This episode focuses on the 11th annual Texas Social Media Conference. This conference is hosted by the Texas Social Media Research Institute and the Rural Communication Institute. We are excited to host this annual conference through a virtual format over a month-long time period. We recorded all of the sessions so far and we enjoyed interacting with the social media media across Texas and beyond.

Check out our schedule - http://www.tinyurl.com/TXSocialMedia2021

Check out the recorded conference sessions - http://www.facebook.com/TSMRI/

Also, this week's episode features a special guest, Kennedy Whitten. She is one of the students in Dr. Winslow's Public Relations class who served on the conference planning team. Check out her amazing commercial.

We wanted to THANK our wonderful conference planning team for this semester:

Fisher Pearce

Kennedy Whitten

Kaylee Bentley

Thank you for all of your hard work!

Sincerely,

Texas Social Media Research Institute and the Rural Communication Institute

We cannot wait for you to hear this episode! This episode highlights the advantages and disadvantages of living in a rural community.

Here are the questions that are addressed in this episode:

Visit our Facebook page to download the Rural Communication Checklist for the rural Texans! http://www.facebook.com/thinkruralcomm http://www.twitter.com/thinkruralcomm Our Rural Communication/Social Media Executive Director is: Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards, Tarleton State University Our Rural Communication Scholars are: Ava Francesca Battocchio - Michigan State University (Lansing, MI) Clinton Brown - Marshall University (Huntington, WV) Courtney Cole - Regis College (Weston, MA) Xuewei Chen - Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK) Subi Gandhi - Tarleton State University (Stephenville, TX) Allison Hahn - City University of New York (New York City, NY) Kevin Hales - University of Missouri (Columbia, MO) Son Mai - McNeese State University (Lake Charles, LA) Rob Patterson - University of Virginia/McIntire School of Commerce (Crozet, VA) Nicola Ritter - Texas A&M University (College Station, TX) Ashli Stokes - University of North Carolina - Charlotte (Charlotte, NC) Bryce Tellmann - South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (Rapid City, SD) Bradley Wolfe - Ridgewater College (Nicollet, MN) Our Rural Communication/Social Media Graduate Fellows are: Shitara Taylor, Tarleton State University Anna Laurent, Tarleton State University Magnolia Dunlap, Tarleton State University Lauryn Harris, Tarleton State University Our Rural Communication/Social Media Undergraduate Fellows are: Rhiannon McClain, Tarleton State University Katelyn West, Tarleton State University Robin Hicks, Tarleton State University Esmeralda Juarez, Tarleton State University Kyndall Thompson, Tarleton State University

We cannot wait for you to hear this episode! This episode highlights the challenges facing educators in rural areas!'

Here are the questions that are addressed in this episode:

Visit our Facebook page to download the Rural Communication Checklist for the rural Texans! http://www.facebook.com/thinkruralcomm http://www.twitter.com/thinkruralcomm Our Rural Communication/Social Media Executive Director is: Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards, Tarleton State University Our Rural Communication Scholars are: Ava Francesca Battocchio - Michigan State University (Lansing, MI) Clinton Brown - Marshall University (Huntington, WV) Courtney Cole - Regis College (Weston, MA) Xuewei Chen - Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK) Subi Gandhi - Tarleton State University (Stephenville, TX) Allison Hahn - City University of New York (New York City, NY) Kevin Hales - University of Missouri (Columbia, MO) Son Mai - McNeese State University (Lake Charles, LA) Rob Patterson - University of Virginia/McIntire School of Commerce (Crozet, VA) Nicola Ritter - Texas A&M University (College Station, TX) Ashli Stokes - University of North Carolina - Charlotte (Charlotte, NC) Bryce Tellmann - South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (Rapid City, SD) Bradley Wolfe - Ridgewater College (Nicollet, MN) Our Rural Communication/Social Media Graduate Fellows are: Shitara Taylor, Tarleton State University Anna Laurent, Tarleton State University Magnolia Dunlap, Tarleton State University Lauryn Harris, Tarleton State University Our Rural Communication/Social Media Undergraduate Fellows are: Rhiannon McClain, Tarleton State University Katelyn West, Tarleton State University Robin Hicks, Tarleton State University Esmeralda Juarez, Tarleton State University Kyndall Thompson, Tarleton State University

Mental Health is a challenge encountered by many, but especially those in rural areas. Check out this week's episode: Episode 1.12 - Rural Mental Health Series 1/3 Conversations with Kaila Anderson. Listen to Anna Laurent (Graduate Fellow) as she interviews Kaila.

Mental health is woefully underserved, especially in rural communities.

Do you have a vision for how to incorporate mental health awareness/ toolkit for rural, underserved hospitals? What are some unique ways that we can address mental health in rural areas?

How do I know if I am depressed? If I think I have a problem how do I get confidential help?

What do you think the biggest challenge is to overcome the lack of mental health services in rural areas? What can I as an individual do to help break the stigma surrounding mental health in rural areas?

How do I know if someone close to me is struggling with mental health ( depression, anxiety, postpartum depression, ptsd ect)? Are there warning signs to look for that indicate someone is considering suicide? 

How do I start a conversation wih my children about mental health and encourage them to open up about their feelings? If someone opens up to me about their struggles, what do I say to let them know I support them? ( i.e. are there certain things that I shouldn’t say accidentally?)

We have talked about marriage counseling but my husband is afraid therapy will just make things worse. How do I approach a loved one about their substance use? If someone I know is an Alcoholic and doesn’t think they have a problem. What do I do?

Visit our Facebook page to download the Rural Communication Checklist for the rural Texans! http://www.facebook.com/thinkruralcomm http://www.twitter.com/thinkruralcomm Our Rural Communication/Social Media Executive Director is: Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards, Tarleton State University Our Rural Communication Scholars are: Ava Francesca Battocchio - Michigan State University (Lansing, MI) Clinton Brown - Marshall University (Huntington, WV) Courtney Cole - Regis College (Weston, MA) Xuewei Chen - Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK) Subi Gandhi - Tarleton State University (Stephenville, TX) Allison Hahn - City University of New York (New York City, NY) Kevin Hales - University of Missouri (Columbia, MO) Son Mai - McNeese State University (Lake Charles, LA) Rob Patterson - University of Virginia/McIntire School of Commerce (Crozet, VA) Nicola Ritter - Texas A&M University (College Station, TX) Ashli Stokes - University of North Carolina - Charlotte (Charlotte, NC) Bryce Tellmann - South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (Rapid City, SD) Bradley Wolfe - Ridgewater College (Nicollet, MN) Our Rural Communication/Social Media Graduate Fellows are: Shitara Taylor, Tarleton State University Anna Laurent, Tarleton State University Magnolia Dunlap, Tarleton State University Lauryn Harris, Tarleton State University Our Rural Communication/Social Media Undergraduate Fellows are: Rhiannon McClain, Tarleton State University Katelyn West, Tarleton State University Robin Hicks, Tarleton State University Esmeralda Juarez, Tarleton State University Kyndall Thompson, Tarleton State University

Rural Health Emergencies are important for individuals who live in cities and rural towns. If you travel across the state or country, it is important to know where rural hospitals exist (or do not exist) along the highways. Check out this week's episode: Episode 1.11 - 911, What’s Your Rural Emergency? Listen to RCI fellows as they discuss this topic. 

Question - What are some benefits that medical professionals seek while applying for jobs?

Question - What is the appeal (or what could be the appeal of a small town/community)?

Question - If the goal of a healthcare professional is to provide service to people in need, why is there a shortage of healthcare professionals in rural areas? Question - Tell me about your rural healthcare experience? Did the healthcare provider drive into your town and were they long-term providers?

Question - Does the number of doctors to residents matter? Should there be a mandatory number of doctors per county? What regulations could be implemented and enforced to make it happen?

Visit our Facebook page to download the Rural Communication Checklist for the rural Texans! http://www.facebook.com/thinkruralcomm

http://www.twitter.com/thinkruralcomm

Our Rural Communication/Social Media Executive Director is: Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards, Tarleton State University Our Rural Communication Scholars are: Ava Francesca Battocchio - Michigan State University (Lansing, MI) Clinton Brown - Marshall University (Huntington, WV) Courtney Cole - Regis College (Weston, MA) Xuewei Chen - Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK) Subi Gandhi - Tarleton State University (Stephenville, TX) Allison Hahn - City University of New York (New York City, NY) Kevin Hales - University of Missouri (Columbia, MO) Son Mai - McNeese State University (Lake Charles, LA) Rob Patterson - University of Virginia/McIntire School of Commerce (Crozet, VA) Nicola Ritter - Texas A&M University (College Station, TX) Ashli Stokes - University of North Carolina - Charlotte (Charlotte, NC) Bryce Tellmann - South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (Rapid City, SD) Bradley Wolfe - Ridgewater College (Nicollet, MN) Our Rural Communication/Social Media Graduate Fellows are: Shitara Taylor, Tarleton State University Anna Laurent, Tarleton State University Magnolia Dunlap, Tarleton State University Lauryn Harris, Tarleton State University Our Rural Communication/Social Media Undergraduate Fellows are: Rhiannon McClain, Tarleton State University Katelyn West, Tarleton State University Robin Hicks, Tarleton State University Esmeralda Juarez, Tarleton State University Kyndall Thompson, Tarleton State University

People who live in rural areas experience numerous challenges that can negatively affect the way they live, work, and play. Living in a rural area is definitely an adventure, but it has many benefits! Check out this week's episode: Episode 1.10 - Are Fruits and Vegetables Sweeter/Better in Rural Areas?).

Listen to Kyndall Thompson (Undergraduate Fellow) and Anna Laurent (Graduate Fellow) as they reflect on their experiences with farmer's markets, grocery stores, and fruits/vegetables in rural areas!

Visit our Facebook page to download the Rural Communication Checklist for the rural Texans!

http://www.facebook.com/thinkruralcomm

http://www.twitter.com/thinkruralcomm

Our Rural Communication/Social Media Executive Director is:

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards, Tarleton State University

Our Rural Communication Scholars are:

Ava Francesca Battocchio - Michigan State University (Lansing, MI)

Clinton Brown - Marshall University (Huntington, WV)

Courtney Cole - Regis College (Weston, MA)

Xuewei Chen - Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK)

Subi Gandhi - Tarleton State University (Stephenville, TX)

Allison Hahn - City University of New York (New York City, NY)

Kevin Hales - University of Missouri (Columbia, MO)

Son Mai - McNeese State University (Lake Charles, LA)

Rob Patterson - University of Virginia/McIntire School of Commerce (Crozet, VA)

Nicola Ritter - Texas A&M University (College Station, TX)

Ashli Stokes - University of North Carolina - Charlotte (Charlotte, NC)

Bryce Tellmann - South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (Rapid City, SD)

Bradley Wolfe - Ridgewater College (Nicollet, MN)

Our Rural Communication/Social Media Graduate Fellows are:

Shitara Taylor, Tarleton State University

Anna Laurent, Tarleton State University

Magnolia Dunlap, Tarleton State University

Lauryn Harris, Tarleton State University

Our Rural Communication/Social Media Undergraduate Fellows are:

Rhiannon McClain, Tarleton State University

Katelyn West, Tarleton State University

Robin Hicks, Tarleton State University

Esmeralda Juarez, Tarleton State University

Kyndall Thompson, Tarleton State University

People who live in rural areas experience numerous challenges that can negatively affect the way they live, work, and play. Living in a rural area is definitely an adventure, but it has many benefits! Check out this week's episode: Episode 1.9 - Communication Internships in Rural Areas (My Internship Experience as an Emergency Communication Intern with Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant).

Listen to Rhiannon McClain as she reflects on her experience as a summer intern with Comanche Peak Nuclear Power Plant.

Visit our Facebook page to download the Rural Communication Checklist for the rural Texans!

http://www.facebook.com/thinkruralcomm

http://www.twitter.com/thinkruralcomm

Our Rural Communication/Social Media Executive Director is:

Dr. Jennifer T. Edwards, Tarleton State University

Our Rural Communication Scholars are:

Ava Francesca Battocchio - Michigan State University (Lansing, MI)

Clinton Brown - Marshall University (Huntington, WV)

Courtney Cole - Regis College (Weston, MA)

Xuewei Chen - Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK)

Subi Gandhi - Tarleton State University (Stephenville, TX)

Allison Hahn - City University of New York (New York City, NY)

Kevin Hales - University of Missouri (Columbia, MO)

Son Mai - McNeese State University (Lake Charles, LA)

Rob Patterson - University of Virginia/McIntire School of Commerce (Crozet, VA)

Nicola Ritter - Texas A&M University (College Station, TX)

Ashli Stokes - University of North Carolina - Charlotte (Charlotte, NC)

Bryce Tellmann - South Dakota School of Mines & Technology (Rapid City, SD)

Bradley Wolfe - Ridgewater College (Nicollet, MN)

Our Rural Communication/Social Media Graduate Fellows are:

Shitara Taylor, Tarleton State University

Anna Laurent, Tarleton State University

Magnolia Dunlap, Tarleton State University

Lauryn Harris, Tarleton State University

Our Rural Communication/Social Media Undergraduate Fellows are:

Rhiannon McClain, Tarleton State University

Katelyn West, Tarleton State University

Robin Hicks, Tarleton State University

Esmeralda Juarez, Tarleton State University

Kyndall Thompson, Tarleton State University