Welcome back to The Learning Gray Podcast!

In this episode, I sit down with Cody, a devoted son navigating the turbulent terrain of supporting a parent with dementia. Through Cody's heartfelt narrative, we uncover the stark realities of his journey, including the profound struggle to find anyone willing to lend a helping hand. 

From grappling with the initial signs of dementia to tirelessly seeking a diagnosis, Cody shares the isolation and frustration that often accompany the quest for assistance. Join us as we explore my poignant story, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by countless caregivers around the world. 

Through his resilience and unwavering dedication, Cody's journey serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact of dementia on families and the dire need for increased support and understanding. That’s where we, at Black Hills Advocates, step in. 

Tune in as we dive into the depths of caregiving, offering empathy, guidance, and solidarity to those facing similar challenges.

Episode Highlights: 

• What life was like growing up for Cody
• The first signs Cody noticed in his Mom
• The struggle of getting a diagnosis 
• The challenge of finding help 
• How Cody and I connected 
• Finally finding help
• Advocacy
• She’s Going to Bolt Annual Walk/5K 

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Black Hills Advocate:

www.blackhillsadvocate.com

• Race Link
• Call us at 605.519.5051
• Check us out on Facebook
• Contact Us

Quotes: 

• “Shining light on these things is the only way to change the world.” Jenny
• “There were a lot of little signs. They were like breadcrumbs, just showing us that things were starting to deteriorate.” Cody
• “Everything around me was collapsing because it was all too much.” Cody 
• “This disease is so isolating because there are parts you don't want to share with people because it's deeply personal. It feels like it's invading your dignity.” Cody 
• “There is such an unmet need for people to get the help they need.” Cody 

Some personalities just compliment each other really well, don’t they? This is true in our personal lives, but it is also true in our work lives. Two years ago, Jenny found herself in a place where she needed to hire someone to help run things and keep organized. This is where Amber Wichmann comes in! Join us today as we talk with Amber about her journey with Black Hills Advocate. She has been such a huge support over the last 2 years, and has some very exciting news about her future!

Episode Highlights: 

• Work personalities and how they compliment each other
• Amber’s big news!

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Black Hills Advocate:

• www.blackhillsadvocate.com
• Call us at 605.519.5051
• Check us out on Facebook
• Contact Us
• DISC Profile
• Bode Documentary

Quotes: 

• “I think there is always one leader of a team, that’s you.. And I’m like the leader from the back.. Saying ‘here we go, we can do this, let’s go.’” - Amber
• “Even when it’s heavy and frustrating, I still know that God loves that person as much as He loves me.” - Amber

In today’s episode, Jenny discusses auction services with Gary Messner - Owner/Broker Messner Auction & Land Company.  Jenny and Gary have been working together on estate auctions & liquidation for 6 years.

Jenny shares what a wonderful resource Gary has been to her both professionally and personally.  Gary is able to empathize with people from all walks of life as he has experienced the highs and lows of life himself. From bankruptcy, gathering aluminum cans for money and living in his car to becoming a successful business owner, Gary has gained much perspective from his experiences.

Messner Auction Company not only has experience working with real estate auctions and liquidation, but they also have experience in selling livestock. Gary shares about his background in agriculture, starting with his summers spent at his grandparents’ farm during his childhood summers. 

In addition to auction services, Messner Auction Company also has a contract cleaning service that prepares the real estate for listing. Give this episode a listen to learn more!

Episode Highlights: 

• Information about Messner Auction & Land Company
• Background on Gary Messner
• Differences in types of hoarding

Find More on Guest:

Gary Messner - Owner/Broker Messner Auction & Land Co.

Messner Auction Company Website

Office # (605) 718-3507

Cell # (605) 391-3564

Email: [email protected]

Address: 2843 Samco Road Suite R  Rapid City SD 57702

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Black Hills Advocate:

• www.blackhillsadvocate.com
• Call us at 605.519.5051
• Check us out on Facebook
• Contact Us
• Legends of Success

Quotes: 

• “The impact we were able to make in that person’s life was profound.” - Jenny
• “You are one of the most non-judgemental people I’ve ever met and I mean that in the highest form of compliment.” - Jenny to Gary
• “You won’t have success the second time around if you don’t get back up after you’ve been knocked down.” - Gary

Welcome back, everyone! 

Today, we are so excited to have guest Leacey Brown with us!  Leacey is the South Dakota State University Extension Gerontology Field Specialist.  She works to bring evidence-based information about aging and older adults to communities and stakeholders that will help with decision making and planning to help South Dakota’s future flourish.

Originally from Florida, Leacey studied sociology in college. Once she was finished with that, realizing that she didn’t want to accrue more student loans, she decided to join the Air Force. Once her time in the Air Force had come to an end, her advisor suggested that she place her concentration in gerontology. Leacey was hesitant at first, but she went on to get a Masters of Science in Gerontology. She has been working in the field for 12 years, and it has become her passion in life.

Some of her Extension Work through University include the South Dakota Fall Prevention Coalition & Voices for Home Modification. The South Dakota Fall Prevention Coalition works to ensure South Dakotans are aware of falls and implements evidence-based fall prevention programs. Voices for Home Modification pulls together stakeholders who care about the architectural design of housing. They are working to create a toolkit with educational materials & testimonials, a list of providers, & funding options.

Join us today as we learn about the amazing resources and projects Leacey and the South Dakota State University Extension Gerontology are working on!

Episode Highlights: 

• Gerotranscendence
• Adaptable Home Certification
• Differences between types of care
• Universal Design & Accessibility

Find More on Guest:

• More on Leacey Brown!
• Mailing Address: 711 North Creek Drive, Rapid City, SD 57703 
• Call or Text: (402) 807-3250
• Email: [email protected]

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Black Hills Advocate:

• www.blackhillsadvocate.com
• Call us at 605.519.5051
• Check us out on Facebook
• Contact Us
• Adaptable Home Certification Overview
• SD Fall Prevention Coalition
• Heirlooms: Creative Life Story Writing
• Voices for Home Modifications
• STEADI - Older Adult Fall Prevention
• Fit & Strong! Program

Episode 3 - Don’t Lose Sight of Your Why with Renee Sales

Renee Sales is a local Rapid City realtor with Remax Advantage in Rapid City. She works all over the Black Hills, helping her clients buy and sell real estate. 

Renee and I have been long-time friends, and I am so grateful to be able to say that we also have the privilege of working alongside each other as well! 

Today on the show, Renee shares her unexpected journey to real estate and the secrets that help her remain successful. We even share some fun facts and stories about Renee.

As you will hear in this episode, Renee’s heart for her clients is evident. She has a passion not just for processing transactions but for developing deep-rooted relationships. Her heart is always to keep people as her focus; at the end of the day, that’s what has built my relationship with her and why it has compelled me to share her with you!

I know you will enjoy this episode as much as I did.

Episode Highlights: 

• A little background on Renee and her journey with real estate.
• How Jenny and Renee met.
• The importance of valuing and respecting all clients.
• How to set clients up for success who are transitioning out of their long-time homes.
• Some insight on the market and what we can expect to come.
• Renee answered some fun facts and questions.

Find More on Renee Sales:

Renee Sales
Realtor, Team Lead
The Sales Connection  RE/MAX Advantage
605.484.9013
[email protected]
www.thesalesconnection.net
1331 W. Omaha Suite 200
Rapid City, SD 57701

15 Secrets Successful Real Estate Agents Know About Time Management

Quotes:

• “It’s not necessarily what I’m able to accomplish professionally by myself, but it’s who's on the walk with me.” Jenny Schmidt
• “Always come at it with a place of service.” Renee Sales
• “It’s not just a space or a transaction to you; it’s so much more.” Jenny Schmidt
• “Be the captain of your ship and don’t be defined by what society says success is.” Renee Sales
• “At some point, if you don’t look up and see the people you serve, you lose sight of your why.” Renee Sales

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Black Hills Advocate:

• www.blackhillsadvocate.com
• Call us at 605.519.5051
• Check us out on Facebook
• Contact Us

“Life is sacred, and death is sacred.” Trish Kirsch

Today on the show, I am sharing a conversation with Trish Kirsch. Trish has been a nurse for 27 years, primarily caring for the senior population. Currently, she specializes in hospice in Rapid City, and as you will hear through her tone in this episode, it’s truly her passion.

Today Trish does a fantastic job explaining the intricacies of hospice, what to expect when hospice is on your case when to involve hospice, and even who pays for hospice.

Often, hospice is something that people avoid because death is uncomfortable and unknown. Trish is a person who not only gives terrific care through hospice but does a fantastic job normalizing hospice and the end of life.

We hope you feel more equipped to navigate hospice and end of life through today's episode, and we are happy to help you every step of the way!

Please see the links below for more information.

Episode Highlights: 

• A bit on Trish’s background.
• An overview of hospice care.
• When you should use hospice.
• Who pays for hospice care.

Find More on Guest:

• Stillwater Hospice Website
• Add any additional contact info here

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Black Hills Advocate:

• www.blackhillsadvocate.com
• Call us at 605.519.5051
• Check us out on Facebook
• Contact Us

Headliner Times:

• 3:10-4:10
• 5:00-6:00

Quotes:

• “If you are facing an end-of-life event and you have the opportunity to have hospice on your journey, why would you not?” Trish Kirsch
• “To provide compassionate, patient, and family care to people who are facing the end of life.” Trish Kirsch
• “Wherever the patient is, that’s where hospice is.” Trish Kirsch
• “Life is sacred and death is sacred.” Trish Kirsch
• “Medicare is a hospice benefit that we all have paid into.” Trish Kirsch
• “It’s really common to fear things that we don’t understand and I truly think hospice helps to normalize death and the dying process.” Jenny Schmidt

Are you a caregiver overwhelmed by the legalities of the healthcare system? Have you ever wondered how you begin estate planning? Have you ever wondered how to make a power of attorney?

When it comes to the healthcare field, caregivers, and navigating it all, it’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed. 

This is another area where Black Hills Advocates wants to come alongside you and let you know that you don’t have to do it alone.

Today on the show, I am interviewing my dear friend Drew Skjoldal. Drew has been working by my side for about three years, and we have navigated many things for our Black Hills Advocate clients, including a case that we took to the Supreme Court.

Drew answers common questions regarding a Power of Attorney, estate planning, and more.

A reminder that he shares throughout the episode is that many wait to think about these things until it’s too late. We hope this episode will encourage you to be proactive in whatever planning you need, and as always, remember, we are here to help you.

Episode Highlights: 

• A little bit on Drew’s background.
• Details on the type of law that Drew covers.
• The importance of working with an estate planning attorney.
• What a power of attorney is, and why do you need one.

Find More on Guest:

• Supreme Court Case Link – Bruggeman vs. Ramos
• Drew’s contact info:

Drew Skjoldal, J.D.

Nies Karras & Skjoldal, P.C.

P.O. Box 759  |  Spearfish, SD 57783   |  (605) 642-2757

https://spearfishlaw.com/

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Black Hills Advocate:

• www.blackhillsadvocate.com
• Call us at 605.519.5051
• Check us out on Facebook
• Contact Us

Headliner Times:

• 8:58-9:58
• 9:35-10:35
• 16:28-17:18

Quotes:

• “Anyone who is wondering what will happen when they pass in terms of what will go to their kids should talk to an estate planning attorney and figure out their options.” -Drew Skjoldal
• “Unfortunately, a lot of people wait to think about these things until it’s a little bit too late.” -Drew Skjoldal

Today on the show, we are sharing the story behind the genesis of Black Hills Advocate. Owner, Jenny Schmidt shares about her upbringing, and what she believes led to her heart for seniors, patient care, and advocacy.

Every good business has a beautiful story and mission behind it, and Black Hills Advocate does not disappoint when it comes to that.

Tune in in today to hear about Jenny’s upbringing on her grandparent's farm, her paper route full of senior friends, her leap of faith to quit her job and start Black Hills Advocate, and more!

Additionally, today Jenny also expounds on the services Black Hills Advocates offers and what’s to come resource-wise for the podcast.

We hope you enjoy today’s episode. Thank you for being part of this community, and feel free to reach out with any questions through the resources provided below.

Episode Highlights: 

• What led to Jenny’s heart for seniors and patient care/advocacy.
• A little on Jenny’s childhood and background.
• Jenny’s journey to Black Hills Advocate.
• Who Black Hills Advocate serves, and what we offer.
• What you can expect on The Learn Gray Podcast

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Black Hills Advocate:

• www.blackhillsadvocate.com
• Call us at 605.519.5051
• Check us out on Facebook
• Contact Us

Quotes:

• “I took a leap of faith. I quit my job on a Friday at the end of May in 2015, and I started my business on Monday with a box of business cards and some rat cards that I had printed at my local printer.” Jenny Schmidt
• “Our youngest client is 18, and our oldest client is 104.” Jenny Schmidt
• “A lot of times people have the answers, they just need the validation. We want to help you navigate your options and figure out what’s best for you and your family.” Jenny Schmidt
• “You can hire us for 15 minutes, or you can hire us for a lifetime. We are here for whatever you need.” Jenny Schmidt

Headliner Times:

• 4:15-5:15 “Because of my grandparents, I was always drawn to seniors. -Jenny Schmidt
• 6:48-7:48 ”Who is helping them figure out what’s next?” -Jenny Schmidt
• 11:23-12:09

Welcome Black to Learn Gray. I decided to take a break from the podcast to really think it through, and I decided that what I really needed most was to include all of the fantastic people I interact with within my career and share them with you.

I have reworked the podcast and am thrilled to share the fantastic line-up of guests and their superpowers on the show.

I hope you’ll tune in, follow the show, and share it with someone you think will benefit from it. 

Enjoy!

Links Mentioned in Episode/Find More on Black Hills Advocate:

• www.blackhillsadvocate.com
• Check us out on Facebook.
• Contact Us

In Episode 3, Jenny Schmidt helps give you the keys to a great doctor's appointment. Be prepared, ask great questions, invite a buddy, and stay on top of preventative care with a team that supports your health and wellness. This episode is a brief but valuable encouragement that you deserve the very best care.