Improve your resilience and readiness in a rapidly changing world. Jessica Beckendorf and Bob Bertsch host this exploration of personal and collective practices that empower us to work together to help each other, our families, and our communities improve our resilience and readiness.
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Bob Bertsch Podcasts
This podcast, hosted by Bob Bertsch, is a discussion of how Cooperative Extension professionals can work differently to be more effective in the new communications environment. Duration: about 30 minutes Updated: every other Thursday, approx. 3 p.m. (CT) The WDiE theme music is "Noone's Acid", https://www.jamendo.com/en/artist/337331/...and-nobody-cared, by ...and nobody cared. We use it under a Creative Commons license.
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Tune in to FinFactor as we dive into the evolving role of today’s CFO. Each episode features experienced finance leaders and industry experts who share practical insights on emerging technology, financial strategy, and the future of the Office of the CFO. Hosted by Blaine Bertsch, we explore the evolving responsibilities of finance leaders—from adopting automation and AI to navigating today’s complex financial environment and leading digital transformation initiatives. Guests share firsthand ...
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3 Simple Ways to Find Gratitude in Tough Moments
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10:04Send us a text Ever find yourself juggling tough projects or caring for others while your own energy dips? In this episode, discover three practical gratitude habits you can use to find steadiness and clarity - no matter what your day brings. This week on Practicing Connection, Jessica and Coral move past “feel-good” gratitude to share three real-w…
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Fuel your Day with Savoring: The “Catching Joy” Practice
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13:27Send us a text If you feel like your emotional 'gas tank' is running empty, this episode is for you. We're diving into savoring - an intentional, evidence-based skill for actively amplifying the joy and positive feelings that are already there. We'll share the Catching Joy practice, showing you how to capture that positive energy and use it for ren…
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Azat Ospanov | Is the Best ERP the One You Already Have? CFO Insights on Smart Tech Decisions
34:35
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34:35When is the right time to replace your ERP—and when is the smarter move to optimize what you already have? In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch (CEO of Dryrun Cash Flow Forecasting Software) sits down with Azat Ospanov, founder of Oscorp, to explore the hidden costs, risks, and realities behind ERP implementation. They discuss why many fina…
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Reconnecting with Wonder to Spark Creativity
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13:09Send us a text When the complexity of your work leads to burnout and tunnel vision, where do you find the energy to create solutions? Today, we're exploring the science of awe - that powerful feeling we experience in the presence of something vast. We'll share simple, evidence-based practices for weaving micro-moments of wonder into your busiest da…
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Ending the Day Strong: A 5-minute Daily Reset
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18:54Send us a text Feeling stretched thin? Try this simple 5-minute daily practice to get yourself untangled and take small steps to move out of overwhelm, help you notice what fuels you, and set you up for a calmer tomorrow. In this episode of the Practicing Connection podcast, Coral and Jessica discuss how to combat overwhelm through a quick, consist…
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Planting Seeds: 3 Minute Connections That Transform Your Relationships
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8:24Send us a text What if three minutes a day could transform your relationships- and your whole sense of connection? Discover how tiny, intentional gestures can spark big ripples across your community. In this episode of the Practicing Connection podcast, Jessica and Coral spotlight the overlooked power of small, intentional outreach. Inspired by the…
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Send us a text How do teams build real momentum and commitment together? Discover how small shifts - like rotating leadership and showing authentic presence - can spark engagement and creativity in group projects. In this episode of the Practicing Connection podcast, Coral and Jessica take a real-life approach to cultivating an engaged attitude - e…
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Shifting from “Should” to “Get To” for Renewed Energy at Work
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9:24Send us a text What powers you at work: pressure or purpose? This episode gives you one simple language hack to turn daily obligations into energizing opportunities. In this episode of the Practicing Connection podcast, Jessica and Coral explore the powerful impact of language on motivation and energy at work. Building on last episode's Motivation …
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Take Charge: Small Shifts to Grow Your Autonomy
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11:28Send us a text If you’ve ever wanted more ownership in your work or home life, this episode is for you. We’ll walk through a quick autonomy audit - a simple way to discover and grow your personal agency, starting today. In this episode of Practicing Connection, Coral and Jessica dive into what it means to be a “manager of one” - someone who brings …
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Send us a text When was the last time work truly energized you? Today, discover how to pinpoint what’s fueling you and learn practical ways to reconnect with your deepest motivators - so your work supports both your goals and your values. In this episode of the Practicing Connection podcast, Jessica and Coral reveal how you can use the Motivation M…
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Scaling Your Skills: Feedback & Mentorship That Works
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9:25Send us a text Feedback and mentorship aren’t just buzzwords - they’re the shortcuts to better skills, stronger confidence, and real momentum. Discover a simple, practical approach that makes getting feedback and finding a mentor less intimidating - and highly actionable! In this episode of the Practicing Connection podcast, Jessica and Coral dig i…
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Don’t Keep It to Yourself! Creating a Culture of Shared Learning
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12:18Send us a text What if the fastest way to master any skill was to teach it to someone else? This episode reveals how sharing your learning not only helps others – it solidifies your own growth, strengthens your team, and can transform your workplace culture. Are you holding on to valuable insights, or passing them along? In this special round-up ep…
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Mastering the 13-Week Cashflow Forecast: CFO Insights with Ken Lacroix
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25:12In this episode of FinFactor, host Blaine Bertsch sits down with finance leader Ken Lacroix to explore why the 13-week cashflow forecast is one of the most powerful yet overlooked tools in business finance. They discuss the challenges companies face when setting up accurate forecasts, the shift in mindset required to move from profit and loss to tr…
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5 Strategies for Integrating New Skills into Daily Practice
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10:56Send us a text Are you ready to move from “learning” into doing ? Today we're sharing 5 strategies that can help you integrate new skills into your daily practice, to reduce that overwhelm and remember what you've learned. Co-hosts Jessica and Coral are here to show us how to keep that momentum going, so those skills don't just stay in a notebook, …
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Sell-Side M&A Readiness: Clean Financials, Better Valuations: Jarome McKenzie
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47:22Blaine Bertsch welcomes Jarome McKenzie, fractional CFO and founder of Arrowhead Strategy Group, to break down how clean, investor-ready financials can make or break a sell-side M&A deal. Jarome shares real stories—including a seller who improved EBITDA from $500K to $911K and exited for $5.7M, and another who discovered $750K in taxes paid on phan…
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From Outreach to Impact: Extension’s Role with Military-Connected Communities. With Rachel Brauner and Karrie Calloway
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30:40Send us a text This episode of Practicing Connection explores the incredible bridge-building work happening in Texas with guest Karrie Calloway - military liaison, educator, chef, and advocate - who doesn’t just connect resources, but transforms lives. Join host Jessica Beckendorf and guest co-host Rachel Brauner for a compelling conversation today…
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Unlocking ESOP Success: Employee Ownership, Business Growth & Legacy Planning
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24:51In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Matt Middendorp to break down the world of Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs). They explore how ESOPs impact company valuation, employee engagement, and long-term business legacy, while highlighting both the benefits and challenges of implementation. From feasibility studies and valuat…
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From Networking to Meaningful Connections: Learning Together
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6:38Send us a text Professional development isn’t just about the content - it’s about the people. Whether it’s a quick follow-up question, a shared takeaway, or an invitation to debrief, connecting with others during a learning event can spark fresh ideas, deepen your understanding, and expand your network in a meaningful way. In this episode of the Pr…
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Military Kids and Public Schools: Finding Common Ground Together. With Mark Paolicelli and Dulce Carrillo
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41:01Send us a text When a redistricting proposal put military children’s routines at risk, two communities came together, transforming crisis into collaboration. Discover how a proactive partnership made all the difference. Jessica Beckendorf welcomes Mark Paolicelli (former Deputy Base Commander for joint base Meyer-Henderson Hall) and Dulce Carrillo …
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Turn Learning into Action with "Spark, Shift, Share" Notetaking
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9:08Send us a text Do you ever sit through a workshop, scribble endless notes, and then never look at them again? Discover a notetaking method that helps you capture what matters - and actually use it. Get ready to spark ideas, shift your mindset, and share your growth with others! In this episode of the Practicing Connection podcast, Jessica and Coral…
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Meaningful Growth: How to Make the Most Out of Every Learning Opportunity
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10:37Send us a text Are you tired of leaving conferences or trainings feeling overloaded - like you missed what mattered most? Today, we reveal a simple, powerful practice that can turn every professional development opportunity into meaningful, actionable growth. Get ready to take charge of your learning with intention! In this episode of the Practicin…
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The Mid-Year Check-In: Reflect, Recalibrate, Recommit
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10:23Send us a text Are you moving through the year on autopilot, or making the most of your intentions? Take a purposeful pause with us with this guided mid-year check-in designed to help you reflect on the year’s journey so far, realign your goals, and reset your intentions for a thriving second half of the year. In this episode of Practicing Connecti…
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Easy Priority Setting with the Wheel of Life
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14:24Send us a text Coming out of summer vacation? The Wheel of Life helps you find your focus and structure again, and sort through the to-do list! In this replay episode of Practicing Connection, originally published in January, 2025, hosts Coral Owen and Jessica Beckendorf introduce the Wheel of Life as a simple tool to help set priorities and find b…
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Partnering on Early Education for Military Kids
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37:57Send us a text The collaboration you'll hear about in this episode not only filled a critical gap for military families, but also strengthened the bonds between the base and the local community. In this replay episode, originally published in July, 2024, co-hosts Bob Bertsch and Jessica Beckendorf talk with Lisa Sapp and James Yracheta about a coll…
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Improve Your Feedback with Gratitude and Vulnerability
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15:00Send us a text Feedback, when it's done well, can energize, motivate and strengthen our relationships - whether at work, at home, or in our communities. But it's not always easy. In this replay episode from early 2024, hosts Bob Bertsch and Jessica Beckendorf explore the nuances of giving and receiving feedback, to make feedback less stressful and …
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The Expanding Role of the Modern CFO with Paul Barnhurst | AI, Strategy & Financial Leadership
24:22
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24:22In this episode of FinFactor, host Blaine Bertsch sits down with Paul Barnhurst to dive into the rapidly expanding role of the CFO. Once defined by financial analysis, cash flow management, and forecasting, today’s CFO is now a strategic operator, taking on responsibilities that stretch far beyond traditional finance. From overseeing operations and…
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The Power of Care: Building Trust That Lasts
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13:24Send us a text What if the most powerful way to build trust was also the simplest: showing genuine care for others’ concerns and interests? This week, we’ll share two easy practices you can use right away to make care the foundation of every relationship. In this episode of Practicing Connection, Coral and Jessica explore the fourth distinction of …
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The Hidden Costs and Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing an ERP System | FinFactor with Bob Light
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29:09In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Bob Light to uncover the biggest mistakes companies make when selecting and implementing an ERP system. ERP software decisions can make or break a business—yet too often, leaders rush into adoption without fully understanding their internal processes, pain points, and long-term needs. Bob …
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Clarify Your Capabilities: Building Trust Through Competence
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9:49Send us a text Did you know that trust isn’t just about what you can do, but also about how honest you are about your limits? This week, we’ll share a simple practice to help you build trust through clarity, confidence, and communication. In this episode of Practicing Connection, Jessica and Coral explore how competence, one of the four key distinc…
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Mastering Multi-Entity Accounting and Consolidation | FinFactor with Ben Taylor, CEO of SoftLedger
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23:43In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Ben Taylor, CEO of SoftLedger, to explore one of the biggest challenges facing finance leaders today—multi-entity accounting. As businesses scale and expand across multiple subsidiaries, divisions, or global operations, outdated accounting systems and manual spreadsheets can’t keep up. The…
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Reliability in Action: Why Clear Requests Matter
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9:51Send us a text Have you ever felt let down by someone who didn’t follow through - or realized you misunderstood what was asked of you? This episode reveals why reliability starts with clear requests, and how a few mindful tweaks to your communication can build trust and prevent frustration. In this episode of Practicing Connection, Coral and Jessic…
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Navigating Data Challenges in Finance with Scott Hollrah | ERP Integration, Automation & Data Governance
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27:15Navigating Data Challenges in Finance with Scott Hollrah | ERP Integration, Automation & Data Governance In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Scott Hollrah, CEO of Venn Technology, to tackle one of the toughest issues facing finance leaders today: fragmented financial data. As organizations juggle multiple systems—ERP softwar…
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Send us a text Ever left a conversation wishing you’d said what you really meant? This week, we’ll show you a simple practice to help you notice - and close - the gap between your true thoughts and your spoken words, so you can build trust through greater sincerity. In this episode of Practicing Connection, Jessica and Coral dive into one of the fo…
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The Power of Clean Financial Data for Smarter Decisions | FinFactor with Greg McDonough of Blackburn Capital
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23:03In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch welcomes Greg McDonough, Managing Partner at Blackburn Capital and seasoned financial coach, to discuss why clean, consistent financial data is the cornerstone of smarter business decisions and long-term resilience. Greg highlights how too many entrepreneurs still lean on gut instinct instead of reliable…
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Trust as a Practice: Lessons from the Experts, with Charles Feltman and Ila Edgar
35:27
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35:27Send us a text What if trust wasn’t just a feeling, but a set of skills you could build, repair, and strengthen - on purpose? In this special episode of Practicing Connection, hosts Jessica Beckendorf and Coral Owen sit down with Charles Feltman, author of The Thin Book of Trust, and Ila Edgar, founder of Big Change Inc. and co-hosts of the Trust o…
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Plan With Purpose: The POP Framework for Effective Meetings
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13:16Send us a text What if every meeting you planned had a clear purpose, a focused outcome, and left everyone energized instead of drained? Today, we’ll show you a simple framework to make every gathering count. Tired of meetings that go nowhere? In this episode of the Practicing Connection podcast, Coral and Jessica reveal how the POP (Purpose, Outco…
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Planning for Possibilities: A Perspective-Shifting Practice
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9:46Send us a text What if you could quiet the ‘what-ifs’ and help your team face tough decisions with clarity and confidence? Today, we’re sharing a simple scenario planning practice that brings perspective to uncertainty-so you can plan for whatever comes next. Coral and Jessica introduce a practical scenario planning tool: Best, Worst, Most Likely C…
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Send us a text Are you feeling stuck in an either/or mindset during challenging transitions? Discover how both/and thinking can help you lead with flexibility and compassion. In today's practice, Coral guides us through a transformative action that can bring more connection and possibility into your daily life. Co-hosts Jessica and Coral explore th…
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Build Team Cohesion with "Hippopotamus Days"
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10:23Send us a text What if a single phrase could transform your team’s understanding and support for each other on tough days? Discover how “Hippopotamus Days” can build connection, understanding, and trust - one inside joke at a time. Building team cohesion isn’t just about big events or trust falls - it’s about the small moments of understanding that…
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Modernizing Lease Management and Compliance | FinFactor with Greg Kautz on ASC 842, IFRS 16, and CFO Best Practices
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17:57In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch sits down with Greg Kautz, a recognized expert in lease accounting, to break down the complexities of modern lease management and evolving regulatory compliance. With accounting standards like ASC 842 and IFRS 16 reshaping how organizations manage leases, CFOs and finance leaders face new challenges when…
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Temperature Checks for Change: Staying Grounded Through Uncertainty
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9:53Send us a text When change is the only constant, how do you keep yourself - and your team - grounded and connected? In this episode, we explore simple, powerful check-in practices that help leaders and teams navigate uncertainty with empathy, awareness, and trust. Transitions and uncertainty are part of every leader’s journey. In this episode of Pr…
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Leading Through Change: How to Stay Aligned and Present
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6:08Send us a text Are you leading your team the way you truly want to? Or just reacting to the pressures of the moment? Discover how a simple reflection can help you align your intentions with your actions and become the emotionally intelligent leader your team needs. How we show up as leaders shapes our team’s experience, trust, and success. In this …
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FX, AI, and the Future of Payments | FinFactor with Adam Katz on Fintech, Blockchain, and CFO Strategy
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25:08In this episode of FinFactor, Blaine Bertsch welcomes Adam Katz for an in-depth conversation about the rapidly changing world of foreign exchange (FX), B2B payments, and the fintech revolution. CFOs today face mounting challenges in payment processing, including hidden FX fees, transaction inefficiencies, complex compliance demands, and the pressur…
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Adventure-Ready: Strengthening Military Families Through Teen Camps
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41:14Send us a text Looking for a way to empower military families while fostering resilience and connection? Join us as we explore the transformative Military Teen Adventure Camps, where service member parents and teens bond through adrenaline-pumping activities like ziplining, whitewater rafting, and rock climbing. Discover how these camps are creatin…
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A Compass for Building Compassion Resilience
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10:09Send us a text Today's practice is such a simple reflection, but is also really powerful and eye-opening when you notice those areas where you are feeling fatigue, and can identify what to do about it. Coral joins Jessica in this episode to conclude our three-part series on compassion resilience, by discussing the Compass Model for Wellness. Jessic…
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Policy, Practice, and Compassion in Mental Health, with Dr. Keita Franklin
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35:32Send us a text How can policymakers and frontline providers collaborate to transform mental health care for service members and veterans? Dr. Keita Franklin is here to share 25 years of insights - from data-driven policy to personal resilience practices. National policy leader Dr. Keita Franklin joins host Jessica Beckendorf and special guest co-ho…
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Say Yes to Yourself: Build Compassion Resilience with Healthy Boundaries
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8:18Send us a text Struggling to balance caring for others with caring for yourself? In this episode of Practicing Connection, we explore how setting compassionate boundaries can help you maintain your well-being while supporting military families effectively. In the second installment of our compassion resilience series, Jessica delves into the art of…
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Send us a text Do you sometimes feel drained by the emotional demands of your work? In this episode of Practicing Connection, we explore compassion resilience - the ability to care deeply while protecting your own well-being. Learn what it is, why it matters, and a simple practice to start building it today. Service providers often face emotionally…
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More than a Meal: Building Community and Resilience, with Chef Mary Long
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41:38Send us a text Do you ever wonder how a kitchen can become a hub for resilience and connection? In this episode of Practicing Connection, Jessica is joined by special co-host Bethany Daugherty, who both sit down with Chef Mary Long, a culinary expert and instructor at the U.S. Army North Vogel Resiliency Center in San Antonio, Texas. Discover how h…
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Send us a text Do you ever struggle to stick to your goals? Discover the WOOP method, a powerful tool that uses obstacles as stepping stones to success. Discover WOOP, a science-backed goal-setting practice that helps you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals. Learn how to apply this simple yet powerful tool to transform your habits and improve…
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