In this episode of Emotion Well, we talk with Nick Krehbiel from Agri-Prime Consulting (https://www.agriprimeconsulting.com/). 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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-krehbiel-2864b758/)Agri-Prime Consulting (https://www.agriprimeconsulting.com/)Learn more about our DiSC training: Understanding Yourself and Others: A DiSC-Based Approach to Communication (https://efr.org/training-course/disc/)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 (https://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 (https://happyathomeconsulting.com/), 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/ (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/ (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 for Youth Suicide PreventionRead more on our blog:Suicide Prevention in the Workplace: What Employers Need to KnowAsking Hard Questions: Suicide Prevention (https://efr.org/blog/suicide-prevention/)You may be interested in our other podcasts:What Zac Knew (https://efr.org/podcast/what-zac-knew/)What Andy Taught Us (https://efr.org/podcast/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 (https://www.melodyvachal.com/), or on her LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/melody-vachal-ccc-slp-mchwc-638ab7177/) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/risewithMelodyVachal) pages. Click here to learn more about or purchase her book, Still, I Rise (https://www.melodyvachal.com/book).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 (https://employeeandfamilyresources.monday.com/boards/884237579/pulses/9595930588/posts/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 (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61572471555719) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/tlgjohnston) pages and visit their website here (https://www.thelittlegym.com/iowa-johnston/) 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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberley-jackman-firefly-wellness/)Learn more about Firefly Wellness (https://www.fireflywellness.us/)Follow Firefly Wellness on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/fireflywellness.us/)

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 (https://angryattherightthings.podbean.com/)! Donate (https://employeeandfamilyresources-bloom.kindful.com/)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 (https://jonesloflin.com/)!Email (jones@jonesloflin.com)Jones!Donate (https://employeeandfamilyresources-bloom.kindful.com/)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 (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ehlers-danlos-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20362125)Learn more about MALS (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/median-arcuate-ligament-syndrome-mals/symptoms-causes/syc-20505001)Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Facebook Group (Ehlers%20Danlos%20Syndrome%20-%20Des%20Moines%20Iowa)Learn more about Norma-H (http://www.norma-h.com/)

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 (http://www.petersonholistic.com)Learn more bout Norma-H: www.norma-h.com (http://www.norma-h.com)Connect on Facebook: www.facebook.com/normah.healthyliving (http://www.facebook.com/normah.healthyliving)Connect on Instagram: www.instagram.com/normah.healthyliving (http://www.facebook.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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/johanna-dunlevy-39ba8842/)Check out Johanna's favorite podcasts:Armchair Expert (https://armchairexpertpod.com/pods)Divorce Survival Guide (https://kateanthony.com/podcast/)Serial (https://serialpodcast.org/season-one/about)(Season One)Help EFR accomplish its mission by donating (https://employeeandfamilyresources-bloom.kindful.com/)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/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/wpcreative/)Take a stress assessment: https://wpcreativewellness.com/stress-quizzes (https://wpcreativewellness.com/stress-quizzes)Donate to EFR! https://efr.org/who-we-are/how-you-can-help/ (https://efr.org/who-we-are/how-you-can-help/)

Join us for a conversation with Tammy Hoyman, CEO of Employee & Family Resources (EFR), as she takes us through the incredible journey of EFR— from its start in 1964 as the Iowa affiliate of the National Council on Alcoholism, to establishing Iowa's first EAP, through its expansion today. With over 25 years at EFR and serving as CEO since 2009, Tammy provides insights into the growth of our EAP, SAP, and SAS programs and offers her perspective on the changing landscape of mental healthcare in workplaces, schools, and communities.Learn more about our 60th Anniversary Event (https://secure.qgiv.com/event/efr/) on October 10, 2024.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 (https://mevpmdd.com/)the app to track PMDD!Take the PMDD quiz (https://iapmd.org/self-screen).Read Meredith's blog (https://www.yourethos.com/whats-new/reimagine-reboarding-for-new-parents/)about post-partum reboarding for parents!Connect (https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-gallivan/)with Meredith on LinkedIn.Join the Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/groups/iapmd/)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 (https://1strespondercoaching.org/)Explore the First Responder Coaching Retreat (https://1strespondercoaching.org/coaching-your-growth/coaching-your-growth-registration/?utm_source=First+Responder+Coaching&utm_campaign=912419a00a-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2024_07_22_03_15_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-832fb320bd-%5BLIST_EMAIL_ID%5D)Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-anderson-752773142/)!

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 (https://mary-mccarthy.com/)Mary's Podcast (https://mary-mccarthy.com/podcast/)Mary's YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXc99nDeJW1wiySVYSAs3Zg/videos?view_as=subscriber)Yoga with Adriene (https://www.youtube.com/user/yogawithadriene)Alternate nostril breathing (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VwufJrUhic)

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 CounselorsLearn more about EAP CounselingLearn more about EFR's Outpatient Counseling ServicesAmericans 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 (https://www.amazon.com/Raising-Good-Humans-Parenting-Confident/dp/1684033888)Whole Brain Child (https://www.amazon.com/Whole-Brain-Child-Revolutionary-Strategies-Developing/dp/0553386697/ref=sr_1_1?crid=6W0HHIMN8ON5&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.yY32tNjfX0fgP4Ww5DSgQ4PoYFayS-3FJKGVUvgcUJ1kzBL4VD-9GJ5xZQAMXyovNE8mVaz74cZO2CnrgFFyT5U83SPEivBx3zJrIjxIoPr_dvv5R6Ud8PxRTF0DgT-qxmQpICFcYT_DZ_GMXa2kv_q1iKQR7grGPDvgvC_4S_DZ9DRoNtqBIsEE3By4lkT54brlLP7MfA5JpKeBe_30l_DiaoU-Tf-N5gB2j7qG8OU.ioiFbEDVVrQSdAeZtrYdYMT_R5NJmHHZJv7FrOKXiUM&dib_tag=se&keywords=whole+brain+child&qid=1712685567&s=books&sprefix=whole+brain%2Cstripbooks%2C92&sr=1-1)Year of Yes (https://www.amazon.com/Year-Yes-Dance-Stand-Person-ebook/dp/B00YTG3C0G/ref=sr_1_1?crid=QDH51SX3IO4O&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.eQs3x4A-4XaHAQO4KiENGUomDrYlQsq9_dZrIZhUqNFLP9tH2914GCtuEX-stjDPhz2yDpDG--6uhDP46oeMHlgWhZM2fGbGSAQ_UFQLnXBKGWuSfn8daF7WzQki-WFNwctsZeeeTPipmBGbItNFgVUkLwRBmxs6-NJTTRP4BzSZjAQzj3Hi2AATOIhzoMwov6AVHen1vLVxBYJxeFu5LXdgBwvWxOqkGBe7Q5hRYM0.kMPTrCGmJZN6aGXtSye59kUFze6DRaunWqZSKmghViE&dib_tag=se&keywords=year+of+yes&qid=1712685595&s=digital-text&sprefix=year+of+ye%2Cdigital-text%2C88&sr=1-1)

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 (https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-lenz-51b78a6b/)!