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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 bring people together.

In this episode of Practicing Connection, Coral and Jessica introduce the concept of “Hippopotamus Days,” a playful, team-created code word that signals when someone’s having an off day but still wants to be present.

Learn how developing a shared language and group norms can foster empathy, reduce misunderstandings, and make your team stronger - even on the toughest days. Tune in for practical steps to create your own team phrase and see how humor and honesty can become powerful tools for connection.

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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 Practicing Connection, Coral introduces "Temperature Checks for Change," a practical two-part check-in routine designed to help you stay present and responsive - both as a leader and as a team.

Discover how quick self-reflection and intentional team check-ins can build trust, foster alignment, and create space for authentic connection, even when answers are unclear.

Whether you’re leading through a big transition or just facing everyday challenges, these tools will help you and your team feel seen, supported, and ready for what’s next.

Practicing Connection worksheets

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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 episode of the Practicing Connection podcast, Coral and Jessica explore the power of alignment and presence in leadership. Jessica introduces the “Leadership Alignment Reflection,” a practical, step-by-step exercise that helps you examine how you’re currently leading versus how you aspire to lead.

Learn how regular reflection can boost your self-awareness, close the gap between intention and action, and help you lead with greater impact.

Tune in for actionable insights and a practice you can start using right now!

Practical links from this episode:

• The Art of Coaching Teams, by Elena Aguilar
• Practicing Connection worksheets

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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 creating lifelong memories and strengthening family ties.

In this episode of Practicing Connection, host Jessica Beckendorf and special co-host Kristen Jowers welcome Dr. Kerri Ashurst and Tyrone Atkinson from the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service to discuss Military Teen Adventure Camps.

These camps provide military families with unique opportunities to strengthen parent-teen relationships through thrilling outdoor activities like whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and ziplining.

Learn how these adventure-based programs build resilience, improve communication, and foster teamwork among military families.

Info on 2025 Summer Camps:

2025 Camp 1: Ocoee Whitewater Rafting and Outdoor Quest

Dates: July 11-14, 2025

Number of Participants: 80 per session (40 parent/teen teams)

Primary Activities (i.e. camping, hiking, kayaking, etc.): whitewater rafting, tubing, rock climbing, lake activities

2025 Camp 2: ACE Whitewater Rafting, Climbing, Rappelling and Outdoor Adventure

Dates: July 25-28, 2025

Number of Participants: 54 (27 parent/teen teams)

Primary Activities (i.e. camping, hiking, kayaking, etc.): Whitewater Paddling, mountain biking, zipline and canopy tour

Note - families from any state and branch are welcome to register, including active duty, reserve, guard, retiree families.

Practical links from this episode:

• Kentucky Military Teen Adventure Camps (MTAC)
• Kentucky MTAC Facebook group
• University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service
• Further MTA Camps nationwide

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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.

Jessica shares her experience with this model, and a practice inspired by it that aids in assessing and improving resilience.

The Compass Model, derived from the work of Dr. Scott and Holly Stoner, is comprised of four elements: heart, mind, spirit, and strength. Jessica explains each element, and encourages you to reflect on your own resilience in these areas.

Practical links from this episode:

• Rogers Behavioral Health Compassion Resilience Toolkit: https://eliminatestigma.org/compassion-resilience-toolkit/
• The Compassion Resilience Toolkit: https://eliminatestigma.org/compassion-resilience-toolkit/
• The Reflection Worksheet:
  https://eliminatestigma.org/wp-content/uploads/Schools_Section2_Reflection.pdf
• Practicing Connection LinkedIn community:
  https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/practicingconnection

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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-host Kalin Goble Mathis to discuss the evolving landscape of mental health for service members and veterans.

This important conversation explores the intersection of research, community partnerships, and self-care for service providers. Dr. Franklin reveals how listening to lived experiences, leveraging data, and fostering collaboration can drive meaningful change - plus, her personal practices for sustaining resilience in demanding work.

Practical links from this episode:

• Dr. Franklin at Leidos
• Dr. Franklin on LinkedIn
  
  

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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 setting compassionate boundaries.

Learn about different types of boundaries, understand their connection to empathy, and discover practical tips for establishing and maintaining healthy limits in your professional and personal life.

Practical links from this episode:

• Rogers Behavioral Health Compassion Resilience Toolkit: https://eliminatestigma.org/compassion-resilience-toolkit/

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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 demanding work, which can lead to compassion fatigue or burnout.

In this episode, Jessica introduces the concept of compassion resilience: maintaining empathy and strength while supporting others.

You’ll learn key strategies to build resilience and a practical reflection exercise to help you process your day, celebrate small wins, and prioritize self-care.

Practical links from this episode:

• Rogers Behavioral Health Compassion Resilience Toolkit: https://eliminatestigma.org/compassion-resilience-toolkit/
  
  
• Compassion Fatigue Cycle PDF:
  https://eliminatestigma.org/wp-content/uploads/Schools_CompassionFatigueCycle.pdf

We’d love to hear what’s inspiring you! Share your thoughts using the “Send us a text message” feature or email us at practicingconnection@oneop.org.