Episode Details

122. 2025 Year in Review: Oh What Fun It Has Been

Published 4 months, 3 weeks ago

Description

In this energetic year-in-review episode, Renee and Jason look back on a whirlwind 2025 filled with travel, conferences, chaotic weather, unexpected wildlife encounters, and powerful moments with rural communities across the country. From Alaska to Texas, North Dakota to Georgia, and everywhere in between, they share what they learned on the road—highlighting innovative “hero programs,” persistent gaps in coordination, and the systems-level challenges shaping behavioral health in rural America. With humor, candor, and their signature “whiny farmer intro,” they unpack the biggest surprises, opportunities, and insights that will shape their work heading into 2026.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Where 2025 took us—from Alaska to Texas and 15+ rural health conferences
The “hero programs” across states that are breaking the mold with creativity and results
How drones, autonomous vehicles, telehealth, and mobile crisis innovation are reshaping care
Why collaboration is still the missing ingredient in most rural systems
How BBB requirements and access barriers continue to impact care delivery
Why hospitals adding programs (instead of partnering) creates community-level strain
The behind-the-scenes challenges, surprises, and travel mishaps that defined the year
What we’re taking forward into 2026 to strengthen rural behavioral health

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:09 – New Year Welcome & Whiny Farmer Intro

00:02:18 – 2025 Travel Highlights: Alaska to Texas, Ohio to Montana

00:05:52 – Conferences & Communities That Shaped the Year

00:09:14 – Hero Programs: Drones, Telehealth, 4-Wheelers & Real Innovation

00:12:40 – What States Get Wrong: Collaboration, Insight & System Alignment

00:15:08 – BBB Impact & Access Barriers Across Rural America

00:17:26 – Hospitals vs. Community Partnerships: A Tension Point

00:19:44 – On-the-Road Adventures: Downpours, Bat Bridges & Surprise Moose

00:22:30 – Lessons Learned & Opportunities Ahead in 2026

00:24:55 – Closing Thoughts & New Year Reflections

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