The DMF Podcast

How Eyes Lead the Way Developmentally ft. Dr. Ryan Capouch

In this episode, our host, Whitney Isaacson, sat down with Dr. Ryan Capouch. Dr. Capouch is a Fellow of the Optometric Vision Development and Rehabilitation Association, serves as an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor for Midwestern University, lectures on vision therapy, and was named North Dakota’s Young Optometrist of the Year in 2023. He also founded Lumen Vision, a pediatric clinic where he treats children, athletes, and brain injury patients through vision therapy. In this conversation, Dr. Capouch educates us on how we can train the brain, and the function of our eyes, to work the way they were designed to. Because as Dr. Capouch shares, 80% of what we learn is visual and meeting developmental milestones all depends on how our eyes are functioning and leading the way for us. 

Living Well With Dementia ft. Maggie Ness

In this episode, our host, Whitney Isaacson, sat down with Executive Director of the Memory Cafe of the Red River Valley, Maggie Ness. Maggie shares with us how those struggling with memory loss can learn to live well with the diagnosis of dementia and navigate the changes that are impacting their day to day life. Take a listen and be inspired by the message of how the people who are forgetting should not be forgotten.

Experiencing the Old West: Your Next Epic Adventure ft. Daniel Gannarelli

In this episode, our host, Whitney Isaacson, sat down with the Development Director of the Theodore Roosevelt Medora Foundation, Daniel Gannarelli. Daniel joined us for a fun conversation on the importance of unplugging from our busy lives and experiencing the historic old west character of Medora, the Badlands, and Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Take a listen and be inspired for your next trip as Daniel shares some insider favorites about the National Park and Medora area, as well as stories about the value and heritage of Theodore Roosevelt and Harold Schafer. 

Creating Food Security ft. Stacie Loegering

In this episode, our host, Whitney Isaacson, sits down with Executive Director of the Emergency Food Pantry, Stacie Loegering, who is joining us today to share more on what is affecting food insecurity and how she is working towards food security so that people have access to nutritious food, and be able to get food in a socially acceptable way to live a happy and healthy life. Because as Stacie says "it’s not just about calories, but creating health".

Lesson In Leadership: Changing the Definition of a Leader ft. Addie Loerzel

Spread Your Sunshine founder Addie Loerzel is an inspiration. College student, nonprofit founder, advocate for those with disabilities and one of the most effective spreaders of sunshine you’ll ever meet! Addie changes the notion of what a “leader” is through sheer determination, hard work and a joyous spirit. Enjoy this “Lead with Light” episode featuring someone who has been working to make positive change for children since she was a child herself. We dare you to listen and not be motivated to spread some sunshine yourself!

Appreciating Our Nation’s Heroes ft. Tod Ganje

In this episode, our host, Whitney Isaacson, sits down with Veterans Honor Flight of North Dakota and Minnesota board member, Tod Ganje. Tod shares with us all about the important work they do to take WWII, Korean war and Vietnam Veterans to visit their respective memorials at our nation’s capital, at no cost to them. A mission centered around recognizing and appreciating our nation’s heroes with the thank you that they deserve. Tod considers himself blessed to work with this organization and give back to those that gave of themselves to protect us all. Take a listen and learn about this incredible organization and how we can all celebrate our veterans.

The Price of Achievement on Youth Mental Health ft. Missy Heilman

Young children today are faced with so many pressures and influences telling them that they are not good enough unless they achieve this or achieve that. Creating a belief that in order to have worth, they have to constantly achieve or be someone other than who God created them to be. This is a standard that no one will never meet for themselves and does not foster a healthy environment for mental health. 
It is clear to say, and the research suggests, that there is a steady decline in youth mental health across the Nation. While there are many factors impacting this decline, our guest for today’s conversation shares with us her thoughts and experience on what she sees as the primary drivers of this decline.
In this episode, our host, Whitney Isaacson, sits down with Missy Heilman, founder and CEO of the nonprofit BIO Girls. BIO Girls is improving the mental health and self-esteem of adolescent girls across the Midwest and is a proven, preventive mental wellness program. BIO Girls is on a mission to providing young girls with the tools to believe that they are worthy just for who they are – who God created them to be - not some expectations that society puts on them. Take a listen as we talk through how influences like pressure and achievement are impacting youth mental health today.

The Community of Recovery: A Deep Dive into Addiction ft. Patti Senn

In this episode, our host, Whitney Isaacson, sits down with Soul Solutions Recovery Center Executive Director, Patti Senn, as they discuss one of the most complex health topics, addiction, and different misconceptions around it. Soul Solutions exists to help each person find their pathway to recovery, while providing an atmosphere of connection, hope, and healing. In this conversation, Patti shares with us her thoughts and experience on addiction how in a world where we are all so connected due to technology, we are also struggling with real human connections. Patti says, “this isolation opens the door for addiction for a lot of people” but the road to a successful recovery is when people are more connected and surrounded by community. Take a listen as we go deep on this conversation around addiction.

A Lesson in Leadership: You Can't Be Superman ft. Rob Swiers

In this episode, our host Pastor Devlyn Brooks sits down with New Life Center Executive Director, Rob Swiers, who shares what he has learned about leadership in his 25 years in the nonprofit sector. This successful CEO shares keen insights about what makes him good at what he does, including knowing that he’s not Superman and building a talented team is critical to mission success. Listen in as Rob shares what he’s learned through hard work and even “stubbing his toe” a few times.

Every Child Has A Voice ft. Sarah Matthews

Have you ever realized that child abuse is happening every day in our communities? Approximately 1 in 4 children experience child abuse or neglect in their lifetime, and it is estimated that only 38% of child victims will disclose that they have been abused. Childhood can be a time of joy, laughter, and play. Many children learn to depend on others for safety, comfort, and love, but unfortunately, many others learn that the world is a dangerous place where no one can be trusted. In this episode, our host, Whitney Isaacson, sits down with Sarah Matthews, the Executive Director of the Red River Children’s Advocacy Center. Sarah shares with us all about the important work they do to offer services and support to create a safe and nurturing environment where children can find hope and begin their journey toward healing from abuse.