The Bridge

HOSTS: Mike Schafer, Paul Gilg

GUESTS: Dr. Carrie Ann Brown CIV DPAA SA, Msgr. James E. Gilg, special thanks to USAF SSgt Kathy Duran

In this powerful episode of The Bridge, hosts Mike Schafer and Paul Gilg explore the extraordinary mission of the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) through the deeply personal story of Navy Fireman First Class Louis James Tushla, a Nebraska native who was killed aboard the USS Oklahoma during the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. More than 80 years later, advances in forensic science and the relentless dedication of the DPAA made it possible to identify his remains and return him home to his family.

QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE

"Every family that has someone missing ever remembers. Even if they did not meet that person in life, there's a picture somewhere in a house, or a story somewhere."

"I would want you to know that we cared for him every step of the way. He was always there, and he was always on our list to find."

"We can talk about the science all the time, and it's very interesting and it's very hard, and we do amazing work, but that story, that's the thing that you'll remember."

"It was just like bringing all those people back to life."

HOST: Andrew Strand

GUESTS: Joey Huff, Erin Welsh, Ashley Starmer

In honor of National Coming Out Day, this episode explores the powerful connection between joy, self-realization, and authenticity. We often talk about coming out as an act of courage, but it is also an act of liberation and celebration. Join us as we discuss the joy that comes from embracing who we truly are, the freedom found in living authentically, and the transformative experience of being seen, known, and accepted. Through personal stories and thoughtful reflection, we'll explore how self-discovery can lead to deeper connections, greater confidence, and a more joyful life. Because when we step into our truth, we create space for belonging, growth, and the joy of becoming our most authentic selves.

QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE

"Joy appears when we stop performing and start belonging to ourselves."

"What changes when we no longer have to edit ourselves for the comfort of others?"

"Being seen is powerful. Being celebrated is transformative."

"The greatest gift of coming out may not be what others learn about us, but what we learn about ourselves."

HOST: Ashley Keiser

GUEST: Brandy Balzer, Mindy Schweitzer

On this episode of The Bridge Podcast, we welcome Brandy Balzer and Mindy Schweitzer to discuss their roles as Developing Markets Managers for our Associations. Together, we take a deep dive into how our Associations are helping the next generation of producers grow and succeed through education, industry connections, and specialized expertise.

We also look back at the remarkable growth of this initiative over the past five years. What began with just four full-time employees has expanded into a team of nearly 30 teammates, all focused on serving and supporting this important producer demographic.

QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE

“We have such a strong focus because this is the future of our organizations and our business.”

“There are some amazing, passionate, young and beginning producers out there that are looking for great partners to work with, and we want to be that partner.”

“Starting gate was formed about five years ago, and really it’s to meet that Farm Credit mission of ensuring that our young and beginning producers have access to education and resources that they need to grow and remain successful.”

HOST: Andy Kaiser

GUESTS: Kayla Daniels, Sara Miller

Whether you're raising toddlers, teenagers, caring for aging parents, or simply trying to stay healthy amidst the chaos, success often means embracing imperfection, laughing at the mishaps, and making room for the moments that matter most.

We also discuss some current resources and activities available for your crew.

QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE

"Fine sounds like that four-letter F word that we use now."

"You do remember that I am 41 years old, right?"

"Daddy, your breath smells like french fries."

"Anybody that says they've got this figured out is either delusional or selling you something."

"The laundry sitting there, it's not going anywhere."

"Sometimes I feel like our parents are better grandparents than they were parents."

HOST: Heidi Mittag

GUESTS: Jessica Strohman, Jeff Spilinek, Sydney Becker

This episode of The Bridge showcases the Association’s Community Involvement through the Grant program, the We Give program and the Volunteer program. Learn more how the Association’s donations along with teammate’s volunteer efforts and hours are impacting the local communities. May it leave us all a bit more inspired on how we can multiply and cascade our generosity across our communities.

QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE

“This is your personal time. We want you to be able to support causes that are meaningful to you. [Jess]”

“We get to see the bigger needs that exist and how the needs align with the pillars. [Jeff]”

”It’s our teammates; they do a great job sharing. Word of mouth is one of the biggest tools to share information about the grants. [Jess]”

“Watching a group from FCSA come in and make such a huge impact for an organization in just a few hours helps open up our teammates eyes to these local needs, and they have taken that passion back home to their families and friends. [Jeff]”

HOSTS: Andrew Strand, Joey Huff

GUESTS: Ashley Starmer, Erin Welsh

Beacon Voices: Joy Is the Game invites you into a candid Pride conversation that’s equal parts meaningful and uplifting. In this one episode podcast, Beacon teammates share personal reflections on identity, community, and what it means to lead with education, advocacy, empowerment, and authenticity—while keeping joy at the center. Whether you’re here to learn, feel inspired, or simply connect, this conversation celebrates the power of being yourself and the impact of choosing joy together. Listen in and be part of the celebration.

QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE

“Pride, for me, is authenticity.”

“When people get to be who they really are, their lives are so much more full.”

“You’re not just included—you belong.”

“I want people to feel safe, seen, and protected.”

“Sometimes advocacy is just standing next to someone and letting them know they’re not alone.”

“Basic human decency—we need to get back to that.”

“Everyone has something going on… we’re all trying to figure it out.”

“Visibility creates normalcy—it shouldn’t be controversial to exist.”

“Joy is in the journey—we’re never finished evolving.”

“Love is the default.”

Host: Justin Hanson

Guest: Greg Salton

In this episode in the Ask ELT series, Greg Salton joins us to discuss his career journey, lessons learned in leadership and mentoring, and how we execute our credit strategy. Greg highlights how being vulnerable and courageous apply in both mentorship and lending relationships.

QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE

“Adversity builds trust if done correctly.”

“If you have that confidence to go 'these are the things I would’ve done differently,' then others will join in.”

“That ability to learn and evolve and not do the same thing over again is the difference between good and great.”

“It’s important to lead across, up, and down to make sure we’re all aligned.”

“Part of our role in being courageous is to be truth-tellers to borrowers.”

Hosts: Mike Schafer, Paul Gilg

Guests: James Powell

In this episode the Patriot ERG welcomes James back home following his recent deployment and take a meaningful look at his journey from mobilization to reintegration. James shares insights on the challenges and growth that come with returning to civilian work life, the support that made a difference along the way, and the perspectives he brings back from his service. Through an honest and thoughtful conversation, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of Reserve and Guard service, the realities of transitioning home, and how organizations and coworkers can better support those who answer the call.

QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE

“There’s nothing quite like reconnecting after that long time away. The phone calls and texts only do so much — that face-to-face reunion is just the best feeling.”

“You can think you know what that moment is going to feel like, but until you’re actually there and experience it, it’s a whole different ballgame altogether. It’s a feeling I’ll never forget.”

“We kind of joked that we had to relearn how to live together again — like we were first dating or first married. It’s been challenging but rewarding at the same time.”

“Leading in that environment gave me a real appreciation for the responsibilities senior leaders carry. Most decisions aren’t black and white — there’s a lot more complexity behind them than people realize.”

Host: Sydney Becker

Guests: Deb Buehler, Heidi Mittag

In this episode, we sit down with two standout speakers from the Leader Conference IGNITE Talks to explore what it takes to ignite an audience — and yourself — in just five minutes on stage.

Our guests share behind the scenes stories about the preparation that helped bring their ideas to life and the challenges of distilling a powerful leadership message. From working with a public speaking coach to navigating nerves and finding confidence under the lights, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the IGNITE Talk experience.

Host: Alec Hogan

Guests: Amanda Bauer, Marni Frandson, Troy Pfannenstiel, Martin Johnson

This year’s ERG leaders discuss events coming up this year, how teammates can get involved, and why joining an ERG is such a rewarding experience.

QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE

“These ERGs are really for our teammates and to support our culture.”

“There’s a tremendous amount of personal development that comes from being part of an ERG.”

“We’re trying to make meaningful programs that teammates want across all of our ERGs.”

“It’s the people you get to know that you wouldn’t otherwise that make being part of an ERG such an awesome experience.”