The Bridge

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Oct 2026

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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.

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60 recent

October 12, 202634 min

Beacon Voices: Joy in Becoming – Out Loud, Again

HOST: Andrew Strand GUESTS: Joey Huff, Erin Welsh, Ashley Starmer In honor of National Coming Out Day, this episode explores the powerful connection between joy, self-realization, and authenticity. We often talk about coming out as an act of courage, but it is also an act of liberation and celebration. Join us as we discuss the joy that comes from embracing who we truly are, the freedom found in living authentically, and the transformative experience of being seen, known, and accepted. Through personal stories and thoughtful reflection, we'll explore how self-discovery can lead to deeper connections, greater confidence, and a more joyful life. Because when we step into our truth, we create space for belonging, growth, and the joy of becoming our most authentic selves. QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE "Joy appears when we stop performing and start belonging to ourselves." "What changes when we no longer have to edit ourselves for the comfort of others?" "Being seen is powerful. Being celebrated is transformative." "The greatest gift of coming out may not be what others learn about us, but what we learn about ourselves."

September 14, 202632 min

Bridging the Gap on Young and Beginning

HOST: Ashley Keiser GUEST: Brandy Balzer, Mindy Schweitzer On this episode of The Bridge Podcast , we welcome Brandy Balzer and Mindy Schweitzer to discuss their roles as Developing Markets Managers for our Associations. Together, we take a deep dive into how our Associations are helping the next generation of producers grow and succeed through education, industry connections, and specialized expertise. We also look back at the remarkable growth of this initiative over the past five years. What began with just four full-time employees has expanded into a team of nearly 30 teammates, all focused on serving and supporting this important producer demographic. QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE “We have such a strong focus because this is the future of our organizations and our business.” “There are some amazing, passionate, young and beginning producers out there that are looking for great partners to work with, and we want to be that partner.” “Starting gate was formed about five years ago, and really it’s to meet that Farm Credit mission of ensuring that our young and beginning producers have access to education and resources that they need to grow and remain successful.”

August 10, 202636 min

Crew Chaos: Keeping it together (ish)

HOST: Andy Kaiser GUESTS: Kayla Daniels, Sara Miller Whether you're raising toddlers, teenagers, caring for aging parents, or simply trying to stay healthy amidst the chaos, success often means embracing imperfection, laughing at the mishaps, and making room for the moments that matter most. We also discuss some current resources and activities available for your crew. QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE "Fine sounds like that four-letter F word that we use now." "You do remember that I am 41 years old, right?" "Daddy, your breath smells like french fries." "Anybody that says they've got this figured out is either delusional or selling you something." "The laundry sitting there, it's not going anywhere." "Sometimes I feel like our parents are better grandparents than they were parents."

July 13, 202630 min

Cascading Community Involvement

HOST: Heidi Mittag GUESTS: Jessica Strohman, Jeff Spilinek, Sydney Becker This episode of The Bridge showcases the Association’s Community Involvement through the Grant program, the We Give program and the Volunteer program. Learn more how the Association’s donations along with teammate’s volunteer efforts and hours are impacting the local communities. May it leave us all a bit more inspired on how we can multiply and cascade our generosity across our communities. QUOTES FROM THIS EPISODE “This is your personal time. We want you to be able to support causes that are meaningful to you. [Jess]” “We get to see the bigger needs that exist and how the needs align with the pillars. [Jeff]” ”It’s our teammates; they do a great job sharing. Word of mouth is one of the biggest tools to share information about the grants. [Jess]” “Watching a group from FCSA come in and make such a huge impact for an organization in just a few hours helps open up our teammates eyes to these local needs, and they have taken that passion back home to their families and friends. [Jeff]”

June 8, 20261 hr 2 min

Beacon Voices: Joy Is the Game

HOSTS: Andrew Strand, Joey Huff GUESTS: Ashley Starmer, Erin Welsh Beacon 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 Hanson Guest: Greg Salton In 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 Gilg Guests: James Powell In 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 Becker Guests: Deb Buehler, Heidi Mittag In 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 Hogan Guests: Amanda Bauer, Marni Frandson, Troy Pfannenstiel, Martin Johnson This 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 Johnson Guests: Chris Obermeyer, Ginger Langemeier QUOTES 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