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.
The Stepping In It Podcast with Renee Schulte & Jason Haglund
122. 2025 Year in Review: Oh What Fun It Has Been
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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
Connect with us:
https://ruralpolicypartners.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/
https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartners
https://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners
Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QT7tfO_qe9M