Ten Thirty Three

Elise also shares her own personal story of what her childhood looked like. Elise believed her childhood was “normal” until she began doing some of the challenging work required to see our childhood for what it truly was. Elise then began to challenge herself to move beyond the trauma of the past and learn how to grow beyond her experiences. This required learning new coping behavioural mechanisms. Learning how to challenge your own anger and resentment. In this episode we focus directly on the concept of forgiveness and how this may look differently for us during different phases of our healing and acceptance journey. We also look at how to create boundaries in order to help us thrive beyond what was imaginable. 

Join me this week as I sit down with Jon Archambault. Jon served with the military for over twelve years. He then transferred to Calgary Police where he served for another six years; however, trauma began to impact Jon in ways he would be required to better understand. Jon shares what his journey looked like; however, how it also created an opportunity to reconnect him with nature. This ultimately lead to him launching Wired Different, a veteran owned company focused on providing apparel solutions to those who understand the value of outdoor exploration, adventure and connection.

Join me as I sit down with Julia Shelley. Julia was a flight attendant for the United Nations and during this time visited many war torn countries. Julia recounts how feeling unsafe in these environments contributed to health issues. We discuss the impacts of unsafe environments and how they can shape us we begin to adapt to them sometimes in unhealthy ways. We also discuss how this impacted Julia and caused her to begin to socially isolate. Julia's journey does not end there. Julia recognized that she this role was having a significant impact on her and reached out for help. Julia's story is incredibly inspiring as she recounts not only the difficult chapter she faced, but how she recognized that this no longer served her and how she moved on. Julia is now a fitness coach and trainer and is helping so many of people in her community achieve their goals.

Join me as I sit down Jeff Brown. Jeff is an author seven times over. We discuss how Jeff initially chased the concept of becoming a prominent Lawyer in Toronto. Jeff quickly rose to success in this role; however, faced an emptiness within that could not be avoided. Over time Jeff realized that this was not his true passion and that ultimately was losing himself in this pursuit. Jeff had a pivotal moment where he knew that in order to better connect within and the external world he would have to sacrifice his dream and pursue his own healing journey. Jeff leaped for fate which challenged him in ways he never expected. He began process years of stored emotion through traditional and non traditional ways. Upon releasing years of stored emotion and energy Jeff began to write about his journey and new found passion for life. Seven books later Jeff has amassed a wealth of wisdom and perspective into how society faces so many difficult subconscious struggles that most are unaware of. Jeff highlights how important it is to wake up on this journey in life for yourself and for others. The story doesn't  change when we pretend it was all an illusion. The story doesn't change when when we get addicted to transcendence and float above it. The story doesn't change when  fain forgiveness and resolution. The story doesn't change when we  confuse dissociation with expansion.  The story doesn't change when we tell ourselves there are no victims.  The story changes when we own our pain. The story changes when we work it through to the lessons at its core. The story changes when we are truly seen in our suffering. The story changes when we heal our heart. We are made of story, there is no shame in that. Either we work through our story or our story will work through us.  ~ From the Book Hearticulations by Jeff Brown

Join me as I sit down with David Sadai. David spent years serving in the Canadian Armed Forces and recognized the impact that military life was having on himself. Through adversity David challenged himself to expand his approach to life and ultimately left the Canadian Armed Forces to begin his own healing journey. Join me as David shares how he "unravelled the madness" which later fuelled his project to become an author and write a book "Unravelling the Madness". David shares how the journey into confronting the things he avoided for years ultimately brought him healing and better connection on all realms in life.

Join me as I sit down with Jeff Depatie. Jeff served as a Joint Task Force for many years which lead to significant stress and trauma. Jeff also began his healing journey as he began to notice the impact of trauma within. Jeff shares his how his approach to acceptance, love based emotions and neutrality has changed over the years. Trauma teaches us much about ourselves; however, it is upon us to move toward enlightenment and harmony. Jeff shares his upcoming release of his project called, a documentary “Dark Night Of Our Soul”. By unlocking the mysteries of trauma and embracing adversity as an art form, this exploration of post-traumatic growth helps us remember that we are a far more resilient species than our current systems, conditions, and narratives imply.

Join me as we sit down with Retired Sgt. Major Sebastien Lavoie. We discuss an array of topics that cover a broad range of lessons learned from a life of service as a First Responder. We cover areas such as failure vs growth and why both are important. We explore gratitude and how identity is an important component of longevity. We also touch on how to accept the thought of our own death as we may take on roles in our professional lives that carry significant risk. Sebastian has become a key figure in mens leadership, not only from a performance perspective, but from a Mental Health aspect as well. Sebastien shares his wisdom on how he has managed to perform at a high level all while ensuring that he continues to grow and give back to others in need.

Join us as I reflect on season three which featured some of the amazing people that help first responders begin their own mental health journey. With gratitude we finish the season and dive into Season four!

Join me as I sit down with Avery Breau. Avery embarks on her journey into becoming a RCMP Officer this year. Making the transition from civilian life to policing is a large undertaking. Many times we may feel like this challenge is insurmountable; however, often times many not only achieve this but flourish in the profession. We discuss different perspectives of what it means to become a cop and some of the challenges in the profession. Join me in a three part series where we focus on the journey from civilian life to that of a Police Officer.

Join me as I sit down with Avery Breau. Avery embarks on her journey into becoming a RCMP Officer this year. Making the transition from civilian life to policing is a large undertaking. Many times we may feel like this challenge is insurmountable; however, often times many not only achieve this but flourish in the profession. We discuss different perspectives of what it means to become a cop and some of the challenges in the profession. Join me in a three part series where we focus on the journey from civilian life to that of a Police Officer.

Join me as I sit down with Avery Breau. Avery embarks on her journey into becoming a RCMP Officer this year. Making the transition from civilian life to policing is a large undertaking. Many times we may feel like this challenge is insurmountable; however, often times many not only achieve this but flourish in the profession. We discuss different perspectives of what it means to become a cop and some of the challenges in the profession. Join me in a three part series where we focus on the journey from civilian life to that of a Police Officer.

Join me as I connect with Emily Day. Emily is a modern day healer and a holistic wellness counsellor who works with first responders who are recovering from traumatic experiences. Emily herself has an incredible story of seeing first hand the devastating impact first responder work can have on men as her father was a police officer and her father. Emily shares how her own journey into her past trauma and pain ultimately led to more pain and suffering; however, in time also set her free. Emily challenged herself to work beyond the trauma of the past and begin to promote healing and positive change. Emily's focus is establishing the mind, body, spirit (and emotional) connection that exists within each person. She does this through different practices including yoga, breath work and meditation. Emily sees first hand the positive impact this is having on first responders as many begin their healing journey thanks to her.

Join me as I connect with Larry Peyton. Larry has served with the RCMP for over two decades. Due to repeated traumatic events it eventually led to Larry being diagnosed with PTSD and ultimately over time it worsening and complicating his health. Larry realized the impacts of PTSD and began learning about often misunderstood injury many First Responders carry. Larry knew that in order to heal he would have to stop hiding his pain and suffering and start being more vulnerable by expressing what his experiences looked like. This ultimately led to him creating his own podcast "PAPA TANGO SIERRA DELTA" which again aims to remove mental health stigma from the world of First Responders and promote vulnerability and courage. Larry's professional approach to podcasting and amazing story telling ability blend for an experience many who serve can relate to. We often times experience the same emotional response from traumatic events and often times struggle to find the right words to express what we are experiencing due to overwhelming emotional reactions to trauma and triggers. Larry again shares not only his knowledge but his journey in hopes of helping others heal! Join me for another amazing episode aimed at promoting wellness within First Responders Mental Health working lines!

Join me as I connect with Debra Kine. Debra holds a Masters degree in Theology and a Masters degree in Psychology. Debra has spent many years serving others as they often themselves navigate some of life's most difficult moments. Debra initially worked with many as a chaplain in paediatric ICU at McMaster Children's hospital and at St. Michaels emergency ward in Toronto. Debra later joined the Edgewood Health Network Rehabilitation Centre in Nanaimo, B.C. She joined the team as a clinical counselor and began helping first responders from all working lines to heal from the trauma of their past experiences as front line workers. Along with Debra Kine, Edgewood officially launched its Concurrent Trauma and Addiction Program (CTAP) in June of 2018. Candidates for this program include first-responders who experience mental/physical health issues and are dependent on alcohol or drugs. In March of 2019, Edgewood launched its Trauma and Psychological Injury Program (TPIP), a program for first-responders who experience mental/physical health issues but don't struggle with a substance use disorder. Noting that not all injuries are visible, Debra says first responders coming into CTAP or TPIP suffer from a psychological injury that's triggered by experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event. This injury creates high levels of stress, which flood the body with stress chemicals and create ensuing physical and emotional issues. With such a psychological injury, the ability to control one's behaviour diminishes, and people experience feelings of anger, rage, and depression, resulting in fractured relationships and isolation. Edgewood has treated thousands of men and women who are first responders that suffer and need support in order to begin their healing journey. Join me as we continue to hear from those that are dedicated to helping us heal!

Join me as I sit down with Dr. Nick Withers. Dr. Withers professional accomplishments span decades of emergency medicine and even time with the Canadian Armed Forces including time with Special Operations. Dr. Withers has been caring for military and RCMP personnel for years and understands those that serve their country in these positions. Dr. Withers joined the CannaConnect team a few years ago after challenging his own views on medical cannabis and its potential therapeutic value for treating PTSD. He continues to see and treat many active and retired veterans while promoting healing through access and support around providing clients with medical cannabis. The success stories of the many patients that have been treated by Dr. Withers and CannaConnect are incredible. The positive impact to patients and their lives is profound. Our conversation spans significant ground, we talk patient process, the benefit or risk of medical cannabis, the history of cannabis and the stigma that still exits and other insightful topics! Since doing this podcast Dr. Withers has attended a continuing professional development event and that confirmed medical cannabis does not worsen sleep apnea unlike other sedatives. This makes THC perhaps a safer alternative to there conventional sleep aids.

Join me as I connect with Reverend Chris Pilon. Chris is an Anglican Priest and also a Chaplain for the Canadian Armed Forces. Chris also serves the RCMP and its membership from a roll of support and care. Chris shares his incredible life story of what service to those that serve us looks like. He has dedicated his life to caring for others and investing his time into ensuring those that carry the burden of service life are properly supported. In our conversation we discuss the importance of spirituality and compassion. We also dive into the distinct difference between religion and spirituality and Chris' perspective on how these are different yet both important. I am truly honoured to connect and learn from Chris as we give back to the First Responder community!

Join me as I connect with now retired Inspector Stephen Gloade. Stephen is one of a few Indigenous RCMP members that made it to the commissioned ranks within the RCMP. Stephen recounts what the journey looked like in regards to recognizing that his own personal Mental Health was degrading due to years of service as a Police Officer. Stephen acknowledges that his journey became so dark at one point that suicide a part of the thought process. There is no shame in this as Stephen sought help and began to understand what he was suffering from. Stephen began to learn about the very real impacts of PTSD and the cost to service life; however, recounts some of the very personal stories from his experience from a positioned in senior management with the RCMP. Stephen also acknowledges that his life is continually improving and shares what his life now looks like as his healing journey continues. Join us as Stephen takes the time to share what he learned about his journey and how he continues to want to serve others to ensure others stay well in the journey of life.

Join me as I connect with Constable Kyle Stubbs of the RCMP! Kyle shares his personal story as he began noticing the behavioural and emotional changes from the impacts of Police work and traumatic experiences. Kyle recounts how his journey into how he was shutting down and numbing out eventually began leaded himself to relationship issues. Kyle's spouse eventually raised the red flag and brought the issue front and centre to Kyle causing Kyle to reflect and do some hard internal work. Kyle chose to challenge himself from this moment on to acknowledge and begin to accept and heal from previous coping mechanisms. As Kyle grew beyond the initial stages of this self discovery he then began to see a need in helping others. He pursued certification and courses in order to properly lead individuals through their own healing journey and now offers his services to First Responders that understand the value in this type of support and services. Join us for a truly inspiring story of how Kyle grew beyond his suffering and turned it into an opportunity for growth not only for himself but for others!

Join me for our last episode, of this series, with Dr. Jasmine Dean. Taking the off, or going on sick leave, from First Responder roles can be incredibly difficult for us to accept. We may know we need this for some time, but hang on in an effort to avoid the inevitable. The toll of First Responder work is intense and it is incredibly common for First Responders to need to "take a knee" to focus on themselves all while promoting healing. This step in our careers is often shrouded in secrecy though. Many of us don't know what to expect or how we will be perceived. What will happen to our career and our job? How long will we need to go off for? What does a return to work look like and how we will be supported. How will our peers perceive us. All of these very legitimate thoughts happen and often times complicated what matters most, which is that we need to do what is best for ourselves. Join me as we wrap up an incredible series that highlights an inside perceptive of what to expect when you sit down with a psychologist. An incredibly thank you to Dr. Jasmine Dean for the countless hours put into this series.

Join me as I sit down with Shane Urowitz and Lee Grossman from CannaConnect. Shane and Lee are two of the founders of CannaConnect. Their mission is to empower Military and RCMP Veterans on their journey to wellness through medical cannabis. CannaConnect is committed to providing opportunities to engage with a supportive community through connection and conversation at their wellness lounges from coast-to-coast. CannaConnect leads with compassion and care to enable our community to learn, heal and thrive, while working to end the stigma around mental health. This conversation focuses on how CannaConnect was born and where this idea blossomed from. Serving our veterans is incredibly important and new ways of promoting wellness needs to be explored. Along the way Shane and Lee explain what they've learned while caring for the Veteran community and how we can best serve them. Creating an environment that feels safe, caring and judgement-free allows our Veterans to show up and realize that others care and that they are not alone. We also hear how CannaConnect offers many additional services that contribute towards the overall wellness of their Veteran clients. CannaConnect is leading the way in caring for and supporting Veterans across Canada. Join me for an incredible conversation and if you have the opportunity stop into a lounge to experience it for yourself!

Our series with Dr. Jasmine Dean continues. Dr. Dean and I continue to raise awareness in regards to PTSD, Mental Health and the depth of conversation that is needed to promote personal growth. On this episode we talk about how to unpack trauma, what are the different types of therapy and how do they work? The difference between prolonged exposure therapy and why it is good for avoidant behavioural patterns. We also discuss CPT and other treatments that are available. In this episode we also start to begin to look at rebuilding and the identity issues that can form with First Responder work. We also discuss the importance of boundaries, community and giving back. This are all fundamental parts of growing beyond trauma and traumatic experiences. Join us as the conversation continues.

Join us as I connect with Sgt. Kaleigh Paddon. Sgt. Paddon is in charge of the Surrey Police Wellness Unit and is a perfect fit for that unit. Sgt. Paddon understands the journey of Post Traumatic Stress and is no stranger to doing the hard work required to set yourself on a path of growth. Sgt. Paddon is spearheading cultural change within this police force and is strengthening and promoting Police Officers' Mental Health (and overall health) as a result. Join us as we talk about how Cops love their "Used To's" and the importance of "Attunement". Sgt. Paddon also opens up about the importance of being vulnerable with your children to let them know where you are in any moment as a parent. Juggling parenting and being a Police Officer is incredibly challenging, but when we approach the relationship we have with parenting differently than say that of Policing we tend to see a benefit. We also uncover why it's important to, when we edged closer to Crisis, we lean into connection with others. Care and connection tend to be the only way out of our struggle at times and this lesson often times is learned the hard way. Join us as the conversation continues!

Our series with Dr. Jasmine Dean continues. Dr. Dean and I continue to raise awareness in regards to PTSD, Mental Health and the depth of conversation that is needed to promote personal growth. On this episode we talk about Subjective Units Of Distress and how this can be an important way to measure where your stress is at daily. Tracking our stress is actually incredibly important as it allows us to develop a plan to decrease our overall levels and promote better health. We also discuss the impact that trauma and medication have on our sex life! Why this happens and how the body can struggle at times to connect during intimate moments. First Responders are at a higher risk of having a negatively impacted sex life as a result of experienced trauma. In addition we talk about how a Us VS Them theme can arise in first responder work and how that contributes to driving us away from connection with others. Dr. Dean does an excellent job in painting a picture about the reality of how to determine when you know you've found a good therapist. Join us as the conversation continues!

I am joined by Sam King. Sam is a Clinical Social worker, Registered Nurse and a Pyscho Therapist at the Operational Stress Injury Clinic in Nova Scotia. Many First Responders wonder if the Operational Stress Injury Clinic is the right fit for them and their occupational stress injury journey with work. Sam opens up and talks about some of the amazing aspects of therapy and supports they offer to our men and women who serve! Sam paints an incredibly clear picture as to how supportive OSI really is and how it has helped many manage to move beyond PTSD and focus on growth. We discuss at length how the OSI clinic can help you and others! We also discuss the importance of recognizing and understanding your childhood trauma. This is often times a large motivating factor for people to get into Law Enforcement or First Responder work. Sam also experienced the very real impacts of the tragedy that struck Portapique, Nova Scotia in April of 2020. She recounts how much this impacted the community, its members and everyone invested in supporting one another not only during the event but afterwards as well. Join us as the conversation continues!

Our series with Dr. Jasmine Dean continues. Dr. Dean and I continue to raise awareness in regards to PTSD, Mental Health and the depth of conversation that is needed to promote personal growth. On this episode we talk about why addiction happens. Why addiction really is a form of trying to cope with pain and suffering. And why it is important to understand addiction in order to understand your relationship with how you cope with your trauma. We also discuss survivors guilt, intrusive thoughts and how social isolation all make contribute to PTSD. Join us as the conversation continues!

Join me as I connect with Byron MacLean. Byron served with the Canadian Armed Forces from 1998 - 2008. He served three separate times in Afghanistan. He then went on to join the RCMP from 2009 - 2021 when he retired in April of 2021. Byron approaches this episode with immense vulnerability and talks about his pain as a result from overexposure to traumatic incidents. Byron also shows how important it is to keep hope and believing in yourself even in your darkest hour. Byrons' recovery is due to the hard work he has put into himself and challenging himself to grow beyond his experience both with the Military and RCMP. Byron is now an ambassador for CannaConnect which aims to further support our amazing men and women that serve our country and communities. Join me as the conversation continues!

I am joined once more by Dr. Jasmine Dean. Dr. Dean and I continue a series aimed at PTSD, Mental Health and the depth of conversation that is needed to promote growth and awareness. On this episode we talk about the impacts of cynicism, the physical changes that happen in the brain from Trauma and catastrophic thinking patterns. When the body is unwell and stress or trauma is impacting the body negatively it can also promote an imbalance of hormones. We dive deeper and look at the relationship that may no longer be promoted to help the body to find ease to heal and recover as it normally would do. Join us as the conversation continues!

Join me as we connect with Dr. Nicholas Carleton. He currently serves as principal investigator on the RCMP Longitudinal PTSD Study (www.rcmpstudy.ca), the associated extension study for Saskatchewan public safety personnel (www.saskptsistudy.ca), and co-principal investigator on the Federal Internet Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Program for public safety personnel (www.PSPSNET.ca).. The study has gained much attention recently and signifiant funding. Dr. Carleton and his team are making significant strides forward as they approach the complex questions that exist with PTSD. They are also innovating and challenging our approach to PTSD. The funding and advancements for a project this size are long overdue! I am incredibly proud that we are investing and strengthening our approach to First Responder Mental Health! Join me for a truly fascinating moment of time where we connect with Dr. Carleton!

I am joined once more by Dr. Jasmine Dean. Dr. Dean and I talk about the complexities behind our Mental Health and how we can self assess ourselves to see how we are doing. We also talk in depth about the warning signs that begin to show as we are walking towards a crisis. Join us as the conversation continues!

Join me as I sit down with Anders Johnson of Johnson Management Consulting. Anders provides an invaluable support to first responders who suffer from PTSD. He has been in the space of helping first responders now for well over a decade apply for an get their Disability Tax Credit. Canada Revenue Agency views Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as an eligible condition to apply for and be granted a Disability Tax Credit. Within this the applicant can get back money through reduced taxes per year and benefit directly from the challenges that can come from such a condition. If you know of someone who suffers from PTSD please share this episode as the support behind it is incredibly important to those that are impacted by PTSD. You can visit https://www.tenthirtythreeco.com/about-4 and complete the application to learn more!

Welcome to Season Three! We are kicking off this season with our first guest - Dr. Jasmine Dean! Dr. Dean is a registered Psychologist in Ontario and has been working with First Responders helping them on their healing journey! In this episode we talk about the Mental Health gap that currently exists in our approach to approach to Mental Health wellness. We also discuss the incredibly complex issue of Sanctuary Trauma and how Dr. Dean's personal business launched with this very thought in mind. First responders are often required to emotionally disconnect in order to perform their duties successfully. The hard part is when and how do we emotionally reconnect so that we can process those intense emotions that were present during difficult calls. For some this can become incredibly complex to do. Our perspective of Mental Health being solely brain health only is also challenged as we discuss the relationship between the body mind connection and how trauma is stored in the body! Thank you for joining us on Season Three

The transition from civilian life to that of a first responder is no small feat. Months of training, years of hands on experience is often needed to establish a solid foundation to carry you well into your career. This episode reflects back on the mini series where I had the opportunity to be interviewed by Avery Breau. Avery is making that transition herself and is currently in the application process for the RCMP. The dialogue from that mini series depicts exactly what one can expect when crossing that bridge to a new role. I also reflect on the most significant transition that also occurs in the first responder world. That of which when we retire. The transition back to civilian life. This is often times the hardest of the two step as we must acknowledge and challenge ourselves to let go of behavioural patterns and coping strategies we may have used in our service lives. Season Three is up next! I couldn't be more proud that this project continues to expose the realities of first responder work.

This week I am joined by Avery Breau. Avery has aspirations to become a RCMP Police Officer and is currently in the RCMP application process. At this chapter in her journey Avery has many questions about transitioning from civilian life to that of a First Responder or Police Officer. Questions around how does one handle complex situations in the field to how do you handle difficult situations that sometimes may include seeing human suffering or even death. Policing is often times incredibly challenging work, not only physically but mentally as well. This series is dedicated to sharing personal experiences of vulnerability to remove the veil of some of the more challenging parts of policing. Becoming a Police Officer is actually the easy part. Policing agencies are and have been for some time set up to train people to get them ready for Police work. Where the tricky part comes in is how are you going to handle a lifetime career that is anything but ordinary. How are you going to be impacted by such a career and how do you stay well during that journey? Join us for a three episode mini series as we aim to help those make the transition into first responder work.

This week I am joined by Avery Breau. Avery has aspirations to become a RCMP Police Officer and is currently in the RCMP application process. At this chapter in her journey Avery has many questions about transitioning from civilian life to that of a First Responder or Police Officer. Questions around how does one handle complex situations in the field to how do you handle difficult situations that sometimes may include seeing human suffering or even death. Policing is often times incredibly challenging work, not only physically but mentally as well. This series is dedicated to sharing personal experiences of vulnerability to remove the veil of some of the more challenging parts of policing. Becoming a Police Officer is actually the easy part. Policing agencies are and have been for some time set up to train people to get them ready for Police work. Where the tricky part comes in is how are you going to handle a lifetime career that is anything but ordinary. How are you going to be impacted by such a career and how do you stay well during that journey? Join us for a three episode mini series as we aim to help those make the transition into first responder work.

This week I am joined by Avery Breau. Avery has aspirations to become a RCMP Police Officer and is currently in the RCMP application process. At this chapter in her journey Avery has many questions about transitioning from civilian life to that of a First Responder or Police Officer. Questions around how does one handle complex situations in the field to how do you handle difficult situations that sometimes may include seeing human suffering or even death. Policing is often times incredibly challenging work, not only physically but mentally as well. This series is dedicated to sharing personal experiences of vulnerability to remove the veil of some of the more challenging parts of policing. Becoming a Police Officer is actually the easy part. Policing agencies are and have been for some time set up to train people to get them ready for Police work. Where the tricky part comes in is how are you going to handle a lifetime career that is anything but ordinary. How are you going to be impacted by such a career and how do you stay well during that journey? Join us for a three episode mini series as we aim to help those make the transition into first responder work.

Join me as I concluded Season Two! Community, connection and conversation are what can ultimately allow us to achieve heightened states of health. Our struggles seem to be magnified when we suffer alone or in silence. Season two has taught myself valuable lesson along the way and I hope it has for yourself as well. Thank you for joining me on this journey!

In this episode I connect with Daniel Sundahl. Daniel has over twenty years of experience as a Firefighter and a Paramedic in Alberta. Daniel courageously shares his journey into the trauma he endured and the impacts it was having on his health, personal and professional life. As Daniel began to build awareness into his mental health and his own suffering he found a healthy coping mechanism through art and artwork. What started as an idea to help express himself quickly grew to being largely popular and accepted by many as profound artwork. Daniel now is a common name in the art community and it has opened doors for him to explore helping others through public speaking opportunities and other avenues of connecting with community leaders as we try to improve supports for first responders. In this episode Daniel reflects on the pain and suffering he observed and found to be profoundly impactful: the human suffering that others experience when they experience loss or grief. Next of kins are incredibly difficult and impactful moments for first responders. Often times many first responders can be negatively impacted by these experiences. Daniel also reflects on his own growth and how he rebuilt his own value system during a crucial stage of healing - Post Traumatic Growth. Thank you for your service and your sacrifce! Daniel Sundahl can be found on all Social Media Platforms. His website is https://www.dansunphotos.com

In this episode I connect with Reg Laviolette. Reg started his nursing career in a forensic psychiatric ward in Edmonton, Alberta. After years of experiencing trauma Reg began to exhibit symptoms consistent with PTSD. Reg attributes much of his success to acknowledging that he needed to get help and embraced the vulnerability that exists in that first step. As a result Reg has been able to begin his healing journey and has gained much awareness into his own identity. Reg is now focused in a new work setting as a nurse in the role of mental health therapist and offers support to the community. He continues to dedicate much of his time to personal growth, physical exercise and all while competing in bodybuilding. Thank you Reg for your service and your sacrifice

Join us as we connect with Matt Johnston. Matt is an active fire fighter with a background in clinical counselling and holds a masters in psychology. Matt is also an athlete and has attributed much of his success to his well rounded approach to maintaining an identity outside of the role of being a first responder. In 2017 Matt Cofounder the occupational awareness training program. This program is focused on improving mental health professional knowledge of stoic service professions in public safety. His network of care providers are now national, and is part of Wounded Warriors Canada. You can find this network and training at warriorhealth.ca Thank you Matt for your service, your sacrifice and your contribution to ensuring First Responders stay healthy!

Join us as we connect with Sean Conohan, the host of Uptalk podcast.

In this episode I connect with now retired Barry Rhodes. Rhodes worked over a decade in corrections and experienced various types of trauma over that timeframe. Rhodes later went on to develop PTSD; a common workplace injury as a result of experienced workplace trauma. Rhodes reflects about the challenges that came with PTSD specifically resulting in a situation involving a family member and mistreatment while employed as a corrections officer. Insensitivities around supports needed by Rhodes exacerbated Rhodes condition and left Rhodes in a precarious position. Join me as Rhodes shares how his healing began and what he has learned along the way. Thank you Rhodes for your service and your sacrifice!

In this episode I connect with now retired Chance Burles. Chance served with the Military from 2005 to 2013. Chance also served in Afghanistan in 2008 as a combat engineer. During his training and active tour Chance saw traumatic events which would later contribute to him forming PTSD. Chance reflects openly about his PTSD, depression and anxiety. Chance also acknowledges where his struggles were most apparent and ultimately how he knew he had to eventually challenge himself to begin to heal. Chance reflects how his anger and irritability became a dominant emotion at times prior to understanding his own PTSD. Chance would later go on to retire and focus on his healing. He also runs a successful podcast "Tools for the Toolbox" where Chance helps others navigate the complex challenges that can come from PTSD and service life. Thank you Chance for your service and your sacrifice!

In this episode I connect with now retired Police Officer Paulette Breau. Paulette was a Police Officer for over thirty years and spent most of her career as an undercover Police Officer. Paulette shares her story and openly discusses the impacts off sexual abuse, addiction, PTSD and the struggles the ensued with living a double life as an undercover operator. Paulette also shares how her incredible journey eventually lead to her healing and how she overcame so much. A story filled with adversity, hope and perseverance. Paulette also authored a book "Never At Ease" where she candidly tells her story. This was a pivotal moment for her in her healing journey where she learned the value in finally being able to speak your truth and share your story with the world. Thank you Paulette for your service and your sacrifice!

In this episode I connect with Police Officer Mark Bouchard. Mark is currently in Williams Lake, B.C. and has served in multiple locations over his decade plus years of service. Mark initially started Policing with Delta Police; however, later transferred to the RCMP where he continues to this day. Mark, like many other first responders, has had his share of traumatic experiences. Mark began to understand his own journey into PTSD by consuming as much information as humanely possible about the condition. Mark was very much a part of policing history where PTSD was still largely unspoken of and often times misunderstood. In this episode Mark speaks directly to his personal experience with PTSD and what he has learned. He also speaks to how to heal from PTSD and where he is at now. I am incredibly honoured to host Mark on this episode as Mark is a leader in this space. Mark is currently working on a book aimed at all topics related to PTSD in an effort to impact permanent positive change. Thank you you Mark for your service and your sacrifice!

In this episode I connect with now retired Police Officer Nick Motycka. Nick was a police officer for over seventeen years. Nick started with the RCMP and later transferred to Calgary Police Services. Nick shares his story as he reflects on how Policing trauma impacted himself. How he began to understand that he was dealing with PTSD and ultimately how his healing journey needed to look for himself. Nick attributes much of his healing success coming from a guided psychedelic experienced and how it helped shift his perspective from pain and suffering to that of a different perspective. One that allowed healing to happen. Thank you Nick for your service and your sacrifice!

In this episode I connect with now retired Phil Jacobson. Phil served as a paramedic in Manitoba for over a decade. Phil, like many others, didn't understand the changes that he encountered in the moment as his Mental Health began to become impacted by workplace trauma. Phil is now able to look back and speak clearly about the impact that trauma had on his body and mind. Phil later came to his own realization that in order to heal he had to leave his career. Post retirement Phil now has retrained himself for another career and has begun to grow from his PTSD. Thank you Phil for not only sharing your incredible story but for your service and sacrifice!

In this episode I connect with now retired Jay Anderson. Jay previously held a career with the RCMP for two decades. He worked both in Manitoba and Ontario in various different units and positions. During that time violence and trauma lead to personal adaptations unbeknownst to Jay as he began to change as a result of the impacts of workplace trauma. Jay retired last year from the RCMP; however, has an unbelievable story when it comes to how he began to understand his own PTSD. Jay is now a successful therapist in Ontario and has helped many clients begin their journey into understanding how trauma impacts each individual in its own unique way. A truly fascinating story, one that continues to shed light on this largely unspoken topic and remove shame and stigma that exists with Mental Health within first responders. *** Disclaimer: Although Jason is a therapist working with public safety personal and others dealing with their own traumas, this is the story of his journey of recovery from PTSD brought on by his RCMP service. Throughout the conversation, he will make reference to his academic background and understanding of his journey and does so to help explain parts of his recovery. But it needs to be said that this should not be seen as therapeutic advise for anyone dealing with trauma. If you want to know more or understand some of the things that he talked about, Jason is more than willing and open to connect with anyone, from anywhere to talk. Message as you feel necessary.***

In this episode I connect with a paramedic. She is and has been working as one for over a decade. She has seen and been a part of many traumatic calls. Some including the loss of life. While these calls are yes tragic, they all to often leave an impact with those that serve so selflessly. She reflects and shares her story into some of the traumatic calls she experienced and what the impact was like as a Paramedic to her mental health. We also get an opportunity to hear a story of someone who came close to being diagnosed with PTSD; however, was able to get the help she needed to avoid an official diagnosis. Despite the symptoms that occurred prior to being diagnosed we get an opportunity to hear how her mental health began to decline and what she now notices as behavioural issues or patterns as the struggle with trauma and stress started to manifest itself. We also get an opportunity to hear how as a paramedic, this amazing guest, began to heal while continuing to work as a paramedic. She shares her incredible story and the sacrifices that were made that began to make her unwell, but also how she learned to find balance and ultimately stay healthy. Thank you to all of our Paramedics!

In this episode I connect with a nurse. She is and has been working as one for over eight years. She has been a part of many units as a nurse and has been subjected to repeated traumatic events. Covid also played a major role in a significantly challenging period of time on our nurses and health care practitioners overall health. She faces burnout and shares openly acknowledging her own PTSD that formed as a result of years of work place trauma. The story shares immense vulnerability and reflection as she acknowledges how the PTSD started off with minor symptoms. It eventually lead to complete burnout and overall degredation of her own mental health. Her aim is to share how she has challenged herself to now accept what happened to her and what she is doing in order to better her overall health! Join me on this episode as we share a compelling story!

In this episode I connect with Cpl. Jess MacLean with the RCMP. Jess currently serves in the Federal Wellness Unit. She is an integral part of what makes up a progressive team aimed at promoting positive change and helping others who suffer with PTSD. Jess shares her personal story: how she herself began to realize that she in fact has PTSD. Jess had to learn to accept it and live with it. She also began to see the challenges that existed not only in the workplace with PTSD but at home as well as a mother and a wife. Jess shares how she is thriving both professionally and personally. Her aim, as she has continued to heal from experienced trauma, has given her the necessary perspective to be able to now help others and recognize certain aspects of PTSD that often go unnoticed or unspoken. Jess is also a key part of challenging how management perceives and interacts with others who are now in need of support as they begin to face the challenges with PTSD post diagnosis or traumatic event. Jess shares her level of compassion, the strength to be able to have the courage and vulnerability to share her personal story in hopes of helping others. Jess is a true leader when it comes to this space and I absolutely honoured to share this episode with you!

In this episode I connect with Sgt. Mike Willford with Abbotsford Police. Mike previously served fifteen years with the RCMP and then joined Abbotsford Police. Mike now has five years with Abbotsford Police and comes to us with two decades of policing experience. Mike has seen it all when it comes to policing and first responder work. He has worked as a first responder in frontline policing roles and now is skilled as a crisis negotiator. He currently is on the Gang Crime Unit. Mike, after years of service, began noticing significant issues which he believed came from experienced trauma as a first responder. Mike then began to explore and reached out for help. Never formally diagnosed with PTSD, but well aware of the symptoms behind PTSD, Mike sought help at crucial time and was able to avoid PTSD. Mike is an advocate in getting help before there is an issue. Mike is also extremely supportive of members speaking openly about their own mental health struggles as he understands the importance of being vocal and vulnerable. Join me this week as we connect with an incredible leader! Thank you Mike for your dedication, your service and most importantly your sacrifice!