117. The Power of Gratitude: How Small Shifts Create Big Change Artwork

The Stepping In It Podcast with Renee Schulte & Jason Haglund

The Stepping In It Podcast is a weekly discussion of the latest news and trends in behavioral health policy development and practice. Each episode features interviews with experts from across the field, including policymakers, clinicians, researchers, and advocates. The podcast provides listeners with practical tips and resources for improving the quality and access to behavioral health care.

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The Stepping In It Podcast with Renee Schulte & Jason Haglund

117. The Power of Gratitude: How Small Shifts Create Big Change

November 25, 2025 • Renee Schulte

In this episode, Renee and Jason dive into the science and practice of gratitude—what it is, why it matters, and how it impacts resilience, mental health, and daily life. Through personal stories, practical strategies, and a look at how gratitude shapes mindset and behavior, they explore how small intentional shifts can create meaningful change, especially during challenging seasons. Whether you're heading into the holidays or simply looking for ways to cultivate more emotional well-being, this conversation offers a hopeful, grounded approach to living with more awareness, presence, and gratitude.

In this episode, you will be able to:

Understand the connection between gratitude and emotional resilience.
Learn why gratitude practices improve physical, mental, and relational health.
Explore practical ways to build gratitude into daily routines.
Hear how mindset, perspective, and intentional actions influence well-being.
Discover the role of hope theory and positive psychology in gratitude-based change.

The key moments in this episode are:

00:00:09 – Introduction & Episode Theme: Gratitude

00:00:19 – Thanksgiving Reflections & Why Gratitude Matters

00:01:26 – Farming Stories, Humor & Real-Life Challenges

00:03:44 – What Gratitude Really Means Beyond Positivity

00:04:30 – The Science: Emotional & Physical Benefits of Gratitude

00:04:56 – Gratitude as a Tool for Building Resilience

00:06:45 – How Gratitude Changes Perspective During Hard Times

00:09:54 – The Science of Hope & Pathways to Change

00:12:08 – Acknowledging Control vs. Letting Go

00:14:20 – Daily Practices that Build a Gratitude Mindset

00:16:25 – Using Gratitude to Reduce Stress & Reframe Experiences