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. 

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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.