MENtal Health: It's Time to Talk Podcast with Allan Kehler

Bell Let’s Talk Day was on January 28th, and Regina Leader-Post sports editor, Rob Vanstone talked alright. A few years ago, Rob never spoke to another living soul about his challenges with mental illness (not even his wife), and suddenly he was telling everyone.

Unsure how people would respond, Rob didn’t hold back. He put it all out there, including his recent diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. On March 6, 2020 Rob weighed 252 pounds, and he struggled to walk for even a few minutes. On that day Rob made a decision to start being physically active, and he has not missed a day since. 

Today, Rob has reached his goal of 180 pounds, and he continues to proudly shares his experiences with mental health. On this episode, hear how some of Rob’s greatest challenges have evolved into some of his greatest achievements. There are no more secrets for Rob, and there’s definitely no looking back.

Daniel started abusing substances at an early age. His use intensified and eventually he lost everything he held dear; including his son. Four years ago, Daniel made the decision to find a new way to live. Since then, he has dedicated his life to carrying his message of experience and hope to others. 

Having spent 16 years as a welder, Daniel now recognizes that his own behaviours and the behaviours of others need to be addressed in the workplace. He is passionate about educating people about substance use disorders in the workplace, and is currently enrolled in Occupational Health & Safety course to be a substance abuse professional. 

In this episode, hear how Daniel is able to give a voice to those silenced by stigma, and learn what we can do to create a supportive workplace.  

Jae's struggles with mental illness began at an early age. Despite being raised in an abusive home, he was deemed to be a child prodigy. However, while society was celebrating him as this new Einstein, depression had other plans. 

Jae is a former resident at the Dubé Centre for Mental Health, an inpatient psychiatric facility in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. During one of his stays, Jae started a blog called Jae Interrupted as a way of letting people into his world. Jae began to share his struggles with mental illness, and even offered personal insights into his Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) treatments. The feedback from this blog allowed Jae to overcome feelings of shame and defeat that he had previously experienced with his mental illness. 

Today, Jae continues to be a passionate mental health activist who stands up for what he believes in. He is also a proud father who plans on raising one bad-ass activist son. 

Paralyzed after a motocross accident, Kevin Rempel had to face unsurmountable odds while learning to walk again. Adding to this, Kevin had to deal with his father, Gerry, who fell from a tree leaving him a complete paraplegic. Unfortunately, Gerry couldn’t deal with his circumstances and took his own life. 

Not only did Kevin choose to live and learn how to walk again, but he reached the Paralympic podium in sledge hockey. Since then, he has travelled the world, inspired thousands of people, and has been featured around the world in media such as TSN and BBC Sport.  

On this episode, hear the incredible story of how one courageous man was able to overcome both depression and living with a disability to rebuild his life.

In his second year as a receiver with the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, Yol Piok attempted suicide. But in the middle of his attempt, he picked up the phone and called his teammate. After being rushed to the hospital, Yol discovered the importance of a strong support system and speaking up. 

Today, Yol is an advocate for mental health, and an ambassador for Movember. In 2020, Movember featured Yol's story which can be found on YouTube. 

Being on a football team that lost two former players to suicide this past summer has motivated him to keep talking. 

On this episode, hear how the act of opening up about mental health saved Yol’s life.  

After battling years of depression, Tyson made a decision to end his life. On this episode, mental health advocate, Tyson Williams, shares the powerful story of how talking saved his life.  

Who was the person Tyson reached out to? TSN’s one and only Michael Landsberg; host of the show Off the Record. Years later, they continue to share a unique and powerful bond.  

Today, Tyson has made it his mission to share his message of hope and strength to others who are suffering in silence. Tyson is living proof that it's never too late to get help.

Society has long treated addiction in a much more negative light than any other disease. Motivational speaker and outreach addiction counsellor, Brad Siroski, has experienced this first-hand. 

When Brad was struggling with his addiction, people crossed the street to get away from him. However, when he was going through his cancer treatments, people rushed to get near him and support him in any way possible. Brad’s experiences speak volumes to the stigma that remains attached to addiction. 

As a motivational speaker, Brad has made it his mission to break this stigma. Today, Brad openly speaks about his 22-year battle with addiction, and reveals how he was finally able to leave this destructive lifestyle behind. 

On this episode, get ready to be both inspired and educated!

Are you someone who is quick to pick up on other people’s energy? On this episode former professional goaltender and life coach, Chuck Thuss, will discuss how the energy of others can impact our mental wellness. 

Chuck will also share his own experiences with mental illness, and discuss that pivotal day when he made the decision to call someone for help. He firmly believes that had he not made that call; he would not be here today. 

Get ready to learn about the relationship that exists between energy and mental health, and receive new strategies to strengthen your wellness! 

About Chuck Thuss

Born in Strathroy, Ontario, Chuck Thuss is a Miami University (Ohio) graduate with a double major in Health and Sports Studies and a minor in Coaching. As a walk-on goaltender, Chuck worked his way up the depth chart and earned a scholarship his senior year, along with several league and team awards: Central Collegiate Hockey Association - Goalie of the Year, All-League; Miami University (Ohio) - Athlete of the Year; Team MVP; 1st Team All-American, and the recipient of the Terry Flanagan Award - honoring a player for perseverance, dedication and courage, while overcoming severe adversity. 

Chuck played a combined eight years professionally as a hockey goaltender in the old International Hockey League, American Hockey League, and East Coast Hockey League. He spent the following few years as an assistant coach for the ECHL’s Mississippi SeaWolves. In addition, he has coached on the international hockey stage, serving as the head coach and co-head coach for Team USA at The World Championships of Inline Hockey and The World Games. He helped guide Team USA to a bronze medal and five gold medal victories and was awarded the United States Olympic Committee’s Volunteer Coach of The Year award in 2011.

Chuck owned and operated Southern Sports Supply for over a decade. He is founder/CEO of Compassionate Connection, and founder/Co-Host of Warriors Unmasked - The Podcast. A professional speaker, as well as, a certified Life, Relationship, and Spiritual Coach, Chuck is a mental health advocate working with active and retired elite athletes encouraging them to be the best version of themselves they can be. 

Chuck now resides in Mobile, Alabama, with his wife Jamie, and two daughters, Bethany and Brooke. He enjoys playing golf, reading, working out, and spending time with his family.

On this episode comedian, Big Daddy Tazz, will discuss how he uses humour to combat his challenges with mental illness.

Often described as one of the most talented comics in the business, the "Bi-Polar Buddha" Tazz uses creative ways to educate, inspire, and normalize the conversation of mental health. For example, Tazz explains that as men we are born with a magic wand between our legs. While this can  make us feel powerful,  it can also tell us we aren't allowed to have emotions because we need to be a "manly" man. Sadly, this belief prevents many from getting the help they need. Tazz shares powerful stories and strategies that break these unhealthy scripts.

So get ready to be inspired and have a few laughs along the way!

On this episode world-renowned life coach, Jesse Brisendine, will share his experiences with grief and loss. Jesse has mentored thousands of people on their healing journeys after the loss of loved ones, and reminds us that grief is not a life sentence. Get ready to be motivated and inspired because if there’s one thing Jesse is known for, it’s his ability to help people unlock their greatness.