Real Feel Insights

 In this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Kristin Helmers for a conversation about military families, motherhood, and navigating profound loss. Kristin shares her work as a Soldier and Family Readiness Specialist, where she connects military families with resources and support during deployments. She also reflects on raising three sons while her husband served in the military and the community that became an extended family along the way.Kristin also shares the story of her oldest son, Vincent, who passed away from brain cancer during his senior year of high school. She reflects on his diagnosis, the months that followed, and the memories that continue to shape her life today. Throughout the conversation, Kristin speaks about the importance of community, honoring Vincent's legacy through the Stand By Me Foundation, and finding purpose through service even after experiencing unimaginable loss. It's an honest conversation about family, resilience, and carrying love forward. 

In this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Michael Scolley for a deeply personal conversation about the sudden loss of his son, Ridge, and the journey that followed. Mike shares who Ridge was beyond the tragedy—a joyful, compassionate young boy who loved sports, brought people together, and never hesitated to care for those around him. He reflects on the day everything changed, the unimaginable decisions his family faced, and the grief that continues years later.Mike also talks about the impact of organ donation, the lives Ridge was able to save, and how his family's phrase, "Love Like Ridge," became a reminder of the way Ridge lived every day. Throughout the conversation, he speaks openly about fatherhood, healing, therapy, and learning to appreciate each day after experiencing profound loss. It's an honest conversation about grief, resilience, and carrying a loved one's legacy forward.

 In this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Brent Kaiser for a conversation about his 41-year career as a paramedic and educator in Emergency Medical Services. Brent reflects on what first drew him to the profession, the experiences that shaped him throughout his career, and the lessons he learned while helping people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.Throughout the conversation, Brent shares stories from the field, explains the roles within EMS, and offers practical insight into how emergency situations are handled. He also discusses leadership, teamwork, and the importance of staying calm under pressure. Above all, Brent reflects on the gratitude and perspective that came from a lifetime of service and why helping others continues to be at the center of who he is—even in retirement. 

In this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Carrie Wise for a deeply personal conversation about grief, domestic violence, trauma, and the complicated realities of losing both of her parents within a matter of months. Carrie shares the story of her mother's death, her father's role in it, and the difficult journey that followed as she navigated grief, unanswered questions, and the impact those events had on her life and family.Throughout the conversation, Carrie reflects on what she calls "two truths"—the love she had for her mother and the love she still carried for her father despite what happened. She also discusses forgiveness, PTSD, advocacy, and her desire to help others who may be experiencing domestic violence, trauma, or a form of grief that can feel difficult to explain. It's an honest conversation about loss, resilience, and finding a way forward after unimaginable circumstances.

In this special one-year anniversary episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with the Real Feel Insights team—Producer Cassidy Ziegler, Marketing Director Cecilia George, and Financial Manager Megan Streiff—to reflect on the first year of the podcast. Sarah shares how the team came together, the roles each person plays behind the scenes, and the journey of building Real Feel Insights into what it is today.The team also looks back on some of the episodes that left the biggest impact on them, sharing their favorite conversations across several categories and discussing the stories that have stayed with them most. Along the way, they revisit behind-the-scenes moments, bloopers, and memories from the past year, while also introducing the next chapter of Real Feel Insights with Fireside Chats with Sarah. It's a conversation about growth, gratitude, community, and looking ahead to what's next.

In this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Katie Galbrecht for an honest conversation about breast cancer, motherhood, and navigating life after a diagnosis. Katie shares how subtle symptoms eventually led to testing, biopsies, and the discovery that she had stage 3B invasive ductal carcinoma at just 30 years old. She reflects on balancing treatment while continuing to work, parent her two daughters, and process the unknowns that came with cancer.Katie also walks through her chemotherapy treatments, the physical and emotional changes she’s experienced, and the support system that has helped carry her through. Throughout the conversation, she speaks openly about taking life one step at a time, staying grounded through difficult moments, and choosing not to become bitter through the process. It’s a thoughtful conversation about resilience, perspective, and finding strength during an ongoing battle.

 In this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Dave Endicott for a deeply personal conversation about suicide, mental health, and the loss of his brother, Christopher. Dave shares who Chris was beyond the headlines—a father, husband, coach, educator, and someone who struggled silently under the weight of shame, legal troubles, and isolation.Dave reflects on the grief that followed, the importance of asking for help, and how he and his wife turned tragedy into purpose through Camp Christopher, a place created to support individuals and families impacted by suicide and mental health struggles. It’s an honest conversation about loss, compassion, and reminding people that no matter how overwhelming life feels, they are not alone. 

 In this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Barb Coufal for a thoughtful conversation about education, relationships, and the impact adults can have on young people. Barb reflects on her years working in public schools, first as a para and later as a high school secretary, and the perspective she gained from working with students at different stages of life.She talks about the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for students, balancing discipline with understanding, and remembering that you never truly know what someone is going through. Barb also shares what stood out most throughout her career—the relationships, the growth she witnessed in students over time, and the moments that reminded her why the work mattered. It’s a grounded conversation about compassion, guidance, and showing up for others. 

In this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Kari Haverkamp for an honest conversation about miscarriage, grief, and the emotional weight that comes with trying to start a family. Kari shares her experience navigating multiple miscarriages, the uncertainty that followed, and how those moments impacted her both mentally and emotionally.She also reflects on the pressure of trying to control the process, the isolation that can come with loss, and the importance of having support while still allowing yourself to feel everything that comes with it. Kari shares how her perspective has shifted over time—learning to let go, trust the process, and find strength in what she’s walked through. It’s a grounded conversation about grief, resilience, and not going through it alone.

 In this episode, Sarah Bachmann sits down with Dexter Schwartz for an honest conversation about fatherhood, perspective, and raising a child with Down syndrome. Dexter shares the unexpected story of his son Braxlee’s birth and the challenges that followed, including the medical complications and surgeries they’ve had to navigate along the way.He also reflects on what it’s been like learning through those experiences, the realities many families face, and how his perspective has shifted over time. It’s a grounded conversation about resilience, adapting to the unexpected, and the pride and purpose that come with being a parent.