The AgeWell Podcast by Bethesda Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/the-agewell-podcast-by-bethesda The AgeWell Podcast from Bethesda in Willmar, Minnesota is designed to help individuals and families navigate the often complicated world of aging, senior living, and long-term care. Hosted by Kristin Rucks, Vice President of Development and Marketing, and Troy Pederson, Vice President of Senior Services, the podcast features honest conversations, expert insights, and real stories from the people who live and work within the Bethesda community. Each episode explores topics that matter most to families—whether you're beginning to think about independent living, supporting a loved one through assisted living or nursing care, or simply looking for guidance about aging well. Through thoughtful discussions with caregivers, leaders, residents, and community experts, the AgeWell Podcast offers clarity, encouragement, and practical information to help families make confident decisions about the future. Because aging is a journey—and no one should have to navigate it alone. ©Bethesda Living 101e14ef-b4e5-57db-af4a-e8e7017871a9 yes en Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:59:13 -0500 Fri, 18 Sep 2026 12:00:45 -0500 http://bethesdaliving.org https://img.transistorcdn.com/9c0W-F59iea9rlvZT6gdaSbw4lqUzT7dZ1iw6TXV_fQ/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9iOTBk/MWUwNDZmNmZhY2Ew/OGJhMzBlNDRlMjNj/ZDc5ZS5wbmc.jpg The AgeWell Podcast by Bethesda http://bethesdaliving.org episodic Kristin Rucks The AgeWell Podcast from Bethesda in Willmar, Minnesota is designed to help individuals and families navigate the often complicated world of aging, senior living, and long-term care. Hosted by Kristin Rucks, Vice President of Development and Marketing, and Troy Pederson, Vice President of Senior Services, the podcast features honest conversations, expert insights, and real stories from the people who live and work within the Bethesda community. Each episode explores topics that matter most to families—whether you're beginning to think about independent living, supporting a loved one through assisted living or nursing care, or simply looking for guidance about aging well. Through thoughtful discussions with caregivers, leaders, residents, and community experts, the AgeWell Podcast offers clarity, encouragement, and practical information to help families make confident decisions about the future. Because aging is a journey—and no one should have to navigate it alone. The AgeWell Podcast from Bethesda in Willmar, Minnesota is designed to help individuals and families navigate the often complicated world of aging, senior living, and long-term care. Senior Care, Aging Care, Assisted Living, Independent Living Kristin Rucks No No A Little Time, A Big Difference: Finding Purpose Through Volunteering 7 7 A Little Time, A Big Difference: Finding Purpose Through Volunteering full ef7b9c69-edef-4219-a3c8-c54b95490f06 https://share.transistor.fm/s/b6459b10 In Episode 7 of the AgeWell Podcast, host Kristin Rucks is joined by Bethesda Community Engagement Director Ginger and longtime volunteer Darlene for a conversation about finding purpose, connection, and joy through volunteering. Darlene shares stories from a lifetime of serving others—from her nursing career and hospice volunteering to more than 30 years as "Happy the Clown"—while Ginger explains the many ways people of all ages can use their individual interests and talents to make a difference at Bethesda. Together, they explore how volunteering isn't only about what you give to others; it can also provide friendship, belonging, purpose, and meaningful new experiences at every stage of life.

]]> In Episode 7 of the AgeWell Podcast, host Kristin Rucks is joined by Bethesda Community Engagement Director Ginger and longtime volunteer Darlene for a conversation about finding purpose, connection, and joy through volunteering. Darlene shares stories from a lifetime of serving others—from her nursing career and hospice volunteering to more than 30 years as "Happy the Clown"—while Ginger explains the many ways people of all ages can use their individual interests and talents to make a difference at Bethesda. Together, they explore how volunteering isn't only about what you give to others; it can also provide friendship, belonging, purpose, and meaningful new experiences at every stage of life.

]]> Fri, 18 Sep 2026 11:59:00 -0500 Kristin Rucks Kristin Rucks 2212 In Episode 7 of the AgeWell Podcast, host Kristin Rucks is joined by Bethesda Community Engagement Director Ginger and longtime volunteer Darlene for a conversation about finding purpose, connection, and joy through volunteering. Darlene shares stories from a lifetime of serving others—from her nursing career and hospice volunteering to more than 30 years as "Happy the Clown"—while Ginger explains the many ways people of all ages can use their individual interests and talents to make a difference at Bethesda. Together, they explore how volunteering isn't only about what you give to others; it can also provide friendship, belonging, purpose, and meaningful new experiences at every stage of life.

]]> Senior Care, Aging Care, Assisted Living, Independent Living No More Than a Job: Finding Purpose in Senior Care 6 6 More Than a Job: Finding Purpose in Senior Care full 9990b117-1373-4269-a201-a2ff9a28a5a1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/c124a238 In this episode of the AgeWell Podcast, Kristen Rucks talks with Bethesda team members Wanda, Kelly, and Cesar about what makes a career in senior care so rewarding. From Cesar beginning his career as a CNA to Wanda and Kelly reflecting on decades of serving older adults, they share how relationships, compassion, teamwork, and the opportunity to make a difference give their work purpose. Along the way, they challenge common perceptions about long-term care and show how Bethesda can be a place filled with laughter, friendship, growth, and meaningful connection.

]]> In this episode of the AgeWell Podcast, Kristen Rucks talks with Bethesda team members Wanda, Kelly, and Cesar about what makes a career in senior care so rewarding. From Cesar beginning his career as a CNA to Wanda and Kelly reflecting on decades of serving older adults, they share how relationships, compassion, teamwork, and the opportunity to make a difference give their work purpose. Along the way, they challenge common perceptions about long-term care and show how Bethesda can be a place filled with laughter, friendship, growth, and meaningful connection.

]]> Wed, 26 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0500 Kristin Rucks Kristin Rucks 2439 In this episode of the AgeWell Podcast, Kristen Rucks talks with Bethesda team members Wanda, Kelly, and Cesar about what makes a career in senior care so rewarding. From Cesar beginning his career as a CNA to Wanda and Kelly reflecting on decades of serving older adults, they share how relationships, compassion, teamwork, and the opportunity to make a difference give their work purpose. Along the way, they challenge common perceptions about long-term care and show how Bethesda can be a place filled with laughter, friendship, growth, and meaningful connection.

]]> Senior Care, Aging Care, Assisted Living, Independent Living No Protecting Our Community: Safety Tips from the Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office 5 5 Protecting Our Community: Safety Tips from the Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Office full 35877853-e201-487c-8341-6aaebace6f92 https://share.transistor.fm/s/90c6d7f2 In this episode of the AgeWell Podcast, Kristin Rucks sits down with Kandiyohi County Chief Deputy Kent Bauman to discuss some of today's biggest safety concerns, including scams, fraud, AI-generated deception, and personal safety. Kent shares practical advice for recognizing common scams, protecting yourself and your loved ones, and knowing where to turn when something doesn't feel right. Whether you're a senior, caregiver, or simply looking to stay informed, this conversation offers valuable tips for keeping yourself and your family safe.

]]> In this episode of the AgeWell Podcast, Kristin Rucks sits down with Kandiyohi County Chief Deputy Kent Bauman to discuss some of today's biggest safety concerns, including scams, fraud, AI-generated deception, and personal safety. Kent shares practical advice for recognizing common scams, protecting yourself and your loved ones, and knowing where to turn when something doesn't feel right. Whether you're a senior, caregiver, or simply looking to stay informed, this conversation offers valuable tips for keeping yourself and your family safe.

]]> Wed, 12 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0500 Kristin Rucks Kristin Rucks 2554 In this episode of the AgeWell Podcast, Kristin Rucks sits down with Kandiyohi County Chief Deputy Kent Bauman to discuss some of today's biggest safety concerns, including scams, fraud, AI-generated deception, and personal safety. Kent shares practical advice for recognizing common scams, protecting yourself and your loved ones, and knowing where to turn when something doesn't feel right. Whether you're a senior, caregiver, or simply looking to stay informed, this conversation offers valuable tips for keeping yourself and your family safe.

]]> Senior Care, Aging Care, Assisted Living, Independent Living No A Life in Music, Family, and Faith with Roger Kodet 4 4 A Life in Music, Family, and Faith with Roger Kodet full a2fbc8d6-72d5-44bc-b0f6-7dcdacfb9436 https://share.transistor.fm/s/0ea44909 In this episode of the AgeWell Podcast by Bethesda, host Kristin Rucks sits down with Minnesota Music Hall of Fame member Roger Kodet to reflect on a remarkable life filled with music, family, hard work, and service. From growing up on a farm in Renville County and helping his father after the loss of his mother, to building a successful career in agricultural lending and becoming a well-known musician throughout Minnesota, Roger shares stories that are equal parts inspiring, humorous, and heartfelt. Along the way, he reflects on the importance of resilience, relationships, and finding purpose in every stage of life.

]]> In this episode of the AgeWell Podcast by Bethesda, host Kristin Rucks sits down with Minnesota Music Hall of Fame member Roger Kodet to reflect on a remarkable life filled with music, family, hard work, and service. From growing up on a farm in Renville County and helping his father after the loss of his mother, to building a successful career in agricultural lending and becoming a well-known musician throughout Minnesota, Roger shares stories that are equal parts inspiring, humorous, and heartfelt. Along the way, he reflects on the importance of resilience, relationships, and finding purpose in every stage of life.

]]> Wed, 24 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0500 Kristin Rucks Kristin Rucks 3133 In this episode of the AgeWell Podcast by Bethesda, host Kristin Rucks sits down with Minnesota Music Hall of Fame member Roger Kodet to reflect on a remarkable life filled with music, family, hard work, and service. From growing up on a farm in Renville County and helping his father after the loss of his mother, to building a successful career in agricultural lending and becoming a well-known musician throughout Minnesota, Roger shares stories that are equal parts inspiring, humorous, and heartfelt. Along the way, he reflects on the importance of resilience, relationships, and finding purpose in every stage of life.

]]> Senior Care, Aging Care, Assisted Living, Independent Living No A Century of Compassion: Ardis’ Story of Nursing, Faith, and Gratitude 3 3 A Century of Compassion: Ardis’ Story of Nursing, Faith, and Gratitude full d4f1c5d8-a2e5-4816-8e0e-3c5074490830 https://share.transistor.fm/s/7c968c74 In this heartfelt episode of the AgeWell Podcast by Bethesda, Kristin Rucks sits down with Ardis, a nearly 99-year-old resident of Sunrise Village, alongside Holli Cogelow Ruter from Bethesda at Home and Pastor Grant Hoekstra. Ardis reflects on a remarkable life that spans World War II, her time as a Cadet Nurse, decades of caring for others, raising a family, and now receiving hospice care herself. Through stories filled with humor, gratitude, faith, and resilience, Ardis offers a powerful perspective on aging, caregiving, and finding joy in every season of life.

]]> In this heartfelt episode of the AgeWell Podcast by Bethesda, Kristin Rucks sits down with Ardis, a nearly 99-year-old resident of Sunrise Village, alongside Holli Cogelow Ruter from Bethesda at Home and Pastor Grant Hoekstra. Ardis reflects on a remarkable life that spans World War II, her time as a Cadet Nurse, decades of caring for others, raising a family, and now receiving hospice care herself. Through stories filled with humor, gratitude, faith, and resilience, Ardis offers a powerful perspective on aging, caregiving, and finding joy in every season of life.

]]> Wed, 10 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0500 Kristin Rucks Kristin Rucks 2926 In this heartfelt episode of the AgeWell Podcast by Bethesda, Kristin Rucks sits down with Ardis, a nearly 99-year-old resident of Sunrise Village, alongside Holli Cogelow Ruter from Bethesda at Home and Pastor Grant Hoekstra. Ardis reflects on a remarkable life that spans World War II, her time as a Cadet Nurse, decades of caring for others, raising a family, and now receiving hospice care herself. Through stories filled with humor, gratitude, faith, and resilience, Ardis offers a powerful perspective on aging, caregiving, and finding joy in every season of life.

]]> Senior Care, Aging Care, Assisted Living, Independent Living No Understanding Your Options – Independent Living at StoneRidge 2 2 Understanding Your Options – Independent Living at StoneRidge full 614d2ea1-51de-44e0-8c2e-bbc0d0bc55e1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/d37ef673 In Episode 2 of the AgeWell Podcast by Bethesda, hosts Kristin Rucks and Troy Pederson take a deeper dive into one of the most common starting points for senior living—independent living.

The conversation focuses on what independent living actually looks like at Bethesda, who it’s designed for, and why many residents choose to make the transition earlier than people might expect. Kristin and Troy break down common misconceptions, highlight the benefits of community, and explain how independent living can offer both freedom and peace of mind.

Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of how independent living supports an active, social lifestyle while removing many of the burdens of homeownership. Whether you're planning ahead or helping a loved one explore options, this episode offers practical insight into taking that first step with confidence.

]]> In Episode 2 of the AgeWell Podcast by Bethesda, hosts Kristin Rucks and Troy Pederson take a deeper dive into one of the most common starting points for senior living—independent living.

The conversation focuses on what independent living actually looks like at Bethesda, who it’s designed for, and why many residents choose to make the transition earlier than people might expect. Kristin and Troy break down common misconceptions, highlight the benefits of community, and explain how independent living can offer both freedom and peace of mind.

Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of how independent living supports an active, social lifestyle while removing many of the burdens of homeownership. Whether you're planning ahead or helping a loved one explore options, this episode offers practical insight into taking that first step with confidence.

]]> Wed, 25 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0500 Kristin Rucks Kristin Rucks 2192 In Episode 2 of the AgeWell Podcast by Bethesda, hosts Kristin Rucks and Troy Pederson take a deeper dive into one of the most common starting points for senior living—independent living.

The conversation focuses on what independent living actually looks like at Bethesda, who it’s designed for, and why many residents choose to make the transition earlier than people might expect. Kristin and Troy break down common misconceptions, highlight the benefits of community, and explain how independent living can offer both freedom and peace of mind.

Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of how independent living supports an active, social lifestyle while removing many of the burdens of homeownership. Whether you're planning ahead or helping a loved one explore options, this episode offers practical insight into taking that first step with confidence.

]]> Senior Care, Aging Care, Assisted Living, Independent Living No Episode 1: Introducing the AgeWell Podcast 1 1 Episode 1: Introducing the AgeWell Podcast full 78ab213c-e039-4b4e-aa47-a4188886073a https://share.transistor.fm/s/05beca60 The AgeWell Podcast by Bethesda shares the stories, insights, and guidance families need when navigating the journey of aging and senior care.

Hosted by Kristin Rucks and Troy Pederson, leaders at Bethesda in Willmar, Minnesota, the show explores the realities of senior living—from independent living communities to assisted living and skilled nursing care.

Along the way, listeners will hear from Bethesda team members, residents, and community experts who share their experiences and advice about aging with dignity, staying connected to community, and supporting loved ones through important life transitions.

Whether you’re planning for the future or helping a family member through a difficult decision, the AgeWell Podcast is here to offer understanding, education, and hope.

]]> The AgeWell Podcast by Bethesda shares the stories, insights, and guidance families need when navigating the journey of aging and senior care.

Hosted by Kristin Rucks and Troy Pederson, leaders at Bethesda in Willmar, Minnesota, the show explores the realities of senior living—from independent living communities to assisted living and skilled nursing care.

Along the way, listeners will hear from Bethesda team members, residents, and community experts who share their experiences and advice about aging with dignity, staying connected to community, and supporting loved ones through important life transitions.

Whether you’re planning for the future or helping a family member through a difficult decision, the AgeWell Podcast is here to offer understanding, education, and hope.

]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2026 10:33:45 -0500 Kristin Rucks Kristin Rucks 1374 The AgeWell Podcast by Bethesda shares the stories, insights, and guidance families need when navigating the journey of aging and senior care.

Hosted by Kristin Rucks and Troy Pederson, leaders at Bethesda in Willmar, Minnesota, the show explores the realities of senior living—from independent living communities to assisted living and skilled nursing care.

Along the way, listeners will hear from Bethesda team members, residents, and community experts who share their experiences and advice about aging with dignity, staying connected to community, and supporting loved ones through important life transitions.

Whether you’re planning for the future or helping a family member through a difficult decision, the AgeWell Podcast is here to offer understanding, education, and hope.

]]> Senior Care, Aging Care, Assisted Living, Independent Living No