Inspire Great Health

On this episode, Bridget is joined by Director of Outpatient Behavioral Health Ashlee Mickelson and Director of Social Work for Inpatient Behavioral Health Natalie Villalobos to discuss how we can recognize signs of a mental health crisis, why it's so difficult to ask for help and how we can help others. If you are struggling with your mental health, resources are available:- 911 (if emergent)- 988 (hotline)- (307) 633-7382 (CRMC Behavioral Health Services - if in Laramie County, WY)

Stop the Bleed is a hands-on training program that teaches community members how to recognize and control life-threatening bleeding in an emergency. Much like CPR, these skills can help save a life in the critical minutes before first responders arrive.CRMC Trauma Program Manager Jennifer Dykshorn and Stop the Bleed Coordinator Kori Bechtle explain how this training empowers everyday people to respond with confidence during traumatic injuries, accidents or emergencies. By increasing the number of trained bystanders in Laramie County, Stop the Bleed helps build a safer, more prepared community.Upcoming Stop the Bleed classes:May 20 and 21Laramie County, WyomingFor more information, contact [email protected].

What is MyChart? In this episode, Epic Application Manager Scott Peacock joins us to break down everything you need to know about MyChart—what it is, how it works and why it’s transforming the way patients interact with their healthcare.

On this episode of the podcast, lactation consultants Dr. Jody Cousins and Lori Boussuge discuss why breastfeeding is so important for babies and preview Cheyenne Regional Medical Center’s celebrating breastfeeding. We hope to see you at Nourish and Nurture on May 8 from 3-5 p.m. at CRMC!

Join us for this episode featuring El Ottman and Gretchen Tisthammer from the Stroke Program, along with Erika Rye from the ICU. They share insights on the upcoming Spring into Brain Health event on May 9, 2026. Learn why preventive care matters, how nutrition and fitness play a role in stroke prevention and how small lifestyle changes can lead to big health benefits.We hope to see you there! Register at cheyenneregional.org/symposiums.

Representative Landon Brown joins us to break down the healthcare legislation passed in 2026 and what it means for consumers.

What can nutrition do for your health and how can you get more fiber in your diet? Lead Outpatient Dietitian Anna Hambright, MS, RD, LD, ACSM-CPT joins us on the podcast to share practical tips. Tune in now!

We’re excited to welcome Carrie Nix, Cardiac and Pulmonary Manager and American Heart Association Woman of Impact nominee, to the podcast! Carrie shares what this nomination means, the impact of the campaign and how you can get involved to support her mission.Tune in and be part of the movement!

Dr. Joseph Looby of CRMG Orthopedics & Surgical Specialists shares what patients can expect when they choose care at Cheyenne Regional. He also reflects on what he loves most about working with patients and how his care philosophy guides every interaction—building trust, listening closely and supporting patients every step of the way.

Rage Geringer, MD talks about using the Galaxy System, a robotic-assisted device used to detect lung cancer earlier in patients.

Dr. Anub John from the Cheyenne Regional Heart & Vascular Institute highlights the differences between a heart attack and cardiac arrest, symptoms of a heart attack and cardiac arrest and what to do if someone is exhibiting these symptoms.For more information on heart health, join us at Cheyenne Regional's "Wake up to Heart Health" event on February 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Blue Community Events Center in Cheyenne. To register, visit cheyenneregional.org/wakeup. 

Cheyenne Regional President & CEO Tim Thornell stopped by the "Inspire Great Health" studio to update us on why 2025 was a great year and what Cheyenne Regional has to look forward to in 2026.

This week's guest is radiation oncologist Dr. John Schallenkamp from the Cheyenne Regional Cancer Center. We discuss why screenings are important for cancer prevention and why there is always hope.

UW Family Medicine resident, Dr. Michael Blomquist, joins us this week to discuss safety tips for when exploring the backcountry.

TW: This episode deals with topics of suicide. Please use caution when listening.Ashlee Mickelson, LCSW, Director of Practice Operations for Outpatient Behavioral Health Services, and Natalie Villalobos, LCSW, Director of Social Work for Inpatient Behavioral Health Services, join us to discuss Suicide Awareness Month. In this episode, we will discuss what to look for if you are concerned about someone else's mental health or your own mental health and what resources are available.If you are experiencing thoughts of harming yourself, know that help is available. Please reach out to a loved one or call or text 988.

This week we're joined by athletic trainers Mathew McDermott and Eric Su from the CRMG Orthopedics and Surgical Specialists clinic to discuss their partnership with Laramie County School District #1.

Carrie Nix, Manager of Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab, and Scott Fox, Executive Director of the CRMC Foundation, join us to discuss the Great Bison Shuffle happening on September 13, 2025 at the Terry Bison Ranch in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Great Bison Shuffle is a unique trail walk/run that benefits the CRMC Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Program. This walk/run is on an active bison ranch and takes you through two states! Sign up today at https://www.athlinks.com/event/great-bison-shuffle-presented-by-uniwyo-credit-union-352597. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected]. 

"Inspire Great Health" welcomes back Amy Spieker, Director of Community Health and Analysis, to discuss social determinants of health, priorities for improving Laramie County's health standing and where can go from here. For the full 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment and the Community Health Improvement Plan, visit us at https://www.cheyenneregional.org/location/wyoming-institute-of-population-health/laramie-county-needs-assessment/.

On this week's episode, we're joined by Natalie Villalobos, Director of Social Work for Inpatient Behavioral Health, and Amy Spieker, Director of Community Health and Analysis, to discuss the Cheyenne Regional C.A.R.E. Committee and how its members make the hospital a more inclusive environment for employees, patients and the community.

On this special episode, we talk with Payton Pontillo, Amy Peterson and Kristi Davis about why hospice is more than what you think it is. It's about hope, "living until you die" and caring for a patient's loved ones just as much as caring for the patient themself. To get in contact with the Davis Hospice Center, call (307) 633-7016.

On this episode, we hear from Dr. Jonathan Knott from CRMG's Orthopedics & Surgical Specialists. Dr. Knott discusses his specialities, his special skill and what he loves about the mountains. To make an appointment with OSS, call (307) 635-2562.

WARNING: This episode talks about the loss of children, stillbirths and miscarriages. Please use caution when listening.On this episode, we talk with Brittney and Dan Wells of Cheyenne who have experienced child loss. They talk about what the Cheyenne Regional Butterfly Release means to them and how it has helped them heal through the loss of their children. Brittney and Dan also have a local non-profit called Ayden’s Angels which provides support to families touched by stillbirth or pregnancy/infant loss. For more information, visit https://www.aydensangels.org.If you have experienced child loss, we invite you to join us for our annual Butterfly Release in your child's remembrance. The Butterfly Release takes place on the second Saturday of June. To register, please visit cheyenneregional.org/butterfly.

Dr. Daniel Kisicki of Orthopedics & Surgical Specialists joins us to talk about his patient care philosophy, what he loves about practicing medicine in the community he grew up in and what his favorite movie is!

Dr. Rifai from the CRMG Heart & Vascular Institute discusses heart failure and the "Hearts Stronger, Together" Support Group starting on April 17, 2025. The support group will take place on April 17, June 19, August 21, October 16 and December 18 at 5:30 p.m. in Auditoriums A & B at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center in Cheyenne, Wyoming. For more information, call (307) 633-7060.

General and Bariatric Surgeon Dr. Samuel Saltz from CRMG Orthopedics and Surgical Specialists, discusses how to be supportive of morbidly obese patients and how seeking medical care can help them get their lives back.

CRMC Lead Outpatient Dietitian, Anna Hambright, MS, RD, LD, ACSM-CPT, and Lead Inpatient Dietitian, Lexi Lozano, RD, LD, stopped by the studio to discuss National Nutrition Month! This year's theme for National Nutrition Month is "Food Connects Us". Anna and Lexi provide tips on how to eat healthier as a family, nutritious options on a budget and how food connects us.

CRMG Medical Specialty Clinic pulmonologist, Dr. Rage Geringer, joins us to discuss what he loves about Wyoming, his favorite part about his job and what his special talent is!

Cheyenne Regional's President and CEO, Tim Thornell, stopped by the studio to tell us more about himself and what's new and exciting at Cheyenne Regional. BONUS: Stick around to learn some fun facts about Tim!

This week we’re joined by CRMG Medical Specialty Clinic neurologist Dr. Liam Clark to talk about functional neurological disorder. We discuss what it is, what it looks like and how it affects the body.

CRMG neurologist, Dr. Tracie Caller, discusses varying risk factors for stroke and why it’s important to check your blood pressure at least once a year.

Laboratory Director, Rissa Lease, discusses important new changes to the lab including new on-site allergen tests and how the new process improves patient experience.

Welcome to the final installation of our three-part macronutrients series! CRMC Lead Outpatient Dietitian, Anna Hambright, returns to break down what carbohydrates are and why they are nutritionally valuable.DISCLAIMER: The intention of this podcast is not to help with weight loss or weight gain, but simply to provide education on the different macronutrients.

Welcome to the second installation of our three-part macronutrients series. CRMC Lead Outpatient Dietitian, Anna Hambright, returns to break down what proteins are and why they are nutritionally valuable.DISCLAIMER: The intention of this podcast is not to help with weight loss or weight gain, but simply to provide education on the different macronutrients.

This is the first installation of our three-part macronutrients series. On this episode CRMC Lead Outpatient Dietitian, Anna Hambright, breaks down what macronutrients are and why our bodies need each one. We will begin by breaking down fats.DISCLAIMER: The intention of this podcast is not to help with weight loss or weight gain, but simply to provide education on the different macronutrients.

Welcome back! On this episode we're joined by Pain Management Specialist, Dr. Natalie Winter from the Cheyenne Regional Medical Group Medical Specialty Clinic! Dr. Winter tells us how she treats patients as a pain management specialist and what pain management is.

Have you ever wondered what a hospitalist is and how they work with other specialists to care for patients? Dr. Kathlene Mondanaro, Medical Director for Adult and Pediatric Hospitalist Services, joins us this week to help us understand the world of hospital medicine.

Dr. Curtis Adams from the CRMG Wyoming Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Clinic joins us to discuss surgical and non-surgical options for knee and hip pain as well as the advantages of an anterior hip replacement.

This week, we hear from Cheyenne Regional Cancer Center's Dr. Benjamin Willen to discuss how radiation breaks down cancer cells and how our team cares for patients and provides emotional support.

Inspire Great Health is back! On this week's episode we are joined by Cheyenne Regional dietitians Kali Lemaster and Lexi Lozano to discuss National Nutrition Month, when to incorporate supplements into your diet and why you should avoid "over-supplementing".

Heart failure is an ongoing medical issue for adults in the United States - with about one out of every four adults being diagnosed. Cardiologist Abdelhadi Rifai, MD from the Cheyenne Regional Medical Group (CRMG) Heart and Vascular Institute joins us to discuss important lifestyle changes that lead to improved heart health and how his clinic assists heart patients in their recovery. For more information about the CRMG Heart and Vascular Institute, visit: https://www.cheyenneregional.org/location/heart-and-vascular-institute/.

This week we are joined by Shala Swarm, DNP from the Cheyenne Regional Medical Group Weight Management Program. Shala works with Dr. Igal Breitman and offers alternatives to weight loss surgery, including medications and behavior modifications. To learn more about Shala and the CRMG Weight Management Program, visit https://www.cheyenneregional.org/provider/swarm-shala-dnp-fnp-c/.

Neurologist Dr. Liam Clark from the CRMG Medical Specialty Clinic joins us to talk about why there is no such thing as a "normal" headache and how to be more proactive in preventing headaches.

Jason Mincer from Enroll Wyoming discusses important upcoming changes with Medicaid that can affect medical coverage. If you have health insurance through Medicaid, pay close attention to your mail for communication regarding your coverage!

Dr. Igal Breitman from CRMG General Surgery discusses the three main weight loss surgeries - Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD/DS), gastric bypass (Roux-en-Y) and sleeve gastrectomy. We also touch on the social stigma regarding obesity and how patients can set themselves up for success leading up to and following the surgical procedure. If you have questions about weight loss surgery, contact CRMG General Surgery at (307) 632-1114.

This week, Jason Mincer from Enroll Wyoming discusses the importance of the Open Enrollment Period (November 1, 2023 - January 15, 2024) and how Enroll Wyoming helps residents navigate the Healthcare Marketplace. For more information about how Enroll Wyoming can help you, visit www.enrollwyo.org or call 211.

TRIGGER WARNING: This episode will discuss suicide and suicide prevention. The purpose of this episode is to provide listeners with mental health resources. Some audiences might find this topic triggering. Please listen with caution. Today we welcome Wyoming Institute of Population Health Community Health Project Directors, Brittany Wardle, MPH, CHES and Angela Vaughn, DHSc, MPH. Brittany and Angela provide insight into suicide prevention and local resources to help those who may be struggling with mental health. Resources for Laramie County, Wyoming: Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or Text 988 Cheyenne Regional Behavioral Health Services: Call (307) 633-7370 Liv Health Urgent Care: Call (307) 630-4729 Laramie County Library Bulletin Board for niche interest groups *If you are interested in scheduling a suicide prevention workshop for your employees, please email [email protected] or [email protected].

This week we welcome, Carrie Nix, Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab Manager, and Logan Dahill, Exercise Physiologist with Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab! Carrie and Logan discuss how Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab helps its patients both mentally and physically, the benefits of group exercise and the upcoming Great Bison Shuffle on September 23, 2023.For more information about Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center, call (307) 633-7060. To register for the Great Bison Shuffle on September 23, 2023, visit https://www.cheyenneregional.org/location/cheyenne-regional-foundation/foundation-events/september-23-2023-great-bison-shuffle-presented-by-uniwyo-credit-union/.

Today we are joined by Cheyenne Regional Medical Group Consultants in Surgery general surgeon, Jeremy Gates, MD. Dr. Gates recently completed his 500th robotic surgery! In this episode, we talk about what types of surgeries he performs and the Intuitive Robotic Surgical tool he uses for minimally-invasive surgeries.If you are in need of a surgical consultation, contact Cheyenne Regional Medical Group Consultants in Surgery at (307) 632-1114.

Today we are joined by Behavioral Health Services psychiatrist and Medical Director, Jasper Chen, MD. Dr. Chen discusses different facets of mental health, how to ensure you are caring for yourself and why self-care is NOT selfish.

On today's episode, we talk with two of Cheyenne Regional's stroke experts, Hope Robinson, MSN, RN, ASC-BC and Gretchen Tisthammer, BSN, RN CNRN, SCRN. We discuss what it means to be a Primary Stroke Center, signs and symptoms of stroke and the Stroke Symposium, coming up on May 6. Register for the Symposium at cheyenneregional.org/strokesymposium.