The Transformative Power of Human Connection

From Self-Care to Child Care: Balancing Well-Being and Parenthood

Join us as we welcome MJ Andonie, an EFR EAP counselor and mother of two, for a heartfelt exploration of self-care in motherhood. MJ offers a transparent look at her journey into parenthood, revealing how it reshaped her practice and perspective of self-care. Discover the joys and challenges of raising children guided by deep-rooted values and gather invaluable insights into nurturing well-being while nurturing others. Tune in for an episode full of heart and practical wisdom!

Book Recommendations from MJ:

Raising Good Humans

Whole Brain Child

Year of Yes

Fostering Hope and Finding Family

Dive into an unforgettable episode as Saul Hammond opens up about fostering and ultimately adopting his son. Beginning when his son was just six weeks old, Saul shares the highs and lows of loving and parenting within the foster care system, describing the experience as an "emotional rollercoaster."With raw honesty, he recounts the challenges and milestones, from recognizing early signs of autism to pursuing a diagnosis. This episode is a testament to Saul's relentless dedication to his son's well-being and his courage to face the future's uncertainties with love. Join us as we delve into the beauty and complexity of forming a family through fostering.

Four Oaks: https://fouroaks.org/locations/ankeny/

ChildServe: https://www.childserve.org/

YSS: https://www.yss.org/

Dreaming, Achieving, and Giving Back: A Pro Athlete’s Story

From childhood dreams to the NFL, EFR board member Josh Lenz takes us on his journey from high school sports to the spotlight at Iowa State University and, eventually, signing with several NFL teams as an undrafted free agent. During our conversation, Josh reflects on the exhilarating highs and challenging lows of pursuing his dream. He shares how shifting away from that season of life inspired him to mentor the next generation of athletes. Tune in for an inspiring tale of resilience, transition, and giving back.

Connect with Josh on LinkedIn!

When Helpers Need Help

Tune in for a compelling conversation with Jen Perez, EFR's Call Center Manager, as she shares her dual experience of providing direct care to at-risk populations and seeking support to manage the demands of her role. Jen opens up about the rewarding yet challenging nature of her work and the secondary trauma that took hold, highlighting the critical moment when she realized the necessity of self-care to continue caring for others. In this candid discussion, she reflects on overcoming secondary trauma, the importance of mental health support for caregivers, and the life-changing impact of professional support in developing resilience.

Learn more about your EFR benefits: https://efr.org/how-we-help/work/

Listen to Jen's other favorite podcast, New Heights: https://www.youtube.com/@newheightshow

Rebel With a Cause

Join us for an inspiring conversation with EFR's newest board member, Jim Wichman. In this episode, Jim opens up about his lifelong struggles with his mental and emotional health. He recounts how reaching out to EFR's counseling became a catalyst for change as he confronted and healed from childhood trauma. Witness how developing his mental well-being turned into a ripple effect, transforming his professional aspirations from public schools to public speaking and, most importantly, deepening his relationship with his family.

Connect with Jim on LinkedIn

Connect with Jim on Facebook

Question Behind the Question book