Join us as we explore tools, practices, meditations and conversations with members of the UK community. Together we will discover how we can thrive at work, home and beyond. Becoming Wildly Resilient is brought to you by University of Kentucky HR Health & Wellness.
Listen as host Jackie Carroll, health coach with the University of Kentucky Health and Wellness Program, guides you through a "farm-to-table" meditation.In this practice, we explore the deep connection between the land, the hands that grow our food, and the nourishment that sustains our bodies. Whether you are looking to ground yourself at the start of your day or find a moment of peace before a meal, this guided journey invites you to visualize the cycle of nourishment that connects us all.What’s Included in This Practice:A Grounding Start: A gentle guided arrival into the present moment, focusing on breath and releasing physical tension.Field Visualization: A journey into a quiet sunrise field to feel the calming support of the earth and the vitality of growing plants.The Gratitude Loop: Reflections on the journey food takes from farm to table—honoring the sun, soil, rain, and farmers.An Intention of Nourishment: A space to form a gentle promise to honor your body by choosing food that truly sustains you.Reflection: What is one tiny step you could take to support a local farmer or choose fresh, seasonal food this week?
3/24/26 • 07:33
What if the secret to better health and a stronger community was as simple as a jar of local honey? In this episode of Becoming Wildly Resilient, health coach Amy Rodquist-Kodet explores the "quiet resilience" found in our food systems.Following a conversation with Kristi Durbin from the UK Organic Farming Unit, Amy dives into the research behind nutrient density, the economic impact of supporting local farmers, and the emotional connection we build when we know where our food comes from. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a single pot on a balcony, this episode offers three practical, low-pressure ways to bring your food a little closer to home.Key Takeaways:The Freshness Factor: Research suggests some produce loses 15–70% of its nutrients within a week of harvest. Local food reaches your plate faster and more nutrient-dense.The 16-Cent Reality: Out of every dollar spent on industrial food, farmers typically receive only 16 cents. Buying local keeps more of those dollars in your immediate community.Equity in Access: Acknowledging that local food isn't always accessible to everyone, and highlighting programs like Double Dollars for SNAP and sliding-scale CSAs that aim to bridge the gap.Nature Connection: Environmental psychology shows that eating seasonally and gardening (even on a small scale) reduces stress and improves well-being.3 simple ways to start today: The "One Local Swap" Rule: Pick one staple item (like honey, eggs, or bread) and commit to finding a local version.Follow the Seasons: Align your grocery list with what’s growing nearby—strawberries in early summer, squash in the fall.Grow Your Own (Even a Little): You don’t need a Pinterest-perfect garden. A container of cherry tomatoes or peas is enough to create a meaningful connection to your food—especially for kids!This Week’s Invitation: What is one small way you could bring food a little closer to home this month?
3/18/26 • 09:46
In this episode, guest host Tammy Akin and Kristi Durbin from the UK Organic Farming Unit explore how eating local food boosts personal health, mindfulness and community well‑being. They discuss what “local” truly means, why freshness matters for nutrition, how local food strengthens local economies, programs that improve affordability and simple ways to start—from farmers markets to CSAs to U‑pick farms.Takeaway: Even one small choice to buy local can support your health and the community that feeds you.Brought to you by UK HR Health & Wellness.
3/6/26 • 22:16
Listen as Jackie Carroll, health coach with University of Kentucky Health and Wellness invites listeners to explore how acts of volunteering can replenish our energy, reveal our purpose and strengthen our sense of belonging within our communities.
2/24/26 • 06:16
In this Becoming Wildly Resilient practice episode, Amy Rodquist-Kodet, health coach with UK Health and Wellness as she explores how volunteering strengthens well‑being through the themes of giving, growing and connecting. She highlights that volunteering is not only an act of generosity but also a neurologically regulating practice that boosts purpose and resilience. Backed by research, Amy explains how even small acts of service can lower stress, increase life satisfaction and deepen our sense of belonging.
2/21/26 • 09:21
Discover how volunteering does far more than support good causes—it strengthens your well‑being. In this inspiring episode, we explore the powerful ways that giving back helps us feel better, grow personally and connect more deeply with others.Through practical insights and uplifting reflections, you’ll learn how small acts of service can:Boost emotional and mental healthBuild confidence, skills and a renewed sense of purposeCreate meaningful social connections and a sense of belongingReduce stress and burnout by shifting focus to purposeFuel healthier, more connected communitiesWhether you volunteer regularly or are just curious how helping others might help you, this episode shows how service is a simple, accessible pathway to feeling more grounded, motivated and connected.If you’re looking for a meaningful spark in your daily routine—or a reminder that your actions matter—this conversation is for you.Listen in, get inspired and take one small step to give, grow and connect.
2/18/26 • 23:56
Listen as Jackie Carroll, health coach with University of Kentucky HR Health and Wellness invites listeners to slow down and create a sense of calm around financial stress in this guided meditation. The practice encourages compassion, clarity, and steadiness—supporting a more open, resilient approach to financial wellness.
1/27/26 • 06:22
In this Becoming Wildly Resilient practice episode, Amy Rodquist-Kodet explores how financial stress affects relationships and offers a simple tool—the Money Check-In—to help navigate tense money conversations with more understanding and less reactivity.Amy explains that financial strain often triggers the nervous system, making people feel threatened. For many, this leads to a sense of urgency and a desire to make quick decisions just to end the discomfort.
1/23/26 • 08:32
Listen as host Sebastian Calmes, Wellness Specialist with UK HR Health and Wellness, speaks with Jennifer Godbey, Assistant Professor and therapist in UK Psychiatry as they explore the powerful connection between financial wellness and healthy relationships. Learn why money conversations matter, how financial stress impacts emotional well-being, and practical strategies for building trust and shared goals around finances. This discussion offers tools to foster clarity, communication, and confidence in managing money together.
1/14/26 • 17:48
Listen as Jackie Carroll, health coach with UK HR Health and Wellness, guides listeners through a calming winter meditation designed to support emotional well‑being during the darker months. Through gentle reflection, you’ll explore what nourishes your energy when sunlight is scarce and how small joys can bring warmth into the season.
12/22/25 • 06:26
Listen as host Amy Rodquist-Kodet, Health Coach with UK HR Health and Wellness, shares simple, research-backed practices to help steady your mood during the dark Winter months. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) impacts millions each year, but small actions—light exposure, gentle movement and self-compassion—can make a meaningful difference. Amy says, “These practices aren’t about fixing everything at once; they’re about shifting your internal weather by a few degrees, building resilience over time.”Key Points:• Light: Morning light exposure is a powerful cue for your circadian rhythm. Even a short burst of brightness—like turning toward a window or a bright lamp—can support a more positive circadian rhythm.• Movement: Just 10 minutes of low-intensity movement can increase BDNF, a brain chemical tied to emotional stability and resilience. Think of gentle movements like rolling your shoulders or shifting in your seat.• Self-Compassion: Brief moments of self-kindness reduce stress and regulate the nervous system. Pairing a small action with a compassionate phrase—such as “I deserve steadiness and kindness”—makes the practice more powerful and sustainable.
12/20/25 • 09:10
Listen as host Sebastian Calmes, Wellness Specialist with UKHR Health & Wellness, speaks with Lee Anne Walmsley, Assistant Dean ofWellness and Well-Being at the College of Nursing, about Seasonal AffectiveDisorder (SAD)—what it is, why reduced sunlight can impact mood and practicalstrategies to support yourself and others through the winter months—it's timeto become more Wildly Resilient! Other SAD Episodes:· "SAD" During Winter Months? 3Simple Tools for a Resilient Winter | BWR: Practice Ep. 114· A Meditation for Seasonal AffectiveDisorder (SAD) | BWR: Meditation Ep. 115Personal Resilience Resources: Key Takeaways:· SAD is more than “winter blues”—it’s arecurring, persistent pattern.Seasonal Affective Disorder can show up as a consistent heaviness/sadness andlow mood that returns year after year, not just a temporary slump from coldweather or a bad week. · SAD is biological, not a personal weakness—lightchanges brain chemistry and sleep cycles. Reduced daylight can influence circadianrhythms, lower serotonin (mood support) and increase melatonin (sleepiness),which helps explain why people can feel more fatigued, down and unmotivated inwinter. · Small, consistent strategies can meaningfullyhelp—especially light, routine, movement and support. Practical tools includegetting outside when the sun is out, considering light therapy, prioritizing regularsleep, adding consistent activity and using social connection as a moodsupport. For persistent or debilitating symptoms, professional support like CBTand healthcare collaboration is important.
12/17/25 • 17:44
Listen as Jackie Carroll, health coach with UK HRHealth and Wellness, guides listeners through a calming resilience meditationdesigned to help you reconnect with your inner strength. As you settle intostillness, you’ll reflect on past challenges, uncover the qualities that helpedyou rise above them and embrace the wisdom and growth those experiences brought!
11/26/25 • 07:34
Listen as host Amy Rodquist-Kodet, health coachwith UK HR Health and Wellness, shares “Hope Mapping,” a tool for cultivating resilienceand self-efficacy when life feels hard. Hope Mapping is grounded in Hope Theory,the idea that hope is not wishful thinking, but a mindset that cooperativelyuses agency and strategy!
11/24/25 • 10:52
Listen as host Sebastian Calmes, Wellness Specialist, speaks with Tony Lynn and Jamie Brown, both UK employees, about their personal resilience stories. In this episode, we discover how our understanding of personal resilience can change over time, and how oftentimes resilience is a daily choice—it's time to become more Wildly Resilient!
11/20/25 • 21:36
Listen as Jackie Carroll, health coach with UK HRHealth and Wellness, guides you through a meditation aimed at emotionalwell-being and the arts. Jackie invites you to explore your emotions and awakenyour creative spirit in a space free of judgment, encouraging healing throughartistic expression. Thank you for listening, and as always, be well.
10/29/25 • 08:01
Listen as host Amy Rodquist-Kodet, health coachwith UK HR Health and Wellness, shares a joyful and science-backed approach toemotional regulation through music!Learn how to create three intentional playlists—Soothe,Move and Lift—that help you navigate stress, reconnect withmeaning, and build resilience. Drawing on neuroscience and personal stories,Amy explains how music can regulate mood, reduce stress hormones and evokepowerful memories that restore a sense of self. Whether you're dancing in yourkitchen or pausing to ask what you need most, this practice invites you to usemusic as a tool for emotional renewal and self-awareness.
10/29/25 • 08:35
Listen as host Sebastian Calmes, Wellness Specialist, and Dr. Beth Arnold, Associate Dean and Professor of Music Performance and Voice, explore the deep relationship between our emotional well-being and the arts. Dr. Beth Arnold and her colleague, Dieter Yeomans, also perform Monteverdi's Laudate Dominum from Selva morale e spirituale (SV 287).
10/29/25 • 20:59
Listen as host Sebastian Calmes, Wellness Specialist, and Dr. Beth Arnold, Associate Dean and Professor of Music Performance and Voice, explore the deep relationship between our emotional well-being and the arts. Dr. Beth Arnold and her colleague, Dieter Yeomans, also perform Monteverdi's Laudate Dominum from Selva morale e spirituale (SV 287).
10/17/25 • 21:24
Listen as Jackie Carroll, health coach with UK HRHealth and Wellness, guides you through a reflective journey centered on spiritual well-being. Building on Amy Rodquist-Kodet’s practice of Transcendent Reframing, Jackie invites you to explore what spiritual connection means to you—whether through mindfulness, prayer, sacred texts or simply a sense of belonging. Thank you for listening, and as always, be well!
9/29/25 • 07:17
Listen as host Amy Rodquist-Kodet, health coachwith UK HR Health and Wellness, shares a powerful tool for navigating hardship with greater meaning and compassion. In this episode, Amy introduces TranscendentReframing, a practice rooted in psychological research and personal experience that helps us shift how we carry suffering. Rather than bypassing pain, this approach invites us to name our stressors, reframe them with intention and anchor them in a larger story of connection.
9/14/25 • 10:34
In this episode of Becoming Wildly Resilient, Wellness Specialist Sebastian Calmes meets with Justin Sadle, Director of Religious and Spiritual Life at the University of Kentucky, to explore spiritual well-being—one of UK HR Health and Wellness’s eight aspects of well-being. Justin shares insights on what spiritual well-being means, how it differs from religion and universal practices that can help deepen your connection to self and community. Whether you're religious, spiritual or simply curious, this conversation offers thoughtful ways to grow and thrive.
9/10/25 • 06:38
Listen as Jackie Carroll, a health coach withUK HR Health and Wellness, leads you through a unique mediation powered by ArtificialIntelligence. This meditation showcases how we can use AI as a collaborativeresilience tool to deepen our well-being—as something that doesn’t replace intentionalwell-being practice, but as another tool to face life’s diverse resiliencechallenges. Each month, Jackie will deepen the ideas presented by AmyRodquist-Kodet's practice. Thank you for listening, and as always, be well!
8/29/25 • 07:48
Listen as host Amy Rodquist-Kodet, a healthcoach with UK HR Health and Wellness, tells us how we can use artificial intelligence in mindful ways. Amy says, “AI [is] a tool for well-being, not as a replacement for human connection or a shortcut to avoid discomfort but as a powerful partner to help us stay present and focused and even more aligned with our values.” With this attitude,AI can be leveraged as a partner or collaborator! Thank you for listening; and as always, be well!Key Points:1. Intentional AI Use Supports Well-Being: AI can be a helpfulpartner in emotional and intellectual wellness when used with purpose. It helpsreduce stress and improve focus—not by replacing human connection, but bysupporting it.2. If-Then Planning Builds Resilience: Using “implementationintentions” like “If I feel overwhelmed, then I’ll use AI to clarify mynext step” helps shift from stress to action. These simple plans boostfollow-through and reduce mental clutter.3. Tech Should Enhance, Not Replace, Connection: AI canstreamline tasks and communication, but its role is to free up space formeaningful human moments. Clear boundaries and purpose ensures AI use supportsresilience.
8/22/25 • 07:55
Listen as host Sebastian Calmes, Wellness Specialist, and Trey Conatser, Assistant Provost for Teaching & Learning, discuss the essential topic of intellectual well-being. As work and education further integrate with artificial intelligence, what should we be mindful of when using AI, so we take care of our intellectual well-being? What’s the difference between large language models and AI? What is a balanced approach to using AI in a complementary way to our creative and learning endeavors, as opposed to replacing our capacity for creativity, critical thought and engaged learning. It’s time to become more wildly resilient! Key Takeaways: 1. Intellectual well-being is multi-dimensional It includes having a clear sense of purpose, feeling empowered to act (agency), believing in your ability to learn (self-efficacy), connecting with others and knowing your work matters. These elements help people stay engaged and resilient in a changing world. 2. Active learning and motivation awareness are essential Learning is most effective when it’s hands-on and reflective. Understanding what motivates you—and how to activate that motivation—helps you overcome challenges and grow intellectually. 3. AI should support, not replace, human learning Generative AI can enhance learning and creativity when used thoughtfully. Be mindful of what you choose to up-skill and de-skill. The key is to use AI as a tool to practice, reflect and build expertise—not just to get quick answers.
8/19/25 • 37:18
Listen as Jackie Carroll, a health coach with UK HR Health and Wellness, leads you threw an inspirational mediation that helps us reflect on how we can deepen our relationships and have the courage to start new ones! Each month, Jackie will deepen the ideas presented by Amy Rodquist-Kodet's practice. Thank you for listening, and as always, be well!
7/28/25 • 07:48
Listen as host Amy Rodquist-Kodet, a health coach with UK HR Health and Wellness, shares a researched-based, actionable framework for developing genuine trust in professional, family and intimate relationships. By developing trust in our relationships, we establish a space of mutual vulnerability and safety, helping everyone involved to thrive!
7/22/25 • 10:54
Listen as host Sebastian Calmes, wellness specialist, and UK HR Health and Wellness Mental Health Therapists, Rhonda Henry and Kim Releford discuss the essential topic of social well-being. They delve into defining its core elements, explore the benefits of strong social ties for overall health, and examine how diverse relationships contribute to our sense of connection. They also address the impact of digital connections, distinguish between loneliness and solitude, and share strategies for sustaining healthy relationships, navigating conflict and setting effective boundaries in both personal and professional contexts.
7/15/25 • 40:07
Listen as host Jackie Carroll, a health coach with UK HRHealth and Wellness, guides you through gentle reflection, prompting you toconsider your unique gifts and how you can truly serve! This episode encourageslisteners to deepen their investigation of what values they hold closest to themand meditate on how those values can be used for the good of ourselves andothers!
6/24/25 • 08:30
Listen as host Amy Rodquist-Kodet, a health coach with UK HR Health and Wellness, shares the power of the personal mission statement. Discover how this reflection tool can act as your internal compass, clarifying your values and "why" to boost resilience, work satisfaction and overall well-being!
6/18/25 • 06:47
