Blindsided

Sheldon Kennedy never dreamed of being a 20-year-old kid who would be in and out of psych wards. He never dreamed of being in a hospital on suicide watch, and he never dreamed of going through drug and alcohol treatment eight times. But that became his reality. From a young age, Sheldon was sexually abused by his junior hockey coach, Graham James, a prominent figure in his hockey community. And for 11 years, Sheldon struggled in silence — the first five while the abuse was going on, and the following six during which still no one else knew the truth about what had happened to him. As Sheldon rose through the ranks of professional hockey, the weight of his secret drove him down some dark paths. It wasn't until 1996, when he came forward with what had happened to him, that Sheldon could finally see a future for himself as a husband and a father. Still, looking back on his NHL career is complicated because there are feelings of shame and guilt around who he was. What he does take pride in is the fact that he can be happy now – scars and all. In 2014, Sheldon was honored with the Order of Canada, the nation's highest civilian ranking. And to him, that should be a symbol of hope for anyone struggling to become the person they did dream of becoming.   *This episode contains content and topics that may be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. There are many support services that are here to help. Resources can be found at The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (1-800-273-8255 or text TALK to 741741).   Visit Luna Child and Youth Advocacy Centre or National Children's Advocacy Center for resources to help those who have suffered childhood sexual abuse.   You can check out Sheldon's book, Why I Didn't Say Anything, on Amazon to learn more of his story.   About Our Hosts: Former National Hockey League goaltender Corey Hirsch and psychiatrist Dr. Diane McIntosh team up on Blindsided to allow professional athletes to open up about mental health. The podcast lets listeners hear moments when mental health became the athlete's most important focus.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Blindsided, we welcome Helen Maroulis. She's the first Olympic gold medalist ever for the U.S. in women's wrestling. After reaching the pinnacle of her career at the 2016 Games in Rio, Helen suffered a concussion. The effects revealed themselves over time and, she says, changed her a lot — mentally and emotionally. But she was determined to heal. Helen talks about struggling with her mental health after her injury … about losing all of her confidence right after she won the gold … and about why she considers her biggest accomplishment to be her return to wrestling. Helen came back to the sport with a new perspective. She earned a second medal this past summer at the Tokyo Olympics. It was a bronze — and without question it's the medal she's most proud of. Here's Helen Maroulis on Blindsided.   *This episode contains content and topics that may be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. There are many support services that are here to help. Resources can be found at: The Concussion Legacy Foundation https://concussionfoundation.org/ and 857-244-0810 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Blindsided, we welcome professional golfer Bubba Watson. Bubba has won 12 times on the PGA Tour, including twice at The Masters, where he claimed the Green Jacket in 2012 and again in 2014. But few knew that during that time Bubba was struggling with anxiety. His new book, Up and Down: Victories and Struggles in the Course of  Life, details how his anxiety affects him personally, professionally, and physically. How the death of his father made him conscious of that anxiety. After a trip to the hospital for a panic attack that brought him to his knees, it was Bubba's faith that helped pull him back up and guide him through his darkest moments. From victory to desperation and everything in between, Bubba's story is something  so many can relate to. Here's Bubba Watson on Blindsided.   You can find Bubba's book here: https://www.thomasnelson.com/p/up-and-down/   *This episode contains content and topics that may be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. There are many support services that are here to help. Resources can be found at: Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) 240-485-1001 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Blindsided, we welcome Kurt Warner. Kurt is a former NFL quarterback who won a Super Bowl with the St. Louis Rams. And in 2017, Kurt was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. But before all that … before the trip to Canton … before the 32,344 passing yards … before “The Greatest Show on Turf” … he stocked shelves at a local Hy-Vee grocery store in Cedar Falls, Iowa. And what he did in that store is the key to understanding how he transformed from an undrafted free agent into a football legend. Kurt's story is a story of resilience and it's powerful to hear. Here's Kurt Warner on Blindsided.   About Our Hosts: Former National Hockey League goaltender Corey Hirsch and psychiatrist Dr. Diane McIntosh team up on Blindsided to allow professional athletes to open up about mental health. The podcast lets listeners hear moments when mental health became the athlete's most important focus. *This episode contains content and topics that may be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. There are many support services that are here to help. Resources can be found at: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) 866-615-6464 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Blindsided, we welcome Nate Boyer. Nate is a former long snapper for the University of Texas Longhorns, but he's unlike any other football player you've ever met. Nate volunteered as a relief worker in Sudan, then enlisted in the U.S. Army. He served in both Iraq and Afghanistan as a Green Beret. And that's all before he started playing football. People celebrate him, but he's always felt undeserving of the accolades. While people saw a hero, he saw a man with wounds. It's taken him time to heal. And during that period, Nate learned that people should be proud of their scars. Both those seen and unseen.   About Our Hosts: Former National Hockey League goaltender Corey Hirsch and psychiatrist Dr. Diane McIntosh team up on Blindsided to allow professional athletes to open up about mental health. The podcast lets listeners hear moments when mental health became the athlete's most important focus. *This episode contains content and topics that may be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. There are many support services that are here to help. Most importantly, if one approach doesn't work, try another. The first might not always be the best fit for you. Resources can be found at: National Alliance on Mental Health - https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Veterans-Active-Duty and 1-800-950-6264 For more information about Nate Boyer's foundation, Merging Vets and Players, visit https://vetsandplayers.org/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Blindsided, we welcome Darryl Sydor. Darryl is the current co-owner of the Kamloops Blazers. Before that he was a defenseman in the National Hockey League. He won two Stanley Cups, the first with the Dallas Stars and the secondwith the Tampa Bay Lightning. But throughout his career Darryl struggled with body-image issues. He developed an eating disorder. And when his playing career ended … his addiction to alcohol caught up to him. Darryl's interview is raw, open — and told with care.    About Our Hosts: Former National Hockey League goaltender Corey Hirsch and psychiatrist Dr. Diane McIntosh team up on Blindsided to allow professional athletes to open up about mental health. The podcast lets listeners hear moments when mental health became the athlete's most important focus. *This episode contains content and topics that may be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. There are many support services that are here to help. Resources can be found at: National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) 800-931-2237andhttps://www.nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Blindsided, we welcome Kevin Love. Kevin is an NBA player for the Cleveland Cavaliers, with whom he won an NBA championship in 2016. He's also one of the most prominent professional athletes to speak out about his mental struggles. His article, “Everyone is going through something” struck a chord in the sports community and beyond. It helped a lot of people and athletes to open up. Kevin talks about a family history of mental illness, self-medicating with alcohol, and the paranoid feelings he had after experiencing a panic attack in front of thousands of people. We're thankful for his courage in sharing his story.   About Our Hosts: Former National Hockey League goaltender Corey Hirsch and psychiatrist Dr. Diane McIntosh team up on Blindsided to allow professional athletes to open up about mental health. The podcast lets listeners hear moments when mental health became the athlete's most important focus. *This episode contains content and topics that may be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. There are many support services that are here to help. Resources can be found at: Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) 240-485-1001 and https://adaa.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Blindsided, we welcome Taylor Townsend. Taylor has been a name in the tennis world for some time. She dominated in the junior division, achieving a Grand Slam in singles and a No. 1 world ranking.  Then, at 15, she turned pro. But staying at the top was tough. Taylor opens up about depression, the journey to finding the right therapy and the mental toughness it takes to undertake a climb back to the top. This year, Taylor became a mother. And it's safe to say her son, Adyn, is in for a treat as Taylor makes her comeback to tennis.   About Our Hosts: Former National Hockey League goaltender Corey Hirsch and psychiatrist Dr. Diane McIntosh team up on Blindsided to allow professional athletes to open up about mental health. The podcast lets listeners hear moments when mental health became the athlete's most important focus. *This episode contains content and topics that may be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. There are many support services that are here to help. More resources for postpartum depression can be found at: Postpartum Support International (PSI) 1-800-944-4773 and https://www.postpartum.net/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Blindsided, we welcome Paul Bissonnette. Paul is former NHL defenseman for the Phoenix Coyotes. He played in just about 200 games, but he's one of the most well-known hockey players on the planet. He's also a co-host of Spittin' Chiclets. And while most know him for his loud, sometimes lewd, public persona ... there's the Paul Bissonnette that players know: A great teammate. A great person. A great friend. Today on the show, he opens up about anxiety, coping with tragedy, self-medicating, and the stress of social media. Here's Paul Bissonnette on Blindsided.   About Our Hosts: Former National Hockey League goaltender Corey Hirsch and psychiatrist Dr. Diane McIntosh team up on Blindsided to allow professional athletes to open up about mental health. The podcast lets listeners hear moments when mental health became the athlete's most important focus. *This episode contains content and topics that may be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. There are many support services that are here to help. Resources can be found at: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) 866-615-6464 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Blindsided, we welcome Julius Thomas. Julius is a former tight end for the Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars and Miami Dolphins. Before the NFL, Julius was a basketball star at Portland State. But he believed he could play pro football. So he went for it. Most surprising, though, is what Julius is doing now. He retired from football in 2018 to study psychology and is currently going for his doctorate. So this conversation definitely gets clinical. Between Diane and Julius, we learn a lot. JT talks about growing up in Stockton, California … the differences in how we treat physical and mental injuries … and the anxiety that comes with fame. We've also decided that Julius has one of the best mindfulness voices of all time. Here's Julius Thomas on Blindsided.   About Our Hosts: Former National Hockey League goaltender Corey Hirsch and psychiatrist Dr. Diane McIntosh team up on Blindsided to allow professional athletes to open up about mental health. The podcast lets listeners hear moments when mental health became the athlete's most important focus. *This episode contains content and topics that may be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. There are many support services that are here to help. Resources can be found at: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) 866-615-6464 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On our very first episode of Blindsided, we welcome Clint Malarchuk. Clint is a former National Hockey League goaltender for the Quebec Nordiques, Washington Capitals and Buffalo Sabres. Most people, however, remember Clint for sustaining one of the worst injuries in the history of sports. In 1989, he collided with a player in front of the net. A skate sliced across Clint's neck. And he nearly bled out on the ice. The accident led to the severe deterioration of his mental health. But Clint came out of it. He became one of the first NHL players to speak up on the issue of mental health. His book The Crazy Game helped and inspired countless people. Clint is living proof that you can survive and thrive despite hitting the lowest of lows. Here's Clint Malarchuk on Blindsided.   About Our Hosts: Former National Hockey League goaltender Corey Hirsch and psychiatrist Dr. Diane McIntosh team up on Blindsided to allow professional athletes to open up about mental health. The podcast lets listeners hear moments when mental health became the athlete's most important focus. This episode contains content and topics that may be difficult for some listeners. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. There are many support services that are here to help. Resources can be found at The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (1-800-273-8255 or text TALK to 741741). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plan your work and work your plan. For many athletes, words like these are scripture— permanent signposts lining the long road to success. The very act of pursuing a career in sports often gives a sense of control, a sense of safety. Just stick to the plan. Good things will follow. That is, until life happens. The kind of life that happens while you're making other plans. Devastating setbacks. Dark thoughts. Debilitating breakdowns. Mental health conditions that force an athlete to ditch their well laid plans and ask, “What's my next play?” Hosted by former National Hockey League goaltender Corey Hirsch and psychiatrist Dr. Diane McIntosh, Blindsided allows professional athletes to open up about mental health. The podcast lets listeners hear moments when mental health became the athlete's most important focus. Blindsided then dives in deeper. It gets clinical. And it allows listeners to leave with a deeper understanding of mental health conditions that all people face. It then shows how athletes, in particular, face them down. Welcome to Blindsided. Mental health. Sports. Life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.