Shows
Real Feel InsightsFrom Abandonment to Healing: Learning Trust, Boundaries, and Forgiveness with Nancy Draack HebertIn this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Nancy Draack Hebert for an honest and reflective conversation about abandonment, divorce, and the lasting impact of childhood experiences. Nancy shares what it was like growing up without her father, navigating the emotional weight many children of divorce carry, and later facing similar feelings when her first marriage ended.Nancy reflects on the role her mother played in shaping her resilience, how boundaries and self-awareness helped her heal, and why forgiveness became essential to moving forward. It’s a thoughtful conversation about identity, trust, and learning to let go of...
2026-01-021h 01Real Feel InsightsFrom Coaching to Character: Building Purpose Through the Power of Values with Clay NagelIn this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Clay Nagel for an honest and motivating conversation about coaching, discipline, and finding purpose. Clay shares stories from growing up on a dairy farm with six siblings, how wrestling shaped his character, and the mentor who helped redirect his life when he needed it most.Clay reflects on why values rooted in faith and family matter, why attitude and effort are always within your control, and what it takes to build not just winning teams, but strong people. It’s a conversation about growth, responsibility, and the lasting impact of...
2025-12-2650 minReal Feel InsightsFrom Hard Seasons to Lasting Hope: Remembering the Story of Christmas with Sarah BachmannIn this week's episode, Sarah Bachmann speaks directly to anyone who finds the Christmas season difficult. She reflects on why this time of year can bring added weight, grief, or exhaustion, and gently reminds listeners of the deeper meaning behind the season. The episode closes with a reading of The Christmas Story, focusing on the birth of Jesus and the hope found in that moment. It’s a quiet, reflective pause meant to offer comfort, perspective, and peace during the season.
2025-12-1908 minReal Feel InsightsSurviving to Serving: Holly Vohnoutka's Story of Depression, Neglect, and RenewalIn this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Holly Vohnoutka for a conversation that is deeply personal and handled with care. Holly speaks about growing up without emotional support, her early experiences with depression, and the moments that made life feel unbearably heavy. She shares how small acts of kindness, unexpected turning points, and the decision to help others eventually shaped the life she has today.This episode touches on difficult topics including childhood neglect, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. Holly’s story is shared with the hope that someone listening will feel less alone, more understood, and re...
2025-12-121h 13Real Feel InsightsRob Kupec: From Meteorology to the Minnesota Senate and a Life of ServiceSarah Bachmann is joined by Senator Rob Kupec for a grounded conversation about service, identity, and the experiences that shaped his work in the Minnesota Legislature. Rob talks about growing up in a union family, discovering his love for meteorology, building a small business, and eventually stepping into public office. He reflects on the community that welcomed his family, the values that guide him, and why he believes in giving back to the place he now calls home.
2025-12-0555 minReal Feel InsightsJim Joy: On Public Service, Community, and Representing the People of MinnesotaIn this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Jim Joy, the Minnesota State Representative for District 4B, for a grounded conversation about public service. Jim talks about the road that led him from a local council seat, to mayor, and eventually to the state legislature. He reflects on his belief in taking on challenges, his optimism, and why he sees politics as an opportunity to serve the people who trusted him with the role. It’s an honest look at leadership, sacrifice, and the responsibility of representing a community.
2025-11-2856 minReal Feel InsightsCollin Peterson: On Politics, Leadership, and 30 Years of Public ServiceIn this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Collin Peterson, who served 30 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. Growing up on a farm, battling addiction, close elections, and eventually becoming the longest-serving representative of his district, Collin reflects on the experiences that shaped his life and his work. He talks about listening to people, representing agricultural communities, and what public service meant to him—even when the political landscape began to change.
2025-11-211h 15Real Feel InsightsAnna Tietz: On Mental Wellness, Growth, and the Power of Emotional ConnectionIn this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Anna Tietz to talk about her journey to starting a mental wellness center centered around horses and emotional healing. Anna shares how her childhood, her education, her career, and even the loss of her grandfather all led her to create a space for people to reconnect—with themselves, their emotions, and the world around them. Her story is one of purpose, reflection, and the belief that healing doesn’t have to follow the traditional path.
2025-11-141h 30Real Feel InsightsTony Christensen: On the Military, Purpose, and the Bonds That Last a LifetimeSarah Bachmann talks with Tony Christensen, a Marine Corps and Army veteran, about his time in the military and the lessons it left behind. From discipline and responsibility to brotherhood and resilience, Tony reflects on what service taught him—and why he believes every young person could benefit from the experience. He also opens up about loss, recovery, and the importance of reaching out for help when life feels heavy.
2025-11-071h 07Real Feel InsightsBrittany Buschette: On Boundaries, Forgiveness, and the Family You BuildIn this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Brittany Buschette to talk about family, forgiveness, and the strength it takes to heal. Brittany shares her story of growing up in a blended family marked by addiction, abandonment, and loss—and how those early experiences shaped her understanding of love and resilience. She opens up about motherhood, marriage, and the peace she’s found through forgiveness and self-acceptance.
2025-10-311h 11Real Feel InsightsCarter Shipman: On Loss, Faith, and the Impact of CancerIn this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Carter Shipman for a heartfelt continuation of last week’s conversation with his mother, Daneele Shipman. Carter opens up about losing his older brother to cancer when he was just ten years old—and how that loss shaped the way he sees faith, love, and family. It’s an honest and deeply personal reflection on grief, memory, and growing up with someone you never stop missing.
2025-10-2446 minReal Feel InsightsDaneele Shipman: On Grief, Healing, and Her Son’s Battle with CancerIn this powerful episode of Real Feel Insights, Daneele Shipman shares her journey through the heartbreaking loss of her 18-year-old son to cancer. She opens up about how she found the strength to keep going, raise her two younger children, and support her family while processing her own grief — and her husband’s different way of coping.This honest conversation explores love, resilience, and the many layers of healing that come after unimaginable loss. Daneele’s story is a reminder that even when life breaks us open, there’s still room for hope and growth.
2025-10-171h 21Real Feel InsightsChuck Standal: On Funeral Directing, Compassion, and the Work of ClosureIn this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Funeral Director Chuck Standal for an honest conversation about life, loss, and the meaning behind his work. Chuck shares what it’s like to serve families during their hardest moments, how he approaches the emotional side of his job, and why he loves what he does. His compassion and professionalism shine through as he reflects on the value of helping people find peace and closure.
2025-10-1048 minReal Feel InsightsTabetha Gravelle: On Eating Disorders, Control, and the Work of HealingIn this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Tabetha Gravelle to talk about her long battle with an eating disorder—one that led to multiple hospitalizations. Tabetha shares how it began, why it became a way of coping, and what she’s done over the years to confront it. At 50, she reflects on how the struggle shaped her and what recovery has meant in her life.
2025-10-031h 04Real Feel InsightsElise Anderson: On Family, Homeschooling, and Living with IntentionIn this episode, Sarah Bachmann is joined by Elise Anderson for a conversation about family, learning, and living intentionally. Elise opens up about her decision to homeschool, how she creates peace and flexibility in her family’s days, and why she believes the best learning often comes from life itself.
2025-09-2644 minReal Feel InsightsAnna Sellin: On Surviving Abuse and Leading a Life of ServiceIn this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Anna Sellin, the executive director of the Lakes Crisis & Resource Center in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. Anna shares her own experiences in abusive relationships and how they shaped her life and career. Today, she works with other survivors, helping them find healing while reflecting on the difficult journey of forgiveness, shame, and resilience.
2025-09-191h 01Real Feel InsightsWhy We Pressed Pause this weekThis week’s planned conversation on Real Feel Insights was centered around setting boundaries and navigating toxic family dynamics. After careful reflection, we made the decision not to release the full episode in order to protect our guest and their loved ones. In this short message, we share the reasons behind that choice, why integrity guided our decision, and how sometimes the most meaningful boundary is knowing when to stay quiet.
2025-09-1202 minReal Feel InsightsTim Eggebraaten: On Service, Resilience, and Starting AgainSarah Bachmann sits down with Tim Eggebraaten, who spent 28 years in law enforcement before becoming a national speaker and entertainer. Tim shares what it was like to carry the weight of police work, the challenges he faced with mental health and alcohol, and the turning points that led him to a different path. His story is one of service, resilience, and choosing optimism.
2025-09-051h 19Real Feel InsightsSarah Bachmann: On Her Story, Struggle, and the Purpose Behind the PodcastHost Sarah Bachmann steps into the spotlight to share her journey in this week's solo episode. From surviving years of abuse to raising a family, building a business, and walking through unimaginable loss, Sarah has faced life’s hardest realities head-on. She explains why she started Real Feel Insights: to be real, to be honest, and to help even one person through their own struggles.
2025-08-291h 08Real Feel InsightsMark Erbstoesser: On Life’s Journey, Faith, and Living FullyIn this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Mark Erbstoesser for a conversation about the unexpected journey of life. Mark shares how his career, his health, and his family have shaped the way he sees the world—and why he believes in taking every opportunity as it comes and appreciating what you have.
2025-08-2233 minReal Feel InsightsLynn Schulberg: On Dispatching, Dedication, and Making a DifferenceIn this episode, Sarah Bachmann talks with Lynn Schulberg about her work as a dispatcher and the realities of being the first voice someone hears in an emergency. Lynn shares the life-saving calls she’ll never forget, the emotional weight of the job, and the dedication it takes to show up—shift after shift—for the people who need you most.
2025-08-151h 00Real Feel InsightsBryan Anderson: On Agriculture, Education, and the Future of FarmingSarah Bachmann is joined by Bryan Anderson, a sixth-generation farmer, for a real conversation about the present and future of agriculture. They talk about what’s been lost, what’s been gained, and why farming is still one of the most important—and misunderstood—industries in the country. He also offers encouragement to anyone looking to get started, even in small ways.
2025-08-081h 07Real Feel InsightsTina Sharbonno: On Infertility, Acceptance, and the Strength to Keep GoingIn this episode, Sarah Bachmann speaks with Tina Sharbonno about her journey through infertility—years of trying, hoping, and eventually having to accept a different future. Tina speaks candidly about anger, exhaustion, and grief, as well as the strength she found in her marriage and the quiet comfort of family and friends.
2025-08-0257 minReal Feel InsightsChris Vinton: On Law Enforcement, Conservation, and a Life of ServiceIn this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with local guest Chris Vinton to talk about his years in public service—first as a Patrol Officer, and later as a Conservation Officer. Chris reflects on the differences between the two roles, what led him to make the shift, and the deeper mission behind both: serving the community and protecting what matters.
2025-07-251h 10Real Feel InsightsLynn Tappe: On Teaching, Coaching, and the Kids Who Shape UsIn this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with longtime educator and coach Lynn Tappe for a grounded conversation about teaching, coaching, and showing up for kids through every phase of their development. With over 35 years in the school system, Lynn shares the rewards, the challenges, and the reality of what it takes to help students grow—on and off the field.
2025-07-1847 minReal Feel InsightsJaney Merschman: On Grace, Grief, and the Time We’re GivenIn this episode, Sarah Bachmann speaks with Janey Merschman about what it means to love and care for someone through the end of life. Janey opens up about her husband’s cancer journey, their shared faith, and the unexpected grace that came with having time to say the things that mattered.
2025-07-111h 03Real Feel InsightsJim Sinclair: On Life, Retirement, and the Work That Shapes UsIn this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Jim Sinclair, a retired banker and volunteer fireman, for a conversation about the kind of work that leaves a mark—not just on a resume, but on a life. They talk about the transition into retirement, what it means to stay grounded in a small town, and why the work that matters most often goes unseen. Jim shares openly about the emotional weight of caring deeply—for your clients, your community, and your neighbors.If you’ve ever felt the pull between service and burnout, or wondered what it...
2025-07-041h 14Real Feel InsightsReal Talk with Lindsay McLeod: Juggling Motherhood, Marriage & Business with IntentionOn this episode of Real Feel Insights, we’re joined by Lindsay McLeod—a wife, mom, and entrepreneur who knows exactly what it takes to keep all the balls in the air.Lindsay shares her honest take on what it’s like to run a business while raising a family and maintaining a strong partnership. She’s especially skilled at breaking down big emotions and navigating them with clarity and confidence. Tune in for a conversation full of real-life strategies, relatable stories, and thoughtful insight on how to stay grounded and show up fully—even when life i...
2025-06-271h 12Real Feel InsightsGrief, Family, and Finding Strength — Lauri Brooke’s Story of Choosing to Celebrate LifeThree months after returning from Iraq, Lauri Brooke’s son was killed by a drunk driver. Nothing prepares a parent for that kind of loss.In this episode, Lauri shares how she found the strength to face the grief, how she and her family chose to celebrate their son’s life, and how they worked through it together.This is an honest conversation about love, loss, and the quiet strength that carries us through life’s hardest moments.New episodes every Friday. Watch on YouTube or listen wherever you get your podcasts.
2025-06-2051 minReal Feel InsightsStories from the Badge — Mike Johnson’s Journey Through Leadership, Loss, and LaughterWhat’s it really like to spend your life in law enforcement?Mike Johnson didn’t just work in the field—he built a life around it.In this episode of Real Feel Insights, Mike sits down with host Sarah Bachmann to share stories from his years as a police officer and Police Chief. He opens up about the responsibility, the leadership challenges, and the moments—both heavy and light—that still stay with him today.This is an honest conversation about what being a small-town police chief is like—the hard calls, the quiet lesson...
2025-06-1345 minReal Feel InsightsAbuse, Resilience, and Faith - Erin Halvorson’s Story of Survival and Spiritual RevivalErin Halvorson knows what it means to start over. After the end of her first marriage, she found herself in a new relationship that quickly turned dark. She sold her home, moved her daughter hours away from everything familiar, and tried to build a life with someone who wasn’t who he seemed to be.In this episode, Erin shares the reality of what she lived through—emotional and physical abuse, isolation, and the breaking point that led her to leave. She also opens up about the role her faith played in rebuilding her life, and how she...
2025-06-061h 10Real Feel InsightsWelcome to Real Feel InsightsWelcome to Real Feel Insights.Hosted by Sarah Bachmann, this podcast is all about real people, real stories, and the real insights that come from life's highs and lows. From navigating divorce, grief, and parenting to chasing dreams and building something new—we’re having the unfiltered conversations you didn’t know you needed.Meet your host, Sarah Bachmann, as she kicks things off with what inspired the show and what you can expect every week.- New episodes drop every Friday- Watch full episodes on our YouTube channel: @realfeelinsights- Follow...
2025-06-0205 min