Autistic individuals face unique challenges to their mental health that often stem from being misunderstood or misdiagnosed. Autistic advocate & mental health speaker Tanner Bergsma joins us to discuss how sensory overload and social overwhelm can take a toll on mental health, and how the mental health system and neurotypical allies can better support individuals on the spectrum.

Women are statistically more likely to have their physical symptoms attributed to "anxiety" or "stress," leading to years of delayed diagnoses and distrust in healthcare providers. Women’s health advocate Summar Bourada joins us to talk about her personal journey to diagnosis and becoming founder of gldn grl, an Ottawa based jewelry brand that raises awareness and funds for women’s reproductive and mental health.

Culturally responsive care is essential in providing youth with safe and effective mental health support. But what does this really look like in practice for Black communities? Mintikah English-Palmer, a mental health support worker for Black youth in Toronto’s Jane/Finch neighbourhood joins jack amplified to discuss the systemic barriers POC young people face, the power of representation in care, and importance of fostering Black joy as a form of healing.

Bullying has a deep impact on young people’s mental health, affecting self-esteem, stress levels, and overall well-being both online and offline. Open conversations about bullying and mental health help youth recognize harm, support one another, and build communities rooted in empathy and respect. Bullying Recovery Coach Rachel Weinstock joins jack amplified to explore how bullying shows up in daily life, the connection between bullying and mental health struggle, and what it looks like to move from bystander to supporter.

Growing up online shapes how young people see themselves, often fueling comparison and unrealistic expectations. Open conversations about body image and eating disorders can help youth build healthier relationships with their bodies and self-worth. Guests Kenzie Brenna and Gabriela Bonilla-Gauthier join jack amplified to discuss the prevalence of eating disorders in the “always on” digital age, and how youth can cultivate a culture of body neutrality for themselves and their peers.

The transition from fulltime student to career professional can be daunting. Imposter syndrome, burnout, and employment uncertainty amidst rising competition across the job market can impact mental health in the workplace. Employers play a vital role in shaping healthy early career experiences and providing support to young employees. Hear from guests Denis Trottier, Chief Mental Health Officer at KPMG and early career youth Denis Jackson Root on what is needed in the workplace for young workers to thrive.

Combatting the youth mental health crisis in Canada starts with understanding the data. Michael Cooper, vice president of development and strategic partnerships for Mental Health Research Canada joins jack amplified for conversation on what the latest research is telling us, what surprises experts about self-stigma, and why engaging youth is critical to creating meaningful solutions.

TW: mentions of suicide loss

Voicing struggle helps us navigate grief after loss and build resilience. On this episode of jack amplified, we welcome Celia Owen, mental health advocate & Amazing Race Canada alum, who shares her experience processing the loss of her father and the power sharing her story has on her advocacy work.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 for a free confidential with a trained counsellor 24/7. If there is a medical emergency or immediate danger of harm, call 9-1-1 and explain that you need support for a mental health crisis.

We are more than our academic performance. Guests Lily Baker, Karl Zhu and Brooklyn Ranta reflect on their experiences as students and explore the impact of academic pressure on youth mental health, as final exam season rapidly approaches. We unpack how expectations from school, family, and yourself can lead to stress, burnout, and self-worth struggles—and how young people are learning to redefine success on their own terms.

Men in Canada die by suicide three times more often than women. 

That’s often because of the intense societal pressure they face to keep silent about struggle. In honour of Men’s Health Awareness Month, we welcome guests Isaiah Neil and Sachin Latti to discuss their personal journeys with depression and anxiety, Isaiah as a student athlete and Sachin through his work in law enforcement. 

They talk about the pressures men face,  how stigma and burnout stop people from reaching out for support, and why movement and connection are so important for mental health. Through open conversation, Isaiah and Sachin show how community, empathy, and vulnerability are true sources of strength.