Talks with Trivium

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Dec 2025

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Welcome to "Talks with Trivium," a podcast by Trivium Life Services, a non-profit organization headquartered in Council Bluffs, Iowa, with a presence in five states. Through engaging conversations, we'll introduce you to the passionate individuals behind our mission: Creating Hope. Empowering Lives. Inspiring Communities. For more information, visit www.triviumlifeservices.org.

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60 recent

December 18, 202521 min

"Half a Century of Impact - A 50th Anniversary Wrap-Up"

Talks with TriviumEpisode One – “Half a Century of Impact - A 50th Anniversary Wrap-Up.”Release Date – December 19th, 2025.Summary – Join us for our final installment in our 50th Anniversary series as CEO Brad Schroeder reflects on a year overflowing with celebration and gratitude. From communitypartners to clients, families, and an extraordinary team of staff, we honor the people who make our mission possible every day.Looking ahead, we share the renewed energy and vision fueling our future—one grounded in collaboration,quality, compassion, and investing in the people who bring our mission to life. This is not just the end of a milestone year; it’s the beginning of an exciting next chapter. Guest Information – Brad Schroeder CEO at Trivium Life Services.Links and Resourceswww.triviumlifeservices.org. Call to ActionWant more information on the services offered by Trivium Life Services or how to support our mission? Visit our website at www.triviumlifeservices.org. Podcast and host informationHi! I'm Michelle Schaller, Senior Director of Behavioral Health, your host for this series of podcasts by Trivium Life Services. Each week, I'll be introducing you to real professionals whodedicate their lives to helping others, and individuals who have found hope amidst their struggles with mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and those with intellectual and physical disabilities. Our aim is to reduce theprejudices and misconceptions surrounding these challenges and create awareness and understanding in our communities. DisclaimerThe contents of this podcast, including discussions, interviews, and shared resources, are for informationaland educational purposes only. They are not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. AcknowledgementsSpecial thanks to Webberized Inc for their invaluablecontribution to this episode. To learn more about their services visit them at www.webberized.com.

November 20, 202523 min

The Power of Giving: Building a Legacy at Trivium

Talks with TriviumEpisode One – “The Power of Giving: Building a Legacy at Trivium.”Release Date – November 21st, 2025.Summary – In this episode of Talks with Trivium, we explore the impact of generosity from donors and partners in the community to those who give within our own organization.Philanthropy at Trivium is more than financial support; it’s about creating opportunities, changing lives, and building a legacy of care that lasts. Join us as we talk about the difference our donors have made, the partnerships thatdrive our mission forward, and what legacy giving means for the future of Trivium. You’ll also learn how anyone can get involved and be part of the meaningful change happening every day. Guest Information – Hannah Smith VP of Philanthropy & Public Relations at Trivium Life Services and Sarah Karkowski Director of Annual Giving at Trivium Life Services. Links and Resourceswww.triviumlifeservices.orgDonate to Trivium | Trivium Life Services Call to ActionWant more information on the services offered by Trivium Life Services or how to support our mission? Visit our website at www.triviumlifeservices.org. Podcast and host informationHi! I'm Michelle Schaller, Senior Director of Behavioral Health, your host for this series of podcasts by Trivium Life Services. Each week, I'll be introducing you to real professionals whodedicate their lives to helping others, and individuals who have found hope amidst their struggles with mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and those with intellectual and physical disabilities. Our aim is to reduce theprejudices and misconceptions surrounding these challenges and create awareness and understanding in our communities. DisclaimerThe contents of this podcast, including discussions, interviews, and shared resources, are for informationaland educational purposes only. They are not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. AcknowledgementsSpecial thanks to Webberized Inc for their invaluablecontribution to this episode. To learn more about their services visit them at www.webberized.com.

October 16, 202516 min

The Heart of Care: Recognizing Our Incredible Team

Talks with TriviumEpisode One – “The Heart of Care: Recognizing Our Incredible Team.”Release Date – October 17th, 2025.Summary – In this special episode of Talks with Trivium, we take a moment to pause and celebrate the incredible therapists, case managers, recovery coaches, and peer support specialists who bring heart, skill, and hope to everything they do. Their dedication transforms lives every day, often in ways that go unseen but never unfelt. You’ll hear messages of gratitude and reflections on what makes thisteam truly extraordinary. Join us in saying thank you to those who walk alongside our clients on their journey to hope and recovery. Guest Information – Leadership Staff at Trivium Life Services. Links and Resourceswww.triviumlifeservices.org Call to ActionWant more information on the services offered by Trivium Life Services or how to support our mission? Visit our website at www.triviumlifeservices.org. Podcast and host informationHi! I'm Michelle Schaller, Senior Director of Behavioral Health, your host for this series of podcasts by Trivium Life Services. Each week, I'll be introducing you to real professionals whodedicate their lives to helping others, and individuals who have found hope amidst their struggles with mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and those with intellectual and physical disabilities. Our aim is to reduce theprejudices and misconceptions surrounding these challenges and create awareness and understanding in our communities. DisclaimerThe contents of this podcast, including discussions, interviews, and shared resources, are for informationaland educational purposes only. They are not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. AcknowledgementsSpecial thanks to Webberized Inc for their invaluablecontribution to this episode. To learn more about their services visit them at www.webberized.com.

September 18, 20259 min

Voices of Gratitude - Thank You to our Direct Support Professionals

In this special episode of Talks with Trivium, we honor our Direct Support Professionals who are the dedicated individuals who work tirelessly to support our clients. You’ll hear heartfelt messages of appreciation from leaders, supervisors, clients, and fellow DSPs, each sharing a few words to recognize the compassion, commitment, and hard work of those who make the biggest difference in our client’slives. Join us in celebrating the everyday heroes who are the heart of our organization.

August 15, 202523 min

Building Bridges: The Power of Community Partnerships.

Talks with TriviumEpisode One – "Building Bridges: The Power of Community Partnerships."Release Date – August 15th, 2025 Summary – In this episode we speak with the Senior Vice President of Operations at Trivium Life Services,Stacey Warner. We dive deep into the vital role community partnerships play in creating real and lasting change—especially within nonprofit behavioral health organizations. Our conversation explores how collaboration fuels innovation, supports clients, and strengthens the entire community. We’ll discuss:Why community partners are essential for mission-driven impact.The unique role partnerships play in behavioral health nonprofits.The values Trivium looks for in a strong community partner.Practical advice for building meaningful, sustainable partnerships.Stories of partners stepping up when it mattered most.Whether you’re part of a nonprofit, a community leader, or simply passionate about creating change, this episode offers valuable insights and real-world examples to inspire strongerconnections in your own work. Guest Information – Stacey Warner Senior Vice President of Operations at Trivium Life Services Links and Resourceswww.triviumlifeservices.orghttps://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/my-wellbeing Call to ActionWant more information on the services offered by Trivium Life Services or how to support our mission? Visitour website at www.triviumlifeservices.org. Podcast and host informationHi! I'm Michelle Schaller, Senior Director of Behavioral Health, your host for this series of podcasts by Trivium Life Services. Each week, I'll be introducing you to real professionals whodedicate their lives to helping others, and individuals who have found hope amidst their struggles with mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and those with intellectual and physical disabilities. Our aim is to reduce theprejudices and misconceptions surrounding these challenges and create awareness and understanding in our communities. DisclaimerThe contents of this podcast, including discussions, interviews, and shared resources, are for informationaland educational purposes only. They are not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. AcknowledgementsSpecial thanks to Webberized Inc for their invaluablecontribution to this episode. To learn more about their services visit them at www.webberized.com.

July 17, 20259 min

"Homeless, Not Hopeless: How Trivium Helped Rebuilds Lives"

Episode One – "Homeless, Not Hopeless: HowTrivium Helped Rebuilds Lives"Release Date – July 18th, 2025 Summary – In this movingepisode, we highlight a powerful mission moment at Trivium Life Services—whencompassion, timing, and purpose came together to help a family in crisis. Aftera devastating house fire left them homeless, Rose and her brother Ash foundthemselves navigating overwhelming uncertainty. That’s when Renee and Mike Carney,guided by a deep sense of faith and determination, began searching for theright kind of support—and found Trivium. This episode tells the true story ofresilience, hope, and the human connection that led to a new beginning. You’llhear how Trivium stepped in to provide care, safety, and stability when it wasneeded most, and how this moment reflects the core of what we do every day. Morethan a story of hardship, this is a story of healing and belonging, remindingus that when mission meets action, lives are changed. Guest Information – Renee Carney and Mike Carney –Deacon at St Patrick’s Church in Missouri Valley, IA Links and Resourceswww.triviumlifeservices.org Call to ActionWant more information on theservices offered by Trivium Life Services or how to support our mission? Visitour website at www.triviumlifeservices.org. Podcast and host informationHi! I'm Michelle Schaller, SeniorDirector of Behavioral Health, your host for this series of podcasts by TriviumLife Services. Each week, I'll be introducing you to real professionals whodedicate their lives to helping others, and individuals who have found hopeamidst their struggles with mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence,and those with intellectual and physical disabilities. Our aim is to reduce theprejudices and misconceptions surrounding these challenges and create awarenessand understanding in our communities. DisclaimerThe contents of this podcast,including discussions, interviews, and shared resources, are for informationaland educational purposes only. They are not intended to serve as a substitutefor professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. AcknowledgementsSpecial thanks to Webberized Inc for their invaluablecontribution to this episode. To learn more about their services visit them at www.webberized.com.

July 8, 202523 min

LTSS in Iowa: Empowering Lives Through Care and Choice

Episode One – "LTSS in Iowa: Empowering LivesThrough Care and Choice"Release Date – July 9th, 2025.Summary – In this compelling episode, we dive intoLong-Term Services and Supports (LTSS) in Iowa—what it is, who it serves, andwhat a typical day might look like for those receiving care. We explore thephilosophy of dignity of risk and how this vital concept empowersindividuals to live more autonomous and meaningful lives. Jimmy and Beth sharestories of success and bravely talk about some of the toughest momentsexperienced in the field. They also tackle common myths that still surroundpeople receiving LTSS and challenge outdated narratives with compassion andfacts. Finally, we highlight one powerful message we hope every listener walksaway with: our clients are full of potential, and the people who support themare deeply committed, skilled, and compassionate. This episode is a tribute tothe strength of the human spirit—and the dedication of the people who show upevery day to make a difference.Guest Information – Jimmy StarkResidential Team Coordinator and Beth Peterson Client Services Director at TriviumLife Services. Links and Resourceswww.triviumlifeservices.org Call to ActionWant more information on theservices offered by Trivium Life Services or how to support our mission? Visitour website at www.triviumlifeservices.org. Podcast and host informationHi! I'm Michelle Schaller, SeniorDirector of Behavioral Health, your host for this series of podcasts by TriviumLife Services. Each week, I'll be introducing you to real professionals whodedicate their lives to helping others, and individuals who have found hopeamidst their struggles with mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence,and those with intellectual and physical disabilities. Our aim is to reduce theprejudices and misconceptions surrounding these challenges and create awarenessand understanding in our communities. DisclaimerThe contents of this podcast,including discussions, interviews, and shared resources, are for informationaland educational purposes only. They are not intended to serve as a substitutefor professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. AcknowledgementsSpecial thanks to Webberized Inc for their invaluablecontribution to this episode. To learn more about their services visit them at www.webberized.com.

May 22, 202518 min

Mind Matters: Breaking Myths and Building Mental Wellness - Part Two

Episode Two – Mind Matters: Breaking Myths andBuilding Mental Wellness - Part TwoRelease Date – May 23rd, 2025.Summary– In this second episode of our two-part podcast on mental health, we digdeeper and unveil the biggest gaps in care that many still face today. We sharereal-life success stories that offer hope and prove that with the right supportand treatment a productive and fulfilling life is possible. We discuss how dedicatedwork in the mental health field continues to light the way toward a brighterfuture. Join us for an honest conversation about the current landscape ofmental health care—its challenges, its triumphs, and the immense hope fueled bysuccess stories and innovation in support services.GuestInformationSusan M OddenLCMHC, MSN, RN Therapist at Trivium Life Services New EnglandNatalia SamudovskyLCPC Therapist at Trivium Life Services IdahoMelody TurnageLCSW, ADC Therapist at Trivium Life Services Idaho Links and Resourceswww.averte.comwww.triviumlifeservices.orgNAMI –National Alliance on Mental Illness www.nami.orgEMDR –Eye Movement Desensitization and ReprocessingDBT – DialecticalBehavior Therapy Call to ActionWant moreinformation on the services offered by Trivium Life Services or how to supportour mission? Visit our website at www.triviumlifeservices.org. Podcast andhost informationHi! I'm Michelle Schaller, SeniorDirector of Behavioral Health, your host for this series of podcasts by TriviumLife Services. Each week, I'll be introducing you to real professionals whodedicate their lives to helping others, and individuals who have found hopeamidst their struggles with mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence,and those with intellectual and physical disabilities. Our aim is to reduce theprejudices and misconceptions surrounding these challenges and create awarenessand understanding in our communities. DisclaimerThe contents of this podcast,including discussions, interviews, and shared resources, are for informationaland educational purposes only. They are not intended to serve as a substitutefor professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. AcknowledgementsSpecial thanks to Webberized Inc for their invaluablecontribution to this episode. To learn more about their services visit them at www.webberized.com

May 15, 202527 min

Mind Matters: Breaking Myths and Building Mental Wellness - Part One

Episode One – Mind Matters: Breaking Myths and Building Mental Wellness - Part OneRelease Date – May 16th, 2025.Summary – In this two-part episode, we discuss the common misconceptions and challenges surrounding mental health and the stigma that still prevents many from seeking the help they need. Just like physical health, mental health requires attention, maintenance, and preventative care. We explore the role of education in shaping how we understand and talk about mental health, and why early awareness is key to long term wellbeing. What can we do daily, weekly, or monthly to maintain good mental health? We discuss practical strategies, including identifying warning signs, using reframing techniques, and creating strong “bookends” to start and end a day with intention. Tune in for an honest and empowering conversation that reminds us about the importance of taking care of one’s mental health.Guest InformationSusan M Odden LCMHC, MSN, RN Therapist at Trivium Life Services New EnglandNatalia Samudovsky LCPC Therapist at Trivium Life Services IdahoMelody Turnage LCSW, ADC Therapist at Trivium Life Services Idaho Links and Resourceswww.averte.comwww.triviumlifeservices.orgNAMI –National Alliance on Mental Illness www.nami.orgEMDR –Eye Movement Desensitization and ReprocessingDBT – Dialectical Behavior Therapy Call to ActionWant more information on the services offered by Trivium Life Services or how to support our mission? Visit our website at www.triviumlifeservices.org. Podcast and host informationHi! I'm Michelle Schaller, Senior Director of Behavioral Health, your host for this series of podcasts by Trivium Life Services. Each week, I'll be introducing you to real professionals who dedicate their lives to helping others, and individuals who have found hope amidst their struggles with mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and those with intellectual and physical disabilities. Our aim is to reduce the prejudices and misconceptions surrounding these challenges and create awareness and understanding in our communities. DisclaimerThe contents of this podcast, including discussions, interviews, and shared resources, are for informational and educational purposes only. They are not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. AcknowledgementsSpecial thanks to Webberized Inc for their invaluable contribution to this episode. To learn more about their services visit them at www.webberized.com.

April 25, 202536 min

Celebrating 50 Years of Impact: The Founding story of Averte Part Two

Episode One – Celebrating 50 Years of Impact: The Founding story of Averte Part Two.Release Date – April 25th, 2025.Summary – In this two part episode, we explore the founding story of Averte, originally known as Merry Meadow Farm—a residential mental health program built on the belief that care happens through compassionate, consistent support in a home-like environment. Listeners will hear how the original vision took root, what made the early program so unique, and how the name and mission evolved into what is today. With reflections from the founder and those involved in the early days, this two part episode highlights the heart, philosophy, and growth of a program that has supported individuals with complex mental health needs for decades. Whether you're a professional, a client, or someone interested in mental health care, this story offers insight into the power of person-centered, long-term support.Guest InformationHannah Smith VP of Philanthropy and Public Relations at Trivium Life Services. Betty Williams founder of Averte. Steve and Kate Williams past owners of Averte. Steve Schramm Major Gifts Director at Trivium Life Services and former owner of Averte. Links and Resourceswww.averte.comwww.triviumlifeservices.org Call to ActionWant more information on the services offered by Trivium Life Services or how to support our mission? Visit our website at www.triviumlifeservices.org. Podcast and host informationHi! I'm Michelle Schaller, Senior Director of Behavioral Health, your host for this series of podcasts by Trivium Life Services. Each week, I'll be introducing you to real professionals who dedicate their lives to helping others, and individuals who have found hope amidst their struggles with mental health, substance abuse, domestic violence, and those with intellectual and physical disabilities. Our aim is to reduce the prejudices and misconceptions surrounding these challenges and create awareness and understanding in our communities. DisclaimerThe contents of this podcast, including discussions, interviews, and shared resources, are for informational and educational purposes only. They are not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. AcknowledgementsSpecial thanks to Webberized Inc for their invaluable contribution to this episode. To learn more about their services visit them at www.webberized.com.