The Stepping In It Podcast with Renee Schulte & Jason Haglund

144. Breaking Resistance: Implementation Science, Leadership & Change from New Orleans

In this episode, Renee Schulte and Jason Haglund record live from New Orleans at the Associations of Paroling Authorities International conference, diving into conversations around evidence-based parole decision-making, implementation science, and organizational change. They explore why resistance to change is so common in healthcare, behavioral health, and justice systems, and how leaders can better navigate transformation efforts without losing sight of people, purpose, and outcomes. From productivity standards to questioning outdated systems, this episode highlights the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and focusing on what truly drives progress in complex organizations. In this episode, you will be able to: * Why implementation science matters when introducing change in healthcare, behavioral health, and justice systems. * How resistance to change impacts organizations and why many initiatives fail. * The psychological and operational reasons people resist new systems and expectations. * Why leaders must challenge the status quo while remaining focused on outcomes and sustainability. * How productivity standards, role clarity, and organizational focus influence long-term success. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:09 - Introduction & Recording Live from New Orleans 00:02:18 - Whiny Farmer Intro & Conference Conversations 00:04:41 - Implementation Science with Dr. Alexandra Walker 00:07:12 - Why People Resist Change 00:10:06 - The Cognitive Load of Leaving Autopilot 00:12:34 - Organizational Resistance & Failure Rates 00:15:20 - Evidence-Based Parole Decision-Making Discussion 00:18:11 - Challenging the Status Quo in Systems 00:20:43 - Productivity Standards & Accountability Conversations 00:23:08 - The Importance of Role Clarity & Leadership Focus 00:25:31 - “What We Focus On, We Get More Of” 00:27:04 - Closing Thoughts & Takeaways Links: * APAI conference: https://www.apaintl.org/conference.html [https://www.apaintl.org/conference.html]  * Dr Alexandra Walker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-alexandra-walker [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-alexandra-walker]  * Resilient Optimism: https://www.dralexandrawalker.com/ [https://www.dralexandrawalker.com/]  Connect with us:  https://ruralpolicypartners.com/ [https://ruralpolicypartners.com/]  https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/ [https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/]  https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners [https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners] https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners [https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners] Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/rHj3qVF4134 [https://youtu.be/rHj3qVF4134]

143. Community Is Not a Place: Rethinking Connection in Rural America

In this episode, we explore a simple but often misunderstood question: What is a community? Broadcasting from rural Colorado—with a few connectivity challenges along the way—we unpack how community goes far beyond geography. It’s something built through action, relationships, and shared experiences. From the realities of isolation in frontier regions to the everyday moments that foster connection (yes, even over a good meal), we discuss how strong communities are intentionally created—and why they are essential to behavioral health, resilience, and the systems that support rural life. In this episode, you will be able to: * Understand why community is not just a place, but an action rooted in relationships and collaboration. * Learn how connection impacts mental health, workplaces, and public systems—especially in rural areas. * Explore the real challenges frontier communities face, including workforce shortages and geographic isolation. * Gain practical insights on how to build stronger, more resilient communities through everyday interactions. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction & “Whiny Farmer” Intro 00:02:00 - Recording from Meeker, CO & Setting the Scene 00:04:30 - What Is a Community, Really? 00:07:15 - Community as Action, Not Just Place 00:10:05 - The Role of Connection in Well-Being 00:13:40 - Rural Realities: Isolation & Behavioral Health Impacts 00:17:20 - Data Snapshot: Frontier Access Challenges 00:20:10 - Meeting People Where They Are 00:23:05 - Building Community Through Everyday Moments 00:25:30 - Local Stops: Meeker & Craig Highlights 00:27:00 - Closing Thoughts & Why Community Matters Connect with us:  https://ruralpolicypartners.com/ [https://ruralpolicypartners.com/]  https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/ [https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/]  https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners [https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners] https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners [https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners] Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/5zDzMIkNzMs [https://youtu.be/5zDzMIkNzMs]

142. Colorado Rural Health Conference Live: What We’re Learning About 988, Rural Access, and System Change

In this live episode from the Colorado Rural Health Conference, we unpack real-time insights on the evolution of the 988 mental health line, the structural and cultural challenges shaping access in rural communities, and what it actually takes to build systems people will use. From cross-state coordination issues and shifting liability in crisis response to surprising data trends and lessons in collaboration, this conversation highlights both the progress and the persistent gaps in behavioral health systems. We also reflect on how to make the most of conferences as a tool for learning, connection, and meaningful change. In this episode, you will be able to: * Understand the structural challenges impacting 988 utilization, especially in rural and border communities. * Explore how language, stigma, and cultural norms influence whether people seek help. * Learn what Colorado’s data reveals about who is actually using 988—and how. * Gain insights into shifting crisis response models, liability, and early intervention strategies. * Discover key lessons on collaboration, data overload, and leading system-wide change in rural healthcare. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:09 - Introduction & Live from Colorado Rural Health Conference 00:02:10 - Structural Challenges with 988 & Rural Access Gaps 00:06:35 - Border Communities, Geo-Fencing & Coordination Efforts 00:09:20 - Culture, Language & Why People Don’t Reach Out 00:12:45 - “It’s Not What You Build—It’s What People Will Use” 00:15:30 - Shifting from Crisis Response to Early Intervention 00:18:40 - Liability Changes in Crisis Systems & Law Enforcement Roles 00:21:55 - Colorado 988 Data Insights: Who’s Calling & Outcomes 00:25:10 - Emergency Departments, Law Enforcement & System Strain 00:28:00 - Lessons from Obstetrics: Coordination & Leadership in Care 00:31:15 - Data Overload & Rural Transformation Anxiety 00:34:20 - Pay-for-Performance & Measuring What Matters 00:37:05 - How to Use Conferences for Real Impact 00:39:30 - Closing Thoughts & Key Takeaways Connect with us:  https://ruralpolicypartners.com/ [https://ruralpolicypartners.com/]  https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/ [https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/]  https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners [https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners] https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners [https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners] Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/i28toWoPZ4U [https://youtu.be/i28toWoPZ4U]

141. How to Conference Successfully (Without Wasting Your Time or Energy)

In this episode, we break down how to actually get value out of conferences—beyond just showing up. From setting intentional goals to making meaningful connections and following up effectively, we share practical strategies to help you maximize your time, energy, and investment. We also explore the scale and impact of conferences across the country and highlight some of the unexpected benefits—from networking socials to local experiences—that make these events worth attending (when done right). In this episode, you will be able to: * How to set clear goals before attending a conference so you leave with real outcomes * Why intentional networking (and actually following up) is the biggest ROI driver * How to stay present and avoid common conference distractions * Tips for packing, presenting yourself professionally, and protecting your work * The importance of maintaining your routine and energy during multi-day events * How to leverage social media and conference apps to deepen connections * What the data says about the scale and impact of conferences across the U.S. * The hidden benefits of conferences—from social events to local experiences and relationship building The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction & Whiny Farmer Intro 00:02:00 - Why Conferences Matter & Setting Intentions 00:04:30 - Networking with Purpose (and Actually Meaning It) 00:07:15 - Staying Present & Avoiding Common Pitfalls 00:09:45 - Smart Packing, Professional Presence & Protecting Your Work 00:12:30 - Maintaining Routine, Energy & Self-Care During Conferences 00:14:50 - Leveraging Social Media & Conference Apps 00:17:10 - Conference Industry Data & What It Tells Us 00:19:45 - The Unexpected Perks: Socials, Local Experiences & Fun 00:22:30 - Final Tips & Closing Thoughts Connect with us:  https://ruralpolicypartners.com/ [https://ruralpolicypartners.com/]  https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/ [https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/]  https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners [https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners] https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners [https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners] Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NTAVtixOeis [https://youtu.be/NTAVtixOeis]

140. 911 Meets 988: Reimagining Crisis Response Through Alignment, Data, and Action

In this episode, we explore the critical intersection of 911 and 988 and what it means for the future of crisis response systems across the country. With millions of calls flowing through both systems each year, the conversation goes beyond awareness and into action—highlighting the need for alignment, shared language, and system redesign. We unpack the realities of current response structures, the data driving change, and the opportunity to build a more effective, human-centered approach to crisis care that better serves communities, responders, and individuals in need. In this episode, you will be able to: * Understand the key differences and connections between 911 and 988 crisis response systems. * Explore why many 911 calls fall outside traditional emergency response needs. * Learn how alignment, shared terminology, and facilitation can strengthen crisis response efforts. * Review key data points shaping national conversations around emergency and behavioral health response. * Discover practical ways to engage in and influence local and state-level system change. The key moments in this episode are: 00:00:00 - Introduction & Opening Story 00:02:10 - Why 911 and 988 Are Both Critical (and Confusing) 00:06:45 - The Reality of 911 Call Volume & System Strain 00:10:30 - What 988 Is—and How It’s Growing 00:14:15 - The Case for System Alignment & Shared Language 00:18:40 - Data Driving the Need for Change 00:22:05 - Rethinking Response: What Should Happen Instead? 00:25:30 - What You Can Do at the State & Local Level 00:28:00 - Opportunities for Engagement & Closing Thoughts Links: * http://Transform911.org [http://transform911.org] * https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/988/performance-metrics [https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/988/performance-metrics] * https://alumniandfriends.uchicago.edu/s/uchicago-review-story/a4X1U0000009gQUUAY/reimagining-crisis-response [https://alumniandfriends.uchicago.edu/s/uchicago-review-story/a4X1U0000009gQUUAY/reimagining-crisis-response] * https://urbanlabs.uchicago.edu/attachments/f245b687ea00b9e61794dcba5e5937f3451aa6e4/store/8c61d792e209a352a81298a621188987628b280c2d03a600a7efb3c995d9/CARE+Eval+Report+-+FINAL_REL.pdf [https://urbanlabs.uchicago.edu/attachments/f245b687ea00b9e61794dcba5e5937f3451aa6e4/store/8c61d792e209a352a81298a621188987628b280c2d03a600a7efb3c995d9/CARE+Eval+Report+-+FINAL_REL.pdf]  Connect with us:  https://ruralpolicypartners.com/ [https://ruralpolicypartners.com/]  https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/ [https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/]  https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners [https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners] https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners [https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners] Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7S3OBP-0Itg