Season six opens with a real conversation about the work, the weird, and the deeply human moments that shape both counseling and athletics. If you care about student mental health, grad school life, or the unexpected ethical questions that can change how you practice, this catch-up episode is for you. Dr. Kiener shares what it looks like to step back into the school year with a full slate of classes, practicum students, and cohort energy, while Brayton breaks down the reality of screening NCAA athletes across multiple teams and the pressure, patterns, and caseload demands that come with it.

Along the way, the conversation also touches on higher ed shifts, NCAA changes, and the messy intersection of ethics, identity, and performance. It’s insightful, funny, and refreshingly honest - the kind of episode that reminds you how much of good counseling starts with asking better questions. Perfect for counselors, counselor educators, students, and anyone who likes their professional conversations grounded in real life instead of theory alone. Season six is here, and it’s starting strong.

00:00 Welcome and Episode Introduction

00:07 Summer Recap: Personal Projects and Family

01:11 Visiting Coach Denny and Cookie Story

02:16 Retirement and Continued Involvement of Coach Denny

03:03 First Week of Classes and Student Engagement

07:36 Ethical Dilemma: Giving Tissues in Counseling

09:54 Cultural and Personal Factors in Counseling Behavior

12:34 Reflections on Cultural and Family Influences

13:31 Cohort Trends and Student Interests

15:11 First Week Activities at Lindenwood

17:51 Mental Health Screenings for Athletes

21:55 Professional Development and Certifications

22:58 Upcoming Workshops and Goals

23:27 Personal Life: Car Shopping and Technology

25:50 Closing Remarks and Future Plans

Celebrating five years of Mentor Moments, this episode reflects on the journey, lessons learned, and future directions. We discuss the evolution of our podcast, the value of organic conversations, and the importance of learning styles, including informal and formal education, through personal stories and insights.

Mentor Moments Reflection: Five Seasons in the RearviewIn this episode, hosts Brayton Wooters and Mike Keener reflect on five years of podcasting, exploring the journey, growth, and evolving themes behind Mentor Moments. They share insights on personal development, storytelling, and the importance of organic conversations.

Key Topics:

• Celebrating five seasons of Mentor Moments and the journey's highlights
• The significance of 'time capsule' episodes and personal growth over the years
• The shift from planned themes to organic, spontaneous conversations
• Exploring the role of vulnerability, storytelling, and highlighting impactful people
• The value of interviewing students and early-career professionals
• Discussing the potential of AI in education and informal learning
• Museum vs. classroom learning: engagement, emotional states, and interaction
• Developmental appropriateness in learning strategies and content delivery
• Sharing favorite episodes, moments, and notable guest appearances
• Future plans: engaging with college students and returning guests

Chapters

00:00 Reflecting on Five Seasons of Podcasting

08:24 The Evolution of Conversations and Themes

16:11 Learning Through Informal and Formal Methods

24:51 The Impact of AI on Learning and Development

30:27 Looking Ahead: Future Goals and Guest Engagement

In this episode, we host two dynamic Maryville alumni, Rachel Elmore and Jessica Dickson, to share their journeys in community mental health, leadership styles, and insights into working at Compass. Their stories highlight their diverse pathways in mental health careers and the importance of growth, mentorship, and community impact.

Key Topics:

• The advantages of starting in community mental health and nonprofit organizations
• Career progression: from case management to leadership roles
• The importance of mentorship and internal growth at organizations like Compass
• Leadership styles: advocacy, delegation, and leading by example
• The significance of community support roles and hands-on client experience
• Trends in mental health: overdose reduction, integrated primary care, and COVID-19 impacts
• Navigating supervision, internships, licensure, and early career fears
• The evolving landscape of mental health services post-pandemic
• Rachel's doctorate work on burnout among emergency room staff and medical-mental health connections
• How organizations promote internal advancement and support employee wellbeing

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and guest introductions

00:24 - Jessica’s background and Maryville program journey

01:28 - Rachel’s pathway from biology to counseling

02:20 - How Dr. Parker inspired Jessica’s choice at Maryville

03:50 - Post-graduation roles at Compass for Jessica and Rachel

04:48 - Leadership progression and responsibilities at Compass

06:55 - Jessica’s doctorate on burnout and emergency medical workforce

09:12 - Why Compass fosters internal growth and employee investment

11:45 - Leadership styles: advocacy, delegation, visibility

13:23 - How leadership shapes organizational culture

15:26 - Internship and practicum opportunities at Compass and role readiness

16:19 - Licensure support and supervision programs

17:49 - Addressing concerns about nonprofit mental health careers

18:44 - Stability, funding, and organizational support at Compass

20:09 - Pay equity, benefits, and job satisfaction in nonprofit settings

21:36 - The value of diverse career paths beyond therapy

24:04 - Emerging trends in mental health: overdose decline and health monitoring

27:41 - Impact of COVID-19 on mental health and physical health links

29:27 - The idea of a podcast by Jessica and Rachel

30:59 - Mentors’ advice for students: network, give grace, and stay open-minded