FFRI Podcast
Wellness in the Fields
"Wellness in the Fields" is produced by the SIU Medicine Farm Family Resource Initiative to be a guiding light for the mental health and well-being of farmers and farm families. This podcast serves as a vital resource for support. Each episode delves into the critical topic of mental health, offering practical insights, stories of strength, and expert guidance.
Topics explored in "Wellness in the Fields" range from demystifying therapy to managing stress, finding kindness in adversity, and navigating relationships with workaholics. The podcast provides a safe space for conversations about the challenges and triumphs that come with farming life and the mental health journey.
A new episode is published each month. Find us on Spotify to get updated every time a new episode comes out.
We’d be lying if we didn’t admit that sometimes, farm life can be pretty scary. In this episode, we discuss how to let fear join us on our journey without holding us back.
Learn how to turn basic stress management tips into practical tools for any farmer. *Drink more water, deep breathing, exercise, etc.
Use these common counseling questions to learn how to challenge yourself and approach life through different perspectives. *miracle question, etc.
Kayla, a southern Illinois farmer, shares her experiences with life on the farm, mental health, and the power of social media. She discusses how she connects with others, balances challenges, and builds resilience in agriculture. Tune in for an honest look at farming, community, and well-being.
In this episode, we take a look at the tough stuff AND all there is to be thankful for when it comes to family farms.
*but not toxic positivity; both can exist
In this episode of the Farm Family Resource Initiative podcast, Dr. Nick Weshinskey joins us to discuss the critical topic of mental health and the unique stigmas faced by men, particularly in the farming community. From cultural expectations to signs of emotional struggles, Dr. Nick Weshinskey provides insights on how to open meaningful conversations, support loved ones, and reframe mental health as essential self-maintenance. Tune in for strategies to foster connection and bravery in addressing mental well-being while maintaining the strength to support family and farm life.
Tune in to learn how mental health is much more than you think it is, and how it relates to everyone.
*Iowa WIA table on mediation; conflict resolution, healthy communicating, etc.
Join host Margo as she sits down with Karen Stallman, an Agricultural Resource Specialist with the Farm Family Resource Initiative (FFRI) at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. They discuss the unique challenges facing farmers today, from financial pressures to mental health stressors, and how FFRI is making a difference. Through a variety of programs—including a 24/7 helpline, telehealth counseling, and an advisory council of agriculture experts—FFRI offers vital support for Illinois farm families. Learn how this initiative is addressing the mental well-being of farmers and providing resources statewide.
Let’s chat about substance use- the good, the bad, and the ugly. Hosted by Adrienne DeSutter
Bad news got ya down? Feeling extra worried about something? Does it seem like the stress is extra heavy? We’ve all been there…and we’ve all been “gifted” well-intentioned advice that left us feeling even worse than before! Here are my top 5 WORST things to say to someone who’s struggling!
Struggling with stress, and not sure what to do about it? Trying to think of ways to help someone you’re worried about? Here’s an introduction to the various mental health resources available for agriculturist.
The cattle needs fed, the meals need prepped, the kids need bathed, the truck needs cleaned…and now we’re supposed to add “self-care” to our to-do list?? Not possible! Or is it? Learn how transforming your perspective and setting realistic expectations can create small joy in a big way.
This episode explores the importance of finding small moments of peace and joy in everyday life rather than waiting for major milestones to feel relief. Discover practical ways to manage stress and build resilience by embracing simple, intentional habits.
Farming isn’t a career, it’s a lifestyle. Relationships in agriculture can look a little different, and loving someone with a mental health condition adds a bonus layer of unique rewards and challenges. Along with the triumphs come the frustrations and exhaustion. This episode will take you on a walk in the shoes of the caregiver, and introduce some basic skills to care for yourself while you’re caring for others.
Farming isn’t a career, it’s a lifestyle. Relationships in agriculture can look a little different, and loving someone with a mental health condition adds a bonus layer of unique rewards and challenges. Along with the triumphs come the frustrations and exhaustion. This episode will take you on a walk in the shoes of the caregiver, and introduce some basic skills to care for yourself while you’re caring for others.
What makes a farmer great? Toughness. What also gets in the way of being greater? Toughness. Listen to this quick chat on the good, the bad, and the ugly on “toughing it out.”
Legacy; it’s a loaded word that weighs heavily on a farmer’s mind. How do I know that what I’m doing is the right decision? Am I leaving a positive impact for my farm and my family? Let’s chat about creating a life that matters, for the people who matter, and using tomorrow’s vision to inspire today’s actions.
Who’s supposed to see a therapist, how do I find one, and what on earth am I getting myself into!? Listen in as we discuss the secrets and stigmas surrounding therapy, and how to make what’s often an uncomfortable situation…a little less uncomfortable.
Most people grapple with the urge to overload their schedules with obligations, especially in agriculture; in this episode, we explore the art of prioritizing to preserve time and energy for what truly deserves a “yes.”
Determination, self-reliant, hard-working: all words to describe a successful farmer. But when does the drive to succeed turn from helpful to harmful? Join us in discussing how the nonstop lifestyle of a farmer can create stress for the entire family, and how a few simple tools can help slow the "busy!"
Adrienne DeSutter
Adrienne DeSutter is part of her husband's fourth generation farm family in Midwest Illinois. They farm corn and soybeans, with a small herd of cattle and a small herd of children. With a Master’s degree in Counseling (and a self-proclaimed Master's in Farm Family Chaos), Adrienne recognized a need for mental health advocacy in agriculture, and began partnering with Ag businesses and organizations to promote healthy minds and prevent farmer suicide. In addition to public speaking, she helps create and connect valuable ag mental health resources, writes a wellness column, and has been featured in articles, podcasts, and initiatives across the globe. She encourages a community approach to keeping farm families healthy and works to break down mental health barriers and empower farmers through her social media presence, @SowHopeGrowHope.
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