Introducing Hay Are We Okay?

Hay Are We Okay? isn’t a self-help podcast — it’s a show about what happens when rural communities tackle mental health together. No gurus, no quick fixes. Just real stories that prove one thing: no one should walk alone. And, we can be there for one another.

Host Merle Massie — farmer, author, historian, and executive director of The Do More Agriculture Foundation — brings practical wit, lived experience, a deep commitment to wellness and genuine curiosity to each episode. From challenges to change, Merle interviews real people who share what they're doing to cultivate a culture of well-being in their community. Listen for ideas, for hope and joy, fun and energy, support and care. We've got this - together.

We’ve included the full transcript below

Episode Transcript: Introducing Hay Are We Okay?

Merle Massie (00:01):
Hay, are we okay?
Mental health is actually not an individual sport.
It's not your individual problem, and it can'tjust be framed as if it's only up to you to fix it.
You need to call the call line.
You need to go to therapy.
You need to fix yourself.

(00:21):
We don't do that.
If somebody has a cancer journey or they've just had a heart attack.
We wrap them in support.
We help them in every way that we can.
That community support means everything.

Diane Bergsma (00:36):
I think that participation and the generosity and the persistence of community support was a huge balm on
our sorrow, and it took some of the edge off because it wasa shared sorrow at that point with people who walked with us.

Merle Massie (00:57):
I am Merle Massie.
I'm the executive director of the Do More Agriculture Foundation.
We're here to give you ideas.
We're bringing you stories.
From all kinds of community leaders from across the world, what they've done to raise and shake the conversation for mental health.

Lauren Van Ewyk (01:15):
You are part of the human experience and it's hard sometimes, and we were not meant to walk this world alone.
We are not meant to live in isolation.

Lucas Tamminga (01:25):
I don't think he had any idea how many people cared about him.

Merle Massie (01:32):
We can't do it by ourselves.
We cannot change the conversation alone.
Those of us who are feeling well, feeling healthy, and really want to change the culture of agriculture, that's who should be leading the way.
You, me, us together, listen to, Hey, are we okay?

(01:55):
Wherever you get your podcasts.