Episodes

  • Public Health Matters Ep. 6 - Surviving the Holidays

    Public Health Matters Ep. 6 - Surviving the Holidays
    Dec 5 2025
    In this episode, we get real about something many people quietly struggle with during the holiday season: mental and behavioral health.
    Even when the holidays are wrapped in glitter, traditions, and high expectations, the reality is that this time of year can feel overwhelming and you're not alone. Our guest, Dr. Shauna Eberhardt, joins us to walk through why this season can be so challenging and how we can care for ourselves and each other.

    💜 Segment Highlights:
    ❤️ Behavioral Health Is Health – Understanding why mental well-being is just as essential as physical health, especially during a high-pressure season.
    ✨ Holiday Chaos vs. Holiday Connection – Why the season can lead to overthinking, overextending, and emotional burnout.
    🎄 Letting Go of “Perfect” Traditions – How shifting expectations and setting boundaries can bring back calm and meaning.
    💬 How Public Health Can Help – From connecting people to mental health resources to supporting those navigating alcohol or nicotine use, learn how public health plays a vital role in seasonal well-being.
    🧘 Small Steps for a Healthier Season – Simple, realistic ways to find steadiness, comfort, and connection when the holidays feel heavy.
    Whether you're juggling stress, navigating family dynamics, or just trying to stay grounded, this episode offers support and perspective to help you move through the season with more ease.
    Because it’s more than cheer and cookies. It's about finding the support that helps you feel healthier and more connected this holiday season.

    Public Health MATTERS.

    GUEST INFORMATION
    Dr. Shauna Eberhardt, is a licensed clinician in mental health and substance use disorder services in North Dakota. She holds a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision and is currently the Clinical Director at the Behavioral Health Policy Division within ND Department of Health & Human Services.

    RESOURCES
    Website hhs.nd.gov/behavioral-health
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    26 mins
  • Public Health Matters Ep. 5 - Forget Me Not: Brain Health 101

    Public Health Matters Ep. 5 - Forget Me Not: Brain Health 101
    Nov 7 2025
    In this episode, we dive into one of the most important and often misunderstood topics in public health: brain health. Our guest, Melanie, joins us to explore what brain health looks like across a lifetime, how communities in North Dakota are supporting those living with dementia, and what we can all do to protect our minds as we age.

    💜 Segment Highlights:
    🧠 Dementia Care Services in North Dakota – Discover a free, statewide program that helps families navigate memory loss with compassion and support.
    🥦 The “Brain Health Recipe” from the US POINTER Study – Learn the lifestyle ingredients proven to reduce dementia risk at any age.
    🔍 The Power of Early Diagnosis – Why knowing sooner can open doors to treatment, research, and hope.
    🤝 Public Health Is a Team Sport – See how communities, caregivers, and local partners can make brain health everyone’s business. Whether you’re caring for a loved one, curious about prevention, or simply want to better understand brain health, this episode reminds us that it’s never too early — or too late — to start caring for your brain. Public Health MATTERS.

    GUEST INFORMATION Melanie Gaebe, is the North Dakota Public Policy Director for the Alzheimer’s Association. She earned a Master of Arts in Political Science from American Military University while working as the policy analyst for the ND Department of Agriculture. Melanie is a member of a number of public health organizations and serves on multiple boards. In her spare time, Melanie spends her time reading, knitting, and camping when the weather allows. RESOURCES 📘 Facebook: facebook.com/alzmnnd
    🐦 Twitter/X: x.com/alzmnnd
    📸 Instagram: instagram.com/alzmnnd
    💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/alzheimer’s-association-minnesota-north-dakota
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    59 mins
  • Public Health Matters Ep. 4 - Talk Like Their Future Depends on It

    Public Health Matters Ep. 4 - Talk Like Their Future Depends on It
    Oct 3 2025
    Today on Public Health Matters, we're diving into one of the most powerful tools adults have to help keep kids safe…conversations. Not just one big “talk,” but ongoing, everyday check-ins that build trust and help guide kids through life’s challenges. Whether it’s navigating friendships, making healthy choices, or facing peer pressure, these small but meaningful chats can have a big impact. They promote confidence, safety, and strong decision-making skills. They matter more than you might think. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, aunt or uncle, teacher, or simply someone who cares about the wellbeing of kids in your community, your connection makes a difference. Join us as we explore how staying connected can support children’s behavioral health and help them thrive. Public Health MATTERS.

    GUEST INFORMATION
    Laura Anderson, MPH, is the Behavioral Health Division Policy Director with North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. She received her Master's in Public Health at the University of Iowa and has fifteen years of experience in substance use prevention and behavioral health program and policy administration.

    RESOURCES
    📘 Facebook: www.facebook.com/parentslead
    📸 Instagram: www.instagram.com/parents_lead/ • parentslead.org
    Interactive activities: parentslead.org/activities/interactive
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    46 mins
  • Public Health Matters Ep. 3 - Purpose The Heart Of Aging Well

    Public Health Matters Ep. 3 - Purpose The Heart Of Aging Well
    Sep 8 2025
    Episode Three – Purpose: The Heart of Aging
    We’re all doing it…getting older. But healthy aging isn’t just about staying active or eating well, it’s deeply connected to public health. From safe housing and fall prevention to access to care, social connection, and thoughtful community design, public health plays a powerful role in helping people live longer, healthier, and more independent lives.

    In this episode, we’ll explore how having a sense of purpose along with small, smart changes at the community level, can make a big difference as we age, and what helpful resources are available for support. Together, we can create communities that help you, your loved ones, and your neighbors thrive at every stage of life. Public Health MATTERS.

    GUEST INFORMATION
    Josh Askvig has been with AARP since 2011, serving as State Director since 2016. A tireless advocate for older North Dakotans, Josh brings a wealth of experience from his work on Capitol Hill, as a campaign consultant, and in education. He also served two terms as a Bismarck City Commissioner. Throughout his career, Josh has been committed to improving communities, championing the needs of older residents, and making North Dakota a better place to live for all ages.

    RESOURCES
    Caregiving: www.aarp.org/caregiving/

    Volunteering: www.aarp.org/Iwant2volunteer
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    58 mins
  • Public Health Matters Ep. 2 - Backpacks, Bedtimes, & Breakfast

    Public Health Matters Ep. 2 - Backpacks, Bedtimes, & Breakfast
    Aug 1 2025
    Back-to-school time can feel a little overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be!

    In this episode, we’re sharing simple, real-life tips to help your family ease into the school year with less stress and more confidence. From tackling bedtime routines to packing lunches and checking in on emotions, we’ve got you covered.

    Public health is part of everyday life, especially when it comes to keeping kids healthy, happy, and ready to learn.

    💙 Public Health MATTERS.

    Take a deep breath, hit play, and let’s kick off the school year together…you’ve got this!
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    43 mins
  • Public Health Matters Ep. 1 - Public Health: The Work You Don't See, But Can't Live Without

    Public Health Matters Ep. 1 - Public Health: The Work You Don't See, But Can't Live Without
    Jul 11 2025
    Public health is part of our daily lives, even if we don’t always notice it. It’s about the quiet, consistent work that keeps our families and communities healthy and safe every single day.

    In this episode, we explore how public health shows up working behind the scenes — protecting health, strengthening families, and stepping up when it matters most.

    Join us for honest, down-to-earth conversations about the challenges we face and the simple, powerful ways we can support each other.
    Healthier communities don’t happen by accident; they happen when we work together. And it all starts here.

    Public Health MATTERS. Now more than ever.

    Guests: Renae Moch (Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health) & Erin Ourada (Western Plains Public Health)
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    39 mins