Beyond the Checkbox

 A raw, funny take on illness, identity, and death. Jeremie Saunders shares how humor reshapes the patient experience and breaks stigma in healthcare. ---What does it mean to really see the person behind the diagnosis?  Host Dr. Ryan Todd sits down with Sickboy podcast producer Jeremie Saunders for a raw and deeply human conversation about illness, identity, and the power of humor. Watch this episode to find out: Why Jeremie created a comedy podcast about illness How the Sickboy podcast is helping reshape the patient experience How humor can ease tough conversations about death and disability What living with cystic fibrosis taught him about healthcare communication and legacy How comedy and mental health are more connected than you think What happens when your life expectancy changes overnight This episode explores illness narratives with honesty and wit. It helps break down stigma while spotlighting the catharsis of talking—and laughing—about the hard stuff. Guest Speaker Jeremie Saunders is a keynote speaker and resilience advocate using the power of storytelling to shift conversations around health and human connection. He is the COO at Snack Labs, an award-winning audio production company. Jeremie is also the creator and co-host of the acclaimed podcast Sickboy, which brings humor and humanity to the experience of living with illness.  Podcast Host Dr. Ryan Todd is a psychiatrist, mental health advocate, and co-founder of Headversity, a workplace mental health training platform. Dr. Todd combines his clinical expertise with innovative approaches to empower individuals and organizations to thrive. 

Explore how mental health AI supports personalized therapy, eases clinician burnout, and enhances care through human-centered, ethical technology. ---Can artificial intelligence (AI) make therapy more human? This episode with Tanuj Sharma, CEO of Kana Health, explores how mental health AI is reshaping care. Far from replacing therapists, this new generation of human-centered AI tools is helping clinicians personalize treatment, improve outcomes, and stay focused on the human connection. Watch this episode to find out: How mental health AI supports therapists without replacing them Why clinical decision support can ease therapist burnout and improve care How AI helps tailor therapy through personalized treatment insights The complexity of therapy and how AI can help manage it How humans stay in the loop to keep mental health AI ethical and effective This episode breaks down what mental health technology can and can't do, and why the future of personalized therapy is more collaborative than you might think. Guest Speaker Tanuj Sharma is the co-founder and CEO of a mental health AI startup revolutionizing access to care by combining technology with therapeutic frameworks. With 23 years of global experience building and scaling businesses, he now leads Kana, an AI-powered therapy sidekick delivering rapid triage, clinical insights, and automated care. Tanuj is on a mission to make mental health care affordable, accessible, and effective for all. Podcast Host Dr. Ryan Todd is a psychiatrist, mental health advocate, and co-founder of headversity, a workplace mental health training platform. Dr. Todd combines his clinical expertise with innovative approaches to empower individuals and organizations to thrive. 

Discover Dr. Selhub's six resilience factors and why modern workplaces must build a culture of care, not just react to burnout. ---Resilience isn't a trait you're born with—it's a skill you build over time. In this episode, Dr. Eva Selhub, physician and resilience expert, shares her six pillars of resilience and why it's time to reframe how we think about burnout and workplace wellbeing. Watch this episode to learn: Why burnout and resilience aren't separate—they're on the same spectrum How emotional and spiritual health influence resilience The six key pillars that form the foundation of a resilient life Why cultures of care—not just individual grit—matter in the workplace How parenting styles, nature, and language shape resilience early on This episode breaks down how to build resilience, challenges outdated workplace mental health approaches, and offers a fresh, whole-person view on what it really means to thrive. 

Explore how modern life fuels chronic insomnia and why experts recommend CBT for insomnia, sleep restriction, and light therapy to restore restful sleep. ---Struggling to fall or stay asleep? You're not alone. Chronic insomnia is on the rise, and the effects go far beyond tired mornings. Dr. Ryan Todd sits down with Dr. Payman Hajiazimd, a psychiatrist specializing in sleep and mental health, to explore why sleep issues have become so common—and what truly helps. From cognitive behavioral therapy for sleep to light therapy and sleep restriction, this episode dives into science-backed strategies for reclaiming restful sleep. Watch this episode to find out: Why chronic insomnia is more widespread than ever How sleep affects mental health, and vice-versa What CBT for insomnia (CBT-I) is and how it works How sleep restriction therapy improves sleep efficiency The role of light exposure and behavioral change in better sleep This episode unpacks the core components of CBT-I and how better sleep can support improved mental health. Guest Speaker Dr. Payman Hajiazim is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine at the University of Calgary, a certified Somnologist, and the founder of the Sleep & Wake Clinic. Recognized as an expert in sleep disorders and overlapping mental health conditions, he leads research on new treatments for insomnia, narcolepsy, and excessive daytime sleepiness. Dr. Hajiazim is dedicated to advancing evidence-based sleep medicine through patient care, research, and education. Podcast Host Dr. Ryan Todd is a psychiatrist, mental health advocate, and co-founder of headversity, a workplace mental health training platform. Dr. Todd combines his clinical expertise with innovative approaches to empower individuals and organizations to thrive. 

A leading researcher explores how cognitive behavioral therapy helps anxiety and depression. Learn the science behind CBT techniques and the role of AI therapy.---Can changing the way we think actually change the way we feel? Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) has been transforming mental health treatment for decades, but how does it really work—and is it still the best approach today? In this episode of Beyond the Checkbox: Mind Masters, Dr. Ryan Todd sits down with Dr. Keith Dobson, a leading expert in CBT for depression and anxiety. They break down the science behind this powerful therapy, why CBT remains a top choice for mental health treatment, and the role of AI in mental health as therapy continues to evolve. Watch this episode to find out: The science behind how CBT works and why it's so effective The key differences in CBT for anxiety vs. depression How CBT techniques help people change thought patterns and behaviors AI therapy: Can chatbots really replace therapists? How CBT is evolving, from global expansion to digital intervention This episode challenges the way we think about mental health treatment and dives into the future of therapy and AI in mental health. 

Burnout isn't all or nothing. Dr. Mary Preisman sheds light on the signs, how to prevent burnout, and work-life balance strategies that work. Dr. Mary Preisman, a psychiatrist focused on mental health and resilience in high-stress professions, uncovers what's really driving burnout today and how we can move beyond band-aid solutions. Burnout is everywhere, but are we addressing it the right way? Watch this episode to find out: The signs of burnout and how to recognize them before it's too late Burnout vs. depression: why burnout is a spectrum, not an on/off switch Why burnout isn't just about work—it's about doing too much in life How to prevent burnout without just adding more self-care Why modern work expectations fuel burnout—and what needs to change This episode challenges burnout culture, explores the real structural causes of burnout, and provides practical burnout prevention strategies for employees, leaders, and anyone feeling overwhelmed by the demands of modern life. Guest Speaker Dr. Mary Preisman is the Physician Lead for Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at Sinai Health and an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto. Her clinical focus is physician and healthcare worker mental health, as well as critical care and perinatal psychiatry. She leads research on resilience coaching for healthcare workers, with a passion for leadership, education, and work-life integration. Podcast Host Dr. Ryan Todd is a psychiatrist, mental health advocate, and co-founder of headversity, a workplace mental health training platform. Dr. Todd combines his clinical expertise with innovative approaches to empower individuals and organizations to thrive. 

Dr. Ariel Dalfen, women's psychiatrist, explores hormones and mental health from pregnancy to menopause. Uncover the stigma, workplace challenges, and barriers women face.--In this episode of Beyond the Checkbox: Mind Masters, Dr. Ryan Todd sits down with Dr. Ariel Dalfen, a leading psychiatrist in perinatal and perimenopausal mental health, to uncover the hidden impact of hormonal changes on mood and wellbeing and why so many women feel unheard by their doctors. Watch this episode to find out: How hormones impact mental health—from pregnancy to menopause Baby blues vs. postpartum depression: What's the real difference? How perimenopause and mental health struggles are often dismissed Menopause in the workplace: Why so many women leave jobs at midlife Medical gaslighting in women's health—why it's still happening This episode challenges the stigma around women's wellbeing, explores why so many women struggle to get proper care, and breaks down what needs to change. Guest Speaker Dr. Ariel Dalfen is a psychiatrist with decades of experience in women's mental wellbeing across reproductive life stages. She co-founded BRIA, a virtual care platform for women's mental health after leading Ontario's largest perinatal mental health program. Dr. Dalfen's research focuses on expanding women's access to care through digital health solutions. Podcast Host Dr. Ryan Todd is a psychiatrist, mental health advocate, and co-founder of headversity, a workplace mental health training platform. Dr. Todd combines his clinical expertise with innovative approaches to empower individuals and organizations to thrive. 

Discover how Indigenous identity, culture, and traditional healing shape mental health. Gain insights on resilience and leadership that benefit everyone.What is the indigenous approach to mental health? And how do identity, culture, and tradition shape wellness in Indigenous communities? Beyond the Checkbox host Dr. Ryan Todd sits down with Trent Fequet, founder & CEO of Steel River Group, to explore Indigenous approaches to mental health, leadership, and resilience. Watch this episode to find out: How indigenous cultures and mental health views differ from Western frameworks Why Indigenous identity is central to wellbeing and mental resilience How traditional healing and Indigenous knowledge promote health The tension between Western business culture and Indigenous values—and what leaders can learn from it Why patience, community, and self-care are core to Indigenous leadership This episode challenges preconceptions about Indigenous mental health, highlights the importance of cultural identity, and offers lessons in resilience that apply to everyone.

Unpack the latest autism research, why more adults are seeking diagnoses, and the misconceptions that still shape how we understand autism today. What is the indigenous approach to mental health? And how do identity, culture, and tradition shape wellness in Indigenous communities? Beyond the Checkbox host Dr. Ryan Todd sits down with Trent Fequet, founder & CEO of Steel River Group, to explore Indigenous approaches to mental health, leadership, and resilience. Watch this episode to find out: How indigenous cultures and mental health views differ from Western frameworks Why Indigenous identity is central to wellbeing and mental resilience How traditional healing and Indigenous knowledge promote health The tension between Western business culture and Indigenous values—and what leaders can learn from it Why patience, community, and self-care are core to Indigenous leadership This episode challenges preconceptions about Indigenous mental health, highlights the importance of cultural identity, and offers lessons in resilience that apply to everyone.

Uncover expert insights from the emerging field of neuropsychiatry and explore functional neurological disorders: when the mind and body stop talking.

 Discover why ADHD in adults often goes unnoticed, its link to mental health challenges, and Dr. Sara Binder's top strategies for managing adult ADHD well. 

Community mental health initiatives are becoming a powerful tool for tackling stigma in an industry where “toughen up” has been the norm for decades. In this episode, Andy Trewick, CEO and construction industry leader, sheds light on the unique mental health challenges tradespeople face and the critical role of leadership in driving change.  Tune in to learn: How mental health fundraising initiatives boost awareness and impact lives Why leadership visibility matters in creating a resilient workplace culture The power of community health initiatives to inspire change and connection Whether you're a leader, an advocate, or simply passionate about mental health, this episode offers insights for breaking barriers where it's needed most. 

Mental health in construction is an urgent and often overlooked topic. In this episode, Ian Robb, Chairman of the Building Trades of Alberta, shares his insights on addressing mental health in the construction industry.  We discuss:   Why mental health in the construction industry demands attention The link between workplace safety and mental health HR challenges in the construction industry and solutions that work Tune in for actionable strategies to improve mental wellbeing in the trades! 

Our new episode of "Beyond the Checkbox" is live, featuring Patrick Nogier, Prince Albert Police Chief. Dive deep into the current state of mental health within law enforcement and the essential support systems needed. Gain insights into planning effective employee mental health strategies in the public sector—don't miss this crucial conversation! 

Dr. Ryan Todd and HR expert, Sheena Davis, discuss how we can better support mothers during and after maternity leave. This powerful conversation sheds light on the challenges and stigmas working moms face. Listen now and join the conversation!

Dr. Ryan Todd sits down with Dr. Louis Deslauriers, Director of Science Teaching and Learning, Senior Preceptor in Physics at Harvard University. Louis has published several landmark studies in the areas of active learning and knowledge retention, and how this can be improved with deliberate practice. His findings are not only changing the ways of teaching in science education, but education in general. This episode covers some of Louis' findings through his studies, and how these methods are transforming education and long-term retention in the classroom and beyond.

Tune in for my unforgettable conversation with Jeremy Evans, one of the few people on the planet who can say they survived an encounter with a grizzly bear. I'm still awestruck by our conversation.Jeremy is passionately trying to raise funds for PTSD research and treatment at the University of Calgary. You can support this noble cause by donating at grizzlydude.ca and https://crowdfunding.ucalgary.ca/o/university-of-calgary/i/ucrowdfund/s/grizzly-dude.

Ryan Todd explores the intricate world of workplace dynamics with Brad Blaisdell, VP of Workplace Solutions and Compliance at Respect Group along with special guest, Kyle Brykman, a researcher at the University of Windsor and an expert in organizational behavior.

Special addition World Mental Health Day episode featuring Zeke Smith, Director of Leadership & Workforce Development at Apache Industrial Services. 

A new episode of Beyond the Checkbox is dropping tomorrow! In this episode we are listening to the powerful story of Vince Hafeli. Like many others, several difficult personal tragedies lead him to a mental health crisis where stigma left him afraid to ask for help. Discover how he rose above an extremely difficult period in his life to eventually become the president of Ajax Paving, a large construction company. He now shares his story in Ted Talks and across many other stages and platforms.

Art Wlodyka is a detective who works in one of the busiest policing units in Canada. His day-to-day consists of being the first person on the scene to get people who have severe and persistent mental illness proper care. Tune in as he breaks down the wild situations he finds himself in and the strains and stressors he experiences every day.

Avi Greenberg is a breathing expert who discovered his passion while working a high stress sales job. In this episode he takes us through his discovery of intentional breathing and the monumental impact it has had on both his life and his clients.

Breanne Everett is the CEO and Founder of Orpyx, a high growth company with a software solution that is changing the game for individuals struggling with diabetes. After seeing many people suffer through the effects of diabetes during her surgical residency, Breanne put her entrepreneur cap on to come up with a preventative solution to help these individuals take back control of their lives.

Al Visram is an front line psychologist and expert in bereavement for individuals and families after losing someone to suicide. He is also an active member of the community, teaching courses on mental health first aid and suicide prevention. In this episode, Al Visram sheds light on the difficult nature of his work and the vital role it plays for clients experiencing grief. Tune in for a glimpse behind the doors of psychology, mental health, and the hero work of Al Visram and his team.

On this special edition episode of Beyond the Checkbox, we are excited to present part two of our Women in Construction and Mental Health Podcast. We are joined by 3 new remarkable guests to discuss their experiences with mental health and wellness in the workplace within the construction industry. In recognition of women's history month, we will be digging into the experiences and viewpoints of these women who have achieved success and influence in their respective careers.

On this special edition episode of Beyond the Checkbox, we are excited to be joined by 3 remarkable women to discuss their experiences with mental health and wellness in the workplace within an industry dominated by men: construction. In recognition of women's history month, we will be digging into the experiences and viewpoints of these women who have achieved success and influence in their respective careers.

Dr. Nicole Letourneau is an expert in parent-child interaction and has done applied research in genetics. She is a Professor in the Faculty of Nursing and Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary and holds the Research Chair in Parent and Child Mental Health at the UofC. In this episode, Dr. Letourneau takes us through how early positive intervention with gene expression can have an effective outcome on people's resilience and abilities to handle certain situations in the future. 

Samra Zafar is a best selling author, award-winning international speaker and human rights activist. Her book, A Good Wife: Escaping The Life I Never Chose, is an international bestseller and named among CBC's Best Books of 2019, and is now being adapted to a premium TV series. In this episode Samra guides us through her journey of breaking through deep rooted patriarchy by escaping an abusive child marriage, experiences with gender-based oppression, and her resilience in pursuit of her education.

The finale of Season 2 of Beyond the Checkbox features Krista Pell, VP HR at Cenovus Energy, who had the herculean task of leading employee culture during Cenovus and Husky Energy's merger, which nearly tripled their total employee population. For this episode, Krista speaks on the unique challenges of managing and building culture through a merger of two large organizations, including how to accommodate long established practices of both organizations.

Shannon Abeda is a 2x Olympic athlete in Alpine Skiing, and the only Winter Olympian to represent the country of Eritrea. Just two weeks before the Olympics in Beijing, after three and a half years of training and preparation, Shannon got the devastating news that his funding through the Eritrean National Olympic Committee had fallen through, all but ending his hopes of returning to the Olympics. Enter Patricia Phillips, CEO of PBA Group of Companies, who spearheaded a last-minute sponsorship of Shannon to make his Olympic dreams a reality. This special episode covers Shannon's amazing story of getting to Beijing, persevering through adversity on every turn, and touching on how mental health impacted his journey.  

Samantha Coker is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Apache Industrial Holdings, a Houston-based company the industrial services industry with an industry-leading commitment to safety. Not unlike other industrial organizations who've experienced high rates of turnover during the pandemic, Samantha unpacks these issues her industry has faced and some of the unique challenges experienced the past two years. She also talks about building a culture of psychological safety and how that is factoring into retention.  

Katherine Salucop is the Vice President of Organizational Development at Alberta Innovates, a purpose-driven organization that has thrived through the pandemic. From her extensive background in elevating employee experience, Katherine discusses how purpose has taken a front and centre role during the pandemic, detailing some of the strategies that have helped build a winning culture in her organization. 

Craig Dowden is an award-winning author, a renowned speaker, and a thought leader when it comes to progressive leadership styles and positive psychology in today's workplace to take organizations to the next level. From his 20+ years consulting business leaders on best practices, Craig shares some tips from his methodology that help leaders and organizations get through turbulent times, which has been especially instructive during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

As the son of a superintendent, Zeke Smith literally grew up in construction. Now as the head of the People Operations at a large Houston commercial construction company, Satterfield & Pontikes, he's seen the ugly side of construction rear its head in recent years: suicide. Suicide is now the leading cause of fatality in construction, an industry that prides itself on worker safety. This episode dives into why construction has been hit so hard with suicide, and some ways Zeke is lending his voice to build awareness of mental health in the industry. 

Leigh-Ann Ing is the Director of Global Wellness and Benefits Strategy at OMERS. Beyond her professional experience in employee mental wellbeing, she has lived through burnout at various points in her career. In this episode, she walks us through handling burnout in high performance cultures and how organizations can better support employees dealing with excessive stress to build a culture of psychological safety.

Dr. Scott B Patten is a professor at the University of Calgary and one of the leading Psychiatric Epidemiologists in the world. Dr. Patten's research focuses on Major Depressive Disorders, and in this episode he talks about how machine learning is influencing his field, how the pandemic has impacted his work, as well as the research around how our mental health has been affected through the pandemic. 

Stephane Grenier is a Canadian veteran, Mental Health Innovator, and author of "After the War: Surviving PTSD and Changing Mental Health Culture". Stephane is known for his efforts to rehumanize workplaces through peer support, as well as for coining the term Operational Stress Injury to describe psychological injuries caused by military service. In this episode, Stephane discusses his transition out of the military, social support and its impact on mental health, how to develop a support network within your organization, and shares more details about his experiences. 

Do you ever wonder how athletes like Andre De Grasse deal with immense stress so they can perform consistently under pressure? How they appear so calm in the big moment despite the gravity of the situation? Elite athletes are not just physical specimens - they put in serious work on the mental side to prepare for big performances. This special episode we had a special chance to visit with 10x Olympic and World Championship Medalist, Andre De Grasse, in his last hours on North American soil before the Olympics in Tokyo. He takes us through what it takes to perform mentally and some of his routines that have led to him becoming the most decorated Canadian male Olympian of all time. 

Gregory John is the President of Four Peaks Development, a company built around creating opportunities for Indigenous people in the energy sector. As someone who is Metis, Gregory has done amazing work brokering relationships between First Nations and organizations, particularly in resource development. Gregory speaks with us about Indigenous relations with corporate partners in the oil & gas sector and the important work of building bridges that is being done in this space. 

Andrea Hardie is the Director of Health & Safety at Petroleum Services Association of Canada (PSAC), an organization that looks after important health, safety, and environmental initiatives in the Oil & Gas sector, working with over 200 organizations in Canada. She and Ryan discuss the progress of mental health in the Oil & Gas sector, how stigma still affects change, and how mental health now sits front and center in the health & safety discussion.

A special episode of Beyond the Checkbox took place live at the HRD HR Mental Health 2021 conference on May 11th, where Ryan had the opportunity to moderate a panel that included Nabeela Ixtaban, EVP of People & Corporate Affairs at Walmart Canada, Sandy McIntosh, EVP People & Culture and CHRO at TELUS, and Sapna Mahajan, Director, Genomics and Society and Genome Canada. This group of powerhouse leaders discussed how to shape the workplace of tomorrow by building a strong foundation for mental health and employee wellbeing. 

Rob Vanstone is a Sports Editor and Columnist with the Regina Leader-Post, where he is well known for covering the Saskatchewan Roughriders football team. On Bell Let's Talk day in January of 2021, Rob disclosed to the world that he has been suffering from mental illness for much of his life, living in the shadows of stigma, where it took years to even admit to his wife what he was going through. Rob discusses his mental health story, how he's lived with anxiety and depression, and how it's impacted him since disclosing to the world. 

Gethin Nadin is an award-winning psychologist and employee wellbeing expert. His book, titled A World of Good, saw him travel around the world and glean lessons from what organizations are doing - or not doing - when it comes to engaging with employees on a human level. This episode covers the shift to putting employee experience front and center for organizations and why this is now so critical. 

Dr. Bill Howatt joined us nearly one year ago, early in the pandemic, and spoke about the effects he anticipated COVID-19 would have on workforce mental health. Now one year later, and on the cusp of releasing his new book, "The Cure for Loneliness", this conversation covers the full spectrum of workplace mental health, where we've been, and where things are going. If you enjoyed the first conversation with Bill, this follow-up is a must!

Rob Stephenson is the founder and CEO of FormScore and InsideOut LeaderBoard and has had personal experience living with bipolar disorder, where he was first diagnosed at the age of 30. Rob lived through mental health stigma throughout his career, where he hid his mental-ill health from colleagues and said he was attending physio appointments when he was in fact receiving regular mental health therapy. Upon disclosing of his illness, Rob became a public speaker and mental health thought leader, where he's also become an entrepreneur to chase his passion of smashing the stigma of mental health through his work. 

Dr. Rahim Kachra has been instrumental on the front lines of the healthcare system during the COVID-19 struggle, training physicians at Foothills Hospital to help when cases surge and supplies are limited. Dr. Kachra joined us on the podcast in the early stages of COVID, and now almost exactly one year later he joins us for an update on how things are going for him and his colleagues as the pandemic continues. 

Karla Kochan is the Chief People Officer at Agricultural Financial Services Corporation (AFSC), and joined us on the podcast to talk about the unique mental health challenges faced by the farming community during the pandemic. She also spoke about how they've had to train employees who interface with farmers in how to have the mental health conversation, the urgency of doing this and the overall shift to prioritize mental health within their organization.

The modern workplace is one that must create safe spaces for employees to live their truths and be their authentic selves. In the case of David McDine, this safe space provided by their employer as they came out as genderqueer was a life-changing experience. David McDine is the Director of Strategic Initiatives at NAIT and walks us through their journey of coming out as genderqueer, how their employer put on a masterclass of allyship and how the experience has been so transformative. Note: The conversation was largely about David's personal experience. They touched on terminology in the LGBTQ+ community in the discussion but wanted to ensure our listeners had access to more detailed descriptions. For more information on how employers can create inclusive environments and equitable hiring practices, please visit: https://www.hrc.org/resources/glossary-of-terms

Tyler Smith and Ryan Straschnitzki are survivors of the devastating bus crash in April, 2018 that killed 16 members of the Humboldt Broncos organization and shook everyone around the globe. Coming up on 3 years since the tragedy, Tyler and Ryan walk us through life after the accident, how they are coping mentally with everything they've experienced and how they're helping others by sharing their stories.

Part 2 of our season's best of, featuring some of our favorite interviews from Season 1. This episode highlights conversations with the CEO of EdApp, Darren Winterford, workplace mental health thought leader and multi-published author, Dr. Bill Howatt, and former NHL goaltender and TV broadcaster, Kelly Hrudey. 

One full season of Beyond the Checkbox is in the books! In this 'Best of' episode, we feature clips from some of our favorite conversations including former NHL player, anti-abuse and anti-bullying advocate, Sheldon Kennedy, ATB Financial CEO, Curtis Stange, and Founder of Depressed While Black, Imadé.