Mental Edge Lifestyle Podcast

On this episode, Ryan speaks with the fastest swimmer in Canadian sports history, Brent Hayden. They speak about Brent's childhood and what inspired him to take the path that he took to becoming an Olympic swimmer, the challenges he faced and what helped him to keep going. Brent discusses how he tries to give back through swimming and through talking about the challenges in his life and provides an insight into an incident which could have stopped his career in its tracks. In this episode: How Brent views himself and how he came to terms with his own success and image in the public eye. Getting into swimming, how Brent kept moving forward despite early failures and what inspired him to set him off on the journey he ended up taking. How the love for swimming kept Brent going despite not being innately good at the sport and eventually building up to the point where he got to an Olympic standard through perseverance.   An insight into his first Olympic experience in Athens, how the failure impacted him, his side of the story regarding the misunderstanding with the Police and how he used that experience to push himself to be even better than ever before. Learning the power of recognising that you only need one reason to succeed, despite how many things are going against you. How his mental health struggle with depression stemming from the early setbacks made training harder for Brent and eventually led to him retiring after a string of victories including the Bronze Medal at London 2012. Working through the pain and inconvenience which came with the back spasms he struggled with, how it contributed to him walking away, and how he came around to wanting to make a comeback. Using his experience and profile as an Olympian to inspire others, the way he was inspired by the people who he looked up to as a young child, by visiting young people around Canada. How Brent and his partner came up with their idea for filming his swim camps, his motivation to teach others how to swim around the world and how that helped remind him of his love for swimming.   Living with Covid as an athlete, how its limited the traditional opportunities for training and led to Brent discovering a new love for open water swimming.   Connect with Brent Hayden Web: www.brenthayden.com Social Media: @thebrenthayden   Connect with Mental Edge Lifestyle Web: mentaledge.ca Instagram: @mental_edge_lifestyle Facebook: @MENTALEDGEL

On this episode, Ryan speaks with Canadian Paralympian and athlete Josh Cassidy, winner of both the London and Boston Marathons. In this episode: Being diagnosed with neuroblastoma at birth and given a very low chance of survival, and how that affected the rest of his life by resulting in paralysis in his legs following remission. How his cancer helped Josh understand the realities of life at an early age, and how to get over some of the obstacles that life throws your way. Growing up in a large family that moved around a lot and how it helped Josh learn to adapt at an early age. Dealing with ignorance and hostility from the children his age, and how his siblings dealt with the difficult questions they were asked about their brother. Feeling compassion for the people who made fun of him. Find the balance between getting support and providing support in his role as the oldest child in the family. The evolution of the feeling of gratitude for the people in your life that support you, your progress, and the little wins in life. The people and events that started steering Josh towards becoming the multi-award winning, record holding Paralympian that he is today. Josh’s career highlights and the achievements of which he is most proud. Getting through rough patches and avoiding getting stuck in the “why me” attitude. Remembering and recognising your successes to get you through coming adversities. Picking yourself up and using your setbacks to fuel your fire. The impact of Covid-19 on Josh as an athlete, on the sporting calendar, and how people like him have adapted to prepare for the future and racing once again.   Connect with Josh Cassidy Facebook: Joshua Cassidy Instagram: @joshcassidy84 Twitter: @joshcassidy84   Connect with Mental Edge Lifestyle Web: mentaledge.ca Instagram: @mental_edge_lifestyle Facebook: @MENTALEDGEL  

On this episode, Ryan is joined by Jill Wheatley, a teacher turned life-long activist and adventurer. Jill suffered from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) on her job, losing 70% of her sight and in the process changing her entire view on life.   Jill speaks about the experience itself, what went through her mind in the moment, and breaks down her thought process in both the immediate aftermath and the long-term effects. She has taken it upon herself to use her life-changing experience to shine a light on an otherwise stigmatised issue that lacks public awareness.   In this Episode: Jill speaks of the events of the day that changed her life forever, and her journey of realising what had actually happened to her. Jill discusses how she would have felt if the accident had happened to anyone else who was there that day and her acceptance of a difficult situation. Coping with the loss of autonomy and being a highly independent person living through a situation where you do not have the level of control you are used to having. Living with the uncertainty of a medical prognosis that keeps changing and an issue that is not all that well understood even amongst experts. How Jill sees the mental mountains she has to climb to be more challenging than the mountains she climbs in real life. Learning how to accept help and support from friends & family, and how that was particularly challenging in the early stages of her journey. Coming to understand the value of sharing your story, and hearing that of others, beyond niceties and surface-level conversation. Evolving from a fixed-mindset to a growth mindset. Highlights of Jill’s mountaineering career, her most significant climbs and runs. The role of travelling in helping Jill accepting the direction her life had taken. Acceptance through being grateful for the lessons learned through adversity.     Connect with Jill Wheatley Web: mountainsofmymind.com Facebook: facebook.com/mountainsofmymind Instagram: @mtnsofmymind     Connect with Mental Edge Lifestyle Web: mentaledge.ca Instagram: @mental_edge_lifestyle Facebook: @MENTALEDGEL

On this episode, Ryan is joined by Adam Schafer, one of three hosts of the hugely popular Mind Pump Podcast. Adam has also been a lifelong entrepreneur, professionally certified fitness instructor and father. Adam speaks of his experiences dealing with the trauma of losing his father to suicide very early on his life, how he overcame his struggles to become the person he is today, his thoughts on being a father and, of course, fitness. In this Episode: Processing and coping with the loss of a parent to suicide at an early stage and how that led to Adam becoming more self-aware, compassionate, and vulnerable as a person. Finding reasons to be grateful for adversity and turning resentment into an opportunity for growth. The evolution of your perspective on your own life events. The strength of the human survival instinct and how ‘survival mode’ changes the way you behave. Recognizing your strengths and appreciating your personal successes. The role of spirituality in coping with life and adversity, and finding a way. Learning to look at the silver linings in every situation. Finding balance in the face of hypocrisy. Putting self-awareness ahead of instinctual reactions to be open minded. The thought process behind the Mind Pump Podcast and what brings the team together. The growth process of a trainer. Looking past physical appearances to understand the importance of mental health in your overall wellbeing. Sharing your story and talking about your experiences. Accepting how external situations affect you and controlling your reactions to challenging situations by being self-aware. Reflecting on how your day has gone every night to unpack your behaviours and understand why you acted the way that you did. Training yourself to catch yourself engaging in behaviours you want to root out. Parenthood and the impact of Adam’s past on the kind of father that he is. Balancing the human desire to provide for your children and providing the right amount of adversity to develop their personality and work ethic. Appreciating the role your negative traits have played in your life.   Connect with Adam Web: mindpumppodcast.com Youtube: Mind Pump Podcast Who is Mind Pump?   Connect with Mental Edge Lifestyle Web: mentaledge.ca Instagram: @mental_edge_lifestyle Facebook: @MENTALEDGEL

In this episode Ryan is joined by Dr. Callum Cowan. A doctor of naturopathic medicine and high performance medicine practitioner his approach is to optimize his patients health, performance and to prevent the occurrence of illness and injury.  Ryan and Dr. Cowan have a great discussion about fasting, longevity, and supplementing your nutrition but feel and perform your very best everyday. In this Episode  What led Callum to naturopathic medicine Omega-3 Magnesium Vitamin D Vitamin C Human Strain Probiotic Milk Thistle  Fasting Fasting & workouts   Connect with Dr. Cowan

On this episode Ryan is joined by Jon Lounsbury, Vice President of Gel Sticks. Jon also runs a private on-ice training business. Jon shares about his mentors, his parents, dealing with the death of his mother, his brothers substance abuse and battling injury while playing minor professional hockey from 2005-2010.    In this Episode: Growing up in a small town playing sports Going pro  Injuries Losing sight of yourself Losing someone you love Self-care The opinions of others    Connect with Jon:

On this episode Ryan is joined by Vernon Brown, Happiness and Success Coach. Happiness evaded Vernon for much of his young life until he was 20 years old. He grew up in an abusive and drug ridden home, he was profoundly depressed, overweight and had little self worth. He knew he wanted more, so he began to create the person he is today.  Vernon now helps men and women find and sustain their true happiness.  In this Episode: Struggling as a young man Recognizing self-care The evolution into coaching  Measuring happiness Thinking time - awareness What do you do for fun? Taking action Connect with Vernon:

On this episode Ryan is joined by Ben Harrow, US Army CPT, accomplished officer and a decorated American hero. Ben attended the United States Military Academy at West Point and received the Unsung Hero award his senior year. In 2006, he prepared for his first 15-month combat deployment to Iraq and earned the rank of Captain. On May 15, 2012, while deployed in Afghanistan, Ben was leading a team of Green Berets on an anti-terrorism mission when he stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED). He lost both legs above the knee, two fingers, and a large portion of flesh from his right forearm.   In this Episode: How Ben found his way to the Military Special Forces selection Deploying overseas Stepping on an IED Reliving trauma, developing a strong mindset Healing physically and mentally  "I will find a way." Being resilient   Connect with Ben:

On this episode Ryan is joined by JB Spisso, Author, and Leadership and Cultural Development expert.  JB has over thirty years of experience in transforming individuals into leaders. He is a Veteran of the US Army with 26 years of service including ten years in Special Operations with the elite 75th Ranger regiment.  In this Episode  JB's experience and background Mentorship Transforming into a leader Always be learning  Styles of leadership  Negativity Being present  Leaders make mistakes  Do leaders ever cut loose?  Becoming an Author  Staying healthy Hockey talk   Connect with JB:

On this episode, Ryan is joined by Janice Landry. Janice is an award-winning writer and journalist whose non-fiction work primarily focuses on mental health and wellness. She started writing books to honor her late father, Capt. Basil (Baz) Landry M.B., of the former Halifax Fire Department, now Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency (HRFE). HRFE is the oldest fire service in Canada. Capt. Landry was awarded the Medal of Bravery by the Canadian government, in 1980, for his part in rescuing an eight-week-old baby from a horrific 1978 Halifax house fire.     Most of Landry's books include multiple interviews with Canadian first responders, emergency personnel, and their loved ones - as she advocates nationally for better support, education, and pre-emptive training for people across agencies, backgrounds, and careers, who work around trauma. She has recently completed her fifth book (2019) which focuses on two key cornerstones in mental health and wellness: gratitude and resiliency. In this episode: The feeling of gratitude for her dad An invitation and opportunity to examine life Where Janice learned the art of perseverance Experiences that taught her artistically, creatively and journalistically How we can benefit from failures and trauma

On this episode, Ryan is joined by Ben Fanelli. While pursuing his masters in Psychology. Ben is trying to tackle one of modern days biggest issues. The issue is that many people are living with subclinical issues that are stopping them from reaching their full potential. Ben believes the reason for his recovery was due to the support he had around him. This has motivated him to learn and share as much as he can about human resilience and the power of the mind. This is what drives him to jump out of bed every morning. Ben is excited by the opportunity to empower people to awaken the hero within.   In this Episode:  Obsession over hockey or ego Self defense mechanism  The importance of blunt, hard work  Being connected all the time, is it a good thing? The risk of deterioration of cognitive abilities Importance of having support groups Value of engaging in different conversations   Connect with Ben Fanelli

In this episode, Ryan is joined by Dr. Chris Friesen. Dr. Friesen is a licensed in clinical psychology, clinical neuropsychology, and forensic/correctional psychology.  He works with Professional, National, Olympic and up-coming elite Athletes, as well as Executives, Academics, Entrepreneurs and Writers to help them achieve their personal and professional potential.  Ryan and Dr. Friesen have a great discussion about concussions, the role they play in mental health, how they occur, symptoms, treatment and so much more!  In this Episode  What is a concussion? Levels of traumatic brain injuries  Treatment, a new perspective  Second Impact Syndrome  Testing  Concussion and mental health CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy) Heart rate variability biofeedback    Connect with Dr. Friesen

On this episode Ryan is joined by Annette Zapp. Annette Zapp is a 14-year veteran of the fire service, currently serving as a full-time lieutenant for the Lisle-Woodridge, IL, Fire Protection District near Chicago. Annette is a member of her peer support team. She also operates a fire, rescue, fitness and coaching business that is dedicated to helping firefighters physically and mentally, around the world.   Annette has a master’s degree in biochemistry and molecular biology, and is credentialed through the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) as a certified strength and conditioning specialist (CSCS) and a tactical strength and conditioning facilitator (TSAC-F).   In this Episode  From biochemistry to fighting fires Fire Protection district vs Fire Department  Peer support Physical and mental health Firefighter wellness #Spring4Change - suicide awareness  Grateful for adversity   Connect with Annette:

On this episode Ryan is joined by Clint Malarchuk, former NHL goaltender and coach, author, speaker, father, husband, cowboy and mental health advocate.  Ryan and Clint have a great conversation as Clint describes how he survived several significant traumas, the effect it had on his mental health how he regained balance in his life and how he is now helping others.  In this Episode  Clint's childhood  Anxiety, depression, OCD Goaltending in the family Trauma on the ice PTSD and insomnia Finally a diagnosis and some relief The downward spiral  A suicide attempt  Acceptance  Writing The Crazy Game: How I Survived in the Crease and Beyond Relapse & Rehab  The stigma of being weak The body remembers trauma Clint's hockey career Nightmares, EMDR Keeping balance daily Finding the right tools Grateful for adversity Hockey talk   Connect with Clint Malarchuk:

On this episode Ryan is joined by Michael Landsberg. Michael is a mental health advocate and founder of Sick Not Weak, a not-for-profit corporation who's objective is to help people understand that mental illness is a sickness, NOT a weakness and to be a community of people who come to gain strength, and stay to give strength. In addition, Michael is a Canadian Sports Journalist, and host of TSN's First Up with Landsberg and Colaiacovo. Ryan and Michael have an open and honest conversation about their own mental health, breaking the stigma, the importance of sharing your story and much more...  In this Episode  Michael's start in broadcasting TSN, OTR Anxiety & Depression re-surface In so much pain Helping people to feel understood A life changing story Sharing with others Breaking the stigma Treatment Embracing other peoples challenges Sick Not Weak  OTR Favourite guests OTR Challenging guest Grateful for adversity   Connect with Michael Landsberg:

On this episode Ryan is joined by Dr. Callum Cowan. A doctor of naturopathic medicine and high performance medicine practitioner his approach is to optimize his patients health, performance and to prevent the occurrence of illness and injury.  Ryan and Dr. Cowan have a great discussion about the importance of sleep, sleep disturbances, optimal sleep patterns, ways to help you sleep better, napping, shift work and so much more!  In this Episode  The optimal amount of sleep Sleep cycles getting better sleep - 10,3,2,1 Sleep medication and supplements Sleep basics  CBT & CBD Shift work Should you take a nap? Natural rhythms Alcohol, THC and nicotine Too much sleep? Can I catch up on sleep?    Connect with Dr. Cowan

On this episode Ryan is joined by DeAnn Wandler-Vukovich, a former university executive who suffered from chronic stress and executive burnout which led to a suicide attempt on her 52nd birthday.   In this Episode  Chronic stress, anxiety and depression Declining baseline of resilience  Brain-Based Coaching  Identifying triggers  Stress journal  Mind-body connection Mindfullness Controlling our reactions  Mental health safety plan Self-care The healthy mind platter Grateful for adversity   Connect with DeAnn:

On this episode Ryan is joined by Scott Hewlett, City of Brampton Firefighter. Scott shares his mental health journey through childhood bullying, dealing with anxiety and depression and his work with helping others on their mental health journey.  In this Episode  Bullying  Becoming a Firefighter Balancing careers Leading from where you are Mental health Peer Support Do something for them and with them Anxiety, Depression and sleep Changing your baseline Being proactive with your mental health Grateful for adversity   Connect with Scott:

On this episode Ryan is joined by JB Spisso, Business & Leadership Coach. JB has over thirty years of experience in transforming individuals into leaders. He is a Veteran of the US Army with 26 years of service including ten years in Special Operations with the elite 75th Ranger regiment.  In this Episode  JB's background, growing up US Army Ranger Leadership consulting with professional sports teams Being a good leader Can you teach leadership? Adapt and be open Always be learning Mental health PTSD - the importance of connection Resiliency Ride the wave, not too high, not too low Book - Warrior Leadership Grateful for adversity    Connect with JB:

On this episode Ryan is joined by Stephanie Kersta, a registered Psychotherapist and Co-Founder of Hoame, a Meditation studio in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.  Stephanie is a Therapist with a strong belief in the power of working together to help you achieve your best life and help you resolve any issue that are preventing you from achieve that life. She uses evidence based therapies and lifestyle modification strategies to ensure the therapy is tailored to the needs of each client. In this Episode  Stephanie's start in the Mental Health field Yoga & meditation  Corporate trainings Gold standard therapies  Rewiring thinking patterns Find the positive exception  Your self-care toolbox Sleep Exercise Meditation Human connection   Connect with Stephanie:

On this episode Ryan is joined by Nikole Stanfield. In 2014 Nikole left the 9-5 world and jumped into entrepreneurship. Quickly, her business was successful but led to burnout in 2018. Needing to find a solution, Nikole built a system to beat that burnout and now helps others to do the same with her 9 step program.  In this Episode  Jumping in to entrepreneurship Burnout, anger and resentment  Time off was not enough  Getting past burnout 9 step approach The importance of meditation  Simple habits Balance - fun, self-care and downtime  Prioritizing you Saying no - guilt free Sharping your intuition      Connect with Nikole:

On this episode Ryan comments on the importance of time and the excuse we often use of "I don't have time" when what we really mean is we don't want to make something a priority - and that's ok!   In this episode: Wake up earlier Go to bed later Watch less TV Plan ahead Plan around Ask for help Chunk your time Commit to less Stop negotiating Multi-task  

On this episode Ryan is joined by Chris Carter, the Founder and COO of Funding Innovation. Chris shares how he left high school and created his own path to learning and gaining experience. Funding Innovation is a for-profit company that is dedicated to giving 65% of every net-dollar to charity, to-date they have given over six million dollars and counting!  In this Episode  Finding a new path of learning Learning by experience Being resourceful, find a way! Creating Opportunities  Mentors Managing Risk  Dealing with failure Just being "good enough" Showing up Always be learning Grateful for adversity Ryans tips for living a healthy lifestyle   Check out this TED Talk - Dan Pallotta - The Way We Think About Charity is Dead Wrong   Connect with Chris and Funding Innovation:

On this episode Ryan is joined by Jeff Adams. Jeff is a 6 time Paralympian and 6 time World Champion in Wheelchair Sports. Jeff is living proof that focus, determination and spirit and the keys the achieving gold medal dreams.  Jeff combines his unique understanding of life challenges with his experience as a world class athlete.  Jeff has successfully transitioned from sport to business and has founded two companies.  In this Episode Childhood in a wheelchair A way to get back to competing Support system and mindset Motivational speaking, the sound of support Building a team From sport to business Controversial drug test Grateful for adversity   Connect with Jeff:

On this episode Ryan is joined by Sara gallagher - a mental performance coach who works with Athletes to help them overcome blocks that may be holding them back in their training, focus and achievement.   In this Episode What is mental performance coaching? No one size fits all solution The importance of focus Mental blocks Balancing your sport life and personal life What drives Sara and how she keeps her mind healthy   Connect with Sarah:

On this episode Ryan is joined by Denis Vachon, a highly decorated Canadian Athlete. Denis is a 4 time World Team Champion in Trampoline Gymnastics and is a 10 time Canadian Champion. Denis is the Power Tumbling and Trampoline Director as well as the High Performance Women Artistic Coach at Dynamo Gymnastics.  Ryan and Denis have a candid conversation about what Denis' life was like before he came out - but knew he was gay, the day he came out, the emotions he had and what it did for his mental health.    In this Episode Pushing away the negativity  Coming out A different life Knowing when to come out From athlete to coach Being accountable to yourself, good and bad Grateful for adversity   Connect with Denis:

On this episode Ryan is joined by Jason Valadao. Jason is passionate about leadership and personal growth, he is a certified coach, speaker, and trainer with the John Maxwell Team, where he shares his passion and vision of adding value to all of the lives that he come into contact with. Jason is also a Family and Sports Medicine Physician serving on active-duty in the United States Navy and has an impressive background of experiences that has lead him to where he is today.   In this Episode Starting with work ethic Daily routines Journaling Its not about balance, its about fusion Don't limit your capacity Mentorship Failure Book: Exceptional Everyday Being Significant Who is sitting at your table? Importance of family Adversity   Connect with Jason:

On this episode Ryan is joined by Niagara Falls Firefighter Chris Howe. Chris has an incredible story of addiction, resiliency and hope.  In this Episode The early years, growing up Searching for belonging  Introduction to alcohol Seeking acceptance Running from problems Sick and tired of being sick and tired Who am I if I'm sober? Paramedicine In and out of recovery Firefighting  Hiding the weakness A feeling of emptiness A mindset of surrendering  Recovery and regaining life Helping others Staying clean and sober   Connect with Chris:

On this episode Ryan is joined by Wendy Lund. Wendy has over 30 years of experience as a Professor of Nursing and Paramedicine. Wendy has studied and practiced mindfulness, compassion and resiliency and has conducted studies to investigate the experience of trauma in First Responders. She has completed a Mindfulness Studies degree program at the University of Aberdeen. Wendy is also the Founder of Wellth Management, a company that helps organizations to redefine wealth and help foster psychological safety and well-being in the workplace.   In this Episode Ryan's experience in Wendy's course Mindfulness tools Wendy's background and how Wellth Management began What is mindfulness? How we can get started  Awareness & gratitude    Connect with Wendy Lund:

On this episode Ryan is joined by Rick Csiernik. Rick is a Professor of Social Work at Kings University College and has authored over 150 peer-reviewed articles. Rick has also presented at over 200 national and international conferences.  In this Episode The professionalization of social work The next evolution of the mental health movement  What is an addiction? Giving support Seeking help Taking control   Connect with Rick Csiernik

On this episode Ryan is joined by Dr. Chris Friesen, a Psycologist who has always been fascinated by what makes people successful. He is a licensed Clinical, Forensic and Neuro Psycologist who works with Professional, National, Olympic and up-coming elite Athletes, as well as Executives, Academics, Entrepreneurs and Writers to help them achieve their personal and professional potential.  In this Episode Knowing your why The importance of goal setting  Value Your Purpose Finding your personality type   Connect with Dr. Chris Friesen

On this episode Ryan is joined by Shannon Simmons. Shannon is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Investment Manager (CIM), media personality, author and founder of the New School of FinanceTM. In this Episode Shannons background  9-5 to Entrepreneur, not afraid to be afraid Being realistic about money Budgeting and still living your life 2 best selling books Staying focused   Connect with Shannon Simmons

On this episode Ryan is joined by Dr. Callum Cowan. A doctor of naturopathic medicine and high performance medicine practitioner his approach is to optimize his patients health, performance and to prevent the occurrence of illness and injury.  In this episode: Dr. Cowan's background Patient treatment The gut-brain connection Inflammation, cortisol and your hormones Feeling good and your physiology Picking the right foods Fasting Having Motivation and energy Metabolism and the Liver   Connect with Dr. Cowan

On this episode Ryan is joined by Jeremy Scott, an icon of the fitness industry. Jeremy is the Author of Make Success Mandatory, and has crafted numerous programs such as The 47 day transformation Program. Jeremy has been named by Shape Magazine 1 of 50 Hottest Trainers in America on numerous occasions.    In this Episode Jeremys background in fitness Why we need to stop worrying Measuring success Staying on track with your fitness and nutrition The importance of assessing your mindset   Connect with Jeremy Scott

On this episode Ryan is joined by David Essel, #1 Best Selling Author, Counsellor, Life Coach. David helps people heal from anxiety, depression, PTSD, and many other disorders. David details his own mental health struggles, how he was covering it up and how he got to the root of the issues.    In this Episode The day david decided to take his own life An introvert living in an extroverted world Ask for help, you don’t need to heal by yourself Medication and lifestyle changes Addcitions Amino acids  David’s 10th book, Focus, slay your goals Your thoughts and your success Are you willing to do the work? David’s adversity that he is grateful for   Connect with David Essel

Welcome to Mental Edge Lifestyle Podcast, your host is Ryan Gallagher - Husband, Father, Firefighter and Mental health Advocate.  We all go through tough situations in life, this can effect our mental edge and hold us back from our true potential. This podcast will give you the tools and resources you need to keep your mind healthy and operating at peak performance. Learn from others who have struggled, overcame and continue to thrive by keeping their mind healthy and strong. We are talking with experts from around the world on topics like: PTSD, financial stress, sleep, mind-body connection, addiction, depression and fitness.   Connect with Mental Edge Lifestyle