Shaye Koester (00:00):
Hey, hey it's Shaye Koester and I'm your host for Casual Cattle Conversations, where we are talking about all topics related to ranching, through sharing the stories and practices of different ranchers and their operations. We are building a community and fostering innovation within the ranching industry through this podcast and my social media pages. So to be a more involved member of this community, please go check out those pages and join the conversation. Follow cattleconvos on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube to join in on my live events and the discussions about each episode and other topics that relate to you and your operation. Now, if you'd like to become a greater part of this podcast that is impacting all 50 states, as well as several other countries, please be sure to reach out to me via email direct message, or you can find the necessary contact information for me by clicking the link in my social media bios, or go into my website, casualcattleconversations.podbean.com. But with that, thanks for tuning in. I'm glad to have you here and let's hear who our guest is today.
Shaye Koester (01:25):
Alrighty, folks, we are back again and today we get to hear from Kirsten Angell and she is going to share her story and a little bit about her background in agriculture, but she's been on this episode before where she talked about coming back to her family's operation. But she's going to share a little more this time. She's going to share a little bit more about her passion, her passion for helping others live healthier lifestyles, and being the best version of themselves they can be. A passion for improving mental and physical health and your overall nutrition. Kirsten has the opportunity to help different farmers and ranchers do this for themselves and she comes from a background where she understands how hard it is to take care of yourself when you're in the beef industry and ranching. She knows how difficult it can be to take care of yourself properly. So, she shares her experience and her tips and tricks and some more information that you will be able to go to later. But with that, thanks for tuning in and let's get on with the episode.
Kirsten Angell (02:38):
Hello, Shaye.
Shaye Koester (02:42):
Okay. So to start off, kind of a fun question, if you could be any animal on your ranch, which one would you be and why?
Kirsten Angell (02:52):
Oh, I would definitely be Sadie the cow dog. I tell her all the time that she has the best life and I want to be her. She has owners that love her and spoil her and she gets to just do what she wants, when she wants.
Shaye Koester (03:13):
Good life. Sounds like a typical cow dog life.
Kirsten Angell (03:17):
She's kind of a retired cow dog now. She had a surgery last fall that put her into retirement it hasn't changed her spunk.
Shaye Koester (03:28):
The retired cow dog life seems to even be a little more spoiled.
Kirsten Angell (03:33):
Although she wants to be out there working cattle. So that was an easy question.
Shaye Koester (03:40):
Well, I'm glad it was easy question. We'll see how the rest of them go. But anyway, so I know you've been on the show before and we talked about your experience returning back to your family operation, but for those who maybe haven't heard that, would you please talk about your background in ranching?
Kirsten Angell (03:59):
Sure. I'm fourth generation on my family's ranch and so I was born into it, I guess you would say. I was gone of course to college twice. I have two degrees and and then I did a stint in Nebraska for awhile after I went to college the first time. I worked. I had my own business then sold it and went back to school. But other than that, I've pretty much been out here. Even when I lived away, I always came back to help at some time of the year. So that's kinda my background. I was, I was born into it. I love it. I've been doing it my whole life.
Kirsten Angell (04:43):
Oh, that's awesome to hear. So what are you doing now then? As far as your business off of the ranch or outside of ranching, I should say.
Kirsten Angell (04:53):
Right. So I own Link4Nutrition and I still have a division of Link4Nutrition called Link4Diabetes. Initially when I first started my business, I focused on the Link4Diabetes portion because when I went back to school to be a dietician, I knew I wanted to become a certified diabetes care and education specialist because my dad got diagnosed with diabetes. I also knew that rural America, Western Kansas, where I'm from was underserved in that area, in the area of diabetes education. And so when I went back to school, I know I wanted to start my own business out here in Western Kansas doing diabetes education. And I did that, but I feel like I can reach more people, help more farmers and ranchers by transitioning to what I now do with my business Link4Nutrition, linking both sides of the plate at the table, where ag and nutrition meet before the plate. I focus on advocating and my audience there is kind of the healthcare population and on the other side of the plate, I focus on helping farmers and ranchers live healthy lives in the areas of nutrition, physical activity, and mental and emotional wellbeing. And of course my audience serves farmers or ranchers. So that's kind of how I transitioned from going back to school as a dietician to where I am today.
Shaye Koester (06:28):
Well, that's really neat that you have like both sides of the plate, but especially how you're working with farmers and ranchers on the health side. I mean, mental and physical with the nutrition aspect too, because I mean, that's just been a very hot topic, I guess, because it's been an issue for a long time, but now it's starting to kind of be talked about more.
Kirsten Angell (06:51):
Yeah, yeah, for sure.
Shaye Koester (06:53):
So you've kind of explained what inspired Link4Nutrition, but is there anything else that you would say inspired you to start that?
Kirsten Angell (07:02):
Not really. And just the, I told you it kind of more about what inspired me to start it, but I've just recently pivoted, I guess, as the new word for business. And like I said, I just wanted to be able to reach more farmers and ranchers through. And I guess I didn't mention how I do that. I do that through public speaking group presentations and blog posts and, and things like that.
Shaye Koester (07:39):
Awesome. So how has your education with nutrition and health either contradicted or complemented what you see in the ranching lifestyle?
Kirsten Angell (07:53):
Well I had to think about that question a little bit. I'll disclose that you sent those to me early. I'm sure everybody knows that. And so, as I thought about it, the way, I guess, I don't know if my education contradicts the farming or ranching lifestyle, but there are some dieticians who advocate or push for choosing to be vegan or vegetarian for reasons based on misinformation. That's why my, before the plate presentations focus on the health profession audience, especially dieticians to clear up misinformation about ranching and all things, cattle and beef production. So that's kind of how, I guess if you would use the word contradicting that's, that's kind of how they contradict. But as far as how they compliment each other on the other side of the plate I can relate to the challenges of farmers and ranchers and trying to live a healthy lifestyle with our profession. And then I can also speak on both sides of the plate regarding where food and beef in particular comes from all the way from not only pasture to plate, but actually from conception to plate. So I feel that's how, how my education and ranching background compliment each other.
Shaye Koester (09:33):
Well. That's awesome. I mean, I think it's pretty neat for you to be on that side of it. So kind of diving deeper into it on the nutrition side. I mean, you live the lifestyle too. You work with other people who live it, you've been around it your whole life, but what are some of the nutritional mistakes you kind of see ranchers make when trying to live healthier lifestyles with the tough lifestyle they live.
Kirsten Angell (10:00):
Right. Right. So the first thing that comes to mind is we care for everything and everybody before ourselves. Yeah. You're shaking your head. Yes. The other thing that that comes to mind is, is not exclusive to the farming and ranching profession. It's just like in all professions farmers and ranchers and everybody follows the latest FAD diet, the latest trend in eating and nutrition. Everybody wants a magic bullet versus making lasting behavior changes that aren't easy, but they can be done by a dietician and that's what we do. We help people make lasting behavior changes rather than something that is going to work for a short while, but can't be continued for a long period of time or for the rest of their lives.
Shaye Koester (11:11):
Well, absolutely. I think the fad diet thing is an interesting point to bring up. I know, like on my Instagram or social media, there's a new one that pops up about every week trying to get you to change what you're doing and whatnot and making it sound like it happens instantaneously that you'll get the results you want.
Kirsten Angell (11:30):
Right. And, and, you know, sometimes those fad diets, they happen instantaneously, but they don't last. [laughter]
Shaye Koester (11:39):
So what is one step that could be taken, say today for a farmer or rancher who wants to make a change in their nutrition?
Kirsten Angell (11:51):
Well, there is one major, just one thing you asked for one thing, and that one thing is a readiness and willingness to change. If somebody is not ready and willing to change, no one else is gonna get them to change, make them change. It all has to come from within. Now, we can, we can pray for our families and our friends and ask God to intervene, but until it's time and that person's ready and willing, they're not going to change very, very much or for very long.
Shaye Koester (12:28):
So say like they are willing and ready to change. What's kind of one of their first initial steps towards that change once they get to that point and are ready to commit to that change in lifestyle,
Kirsten Angell (12:39):
Right? So admitting you, you want help and then seeking help. And, when it comes to nutrition, registered dieticians we're the experts in nutrition. So hopefully if someone is seeking a change in the area of nutrition, they will seek out a registered dietician rather than the internet or well-meaning friends or even their medical doctor. Medical doctors have enough on their plate. They utilize registered dieticians to help their patients in the area of nutrition. So, that's the first step. If it's in nutrition, reach out to us, the registered dieticians.
Shaye Koester (13:22):
Awesome. So what about those busy times of year when nutrition is hard and it's much easier to grab a bag of Doritos and just go hop in the tractor or hop in the side-by-side what's a better answer to that issue,
Kirsten Angell (13:39):
Right. Right. Well, just like anything, and I know this is near and dear to your heart Shaye. You're very good at planning and not only planning, but planning ahead, which maybe those are one in the same. But that is key just like being successful with anything, planning and planning ahead. So in the non-busy times doing batch cooking and putting it in the freezer and having just some really easy grabbing go foods instead of Doritos. I just got done having a snack. Before we started our interview today, I had string cheese and whole wheat crackers. Triscuits actually are what I had. Or, you know, baby carrots, health-food has also become convenient recently. So like baby carrots or grape tomatoes. Have fresh fruits and vegetables already cut up and maybe even put in baggies so you can just grab some of those baggies and go. Then have our proteins like lean beef prepared ahead of time and, you know, have again that batch cooking, just brown a bunch of hamburger and this isn't grab and go snacks. This is just more for meals. Some things like that, but these, these tips and I'll stop with these very specific tips because the planning and planning ahead was the big key, but these specific tips or things that I talk about in my other side of the plate presentation to farmers and ranchers.
Shaye Koester (15:20):
Well, awesome. And thank you for that. And so we're kind of going to switch gears off of nutrition and maybe go on a topic that's a little harder to speak about and that's the mental health topic. So what are some of the main mental health issues that you see?
Kirsten Angell (15:38):
Well, before we transition or as we transition to the mental health topic, I want to note that even though this podcast interview is not going to air until I think July I saw in your schedule, we're doing this interview here at the end of May and May is actually mental health awareness month. So kind of ironic that we're talking about that here in May. So you asked about some mental health issues that I often see and the obvious ones are depression and anxiety and, and those are, those are probably the most common and the ones that we hear the most about and kind of what I see and also what others can actually see. I'm not diminishing those by any means, but it's the ones that you don't easily see that can be potential stumbling blocks. Some of those include bipolar, and bipolar can kind of go either way, it's becoming more common. But it still maybe is kind of one of them that you don't see, but a couple of others that you maybe don't see are ADHD and OCD. Believe it or not, OCD is, is a mental health issue. It can be debilitating and ADHD can too and I can talk for a long period of time about that. I've done a lot of research on it just because of a loved one in my life that I believe maybe has had some of that. I'll just briefly talk a little bit about it. ADHD is attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and there used to be ADD, but there is no longer ADD. So there are just about two different types of ADHD and then one that combines those two.
Kirsten Angell (17:40):
One is hyperactivity, but the other one is called compulsive. And so it's just, you know, you'll do things on impulse. Then the third one is combining the hyperactivity and the compulsiveness. So ADHD and OCD can be very debilitating and you just don't really realize that it's happening. You don't realize what's going on and the reasons that things are going on. So those are some of the things that I see and have experienced in my own life.
Shaye Koester (18:31):
Well, thank you for sharing. So how can ranchers strengthen their mental health if they have accepted that they need to improve in that area.
Kirsten Angell (18:44):
I'm glad you said that that's the first step is accepting or, you know, that you need help or admitting that you need help. People can seek out and your medical doctor can help with that. There are medications. And one thing that I want to say is people shouldn't be ashamed. This, this is just like any other health issue. There has been a stigma around mental health for quite some time, and there still is. But like you said earlier, that stigma is starting to diminish a little bit. And so that's a good thing, but other than admitting you, you have an issue and want help and seeking out that medical help, whether it's from your medical doctor and or a psychologist or psychiatrist, just some things that you can do on your own is, I'm just gonna shoot right to the big, main answer and punchline, is grow your spiritual life and develop your relationship with Christ because the only true peace and happiness that can come comes through him.
Kirsten Angell (19:58):
So that's the big one. Deep breathing is one of the things that people can do. And that one's kind of in the moment, if you have something that just really is stressing you out or makes you mad or something like that. And this is kind of for, you know, there are lots of mental health issues, so this was maybe more for like anxiety or something like that. Just take some very deep breaths. That's one thing that can help. Then maybe some bigger picture ones would be physical activity. When I say that I mean intentional exercise. As ranchers, we get tons of physical activity, but we really need that intentional physical activity or exercise. Being outdoors is another one and again, most of us as ranchers are outdoors a lot. I think sometimes maybe the managers and just all of us, there's more to do indoors now. You've got all the office work to do and things like that. And so being outdoors has scientifically proven to help mental and emotional wellbeing. Also the physical activity is scientifically proven too. All of these all the information I give out is research based. So anyway, and then the last one is humor and an example I'll give, and it, I think this is okay to tell you on the podcast. I love Jeff Dunham. I don't know how many people know Jeff Dunham but he's a ventriloquist comedian. I just get the best belly laughs out of him. And you don't always have to see him in person he's on TV a lot. So yeah, those are some some tips to help with your mental health kind of giving away all my secrets from my presentation.
Shaye Koester (22:04):
Well, I appreciate it. So as say a family member, what's one thing like if a family member notices that someone they're working with on their ranch, or maybe even a coworker, not even a family member, but a coworker notices that someone is needs to make changes in their mental health how can they act with that person, maybe?
Kirsten Angell (22:28):
That is not easy at all and sometimes it depends on your relationship. It depends on your approach. You have to probably be very gentle, look for the right opportunity. It truly takes training. I feel like almost some people are better at it naturally than others, but in my profession as a registered dietician, my goodness, I did not know I was going to be a psychologist or a counselor as much as I am a dietician. It has taken me a lot of practice to know how to tactfully talk to people about things like that. And, when it's someone you're even closer to, sometimes it's not as well-received. So I don't know that I'm answering your question very well, other than it takes practice and, and just a gentle gentle discussion.
Shaye Koester (23:40):
Well, I think that's an awesome answer because every person's different and every relationship between two people is different, so it is going to take practice. So what are some changes that producers could try and make to improve this on their own.
Kirsten Angell (24:09):
My answer for that was that I don't think there are any small and easy changes. So just some of the things that I've mentioned before some of the ways that people can strengthen their mental health. Physical activity is a big one, really big one. Then there are some nutrition things and basically the overall broad answer regarding nutrition is eat a well balanced, healthy meal plan. But everybody knows that what we as dietitians do is help people do that. And so that goes back to that, working with a registered dietician to do that. But because there are some foods that are beneficial there is a lot of up and coming research about the gut brain relationship. And so what we put in our mouth that reaches our gut or stomach does affect our mental health. That's maybe a whole nother podcast interview, but you know, high fiber, which comes from fruits, vegetables, whole grains. That's not to say that our lean beef is not needed. It is, but maybe not as much for our mental health it's for other purposes. And so probably the physical activity and there is that gut brain connection. And then being outdoors really helps also. So those are some things that they can start with again, and then your relationship with the good Lord.
Shaye Koester (26:02):
Yeah, absolutely. So where can ranchers go for community around all these topics on health, both physical and mental.
Kirsten Angell (26:12):
So some of the resources that I provide in my presentation include the farm crisis center. And once you get there and it's a website, you can just go to the farm crisis center. Once you get there, there are a ton more links to other resources. And then the national suicide prevention hotline or lifeline, I can't remember if it's called hotline or lifeline. I think it's called lifeline maybe. Again, you can Google that and we want to try to help people prevent from getting to that point, but there is that, and then there's a farmer psychologist named Michael Rosman, and he has a website that I don't, I don't believe it's real up to date, but the information there is still pertinent or relevant. And it's obviously he still obviously is active and he focuses on mental health and the farming and ranching community. Then, I don't know if you have heard of Michelle Payne with Cause Matters. She totally focuses on the mental and emotional wellbeing of the farming and ranching community, and also having a healthy relationship with food. She talks a lot about food bullying and bowl speak. She calls it, BS is bowl speak. And so those are some of the resources. And once you go to Michelle's websites she has a whole lot of other resources as well. If you go to my website, Link4Nutrition under resources, I have some of these same resources listed. So hopefully those will be helpful for people.
Shaye Koester (28:03):
Well, awesome and as we wrap up here today, do you have any other comments you want to make on mental and physical health health for ranchers?
Kirsten Angell (28:12):
Right. So the one thing that I will say and I kind of alluded to it earlier is there's quite a stigma around mental health and behavioral health issues. And, you know, if somebody has cancer and they tell others, they have cancer, people surround them with compassion and love. And if someone says they have a mental health issue, it's like everybody scatters, unfortunately. And, but also like what we talked about I think mental health awareness is becoming more relevant and more pertinent and there's not as much stigma around it. I guess what I would say to people is something that a dear late friend posted about oh, less than a year before she passed. And basically it was a message to parents, with kids, with ADHD. She said, "Admit it deal with it. Quit being embarrassed about it. Quit thinking that if you do admit it, that your kids are going to be treated any differently because they already are being treated differently." and that was kind of her brief message. I would say that's kind of the same with mental health issues is people with mental health issues are already being treated differently. So admit it and deal with it. And hopefully that will make those relationships that are challenged because of a mental health issue, hopefully that, that will make them less strained. And so, and then if, you know, if someone does admit it, surround them and help them. That's the first thing they need. The last thing they need is to be rejected.
Shaye Koester (30:20):
Well, that was all amazing. Thank you very much for sharing a lot of your advice and insight on this topic. Thanks for joining the show.
Kirsten Angell (30:32):
Absolutely. And I just want to say if people want more information, I would love to speak to any group that's interested in learning more about the nutrition and physical activity and mental, emotional wellbeing.
Shaye Koester (30:50):
Well, awesome. Thank you very much. And we'll make sure to include the link to your website in the show notes.
Kirsten Angell (30:56):
All right. Thank you so much, Shaye.
Shaye Koester (30:59):
And that's a wrap on that one. Folks. Thank you again for tuning in and thank you Kirsten for sharing your expertise and knowledge. Remember if you are interested in hearing more from her and getting more tips and tricks, or even some recipes to go back to you that are healthy and include beef, go follow her social media Link4Nutrition. She does an amazing job sharing some tips and tricks there. And with that, stay tuned for upcoming episodes. You guys have been absolutely amazing and have a great rest of your week.
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