News from the Peak
by Grays Peak Strategies
Produced by Grays Peak Strategies, a conversation about news that impacts the Human Services Community. We will feature some interviews with human service professionals and people from related fields. The music at the beginning and end of each episode is written and performed by Joe Mamlin. (Don't forget to listen to the end... there are often surprises after the credits)
Episodes
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Fat Bear Week 2026 with Carl Ramm
Fat Bear Week returns to Katmai National Park Sept. 22-29, 2026, giving bear fans around the world another chance to decide which of Katmai’s brown bears has done the best job packing on the pounds for winter. Vote for the fattest and most winter-ready bear at fatbearweek.org. But here on News…
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A Love Letter Through the Lens: A Conversation with Tailyr Irvine
At Grays Peak Strategies, we are always drawn to stories that challenge, uplift, and expand how we see the world. In our latest episode of News from the Peak, we had the honor of sitting down with Tailyr Irvine — a photographer, storyteller, and changemaker whose work is reshaping how Indigenous...
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Business Process Optimization and Human Service Programs
On today’s episode, we explore Business Process Optimization, which we will call BPO. We look at what BPO really is, what it isn’t, and why it has become one of the most powerful tools for strengthening human services programs. BPO is often misunderstood as a technical or automation exercise. Too...
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The Leader SHEEP Podcast
For the past two years, Grays Peak has hosted a leadership retreat for women that brings together a small group of 15 - 18 people to share some amazing experiences and learn from each other. Our most recent event was held in Ireland, and was led by the hosts of today’s show, Maureen Leif, Liz...
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Dr. Jeneile Luebke, RN, PhD - Working with Survivors in indigenous communities
In this powerful episode of the Grays Peak Strategies podcast, we sit down with Dr. Jeneile Luebke, RN, PhD, Assistant Professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Grays Peak Strategies Consultant, and enrolled member of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. Dr. Luebke has...
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Guy Bowling - A conversation about Fatherhood
Guy Bowling is Program Manager of the FATHER Project at Goodwill/Easter Seals in St. Paul, Minnesota. He oversees a substantial grant funded by the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families. Guy brings 19 years of experience working with low-income,...
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A conversation with Aideen Barry
In this episode, Maureen, Gemma and Claudia sat down, each in their own living room across several miles on both sides of the Atlantic, to have a lovely conversation with visual artist Aideen Barry. Aideen Barry is a world renowned artist living and working in Cork, Ireland. In 2020 she was…
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Altynai Osmo - Creativity, Resilience and Supporting one another
In this episode, we had the privilege of talking with Altynai, a gifted artist from Kyrgyzstan, whose story is a powerful reminder to stay true to your passion—even when it feels like the path is not straight. Altynai shares what it’s like to be a woman creating art in a place where creative…
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Finding, Fighting for and Fueling Your Voice
Your voice is powerful—but finding it, fighting for it, and fueling it is a journey. In this episode of News from the Peak, we dive into what it means to truly own your voice, whether in personal struggles, professional challenges, or creative pursuits. Our Grays Peak Strategies teammate…
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Moving Forward Together: Lessons from Women Around the World
As we celebrate International Women's Day and Women's History Month 2025, the theme "Moving Forward Together" reminds us of the power of women educating and inspiring generations. This year, my colleague Gemma Hilario from Killarney, Ireland, and I had the privilege of interviewing women from...
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Shamrocks and Strategy - A conversation with Gemma Hilario
Maureen Leif and Liz Bullard welcome our friend from Ireland for her first of what we hope will be many appearances on our show. The three talk about executive coaching, leadership, and facing the world with positivity and grace.
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Family Equality Matters: A Deep Dive into Parentage Laws with Meg York and Nesta Johnson
In this episode, Maureen Leif welcomes special guests Meg York and Nesta Johnson. This episode delves into the crucial topic of parentage laws and their impact on same-sex families. Meg York, representing Family Equality, and Nesta Johnson from the National Center for Lesbian Rights (NCLR), bring...
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Inclusive Leadership - With Onyx Rising
On today’s show we welcome two guests – the leaders of Onyx Rising – Irma Neal and Kelli Lester Irma has been a guest on the show before, and I encourage you to check out her previous visits to News from the Peak and check out her book, Leading in Chaos – but today she is joined by Kelli, and we...
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Women in Leadership - Part 2
Join us at Grays Peak Strategies for an inspiring conversation on our latest podcast episode, dedicated to women in leadership. In this captivating discussion, we had the honor of hosting Shaneen Moore, the Deputy Assistant Commissioner at MN Department of Human Services, Kate Cooper Richardson,...
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Women in Leadership - Part 1
Join us at Grays Peak Strategies for an inspiring conversation on our latest podcast episode, dedicated to women in leadership. In this captivating discussion, we had the honor of hosting IV-D Director Erin Frisch from Michigan and Federal Office of Child Support Services Commissioner Tanguler...
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Special News from the Peak Short - Gratitude
On Valentines day in 2024, we opened the Zoom line, and Gabby Leif recorded messages of gratitude for anyone that wanted to call in. With only one day to record, I know we missed a lot of people, but we had some very nice messages from people who couldn't make it... so we hope to try this again…
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Unlocking the Power of Giving Back
In this world where we tend to wear stress and being busy as a badge of honor, taking time out of work and family life to volunteer easy to overlook the profound impact that volunteering can have on both individuals and communities. From fostering a sense of purpose to building strong social...
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Discussing Self Service Options with David Kilgore
David Kilgore serves as the Director of the California Department of Child Support Services. At a recent Western Intergovernmental Child Support conference, David participated in a session called “the World Café”. At this session, the audience could choose various tables around the room where a...
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Celebrating Native American Heritage Month with Terrance Lafromboise
November marks Native American Heritage Month, an annual observance in the United States dedicated to honoring and celebrating the rich tapestry of Native American cultures, histories, contributions, and achievements. This month provides a valuable opportunity for individuals, both Native and...
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Fat Bear Week! And Bear Management Resolved
Our fourth episode on Bear Management may be our best yet. Carl Ramm returns to give us an update on his adventures trying to get the resident Alaskan Brown Bears and human visitors at Brooks Camp in Alaska to do what they're supposed to. Along the way, we hear about what it's like to be in the...
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The Story of Trude Forsher
What do Elvis Presley, child support, and our guest James Forsher have in common? (No, he's not the long lost son of Elvis...) They share a connection with pioneering child support researcher Trude Forsher. On today's show, we hear about Trude Forsher's life, her escape from Nazi-occupied…
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Welcome to Season 3 - Taylor Hagood and Stringbean
Taylor Hagood on Stringbean, Persistence, and the Problem of Cutting a New Path Banjo player and comedian David Akeman, known essentially all of his professional life as Stringbean, lived the kind of rags-to-riches story that was supposed to come with a happy ending. On this episode of News from...
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Title IX - Part 2, an interview with Pam Gagel
(Intro by the host, Maureen Leif) I met Pam back when I was a Deputy District Attorney working on the child support docket. She was Magistrate Gagel back then and she was hearing the child support cases. As she tells the story, we would often go at each other (in jest) because I felt like she…
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Title IX - An interview with Hall of Fame Coach, Carol Plodzien
On the 50th Anniversary of Title IX, we had the good fortune to speak with two amazing women who played a roll in the creation and implementation of this important milestone in education and a move toward furthering opportunities for women. On this episode, Part 1 of 2, we welcome Hall of Fame...
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The Good Life Camp part 3 - An interview with Dr. Nell Weber
We have had a couple of recent episodes, which you should check out if you haven’t already, on the LCO Good Life Camp. This camp, while an amazing experience on its own, is part of a larger grant we are working on with the LCO Tribal Child Support program. The grant is focused on responsible...
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It's Fat Bear Week!
Only News from the Peak brings you artist and bear management tech Carl Ramm, who saw many of this year’s contenders in action earlier this year as part of his work at Brooks Camp in Alaska’s Katmai National Park. On this episode, Carl gives us some updates from his season at Brooks Camp, and we...
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The Good Life Camp - Part 2 with Andy Bachmann
Part 2 of our series on the Good Life Camp features Andy Bachmann. One of our partners in this endeavor was Camp Highlands in Sayner Wisconsin. Andy is the third generation in his family to serve as the Camp Director at Camp Highlands, and he has been at camp as a camper, counselor and Director...
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The Good Life Camp - Part One
This is the first in our multi episode series about the Good Life Grant, and the Culture Camp. This summer Lac Courte Oreilles Child Support Services (LCO CSS) launched its first ever cultural camp for youth. The camp is part of The Good Life Vision project, which brings LCO CSS together with...
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Self Care and Health Coaching
During this time of high stress, organizations are finding it more important than ever to support employees and teammates and encouraging self-care. Organizations are realizing that employees that are take care of themselves and feel supported have reduced stress, are more efficient and…
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Community Table Talks V - Women in Leadership
On this episode, Maureen Leif welcomes 4 outstanding leaders answer questions on the topic of women in leadership. We feel so lucky to have interviewed Betsy C. Donat - Ardita, Vice President of Compliance at Everside Health, Kim Newsom Bridges, Director of Child Support Services at Conduent…
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Restorative Justice with Howard Zehr
On this episode we welcome Author, Photographer and Restorative Justice Scholar Howard Zehr. This episode is focused on his book Still Doing Life, 22 Lifers, 25 Years Later which is a follow up to a book he published in the 1990's. In addition to the book, we talk to him about the concept of...
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Community Table Talks IV - Big Topics in the Child Welfare system
In this edition of our Community Table Talks series, we speak with 4 guests with different perspectives and experiences with the Child Welfare program. We start with Judge Ann Meinster from Jefferson County Colorado, Korey Elder, the Permanency Manager from the Colorado Division of Child Welfare,...
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Introducing Commissioner Tanguler Gray
In this episode we proudly present the first podcast interview with the new OCSE Commissioner Tanguler Gray. In this episode we celebrate her success, talk about her background, and get just a little preview of her approach to this new and exciting role. We get to also get a sense of her warm and...
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Peer Support Groups - From the Front Line perspective
On this episode we re-visit the topic of peer support groups first introduced on this podcast in April of 2020. At that time we had just begun working with the State of Colorado on a grant to expand the use of peer support groups and study their effectiveness. In this episode we are joined by…
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Thanksgiving 2021
In this episode we asked several members of the GPS team to talk about 2021 and how the work we did and the people we've been fortunate to cross paths with has made this a good year. 2021 had it's ups and downs and it wasn't the huge relief over 2020 that we may have expected, but there was a lot...
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Fat Bear Week!
In this episode we welcome back wildlife artist Carl Ramm. As many listeners remember, Carl is part of a team that manages bears—Alaska Peninsula brown bears, to be exact—at Brooks Camp in Alaska’s Katmai National Park. As part of a team of bear techs, he helps track the bears’ movement and, as...
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Executive Coaching from Both Sides of the Table
For many people, when you hear the term “Executive Coaching” you think of high powered CEO’s and tall office buildings and corner offices. I know I would have thought that too – until recently. I’ve learned that executive coaching is something that can be of great value to anyone in a leadership...
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Social Work as a component of Child Support Programs
As most of our listeners know, the child support program has been evolving since it’s creation as part of the Social Security Act in 1975. One of the most significant changes we have seen – and probably the hardest to accomplish – has been the transition from being focused on enforcement to being...
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A conversation about Compassion
This is a conversation about how to continue to grow as people and how we can always bring compassion to others. We talk about the examples through Black Lives Matter and Palestine but it’s really a story for living with a true purpose to care for others, to continue to explore the realities of...
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Thinking about the next step
They say time flies when you’re having fun. It seems like one day you are the new kid starting your first job at the local county office, then you wake up the next day and suddenly you are the wise veteran, with enough years of service to think about the next chapter. As retirement becomes a...
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Community Table Talks - III
In this episode we talk about hobbies people have outside of work. This topic was of particular interest to me as I know how important my time away from work is, and how it makes me better at my job and in so many other ways. In fact, everyone at Grays Peak has some kind of interesting hobby that...
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Ángela Quijada-Banks and the Black Foster Youth Handbook
We were so pleased to welcome to the podcast Ángela Quijada-Banks. Ms. Quijada-Banks is a NAACP Image Award–nominated, American best-selling author, Founder and C.E.O of Soulful Liberation (a Book publishing company and podcast), and Consciously Melanated Queens, a community to support young…
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Community Table Talks II - Talking about Leadership
In our second Community Table Talks episode, we ask about leadership. This is one of the topics we tend to hear a lot about but can never get enough of. There are certainly plenty of books, trainings, articles, and other podcasts dedicated to this topic, but today we get perhaps a more practical...
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Positive Youth Development - A discussion with Dr. Karen Mahler
In a conversation with David Ramm, Maureen Leif and Robert Riddle, Dr. Karen Mahler combines the passion and acuity of a skilled psychologist with an educator’s unstinting concern for the interests and strengths of young people. She drives home the importance—really, the sheer practical...
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Community Table Talk - Premier Edition
To kick off Season two, we bring you our first edition of a community table talk format that we hope to use occasionally. The longer conversations are really great for getting into the details of a topic, but this is a good way to gather a multitude of perspectives on one or two questions. Today…
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Be a Rock Star in your Own Home
We were pleased to welcome Mike Smith to the podcast for a number of reasons. First, I was so interested in the creative outlet he has maintained over the years, and I think a lot of us can relate to the need for something aside from work and chores and responsibility to focus on. Of course…
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Put your mask on first before helping others... Self Care for an Unusual Holiday Season
Since mid-March our lives have been much different trying to adapt and be safe while living through a pandemic. Everyone has a different story, different stressors and a different experience but it’s probably safe to say we have all had periods of feeling down and stressed. We have been wanting…
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Bear Management with Carl Ramm
In this episode we have a conversation with the brother of our own David Ramm, the wildlife artist Carl Ramm. Among other things, Carl is part of a team that manages bears—Alaska Peninsula brown bears, to be exact—at Brooks Camp in Alaska’s Katmai National Park. As part of a team of bear techs…
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A conversation about implicit bias with Dr. Rita Cameron Wedding
Our team developed a bond with Dr. Wedding and after the amazing attendance on the WICSEC Micro Learning we asked her to be on our podcast to which she quickly agreed. She’s also agreed to facilitate a WICSEC book club on the topic in the early part of 2021 (so stay tuned). In this podcast…
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Introducing the Leadership Pulse
In this episode of News from the Peak, Maureen Leif speaks with the leaders of the Leadership Pulse, Liz Bullard and Puni Kalra. They talk about the origin of the idea, the intended audience, and what to expect when you participate. As always… listen all the way to the end for some bonus content....
About this show
Produced by Grays Peak Strategies, a conversation about news that impacts the Human Services Community. We will feature some interviews with human service professionals and people from related fields. The music at the beginning and end of each episode is written and performed by Joe Mamlin. (Don't forget to listen to the end... there are often surprises after the credits)
Hosted by
Grays Peak Strategies