Today’s episode was recorded as part of the Robert Lee Sutherland Seminar, an event the Hogg Foundation hosts every two years to explore urgent issues in mental health and well-being. This year’s seminar included a screening of Humanly Possible, a new documentary produced with support from the Hogg Foundation. The film shares deeply personal stories of substance use recovery. In this episode, we go behind the scenes of the film and talk about why recovery stories matter—for individuals, for families, and for the systems that shape our communities. Our two guests are Jason Howell, CEO of RecoveryPeople, and John McIver, editor of Humanly Possible.

Related Links:

• From Struggle to Strength: Exploring Journeys to Recovery
• Rhythms of Resilience: An Early Look at the Robert Lee Sutherland Seminar

Since 1978, The Hogg Foundation’s biennial Robert Lee Sutherland Seminar (RLS) has been held to increase awareness about mental health concepts such as recovery, integrated health, and barriers to well-being. This year’s event offers a chance for Texans to promote innovation and collaboration among mental health care providers, advocates, consumers, and their families. Taking place September 8 & 9, in San Antonio, it will feature a keynote experience unlike any other—a powerful blend of rhythm, connection, and healing led by Grammy Award–winning percussionist Nina Rodriguez.

The theme for RLS 2025, Growing Together: Building Capacity for Collective Wellness, invites participants to explore what it truly means to build capacity through connecting. Joining Nina in conversation on the Into the Fold podcast is Dr. Kelley Glover, postdoctoral research fellow at the Hogg Foundation and a lifelong music educator.

Related Links:

• Robert Lee Sutherland Seminar 2025
• Mental Health and the Musician's Life
• 2019 Robert Lee Sutherland Seminar: Working Together for Rural Well-Being

When it comes to supporting rural communities, especially around mental health, success often starts not with answers, but with questions—and a deep commitment to listening.

In our latest episode of Into the Fold, host Ike Evans speaks with Tammy Heinz, senior program officer and consumer and family liaison at the Hogg Foundation, Rick Ybarra, senior program officer at the Hogg Foundation, Brian Dabson, rural policy analyst and researcher, and Allen Smart, advisor to philanthropy and nonprofits and Hogg Foundation National Advisory Council member. Together, they reflect on years of work in rural communities across Texas and beyond, revealing key lessons for philanthropic funders who want to make a meaningful, sustainable difference.

Related Links:

• Strengthening the Mental Health of Rural and Rural Border Communities

• Transforming Community Through Collaboration

• Hogg Foundation to Award $3.75 Million in Grants to Strengthen the Mental Health of Rural and Rural Border Communities
• Funding Mental Health: Inovations and Opportunities
• Reflections from the Working Together for Rural Well-Being Seminar