Shows
The BridgeMentoring MindsetOn this episode of The Bridge, Catalyst interviews two teammates who have participated in their mentoring program, diving into their experience and the benefits gained.Host: Sydney BeckerGuests: Greg Roberg & Sara Keysor2025-07-1424 minThe BridgeThere isn’t anyone you couldn’t love once you’ve heard their storyThis episode explores the idea that understanding another person’s journey can break down walls and build empathy. The conversation dives into real-life stories behind labels, showing how once you truly know someone, it’s hard to reduce them to just one identity – or dislike them for it. Host: Liz KerriganGuests: Amanda Bauer, Andy Strand, Joey Huff, Trish Mitchell2025-06-1036 minThe BridgeUnlocking Insurance Secrets: Expert Tips for Farmers and ProducersOn this episode of the Bridge Podcast, host Parker Clavin, Insurance Officer at AgCountry Fergus Falls Branch, is joined by Rob Fronning, Regional Vice President of Insurance for Northern Minnesota. Together, they dive deep into the world of agricultural insurance, exploring various types of insurance, how they work, and why they are essential for risk mitigation in agriculture.Host: Parker ClavinGuests: Rob Fronning2025-05-1259 minThe BridgeTeammate PatriotsJoin us for a round table discussion with the new members of our Patriot ERG. Our fellow teammates discuss their military experience and how those experiences have impacted their lives today. Host: Martin JohnsonGuests: Herb Scruggs, Justin Leisy, Steve Groff, Mike Schafer2025-04-171h 07The BridgeSaying Yes!Hosts: Kelsey White & Rachel MehlhafGuest: Lynn PietigDescription: Join Catalyst and AgCountry board director Lynn Pietig as she describes her year of saying YES and the mindset change and confidence that followed her throughout her journey. 2025-03-1124 minThe BridgePlanning for SummerJoin CREW as they discuss how to navigate planning for summer with kids! It might be cold outside, but it’s never too early to start thinking about summer!Host: Ashley SchantellGuests: Haley Byers and Rachel Schroeder2025-02-1338 minThe BridgeFrom Roots and RISE to SPARK: A New Era of CollaborationOn this episode of the Bridge Podcast, we are joined by host Aditya Bhongir, Application Developer, and the new co-chairs of SPARK 2025, Jaden Coen, Leasing Sales Officer from former Roots, and Jessa Rasmussen, Credit Analyst from former RISE.In this insightful episode, we explore the exciting collaboration of The Roots and RISE ERGs into the newly formed SPARK, aimed at leading young professional engagement through career development and teammate connection. Jaden and Jessa share their personal journeys with Roots and RISE, respectively, and discuss their vision for SPARK. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how SPARK plans...2025-01-1319 minThe BridgeCelebrating the Holidays with your Crew!Holidays look different for every crew. Hear from 3 Crew members how they navigate the joys (and challenges) of the holiday season.Hosts: Troy Pfannenstiel, Kelly O'Donnell, and Ashley Schantell2024-12-0934 minThe BridgeMilitary Life Impact StoriesToday we are spending time with family members of Veterans. They each have a unique story about how the military has impacted their life. We will hear from the perspective of a spouse, a child, a parent, and a sibling. We will hear about the pride shared for their loved ones, opportunities provided, and the sacrifices made.Team Patriot is one of our associations ERGS. We are a “community of one" who aspire to serve and honor those who have served our country. Whether it’s installing American flags at each retail location, bringing in veteran speakers, or orga...2024-11-0439 minThe BridgeLeaning in on Authenticity!On this episode of The Bridge, we’re joined by hosts, Carli Jacobsen, Strategic Marketing Manager and Trish Mitchell, Performance Marketing Manager with guest Jeneen Sagon, Product Owner and 2022 Beacon Leader. Beacon is an Employee Resource Group dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community by cultivating an inclusive, safe, and a welcoming workplace where we celebrate authenticity. In this episode, we dig into the history of National Coming Out Day and explore our some of our own teammates experiences.Hosts: Carli Jacobsen and Trish MitchellGuests: Jeneen Sagon 2024-10-0820 minThe BridgeAsk ELT with Jessica FyreOn this episode of The Bridge, we hear from Jessica Fyre, EVP Chief Administrative Officer. This is another episode of our popular series "Ask ELT" where Jessica sits down with us to discuss her role with AgCountry Farm Credit Services, what has helped her in her leadership role, as well as a day in the life of ELT. Listen in to hear about some current focuses, advice she has for young professionals, and what her favorite pizza is!Advice for teammates that Jessica wishes she had been given earlier in her career… “I have a natural tendency to b...2024-09-0922 minThe BridgeCREW Back to SchoolJoin three members from our Families ERG as we discuss tips and tricks for the “Back to School” season.Stay connected with CREW members and other families on the CREW's Engage page.2024-08-1330 minThe BridgeConfidence Chronicles: Lessons from Fallon SavageTeam Catalyst members, Jeannie Fetrow and Kelsey White, along with SVP Fallon Savage, discuss confidence, empowerment, work-life balance and many other pressing topics.2024-07-1140 minThe BridgeCelebrating Pride Month!On this episode of The Bridge, we’re joined by host, Liz Kerrigan, Community Relations Manager with guests Michelle Spies, Lending Compliance Officer and Amy White, Loan Accounting Specialist. Beacon is an Employee Resource Group dedicated to supporting the LGBTQ+ community by cultivating an inclusive, safe, and a welcoming workplace where we celebrate authenticity. June is Pride Month, and, on this episode, we discuss the history of Pride, the Associations’ participation in Omaha’s Heartland Pride Parade on July 13 as well as a new opportunity, Friends of Beacon, for teammates to who want to engage in additional ways with Beacon...2024-06-1014 minThe BridgeRoots - Bridging the Gap on Change Management and Change LeadershipOn this episode of the Bridge, we are joined by host, Maryann Peak, AIP specialist, based out of Emporia, KS and Jackie McLaughlin, Vice President of Strategy Enablement. This is another episode in our popular series “Bridging the Gap” where our goal is to share the story of teams across our Associations with our listeners. Jackie and Maryann emphasized the importance of effective change leadership & change management in organizational success. They discussed the need for adaptability, continuous learning, and collaboration within their own organization, and how each teammate has a personal responsibility on leading those around them with...2024-05-1549 minThe BridgePatriot – Connecting with Veteran TeammatesOn this episode of the Bridge, we are joined by host, Mary McNally and teammates Carl Watson, Ramiro Benavides, Justin Leisy, and Chris Obermeyer. They each have a unique story to share about their time in the military and how it impacted their life. We will hear about their sacrifice for our country and the importance of teamwork.The Patriot ERG mission statement describes our group as a community of one who aspire to continue to serve and honor those who have served our country. Whether it’s installing American flags at each retail location, bringing in vet...2024-04-0844 minThe BridgeCatalyst-Women’s History MonthOn this episode of The Bridge we’re joined by Christa Wilson, RVP of Lending in Eastern Iowa, Barb Weber, FO in the Mitchell office and Theresa Johnson CXS in the Sioux Falls office. Catalyst is an ERG with a mission to foster opportunities to empower women and enrich their professional development. On today’s episode, in celebration of Women’s History Month, our guests dive into a fun conversation on past memories, experiences and changes they’ve had during their careers.Host: Sydney BeckerGuests: Christa Wilson, Barb Weber, and Theresa Johnson2024-03-1429 minThe BridgeBeacon Learning on Identity, Intersectionality and Implicit BiasIn 2023 and 2024, Beacon partnered with Omaha’s Inclusive Communities team to plan for some educational workshops. The first of these was held on January 17, 2024 and focused on Identity & Intersectionality and Implicit Bias. In this podcast, two Beacon members who participated in this workshop share their key takeaways. 2024-02-1528 minThe BridgeBuilding Roots with FCCSHappy New year! On this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we’re joined by John Regentin, VP of Experiential Leadership at FCCS. His focus is to provide organizational development, experiential learning, leadership development, coaching and facilitation to people across the country. Roots was lucky enough to work with John through our brand-new program in 2023 called Building Roots. Listen to the podcast to learn more about Building Roots and how John’s background set him on a trajectory to help people across the world find growth points in all areas of life through experiential learning workshops. Building Roots will...2024-01-0951 minThe BridgeBridging the Gap with Commercial ProteinOn this episode of Strengthen Your Roots we’re joined by Jud Jesske, SVP Business Development-Commercial Protein. This is the final episode in our series called ‘Bridging the Gap’ where our goal is to share the story of unique business units with Roots listeners. Jud gives us an inside look at the beef and swine operations our commercial protein team serves. You’ll be able to hear right away how passionate Jud is about adding value to the people and industry he serves! Quotes from Jud: “Customers want lenders who have the unique ability and knowledge t...2023-12-1441 minThe BridgePatriot TakeoverOn this episode of Strengthen Your Roots we’re joined by Chris Obermeyer, VP Credit Operations and Major Evan Perperis of the U.S. Army Special Forces. Evan shares his timeline of his military career, and how his military training works as guidance on leadership, problem solving and perseverance in all aspects of his life.The Patriot ERG mission statement describes our group as a community of one who aspire to continue to serve and honor those who have served our country. Whether it’s installing American flags at each retail location, bringing in veteran speakers, or orga...2023-11-0639 minThe BridgeBridging the Gap with YBS – Customer Special FeatureOn this episode of Strengthen Your Roots we’re joined by Megan Sprague, Young Beginning Small (YBS) officer out of the North Platte office. And, for the first time ever, we bring customers along on this podcast. Aaron Obrien and Kurt Trusty of AK Farms join us to tell us about their experience with our YBS program. This is the third episode in our series called ‘Bridging the Gap’ where our goal is to share the story of unique business units with Roots listeners. Aaron and Kurt share how the YBS program allowed AK Farms to get off the ground w...2023-10-0937 minThe BridgeBridging the Gap with the Finance TeamOn this episode of Strengthen Your Roots we’re joined by Darrin Mercer, VP Finance, and Abby Jacobsen, Finance and Pricing Analyst. This is the second episode in our series called ‘Bridging the Gap’ where our goal is to share the story of unique business units with Roots listeners. Darrin and Abby give us insights about how the Farm Credit Funding system works and what a day in the life looks like for them! Host: John KofmehlAdvice for young professionals from Darrin & Abby: Darrin- Have curiosity, read, listen to podcasts- there is always...2023-09-1432 minThe BridgeCatalyst TakeoverOn this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we’re joined by Angie Treptow, SVP Lending Operations and Kelsey White, Account Specialist in Emmetsburg, IA. Catalyst is an ERG with a mission to foster opportunities to empower women and enrich their professional development. This episode is prime content from two teammates who were directly involved in Team Thrive. If you’re in the mood for a confidence boosting message, this podcast is for you!“Trust the process, trust our leaders, and know that although transition might be scary, it could lead to great opportunity. It may even pull skills...2023-08-1426 minThe BridgeBridging the Gap with Capital MarketsOn this episode of Strengthen Your Roots we’re joined by Dustin Oswald, VP Capital Markets, and Nichole Christensen, Capital Markets Credit Officer. This is the first episode in a new series called ‘Bridging the Gap’ where our goal is to share the story of unique business units with Roots listeners. Dustin and Nichole give us insights about how the Capital Markets team fits into the Farm Credit system and what a day in the life looks like for them! We look at Midwest agriculture as corn, soybeans, cattle and hogs, but the cool thing about our team is...2023-07-1050 minThe BridgeBEACON Takeover: AllyshipOn this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we hear from Beacon members Lacey Konecny, Trish Mitchell and Carli Jacobsen as they discuss why the Beacon ERG is important to them, their theme for 2023 of Allyship and how we can show up in the workplace as an Ally.Join in their upcoming events. For more information, visit the Beacon SharePoint site.2023-06-1225 minThe BridgeAsk ELT with Jackie MartinieOn this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we hear from Jackie Martinie, EVP Chief Credit and Operations. Jackie sits down with us to discuss her transition from Farm Credit Illinois to FCSAmerica and Frontier Farm Credit as well as a day in the life of ELT. It’s the second in a miniseries we’re hosting with ELT members. Hear about some current focuses, advice she has for young professionals, and who the fastest ELT member is! Advice for teammates who would like to be in a leadership role someday….“Dig deep to understand what you’re trying to ac...2023-05-0835 minThe BridgeCREW Takeover: Tips to Make your Day More SuccessfulHost: Ashley SchantellGuests: Haley Byers, Steph Lunden, Yue TitusDescription: Crew takes over the podcast this month to share some of their favorite recommendations for work life balance. Join them as they give you tips and tricks on topics including meal planning, budgeting, and activities to do with your kids, all with the goal of making your day more successful!Links:Meal Planning- What To Cook When You Don't Feel LikeCooking | caroline chambers | SubstackProductivity- Effective Edge Class , Pomodoro method Budgeting Tips- Everydollar app...2023-04-1031 minThe BridgeAsk ELT with Scott BinderOn this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we hear from Scott Binder. Scott sits down with us to discuss some things about him both personally and professionally as well as a day in the life of ELT. It’s the first in a mini series of hosting ELT members. Hear about some current focuses, what the ELT relationship with our board looks like and who the best chef on ELT is! "In this company, it doesn’t matter what your title is. You can contribute and have a relationship in a whole group of different ways regardless of your...2023-03-1342 minThe BridgeIntroducing New Roots Members!On this episode of Strengthen Your Roots we are joined by our five brand-new Roots members. This is a chance to get to know the Roots team more and hear about what we have in store for 2023! Let’s give a warm welcome to our new teammates: Jaden Coen - Leasing Representative, OmahaJess Miller – Business Analyst, Application Development Team 5, OmahaAditya Bhongir – Application Developer, OmahaSarah Weis – Product Support Analyst, Business Support, Cedar RapidsAlyssa Buis – Business Analyst, Data Integration and GIS, Omaha“I feel lucky to be workin...2023-02-1322 minThe BridgeThe 5 AM ClubDescription: On this episode of Strengthen Your Roots we hear from Nathan Jensen and Rory Witt as they share how morning routines have been influential in their lives. The podcast highlights Robert Sharma, author of “The 5 AM Club”, who writes about the benefits of having a morning routine and lays out formulas like the 20/20/20 method to make the most out of the first hour of every day. We encourage you to listen to this podcast and read the book! “The way you start your day influences the way it unfolds…we always perform in a way that is aligne...2023-01-0933 minThe BridgeSeason’s Greetings from the Roots TeamOn this episode of Strengthen Your Roots we hear from the Roots Leadership Team as they share holiday traditions from their homes. From cookie decorating, to church, to Lego building, we all have unique memories that bring us closer together making Farm Credit teammates feel like family. Happy Holidays to all!Host: Kayleigh Stender2022-12-1210 minThe BridgeRoots’ New Leader and Sponsor HighlightOn this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we welcome Kate Larsen, Salesforce Administrator and the incoming leader of Roots, and Karie Spencer, VP Financial Systems and the incoming sponsor of Roots. They share their background, common misconceptions of Roots, give a glimpse into 2023, and much more!“Technology is going to continue to grow, not only in how we reach our customers, but how can we reach more teammates that would like to get involved. As we look into 2023, we’ll want to challenge ourselves on how we can use technology in a meaningful way.” – Karie SpencerHost...2022-11-1435 minThe BridgeERG Spotlight: CREW – Supporting and equipping teammates in their family livesOn this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we host CREW leadership team members Tessa Genners, Product Owner, and Ryan Coleman, RVP Retail Operations. They talk to us about the CREW ERG, helpful family practices, and how you can get involved. “CREW is just that. It’s supporting employees as they lead their families and helping them to be the best they can be at work. You feel most productive at work when you’re happy in your family life, and we’re just trying to make that a little bit easier.” – Ryan ColemanHost: Austin Fichter2022-10-1023 minThe BridgeSide Hustles: Crypto with Marty HoeferOn this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we host Marty Hoefer, VP Portfolio Analysis and Reporting. He talks about his passion for Crypto, the dos and don’ts, and where to even start! If you’re curious to know more, reach out on Twitter to @MartyHoefer (a.k.a Crypto Dad).“Blockchain is the technology that enables cryptocurrency to exist. Cryptocurrency are the projects that sit on top of that technology.” -Marty Hoefer Host: Maryann Peak2022-09-1233 minThe BridgeERG Spotlight: Catalyst – Empowering and Developing Women LeadersOn this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we host Rebecca Shively, Customer Education Specialist, and Lacey Dalton, Sales Talent Development Specialist. They talk to us about the Catalyst ERG historically and how they are impacting and empowering women within Farm Credit.“The mission of catalyst is to foster opportunities to empower women and enrich their professional development… Our vision is around women discovering, pursuing, and achieving their true potential.” -Rebecca Shively Host: Karlie Jandel2022-08-0833 minThe BridgeSide Hustles: Financial WellnessOn this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we host Lou Caniglia, VP Business Intelligence and David Wendt, RVP Related Services in Southwest Iowa. As facilitators of the Dave Ramsey CORE Financial Course and finance gurus, they share their personal stories and why they are inspired to help others achieve their financial goals. “I love that we’re getting a front row seat to see lives change and families impacted, we’ve heard a lot of stories over the years of families that have engaged in the way Dave Ramsey teaches and carried that into their families and it’s i...2022-07-1126 minThe BridgeERG Spotlight: Beacon – Jeneen and Alex on Beacon, Building Confidence, and Becoming a Better AllyOn this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we host Jeneen Sagon, Business Analyst, and Alex Foreman, Product Owner. They talk to us about the Beacon ERG, building confidence, and how you can become a better ally.“Our mission is to educate, advocate, empower. We’re not here to tell you what to do, what to believe, vote for this person, don’t vote for that person. We’re really just here to be a resource to let people know different ways a person can have a gender identity or gender expression.” - Alex Foreman Host: Kat...2022-06-1348 minThe BridgeSide Hustles: Fitness with Maggie HolubOn this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we host Maggie Holub, YBS Relationship Officer. She talks to us about how she turned her love for fitness into a side hustle.“You have one body and that’s all you get. You have one chance at life, so you need to take care of it and you need to take care of yourself.” - Maggie Holub Host: Sarah Walther2022-05-0924 minThe BridgeHow We Built This: SalesforceOn this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we host Tom Dobbe, Regional Vice President of Business Development, and Erin Aliano, Organizational Change Practitioner. They talk to us about the undertaking of implementing Salesforce to our organization, from the impact COVID had on the work to the change management involved throughout the implementation. “We used an analogy of moving houses a lot. Of plumbing, electricity, and how we’re building this new solution for a lot of different scenarios. It’s not just a lift and shift from one system to another. We like to think of the...2022-04-1129 minThe BridgeHow We Built This: AgDirect®On this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we host Julie Krause and Greg Roberg - leaders from our AgDirect® team. They tell us how AgDirect started as an idea back in 1997 to a nearly $3 billion dollar business today. “There was discussion of what the vision of AgDirect was going to be and if it was sustainable. Out of “firefly”, the #1 idea was to expand AgDirect and expand it within the Farm Credit system. And that will lead to other things, which we’ve seen: Rural 1st®. FarmLend®. And more.” -Greg Roberg Host: Andy Pfeifer2022-03-1449 minThe BridgeHow We Built This: Rural 1st®On this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we host Lori Sisson and Kristin Larsen, our Rural 1st leaders. They take a deeper dive into how the Rural 1st partnership was started and built into a successful consumer lending program with Farm Credit Mid-America. “Our vision is to get customers closer to what matters, what matters is different for everyone, and we want to help customers achieve their dreams.” –Kristin LarsenHost: Chelsea Christensen2022-02-1422 minThe BridgeHow We Built This: FarmLend®On this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we host Carl Horne and Kody Schrader from the Digital Loan Products and Services Team. They take a deeper dive into how FarmLend® was started and built into a successful digital loan origination platform. Tune in to hear Carl sing the original jingle!“You have to start from the customer’s perspective...achieving business outcomes starts with talking to customers and solving their problems.”–Kody SchraderHost: Kayleigh Koch2022-01-1049 minThe BridgeReflect and Rise Up with the ODL TeamOn this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we chat with Brian DeVaney, Carol Brush and Jess Langenberg from the ODL Team. They introduce the Development Circle and how we can use it to reflect on our purpose within the association. Reflect and Rise Up was Roots’ 2021 theme, so the ODL team will give us insight on how to reflect and ways we can start 2022 off strong. “Taking that time, whether it’s writing it down, or just even having a conversation with a spouse or your leader or a coworker on this is what I’ve learned, this is w...2021-12-1344 minThe BridgeERG Spotlight: Patriot - Chris Obermeyer on Patriot, Air Force, and LeadershipOn this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we chat with Chris Obermeyer; Patriot Sponsor and VP of Credit Operations. He talks about his passion for the Patriot Employee Resource Group and Aviation. He also shares stories from the time he served in the Air Force and how you can support Patriot’s mission. “It’s the people [I remember the most]. I’ve served with so many great men and women, from all walks of life, all backgrounds, and they are all passionate about doing one thing... and that’s protecting our country.”– Chris ObermeyerHost: Kat2021-11-0817 minThe BridgeLeadership Series Panel with Brett Rutter, Derek Hendrickson, Kristen Phillips, Dustin Haefner, and Marty HoeferOn this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we welcome Brett Rutter, VP Salesforce Delivery; Derek Hendrickson, VP Business Solutions Delivery; Kristen Phillips, VP Business Solutions; Dustin Haefner, SD West Central RVP Business Development; and Marty Hoefer, IA Eastern RVP Retail Operations. These 5 former Roots ERG members are now functional leaders, although some aren’t sure which year it was that they rolled off! Tune in to hear how Roots impacted their decisions to become a functional leader!Spoiler: The Godfather of Roots is uncovered!!“The sooner you are willing to invite feedback from your leaders and yo...2021-10-1151 minThe BridgeLeadership Series with Wes ChambersOn this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we welcome Wes Chambers, Senior Vice President of the North Business Development Unit. Wes shares his thoughts on self-reflection, looking at the bigger picture and the importance of getting out of your own way. Hear why Wes believes everyone should coach a youth sports team!“Never forget to be humble and admit when you make a mistake" – Wes ChambersHost: Breanne Ripperger2021-09-1329 minThe BridgeLeadership Series with Swapna MaratheOn this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we welcome Swapna Marathe, Vice President of Application Development. Swapna shares her thoughts on finding a good mentor and setting goals for yourself. Hear why Swapna decided to head back to school!Host: Kevin Kennedy2021-08-0926 minThe BridgeLeadership Series with Parry BriggsOn this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we welcome Parry Briggs, the Regional Vice President of the Kansas Northeast Region Business Development Team. Parry shares his journey to leadership, the importance of self-awareness, and his advice on how to either prepare for leadership or lead in your own role.Don’t miss out on also hearing about his thoughts on homemade vs. boxed pie/cake!"I've always told myself along the way that if it makes me a little uncomfortable, it's probably something I should jump at" – Parry BriggsHost: Megan Heying2021-07-1233 minThe BridgeLeadership Series with Mark JensenOn this episode of Strengthen Your Roots, we welcome Mark Jensen, the President and CEO of Farm Credit Services of America and Frontier Farm Credit. Mark dives into his career journey throughout multiple functional roles, his reflections from this past year, and advice to both teammates who strive to be in leadership as well as ones who want to lead in their own role.Don’t miss out on listening to Mark’s answer to “Patrick Mahomes or Tom Brady?”Mark shares his advice on feeling underqualified by saying, “Don’t use that as a hindrance, b...2021-06-1435 minThe BridgeIntroducing: Strengthen Your RootsWelcome to Strengthen Your Roots, Farm Credit Services of America's Young Professional group! To kick off our first episode, a couple of Roots teammates sat down to share the background of Roots, our initiatives for this year, and why we're excited about this podcast. We share details on what to expect from this podcast and how you can stay in the loop.Hosts: Kate Larsen, Kevin Kenney, Kayla McDonald, and Marty Hoefer2021-05-1007 min