Connecting Badgers
Episodes
Stress Management
01 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week’s episode, the hosts discuss how to identify when you are feeling stressed and offer several tools to help you manage and relieve stres...
Rest
17 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we explore one aspect of self-care, rest. Rest is opportunity for our body and minds to take a break. The hosts dive into why and how to pr...
Attachment Styles and Love Languages
03 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, we explore two popular relationship topics: attachment styles and love languages, while addressing common myths and sharing helpful insight...
Navigating Healthcare
20 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week’s episode, we give an overview of common questions that come up around navigating the healthcare system and explain health insurance te...
Group Counseling
06 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Ben de Boer, Psychologist and Coordinator of Group Counseling, joins the hosts to answers questions about group counseling and how students can ge...
Adjustment to College
22 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this weeks episode we discuss adjusting to college life and share tips and resources to help you navigate challenges.Get ConnectedGeneral informati...
Intro to Mental Health Services (MHS)
08 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dr. Ellen Marks, Director of Mental Health Services at UHS,joins the hosts to answer questions about what services are available and how to access res...
Transition After Graduation
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode of the Connecting Badgers Podcast, the hosts dive into the excitement and challenges of graduation, offering practical tips...
Survivor Services
09 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Since April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, the hosts chat with Molly Caradonna, PsyD, Director of Survivor Services, about the various resources a...
Substance Use and Mental Health
26 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode of the Connecting Badgers Podcast, the hosts interview Geoff Brown, Coordinator of Substance Use Services, about the link betwe...
Why We Feel Lonely
12 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode of the Connecting Badgers Podcast, the hosts tackle a tough but common feeling: loneliness and why it’s so widespread amo...
Eating Disorder Awareness
26 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode of the Connecting Badgers Podcast, the hosts raise awareness for Eating Disorder Awareness Week by clearly defining disorde...
Proactive Wellness
12 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode of the Connecting Badgers Podcast, the hosts share strategies for proactive wellness, focusing on setting intentions for ac...
Body Neutrality
03 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode of the Connecting Badgers Podcast, Eating Disorder Services Coordinator Andie Schwabe, LPC, explains body neutrality—what it ...
Self-Care During the Holidays
18 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Winter break is approaching, which means holidays, food, and fun. It can also mean is exposure to family conflicts, isolation, and time away from your...
Sleep
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we’re covering something that everyone needs, and many people struggle with – sleep. With it getting darker earlier, exams and assignments b...
Navigating Roommate Relationships
13 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Living with roommates can be one of the most fulfilling or the most challenging experiences of college life. In this episode, we are talking with Moll...
Native November
30 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we chat with Serena Cisneros, MS, LPC, who is Ojibwe from the Lac Courte Oreilles, and one of the UHS embedded mental health providers...
Election Stress
16 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we would like to address the upcoming election and associated stress which may not be present in your everyday routines, but continue to impact ...
Focus Services
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
MHS offers focused services for students with underrepresented identities who express a need to work with a provider with shared identity/cultural bac...
Psychiatric Services
18 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we talk with Dr. Ritu Bhatnagar about Psychiatric Services at UHS and answer basic questions on what to expect in a psychiatry appointment, how ...
Therapist Fit
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
At this time a lot of students may be thinking about coming to therapy. Today we answer questions about how to know if a therapist is a good fit, what...
UWill
01 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are highlighting an exciting mental health resource, Uwill. Uwill provides students with access to a therapist of their choice via the mode o...
Stress Versus Anxiety
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Stress Versus Anxiety As we are approaching the end of the semester, stress and anxiety are running rampant through campus. If you have ever wondere...
Survivor Services
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
For Sexual Assault Awareness Month our hosts talk with Survivor Services to discuss the different ways and resources through which they provide suppor...
Therapy Myths
20 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The idea of therapy can seem intimidating or mystifying. In this episode, your hosts will be breaking down some common myths about therapists and what...
Substance Use and Mental Health
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Learn about the interplay of substance use and mental health, myths about substance abuse, and how to assess the impact of substance use on your life...
Exploring Mood Changes with the Season
21 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
If you have ever wondered how to tell when your feelings are a ‘normal’ part of life and when it might be something that is diagnosable, this epis...
Spring 2024 MHS Services
07 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we provide an overview of what’s offered through Mental Health Services going into the Spring 2024 semester. Group and workshop sc...
Navigating Self-Care for Holidays
20 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Winter break is approaching, which means holidays, food, and fun. It can also mean is exposure to family conflicts, isolation, and time away from your...
Study Skills, Stress Management, and Grounding (Reupload)
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On the next episode of the Connecting Badgers podcast - It’s that time of the semester again: finals! This week we provide some tips on studying, st...
Men's Mental Health
01 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Connecting Badgers Podcast, our hosts are joined by Matt Sablan, a male-identified mental health provider, to discuss men's...
GSCC
01 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode the hosts are joined by two student employees of the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center. The guests share all things GSCC, including whe...
Responding to Global Crises
26 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The Connecting Badgers hosts offer support for anyone affected by the Israel-Palestine conflict, with offers of validation, suggestions for coping, r...
Social Media
04 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
If you have a love-hate relationship with social media like most of us, listen to this episode of Connecting Badgers where we discuss the different ...
Suicide Prevention
13 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
***Content Advisory: This episode will include discussion around suicide, mental health distress, and suicidal ideation. Today our hosts interview U...
Welcome Fall 2023 - An Introduction to MHS Services
06 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome Fall 2023 – an Introduction to MHS Services Welcome new and returning students! In this episode we provide an overview of what’s offer...
MHS Summer Services 2023
27 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Did you know MHS has services over the summer? Listen in to learn more about what’s available, who’s eligible, and how to get connected, whateve...
Study Skills, Stress Management, and Grounding
03 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It’s that time of the semester again: finals! Listen in as we give some tips on studying, stress management, and grounding skills. Greater Univers...
International Student Services
19 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Join our hosts as we talk with representatives from the International Student Services office to learn more about their scope and services, and ways i...
APIDA Heritage Month
12 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode features Christa Zhang, Master of Social Work student and practicum trainee at MHS, interviewing Kevin Wong, Program Coordinator for the ...
McBurney Disability Resource Center
22 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On the latest episode of the Connecting Badgers podcast we meet with Ryan Keegan of the McBurney Disability Resource Center to learn about accommodati...
When a Relationship Ends
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On the latest episode of the Connecting Badgers podcast, we talk about what happens when a relationship ends, the impacts of this loss, different ways...
Care Management
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On the latest episode of the Connecting Badgers podcast, we meet with our guest and new full-time host, Andie Schwabe, LPC, a Care Manager and Eating ...
Finals & End of Semester Stress
13 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode we talk finals, managing end of semester stress, and resources available for students. General information on Mental Health Services ...
MHS Training Programs
06 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode we talk more with Jennifer Moulton, PhD, Assistant Director of Training at MHS, and Kari Treu, MsE, a postgraduate fellow about the tr...
Mental Health 102
15 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for Mental Health 102, the latest episode of the Connecting Badgers podcast where we talk about what to expect out of counseling and how to ge...
Mental Health 101
25 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Join us for a ‘mental health 101’ discussion where we talk about how to identify mental health concerns, how to support yourself, and when to reac...
Group Counseling
20 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
We talk with Ben De Boer, psychologist and MHS’ group coordinator, about group counseling, what it is and how to know if it might be a good fit for ...
Fall 2022 Services and Resources
08 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome, Students! Today’s hosts give an overview of offerings through Mental Health Services this Fall, provide updates on how to access services, ...
UHS Summer Mental Health Services
28 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Our hosts share information about the mental health services and resources available through UHS over the summer. Whether or not you are enrolled in s...
Episode 305: Finals, Graduation, and Next Phase of Life Transitions
09 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hosts Q, Liz, and Casey talk with MHS psychologists Dr. Jeff Hird and Dr. Felix Savino about managing the end of the semester, tools and tips for stud...
Episode 304: Social Media and Mental Health
02 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
For this episode of the Connecting Badgers Podcast Casey, Liz, and Quincy discuss social media and the pros and cons it has on mental wellbeing. Resou...
Episode 303: Conversations About Drugs and Alcohol
15 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Geoff Brown, LPC, the Coordinator of Substance Use Services at UHS, clears up common myths and misconceptions about drug and alcohol use, answers ques...
Episode 302: National Eating Disorders Awareness (NEDA)
07 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Andie Schwabe, a UHS provider for eating disorder assessments, met with Liz and Casey to talk about eating disorders and how to recognize disordered e...
Episode 301: Black History Months and Events
15 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Lauren Adams, Program Coordinator for the Black Cultural Center (BCC), Jacqueline Nah, planning committee co-chair, and DeOnna Garrison, planning comm...
Episode 209: Finals and End of Semester Stress
13 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Hosts Liz and Casey talk finals, managing end of semester stress, and resources available for students. Silvercloud: https://www.uhs.wisc.edu/me...
Episode 208: Movember and Men's Mental Health
22 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Join Casey, Liz, and guest Geoff Brown, LPC to discuss Movember and men's mental health. Men in Conversation: A Panel Discussion on Men's Mental...
Episode 207: Returning Home for Holidays and Issues Over Semester Breaks
08 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Hosts Liz and Casey chat about returning home for the holidays and what happens if home is not necessarily a safe or supportive environment. Listen in...
Episode 206: ADHD and Self Diagnosis
25 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Co-hosts Casey, Liz and Quincy meet with Denise Calhoun Ph.D to discuss ADHD. Listen in to learn more about ADHD, its symptoms, treatment, and service...
Episode 205: Hobbies and Activities That Bring You Joy
11 Oct 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Casey, Liz, and Q spend some time talking about their current hobbies and activities, finding balance, and the value of learning what brings you joy. ...
Episode 204: Latinx Heritage and Latinx Heritage Month
27 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For this episode of the Connecting Badgers Podcast Casey and Liz are joined by Olga Riusech to discuss Latinx Heritage Month. Olga shares more about t...
Episode 203: Substance Use & Badger Recovery
13 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Hosts Sidra and Casey chat with Geoff Brown, LPC, Coordinator of Substance use Services at MHS. Listen in for a discussion on substance use, resources...
Episode 202: MHS Fall Services
07 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Casey, Liz, and Sidra are joined by Sarah Nolan, Director of Mental Health Services, to discuss what services will be offered in Fall...
Episode 201: Back to School
30 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome back students! In this episode Casey is joined by MHS psychologist Jeff Hird and Meg Boyer, a postdoc resident at MHS, for a conversation abou...
Episode 127: McBurney Accommodations and Services
03 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Episode hosts Sidra, Liz, and Casey share some basic information about the McBurney Center on campus, provide examples of mental health concerns and s...
Episode 126: Summer Mental Health
21 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Hosts Liz and Casey interview Jeff Peterson, LCSW, MHS therapist and Crisis Stabilization Specialist about general mental health and services availabl...
Episode 125: Pride
07 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For Pride month, join hosts Sidra and Liz as they have a conversation with LGBTQ Focus Mental Health provider at UHS, Sam Herlitzke, LMFT on all thing...
Episode 124: Finals, Graduation, and Summer Activities in a Pandemic
03 May 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s episode, hosts Liz, Casey, Sidra and Mary navigate the conversation of graduation and summer activities with our guest speaker Bjorn Hans...
Episode 123: Finding a Therapist (Part 2)
19 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
During today’s episode, hosts Liz and Casey share their expertise with Sidra, Mary, and our listeners regarding navigating insurance with the purpos...
Episode 122: Sexual Assault Awareness Month
05 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Content Warning: Our topic for today is on Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This material may be triggering for some listeners. Today we have conversat...
Episode 121: Ways to Recharge Without Spring Break
22 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
For today’s episode, hosts Sidra and Mary navigate coping with the cancellation of Spring Break this semester. Spring Break is the usually very awai...
Episode 120: Finding a Therapist (Part 1)
08 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today, hosts Casey, Liz, Jamie, Sidra and Mary navigate the conversation on exploring your needs and wants when searching for a community provider. Th...
Episode 119: Codependency
22 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, hosts Sidra and Casey talk with MHS’ Michelle Pitot, EdD, MSSW, about codependency in all types of relationships. Due to some techn...
Episode 118: Couples Counseling
08 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Hosts Sidra, Jamie, Liz, and Casey talk couples counseling with Mental Health Services provider, Jo Hoese, PhD on why couples counseling, what might l...
Episode 117: Welcome Back Students & Welcome Sidra to the Podcast
25 Jan 2021
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, hosts Liz, Casey, Jamie and Mary welcome a new host to our Connecting Badgers team, Sidra! This episode is focused on getting to know...
Episode 116: Debunking Therapy Myths (Part 2)
21 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This is a continuation of episode 14. On this episode, hosts Casey, Liz and Mary continue to debunk myths about therapy and working with a thera...
Episode 115: Finals and Mental Health
07 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, hosts Casey, Liz and Mary suggest strategies for taking care of yourself during finals week for improved performance as well as maint...
Episode 114: Debunking Therapy Myths (Part 1)
23 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On this Episode of Connecting Badgers hosts Mary and Casey debunk some common myths about therapy. For more information on mental health service...
Episode 113: Movember
09 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, hosts Casey, Liz and Mary are joined by MHS provider Corey Steele Ph.D to talk about Movember. For more information, including how to...
Episode 112: Dating and Domestic Violence
26 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
CW: Dating and Domestic Violence. On this episode, hosts Casey, Liz and Mary are joined by MHS and Survivor Services provider Molly Caradonna, P...
Episode 111: Depression Awareness Month
12 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A content warning for our listeners: This episode of Connecting Badgers discusses self-harm, suicide, and death. If you would like you can skip forwar...
Episode 110: Suicide Prevention
28 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A content warning for our listeners: This episode of Connecting Badgers discusses self-harm, suicide, and death. If you'd like to skip this content, p...
Episode 109: Group Services at MHS
14 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On episode 9 of Connecting Badgers co-hosts Liz and Mary speak with Ben de Boer, PsyD, CGP, Coordinator of Group Services at MHS. Join us to learn mor...
Episode 108: Back to School
31 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On episode 8 of Connecting Badgers co-hosts Liz, Casey and Mary welcome students back to campus with a review and discussion of tools and skills to ai...
Episode 107: Boundaries
17 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On episode 7 of Connecting Badgers co-hosts Casey, Liz and Mary process boundaries: what they are, what they may look like, how to recover after cross...
Episode 106: Financial Aid Resources
03 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On Episode 6 of the Connecting Badgers Podcast co-hosts Mary and Liz interview Joselyn Diaz-Valdes, a Senior Advisor in the Office of Student Financia...
Episode 105: International Student Services at UW-Madison
20 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
On Episode 5 of the Connecting Badgers Podcast co-hosts Mary, Liz, Jamie, and Casey interview Morgan Keller, Assistant Director of Student Transition ...
Episode 104: Mental Health Services at UHS
13 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In the 4th episode of the Connecting Badgers Podcast, join Mary, Jamie, Casey, and Liz for an overview of the resources available at University Health...
Episode 103: Accessing Services
22 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Please listen to our previously released short message addressing recent events, the Black Lives Matter movement, and how you can show support and eng...
Statement on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice
22 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The values described in this mission statement of the Connecting Badgers podcast include a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social just...
Episode 102: FACE COVID
01 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
UHS Mental Health Services staff discuss how to “FACE COVID” and demonstrate a grounding technique.
Episode 101: Commencement
08 May 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Commencement is an important celebration of academic accomplishments. It is valid to grieve the cancellation of our in person commencement ceremony. W...