The Bridge

Hosted by $EmployeeLearning

Business

Website RSS feed

Episodes

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

About the show

This podcast serves as a bridge amongst teammates, fostering connection and collaboration. Each ERG serves a unique purpose, and we are here to serve you in every stage of life. Tune in monthly to hear stories and advice from experts within the Associations hosted by teammates from each ERG. Spark: Leading young professional engagement through career development and teammate connection. Catalyst: Our mission is to foster opportunities to empower women and enrich their professional development. Beacon: To cultivate an inclusive, safe, and welcoming workplace where we celebrate authenticity. Crew: Cultivate a work environment that prioritizes family, work-life balance, and flexibility. Patriot: Honoring Those Who Have Served. A “community of one” who aspire to continue to serve and honor those who have served, seeks opportunities to help teammates and community Connect, Develop, and Promote awareness around Veteran support, recognition and appreciation.

Listen to episodes

59 recent

June 8, 20261 hr 2 min

Beacon Voices: Joy Is the Game

HOSTS: Andrew Strand, Joey HuffGUESTS: Ashley Starmer, Erin WelshBeacon Voices: Joy Is the Game invites you into a candid Pride conversation that’s equal parts meaningful and uplifting. In this one episode podcast, Beacon teammates share personal reflections on identity, community, and what it means to lead with education, advocacy, empowerment, and authenticity—while keeping joy at the center. Whether you’re here to learn, feel inspired, or simply connect, this conversation celebrates the power of being yourself and the impact of choosing joy together. Listen in and be part of the celebration.QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE“Pride, for me, is authenticity.”“When people get to be who they really are, their lives are so much more full.”“You’re not just included—you belong.”“I want people to feel safe, seen, and protected.”“Sometimes advocacy is just standing next to someone and letting them know they’re not alone.”“Basic human decency—we need to get back to that.”“Everyone has something going on… we’re all trying to figure it out.”“Visibility creates normalcy—it shouldn’t be controversial to exist.”“Joy is in the journey—we’re never finished evolving.”“Love is the default.”

May 11, 202635 min

Executive Perspective: Leadership, Vision, and Credit

Host: Justin HansonGuest: Greg SaltonIn this episode in the Ask ELT series, Greg Salton joins us to discuss his career journey, lessons learned in leadership and mentoring, and how we execute our credit strategy. Greg highlights how being vulnerable and courageous apply in both mentorship and lending relationships.QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE“Adversity builds trust if done correctly.”“If you have that confidence to go 'these are the things I would’ve done differently,' then others will join in.”“That ability to learn and evolve and not do the same thing over again is the difference between good and great.”“It’s important to lead across, up, and down to make sure we’re all aligned.”“Part of our role in being courageous is to be truth-tellers to borrowers.”

April 23, 202638 min

Service, Transition, and Purpose: A Conversation After Deployment

Hosts: Mike Schafer, Paul GilgGuests: James PowellIn this episode the Patriot ERG welcomes James back home following his recent deployment and take a meaningful look at his journey from mobilization to reintegration. James shares insights on the challenges and growth that come with returning to civilian work life, the support that made a difference along the way, and the perspectives he brings back from his service. Through an honest and thoughtful conversation, listeners will gain a deeper understanding of Reserve and Guard service, the realities of transitioning home, and how organizations and coworkers can better support those who answer the call.QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE“There’s nothing quite like reconnecting after that long time away. The phone calls and texts only do so much — that face-to-face reunion is just the best feeling.”“You can think you know what that moment is going to feel like, but until you’re actually there and experience it, it’s a whole different ballgame altogether. It’s a feeling I’ll never forget.”“We kind of joked that we had to relearn how to live together again — like we were first dating or first married. It’s been challenging but rewarding at the same time.”“Leading in that environment gave me a real appreciation for the responsibilities senior leaders carry. Most decisions aren’t black and white — there’s a lot more complexity behind them than people realize.”

March 30, 202621 min

Finding Your Voice

Host: Sydney BeckerGuests: Deb Buehler, Heidi MittagIn this episode, we sit down with two standout speakers from the Leader Conference IGNITE Talks to explore what it takes to ignite an audience — and yourself — in just five minutes on stage.Our guests share behind the scenes stories about the preparation that helped bring their ideas to life and the challenges of distilling a powerful leadership message. From working with a public speaking coach to navigating nerves and finding confidence under the lights, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the IGNITE Talk experience.

February 28, 202650 min

How you can get involved with the ERGs in 2026

Host: Alec HoganGuests: Amanda Bauer, Marni Frandson, Troy Pfannenstiel, Martin JohnsonThis year’s ERG leaders discuss events coming up this year, how teammates can get involved, and why joining an ERG is such a rewarding experience. QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE“These ERGs are really for our teammates and to support our culture.”“There’s a tremendous amount of personal development that comes from being part of an ERG.”“We’re trying to make meaningful programs that teammates want across all of our ERGs.”“It’s the people you get to know that you wouldn’t otherwise that make being part of an ERG such an awesome experience.”

November 11, 202537 min

Patriot Explores: Combat Coffee and Washington DC Fly-in

In this episode of the Patriot Podcast, host Martin Johnson sits down with Ginger Langemeier, Legislative Affairs Officer, and Chris Obermeyer, VP of Credit Operations and board member of the Nebraska Farmer Veteran Coalition.Ginger shares insights into the upcoming Farm Credit Fly-In in Washington, D.C. — a powerful advocacy event uniting more than 800 Farm Credit representatives, directors, and customers to engage lawmakers on issues vital to rural America, young and beginning farmers, and veterans in agriculture.Chris discusses Combat Coffee, a grassroots initiative that fosters connection, inclusion, and support among veterans, first responders, and teammates — creating a safe, purpose-driven space for sharing stories and strengthening community. Martin and Chris expand on how vulnerability and authenticity transform these gatherings into family-like spaces of trust and healing.Together, they highlight the profound bond between rural America and military service.Host: Martin JohnsonGuests: Chris Obermeyer, Ginger LangemeierQUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE“Forty-four percent of those who have served our country come from rural America. Combat Coffee and our advocacy efforts are about connecting those communities — because that’s where our strength lies.” — Ginger Langemeier“Anytime we can humanize complex policy discussions, it shows that Farm Credit is truly committed to the success of American agriculture and our rural communities.” — Ginger Langemeier“Even though I don’t have military experience, being invited into that space and feeling the sense of connection — it’s really touching. It’s special to be included in that community.” — Ginger Langemeier“Combat Coffee is about inclusion — creating a space where veterans and teammates can share their stories, be vulnerable, and feel a renewed sense of purpose.” — Chris Obermeyer“Nobody does it better than Farm Credit when it comes to supporting veterans. Combat Coffee is proof of that.” — Chris Obermeyer

October 14, 202532 min

Beacon Explores: Heroes, Visibility & Inspiration

This episode explores people we view as heroes, how visibility impacts us, and our inspirations that keep us moving forward. Members of the Beacon planning committee share stories of people and moments that affected who and how they are today. The goal is for listeners to recognize others that have helped all of us embrace being our authentic selves. Host: Andrew StrandGuests: Joey Huff, Heather Otto, Zach GansebomQUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE"You love your kids and you just want them to be happy honestly.""All flourishing is mutual.""There isn’t anyone you couldn’t love once you’ve heard their story."

September 11, 202525 min

Building Legacy Through Wins and Lessons: EVP Insights

On this episode of The Bridge Podcast, Jacob Nelson, Financial Officer (Market) sits down with Mark Vetter, Executive Vice President of Business Development AgCountry, for a candid conversation about leadership, resilience, and collaboration. From his early days as an intern to his current role shaping strategy across eight states, Mark shares insights on authenticity, mentorship, and what it means to be a future-focused leader.Host: Jacob NelsonGuest: Mark VetterQUOTES FROM MARK VETTER“I was a collaborator before collaboration existed.”“60% of what makes you a great leader is trial and error.”“Every teammate gets to build their legacy by how they show up every day.”“If you make a mistake, it’s okay to be vulnerable with the team.”From early setbacks to strategic wins, Mark shares candid insights into what it means to lead with purpose—and why being present matters more than ever.

July 14, 202524 min

Mentoring Mindset

On this episode of The Bridge, Catalyst interviews two teammates who have participated in their mentoring program, diving into their experience and the benefits gained.Host: Sydney BeckerGuests: Greg Roberg & Sara Keysor

June 10, 202536 min

There isn’t anyone you couldn’t love once you’ve heard their story

This episode explores the idea that understanding another person’s journey can break down walls and build empathy. The conversation dives into real-life stories behind labels, showing how once you truly know someone, it’s hard to reduce them to just one identity – or dislike them for it. Host: Liz KerriganGuests: Amanda Bauer, Andy Strand, Joey Huff, Trish Mitchell