Last week we brought back an older episode on Surviving the Holidays. Mandy Young, a therapist here in Northeast Arkansas shared ideas for dealing with difficult relatives. This week we’re bringing part two of that series on holiday grief.

This episode originally aired in November 2021 and talks about pandemic life and holidays apart. While Covid doesn’t distance us in the same ways, there will always be loved ones we can’t be with over the holidays. Mandy’s suggestions can help bridge that distance. 

For those of us who have experienced loss the holiday season can bring new waves of grief. Listen to therapist Mandy Young give strategies for coping in this week's episode.

For those of us who are struggling, Mandy recommends these coping strategies: 

Ask for help with holiday events

Communicate with your family 

Express your emotions to your support system

And Know your limits 

If you know someone who has recently lost a loved one or is facing a difficult season, please share this episode with them. And contact us at [email protected] with questions, comments, or podcast ideas. 

We'd love to hear your feedback! Please reach out to us if you have ideas for future shows or how we can make That Farm Life even better! Email us at [email protected]!

That Farm Life is produced by Eagle Farms at Williams Baptist University. That Farm Life Podcast is also a resource of Agri Health Network. For more information and to find more resources, check out AgriHealth.net.

Are you interested in graduating from college debt free? Check out the Williams Works program at WBU! For more information, call 870-759-4120 or email [email protected].

During the holiday season, there are family gatherings that bring both joy and stress. How do we set boundaries, avoid arguments, respond to expectations, and reply to invasive questions? In this episode, therapist Mandy Young shares many practical tips to help us focus on the blessings of our holiday get-togethers.

 Here’s some of the ideas and suggestions Mandy shared with us in this episode:

 Strategies for Dealing with Difficult Relatives

•  Set boundaries before you go.
• Decide how long you will stay.
• Write ways you cope or can calm down on index cards and bring them with you.
• Make an escape plan if an uncomfortable situation arises.
• Choose to set aside debates and disagreements until after the family gathering.
• Know your capacity – for invitations, preparation, time, and emotional energy. Say no to anything above your capacity.

Remember:

• Being firm is not being rude.
• It is ok to say no.
• You are not responsible for the way other people respond.
• It is ok to avoid toxic family gatherings and choose to celebrate with others who love and support you instead.

We'd love to hear your feedback! Please reach out to us if you have ideas for future shows or how we can make That Farm Life even better! Email us at [email protected]!

That Farm Life is produced by Eagle Farms at Williams Baptist University. That Farm Life Podcast is also a resource of Agri Health Network. For more information and to find more resources, check out AgriHealth.net.

Are you interested in graduating from college debt free? Check out the Williams Works program at WBU! For more information, call 870-759-4120 or email [email protected].

In this episode Archie chats with Bobby Thomas, president and CEO of the Arkansas Baptist Foundation, about estate planning. It is important for everyone to have a will to care for their families. Many choose to include gifts or donations to schools, non-profits, ministries, or churches in their wills. Bobby tells ways that people have donated and how the Foundation can help people and organization manage these gifts at low or no cost. 

 You can read more about the Arkansas Baptist Foundation at their website and can email them at [email protected]. Other churches and denominations have similar organizations in other   states and countries. Check with your church or chosen non-profit to find out how you can include them in your final arrangements. 

We'd love to hear your feedback! Please reach out to us if you have ideas for future shows or how we can make That Farm Life even better! Email us at [email protected]!

That Farm Life is produced by Eagle Farms at Williams Baptist University. That Farm Life Podcast is also a resource of Agri Health Network. For more information and to find more resources, check out AgriHealth.net.

Are you interested in graduating from college debt free? Check out the Williams Works program at WBU! For more information, call 870-759-4120 or email [email protected].

In today’s episode, Archie talks with Dr. Stan Norman, president of Williams Baptist University in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. Through their work-college program named Williams Works, students earn valuable job experience and can graduate without the burden of student loan debt. 

Williams Works students have a variety of job options – including growing and marketing produce, working at the free-range chicken egg operation, and beef and pork processing. Other students can work at the local medical center, for financial firms, or in a variety of other settings.

To learn more about Williams Baptist University, check out their website at WilliamsBU.edu. You can also find information about the Williams Works program on their website. 

We'd love to hear your feedback! Please reach out to us if you have ideas for future shows or how we can make That Farm Life even better! Email us at [email protected]!

That Farm Life is produced by Eagle Farms at Williams Baptist University. That Farm Life Podcast is also a resource of Agri Health Network. For more information and to find more resources, check out AgriHealth.net.

Are you interested in graduating from college debt free? Check out the Williams Works program at WBU! For more information, call 870-759-4120 or email [email protected].

This episode is part two from an interview with Jennifer Cook, Executive Director of Arkansas FFA Foundation and owner of 5C Cattle Company. Check out the first episode here or on your favorite podcast player. 

 As a student, Jennifer Cook showed cattle and learned about hard work and dedication through that experience. Now, she and her husband Brian raise Hereford cattle and their sons grew up showing heifers as well. 

 In this episode, she details how to get involved with 4H, showing cattle, and the character building that can result. 

 Jennifer also shares how her faith in Christ has sustained and encouraged her.

 To find your local 4H chapter, visit your county extension office or the 4H website.

 5C Cattle Company is on Facebook and Twitter. Search @5Ccattle to find out more. 

We'd love to hear your feedback! Please reach out to us if you have ideas for future shows or how we can make That Farm Life even better! Email us at [email protected]!

That Farm Life is produced by Eagle Farms at Williams Baptist University. That Farm Life Podcast is also a resource of Agri Health Network. For more information and to find more resources, check out AgriHealth.net.

Are you interested in graduating from college debt free? Check out the Williams Works program at WBU! For more information, call 870-759-4120 or email [email protected].

As a child from a low-income home in a small town, Jennifer Cook never imagined the way Agriculture would shape her future. She joined Future Farmers of America and became the first female FFA president in Arkansas. Scholarships earned through FFA helped her through college and led to a varied career in agriculture. 

 “I see FFA as something that can change lives.”

                                                -Jennifer Cook

 Today, Jennifer is the Executive Director of the Arkansas FFA Foundation. She also owns 5C Cattle Company outside of Conway, Arkansas. 

 You can find out more information about Arkansas FFA and the FFA Foundation at their website: ArkansasFFA.org.

 5C Cattle Company is on Facebook and Twitter. Search @5Ccattle to find out more. 

We'd love to hear your feedback! Please reach out to us if you have ideas for future shows or how we can make That Farm Life even better! Email us at [email protected]!

That Farm Life is produced by Eagle Farms at Williams Baptist University. That Farm Life Podcast is also a resource of Agri Health Network. For more information and to find more resources, check out AgriHealth.net.

Are you interested in graduating from college debt free? Check out the Williams Works program at WBU! For more information, call 870-759-4120 or email [email protected].

Today’s guest is Dr. Tim Burcham, the director of the Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center in Greenfield, Arkansas. This center – a part of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture – has a focus on research, community outreach, and educating all generations on agriculture in the Arkansas Delta.

 You can visit their website or find them on Facebook at UofA Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center.

 Dr. Burcham can also be reached via email at [email protected] or phone at 870-586-6236.

 “I know the Lord’s in control and that’s what I lean on every day.”
               -Dr. Tim Burcham

We'd love to hear your feedback! Please reach out to us if you have ideas for future shows or how we can make That Farm Life even better! Email us at [email protected]!

That Farm Life is produced by Eagle Farms at Williams Baptist University. That Farm Life Podcast is also a resource of Agri Health Network. For more information and to find more resources, check out AgriHealth.net.

Are you interested in graduating from college debt free? Check out the Williams Works program at WBU! For more information, call 870-759-4120 or email [email protected].

So many people struggle with infertility, miscarriage, infant loss, or postpartum mood disorders. Education about these issues is important for men as well as women. Being informed helps us support women when these issues arise.

Our guest for this episode is Emily Gregory. Emily is a Licensed professional counselor with extensive training through Postpartum Support International. Her own story helps her connect with struggling moms and their families. 

Postpartum Support International (PSI) is an organization with free online support groups, loss and grief resources, and a database of therapists who specialize in maternal mental health. You can also reach their HelpLine at 1-800-944-4773. 

“Self-care is not selfish. It’s the same thing as ‘put on your own oxygen mask first.’ If you are not healthy, if you are not functioning, neither is your baby.  So self-care isn’t selfish, it’s self-less. So make sure you have enough fuel in your tank to see to those who require your attention.”            -Emily Gregory

 
That Farm Life Podcast is a resource of Agri Health Network. For more information and to find more resources, check out AgriHealth.net. 

Questions or comments? Email us at [email protected].

We'd love to hear your feedback! Please reach out to us if you have ideas for future shows or how we can make That Farm Life even better! Email us at [email protected]!

That Farm Life is produced by Eagle Farms at Williams Baptist University. That Farm Life Podcast is also a resource of Agri Health Network. For more information and to find more resources, check out AgriHealth.net.

Are you interested in graduating from college debt free? Check out the Williams Works program at WBU! For more information, call 870-759-4120 or email [email protected].

In today’s episode Archie talks with Dr. Jerica Rich, Assistant Professor of Animal Science at Arkansas State University. 

 Dr. Rich’s childhood in New Hampshire did not include agriculture, but she was always surrounded by animals. In high school and college she began working with livestock and soon realized she wanted a career in Ag. 

 With the current difficulties brought on by drought, high input prices, and inflation, Dr. Rich finds strength and encouragement in her relationship with God. She shares many verses she keeps around her office to continually remind herself of His provision and goodness. 

If you have questions about the topics Dr. Rich covered, you can email her at [email protected].

“Work willingly at whatever you do as if you’re working for the Lord rather than for people.”(Colossians 3:23)

 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart & lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:4-5)

“Pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (I Thessalonians 5:17-18)

 
That Farm Life Podcast is a resource of Agri Health Network. For more information and to find more resources, check out AgriHealth.net. 

Questions or comments? Email us at [email protected].

We'd love to hear your feedback! Please reach out to us if you have ideas for future shows or how we can make That Farm Life even better! Email us at [email protected]!

That Farm Life is produced by Eagle Farms at Williams Baptist University. That Farm Life Podcast is also a resource of Agri Health Network. For more information and to find more resources, check out AgriHealth.net.

Are you interested in graduating from college debt free? Check out the Williams Works program at WBU! For more information, call 870-759-4120 or email [email protected].

Many times people in agriculture apply for loans, grants, or other financial support from the USDA. When they are denied, there is a free resource to appeal.

 In today’s episode Archie interviews Tezra Woody, the Regional Director for the Southern Region of the USDA National Appeals Division. She shares reasons a person may want to appeal and the free process. 

 Her personal story of growing up on a truck patch farm to the military, to law school, to the Army JAG Corps, and now to the National Appeals Division is inspiring and encouraging for anyone who has big dreams.

 More information on the appeals process, visit the National Appeals Division at 

www.nad.usda.gov. There are links to the application as well as other ways to contact NAD.

You can also watch a video on the appeals division on YouTube.

That Farm Life Podcast is a resource of Agri Health Network. For more information and to find more resources, check out AgriHealth.net. 

Questions or comments? Email us at [email protected].

We'd love to hear your feedback! Please reach out to us if you have ideas for future shows or how we can make That Farm Life even better! Email us at [email protected]!

That Farm Life is produced by Eagle Farms at Williams Baptist University. That Farm Life Podcast is also a resource of Agri Health Network. For more information and to find more resources, check out AgriHealth.net.

Are you interested in graduating from college debt free? Check out the Williams Works program at WBU! For more information, call 870-759-4120 or email [email protected].