What if the buildings where people receive behavioral health care or serve time in correctional facilities were intentionally designed to support healing, rehabilitation, and connection? In this episode of Stepping In It, Jason Haglund sits down with JLG Architects principals Todd Medd and Jennifer Burke Jackson to explore how trauma-informed design is reshaping behavioral health and correctional environments. From the new North Dakota State Hospital to progressive rehabilitation facilities, they discuss how thoughtful design can create safety, strengthen relationships, support caregivers, and help people successfully return to their communities. The conversation also explores the importance of addressing trauma further upstream and building a true continuum of behavioral health care across rural communities.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Discover the core principles of trauma-informed design and how physical environments can promote safety, choice, flexibility, and healing.
• Learn how North Dakota is rethinking behavioral health and correctional facilities through rehabilitation, progression, and community connection.
• Explore how design elements like natural light, acoustics, flexible spaces, and access to nature can impact patients, residents, staff, and caregivers.
• Understand why behavioral health infrastructure must be part of a larger continuum of care that includes state hospitals, rural hospitals, community-based services, and corrections.
• Learn how relationships, family connection, and community engagement can support rehabilitation and improve public safety.
• Hear why addressing childhood trauma and other upstream factors is essential to creating long-term change in behavioral health and incarceration.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:10:06 - Introduction: JLG Architects & Building Communities That Thrive

00:11:28 - Meet Todd Medd & Jennifer Burke Jackson

00:15:29 - The Long Road to Building a New North Dakota State Hospital

00:17:46 - Designing Modern Behavioral Health Facilities

00:19:20 - Understanding Trauma-Informed Design

00:22:19 - Bringing Trauma-Informed Principles Into Corrections

00:23:34 - North Dakota’s Four Pillars of Rehabilitation

00:28:17 - Designing a Progression From Treatment Back to Community

00:29:24 - State Hospitals, Community Services & the Continuum of Care

00:32:52 - Rethinking Incarceration by Addressing Trauma Upstream

00:37:58 - How Physical Spaces Can Support Safety & Healing

00:41:24 - Designing Correctional Spaces for Choice, Family & Connection

00:45:10 - Behavioral Health Challenges in Rural Hospitals

00:48:36 - Designing Spaces That Support Caregivers

00:50:09 - Capacity, Rehabilitation & the Challenges Facing County Jails

00:52:15 - Building Flexible Facilities for Changing Behavioral Health Needs

00:56:21 - Self-Care, Family & the Power of Connection

00:59:46 - Bringing Community Connection Home

01:00:38 - Closing Thoughts

Links:

• https://jlgarchitects.com/ 
• https://www.tidsociety.com/ 
• https://medium.com/@kristincooke/designing-for-the-wounded-how-trauma-informed-product-design-creates-digital-sanctuaries-edfe3e72885a 
• https://rosehaven.org/trauma-informed-design-inspiring-safety-healing/ 
• https://perkinswill.com/news/trauma-informed-design-healthcare-designed-to-heal/ 

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https://ruralpolicypartners.com/ 

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Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sal9ZO2ICoI

Hiring a consultant is often seen as the first step toward meaningful change, but what happens when the final report ends up collecting dust? In this episode, we explore the reasons consulting engagements sometimes leave organizations feeling more frustrated than empowered. From recommendations that don't fit rural communities to overwhelming reports with no implementation plan, we discuss why so many consulting projects fail to create lasting impact. We also examine the research behind unsuccessful consulting engagements and share what organizations should expect from consultants who are truly committed to helping communities move from ideas to action.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Why consulting engagements often fail to produce lasting, measurable results.
• The common mistakes that leave organizations with reports instead of real change.
• How recommendations that ignore local context can do more harm than good in rural communities.
• Why implementation planning, ownership, and follow-through matter just as much as the recommendations themselves.
• What organizations should look for when hiring consultants who will create sustainable impact.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:09 - Introduction & Why Some Consulting Projects Fail

00:03:01 - When Consultants Confirm What You Already Know

00:07:08 - Why Generic Recommendations Don't Work in Rural Communities

00:11:45 - Hero Projects, Lost Momentum & The Cost of No Follow-Up

00:16:02 - Research: Why 70% of Consulting Engagements Miss Their Goals

00:20:10 - The Handoff Gap, Change Management & Organizational Ownership

00:24:18 - When Hard Truths Are Necessary—and When Reports Become Overwhelming

00:28:11 - Breaking the Cycle of Repeating the Same Assessments

00:31:04 - Building Sustainable Solutions Instead of Another Report

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https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/V-yqwhYspy8

Not all consulting projects are created equal—and how they're funded can have a major impact on their success. In this episode of Stepping In It, Renee Schulte and Jason Haglund explore the differences between direct and third-party consultant funding, sharing real-world examples of what works, what doesn't, and why alignment matters. They discuss the opportunities that grant-funded technical assistance can create, the challenges of mismatched expectations, and how organizations can make the most of one-time funding opportunities. Whether you're a consultant, healthcare leader, or policymaker, this conversation offers practical insights for building projects that create lasting value instead of reports that collect dust.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Understand the differences between direct and third-party consultant funding models.
• Learn the benefits and challenges of grant-funded technical assistance for organizations and consultants.
• Discover why alignment between funders, consultants, and organizations is critical for successful outcomes.
• Explore how Rural Health Transformation funding, opioid settlement dollars, and other federal investments are creating new opportunities for rural healthcare innovation.
• Gain practical advice for evaluating consulting opportunities and ensuring projects remain sustainable after funding ends.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:02 – Introduction & Preparing for Harvest Season

00:02:07 – Why Funding Structure Changes the Consulting Relationship

00:02:57 – Understanding Third-Party Funded Consulting Projects

00:04:12 – When "Free" Technical Assistance Creates More Work Than Value

00:06:01 – The Benefits of Third-Party Funding and Expert Partnerships

00:07:17 – Why Shovel-Ready Projects Are Best Positioned for One-Time Funding

00:09:06 – Common Pitfalls: Poor Consultant Matches and Misaligned Goals

00:11:02 – Due Diligence: Knowing When to Walk Away from Free Funding

00:12:41 – What Technical Assistance Is—and What It Isn't

00:14:02 – Lessons from Incomplete Projects and Funding That Ends Too Soon

00:17:07 – Asking Better Questions Before Accepting Technical Assistance

00:18:01 – Delays, Federal Funding, and the Challenges of One-Time Dollars

00:19:15 – Rural Health Transformation Funding and Opportunities for Consultants

00:21:20 – Resources in the Show Notes: Rural Health, Healthy Hometowns, and Opioid Settlement Funding

00:21:54 – Why Buildings Alone Don't Transform Care: Policy, Practice, and Coordination Matter

Links:

• https://www.iowapca.org/healthyhometownsiowa
• https://www.cms.gov/initiatives/rural-health-transformation-rht-program/overview
• https://www.iowacounties.org/member-resources/opioid-settlement-resources/ 

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Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Nk0EJSr-O6A

Organizations invest thousands—and sometimes millions—of dollars in consultants with the expectation that meaningful change will follow. But too often, those investments fall short, not because of the consultant, but because of how the engagement is managed. In this episode, Renee Schulte and Jason Haglund share lessons from years of consulting with healthcare organizations, highlighting the biggest mistakes that waste valuable time and resources. From unclear meeting agendas and missing decision-makers to chasing unsolvable problems and failing to follow through, they discuss practical strategies that help organizations maximize every consulting engagement and create lasting results.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Why hiring a consultant is only the first step—and why follow-through determines success.
• The most common ways organizations waste consultant time and resources.
• How meeting structure, attendance, and accountability can dramatically improve outcomes.
• Why consultants should challenge assumptions instead of simply validating existing beliefs.
• Practical strategies for keeping projects on track through timelines, data, and measurable goals.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:11 – Introduction & Why Consultant Time Matters

00:03:06 – Billions Spent on Consulting with Limited Measured Impact

00:03:28 – The Biggest Consultant Time Wasters

00:07:03 – Why Organizations Sometimes Want Validation Instead of Truth

00:09:00 – The Importance of Agendas and Structured Meetings

00:12:05 – Getting the Right Decision-Makers in the Room

00:14:46 – Avoiding "Unsolvable" Conversations That Stall Progress

00:18:20 – Using Data Instead of Opinions to Drive Decisions

00:24:10 – Breaking Down Data-Sharing Barriers

00:29:23 – Using Timelines to Keep Consulting Projects Moving

00:30:00 – Final Takeaways & Closing Thoughts

Links:

• https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1126675
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42081210/
• https://www.missionmet.com/blog/understanding-the-cost-of-hiring-a-strategic-planning-consultant-for-your-nonprofit 

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https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7iGX6ngUs2g

Most people spend years planning for retirement but very little time preparing for the possibility of needing care. In this episode of Stepping In It, Renee Schulte and Jason Haglund welcome extended care benefits advisor Raymond Lavine for a practical conversation about why every family needs a caregiving plan. From understanding the true costs of long-term care to creating environments that allow people to age with dignity, Raymond shares why planning isn't just about insurance—it's about protecting your independence, your family, and your legacy. Whether you're caring for aging parents, thinking about your own future, or hoping to preserve a family farm or business, this episode offers valuable insights into one of the most important conversations families often avoid.

In this episode, you will be able to:
Understand why caregiving planning is about far more than long-term care insurance.
Learn how preparing your home and finances today can preserve independence later.
Discover the financial realities of long-term care and why early planning matters.
Explore how caregiving impacts families emotionally, financially, and practically.
Gain insights into protecting family assets and creating a plan that reflects your personal goals and values.

The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 – Introduction & Corn Sweat Farmer Update
00:03:15 – Meet Raymond Lavine & His Work in Extended Care Planning
00:07:15 – What Caregiving Really Means Beyond Insurance
00:12:20 – Aging in Place, Home Modifications & Protecting Family Farms
00:17:30 – The Financial Reality of Long-Term Care Costs
00:22:10 – When Should You Start Planning for Care?
00:27:30 – Building a Personalized Caregiving Plan
00:31:30 – Raymond's Book, Resources & Final Takeaways

Links:
https://lifehappens.org/long-term-care-insurance-101/how-much-does-long-term-care-cost/ 
https://investor.genworth.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/1005/long-term-care-costs-increase-in-iowa-on-par-with-national 
https://www.milliman.com/en/insight/2025-milliman-long-term-care-index  

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https://ruralpolicypartners.com/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/ 
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https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/SLqE6OQ6sfI

Meetings have become a constant part of professional life, yet many participants leave wondering whether they accomplished anything at all. In this episode, Jason and Renee kick off a new series on meeting effectiveness by exploring why so many meetings feel unproductive, how poor planning wastes valuable time and resources, and what organizations can do to improve collaboration and decision-making. From meeting overload and unclear objectives to practical strategies for better agendas, follow-up, and accountability, this conversation offers a fresh look at one of the most common frustrations in the workplace.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Why ineffective meetings cost organizations time, money, and momentum.
• What current data reveals about the growing number of meetings in today’s workplace.
• How the 40/20/40 rule can improve meeting outcomes and execution.
• The key metrics organizations should use to evaluate meeting effectiveness.
• Practical strategies for running meetings with clear purpose, agendas, and action items.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:09 – Introduction to the New Meeting Series

00:01:22 – Farm Update & The “Whiny Farmer” Story

00:02:45 – Have We Forgotten How to Meet?

00:06:05 – The Rising Cost of Meeting Overload

00:08:58 – Meeting Statistics and Workplace Trends

00:11:50 – Understanding the 40/20/40 Rule

00:15:42 – Measuring Meeting ROI and Success

00:19:20 – What Makes a Good Meeting?

00:22:48 – Agendas, Follow-Up, and Clear Outcomes

00:26:15 – Meeting Mondays and Protecting Productive Time

00:29:10 – Final Thoughts & Looking Ahead to the Series

Links:

• https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/worklab/work-trend-index
• https://asana.com/resources/state-of-work-innovation 

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https://ruralpolicypartners.com/ 

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https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7RQb9q5cuUk 

In this episode, Renee Schulte and Jason Haglund explore an often-overlooked aspect of wellness: actually using the time off you've earned. From the health risks of burnout to the surprising benefits of vacation on productivity and career growth, they discuss why Americans struggle to disconnect from work and what we can learn from cultures that prioritize rest. Along the way, they share practical strategies for using PTO effectively, preventing overwhelm before and after vacations, and finding creative ways to build self-care into both personal and professional travel.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Why taking paid time off is critical for preventing burnout and improving overall well-being.
• How vacation and rest can boost creativity, focus, productivity, and even career advancement.
• What current PTO trends reveal about American work culture and our relationship with time off.
• Practical strategies for planning vacations without returning to an overwhelming workload.
• Creative ways to incorporate self-care, community connection, and personal growth into travel and work trips.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:09 - Introduction to Summer Self-Care

00:01:34 - Why Americans Struggle to Use PTO

00:06:40 - The Health and Career Benefits of Taking Time Off

00:12:15 - PTO Statistics and Workplace Trends

00:18:10 - Planning Time Away Without Falling Behind

00:22:45 - Creative Approaches to Vacation and Business Travel

00:26:30 - Self-Care Through Life Transitions and New Seasons

00:29:22 - Final Encouragement to Use Your PTO and Recharge

Links:

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/burnout/art-20046642
• https://washingtonnational.com/explore/at-work/6-ways-using-pto-boosts-your-career/
• https://acarasolutions.com/blog/recruiting-trends/the-importance-of-using-all-your-vacation-time/
• https://acarasolutions.com/blog/recruiting-trends/the-importance-of-using-all-your-vacation-time/
• https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/paid-time-off-reasons-should-use-pto
• https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/2023/03/30/how-americans-view-their-jobs/
• https://share.google/2aVRdOJg7f8EYduKf
• https://clockify.me/pto-statistics 

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https://ruralpolicypartners.com/ 

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https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lQxAy7PPk4I 

In this episode, Jason and Renee reflect on key takeaways from the Indiana Rural Health Conference in French Lick, Indiana. From conversations about rural culture and help-seeking behaviors to surprising data on Employee Assistance Program (EAP) utilization, they explore why access to care is only part of the equation. This discussion highlights the powerful role of culture, trusted relationships, and community influence in shaping behavioral health outcomes, especially in rural communities where asking for help is often easier said than done.

In this episode, you will learn:

• Why rural culture can create unique barriers to seeking help and support.
• What surprising EAP utilization data reveals about behavioral health engagement.
• How stigma and workplace culture influence whether people access available resources.
• Why trusted relationships often have a greater impact on behavioral health than formal systems.
• How leaders can create environments that encourage help-seeking and self-care.
• What conference discussions revealed about strengthening rural behavioral health support systems.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:06 - Introduction and Farm Life Updates

00:01:36 - Exploring French Lick and the Indiana Rural Health Conference

00:06:52 - Johnny Crowder’s Message on Rural Help-Seeking Culture

00:07:38 - The Reality of EAP Utilization and Access to Care

00:11:05 - Surprising Statistics on Appointment Follow-Through

00:12:33 - Why Workplace Culture Matters More Than Policy Alone

00:15:30 - Creating Safe Spaces for People to Ask for Help

00:19:00 - The Power of Trust, Relationships, and Word-of-Mouth Connections

00:22:15 - Lessons for Leaders Supporting Employee Well-Being

00:25:00 - Final Reflections and Closing Thoughts

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https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QcQ41mKv4ZM 

As an estimated $124 trillion in wealth changes hands over the coming decades, many families are discovering that inheritance is about far more than money. In this episode, Renee and Jason explore the intersection of hoarding, aging, rural life, and the Great Wealth Transfer. Through personal stories, data, and practical reflections, they discuss how decades of accumulated possessions can create emotional, financial, and logistical challenges for families. From farmland and collectibles to safety risks and mental health concerns, this conversation sheds light on a growing issue that many families will face in the years ahead.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• What the Great Wealth Transfer means for rural families and farmland ownership.
• How hoarding differs from collecting and why the distinction matters.
• The mental health and safety risks commonly associated with hoarding disorder.
• Why inherited possessions can become a significant burden for the next generation.
• How families can begin conversations about legacy, possessions, and planning before a crisis occurs.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:05 - Introduction & The Great Wealth Transfer

00:01:52 - $124 Trillion Changing Hands

00:03:25 - Inheritance vs. Collections and Clutter

00:06:45 - The Consumer Culture Behind Accumulation

00:10:18 - Collectibles, Memorabilia, and Family Treasures

00:15:38 - Hoarding Disorder and Mental Health Connections

00:16:51 - Fire Hazards and Rural Safety Concerns

00:20:49 - 35,000 Pounds Sent to the Landfill

00:24:05 - What We Choose to Keep and Why

00:26:34 - Rethinking Legacy and Financial Support

00:30:03 - Final Reflections on Hoarding and Inheritance

Links:

• https://www.google.com/search?q=Hoarding+disorder&rlz=1C1CHBF_enUS987US987&oq=hoarding+statis&gs_lcrp=EgZjaHJvbWUqBwgAEAAYgAQyBwgAEAAYgAQyBwgBEAAYgAQyBggCEEUYOTIHCAMQABiABDIICAQQABgWGB4yCAgFEAAYFhgeMggIBhAAGBYYHjIICAcQABgWGB4yCAgIEAAYFhgeMggICRAAGBYYHtIBCDQ1NDBqMGo3qAIAsAIA&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8&ved=2ahUKEwiVvPa7wraUAxXw1vACHdrMMiEQgK4QegoIAggACAAIARAD
• https://www.abct.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/hoarding.pdf 

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Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/lvtpBWMypIY 

In this episode, Jason shares insights from the Dakota Conference on Rural Health in North Dakota, reflecting on conference trends, healthcare innovation, and the realities of implementing system change in rural communities. From discussions about award banquets and conference logistics to promising presentations on care coordination, shared technology infrastructure, and emergency department transfers, Jason and Renee explore the gap between ambitious healthcare solutions and the hard work required to make them successful. They highlight lessons from the Rough Rider Network, the importance of honest reporting in healthcare improvement efforts, and why process, patient safety, and continuous improvement matter more than flashy presentations.

In this episode, you will be able to:

• Why conference presentations that sound too good to be true often deserve a closer look.
• How North Dakota’s Rough Rider Network is advancing shared healthcare technology and care coordination.
• What rising emergency department utilization means for rural hospitals and healthcare systems.
• The role of the Medicare Beneficiary Quality Improvement Program (MBQIP) in improving care within Critical Access Hospitals.
• Why effective emergency department transfers depend on strong processes, standardized documentation, and staff education.
• How transparency and realistic expectations help build trust during healthcare transformation efforts.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:09 - Introduction & Summer Travel Stories

00:01:40 - Overview of the Dakota Conference on Rural Health

00:04:28 - The Good, Bad, and Ugly of Conference Award Banquets

00:09:35 - Sessions That Sound Too Good to Be True

00:13:20 - The Rough Rider Network & Shared Healthcare Technology

00:16:32 - Care Coordination, Data Sharing & Rural Innovation

00:19:55 - Emergency Department Challenges in Rural Healthcare

00:20:34 - Emergency Department Transfers & Patient Safety

00:21:24 - The Eight Essential Elements of a Successful Transfer

00:23:01 - Why Process Improvement Requires Honesty & Trust

00:25:15 - Clinical Pathways, Staff Education & Continuous Improvement

00:27:00 - Closing Reflections & Takeaways from the Conference

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https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners

Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/G1KDGgFBXBQ