Rise Above: a Podcast From Rogers Behavioral Health

Rural Mental Health Crisis: Barriers to Care & Solutions with NAMI Northwoods

In this episode, I sit down with Tracy Schlegel, Executive Director of NAMI Northwoods (National Alliance on Mental Illness), to explore the unique mental health challenges facing rural communities. From limited access to care and workforce shortages to stigma and isolation, rural populations often experience significant barriers to receiving mental health support. Tracy shares insights from the frontlines, and discusses solutions for underserved areas.

First Responders and Trauma: Inside Rogers Behavioral Health’s Fire Watch Program

In this episode, we explore the critical role of Rogers Behavioral Health’s Fire Watch program in supporting first responders facing trauma and mental health challenges. Through a powerful and personal story, we examine one police officer’s journey after a deadly incident and the lasting impact it can have on those who serve on the front lines. We’re joined by Jen Parra Nelsen, Clinical Director at Rogers Behavioral Health and Captain Adam Meyers from Stop the Threat, Stop the Stigma, who share their expertise on reducing stigma, improving mental health awareness, and connecting first responders with lifesaving resources. Together, we discuss the importance of early intervention, peer support, and specialized programs like Fire Watch in helping soldiers, law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS professionals heal after critical incidents. Whether you’re a first responder, a family member, or someone interested in first responder mental health, this conversation highlights why breaking the stigma and expanding access to care is more important than ever. For a direct line to the Fire Watch program call 833.443.0824 Mental health and Veterans: The hidden impact of war news [https://rogersbh.org/blog/mental-health-and-veterans-the-hidden-impact-of-war-news/]

Let’s Talk About ‘Swimsuit Season’: How Diet Culture Impacts Mental and Physical Health

What’s really behind the phrase “swimsuit season”? Kathryn Eddingsaas, a registered dietitian, joins us to unpack how seasonal body pressure affects mental health, self‑esteem, and physical well‑being. You’ll hear expert insight into how diet culture shows up in everyday language, why it’s so deeply ingrained, and what a healthier, more compassionate approach to food, movement, and body image looks like instead. Whether you’ve struggled with body image, noticed these messages affecting your mindset, or want to support others more thoughtfully, this episode offers practical takeaways and a reframing of what wellness can truly mean, at any time of year.

Caffeine, Energy Drinks, and Your Brain: A Dietitian Breaks It Down

Are energy drinks helping your focus, or quietly hurting your mental health? In this episode, we sit down with a registered dietitian to uncover the real impact of energy drinks on mental wellness, including how caffeine, sugar, and common stimulants affect anxiety, mood, sleep, and overall brain health. Whether you rely on energy drinks for work, workouts, or long days, or you’re curious about their effect on your mental health, this episode gives you evidence-based insights to help you make informed choices. 10 sleep hygiene habits that can improve your mental health [https://rogersbh.org/blog/10-sleep-hygiene-habits-can-improve-your-mental-health/]

Turning Pain Into Purpose: Jana's OCD Education Journey

Jana returns to share how she transformed her recovery into a powerful platform for OCD education and advocacy. She talks about writing her children’s book on OCD, the motivation behind it, and why early understanding of mental health matters. Jana also opens up about her work in the beauty pageant world, where she uses her title and platform to raise awareness, spark conversations, and make mental health education accessible to people of all ages. From speaking engagements to community outreach, she’s using her voice, and her crown, to break stigma and offer hope to others living with OCD. Use this link to see more of Jana's story. [https://youtu.be/WvmuflT9DqE?si=7p-0-vF0-l82IUTE] Click here for more on Jana's book. [https://my-friend-rodger.myshopify.com/]