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In this episode of Practicing Connection, Jessica introduces the Wheel of Life as a simple tool to help set priorities and find balance by identifying areas that need attention. Discover how this practice encourages intentionality, making it easier to focus on what matters most to you each month.

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In this episode, Jessica Beckendorf introduces Coral Owen as the new co-host of Practicing Connection. They reflect on their journey working together, share insights into the podcast’s evolution, and discuss the importance of consistent small practices for personal and professional growth. 

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In this episode of Practicing Connection, Bob and Jessica discuss the importance of navigating challenging conversations. Jessica introduces a practical activity designed to help manage emotions and foster constructive dialogue, whether in personal or professional settings. 

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In this practicast, inspired by Heather Plett’s book The Art of Holding Space, Bob Bertsch shares a practice for letting go of something to create space for new possibilities. Our co-creator for this episode was our OneOp colleague, Kristen Jowers.

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In this episode, Jessica Beckendorf and Bob Bertsch reflect on Bob’s time as co-host and his transition to a new role as national project leader for OneOp. Together, they revisit key moments from the Practicing Connection podcast, share insights from their collaboration, and explore practices that support personal and professional growth.

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This is our annual Reflections episode, where we invite some of our podcast collaborators from the past year to share their reflections with us. Why? Because at the heart of meaningful connection, communication, and collaboration is the ongoing journey of self-awareness, learning, and growth. Regular reflection helps us stay grounded, inspired, and ready for the challenges ahead.

In this episode, co-hosts Jessica Beckendorf and Bob Bertsch reflect on the year that’s passed, highlighting the importance of finding inspiration in the midst of everyday moments and in collective efforts to support others. We also hear from two special guests who share their reflections on resilience, collaboration, and the power of community:

• Nicola Winkel, Project Director, Arizona Coalition for Military Families
• Kristen Jowers, Program Coordinator, OneOp (University of Kentucky)

Tune in as they share how they've found inspiration through difficult work, the beauty of small moments, and the strength of community connection during challenging times.

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Explore how inviting creative destruction can pave the way for innovation. In this practicast, Jessica shares a fun and insightful practice inspired by the Liberating Structures TRIZ activity, guiding listeners to identify and eliminate counterproductive behaviors to make space for new ideas and better outcomes.

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Explore practical ways to cultivate deep respect in your personal and professional interactions. This practicast introduces “1-2-4-All,” a practice rooted in community development principles, designed to amplify every voice and promote meaningful collaboration. Learn how genuine listening and collective reflection can empower individuals and create stronger connections within groups.

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Discover practical ways to create more welcoming and inclusive environments in your personal and professional life. The episode introduces "The Welcome Wagon," a simple practice inspired by community development principles, offering steps for personal reflection and group collaboration to foster a culture of belonging. Explore insights on the power of connection and small actions that can lead to meaningful change.

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Amy Rodick, Director of the Office of Military Family Readiness and Policy for the Department of Defense, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of community connections and how service providers and families can contribute to a stronger Military Family Readiness System. 

As an Army veteran and military spouse, Amy brings a unique perspective, sharing real-world strategies for service providers to successfully engage with the Military Family Readiness System at the local level.