Real Feel Insights

From Serving Families to Losing Her Own: Kristin Helmers on Military Life, Grief, and Vincent's Legacy

In this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Kristin Helmers for a conversation about military families, motherhood, and navigating profound loss. Kristin shares her work as a Soldier and Family Readiness Specialist, where she connects military families with resources and support during deployments. She also reflects on raising three sons while her husband served in the military and the community that became an extended family along the way. Kristin also shares the story of her oldest son, Vincent, who passed away from brain cancer during his senior year of high school. She reflects on his diagnosis, the months that followed, and the memories that continue to shape her life today. Throughout the conversation, Kristin speaks about the importance of community, honoring Vincent's legacy through the Stand By Me Foundation, and finding purpose through service even after experiencing unimaginable loss. It's an honest conversation about family, resilience, and carrying love forward.

From Loss to Legacy: Michael Scolley on Losing Ridge and Learning to Love Like Ridge

In this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Michael Scolley for a deeply personal conversation about the sudden loss of his son, Ridge, and the journey that followed. Mike shares who Ridge was beyond the tragedy—a joyful, compassionate young boy who loved sports, brought people together, and never hesitated to care for those around him. He reflects on the day everything changed, the unimaginable decisions his family faced, and the grief that continues years later. Mike also talks about the impact of organ donation, the lives Ridge was able to save, and how his family's phrase, "Love Like Ridge," became a reminder of the way Ridge lived every day. Throughout the conversation, he speaks openly about fatherhood, healing, therapy, and learning to appreciate each day after experiencing profound loss. It's an honest conversation about grief, resilience, and carrying a loved one's legacy forward.

From Emergency Calls to Everyday Impact: Brent Kaiser on 41 Years as a Paramedic

In this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Brent Kaiser for a conversation about his 41-year career as a paramedic and educator in Emergency Medical Services. Brent reflects on what first drew him to the profession, the experiences that shaped him throughout his career, and the lessons he learned while helping people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Throughout the conversation, Brent shares stories from the field, explains the roles within EMS, and offers practical insight into how emergency situations are handled. He also discusses leadership, teamwork, and the importance of staying calm under pressure. Above all, Brent reflects on the gratitude and perspective that came from a lifetime of service and why helping others continues to be at the center of who he is—even in retirement.

From Tragedy to Two Truths: Carrie Wise on Loss, Forgiveness, and Moving Forward

In this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Carrie Wise for a deeply personal conversation about grief, domestic violence, trauma, and the complicated realities of losing both of her parents within a matter of months. Carrie shares the story of her mother's death, her father's role in it, and the difficult journey that followed as she navigated grief, unanswered questions, and the impact those events had on her life and family. Throughout the conversation, Carrie reflects on what she calls "two truths"—the love she had for her mother and the love she still carried for her father despite what happened. She also discusses forgiveness, PTSD, advocacy, and her desire to help others who may be experiencing domestic violence, trauma, or a form of grief that can feel difficult to explain. It's an honest conversation about loss, resilience, and finding a way forward after unimaginable circumstances.

One Year Later: The Real Feel Insights Team Reflects on Stories, Lessons, and What's Next

In this special one-year anniversary episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with the Real Feel Insights team—Producer Cassidy Ziegler, Marketing Director Cecilia George, and Financial Manager Megan Streiff—to reflect on the first year of the podcast. Sarah shares how the team came together, the roles each person plays behind the scenes, and the journey of building Real Feel Insights into what it is today. The team also looks back on some of the episodes that left the biggest impact on them, sharing their favorite conversations across several categories and discussing the stories that have stayed with them most. Along the way, they revisit behind-the-scenes moments, bloopers, and memories from the past year, while also introducing the next chapter of Real Feel Insights with Fireside Chats with Sarah. It's a conversation about growth, gratitude, community, and looking ahead to what's next.