TALK MIDLAND w/ Logan Richetti

From Midland to Rwanda: Bringing Mental Health Where It’s Needed Most | #78

TALK MIDLAND Season 1 Episode 78

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0:00 | 36:15

Most nonprofits focus on food, water, and shelter — but what about mental health?

Logan sits down with Krista McCowen, founder of Ubuntu Wellness, a nonprofit bringing mental health services to Rwanda.

After witnessing the deep emotional and generational trauma still present decades after genocide, Krista felt called to do something different — to address the mental health needs that often go overlooked.

They dive into:

  •  Why mental health resources are limited in Rwanda 
  •  What it’s like delivering therapy across language and cultural barriers 
  •  Training local organizations to support emotional health 
  •  The realities of planning international service trips 
  •  Stories of resilience, forgiveness, and healing 
  •  The emotional toll of being a therapist 
  •  And why mental health matters everywhere — not just at home 

This is a powerful conversation about service, purpose, and what it really means to help people.


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Buzzsprout

00:00 – Why Mental Health Is the Missing Piece
The need beyond basic resources

03:10 – What Is Ubuntu Wellness?
How the nonprofit started

07:45 – The Reality of Mental Health in Rwanda
Limited resources and growing need

12:30 – First Trip Experience & Culture Shock
What it’s like on the ground

18:20 – Training Local Organizations
Teaching emotional regulation and awareness

23:40 – Planning a Trip Across the World
Logistics, travel, and challenges

29:15 – The Bridge Story
A moment that shows the reality of the work

33:50 – Rwanda’s Genocide & Lasting Trauma
Understanding generational impact

40:10 – Forgiveness & Healing Stories
Victims and perpetrators working together

46:30 – Funding a Nonprofit
How these missions are supported

52:00 – Life as a Mental Health Counselor
The emotional weight of the profession

57:40 – The Stigma Around Therapy
What’s changing and what’s not

1:03:10 – The Future of Mental Health Access
Expanding care beyond borders


Keywords 

Rwanda mental health, Talk Midland podcast, Midland MI podcast , Therapy and counseling, Global mental health, Nonprofit work Africa, Trauma and healing, Genocide recovery Rwanda, Mental health awareness, Counseling services, Service trips Africa, Faith and service work