122. 2025 Year in Review: Oh What Fun It Has Been

In this energetic year-in-review episode, Renee and Jason look back on a whirlwind 2025 filled with travel, conferences, chaotic weather, unexpected wildlife encounters, and powerful moments with rural communities across the country. From Alaska to Texas, North Dakota to Georgia, and everywhere in between, they share what they learned on the road—highlighting innovative “hero programs,” persistent gaps in coordination, and the systems-level challenges shaping behavioral health in rural America. With humor, candor, and their signature “whiny farmer intro,” they unpack the biggest surprises, opportunities, and insights that will shape their work heading into 2026.In this episode, you’ll learn:Where 2025 took us—from Alaska to Texas and 15+ rural health conferencesThe “hero programs” across states that are breaking the mold with creativity and resultsHow drones, autonomous vehicles, telehealth, and mobile crisis innovation are reshaping careWhy collaboration is still the missing ingredient in most rural systemsHow BBB requirements and access barriers continue to impact care deliveryWhy hospitals adding programs (instead of partnering) creates community-level strainThe behind-the-scenes challenges, surprises, and travel mishaps that defined the yearWhat we’re taking forward into 2026 to strengthen rural behavioral healthThe key moments in this episode are:00:00:09 – New Year Welcome & Whiny Farmer Intro00:02:18 – 2025 Travel Highlights: Alaska to Texas, Ohio to Montana00:05:52 – Conferences & Communities That Shaped the Year00:09:14 – Hero Programs: Drones, Telehealth, 4-Wheelers & Real Innovation00:12:40 – What States Get Wrong: Collaboration, Insight & System Alignment00:15:08 – BBB Impact & Access Barriers Across Rural America00:17:26 – Hospitals vs. Community Partnerships: A Tension Point00:19:44 – On-the-Road Adventures: Downpours, Bat Bridges & Surprise Moose00:22:30 – Lessons Learned & Opportunities Ahead in 202600:24:55 – Closing Thoughts & New Year ReflectionsConnect with us: https://ruralpolicypartners.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/rural-policy-partners/ https://www.facebook.com/facebook.com/ruralpolicypartnershttps://www.youtube.com/@ruralpolicypartners Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QT7tfO_qe9M