The Mental Health Mixtape

In this episode of Mental Health Mixtape, Ryan andMegan sit down with Shaun Taylor, co-founder of the #IVEGOTYOURBACK911awareness campaign, to shed light on the mental health realities faced by FirstResponders and those living with PTSD.

Launched in 2014, #IVEGOTYOURBACK911 began as an onlinemovement aimed at breaking down stigma and drawing attention to the risingmental health challenges within the First Responder community. Through a strongand dedicated online presence, the campaign quickly gained worldwiderecognition as a space where First Responders could connect, share resources,and visibly support one another.

The campaign proudly supports Paramedics, Police,Firefighters, Emergency Telecommunications, Nurses, Corrections, and Militarypersonnel, anyone regularly exposed to traumatic incidents in the workplace. Asthe movement grew, so did the demand for its message. What started as a hashtagand Facebook page evolved into an online store and charitable trust, allowingsupporters to turn awareness into tangible action.

In this conversation, Shaun shares the personal journeybehind creating #IVEGOTYOURBACK911, how the campaign has grown over the years,and what the organization is currently working on. He also opens up about hisown lived experience, offering an honest and powerful perspective on trauma,healing, and why community support matters.

All funds raised through the #IVEGOTYOURBACK911 charitabletrust are donated directly to organizations across the country whose sole focusis First Responder mental health initiatives—ensuring 100% of donations gowhere they’re needed most.

This episode is a meaningful listen for anyone passionateabout mental health, advocacy, and supporting those who show up for othersevery day.

Connect with Shaun:

⁠LinkedIn⁠

⁠Website⁠

Connect with us:

BOS Website: ⁠www.beforeoperationalstress.com⁠

BOS Podcast Page: ⁠www.beforeoperationalstress.com/podcast⁠

BOS Podcast on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1rC1XCZBRdPnIA3cOsyzfH⁠

BOS Instagram: @beforeoperationalstress

BOS LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/before-operational-stress⁠

In this powerful episode of Mental Health Mixtape, Ryan and Megan sit down with Jodie Baulkham, professional coach, educator, author, and advocate, to explore what it truly means to rebuild your life after profound loss and to navigate the complexities of being a partner to a first responder.

Jodie shares her deeply personal mental health journey, beginning with the tragic loss of her first husband, an RCMP officer killed in the line of duty, and continuing through her experiences supporting her second husband, also a police officer, living with PTSD. With remarkable vulnerability and insight, Jodie discusses how grief reshapes identity, what it looks like to find your footing again, and the ongoing work of choosing hope, meaning, and self-compassion.

Drawing from her lived experience, her work as a leadership specialist within the RCMP, and her coaching practice, Jodie offers practical guidance on:

• Supporting a first responder partner through operational stress and trauma

• Understanding family dynamics in first responder households

• Honouring grief while embracing personal growth

• Harnessing the power of choice to move toward a meaningful next chapter

Jodie is also the author of Choosing My Tomorrow: Surviving Murder, Navigating Mental Health, and Harnessing the Power of Choice, available on Amazon.

This episode is a must-listen for first responders, their families, and anyone seeking insight into resilience, healing, and the power of choosing your path forward.

Connect with Jodie:

LinkedIn

Website

Connect with us:

BOS Website: www.beforeoperationalstress.com

BOS Podcast Page: www.beforeoperationalstress.com/podcast

BOS Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rC1XCZBRdPnIA3cOsyzfH

BOS Instagram: @beforeoperationalstress

BOS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/before-operational-stress

In this episode of the Mental Health Mixtape, hosts Ryan Collyer and Dr. Megan McElheran sit down with two incredible guests who bring both heart and honesty to the table: Dr. Kristjana Fridfinnson, a psychologist dedicated to supporting and advocating for the mental health of Public Safety Personnel (PSP), and Constable Brennan Martin, a 23-year law enforcement officer who has made it his mission to break the stigma around mental health in first responder communities.

This raw, brutally honest, and unexpectedly hilarious conversation explores Brenan’s personal journey through over two decades in policing — the challenges, the lessons, and the moments that reshaped how he sees mental health, resilience, and asking for help. Together, the group dives into:

• The realities of mental health in law enforcement

• What it means to lead with vulnerability

• How advocacy and open dialogue can change the culture of PSP organizations

Whether you’re a first responder, mental health professional, or someone who wants to better understand the human side of public safety work, this episode is a must-listen.

💬 Tune in for real stories, powerful insights, and a good dose of laughter as Brennan and Kristjana remind us that seeking support is a sign of strength — not weakness.

Connect with Brennan Martin:

LinkedIn

Check out his podcast, Called to Serve

Spotify

Youtube

Connect with us:- BOS Website: www.beforeoperationalstress.com - BOS Podcast Page: www.beforeoperationalstress.com/podcast- BOS Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rC1XCZBRdPnIA3cOsyzfH- BOS Instagram: @beforeoperationalstress - BOS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/before-operational-stress - BOS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beforeoperationalstressAPPLY TO BE A GUEST PODCAST ON OUR SHOW: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=PjtvTJVveUOiKrmEkV8N0yHesdqOeyBDhv05KNuGdjhUM1NRTkM2TzAxM0YyV0FIVTBQNDM1WVJURi4u

In this episode, hosts Ryan and Megan sit down with Devon and Raman—two Vancouver-based counsellors with frontline experience in corrections, healthcare, and private practice. Both guests share their personal and professional journeys through trauma-exposed environments, their entry into the world of forensic psychology, and how their lived experiences with mental health have shaped the way they now support others.

Together, they unpack the stigma that still exists around seeking help—especially among service providers and those working in high-stress roles. From advocacy and clinical research to prevention and legacy-building, this conversation is a heartfelt reminder that even those who help others deserve support too.

Connect with Devon Silvers:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/devon-silvers-54094834/

Connect with Raman Samra:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramansamra/

Connect with us:

BOS Website: www.beforeoperationalstress.com - BOS Podcast Page: www.beforeoperationalstress.com/podcast- BOS Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rC1XCZBRdPnIA3cOsyzfH- BOS Newsletter: https://www.beforeoperationalstress.com/podcast-newsletter- BOS Instagram: @beforeoperationalstress - BOS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/before-operational-stress - BOS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beforeoperationalstress

In this episode of Mental Health Mixtape, hosts Ryan Collyer and Dr. Megan McElheran sit down with Jennifer Lessard, a seasoned law enforcement leader with over 21 years of experience. Jennifer shares her personal mental health journey, discussing the challenges she’s faced in a high-stress career and the strategies that have helped her stay resilient. From breaking the stigma around mental health in public safety to prioritizing self-care and building strong support systems, Jennifer offers invaluable insights into maintaining well-being in demanding professions. Tune in for a powerful conversation on resilience, leadership, and the future of mental health in public safety.

Connect with Jennifer Lessard:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-lessard-9b39221b6/

Connect with us:- BOS Website: www.beforeoperationalstress.com - BOS Podcast Page: www.beforeoperationalstress.com/podcast- BOS Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rC1XCZBRdPnIA3cOsyzfH- BOS Newsletter: https://www.beforeoperationalstress.com/podcast-newsletter- BOS Instagram: @beforeoperationalstress - BOS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/before-operational-stress - BOS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beforeoperationalstress

In this episode, we dive into the mental health impacts of working in high-stress occupations, from first responders to healthcare professionals and beyond. Our guest, Jonathon Feit, shares his insights on leading with purpose, pushing for innovation in Emergency Medical Services, and the challenges of working in environments where lives are on the line. Jonathon's mission is clear: to build a team of bold thinkers, drive world-changing ideas, and revolutionize data transparency in healthcare. But how does that level of pressure affect mental well-being? And what can organizations do to support the people behind these critical roles?

Connect with Jonathon Feit:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jfeit/Connect with us:- BOS Website: www.beforeoperationalstress.com - BOS Podcast Page: www.beforeoperationalstress.com/podcast- BOS Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rC1XCZBRdPnIA3cOsyzfH- BOS Newsletter: https://www.beforeoperationalstress.com/podcast-newsletter- BOS Instagram: @beforeoperationalstress - BOS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/before-operational-stress - BOS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beforeoperationalstress

In this compelling episode, Ryan and Megan sit down with Cortney Wingate, an experienced firefighter with a diverse career spanning rural and career fire departments. Cortney also brings unique expertise from her time in emergency management with the Canadian Red Cross, where she supported mass recruitment efforts during the Fort McMurray wildfires.

The conversation focuses on the mental health challenges firefighters face throughout their careers—from the early days of training to the pressures that build over years of service. Cortney shares her personal experiences and lessons learned about fostering resilience and maintaining well-being in such a high-stress profession.

Listeners will gain insights into the psychological toll of firefighting, strategies for managing stress and trauma, and the importance of peer support and mental health resources for first responders. With her deep understanding of the fire service and passion for mental health advocacy, Cortney offers practical advice and thoughtful reflections for anyone navigating the complexities of this demanding career.

Connect with Cortney Wingate:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/cortney-wingate-ab59a6228/

In this compelling episode of Mental Health Mixtape,

Marcus shares his extraordinary journey of overcoming a

Drawing from his personal experiences and professional

Don't miss this inspiring discussion on facing adversity,

ACTA NON VERBA PODCAST

Apple Podcast

Spotify Podcast

________________

Join host Ryan Collyer as he sits down with Laverne Friesen, whose life journey is a powerful testament to resilience, healing, and transformation. Laverne’s diverse path spans roles as a first responder, a farmer, and a worker in Northern Canada’s energy development industry. But beneath these experiences lies a story marked by deep trauma—including childhood violence and emotional abuse—that eventually led to an occupational stress injury and a mental health crisis. Silenced by stigma, Laverne fought alone against depression and anxiety until he finally sought professional help.

Through intensive therapy, Laverne began to heal and rediscover himself. He embraced gratitude as a transformative tool, learning to cherish each moment despite his struggles. Now a mental health advocate and transformational coach, Laverne is on a mission to empower others to overcome their own obstacles. His 12-week program, "Transformation Through Honour," is designed to guide people toward a life of fulfillment and self-discovery.

In this episode, Laverne shares his journey from darkness to light and the hard-won wisdom he’s gathered along the way. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, hope, and the power within us all to rewrite our own stories

Connect with Laverne Friesen:

Linkedin

In this powerful episode of The Mental Health Mixtape Podcast, hosts Megan and Ryan sit down with Chad Kennedy, a Canadian Armed Forces Veteran and seasoned law enforcement officer, to discuss his profound mental health journey. Chad, who most recently served with the Alberta Sheriff Highway Patrol, opens up about his diagnosis of PTSD and anxiety in 2018, as well as the traumatic incident in the Canadian Rockies on July 18, 2020, that left him with a post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI).

Sea to Sea for PTSD