{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"The Rural Well Podcast: Real Talk on Farmer Mental Health with Lauren Van Ewyk & Bridgette Readel","description":"In this powerful episode, we sit down with two passionate voices in agricultural mental health: Lauren Van Ewyk, CEO of the National Farmer Mental Health Alliance \u2014 speaker, registered social worker, therapist, foster mom, sheep farmer, and agricultural mental health advocate, and Bridgette Readel, partner at Ag Mafia and co-host of The Rural Well Podcast. Together, we have an honest, grounded conversation about the reality of farmer mental health, the emotional weight carried behind the scenes, and what happens when we finally start talking about the hard things. This episode explores the real stories, the silent struggles, and the hope that grows when rural communities feel seen, supported, and understood.   Guest Bios Lauren Van Ewyk CEO, National Farmer Mental Health Alliance. Lauren is a registered social worker, therapist, speaker, foster mom, sheep farmer, and national advocate for mental wellness in agriculture. Her work focuses on breaking stigma, increasing access to care, and creating real-world supports for farm families. Bridgette Readel Partner at Ag Mafia and co-host of The Rural Well Podcast. Bridgette brings a voice of honesty, relatability, and leadership to rural conversations, helping create space for real dialogue about stress, identity, and resilience in agriculture. Topics Covered in This Episode \u2022 Why they felt called to create a podcast focused on farmer mental health \u2022 The personal moments that made this work feel urgent and necessary \u2022 How the farm community\u2019s response has shaped their mission \u2022 Which podcast topics have resonated most deeply with listeners \u2022 Surprising themes and patterns that emerged through their interviews \u2022 What they\u2019ve learned about mental wellness through these conversations \u2022 The emotional landscape of farmers today \u2022 What farmers are really carrying behind the scenes \u2022 Why farmers often stay silent about stress and struggle \u2022 The cultural and practical barriers to reaching out \u2022 Misconceptions about resilience in agriculture \u2022 Powerful stories and moments from their podcast journey \u2022 How to move past the \u201cI\u2019m fine\u201d response \u2022 What real conversation looks like around the kitchen table and on the farm \u2022 How farm families can support one another through hard seasons \u2022 A message of hope for farmers listening right now Episode Highlights \u2705 Honest, real conversations about mental health in agriculture \u2705 Practical insight for farm families and rural communities \u2705 Breaking stigma and normalizing support \u2705 Powerful storytelling from inside the ag world If this episode resonated, share it with someone in agriculture who needs to hear this message: You are not alone, and your mental health matters. Thanks for tuning in, Tracy Brunet ============ SHOW RESOURCES - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance https:\/\/nfmha.ca - Rural Well Podcast https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/ca\/podcast\/the-rural-well\/id1763638851 ============ \u2705 CONNECT With The Impact Farming Show & Farm Marketer \ud83d\udc49 Facebook (The Impact Farming Show): https:\/\/web.facebook.com\/impactfarming\/?_rdc=1&_rdr  \ud83d\udc49 Instagram (The Impact Farming Show): https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/impact_farming_show\/ \ud83d\udc49 Facebook (Farm Marketer): https:\/\/web.facebook.com\/farmmarketercom\/?_rdc=1&_rdr   \ud83d\udc49 Instagram (Farm Marketer): https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/farmmarketercom\/?hl=en  \ud83d\udc49 Twitter (X): https:\/\/x.com\/farmmarketercom   \ud83d\udc49 Website: https:\/\/www.farmmarketer.com\/     \ud83d\udd0e Related Phrases: Mental Health, Lauren Van Ewyk, Bridgette Readel, The Rural Well Podcast, National Farmer Mental Health Alliance, Tracy Brunet, Impact Farming Show, Agriculture, Farming, Farmer, Farmlife, Agribusiness, Farm Business, Farm Finance, Farm Management, Sustainable Farming,  Farming Tips, Farm Business Management, Farming Success, Farm Funding Solutions, Agricultural Finance, Farming Innovations, Farm Financial Solutions, Farm Founders, Farm Successors, Agribusiness  #TracyBrunet #ImpactFarmingShow #FarmBusiness #FarmFinance #FarmManagement #SustainableFarming #TransitionPlanning #SuccessionPlanning #FarmingTips #FarmBusinessManagement #FarmingSuccess #agriculture #farming #farmer #farmlife \u26a0\ufe0f Disclaimer: I do not accept any liability for any loss or damage incurred from you acting or not acting as a result of watching any of my publications. You acknowledge that you use the information I provide at your own risk. Do your research.  \u00a9 The Impact Farming Show: Produced by Farm Marketer ","author_name":"Impact Farming","author_url":"http:\/\/impactfarming.libsyn.com\/website","html":"