back in the box to run your last steer. To that I say, “Life is short. Go Rope.”"
~Jenny Gilbert
https://www.goropeclothing.com/pages/our-story
This podcast features Jennifer Dunn, LMFT-Rural Health Agent for Georgia Extension. She talks about some of the programs and approaches that she has taken to address Ag Mental Health in her state. Thank you for your work, Jennifer!
Join Carey Portell and I on this inspiring episode as she shares the story of her and her daughters getting hit by a drunk driver. She shares about the challenges, the equipment, and most importantly she shares how keeping a positive outlook has been the driving force of all of the gains she has made. Carey is also the Communications Specialist for AgriSafe and talks about all of the amazing things this organization is doing for the Ag world. Thank you, Carey!
Join us on this episode with Michelle and Alison from MSU Extension. On this episode they tell us about their research and how they are working to help farmers and ranchers throughout MT be physically, socially, and emotionally well.
MSU Extension Stress Management Resources Clearinghouse Link:
https://msuextension.org/wellness/stress-management/mt_farm_stress_clearing_house/
On this episode Jess and Glen join me to talk about the safeTALK training being put on in partnership with the Montana Department of Agriculture, Montana Food and Agriculture Development Network, Headwaters RC & D, and the Small Business Development Center. This training will be offered to help others gain knowledge and experience talking about suicide within their communities, in the effort of decreasing the number of suicides within our state and the agricultural population. Thank you Jess and Glen!
On this episode, Cutting Fences sits down with Candice Griffith, Montana Army National Guard Veteran. She shares her experiences and perspectives giving hope to others.
On this episode I interview David Nordel, who served in the Air Force for 30 years and is now a best selling author. Dave shares stories about life, leadership, farming, mental health, and his time in service.
On this episode Cutting Fences has the pleasure of talking to Theresa Whitlock-Wild, Co-Founder of Matt's Place Foundation. A nonprofit foundation providing hope and housing for families ALS. Visit the link to learn more about this amazing organization.
https://www.mattsplacefoundation.org
The Cutting Fences Podcast is celebrating one year since our very first episode release. Our first episode ever released feature DuWayne Wilson. Today, a year later, we welcome back DuWayne as he tells his stories of getting a Life Lyfts by Life Essentials lift and several other advancements towards accessibility. Thank you, Montana Vocational Rehab and Life Lyfts by Life Essentials!
On this episode Brody Grebe (Born and raised ranch kid and Montana State Bobcat Football player) tells the story of his stepmother, Ricki Grebe, and her journey of battling back from a 4 wheeler accident resulting in a Traumatic Brain Injury. Thank you Brody for your courage to tell this story! Ricki, your strength inspires me!
In this episode you will hear the perspective of Carla Wilhite, Program Director of the OT program at Colorado Mesa University and highly experienced OT working in Agriculture. Learn about the lives she has changed and the research she has done. Thank you, Carla for doing what you do!
This episode I am joined by Danique Masingill, Co-Founder and President of Leashes of Valor. Please visit the link below to learn more about this amazing organization!
https://leashesofvalor.org
I am joined today with Jason Medows the host of the Ag State of Mind podcast. His podcast strives to eliminate the stigma of mental health within the agricultural population. Cutting Fences is honored to host Jason and share his perspectives on all things mental health and how to live a fulfilling life. Enjoy!
Tune in to this amazing interview with Lynne Hinrichsen from the nonprofit Farm Rescue.
"The mission of Farm Rescue is to help family farms and ranches bridge crises so they have an opportunity to continue viable operations. Farm Rescue provides planting, haying, harvesting and livestock feeding assistance to farm and ranch families that have experienced a major injury, illness or natural disaster. We have assisted over 800 farm and ranch families since our inception in 2005!"
-farmrescue.org
Happy OT Month one last time as April comes to a close. I have today another Rocky Mountain College OTD research group. This group is taking a strengths-based approach to mental well-being in rural Montana. If you are interested in completing their rural survey, please reach out and I will connect you.
April is OT Month. In this episode join Cutting Fences in celebrating the research that the RMC OTD students are conducting to better serve rural populations of our state and area through the lens of occupational therapy.
Tune in to this episode featuring the founder/executive director of Rascal Rodeo, Ann-Erica. Joining her is Rascal Rodeo volunteer and professional steer wrestler, Jesse Brown.
To learn more about Rascal Rodeo visit the link below.
https://www.rascalrodeo.org
In this episode Rick shares his story about his journey through both a brain injury and Guillain-Barre Syndrome. Rick's story is not only inspiring but is a great reminder that just because disabilities or injuries aren't always visible does not mean there aren't there.
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month!
On this week's episode I had the lovely opportunity to host Sylvia! an OT, business owner, and international activational speaker. Sylvia shares her incredible knowledge and experience of managing chronic stress and the difference it can make on an individuals health and wellness. You do not want to miss this episode! It will leave you ready to conquer the day with all the intentions that YOU set for yourself and your life.
Part 2 of David Henry's amazing story from last week. In this episode he focuses on his mental health journey.
In this episode you will hear the inspiring story of "Crazy Canuck Dave". This story is filled with instances of inspiration, perseverance, and the ability to admit to not being okay and getting help. This episode is part 1 and features the physical challenges faced by Dave.
This episode features the mother/daughter duo of DeeDe Baker and Kati Grove. They head the non-profit, Dog Tag Buddies. Their non-profit is a program centered around bringing quality of life and healing to veterans through training service dogs. They are also very active in suicide awareness and prevention in the state of MT and provide individuals all throughout the state with the opportunity to become QPR certified.
Culbertson, Montana rancher, Cody Steppler, tells his story of beating the odds every day following a 4 Wheeler accident.
Seasons greetings and love to all of my listeners. The first 11 episodes make up season 1 of the Cutting Fences Podcast! See you all in the new year! Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!
Please join Kathleen Smith, CEO of Life Essentials, and I on this episode of Cutting Fences. Kathy tells her story of taking over Life Essentials and the opportunities that she has seen her lifts and adaptive equipment bring to individuals in the agricultural community with disabilities. She tells real-life stories of farmers and ranchers using adaptive equipment to continuing living the agricultural lifestyle functionally and successfully. If you or someone you know could benefit from a Life Essentials lift please feel free to contact me.
You won't want to miss this inspiring story! On this episode Cutting Fences interviews Veteran, Justin Roudebush, telling his story of transitioning from serving in the Marine Corps back to the farm and how his service dog changed his life during his journey of battling PTSD. This story will change lives. Justin's dog Tango was given to him from the non-profit Leashes of Valor. Visit leashesofvalor.org to learn more.
Tune in to hear podcast guest, Gregg Lohman, tell the story of his life-changing accident and overcoming all the challenges it brought to his path. Gregg is back on stage playing the drums for Easton Corbin now and continues to tell his amazing story, not to bring the spotlight to himself but rather to help others get through the trials that life brings them.
On this episode you will find the short and snappy meaning behind the name and logo of Cutting Fences LLC & Podcast.
An amazing story told by an incredibly strong ranch woman, her husband, and son. This podcast captures the difficulties of having a stroke in a rural area but highlights the strength and resilience it takes to power through the toughest of times.
Enjoy this episode featuring Amanda Radke. Amanda is an amazing advocate for the agricultural industry. She is a BEEF Daily blogger, children's book author/publisher, and South Dakota rancher, and western boutique owner.
My first solo episode! On this episode of Cutting Fences I tell the story of how this incredbile journey began. Thank you all for your support and making this all possible!
Enjoy the wise words of a veteran farmer who continues to serve, each day making the world a little better place for veteran heroes across the state of Montana.
Tune into this incredibly kind hearted, Chouteau County, farm girl's story of how she has transformed heartache into healing. To learn more about Darla's movement to reduce suicide within the agricultural community check out askinearnest.org.
The story of a tough Eastern Montana rancher and his resilience to continue living the agricultural dream following a tragic wagon accident.