Shows
The Rural ImpactA Conversation about the State of America's Family Farms with Hannah Tremblay and Caitlin Arnold StephanoIn this episode, "A Conversation About the State of America's Family Farms," Hannah Tremblay and Caitlin Arnold Stephano, both from Farm Aid, discuss issues impacting America's small and family farms.
Hannah Tremblay is Policy and Advocacy Manager, where they manage Farm Aid's advocacy program and engage a broad coalition in support of policies that strengthen family farmers and family farm agriculture. Hannah has worked as an agricultural technical specialist and a farmer throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic since 2014.
Caitlin Arnold Stephano joined the organization in the fall of 2021 as the Hotline Program Manager. Caitlin grew up riding...
2025-11-0636 minThe Rural ImpactFinding Common Ground in Community Engagement with Meredith DeanIn this episode, "Finding Common Ground in Community Engagement," Michelle welcomes Meredith Dean, the National Director of the Rural Urban Bridge Initiative's Community Works program, to discuss how rural communities are finding common ground and bringing people together, regardless of political differences, to address local needs.
Meredith brings 40 years of experience in community organizing, Democratic politics, non-profit management, and teaching in both formal and informal settings, from adults to higher education to kindergarten. She and her husband settled 39 years ago in a ruby red Virginia county nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge section of the Appalachian Mountains...
2025-10-2336 min
The Hot DishShutting Down Rural HealthcareHeidi and Joel Heitkamp welcome Michelle Rathman and Jeanne Lambrew to discuss their expert insights on the future of rural hospitals, premium tax credits, Medicaid, and nursing care, as well as how community leaders and healthcare workers are responding to looming changes.Heidi and Joel explore how rural Americans can advocate for better healthcare policies and learn about the essential connections between food security, workforce issues, and local economic development.Join us on The Hot Dish every other week, where we serve up hearty conversations that resonate with every corner of the country.The...
2025-10-2247 minThe Rural ImpactReady. Set. No. The State of Medicaid Work Reporting Requirements Readiness with Tricia Brooks, Leonardo Cuello and Hannah GreenIn this episode, "Ready. Set. No. The State of Medicaid Work Reporting Requirements Readiness," Michelle welcomes Research Professors Tricia Brooks and Leonardo Cuello, as well as State Health Policy Analyst Hannah Green, all joining us from Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy Center for Children and Families, to discuss their report published on September 4, 2025 titled "Are States Ready to Implement HR 1 and Medicaid Work Reporting Requirements?"
In this conversation, Michelle, Hannah, Tricia, and Leo discuss the implications of the HR1 Medicaid work reporting requirements, focusing on state readiness, the impact on coverage for lawfully present immigrants, in...
2025-10-0945 minThe Rural ImpactA Conversation About What Undermines Local Government and Public Service with Brooks WilliamsIn this episode, "A Conversation About What Undermines Local Government and Public Service," Michelle welcomes Brooks Williams to discuss how anger and rage are impacting local governments. Brooks is a city manager whose two decades span public and private leadership. He is known for turning strategy into results, such as stronger finances, healthier cultures, and clear metrics that track real performance. He serves the QTF Regional Program, a performance-excellence initiative that helps organizations apply the Baldrige Excellence Framework, continuous improvement, and disciplined measurement to achieve lasting outcomes. A doctoral candidate in Public Administration, with an MPA from Liberty University...
2025-09-2552 minThe Rural ImpactHRSA's Dwindling Rural Health Commitments with Carole Johnson, Toniann Richard, and Alexa McKinley AbelIn this episode, "HRSA's Dwindling Rural Health Commitments," we kick off with a conversation between Michelle and Alexa McKinley Abel, Director of Government Affairs at the National Rural Health Association. They delve into recent developments from the House Appropriations Committee related to the FY2026 Labor-HHS appropriations bill, which proposes significant investments and increases in rural health funding. The two also dissect a new provision in the Rural Hospital Provider Assistance Program, which, if passed, offers financial support to at-risk hospitals. They wrap up with a discussion that underscores the need for increased funding and the impact of community stories...
2025-09-111h 05The Rural ImpactEducation, Workforce & Tariffs: Rough Roads for Rural Ahead with Dr. Jeff Strohl & Gbenga AjiloreIn this episode, Education, Workforce & Tariffs: Rough Roads for Rural Ahead, the episode begins with Alexa McKinley Abel, Director of Government Affairs at the National Rural Health Association, who provides a rundown of the Senate Appropriations Committee's markup of the 2026 Labor Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Bill. Alexa detailed what the markup means for rural health; many of the programs that were initially proposed for elimination in the President's budget are actually funded and funded at higher levels than in past years. She continued the conversation by providing some key highlights of the bill and concluded...
2025-08-2851 minThe Rural ImpactA Conversation about Rural Prosperity and its Connection to Policies, Past, Present & Future with Tony Pipa, Brent Orrell and Matthew HildrethIn this Rural Impact Extra Episode: A Conversation about Rural Prosperity and its Connection to Policies, Past, Present & Future, Michelle leads the episode with a discussion with two esteemed experts in the field. Tony Pipa, a Senior Fellow in the Center for Sustainable Development at the Brookings Institution, and Brent Orrell, a Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute(AEI), bring their wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation.
Tony, Brent, and Michelle discuss the Brookings-AEI Commission on US Rural Prosperity, a significant bipartisan endeavor. This commission has a shared mission to enable rural prosperity in...
2025-08-141h 08The Rural ImpactNew Rural Project with Cynthia WallaceIn this extra episode of the Rural Impact Michelle welcomes Cynthia Wallace, Executive Director of the non-profit, New Rural Project, which she co-founded in April 2021 to discuss the impacts of H.R.1, as well as the how Cynthia and The New Rural Project are amplifying the voices of rural young people and marginalized residents in North Carolina so that they are heard and seen, and they get electorally and civically engaged.
Before starting her non-profit, Cynthia spent over 25 years in financial services, retiring from Synchrony (formerly GE Capital) after 20 years spent there. She was the 2020 Democratic Nominee fo...
2025-07-3137 minThe Rural ImpactBig Bill and Huge Losses for Rural Health with Edwin Park, Shawn Martin and Nathan BaughMichelle kicks off this episode with Edwin Park, Research Professor at the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, within the McCourt School of Public Policy. His work primarily focuses on Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, and the Affordable Care Act. Previously, he worked for 17 years at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, most recently as Vice President for Health Policy. He was also a health policy advisor for the White House National Economic Council, a Medicaid professional staff member for the U.S. Senate Finance Committee, and a health law attorney in private practice. In ad...
2025-07-171h 01The Rural ImpactA Conversation About Closing the Rural Urban Divide with Anthony FlaccaventoIn this extra episode of Rural Impact, Michelle Rathman begins the episode with Anthony Flaccavento. Anthony is a farmer and rural development consultant from Abingdon, Virginia, in the heart of the Appalachian Coalfields. The Founder of Appalachian Sustainable Development, he has focused most of his work over the past four decades on building healthier food systems and more diverse, locally rooted economies in Appalachia and around the world.
The Democratic Candidate for Congress in Virginia’s 9th District in 2018, Anthony, co-founded the Rural-Urban Bridge Initiative, or RUBI, in 2021. A national organization, RUBI works to help progressives, liberals, an...
2025-07-0347 minThe Rural ImpactCandid Conversation with Democratic Party Leaders Jane Fleming Kleeb, Chris Jones, Will Westmoreland and Russ CarnahanGuests:
President of the Association of State Democratic Committees Jane Kleeb
DNC People's Cabinet Member and Co-chair of Dirt Road Dems Chris Jones
DNC People's Cabinet Member and rural policy expert Will Westmoreland
DNC Midwestern Regional Chair and Chair of the Missouri Democratic Party Russ Carnahan
In this Rural Impact special, "Candid Conversations" episode, host Michelle Rathman delves into the real-world and real-time consequences of the Trump Administration's and the 119th Congress' policy decisions on rural America with a panel of guests from the Democratic National Committee (DNC). In this wide-ranging conversation, Michelle and guests explore how the De...
2025-06-1959 minThe Rural ImpactAccelerating Better Health Outcomes in Rural America with Mindy Cook and Kallie ProvostIn this special “What’s Your Impact?” episode of Rural Impact, Michelle Rathman starts by speaking with Mindy Cook, National Senior Director for Rural Healthcare Quality Outcomes Research and Analytics at the American Heart Association National Center. The American Heart Association has been a partner of The Rural Impact, and this episode focuses on the impact of the American Heart Association’s Rural Health Care Outcomes Accelerator Program.
Michelle and Mindy discuss the importance of improving cardiovascular care in rural hospitals, the challenges faced, and the initiatives in place to enhance quality and outcomes. Mindy shares success stories...
2025-06-0540 minThe Rural ImpactMedicaid and its Impact on Maternal and Infant Health with Joan AlkerIn this extra episode, once again focusing on fast-moving developments related to health policy, Michelle welcomes back Joan Alker, Executive Director of the Center for Children and Families (CCF) and Research Professor at the Georgetown McCourt School of Public Policy, to discuss "Medicaid and Its Impact on Maternal and Infant Health."
Joan is a nationally recognized expert on the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicaid and the lead author of CCF's annual report on trends in children's healthcare coverage. She has been published in numerous journals, reports, and blogs, covering a wide range of issues, including...
2025-05-2929 minThe Rural ImpactDisconnected: A Conversation about Health Care, Broadband, Access and Economics with Sarah Jane Tribble, Caresse Jackman and Joshua SeidemannIn part one of this extra episode, Disconnected: A Conversation about Health Care, Broadband, Access and Economics, Michelle is joined by award-winning journalists Caresse Jackman and Sarah Jane Tribble.
Sarah Jane Tribble is the lead reporter on the rural health desk of KFF Health News. She created the organization’s first narrative podcast, “Where It Hurts,” about the closure of a rural Kansas hospital. An Emmy winner, she has received honors for her work from the National Press Club, the National Institute for Health Care Management, and the Association of Health Care Journalists.
Caresse Jackman is an award...
2025-05-2250 minThe Rural ImpactA Conversation with James Decker, West of 98In this extra episode of The Rural Impact, James M. Decker joins Michelle Rathman to discuss issues impacting rural areas, including revitalization, agriculture, community engagement, economy, and education. James is serving his fourth term as Mayor of his hometown of Stamford, Texas, where he also practices law in his office in the downtown square.
In his Westof98 blog and podcast, which is found on substack.com, James writes about rural revitalization and community building. He is also the co-host of the Rural Church and State podcast. In this conversation, James shares his journey from a small-town lawyer...
2025-05-0839 minThe Rural ImpactThe Upheaval of Federal Health Policy with Julie RovnerIn this extra episode of The Rural Impact, Michelle Rathman is joined by Julie Rovner, KFF Health News Chief Washington Correspondent. Julie hosts the KFF Health News weekly health policy news podcast, "What the Health?" Previously, she spent 16 years as a health policy correspondent for NPR, where she helped lead the network's coverage of the passage and implementation of the Affordable Care Act. Julie is the author of the critically praised reference book "Health Care Politics and Policy A to Z," now in its third edition. In 2005, she received the National Press Foundation's Everett McKinley Dirksen Award for Distinguished Re...
2025-04-2427 minThe Rural ImpactConnecting Health Outcomes to Congressional Districts with Ben Spoer, PhDIn this extra episode of The Rural Impact, Michelle Rathman interviews Ben Spoer, PhD, about the Congressional District Health Dashboard, a crucial tool designed to provide health data at the congressional district level.
Dr. Spoer is the Program Director for City Health Dashboard and the Congressional District Health Dashboard at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, where he works to make public health data accessible and easy to use for anyone – from experienced data experts to newcomers. With a background in epidemiology, data science, and public communication, Dr. Spoer translates numbers into narratives that drive better decisions fo...
2025-04-1036 minThe Rural ImpactA Conversation about Reaching Rural Voters with Jess PiperJust after returning to the studio after two back-to-back episodes where Michelle spent time at the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) Policy Institute and the National Association of Community Health Centers' Policy and Issues Conference in D.C., Michelle continues the conversation with NRHA's Government Affairs and Policy Director, Alexa McKinley Abel for an update about the impact of the Continuing Resolution on rural health organizations and what to watch for from Congress as the budget reconciliation process continues.
In the second part of this episode, Michelle meets with the Executive Director for Blue Missouri, Jessica (Jess...
2025-03-2743 min
Awake in the Network: Where Destiny Happens!30 Years of Impact: Empowering Rural Healthcare with Michelle RathmanSend us a textJoin us as we interview Michelle Rathman. Michelle founded Impact! Communications, Inc., in 1989. For over 30 years, Impact! has provided a broad range of strategic advisory, decision support, communications, and creative solutions to healthcare organizations, including urban and rural hospitals, health clinics, and community health centers. Michelle and her team bring experience and expertise that has helped several rural hospitals gain public support to invest millions into much-needed facility improvements while designing and implementing patient and staff recruitment and retention programs. Beyond bricks and mortar, Impact! is focused on helping rural hospitals a...
2025-03-2050 minThe Rural ImpactRural Impact on the Road in D.C-2025 Health Policy Issues & Urgent Priorities Part 2A Programming Note: This episode was recorded in February of 2025. As it drops on March 13, 2025, it's important to note that topics and issues raised about Medicaid funding, Congressional Appropriations, a potential Government shutdown, regulatory matters, and funding for key rural health programs have likely changed. In the second of our two-part health policy "Rural Impact on the Road" episode, we continue delving into urgent priorities and then expand the conversation to explore strategies for meaningful community-level engagement that focuses on building relationships and coalitions that help to build "civic muscle."
Michelle's first conversation began at the National...
2025-03-1340 minThe Rural ImpactRural Impact on the Road in D.C-2025 Health Policy Issues & Urgent Priorities Part 1Guests:
Joan Alker, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Center for Children and Families, Georgetown University McCourt School of Public Policy
Gina Capra, Chief Education Officer, National Association of Community Health Centers
Wade Erickson, CEO, Horizon Health
Julie K. Wood, MD, MPH, FAAFP, Senior Vice President, Science and Clinic Strategy, American Academy of Family Physicians
Roger Wells, PA-C, Lexington Regional Health Center
Sarah Hohman, MPH, CRHCP, Director of Government Affairs, National Association of Rural Health Clinics
John Henderson, CEO, Texas Organization of Rural & Community Hospitals
In the first of our two-part episode on the Road in D...
2025-03-0648 minThe Rural ImpactExploring Fragile Neighborhoods with Dr. Seth KaplanIn this extra episode, Michelle sat down with Dr. Seth D. Kaplan, a leading expert on fragile states, societies, and communities, and the author of Fragile Neighborhoods: Repairing American Society, One Zip Code at a Time. He is a Professorial Lecturer in the Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) at Johns Hopkins University, Senior Adviser for the Institute for Integrated Transitions (IFIT), and consultant to organizations such as the World Bank, U.S. State Department, U.S. Agency for International Development, United States Institute of Peace, and OECD.
Michelle and Seth discuss the themes of frag...
2025-02-2750 minThe Rural Impact2025 & The Impact of Policy Shifts with Dreama GentryIn the third episode of the new series, 2025 & The Impact of Policy Shifts, Michelle sat down with Dreama Gentry, President and CEO of Partners for Rural Impact, a national intermediary that mobilizes rural leaders, strengthens the capacity of rural organizations, and activates policymakers and philanthropic partners to ensure the 14 million children and youth living in rural America are on a path to upward mobility. Partners for Rural Impact has eight offices nationwide and 350+ employees with an annual budget of $60+ million.
Michelle and Dreama discuss the challenges and opportunities in rural education, particularly focusing on the impact of...
2025-02-1327 minThe Rural Impact2025 & The Impact of Policy Shifts with Mark Lieberman and David ArdreyIn part one of the second episode of the new series, 2025 & The Impact of Policy Shifts, Michelle sat down with Mark Lieberman reporter for Education Week covering K-12 school finance nationwide. He previously covered technology for EdWeek, digital learning and online education in the postsecondary world for Inside Higher Ed, and local news and culture in the D.C. area for a variety of outlets.
Michelle and Mark cover the financial struggles faced by rural schools due to funding cuts, particularly the implications of the Secure Rural Schools Act. They explore how these cuts can significantly impact sc...
2025-01-3056 minThe Rural Impact2025 & The Impact of Policy Shifts with Larry Levitt and Edwin ParkIn part one of the first episode of the new series 2025 & The Impact of Policy Shifts, Michelle sat down with Larry Levitt, Vice President for Health Policy at KFF. Levitt oversees policy work on Medicare, Medicaid, the health care marketplace, the Affordable Care Act, racial equity, women’s health, and global health. He previously was editor-in-chief of kaisernetwork.org, which was KFF’s online health policy news and information service and directed KFF’s communications. Prior to joining KFF, Levitt served as a senior health policy adviser to the White House and the Department of Health and Human Services, workin...
2025-01-1645 minThe Rural ImpactLooking Back and Forward - Preparing for 2025In our first episode of 2025, Michelle offers a recap of several of our 2024 series and special episodes, including conversations with authors Elizabeth Carpenter-Song and Sarah Smarsh, researchers from New American, Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, The Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, as well as conversations with leaders from several federal agencies, including the United States Department of Agriculture, the Department of Housing and Urban Development and Health and Human Services.
In addition to a review of episodes past, Michelle gives listeners a sense of what can be expected of The Rural Impact's...
2025-01-0211 minThe Rural ImpactWhat's Your Impact Episode with Gretchen Schmidt, PhD, Charles Lloyd, Ed.D. & Mark S. BontaIn this special What's Your Impact? Episode, Michelle begins with a review of the multi-episode series "Pathways and Policies to Ensure Rural Learners Succeed in Place and Why it's Essential for America's Future" and "The Impact of Postsecondary Education on Jobs and Rural Economic Vitality" made possible by Ascendium. Michelle shares the key takeaways from each episode, including the contributions of the 15 guests, and introduces the inspirational work of the Rural Guided Pathways Project.
First, Michelle interviews Dr. Gretchen Schmidt, Senior Fellow at the National Center for Inquiry and Improvement (NCII). Gretchen is a national leader in...
2024-12-1956 minThe Rural ImpactSeeds of Doubt - The Politicization of Public Health with Matthew Jacob and Dr. Brian CastrucciToday's show focuses on disinformation and its connection to public health and policy.
With the recent news that President-elect Trump has tapped Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., known not only for his family ties but primarily for his strong opposition to vaccinations and commitment to debunked conspiracy theories, and controversial views on supplements and food preparation practices, to take the lead at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), we invited two seasoned public health experts to join us for a conversation to discuss the impact of disinformation and the spread of misinformation on public...
2024-12-0547 minThe Rural ImpactImpact on the Road OREGON - The Power of Rural and Investments in HealthThe Rural Impact Podcast went on the road again! This time, we headed out west – the Pacific Northwest, to be exact, where we sought to amplify the Power of Rural and the importance of federal partnerships to address social drivers of health.
Welcome to our "Impact on the Road OREGON - The Power of Rural and Investments in Health" special National Rural Health Day episode.
During this special panel discussion recorded at the 41st Annual Oregon Rural Health Conference held in Bend, host Michelle Rathman moderates a conversation focused how the Department of Health and Human...
2024-11-211h 06The Rural ImpactDisaster Recovery in Rural America with Dr. William Hathaway and Marion Mollegen McFaddenMichelle begins part one of the extra episode with Dr. Bill Hathaway of Mountain Area Health Education Center (MAHEC). Dr. Hathaway and the MAHEC staff of more than 1,000 are committed to transforming rural health and wellness through education, the delivery of patient care, and a focus on community and public health. Before joining MAHEC in early 2022, Dr. Hathaway spent more than two decades working to meaningfully improve health across Western North Carolina as a MAHEC board member, as the chief medical officer for the region’s largest hospital system, and as a practicing cardiologist.
During this conversation, Mi...
2024-11-0742 minThe Rural ImpactThe Impact of Collaboration Between Community Colleges and Civic Partnerships with Dakota Pawlicki and Elaine MorganIn part one of the final episode of this series, Michelle met with Dakota Pawlicki, Director of Talent Hubs with CivicLab. In this role, he serves exemplary cross-sector partnerships focused on postsecondary attainment that have met rigorous standards for partnership health, equity, and systems change. He brings his expertise in postsecondary education, collective impact, stakeholder engagement, and change management to a network of nearly 100 partnerships, supporting their efforts to improve the human condition. Dakota also hosts Lumina Foundation's podcast Today's Students, Tomorrow's Talent, which features conversations with newsmakers and leaders in the field of learning after high school.
2024-10-2444 minThe Rural ImpactExpanding Scope and Increasing Hope – The Transformative Role of Community Colleges with Ivy Love, Tiffany Thai and Andrew Koricich, PhDIn part one of the second episode of this series, Michelle met with Senior Policy Analyst Ivy Love and Senior Program Associate Tiffany Thai from the Center on Education & Labor at New America. Ivy Love's work focuses on community colleges, their students, and federal and state policies that support them. Before New America, Love worked as a policy analyst for the Association of Community College Trustees, as a lecturer at Washington University in St. Louis and Webster University, and as a refugee orientation educator at the International Institute of St. Louis. Love is a PhD candidate in higher education...
2024-10-1048 minThe Rural ImpactA Case for Greater Investments in Rural Postsecondary Education, Training, and Career Counseling with Jeff Strohl, Ph.D. and Kayla Elliott, Ph.D.In the first episode of this new series, Michelle had a compelling conversation with Jeff Strohl, Ph.D., who serves as Research Professor and Director of the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce (CEW). Dr. Strohl was one of the Center's founding staff and served as CEW's Director of Research since 2008. In this position, he led the Center's research agenda. In particular, this focused on the intersection of education and labor market analyses and their impact on policy. While directing research, Dr. Strohl also continued his work on biases in postsecondary and labor market outcomes.
...
2024-09-2651 minThe Rural ImpactA Conversation with Sarah Smarsh about Bone of the Bone!In this Rural Impact Extra episode, which we're releasing as our second special in our seventh series, "Courageous Conversations About the 2024 Elections," Michelle has what she has described as "a conversation of a lifetime" with the author of the newly released book Bone of the Bone: Essays on America, Sarah Smarsh.
Hailing from Kansas, Sarah is a journalist who has reported for The New York Times, Harper's Magazine, The Guardian, and many other publications. Her first book, Heartland: A Memoir of Working Hard and Being Broke in the Richest Country on Earth, was a finalist for the...
2024-09-1243 minThe Rural ImpactA Conversation About Harris/Walz Rural Commitments with Bryanta Booker-MaxwellIn the extra episode in our seventh series, "Courageous Conversations About the 2024 Elections," Michelle talks with Bryanta (Bre) Booker-Maxwell, Democratic National Committee (DNC) Rural Coalitions Director.
During this episode, Bre shares the impact of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act on rural communities, including addressing issues such as clean water, clean air, roads, bridges, and grants for rural areas. Michelle and Bre discuss the need for accessible and affordable healthcare in rural areas and how a Harris-Walz Administration will focus on strengthening Medicaid expansion, addressing rural hospital closures, and improving access to Obstetric services...
2024-09-1023 minThe Rural ImpactA Conversation About Democracy with Dee DavisIn the third episode of our seventh series, "Courageous Conversations About the 2024 Election-Rural Issues Impacting Real Lives," Michelle talks with Founder and President of the Center for Rural Strategies, Dee Davis. Dee has helped design and lead national public information campaigns on topics as diverse as commercial television programming and federal banking policy.
Dee began his media career in 1973 as a trainee at Appalshop, an arts and cultural center devoted to exploring Appalachian life and social issues in Whitesburg, Kentucky. Dee is on the board of the Kentucky Historical Society, Fund for Innovative Television, and Feral Arts...
2024-08-2929 minThe Rural ImpactHow One State’s Legislative Roadmap Advocates for Strong Rural HealthcareRural Impact on the Road | A Special Rural Impact Extra Episode
Guests:> Jared Chaffin, Chief Executive & Finance Officer, Friend Community Healthcare System > Melissa Florell, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor & Nurse Educator> Jed Hansen, PhD, APRN, FNP-C, Executive Director, Nebraska Rural Health Association > Senator Teresa Ibach, District 44, Nebraska Unicameral Legislature> Senator Mike Jacobson, District 42, Nebraska Unicameral Legislature > Jeremy Nordquist, President, Nebraska Hospital Association
In this special Rural Impact on the Road episode, host Michelle Rathman traveled to Kearney, Nebraska, to join the Nebraska Rural Health Association and the Nebraska Hospital Association...
2024-08-1551 minThe Rural ImpactRural Voters and Top of Mind Policies with Isaac Wright and Dr. Carrie Cochran-McClainIn the second episode of our seventh series, "Courageous Conversations About the 2024 Election-Rural Issues Impacting Real Lives," Michelle begins the episode with Isaac Wright, Co-Founder of the Rural Voter Institute. Isaac is a founding-partner of Forward Solution Strategy Group, a company primarily focused on public affairs and issues. As co-founder of the Rural Voter Institute, Isaac gathered data and dialogue with rural and small-town voters on foundational political worldview and topical issues of the moment providing better strategies for Democrats campaigning in America’s heartland.
During this first part of the episode, Isaac shares the catalyst for fo...
2024-08-0151 minThe Rural ImpactInsights from an Insider with Heidi HeitkampIn the first episode of our seventh series, "Courageous Conversations About the 2024 Election-Rural Issues Impacting Real Lives," Michelle talks with Former North Dakota Senator and Co-Founder and Chair of The One Country Project, Heidi Heitkamp. U.S. Senator Heidi Heitkamp was the first female senator elected from North Dakota from 2013 – 2019.
During her six years in the U.S. Senate, Heitkamp quickly became a proven negotiator who worked across the aisle to fight for rural America. Throughout her time in the Senate, Heidi prioritized improving the lives of Indigenous people and working families, stopping human trafficking, guaranteeing affordable he...
2024-07-1829 minThe Rural ImpactThe Key to Opening Doors with Joe E. Ross and Nancy MondragonIn the third episode of our Pathways and Policies to Ensure Rural Learners Succeed in Place. Why It's Essential for America's Future series, we begin our episode focused on "How Institutions and Industry Set Rural Learners Up for Success" with Joe E. Ross, President of Reach University, the nonprofit institution advancing fully job-embedded, apprenticeship-based higher education. He previously led a statewide education advocacy association, California County Boards of Education, and served for over ten years as an elected trustee of the San Mateo County Board of Education. Earlier in his career, he served on active duty in the U...
2024-07-0341 minThe Rural ImpactUSDA Summer Food Program with Administrator for the Food and Nutrition Service, Cindy LongIn this very special summer Rural Impact Extra Episode, Michelle interviews United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Administrator for the Food and Nutrition Service, Cindy Long. Long was appointed Administrator for the Food and Nutrition Service on September 13, 2021. Long most recently served as Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) Acting Administrator, and has had extensive experience with FNS, including serving as Deputy Administrator for Child Nutrition Programs. In this role, she led FNS’ implementation of the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act, the most significant restructuring of these programs in decades and a legislative centerpiece of the Obama-Biden Administration’s nutrition init...
2024-06-2717 minThe Rural ImpactRural Health Leaders Overcoming Challenges with Alan Morgan, Kathy Kuepers and Steve TenhouseIn the What’s Your Impact special episode supported by Wipfli, Michelle begins the episode with Alan Morgan, Chief Executive Officer of the National Rural Health Association (NRHA). This discussion, recorded just one day after the White House announced news about a dynamic partnership designed to provide support to combat cyber-attacks, focuses on how cybersecurity impacts health systems, as well as solutions. Alan shares details about the important partnership NRHA entered into with Microsoft to provide free technical analysis and reasonably priced products to safeguard rural hospitals against growing cyber security threats.
In the second part of th...
2024-06-2043 minThe Rural ImpactThe Key to Opening Doors with Kirstin Yeado, Shaniqua Corley-Moore and Mike GutmanIn the second episode in our Pathways and Policies to Ensure Rural Learners Succeed in Place and Why it’s Essential for America’s Future series, we begin our episode focused on “The Key to Opening Doors” with Kirstin Yeado, Senior Program Officer at Ascendium Education Group. In this role, Kirstin is responsible for strategic grantmaking to advance Ascendium’s Support Rural Postsecondary Education and Workforce Training focus area, which seeks to expand education and workforce training opportunities for rural learners.
During this discussion, Kirstin shares an overview of the landscape of post-secondary education opportunities in rural communitie...
2024-06-0654 minThe Rural ImpactThe Rural Reason to Focus on Workforce Policy with Manny Lamarre, Mary Wurtz and Andrew CampbellIn the first episode in our sixth series, Pathways and Policies to Ensure Rural Learners Succeed in Place and Why it’s Essential for America’s Future, we begin our episode The Rural Reason to Focus on Workforce Policy with Deputy Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training for the U.S. Department of Labor, Manny Lamarre. DAS Lamarre’s experience spans across workforce development policy, program, and research across the federal, state and local levels. After previously serving as a Governor appointee, he is now a political appointee leading key workforce policies and programs including sector-based initiatives and investments, Regist...
2024-05-231h 01The Rural ImpactComing to Terms with Housing and Homelessness in Rural Places with Jess Huff, Erin Carreon, and Mallory VanMeeterIn the third episode in our fifth series, Coming to Terms with Housing and Homelessness in Rural Places, we begin our episode with Jess Huff, Reporter for The Texas Tribune. Jess joined the Tribune in 2023 and is based in Lufkin, Texas. She grew up in Utah and has also lived in Arizona and the Netherlands. Her latest adventure brought her to East Texas where she worked for The Lufkin Daily News, leading the publication to numerous awards for investigative reporting in the region.
Michelle and Jess discuss her piece which originally appeared in the Texas Tribune, and...
2024-05-0946 min
The Hot DishThe Value of Voting FOR (not Against)Welcome to a compelling new episode of The Hot Dish, where today's discussion magnifies the vital role of rural America in our nation’s fabric and the pressing issues it faces. Our hosts, Heidi and Joel Heitkamp, along with our distinguished guests, delve into topics that resonate deeply with our theme of engaging actively and voting FOR solutions.Michelle Rathman, a renowned rural health strategist, discusses her dedication to improving healthcare in rural communities. From tackling healthcare workforce shortages to boosting technology and funding for rural healthcare initiatives, Michelle's insights provide a blueprint for revitalizing health services an...
2024-05-0834 minThe Rural ImpactComing to Terms with Housing and Homelessness in Rural Places with Marion Mollegen McFadden, HUDIn the extra episode in our fifth series "Coming to Terms with Housing and Homelessness,” Michelle talks with Marion Mollegen McFadden, The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development. In this role McFadden oversees the administration of federal financial assistance to assist communities in ending homelessness, creating, and preserving affordable housing, strengthening local economies, and disaster recovery and mitigation.
During this conversation, Michelle and the Deputy Assistant Secretary discuss the work of HUD in the rural context, including the programming and funds helping to ensure that hous...
2024-05-0223 minThe Rural ImpactComing to Terms with Housing and Homelessness in Rural Places with Elizabeth Carpenter-Song, Ph.DIn the second episode in our fifth series "Coming to Terms with Housing and Homelessness,” Michelle talks with Elizabeth Carpenter-Song, Ph.D. Elizabeth is a medical and psychological anthropologist at Dartmouth College, and author of the book Families on the Edge: Experiences of Homelessness and Care in Rural New England. Her research strives to center the lived experiences of rural community members marginalized by poverty, housing insecurity, mental illness, and substance use.
During this conversation, Elizabeth and Michelle discuss how rural homelessness and housing security has historically been hidden from a research perspective, the fear and stigma as...
2024-04-2538 minThe Rural ImpactComing to Terms with Housing and Homelessness in Rural Places with Jonathan Harwitz and Amanda ReddyIn the first episode in our fifth series, Coming to Terms with Housing and Homelessness in Rural Places, we begin our episode with the Housing Assistance Council’s (HAC) Director of Public Policy, Jonathan Harwitz. Prior to joining HAC, Jonathan was Director of Housing Community Development and Insurance Policy for the House Financial Services Committee. He also served as Managing Director of Federal Policy and Government Affairs at the Low-Income Investment Fund, a large national Community Development Financial Institution. Jonathan shared that in his over 20 years of public policy, he has always relied on HAC as a voice for ru...
2024-04-1150 minThe Rural ImpactRural Partners Network with Farah AhmadIn this Impact Extra Episode, Michelle introduces issues from our upcoming series focused on rural housing as well rural transportation issues with special guest Farah Ahmad, Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Deputy Under Secretary Ahmad works to advance policies and programs that create economic inclusion and opportunity in rural communities.
During this conversation, Deputy Under Secretary Ahmad shares how the Rural Partners Network (RPN) takes a unique approach to help rural communities build prosperity through job creation, infrastructure development, and community improvement. RPN is an alliance of 25 federal...
2024-03-2821 minThe Rural ImpactRural Impact on Location in D.C. Health Policy & Legislative Priorities Part 2Guests:
Alan Morgan, CEO, National Rural Health Association
Susan Burton, Director National Grassroots Advocacy, National Association of Community Health Centers
Brock Slabach, Chief Operations Officer, National Rural Health Association
Carole Johnson, Administrator, HRSA
In part two of our first ever "Rural Impact on Location” episode, host Michelle Rathman, closes out the conversations she had with top leaders in rural health, PLUS one very special conversation with HRSA Administrator, Carole Johnson, just after she delivered her keynote remarks at the National Rural Health Association 2024 Rural Health Policy Institute held in Washington D.C.
In this final pa...
2024-03-1440 minThe Rural ImpactRural Impact on Location in D.C. Health Policy & Legislative Priorities Part 1In Part One of our very first "Rural Impact on Location” episode, host Michelle Rathman, traveled to Washington D.C. on a mission to get closer to connecting dots on matters of current health policy and legislative priorities focused on rural health.
During her time at the National Rural Health Association Policy Institute and the National Association of Community Health Centers Policies & Issues Conference, Michelle spoke with several thought leaders and experts from many states. Each conversation focused on a different aspect of rural health, covering issues from Medicaid expansion to critical funding for Community Health Centers, from...
2024-03-1445 minThe Rural ImpactHow Rural Hospitals Can Use AI to Address AR Challenges and Workforce Shortages with Kelly Arduino, MA, MBAKelly Arduino, MA, MBAIn this What’s Your Impact Episode in our series "Arriving at Thriving,” Michelle talks with Kelly Arduino, MA, MBA. Kelly is the Healthcare Industry Leader and Partner at Wipfli LLP, a top 20 accounting and consulting firm. She has over 25 years of diverse healthcare experience which gives her a unique perspective on today’s challenges. Kelly was psychotherapist and an academic researcher in health outcomes and spent a number of years as a healthcare strategy consultant before working as a healthcare investment banker specializing in financing for rural healthcare providers. Today her position allows for a national perspective on how ru...
2024-02-2922 minThe Rural ImpactRural Counties and Building Capacity for Resiliency with Hon. Greg PuckettIn this extra episode in our series "Arriving at Thriving,” Michelle talks with Mercer County West Virgina Commissioner, Hon. Greg Puckett. Greg is continually focused on establishing evidence-based strategies and promising approaches to finding solutions on local, regional, state and national levels. A staunch advocate for community-based change, focusing on efforts predominantly in rural areas across America, Greg serves on the board and various committees within the National Association of Counties (NACo), currently serving as Vice Chair of the Rural Action Caucus (RAC).
During this conversation, Michelle and Greg discuss critical issues impacting rural communities across the US, an...
2024-02-1538 minThe Rural ImpactAt the Intersections of Federal, State and Local Policies with Tony PipaIn the third episode in our fourth series "Arriving at Thriving,” Michelle talks with Tony Pipa, Senior Fellow in the Center for Sustainable Development at the Brookings Institution. Tony has three decades of executive leadership experience in the philanthropic and public sectors addressing poverty and advancing inclusive economic development in the U.S. and globally. He launched and leads the Reimagining Rural Policy initiative, which seeks to modernize and transform U.S. rural policy, and hosts the Reimagine Rural podcast, collecting the stories of rural towns across America that are experiencing positive change.
During this conversation, Tony an...
2024-02-0145 minThe Rural ImpactArriving at Thriving with Senator Bill Soules, PhDIn the second episode in our fourth series "Arriving at Thriving,” Michelle talks with Dr. Bill Soules, member of the New Mexico State Senate and Chair of the Senate Education Committee. Soules earned his BA and MA in psychology and his interdisciplinary Ph.D. from New Mexico State University with a degree that spans education and psychology. Senator Soules is a champion for the data-driven and cross-sector prevention of adverse childhood experiences and adverse social determinants of health to ensure all children, students, and families have access to the vital services for surviving and thriving.
During this conversa...
2024-01-1836 minThe Rural ImpactArriving at Thriving with Dr. Katherine Ortega Courtney and Dominic CappelloIn the first episode in our fourth series "Arriving at Thriving,” Michelle talks with Co-Authors of 100% Community – Ensuring 10 Vital Services for Surviving and Thriving and the Co-Founders of Anna, Age Eight Institute, Dr. Katherine Ortega Courtney and Dominic Cappello. Katherine and Dominic are social innovators who are solving our most costly public health, education, and safety challenges through data, technology, and collaboration focused on systems change. With years of experience working with communities and governments, they know why systems intended to protect people tragically fail us. As developers of the 100% Community Model, the authors provide the nation with an auda...
2024-01-0442 minThe Rural ImpactExtra Episode - Reflecting on 2023 & Sneak Peak into 2024In this extra episode Michelle reflects on the inaugural season. She highlights the many subjects covered in 2023 including rural health, our nation’s struggling rural hospitals, maternal and infant mortality challenges, Medicaid unwinding, food security, rural education, and the opioid epidemic.
During this special episode, Michelle shares The Rural Impact’s goal to engage in conversations that enlighten, inform and hopefully inspire listeners to increase curiosity about the ways in which all of these matters covered on the show are connected to policy. She details opportunities for organizations making an impact in rural America to partner with a Th...
2023-12-2108 minThe Rural ImpactExtra Episode - Women Who Impact with Alana Knudson in Recognition of National Rural Health DayIn this Rural Impact Extra Episodes series, "Women Who Impact," Michelle highlights inspirational leaders making extraordinary impacts in rural health in recognition of National Rural Health Day (NRHD).
In the final episode, Michelle meets with Alana Knudson, Director of the NORC Walsh Center for Rural Health Analysis. With over 25 years of experience leading health services, research projects, and evaluating programs, Alana is doing everything she can to make a positive difference in advancing rural people's and communities health and well-being. Alana shares the critical role research and data play in informing policymakers and ensuring that rural communities...
2023-11-1615 minThe Rural ImpactExtra Episode - Women Who Impact with Michelle Mills in Recognition of National Rural Health DayIn this Rural Impact Extra Episodes series, "Women Who Impact," Michelle highlights inspirational leaders making extraordinary impacts in rural health in recognition of National Rural Health Day (NRHD).
In the third episode, Michelle talks with the Chief Executive Officer of the Colorado Rural Health Center, Michelle Mills. Michelle Mills is deeply committed to rural health at the state and federal levels. She holds other titles, including the National Rural Health Association Board Secretary, Government Affairs Committee Lead, and the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services Committee Member. Michelle Mills feels a passion for preserving...
2023-11-1614 minThe Rural ImpactExtra Episode - Women Who Impact with Lisa Davis in Recognition of National Rural Health DayIn this Rural Impact Extra Episodes series, "Women Who Impact," Michelle highlights inspirational leaders making extraordinary impacts in rural health in recognition of National Rural Health Day (NRHD). L
isa Davis, Director of the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health and Outreach Associate Professor on Health Policy and Administration at Penn State, speaks with Michelle in our second episode. Making an impact on a national, state, and university level, Lisa serves on a wide range of boards of directors, advisory committees, and task forces focusing on rural health policy, rural health outreach, and research, economic development, education, as...
2023-11-1619 minThe Rural ImpactExtra Episode - Women Who Impact with Karen Madden in Recognition of National Rural Health DayIn this Rural Impact Extra Episodes series, "Women Who Impact," Michelle highlights inspirational leaders making extraordinary impacts in rural health in recognition of National Rural Health Day (NRHD).
In the first episode, Michelle talks with the Director for the Center for Health Care Policy and Resource Development and the Director of the Charles D. Cook Office of Rural Health in the New York State Department of Health, Karen Madden. Throughout her career, Karen has worked on many issues that impact access to care and shares her organization's new focus on health equity and addressing health disparities. Karen's...
2023-11-1616 minThe Rural ImpactExtra Episode - Rural Communities Opioid Response Program with Megan Meacham and Sarah O’DonellIn this extra episode in our series "Rural Health on Life Support,” Michelle talks with Megan Meacham, Director of the Rural Strategic Initiatives Division and Sarah O’Donell Team Lead for Program Development with HRSA’s Federal Office of Rural Health Policy. Megan, Sarah, and their colleague Allison Hutchings were awarded the Samuel J. Heyman Service to America Medals 2023 People’s Choice Award, in recognition of their creation and management of the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP).
During this conversation, Megan shares the RCORP’s efforts and programs that to bring substance use disorder prevention, treatment and recove...
2023-11-0234 minThe Rural ImpactDo the Math - Calculating the Future of Rural Education with John WhiteIn this third episode of our series "Do the Math-Calculating the Future of Rural Education," Michelle talks with national communications consultant and rural education policy expert John White. John served as the first Deputy Assistant Secretary for Rural Outreach at the U.S. Department of Education (2009-2013), represented U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on the White House Rural Council, and was the Secretary's designee to the Interagency Coordinating Council for the Appalachian Regional Development Initiative.
During this conversation, John highlighted the importance of resources and support for learning in rural areas, filling in the gaps...
2023-10-1940 minThe Rural ImpactDo the Math-Calculating the Future of Rural Education with Taylor McCabe-JuhnkeIn this second episode of our series "Do the Math-Calculating the Future of Rural Education," Michelle talks with Taylor McCabe-Juhnke, Executive Director of the Rural Schools Collaborative (RSC). Taylor proudly hails from a long line of rural educators. As an early supporter of the RSC, Taylor was largely responsible for planning and coordinating the Rural Teacher Corps Stakeholder's Summit Visioning Meeting. This event continues to shape RSC's ongoing work with rural teacher preparation efforts nationwide.
During this conversation, Taylor, a fierce education advocate, highlighted RSC's commitment to creating sustainable rural communities by focusing on place, teachers, and...
2023-10-0544 minThe Rural ImpactDo the Math - Calculating the Future of Rural Education with Dr. Allen PrattIn this first episode of our series "Do the Math-Calculating the Future of Rural Education," Michelle talks with Dr. Allen Pratt, Executive Director of the National Rural Education Association (NREA). Dr. Pratt's work focuses on providing a unified voice for rural schools and communities. He has served as a high school science teacher and coach, a high school principal, assistant superintendent/curriculum director, executive director of the Tennessee Rural Education Association, executive director of the East Tennessee Center of Regional Excellence for the Tennessee Department of Education, and rural outreach liaison for Lincoln Memorial University.
During this...
2023-09-2146 minThe Rural ImpactFood for Thought - Facing the Facts About Food InsecurityIn this third episode of our series "Food for Thought-Facing the Facts About Food Insecurity," Michelle talks with Erica Blair, Extension Specialist with Kansas State Research and Extension and a Program Manager for both the Rural Grocery Initiative (RGI) and Kansas Healthy Food Initiative. Erica provides technical assistance on grocery-related topics and coordinates RGI's educational programming and the Grocery Business Transition Mentorship Program, which develops numerous educational resources.
During this conversation, Erica shares RGI's research tracking grocery store closures and their impact on the communities they serve. She also highlights programs and resources that help rural communities...
2023-09-0734 minThe Rural ImpactImpact Extra Episode - Rural Health on Life Support Emergency Rural Health Care GrantsIn this Impact Extra Episode, Michelle brings issues discussed in our three-part series, "Rural Health on Life Support," back to the table with special guest Farah Ahmad, Deputy Under Secretary for Rural Development at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
During this conversation, Deputy Under Secretary Ahmad shares how USDA Rural Development (RD) invests in rural communities and advances policies and programming that create economic inclusion and opportunities to improve health outcomes.
The two also discuss the purpose behind the USDA RD "Emergency Rural Health Care Grants," sharing details about the up to $500 million in...
2023-08-2421 minThe Rural ImpactFood for Thought - Facing the Facts About Food InsecurityIn the second episode in our second series "Food for Thought-Facing the Facts About Food Insecurity,” Michelle talks with Alana Rhone, Agricultural Economist and Matthew Rabbitt, Economist with the Food Assistance Branch in the Food Economic Division at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Alana’s research focuses on food access in the U.S., and Matthew’s research primarily focuses on food security measurement and methodology, behavioral responses to food insecurity, and U.S. social safety net program participation.
During this conversation, Alana shares that USDA ERS has a range of research and data resources such a...
2023-08-1032 minThe Rural ImpactFood for Thought - Facing the Facts About Food InsecurityIn the first episode in our second series "Food for Thought-Facing the Facts About Food Insecurity,” Michelle talks with Gina Plata-Nino, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Deputy Director, and Crystal FitzSimons, Director of School and Out-of-School Time Programs, at the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC). Gina works with the SNAP team to seek ways to improve SNAP’s reach and support for low-income households, including people and families working their way up the economic ladder. Crystal leads FRAC’s work on the child nutrition programs that serve school-age children, and she analyzes policy to advocate for legislative and regulatory improv...
2023-07-2740 minThe Rural ImpactRural Health on Life Support - Episode Three: Medicaid UnwindingIn this third episode in our "Rural Health on Life Support" series, Michelle talks with Joan Alker, Executive Director of the Center for Children and Families (CCF) and Research Professor at Georgetown McCourt School of Public Policy. Joan is a nationally recognized expert on the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) and Medicaid, the lead author of CCF's annual report on children's healthcare coverage trends. She has been published in numerous journals, reports, and blogs, covering a wide range of issues, including Medicaid Section 1115 waivers, child and family health, and the role of Medicaid in Rural areas.
During th...
2023-07-0645 minThe Rural ImpactRural Health on Life SupportIn this second episode in our “Rural Health on Life Support” series, Michelle talks with Julia D. Interrante, PhD, MPH, a Research Fellow and Statistical Lead at the University of Minnesota’s Rural Health Research Center. Dr. Interrante’s research examines the effects of policy on maternal health outcomes and access to maternity care services with a specific focus on geographic and racial equity. It includes disparities in severe maternal morbidity and mortality, changing access to rural maternity care, and the impact of payment policies on maternal and postpartum care.
During this conversation, Michelle asked Dr. Interrante to share...
2023-06-2235 minThe Rural ImpactRural Health on Life Support - The State of America's Rural Health SystemsIn this first episode of The Rural Impact, the show’s debut series titled “Rural Health on Life Support,” Michelle talks with Alan Morgan, CEO of the National Rural Health Association.
It’s estimated that nearly 61 million people live in designated rural areas across the United States. In at least ten states, elected officials have yet to adopt the expansion of Medicaid, which, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, leaves over 2.1 million people in a “coverage gap” — meaning they fall into the income level that would make them eligible for Medicaid but cannot access it because the...
2023-06-0839 minThe Rural ImpactPodcast PremiereMichelle Rathman, a rural health, community, and communications expert, is excited to announce a new project called "The Rural Impact – A Podcast Connecting the Dots between Policy and Rural Everything!" The Rural Impact aims to address critical issues affecting rural communities, such as food insecurity, housing, transportation, healthcare, climate change, broadband, and economic opportunities, by exploring the intersection of policy and rural life for over 60 million people across the U.S. Michelle will have candid conversations with lawmakers, educators, influencers, community leaders, authors, and storytellers, and from time to time, you'll join her on the road where policy meets re...
2023-06-0203 min
Rural MattersLiving in Rural America —2022 and Beyond (RWJF Series, Part VI) with Dee Davis, David Lipsetz and Valerie LeflerIn this sixth and final installment of our excellent series, Living in Rural America —2022 and Beyond, produced in collaboration with and supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Michelle discusses the future of rural with three outstanding guests: Dee Davis, Founder and President of the Center for Rural Strategies; David Lipsetz, President and CEO of the Housing Assistance Council (HAC); and Valerie Lefler. Founder and Executive Director of Feonix — Mobility Rising. Davis discusses the best options for small towns facing economic challenges, the political divide between urban and rural communities and its effect on democratic institutions, and the...
2022-06-0151 minRural MattersThe Importance of Digital Skills and Leadership in Rural Postsecondary Education (Part V of the Ascendium Series) with Achieving the Dream’s Cindy Lopez and Meredith Hatch and the Belk Center’s Monica ClarkIn Part V of our six-part series on continuing rural postsecondary education and workforce development, produced in collaboration with and supported by the Ascendium Education Group. Michelle chats with three education leaders who are doing some amazing work with rural colleges: Cindy Lopez, Executive Director of Network Engagement at Achieving the Dream, who oversees designated ATD Network services, such as multiyear transformation initiatives for unique groups of colleges that includes minority-serving institutions and regional groups, as well as ATD’s Building Rural Resiliency for the Future of Work project; Meredith Hatch, Director of Network Relations at Achieving the...
2022-05-2635 minRural MattersLiving in Rural America, 2022 & Beyond—Success Stories (Part V, RWJF) with Dominic Capello, Katherine Ortega Courtney, and Matt ProbstSynopsis: In Part V of our six-part series, Living in Rural America, produced in collaboration with and supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Michelle discusses Rural Economic & Cultural Success Stories: Lesson Learned from Thriving Communities, with Dr. Katherine Ortega Courtney and Dominic Capello, the two authors of the landmark book, 100% Community, Ensuring 10 Vital Services for Surviving and Thriving and Matt Probst, medical director of El Centro Family Health and a driving force behind the 100% San Miguel (New Mexico) County Initiative. Probst discusses how he is helping to lead an effort to combat the current wildfires in...
2022-05-2546 minRural MattersEquity Issues in Living in Rural America (Part IV of the RWJF Series) with Mil DuncanIn this episode, the fourth in our six-part series, Living in Rural America, produced in collaboration with and supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Michelle chats with Mil Duncan, Professor Emerita in Sociology at the University of New Hampshire and Senior Fellow at the Meridian Institute. Her work focuses on opportunity and social change in rural communities. Duncan was the founding director of the Carsey Institute at UNH and is the author of Worlds Apart: Poverty and Politics in Rural America. Duncan discusses her research about equity and opportunity in rural America, the historical roots of deep poverty...
2022-05-1038 minRural MattersEngaging Employers to Benefit Rural Students (Ascendium Part IV) with Dani Douglas, John Fitzsimmons, and Joshua HoweIn this fourth installment of the fabulous series we’re doing in collaboration with and supported by the Ascendium Education Group, Michelle interviews three professionals with hands-on experience collaborating with employers to help rural learners: Dani Douglas, a Research and Policy Associate at the Center on Rural Innovation; Dr. John Fitzsimmons, President of The Foundation for Maine’s Community Colleges; and Joshua Howe, Deputy Executive Director for Workforce Training and Remote Working for the Maine Community College System. Douglas discusses why rural places should care about having tech jobs and businesses in their communities and success stories in rural area...
2022-04-2534 minRural MattersDesigning Postsecondary Alternatives for Rural Learners — Part IV, PelotonU with Rocío Rangel, Drew Garretson, Francis Vigil, and Sarah Saxton-FrumpIn this final installment of our fabulous four-part series, Designing Postsecondary Alternatives for Rural Learners, produced in collaboration with and underwritten by PelotonU, Michelle chats with four terrific guests who provide additional perspectives on the rural learning experience: Rocío Rangel, Director of the College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) at Eastern Washington University; Drew Garretson, Senior Director of Digital Experience at Ceres Solutions Cooperative; Francis Vigil, Tribal Education Specialist for the National Indian Education Association; and Sarah Saxton-Frump, Co-Founder and COO of PelotonU. Rangel discusses whether the current k-12 education system serves migrant farmworker students and the gaps in existin...
2022-04-2250 minRural MattersBonus Brief 2022 #2: Biden Administration Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch LandrieuIn our second bonus brief episode of 2022, Michelle is joined by former New Orleans Mayor, and current Biden Administration Senior Advisor and Infrastructure Coordinator Mitch Landrieu to discuss how the President’s $1.2 billion Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will help rebuild rural America. Mitch and Michelle begin their discussion by commenting on the poor conditions of America’s rural infrastructure, and how President Biden is keeping his promise to rural Americans to help rebuild. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill has money allotted to assist rural communities with clean drinking water, fixing roads and bridges, increasing broadband internet access, modern wastewater syste...
2022-04-1807 minRural MattersDesigning Postsecondary Alternatives for Rural Learners (Part III of PelotonU) with Laura Wise, Regan Kelly, and Maria Luna-TorresIn Part III of our superb series, Designing Postsecondary Alternatives for Rural Learners, produced in collaboration with and underwritten by one of our most exciting new partners, PelotonU. Michelle chats with three terrific guests about pathways for collaboration with rural communities: Laura Wise, Program Director for the Michigan State University College Advising Corps (MSUCAC), which supports college access for low-income, first-generation, and under-represented students; Regan Kelly from TNTP, who oversees academic work and leads teams of experts to support literacy instruction in districts across the state of Tennessee; and Maria Luna-Torres, Project Director at the Texas A&M AgriLife...
2022-04-1443 minRural MattersThe Incredible Work of Education Design Lab & Partners (Ascendium Part III) with Leslie Daugherty, Kathy Temple-Miller, Dana Cotton, and Joe DavisIn the third installment of our superb six-part series produced in collaboration with and supported by the Ascendium Education Group, Michelle chats with Leslie Daugherty, Senior Education Designer at the Education Design Lab; Kathy Temple-Miller, Dean of Student Success at Washington State Community College in Ohio; Dr. Dana Cotton, an instructor and Interim Chair of the English, Communications, and Humanities Department at the College of Eastern Idaho; and Joe Davis, a workforce professional with more than 13 years working in rural communities in the Finger Lakes Region in New York. Daugherty speaks to the Education Design Lab’s five community col...
2022-04-1047 minRural MattersDesigning Postsecondary Alternatives for Rural Learners (Part II of PelotonU Series) with Dr. Marion Terenzio, James Decker, and Miriam HoffmanIn Part II of our fabulous four-part series we’re producing in collaboration with and supported by PelotonU, called Designing Postsecondary Alternatives for Rural Learners, Michelle discusses decisions rural learners have to make to pursue their educational goals and why and how rural learners choose whether to stay in their communities or leave to pursue education opportunities elsewhere, with three excellent guests: Dr. Marion Terenzio, president of the SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill; James Decker, who is serving his second term as mayor of his hometown, Stamford, Texas; and Miriam Hoffman, who is studying agribusiness economics at...
2022-04-0641 minRural MattersDesigning Postsecondary Alternatives for Rural Learners (Part I of PelotonU Series) with Van Davis, Matt Newlin,, and Cyndi GonzalezIn this first of our four-part series, Designing Postsecondary Alternatives for Rural Learners, produced in collaboration with and supported by PelotonU, Michelle chats with three terrific guests about the latest trends and statistics pertaining to rural learners and rural education, best practices for engaging student support, and actual rural learner experiences: Dr. Van Davis, chief strategy officer with WCET (WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies); Matt Newlin, who has 15 years' experience creating equitable pathways for low-income, first-generation students and is currently on the leadership team of the NACAC Rural & Small Town Special Interest Group, and host of the Rural College...
2022-03-2938 minRural MattersSupporting Rural Hospitals (RWJF, Part III) with Ge Bai, Keith Mueller, and Sally BuckIn Part III of this series, Life in Rural America — 2022 and Beyond — produced in collaboration with and underwritten by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Michelle chats with Ge Bai, Professor of Accounting at the Johns Hopkins Carey Business School and Professor of Health Policy & Management at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health; Keith Mueller, Gerhard Hartman Professor in Health Management and Policy, University of Iowa and Director of the Rural Policy Research Institute and its Center for Rural Health Policy Analysis; and Sally Buck, CEO of the National Rural Health Resource Center. Ge discusses the rece...
2022-03-2440 minRural MattersARRC’s Landmark Report on RSIs with RSIs with Andrew Koricich, Alisa Hicklin Fryar, and Cecilia OrphanIn Part II of our superb six-part series produced in collaboration with and underwritten by the Ascendium Education Group, Michelle chats with three academic researchers who are responsible for the new groundbreaking report published by the Alliance for Research on Regional Colleges, (ARRC) called Introducing Our Nation’s Rural Serving Postsecondary Institutions: Dr. Andrew Koricich, an associate professor of higher education at Appalachian State University and ARRC's executive director; Dr. Cecilia Orphan, an associate professor in the Higher Education Department at the University of Denver, and ARRC’s director of partnerships; and Dr. Alisa Hicklin Fryar, professor of political scie...
2022-03-1032 minRural MattersAAMI’s BMET Apprenticeship Program with Danielle McGeary and Maggie BerkeySynopsis: Michelle chats with Danielle McGeary, Vice President of HTM for the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI) and Maggie Berkey, CBET, Senior Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET) for CommonSpirit Health at the Good Samaritan campus in Nebraska, about AAMI’s innovative BMET Apprenticeship Program. McGeary and Berkey developed this program in collaboration with AAMI’s healthcare technology management community and the U.S. Department of Labor. The two-years program is a hybrid of on-the-job training and education (two college courses). Rural hospitals should consider taking advantage of this landmark initiative not only to help meet their short-term need...
2022-03-0433 minRural MattersHow Rural is Managing the Pandemic (RWJF Part II) with Dr. Don Albrecht, Patrick Woodie, and Karen JacksonIn Part II of this six-part series — Living in Rural America, 2022 and Beyond — produced in collaboration with and supported by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Michelle chats with three experts on how rural America is dealing with the pandemic and other significant issues. Dr. Don Albrecht, Director of the Western Rural Development Center (WRDC), who has published research on the impact of COVID-19 on rural areas; Patrick Woodie, President of the NC Rural Center; and Karen Jackson, President of Apogee Strategic Partners, LLC, a Virginia firm specializing in developing and implementing technology and innovation strategies and programs. Albrecht discusses: why mo...
2022-02-2449 minRural MattersBonus Brief 2022 #1: Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don GravesIn the first Rural Matters Bonus Brief of 2022, Michelle and Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves come together again to discuss how rural America is struggling to keep up with inflation and supply chain issues. They begin their conversation discussing how the pandemic has affected global supply chains. “...for the last two years, we have been in this global pandemic. That has had a major impact on the supply chain, not just in this country, but the entire world. And when we shut down in 2020 for the pandemic, it just takes a lot of time to get the ec...
2022-01-1311 minRural MattersRural Funding (Part IV of Thomas USAF), with Dr. Karama Neal, Jacki Ponti-Lazaruk, and Thomas KimseyIn the final part of our four-part series on rural funding, produced in collaboration with and supported by Thomas USAF, Michelle chats with Thomas Kimsey, President and CEO of Thomas USAF Group, who manages more than $100 Million annually in loan production. Michelle also welcomes Dr. Karama Neal, who is the USDA Administrator for the Rural Business-Cooperative Service. Prior to her time at the USDA, Dr. Neal served as president of Southern Bancorp Community Partners, a nonprofit community development loan fund and financial development organization promoting economic mobility in rural Arkansas and Mississippi. She spent twelve years at Southern and...
2021-12-2035 minRural MattersSpecial Episode: Author Brian Alexander at NOSORH Annual MeetingIn this special episode of Rural Matters, Michelle chats with Brian Alexander, author of the powerful best-selling book, “The Hospital: Life, Death, and Dollars in a Small American Town.” During the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH) annual meeting on October 13, 2021, Michelle and Brian were featured speakers for a session they called, “Candid Conversations.” During this episode, Michelle talks with Brian about his book as told through the lens of a small town hospital in Bryan, Ohio. The critically-acclaimed book covers how an individual’s race, social/economic standing, and zip code can affect or determine their health...
2021-12-171h 00Rural MattersBonus Brief: Dr. Cameron Webb, White House Senior Policy Adviser for COVID-19 EquityIn another special Rural Matters Bonus Brief, Michelle meets with White House Senior Policy Adviser for COVID-19 Equity Dr. Cameron Webb to discuss how COVID-19 and the Delta variant continues to challenge rural America. “We’ve got so many states now with surges and cases, and it tends to track pretty closely to the vaccine rates in states... It is because this Delta variant is really less forgiving... if you are not vaccinated, you are not protected,” said Webb. They also discuss how staffing shortages effect the number of beds available in rural hospitals. As a result of less...
2021-08-3114 minRural MattersThomas Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture — Part IIThis seven-minute Rural Matters Bonus Brief brings Michelle and Secretary of Agriculture Thomas J. Vilsack together again for a discussion on how the $1 trillion bipartisan infrastructure bill passed on August 10th in the U.S. Senate will benefit rural communities. “For rural America, this is a very important day. Expanded access to broadband, improved infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, (there is) a lot to like about this bill,” Secretary Vilsack shared. They also discuss how this bill addresses the issues that face rural communities in the face of our current climate crisis. Secretary Vilsack relates how the significant investment in expa...
2021-08-1707 minRural MattersBonus Brief: Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don GravesRural Matters Bonus Brief brings Michelle and Deputy Secretary of Commerce Don Graves together for an in-depth, 20-minute discussion on how the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s American Rescue Plan programs can help rural communities and regions “Build Back Better.” Michelle and Deputy Secretary Graves connect over their shared rural roots and passionate understanding of the unique challenges that these communities face after the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. “In order for us to have a strong middle class and economic recovery in this country, we need to make sure that rural and tribal communities have the...
2021-08-0919 minRural MattersLegal Rights of Rural LGBTQ Residents with Ming Wong and Michelle GarciaMichelle chats with attorneys Ming Wong of the National Center for Lesbian Rights and Michelle Garcia from New Mexico Legal Aid about protecting the legal rights of LGBTQ people in rural areas. There are more than 3 million rural LGBTQ residents, according to Wong. Garcia says that many LGBTQ individuals in rural communities face isolation, which can lead to self-harm or suicide. Wong discusses the efforts in states, such as Arkansas, to use religious exemptions to weaken anti-discrimination laws, both for LGBTQ people and other marginalized groups. Garcia describes the impact of federal protections for LGBTQ communities in rural areas...
2021-04-1441 minRural MattersFilling Gaps during COVID-19 with Heather Kilbourne, Nicole Johnson, and Michelle Osborne This is the second episode in a new series called Faith-Based Programs and Their Impact on Rural Communities, which we’re doing in collaboration with and supported by The Duke Endowment. This private philanthropic organization serves North Carolina and South Carolina in four distinct grantmaking areas: health care, child & family well-being, higher education, and rural United Methodist churches. Michelle chats with Heather Kilbourne, Program Manager of the Faith in Rural Communities Initiative at the North Carolina Rural Center; Nicole Johnson, Associate Director for the Partners in Health and Wholeness program of the North Carolina Council of Churches; and Michelle Osborn...
2020-07-2934 min
FACES of Pain CareFACES of Pain Care – Episode 3 – Michelle RathmanPrioritizing health became an important message for Michelle Rathman after being diagnosed with malignant melanoma.
As President and CEO of Impact! Communications, Inc. a busy public relations, marketing and consulting firm, Michelle often worked with well-known authors, including Wayne Dyer and Deepak Chopra. These authors and many others introduced her to the world of holistic health. After a time she realized it was time to take her own advice and ensure her health was a top priority.
In doing so, she visited a dermatologist and was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. Her experience as a patient is...
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