In this follow-up episode of Bridge Out Ahead, host Bridger Hopkins reconnects with Cre Larson, a dedicated mental health advocate and Executive Director of First Call for Help. For over 51 years, this remarkable organization has been a lifeline for Minnesota families—and Cre shares the heart, history, and impact that keep it moving forward.

From personal triumphs over unimaginable loss to leading a team that serves communities across the state, Cre opens up about her journey, the challenges of mental health work, and the resilience that fuels her mission. Listeners will hear about the programs, partnerships, and people behind First Call for Help, as well as ways to get involved and support this vital work.

Whether you’re passionate about mental health, community service, or simply curious about what goes on behind the scenes of a long-standing nonprofit, this episode is a powerful reminder that sometimes the first step forward is simply asking for help.

Key Takeaways:

The inspiring story behind First Call for Help and its 51-year legacy.

How Cre’s personal experiences shaped her lifelong dedication to mental health advocacy.

Real-world impact: programs, partnerships, and stories that show why this work matters.

Insights on resilience, faith, and self-care in the high-stakes world of mental health services.

Opportunities to support, volunteer, or partner with First Call for Help.

Connect with Cre Larson & First Call for Help:

Website: firstcall211.net

Phone: 218-326-8565

Trigger Warning: Heavy themes of depression, mental health, child loss.

On this episode of Bridge Out Ahead, Bridger sits down with Cre Larson, a powerhouse in mental health advocacy whose story weaves together faith, grit, and a deep commitment to serving others. As Executive Director of First Call for Help, Cre has spent more than 30 years walking alongside individuals and families in their hardest moments—turning her own personal loss into a mission to bring hope and healing.

From her early days in social services to leading an agency that now impacts communities across Minnesota, Cre shares how faith, vision, and a “never quit” mindset have carried her through life’s toughest seasons. Her journey is proof that even in the face of tragedy, something powerful can be built.

Key Topics Covered:

Faith in Action: How Cre turned the loss of her infant son into a lifelong calling

Daily Grounding Practices: Gratitude, prayer, and the 0–10 depression self-check

Sneak Peak of Episode Five!

In this episode we take you inside the heart and mind of Cre Larson—mental health advocate, Executive Director of First Call for Help, and a voice of unshakable hope. In this sneak peek, Cre shares how life’s hardest moments shaped her calling, and why she believes every story deserves to be told and holds the power to help someone else heal.

Trigger Warning Before Listening: Depression, Child loss. 

On this episode of Bridge Out Ahead, Bridger sits down with Jenny Giving, a powerhouse in title services with deep roots in family values, bold leadership, and an unstoppable work ethic.

From running her family’s furniture store as a teen to navigating 17 years in banking, Jenny’s journey is full of pivots—and purpose. Today, she leads with heart and hustle in the world of title work, balancing motherhood, leadership, and legacy.

✨ If you’re someone who’s building something meaningful—through challenge, change, and a whole lot of heart—this episode is for you.

In this episode of Bridge Out Ahead, host Bridger Hopkins sits down with musician and frontman Jed LaPlant of Wild Horses, a band that’s gone from northern Minnesota roots to touring across the country. Jed opens up about what it really takes to build a band from the ground up, balancing the art of songwriting with the grind of booking tours, managing money, and treating music like a business. The conversation delves into the challenging lifestyle of musicians, emphasizing the hard work and dedication required to pursue a career in music. It highlights the struggles faced, including financial instability and the demanding nature of touring, while also underscoring the passion that drives individuals to endure these hardships. Wild Horses is known for a rootsy Americana/folk rock sound and have been touring and gaining traction with their music and live shows. They frequently open for Trampled by Turtles.

MORE WILD HORSES: Website: https://www.wildhorsesmn.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/wildhorsesmn/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildhorsesmn/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wildhorsesmn

Spotify Artist Page: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5uUudUq1Ignnm2v3BMX88D

. . . . No matter the detours you encounter, the road ahead is still yours to build.

Host Bridger Hopkins is the Team Leader of Legacy Bridge Real Estate, brokered by Pemberton Real Estate, based in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Alongside his work in real estate, Bridger sits down with business owners, builders, and community leaders to unpack what it actually takes to build a life and work that lasts.

If you are interested in business, personal growth, leadership, community impact, or navigating seasons of change, this podcast is for you.

If you are looking to buy or sell a home in Northern Minnesota, visit https://www.legacybridgere.com/

Bridger Hopkins Facebook (Realtor & creator): https://www.facebook.com/HomesWithHopkins/

Bridger Hopkins Instagram (Realtor & creator): https://www.instagram.com/bridgerh/

Contact page for Legacy Bridge Real Estate: https://www.legacybridgere.com/contact/

On this episode of Bridge Out Ahead, host Bridger Hopkins is joined by the powerhouse trio behind All Angles Real Estate Media—Tom Hadrava, Renae Novak, and Joe Conaway.

With backgrounds in IT, dental hygiene, and music, this creative team took the road less traveled to build a remote-first real estate media company that spans from Florida to Northern Minnesota. 

Today, Bridger Hopkins is joined by the trio behind All Angles Real Estate Media—Tom Hadrava, Renae Novak, and Joe Conaway. With backgrounds in IT, dental hygiene, and music, they built a remote real estate media company connecting Florida to Northern Minnesota.