Own It

Michael Landsberg is one of the best-known personalities in Canadian broadcasting, commonly known for hosting the the show "Off The Record". Landsberg has been with TSN since the network's inception from its debut in 1997, to its finale in 2015. In his documentary Darkness and Hope: Depression, Sports, and Me, Landsberg shared his own struggles with depression and interviewed other famous individuals about their own battles. Landsberg is an ambassador for Bell Let's Talk, an initiative raising awareness about mental health, and he is the founder of #SickNotWeak, a charity that reframes mental illness as a health issue, rather than a character flaw. In this episode of the Own it podcast, Landsberg defines mental illness and discusses some of his personal battles with depression, including some of his hardest days. He shares his advice for those struggling on how to help themselves, as well as how a friend or family member can support someone struggling with a mental illness. He shares stories from his career and personal life and gives advice on how to live a fulfilling life despite living with a mental illness.

In this episode, Dr Gabor Maté, an internationally renowned speaker and bestselling author, sheds light on his experience as a physician working with addiction and mental illness for over a decade in Vancouver's Downtown East Side. Furthermore, Dr Maté discusses different components from each of his published books related to trauma, childhood development, and the mind-body connection. With publications in over thirty different languages, Dr Maté is considered an expert in the field of addiction, trauma, and childhood development. In recognition of his work, Dr Maté received the Hubert Evans Prize for literary non-fiction for his book on addiction. Additionally, for his groundbreaking medical work and writing, he has been awarded the Order of Canada, his country's highest civilian distinction, and the Civic Merit Award from his hometown in Vancouver.

Episode 20 is the season finale and the last episode of the year! To close off the season, I had the pleasure of being joined by Sportsnet writer, reporter, and producer Donnovan Bennett. Bennett is a well recognized voice in the sport industry, particularly for his work in advocating diversity and representation in both sport and life. In this episode, Donnovan shares his thoughts on the connection between mental health and racism and how one may contribute to the other. Additionally, Donnovan reflects back to his playing days with the Western Mustangs and how the conversation around mental health has grown today.

Sayde Shuster is an active mental health advocate and high school student residing in Vancouver, British Columbia. In this episode, Sayde discusses her recent work in designing a website to help individuals in Canada navigate different mental health resources more easily than ever. Moreover, the website idea came about after Sayde experienced the difficulties of struggling with a mental illness while trying to navigate which resources were able to help her. This episode covers several salient topics which are critical for both parents and high school students to listen to. Most importantly, Sayde finishes the episode by giving advice to parents on how to support their child from the perspective of a high school student with a mental illness.

This episode dives deep into Satyam's journey to becoming a psychiatrist. As someone who experiences anxiety and depression, Satyam has found ways that have helped him to own his mental health. This episode explores the various avenues that Satyam has taken in his life to help with his anxiety and depression on his road to psychiatry. In this inspiring conversation, Satyam reflects on his past and current experiences while offering insightful advice that can help make a difference for someone struggling with a similar illness. --- Follow the OwnIt_Podcast on Instagram for the latest updates and news If you enjoyed listening to this podcast episode, please rate and subscribe

John Stevenson is a Sports Psychologist with Zone Performance in Edmonton, Alberta. John offers over 20 years of expertise working with NHL goaltenders, olympic athletes, and top business executives. In this episode, John discusses strategies for coping under pressure, managing stress, overcoming adversity and more! The advice from this conversation not only applies to athletes, but all individuals looking for strategies to cope and manage with their personal mental health struggles.

Dan Luciuk's life story is inspiring and one that provides hope for better days ahead. In this episode, Dan shares the truth about his past experiences living on the streets with an addiction. Moreover, he shares insightful advice on what he believes individuals living on the street need in order to turn their life around. Dan continues to better himself each day, while also helping to inspire others and reduce stigma by sharing his story.

Glenn Roil is a national and global mental health advocate, as well as the former Newfoundland & Labrador Representative with the Canadian Mental Health Association of Persons with Lived Experience. Most notably, his mental health story living with anxiety, OCD, and PTSD will soon become recognized in the International American Bioethics Medical Journal called Narrative Inquiry in Bioethics. In this episode, Glenn shares his personal experience battling stigma with a mental illness, in addition to offering advice on methods of self-care.

Rebecca Steinhubl is the founder of You Are Collective, an Okanagan-based mental health social enterprise. Rebecca has been working extremely hard toward creating change and bringing awareness toward mental health and stigma. In this episode, Rebecca speaks to her personal struggles with mental health and offers advice to those struggling. Additionally, Rebecca shares all the incredible and salient work she is doing with You Are Collective. This episode is very informative and includes a diverse range of mental health topics.

Nathan Lirenman is a school and community presenter with the Stigma-Free Society. As someone living with Autism, Nathan is a person who has worked hard to learn the skills necessary to be successful and happy in life. In this episode, Nathan discusses how he has remained determined to not let stigma, stereotypes, and adversity get in the way of achieving his goals. Nathan also shares his enjoyment for keeping active, which he has felt has made him stronger mentally. Nathan is motivated to shatter the stigma associated with Autism and is continuing to do great work in his community.

EJ Weston is a school and community presenter for the Stigma-Free Society. In this episode, EJ speaks about the mental health consequences associated with stigma toward gender identity and the LGBTQ+ community. As a non-binary individual, EJ speak about experiences with addiction recovery, depression, and the importance of asking for help. EJ believes that we are able to change people's lives and create meaningful discussion when sharing personal stories and experiences.

Dr. Eva Pila is a professor in the Faculty of Kinesiology at Western University, Canada. Dr. Pila's teaching interests include both exercise psychology and the psychological aspects of body image as it relates to mental health. In this episode, Dr. Pila delineates the difference between a positive and negative body image. Additionally, the influence of social media on body image is discussed in the context of mental health. Finally, Dr. Pila shares her professional advice on the ways in which someone can achieve a positive body image.

Steven Hall is the community relations lead at Together We Can (TWC), an addiction recovery and education society based in Vancouver, B.C. Through a 60-day addiction treatment program, Steven was successful at overcoming his addiction. He eventually began volunteering and working for TWC, and is now inspiring others to overcome their battle with addiction and mental health. In this episode, Steven discusses his journey toward overcoming addiction and offers advice to family and friends supporting a loved one who is struggling. This episode is extremely insightful, powerful, and inspiring.

Jason Finucan is a mental health advocate, stigma fighter, professional speaker and founder of StigmaZero. He is also the author of the book Jason: 1 Stigma: 0: My battle with mental illness at home and in the workplace. In this episode, Jason shares his personal experience having both a physical and mental illness. Moreover, as someone who experienced Bipolar, Jason shares anecdotes using his impactful storytelling techniques. This episode covers several mental health topics from stigma, supporting a friend, COVID-19, and how to Own your mental health.

Doug Stacey began working as a physiotherapist for the London Knights of the Ontario Hockey League in 2003. Currently, Doug has now transitioned to the role of Head Athletic Therapist for the Western Mustangs University in London Ontario, Canada. He is widely considered one of the best hockey trainers in Canada, having a 15 year history working with Hockey Canada. Doug has covered 12 World Championships and 4 Olympics, where he has won several gold medals and championships. In this episode, Doug reflects on his role as a trainer in supporting the mental health of his athletes. Additionally, he shares strategies and advice on the ways that individuals can maximize their mental performance in sport.

Andrea Paquette is the President and Co-Founder of the Stigma Free Society. After being diagnosed with Bipolar in her mid-20s, Andrea worked hard to find her purpose in this world. She has done exactly that! In this episode, Andrea speak to the process of "owning" your mental health. Additionally, she discusses strategies she uses to cope with her mental health today, as well as offer advice to parents, teachers/professors, and friends who support an individual struggling with their mental health. Finally, Andrea shares inspiring personal stories that can help one overcome and reduce the stigma around mental health.

Alex Hodgins works as a Mental Performance Consultant for the Canadian Women's National Soccer Team and is the owner of Apex Performance Consulting. A highly accomplished mental performance coach, Alex has a specialization in working with both individual and team mental performance. In this episode, Alex and I discuss the impact of COVID on athlete's mental health. Additionally, we discuss the topic of building confidence, both in sport and in life. As well, we discuss strategies for overcoming adversity. Finally, Alex shares his advice on reaching our potential and finding happiness in everything we do.

Anna Sui is a former Canadian National Fencer, competing for 10 years at many World Cups, Grand Prix, three World Championships, and three Pan Am Championships, most recently being in 2015 in Toronto, Canada. Anna was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 in her early twenties, however she has not let that slow her down. Anna completed a Master's degree in Rehabilitation Sciences at Western University, Canada and is currently completing her PhD. In this episode, Anna shares her experience being an athlete and student with Bipolar. Moreover, Anna shares her advice on the different strategies that one can use to help cope with their mental health. Finally, Anna also shares her thoughts on how sports is becoming more open minded to having athletes speak up about their mental health conditions.

Dr. Andrea Sereda is a family physician who practices street outreach medicine, focused on street-level, at-risk programs related to substance use and mental health. Dr. Sereda works in London Ontario, Canada at the London InterCommunity Health Centre and also plays a large role with the Safer Opioid Supply (SOS) and Street Level Women at Risk (SLWAR) programs. In this episode, we discuss the history of fentanyl and the reason it's use has become so prevalent in Canada today. Additionally, Dr. Sereda differentiates addiction versus problematic substance use. Finally, Dr. Sereda shares unique insight into working with individuals living on the street and advocates for their human rights.

Dr. Alison Stein is a family physician with a special interest in psychotherapy. In this episode, we discuss the role Dr. Stein plays in helping her patients overcome and deal with depression and anxiety on a regular basis. Additionally, Dr. Stein explains what Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is and why she chooses to use it to help her patients. Finally, Dr. Stein shares her professional advice on the different ways that friends and family can offer support to those struggling with their mental health. 

Dr. Bednar is a researcher with the Canadian Space Agency and a part-time assistant professor in the Department of Geography at Western University in London, Ontario, Canada. In this episode, we discuss his personal experiences with anxiety and depression. Additionally, he shares advice to students that may be going through similar mental health experiences. He also shares his views about online school during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rachel Kornbluth is a third year Kinesiology student at Western University in London Ontario, Canada. In this episode, we discuss General Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Moreover, we explore the different management methods Rachel uses to cope with GAD. Finally, she shares her views and thoughts on how to accept living with anxiety and how to "own it."