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In this episode of Emotion Well, our host, Johanna Dunlevy talks with Mia Escobar, ICF certified Life and Performance Coach and Life and Leadership Coach with EFR. In this conversation, Mia shares the experiences that shaped her approach to coaching. With a background in human resources and education, Mia spent many years teaching English as a second language and saw firsthand the challenges people faced as they left behind familiar careers, communities, and identities to build new lives in a new country. Those experiences ultimately led Mia from teaching to coaching and helped shape a philosophy she still uses today: coach the person, not the problem. Mia shares why coaching isn’t about giving advice or telling someone what to do, but instead creating a judgment-free space where people can better understand their circumstances, recognize the tools they already have, and determine their own next steps. Listen as Mia and Johanna talk about the differences between coaching, teaching, mentoring and therapy, why asking the right questions can be more powerful than providing the answers, and how life and leadership coaching can help people move from awareness to action. EFR's Leadership Coaching EFR's Life Coaching Yale - The Science of Well-Being Course

In this episode of Emotion Well, Johanna Dunlevy talks with Kirk Trow, experienced leadership trainer and executive coach, as he shares his non-linear career path that has taken him from education to human resources and coaching, to entrepreneurship and, most recently, to life coaching and training with EFR. These may seem like very different roles, but listen as he shares the common thread in all these undertakings: understanding people, building relationships, and helping others perform at their best. From his lessons learned as a small business owner to the principles of Stephen Covey's "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People," Kirk reflects on his career and his goal of always helping people grow. You can watch the podcast here on YouTube. Read "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen Covey Explore EFR's different benefits: Wellness Benefits Life Coaching and Meet Our Coaches Training Catalog

In this episode of Emotion Well, our host, Johanna Dunlevy speaks with her colleague, Raichel Burnett, EFR's Community-Based Services Manager. Raichel discusses becoming the legal guardian of her younger sister, preparing for motherhood, and how her life experiences have influenced her approach to leadership. She also shares how EFR's Community-Based Services team is making a difference through prevention, behavioral health promotion, and juvenile diversion programs that strengthen individuals, families, and communities. You can watch the podcast here on YouTube. Learn more about GiGi’s Playhouse. Discover how EFR’s Community-Based Services help people and communities in the Central Iowa area. Listen to a past Emotion Well podcast, Beyond the EAP: How EFR’s Community Programs Create Lasting Impact. If you have EFR’s Employee Assistance Program benefits, learn more about Legal Consultation services.

In this episode of Emotion Well, host Johanna Dunlevy welcomes life coach (as well as an EFR Life Coach), yoga instructor, and entrepreneur, Emily Manternach, for a thoughtful conversation about the transformative power of forgiveness. Emily speaks about her journey from her start as a chemical engineer and the road she took to become a yoga instructor and life coach. In this talk, they explore what forgiveness really means, why it can be so difficult, and how letting go of resentment can create greater freedom, healing, and personal growth. She talks about how our bodies hold onto emotional experiences by "leaving the issue in the tissue," and shares practical strategies for forgiving others and ourselves by practicing mindfulness and self-awareness. Whether you're navigating a difficult relationship, carrying past hurt, or simply looking to move forward with greater peace, this episode offers compassionate insights and practical tools to help take the next step toward healing. You can watch the podcast here on YouTube. Visit Emily's website: MBody NMind Yoga View her workshop: True Self and Freedom Through Forgiveness: 5 Day Transformational Workshop Other Resources: Web Article: What is Mirror Work?  Books: Radical Forgiveness The Body Keeps the Score As We Forgive  Mindfulness Essentials Donate to EFR. 1 in 3 Iowans needing mental health care cannot afford it. Your gift enables us to offer counseling to anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. Thank you for helping us keep our promise to the community: that everyone who needs help, gets help.

In this episode, host Johanna Dunlevy sits down with mental health advocate and commercial real estate broker Matt Connolly to discuss his personal journey as someone who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Matt shares what it was like to live with untreated symptoms for more than a decade, the circumstances that led to him receiving his diagnosis, and how medication, support, and wellness practices have helped him remain symptom-free for more than 20 years. The conversation explores the stigma that still surrounds mental illness as well as the value of open conversations, not only about mental health, but other topics as well. He also discusses the important work being done through Mindspring Health to educate and support individuals, families, and communities. June is Men's Mental Health Awareness month, so tune in for an honest and hopeful discussion surrounding mental health. You can watch the podcast here on YouTube. Connect with Matt on LinkedIn: Matt Connolly Learn more about Mindspring Health here. Donate to EFR. 1 in 3 Iowans needing mental health care cannot afford it. Your gift enables us to offer counseling to anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. Thank you for helping us keep our promise to the community: that everyone who needs help, gets help.

In this episode of Emotion Well, host Johanna Dunlevy sits down with Brock Milligan, Business Development & Community Relations at ThriveNow Recovery Centers, for a powerful and personal conversation about recovery. Brock shares his 19-year journey with alcohol use disorder, the pivotal moments that led him to seek treatment, and what ultimately made recovery stick. With honesty and vulnerability, Brock opens up about how sharing his story has helped reduce the stigma surrounding substance misuse and mental health challenges. He also discusses ThriveNow’s Iowa-based programs, which include medical detox, residential care, medication-assisted treatment, and community reintegration and speaks to the barriers many Iowans face when trying to access care. This episode offers an honest, insightful, and hopeful perspective for anyone impacted by addiction, mental health challenges, or who is on the path to recovery. You can watch the podcast here on YouTube. Learn more about ThriveNow and Renewal Falls Recovery Centers. Watch Brock’s interview on WHO-13 here. Contact Brock LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brock-milligan/ Email: [email protected] Call him at 515-444-6433 EFR is committed to helping the central Iowa community with our Substance Abuse Services. If you need help navigating a loved one’s addiction or recovering, read our blog, Finding Strength Through Support. Donate to EFR. 1 in 3 Iowans needing mental health care cannot afford it. Your gift enables us to offer counseling to anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. Thank you for helping us keep our promise to the community: that everyone who needs help, gets help.

In this episode of Emotion Well, host Johanna Dunlevy sits down with certified health and wellness coach Nilay Gokdag, ICF-ACC, NBC-HWC, to explore how a chronic health diagnosis motivated her to change her lifestyle and ultimately find her calling in health coaching. Nilay shares how navigating different struggles in her life, including her move from Turkey to Iowa and managing cultural expectations around food, helped her build a healthier life grounded in curiosity and gratitude. She also discusses how finding the meaning in her disease led her to wanting to support others to share her core values of good health and learning. Tune in for an honest conversation about how challenges can lead to growth, purpose, and lasting change. Connect with Nilay on LinkedIn. Follow her on Instagram. Visit her website here and view her Associate Certified Coach credentials. You can watch the podcast here on YouTube. Donate to EFR. 1 in 3 Iowans needing mental health care cannot afford it. Your gift enables us to offer counseling to anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. Thank you for helping us keep our promise to the community: that everyone who needs help, gets help.

In this episode of Emotion Well, host Johanna Dunlevy sits down with Sara Klute Behn, owner of Your Wise Self with Sara and one of EFR’s newest wellness trainers. Sara shares her journey from two decades in nonprofit health care philanthropy to launching her own practice—an evolution she describes as a midlife awakening rooted in curiosity, courage, and intuition. Sara explains what yoga therapy really is and how it differs from a traditional yoga class. She also talks about the mind-body-spirit tools used to support people navigating stress, anxiety, chronic conditions, and major life transitions. Sara also introduces listeners to human design, a personalized framework that can help people understand their energy, decision-making style, and natural strengths, and explains how it intersects with astrology, including why some people may resonate with “true sidereal” placements more than traditional horoscope signs. Listen and learn how self-awareness is the starting point for meaningful change and how wellness is about supporting the whole person, not just physical health. You can watch the podcast here on YouTube. Donate to EFR. 1 in 3 Iowans needing mental health care cannot afford it. Your gift enables us to offer counseling to anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. Thank you for helping us keep our promise to the community: that everyone who needs help, gets help.

In this episode, our host Johanna Dunlevy is joined by EFR colleagues Tammy Hoyman, CEO and Haley Pederson Hundley, Substance Abuse Programs Director, for a deeper look at the heart of EFR’s mission-driven work. While many people are familiar with EFR through its Employee Assistance Program (EAP), this conversation shines a light on the wide range of community outreach and prevention programs that extend far beyond the workplace. Tammy and Haley discuss how grant-funded initiatives allow EFR to meet critical community needs, with a special focus on the Restorative Justice Program. They explore how restorative practices support accountability, healing, and connection, and offer an alternative to punitive justice. You’ll get an inside look at how EFR’s prevention and community-based programs (including our Student Assistance Program) work, why grant funding is essential, and how EFR’s mission-based approach helps create lasting, positive impact in the community. If you are in the Fifth Judicial District and/or in the Iowa counties of Polk, Warren, Jasper, or Marion, or willing to travel to the Polk County, Iowa area, you can reach EFR Diversion team, by phone at 515-471-2323 or by email at [email protected]. For more information about our Student Assistance Program (SAP), visit our SAP webpage. You can call 800-327-4692 or 515-244-6090 to see if your school is one of our SAP partners. Donate to EFR. 1 in 3 Iowans needing mental health care cannot afford it. Your gift enables us to offer counseling to anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. Thank you for helping us keep our promise to the community: that everyone who needs help, gets help.

In this episode of Emotion Well, host Johanna Dunlevy sits down with fellow EFR employee—and 2025’s Funniest Person in Iowa—Mel Mackey. Mel shares how she got started with comedy and improv, what inspired her to take the stage, and how humor can be a powerful tool for connection and communication. Together, they explore how comedy can create an atmosphere of psychological safety and break down barriers. Mel also opens up about the challenges of being a woman in the comedy world and reflects on how writing and performing comedy has supported her own mental health and personal growth. This episode offers both laughs and insights into the role humor can play in resilience, well-being, and belonging. You can follow Mel on Instagram. She also recommends following Underground Comedy Des Moines and comedian Matthew Jacobsen. You can also find Damon Tucker at The Station in Des Moines, IA for weekly comedy. Donate to EFR. 1 in 3 Iowans needing mental health care cannot afford it. Your gift enables us to offer counseling to anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. Thank you for helping us keep our promise to the community: that everyone who needs help, gets help.

In this episode of EFR’s Emotion Well Podcast, our host Johanna Dunlevy welcomes Ernest Phillips, founder of Relationship Wealth Enterprises, to explore how understanding our values and emotions can strengthen every part of our lives. Ernest, an emotional intelligence coach, author, and speaker, shares his insights on self-awareness, ownership of our choices, and how we can give and receive “universal currency”. You can connect with Ernest here: LinkedIn – Ernest Phillips Click here to learn more about or purchase his book Tug Tips. Click here to visit Ernest's YouTube channel, The System Works. Donate to EFR. 1 in 3 Iowans needing mental health care cannot afford it. Your gift enables us to offer counseling to anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. Thank you for helping us keep our promise to the community: that everyone who needs help, gets help.

In this episode of Emotion Well, we talk with Nick Krehbiel from Agri-Prime Consulting. Bringing over a decade of experience in facilitation, education, and organizational development, he is a certified DiSC partner, helping teams strengthen communication and performance. In this conversation, Nick shares real-world examples from his consulting work and explains what DiSC assessments are and how they go beyond labels to help individuals and teams work better together. We also discuss the bigger picture: how strong local businesses play a vital role in supporting rural communities. You can connect with Nick here: Nicholas Krehbiel - LinkedIn Agri-Prime Consulting Learn more about our DiSC training: Understanding Yourself and Others: A DiSC-Based Approach to Communication EFR offers our clients a variety of services, including Counseling, Life Coaching, and Child and Eldercare Resources. If your company would like to partner with us to offer these services to your employees, visit efr.org/employers to learn more. Donate to EFR. 1 in 3 Iowans needing mental health care cannot afford it. Your gift enables us to offer counseling to anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. Thank you for helping us keep our promise to the community: that everyone who needs help, gets help.

Sydney Marshman, OTD, OTR/L is an occupational therapist and the founder of Happy at Home Consulting, where she helps individuals and families thrive in their own homes through practical, person-centered solutions—from simple adaptive tools to full remodel planning. A graduate of Drake University’s OT program with a background in kinesiology and public health, Sydney partners with clients, caregivers, and community organizations to support independence, accessibility, and aging in place. In this episode you’ll learn about what OT really is, how it relates to mental health, and how proactive planning can help people stay home and live well. Sydney's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sydney-marshman/ Call for more information about Happy at Home Consulting: 515-635-4050   Explore your Eldercare benefit with EFR: https://efr.org/employee-assistance-program/child-elder-care/

This episode discusses suicide and suicide prevention. If you or someone you know is struggling, please call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. In this episode of EFR’s Emotion Well Podcast, Hayl Bergeland, Suicide Prevention Grant Coordinator at EFR, joins us for an important conversation on suicide prevention, awareness, and support. Hayl discusses why suicide remains such a difficult topic for people to talk about, the stigma that still surrounds it, and how we can break down barriers by talking openly and compassionately. She also highlights the latest data on suicide in Iowa, the unique risk factors among youth and older adults, and what communities can do to foster prevention and support. She also shares practical steps that can be taken if an individual is worried about someone they love and how to create a safe space for open conversations. Click to see resources for Youth Suicide Prevention Read more on our blog: Suicide Prevention in the Workplace: What Employers Need to Know Asking Hard Questions: Suicide Prevention You may be interested in our other podcasts: What Zac Knew What Andy Taught Us EFR offers our clients a variety of services, including Counseling, Life Coaching, and Child and Eldercare Resources. If your company would like to partner with us to offer these services to your employees, visit efr.org/employers to learn more. Donate to EFR. 1 in 3 Iowans needing mental health care cannot afford it. Your gift enables us to offer counseling to anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. Thank you for helping us keep our promise to the community: that everyone who needs help, gets help.

Are you a caregiver struggling with attending to your own self-care needs? In this episode of EFR’s Emotion Well Podcast, Melody Vachal, Amazon best-selling author, speaker, and caregiving advocate, shares her experiences on both sides of the caregiving journey—having spent many years as a primary caregiver to her son with special needs and then having to be the recipient of care after a serious car accident. She gives practical advice on how to carve out the mental, emotional, and physical spaces needed so caregivers can show up as the best versions of themselves to the people who rely on them.  You can connect with Melody through her website, or on her LinkedIn or Facebook pages. Click here to learn more about or purchase her book, Still, I Rise. EFR offers our clients a variety of services, including Counseling, Life Coaching, and Child and Eldercare Resources. If your company would like to partner with us to offer these services to your employees, visit efr.org/employers to learn more. Donate to EFR. 1 in 3 Iowans needing mental health care cannot afford it. Your gift enables us to offer counseling to anyone in need regardless of their ability to pay. Thank you for helping us keep our promise to the community: that everyone who needs help, gets help.