Real Feel Insights

 In this first part of a three-part series, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Margo Jensen to talk about the five-year journey she and her husband, Matt, went through to become parents. Margo shares how years of trying to conceive led to multiple miscarriages, fertility treatments, medications, testing, and eventually working with an infertility clinic as they continued searching for answers.

Margo also walks through her experiences with IUI and IVF, the time and uncertainty that came with treatment, and the emotional toll of becoming pregnant only to experience another loss. After years of hoping for one baby, Margo and Matt eventually learned they weren't expecting one—or even two—but quadruplets. Part One ends with the couple facing a high-risk pregnancy and waiting to find out if they would hear four heartbeats.

This episode is brought to you by our title sponsor, Aho Seamless Gutters. Learn more at mnahoseamlessgutters.com 

In this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Crystal Andersen for an honest conversation about addiction, childhood trauma, and the journey that ultimately led her to sobriety. Crystal shares how losing her mother at three years old and being left in the care of her grandparents shaped a lifelong struggle with abandonment and feeling like she never truly belonged. At 14, while traveling as the lead singer of a band, she was introduced to alcohol and began using it as a way to cope with anxiety and feel more confident.

What began at a young age eventually became a decades-long battle with alcohol and other struggles that affected Crystal's health, relationships, and sense of self. She reflects on reaching one of the lowest points of her life, making the decision to enter rehab at 46, and learning to face emotions she had spent years trying to avoid. Now approaching one year of sobriety, Crystal shares her story in hopes that others will know they aren't alone—and that they don't have to hit rock bottom before asking for help.

This episode is brought to you by our title sponsor, Aho Seamless Gutters. Learn more or request a free estimate at https://mnahoseamlessgutters.com/. 

In this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Anderson Saint Georges to explore the experiences that shaped his journey from Haiti to the United States. Anderson reflects on growing up in Haiti, the values his family instilled in him, and how the 2010 Haiti earthquake unexpectedly changed the course of his life.

As he began translating for American medical teams and church groups serving in Haiti, Anderson found himself wrestling with faith, purpose, and the future he had planned for himself. He shares how learning to surrender control ultimately led him to pursue a new path—one that brought him to the United States, where he earned a degree in psychology and now helps men recover from drug and alcohol addiction.

In this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with 92-year-old George Scherzer to hear what life was really like growing up on a farm on the White Earth Reservation in rural Minnesota. George shares stories from his childhood, including growing up with ten siblings, the daily responsibilities that came with farm life, and what it was like to live without many of the conveniences we take for granted today.

From early morning chores and caring for livestock to family life and the values that shaped his generation, George offers a firsthand look at a way of life that has largely disappeared. It's a thoughtful conversation about hard work, resilience, family, and the memories that have stayed with him for more than nine decades.

In this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Tom and Kari Tschider for a deeply personal conversation about the life of their daughter, Matty, and the struggles that ultimately led to her passing. They reflect on the joyful, compassionate young woman she was growing up, the changes they began to notice as she entered adulthood, and the difficult reality of watching someone they loved battle mental illness, alcohol addiction, and an eating disorder.

Throughout the conversation, Tom and Kari share what they learned while trying to support Matty, the role faith played after her passing, and why they continue to advocate for greater awareness and research surrounding mental health and eating disorders. They also discuss their decision to donate Matty's brain to research in hopes of helping other families facing similar struggles. It's an honest conversation about love, grief, resilience, and remembering the person beyond the illness.

 In this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Patty Poppenhagen to reflect on her 36-year career as a UPS driver. Patty shares how she entered the workforce at a young age, the lessons she learned over decades on the job, and how the role changed as online shopping transformed the demands of package delivery. She also offers an inside look at the challenges drivers face every day, from long hours and changing technology to customer expectations and life on the road.

Throughout the conversation, Patty shares memorable stories from her career, practical tips for customers and drivers, and why patience and understanding can make a difference for the people delivering packages every day. It's an honest conversation about hard work, service, resilience, and appreciating the people who help keep our communities moving. 

 In this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Kristin Helmers for a conversation about military families, motherhood, and navigating profound loss. Kristin shares her work as a Soldier and Family Readiness Specialist, where she connects military families with resources and support during deployments. She also reflects on raising three sons while her husband served in the military and the community that became an extended family along the way.

Kristin also shares the story of her oldest son, Vincent, who passed away from brain cancer during his senior year of high school. She reflects on his diagnosis, the months that followed, and the memories that continue to shape her life today. Throughout the conversation, Kristin speaks about the importance of community, honoring Vincent's legacy through the Stand By Me Foundation, and finding purpose through service even after experiencing unimaginable loss. It's an honest conversation about family, resilience, and carrying love forward. 

In this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Michael Scolley for a deeply personal conversation about the sudden loss of his son, Ridge, and the journey that followed. Mike shares who Ridge was beyond the tragedy—a joyful, compassionate young boy who loved sports, brought people together, and never hesitated to care for those around him. He reflects on the day everything changed, the unimaginable decisions his family faced, and the grief that continues years later.

Mike also talks about the impact of organ donation, the lives Ridge was able to save, and how his family's phrase, "Love Like Ridge," became a reminder of the way Ridge lived every day. Throughout the conversation, he speaks openly about fatherhood, healing, therapy, and learning to appreciate each day after experiencing profound loss. It's an honest conversation about grief, resilience, and carrying a loved one's legacy forward.

 In this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Brent Kaiser for a conversation about his 41-year career as a paramedic and educator in Emergency Medical Services. Brent reflects on what first drew him to the profession, the experiences that shaped him throughout his career, and the lessons he learned while helping people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.

Throughout the conversation, Brent shares stories from the field, explains the roles within EMS, and offers practical insight into how emergency situations are handled. He also discusses leadership, teamwork, and the importance of staying calm under pressure. Above all, Brent reflects on the gratitude and perspective that came from a lifetime of service and why helping others continues to be at the center of who he is—even in retirement. 

In this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Carrie Wise for a deeply personal conversation about grief, domestic violence, trauma, and the complicated realities of losing both of her parents within a matter of months. Carrie shares the story of her mother's death, her father's role in it, and the difficult journey that followed as she navigated grief, unanswered questions, and the impact those events had on her life and family.

Throughout the conversation, Carrie reflects on what she calls "two truths"—the love she had for her mother and the love she still carried for her father despite what happened. She also discusses forgiveness, PTSD, advocacy, and her desire to help others who may be experiencing domestic violence, trauma, or a form of grief that can feel difficult to explain. It's an honest conversation about loss, resilience, and finding a way forward after unimaginable circumstances.