This episode is sponsored by our friends at @agproworkwear. Be sure to check them out at http://www.agproworkwear.com

In this episode of The Rural Well, Bridgette and Lauren dive into the complex and often emotional topic of boundaries in farm life—and not just the kind made of fences and stone walls. From multi-generational family farms to community and church commitments, they explore why setting clear limits isn’t about being harsh or distant—it’s about creating space for growth, respect, and mental wellness.

Lauren shares personal stories and counselling insights on how boundaries help others become more resourceful, prevent resentment, and protect relationships. We also discuss how to respond when lines are crossed, how to communicate needs with courage and curiosity, and why unspoken frustrations can lead to “emotional barfing” if left unchecked. A memorable quote from Brené Brown ties it all together:

• “Daring to set boundaries is about having the courage to love ourselves, even when we risk disappointing others.”

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The episode closes on a moving and hopeful note, as Lauren reflects on finding joy in small, unseen acts—reminding listeners that boundaries and compassion can coexist beautifully on and off the farm.

Key Themes:

• Setting emotional and relational boundaries in family farming

• Preventing burnout and resentment through healthy communication
• The courage to say no and protect personal well-being
• Learning from multi-generational dynamics
• Finding joy and meaning in everyday acts of service

Links and Resources:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠- National Farmer Mental Health Alliance

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane Media

Facebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

This episode is sponsored by our friends at @agproworkwear. Be sure to check them out at http://www.agproworkwear.com

When conflict hits close to home — whether it’s in the barnyard, the boardroom, or around the family table — it can feel personal and painful.

In this episode of The Rural Well, Bridget and Lauren open up about what it means to feel attacked, exploring how old wounds, sarcasm, and control dynamics show up in rural life and multigenerational farm families.

We talk practical wisdom, recognizing boundaries, changing harmful patterns, and reclaiming peace — without losing heart or heritage.

• Lauren shares a personal high school bullying story — and how it shaped her understanding of conflict.

• Bridgette and Lauren unpack “adult bullying” in farm settings — from land deals to family disagreements.

• How to tell the difference between conflict (shared goals) and boundaries (self-protection).

• Why sarcasm can be a “safe” way of hurting others — and how to stop using it.

• The family scapegoat dynamic: what it is, how it forms, and how to break it.

• A reminder that bullying isn’t a “rite of passage” — it’s a learned behavior we can unlearn.

• A lighthearted closing question: If you could send your income tax dollars anywhere, where would they go? (Spoiler: Convoy of Hope, FFA, Compassion Canada, and Farm Rescue all get some love.)

  
  

Links and Resources:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠- National Farmer Mental Health Alliance

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane Media

Facebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

This episode is sponsored by our friends at @agproworkwear (Advertisement at 1:58). Be sure to check them out at http://www.agproworkwear.com

In this episode, Bridgette and Lauren sit down with Ashley Nicolls, founder of Reach Agriculture Strategies, to explore how better communication and organizational health can transform farms and rural life.

Ashley shares how his concept of “low-stress people handling”—inspired by low-stress livestock handling—helps reduce turnover, improve workplace culture, and support mental health in agriculture. From tackling the loneliness epidemic to guiding families through succession planning, he emphasizes that strong relationships and clear communication are just as vital as financial planning.

The conversation also touches on men’s mental health in ag, building community through simple gatherings, and why effective teamwork benefits both people and livestock.

Takeaway: Success in agriculture isn’t just about running it like a business—it’s about recognizing that it is a business, powered by people who thrive when communication and connection come first

Shifting Gears Segment:

We also discuss the quote: “The history of the land is etched in the faces of the farmers who till it.” We explore how joy, pride, hardship, and generational legacy leave visible marks—just like the rings of a tree.

Fun Wrap-Up:

If we could take any job for one month, Bridgette would be Minnie Mouse at Disney World, Lauren dreams of working on a research vessel, and Ashley would pack on horses into the mountains.

Connect with Ashley:

https://reachag.ca/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-nicholls-08a003134/

📸 Instagram: @reachagstrategies

Links and Resources:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠- National Farmer Mental Health Alliance

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane Media

Facebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Twitter -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TikTok -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

In this episode, we explore the powerful idea that while women can do it all, they don’t have to. From "Rosie the Riveter" to today’s rural realities, we unpack how historical messages of resilience have quietly become expectations that leave women juggling careers, caregiving, and community roles, often at the expense of their own well-being.

Our conversation highlights the mental health toll, especially post-COVID, when rural women experienced the steepest declines in wellness. We want to stress the importance of shifting from guilt and criticism to encouragement and support, reminding us that “you are enough, and your choices are okay.” Whether pursuing careers, raising families, or balancing both, women thrive when they are cheered on instead of judged.

We also continue our “Catch a Phrase” reflection segment, and of course we want to reinforce our core message: That doing it all is not the standard — joy, balance, and support are.

Links and Resources:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠- National Farmer Mental Health Alliance

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane Media

Facebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

Welcome to The Rural Well!
*Sensitive content warning*

In today’s powerful and heartfelt episode, hosts Bridget and Lauren dive into a conversation that blends the proud heritage of farming with the complexities of mental health. They sit down with Dr. Ryan Burkhart — a farm kid turned mental health leader — who shares his journey from rural Indiana to Colorado, where he now serves as Dean of Counseling at Colorado Christian University.

Ryan opens up about choosing a path away from the family farm, his reflections on faith, resilience, the epidemic of loneliness, and how rural communities can build meaningful connections. Together, they explore how farming values shape compassion, community support, and personal growth — even amid life’s deepest challenges.

The episode also highlights the inspiring work of the Travis Burkhart Foundation, created by Ryan’s family after his brother Travis survived a life-altering brain injury. Their story of turning personal tragedy into community support is one of resilience, faith, and hope.

This candid, thoughtful conversation reminds us all: while rural life has its hardships, it also holds deep strength, connection, and purpose.

- https://www.travisburkhartfoundation.com/

- https://www.ccu.edu/spotlights/faculty/rburkhart/

Links and Resources:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane Media

Facebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Twitter -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TikTok -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

In this episode, we have the privilege of talking with Brett Gardiner, the most awarded western sports announcer in Canadian history.

As the thirteen-time and reigning Canadian Pro Rodeo Announcer of the Year, Gardiner has educated and entertained audiences all across North America. Brett has been behind the microphone at some of the most celebrated events including the Canadian Finals Rodeo, the Calgary Stampede and since 2016 he has been on the PBR Canada Cup Series featured on TSN.

As a Speaker and Advocate, Brett speaks to over a million people annually and currently works many of the industries most celebrated events. But more than that, Brett was High School teacher for 14 years and worked with some of our school systems most complex learners. Over that time Brett learned first hand the importance of building relationships and fostering connection with both students and adults.

After his successful teaching career, Brett would continue on his journey of helping others and obtain a Master of Counselling Psychology Degree and is currently working towards his doctoral degree in Sport and Performance Psychology.

It is this combination of experiences and accolades that have quickly made Brett a strong advocate for mental health, and a highly sought after mental performance consultant and counsellor to many individuals, athletes and organizations. Brett has also become a public speaker in the area of mental health and motivation.

In this episode:

• dealing with mental health as a “masculine male”
• Relationship and listening is key to building connection for mental health
• What role do we play to help keep people connected?
• Every generation still needs face to face personal connection. Nowadays, we need to be creative about it in a social media world
• Your job is to find something that IS for you - you may not get excited about the same connection types as others, but find your “thing”
• There’s some personalization in your process….does it fill your tank? That’s what you do!
• Quote: "Everything therapeutic is not therapy."
• Can we build you a little capacity. What fills your gas tank?
• Sometimes we have to have the tough times to appreciate the good times

• Only 11% of farms have succession plans…it’s important to recognize seasons in your lives

  
  

Quote by Anne Bradstreet

"If we had not winter, the spring would not be so pleasant. If we did not sometimes taste adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome”

• How do we define success for ourselves?
• What’s happiness and joy for ourselves?
• Once you get clear on those, then you have something to drive towards! What are you trying to get to?

Finally, What’s your favourite tradition?

Links and Resources:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane Media

Facebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Twitter -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TikTok -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

Welcome back to The Rural Well! In this episode 15, we discuss a very important - yet difficult topic related to grief and loss with Diane Bergsma, a farmer from Ontario.

The topics discussed in this episode may be difficult for some listeners, so be mindful if you are sensitive to certain topics regarding loss and grief.

Todays question: “ We Must Accept Finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope."

We also end the episode with a fun question:

If for 1 month, you could live at any famous residence or house in the entire world, which one would you pick?

Links and Resources:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane Media

Facebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Twitter -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TikTok -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: info [at] theruralwell.com

Welcome back to The Rural Well! In this episode (Part 2), we get the opportunity to talk more with Brian Reisinger, Author of Land Rich, Cash Poor. For more info on Brian, visit ⁠https://www.brian-reisinger.com/about⁠

To catch up first, here's the link to Part 1

This episode delves into deeper conversation regarding family trauma, so if this is not something you're prepared to participate in, we understand.

We delve into deeper conversations into realizing you have to deal with trauma. We also walk through how to move on from it, realizing you are significant and special and how Brian shares his fear of failure of no making his father proud, led to his father's opportunity to join him (and even take over) at the book signing table. Brian is also vulnerable as he shares his concerns and care over wanting to make things brighter for his child's future.

Todays question: “Think of something you used to love to do, but now you may have outgrown or lost interest in?".

Links and Resources:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane Media

Facebook -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Twitter -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://x.com/theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

TikTok -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@theruralwell⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Email: info [at] theruralwell.com