Own It

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.

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.