State of Wellbeing, a podcast from South Dakota State University

This episode of the "State of Wellbeing" series focuses on decision-making, particularly from the perspective of college students. Hosted by Kevin Sackreiter, the discussion features Gabriel Hertler, a mental health counselor, as they delve into the complexities of decisions students face, including academics, relationships, and personal habits.
 
Learning Objectives:
1. Identify common challenges college students face when making decisions about academics, relationships, and personal habits.
2. Reflect on personal values and how they influence decision-making.
3. Identify SDSU resources that support students in personal and academic growth.
 
Processing Questions:
1. Can you identify a recent decision you made that had a significant impact on your life? What factors influenced that decision?
2. Reflect on a time when you overcommitted to one aspect of your life (e.g., academics, relationships, or leisure). How did it affect other areas of your life?
3. Have you ever tried to form a new habit? What challenges did you face during the process, and how did you address them?

In this episode of State of Wellbeing, host Kevin Sackreiter talks with Dr. Katelyn Romsa and graduate student Marianna Pavlis about what resiliency really means for students, faculty, and staff at SDSU. They explore common myths, everyday ways to strengthen resilience, and the importance of support systems, boundaries, and self‑care. A quick, meaningful conversation for anyone looking to grow through life’s challenges.

In this episode of State of Wellbeing, Nicole Gertken, Viena Klipfel, and Jasmine Monnier from the Wintrode Student Success and Opportunity Center discuss how students can recover from mistakes and missteps and continue to have success in college. They also touch on the role of faculty and staff in supporting students through these challenges.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will recognize common academic and non-academic mistakes as opportunities for personal and academic growth, fostering a mindset of resilience and adaptability.
Students will develop techniques to manage and recover from academic or personal setbacks, including goal setting, reflecting on missteps, and focusing on positive future actions.
Students will demonstrate knowledge of campus resources, such as academic advising, Study Hub, and counseling services, and their role in supporting academic and personal success.
 
Processing Questions:
What support resources are available to assist students at SDSU when dealing with mistakes and missteps? Why does SDSU invest in these resources and how does that connect to your own student success?
What are some strategies to overcome typical missteps that students make?
How can the concepts of resilience and success discussed in the podcast help you prepare for life beyond college?

Resiliency. Grit. Persistence. We all know these terms, but what do they really mean for our mental and physical wellbeing? In this two part episode, Senior Associate Athletic Director Holly Van Vlymen and Jackrabbit student athletes Clay Carlson and Akeela Jefferson discuss the importance of resiliency and how to build it.

In this episode of State of Wellbeing, host Caitlin Walters sits down with Jake Heidenreich, Fitness and Aquatics Coordinator at the Miller Wellness Center, to explore practical strategies for setting and achieving goals—just in time for the New Year. Jake shares insights on creating realistic, sustainable resolutions and explains why motivation matters. Whether you’re planning a fitness journey or simply looking to improve your wellbeing, this conversation offers actionable tips to help you stay on track and thrive throughout the year.
 
Learning Objectives:
1. Define instrinsic and extrinsic motivation and identify examples of each.
2. Identify practical techniques for building habits and maintaining accountability.
3. Evaluate common reasons why New Year's resolutions fail and propose strategies to overcome these challenges.
 
Processing Questions:
1. What is the difference between intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation, and why is it important to have a balance of both?
2. What are some effective ways to maintain accountability when working toward a goal?
3. Why is it important to give yourself grace when you fall off track, and how can reframing setbacks help you stay committed?

Donna Merkt, Director of the South Dakota Art Museum, shares insights into how art supports emotional, mental, and social wellness. The episode underscores how art—whether through creation, observation, or conversation—can contribute to individual wellbeing, strengthen social connections, and enrich campus and community life. 
Student Learning Outcomes:
1. Students will be able to identify and describe the ways in which art positively contributes to emotional, mental, and social wellbeing.
2. Students will demonstrate practical ways to incorporate art into their lives as a means to promote personal wellbeing.
3. Students will reflect on how art serves as a tool for self-expression, processing emotions, and building social connections across diverse communities.
 
Processing Questions:
1. What are some of the key ways that art contributes to emotional and mental wellbeing? Can you think of examples from your own life where art has had a similar effect?
2. How does art help build a sense of community and connection among people? Can you think of any examples of public art or museum spaces where this happens?
3. Based on the podcast, what new practices or habits might you explore to integrate art into your personal wellbeing routine?

In this episode of State of Wellbeing, we dive into the world of dietary supplements and their role in supporting health and wellness. Host Shari Landmark, SDSU’s Chief Wellness Officer, sits down with Dr. Joe Berendse, Associate Professor in the College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, to unpack common misconceptions, safety concerns, and practical tips for supplement use. From multivitamins and melatonin to energy boosters and immunity aids, we explore what’s popular among college students, what’s truly effective, and what to watch out for. 
 
Learning Objectives:
After listening to this episode, listeners should be able to:
1. Define what qualifies as a dietary supplement and explain how supplements differ from over-the-counter medications in terms of purpose and regulation.
2. Evluate supplement labels and interpret key information.
3. Apply practical tips for selecting reputable supplement brands and using verification programs to ensure product quality.
4. Understand the role of healthcare providers and campus wellness resources in guiding supplement use and promoting overall wellbeing.
 
Processing Questions:
1. Why might college students be more likely to use dietary supplements?
2. Why is it important to consult healthcare providers before starting a supplement regimen?
3. What marketing tactics should consumers be cautious of when choosing dietary supplements?

In this episode, two Exercise Science students and members of SDSU's Exercise is Medicine initiative discuss how physical activity supports academic success and mental health and the lifelong benefits of establishing healthy routines early. Whether you're looking to start a new habit, overcome barriers like time and motivation, or learn how exercise truly is medicine for your mind and body, this conversation is filled with practical insights and encouragement.
 
Learning Objectives:
After listening to this podcast, listeners should be able to:
1. Describe the purpose and goals of the Exercise is Medicine initiative and explain why it is especially relevant for college students.
2. Explain how regular physical activity supports mental and physical wellbeing as well as academic success.
3. Recognize the importance of building sustainable exercise habits early in life.
 
Processing Questions:
1. The guests talked about how exercise habits often decline after high school. What changes in your own routine or environment have influenced your activity level since coming to college?
2. What barriers do you personally face when it comes to staying active? How might the strategies discussed in the episode help you overcome these barriers?
3. Can you recall a time when movement positively affected your mental health or ability to focus? What did you notice?
4. What is one small step you feel ready to take to make exercsie a more regular and enjoyable part of your life?

As we enter into December, host Toby Uecker sits down with Dr. Amy Newstrom, faculty member in the SDSU College of Nursing, to explore the realities of mental health during seasonal transitions. Together, they break down what seasonal affective disorder (SAD) truly is, how it differs from the casual idea of “winter blues,” and why the biological, social, and emotional factors behind it are more complex than many of us realize.
 
Learning Objectives:
After listening to this episode, listeners should be able to:
1. Describe what seasonal affective disorder is and distinguish it from general "winter blues" or mild seasonal mood changes.
2. Recognize common symptoms of depression and seasonal affective disorder.
3. Evaluate practical strategies for interrupting negative mental health spirals.
 
Processing Questions:
1. What does it mean to be a "curious, non-judgmental observer" of your own mental health?
2. What patterns do you notice in your own wellbeing as the seasons change?
3. How might you practice more kindness toward yourself as you navigate seasonal change?

In this week's State of Wellbeing episode, Caitlin Walters and Karen Eidem discuss how gratitude shapes our mental health, helps us navigate life's challenges, and brings deeper joy to everyday moments. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about slowing down, giving thanks, and embracing a more mindful, grateful approach to wellbeing.
 
Learning Objectives:
1. Define gratitude and explain its role in supporting overall wellbeing.
2. Identify practical strategies for incorporating gratitude into daily routines and mindfulness practices.
3. Describe how practicing gratitude can positively impact mental health, including reducing anxiety and improving mood.
 
Processing Questions:
1. What is one good thing that happened to you today that you can be grateful for?
2. What are some ways that practicing gratitude can impact your mental health?
3. In what ways can you incorporate gratitude into a mindfulness or self-care routine?