A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health

In this episode, host Jessica Samuels is joined by the Clinical Practice Manager at CMHA Kelowna, Kirsten Charles and youth advocate Delaney Neukomm for an important conversation about youth mental health, access to support, and the vision behind expanding Foundry services to the Westside. As Foundry Kelowna approaches its 10-year milestone, the discussion reflects on the impact the centre has had...

  In this episode of Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna & District’s A Way Forward Podcast: Conversations on Mental Health, presented by Beem Credit Union , host Jessica Samuels is joined by community advocate and businessman Balzor Singh and CMHA Kelowna counsellor Sureet Dosanjh for an honest conversation about mental health in South Asian communities. Together, they explore the real...

In this episode, host Jessica Samuels is joined by Jaime Edmondson (Beem Credit Union) and Mike Gawliuk (CEO CMHA Kelowna) to unpack how rising housing costs are impacting mental health across British Columbia. From renters feeling locked out of the market to homeowners struggling with rising interest rates, this conversation explores the emotional toll of financial stress—and what support looks l...

  In this episode of A Way Forward, host Jessica Samuels sits down with CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in mental health: substance use and addiction. This conversation goes beyond surface-level assumptions to explore what addiction really looks like, why recovery takes time, and what supports are needed to help people move forward. Key Takeaways 1. Add...

Episode Overview This episode explores the growing field of psychedelic-assisted therapy and how substances once heavily stigmatized are now being studied and used as treatments for mental health conditions. The conversation breaks down what these therapies are, how they work, and where the science is headed. Why Now? The “Psychedelic Renaissance” Early research in the 1960s–70s paused due to poli...

Grief is rarely simple. In this episode of A Way Forward, host Jessica Samuels explores Complex grief — the layered and often misunderstood experience of loss that can include trauma, unresolved relationships, sudden death, and other difficult circumstances.   Jessica is joined by Mikayla Angle, Community Education Coordinator at CMHA Kelowna, and Chivonne Monaghan, an educator, speaker, and autho...

In this episode of A Way Forward, host Jessica Samuels is joined by CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk and Katie Bransfield, Director of Consumer Banking at Beem Credit Union, for a candid and practical conversation about how relationships, finances, and mental health intersect. Money is one of the leading stressors for individuals and couples across Canada — yet it remains one of the hardest things to...

In this episode, host Jessica Samuels sits down with Innovation & Project Development Manager at CMHA Kelowna, Jamie Lloyd-Smith to introduce CRCL ( Crisis Response Community Led ), an innovative new service operated by CMHA Kelowna . CRCL offers a compassionate, community-driven alternative to traditional crisis response—one that does not involve law enforcement and is built on peer support,...

In this powerful and deeply personal conversation, host Jessica Samuels sits down with Matteo Stewart to explore the unique mental health challenges faced by gay men. Matteo shares his lived experience navigating identity, community, and mental health—from coming out in the 1990s, to the ongoing effects of societal expectations, to finding belonging and resilience later in life. Together, they unp...

Episode 18: Involuntary Care Presented by: Beam Credit Union Host: Jessica Samuels Guest: Mike Gawliuk, CEO, CMHA Kelowna Episode Overview In this episode, Jessica Samuels speaks with CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk about the complex and often divisive topic of involuntary care in British Columbia’s mental health system. Together, they unpack what involuntary care means under the BC Mental Health Ac...

Being a first responder means running toward the situations most of us run away from. But that comes with an emotional and mental toll. In this episode, Jessica speaks with Kelowna Fire Captain David McCarthy , who shares what it’s like to experience trauma on the job and how the fire department is working to ensure firefighters get the support they need. David discusses the evolution of Critical...

In this powerful episode of A Way Forward, host Jessica Samuels sits down with Corey Hirsch — former NHL goaltender, Stanley Cup champion, Olympic silver medalist, broadcaster, and mental health advocate. From the outside, Corey seemed to be living the dream at the height of his hockey career. But behind the mask, he was struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and suicidal thoughts tha...

In this follow-up to Episode 11, host Jessica Samuels continues her conversation with CMHA Kelowna's Director of People, Culture & Engagement, Candace Giesbrecht. The focus of this episode is burnout and its relationship to the workplace. Candace and Jessica dive deeper into what burnout looks like, how it manifests in professional environments, and how organizations and individuals can begin...

In this powerful episode, Jessica Samuels and Mike Gawliuk sit down with Maggie Sinclair from Beam Credit Union to unpack the current reality of debt in Canada—and the deep mental health impacts that often come with it. With household debt hitting record highs and many Canadians living just $200 away from insolvency, the conversation covers the emotional toll of financial strain, stigma, and the h...

In this episode, hosts Jessica Samuels and Mike Gawliuk unpack what it really means to “manage your mental health” — and how that differs from managing mental illness. Together, they explore everyday actions, habits, and mindset shifts that can help anyone take better care of their mental well-being, with a strong focus on understanding why these strategies work.  Key Topics Discussed: Mental Heal...

In this Forward Focus episode, Jessica Samuels and co-host Mike Gawliuk shine a spotlight on CRCL – Crisis Response Community Led, formerly known as PACT. Jessica and Mike break down what CRCL is, how it works, and why this model matters now more than ever: What is CRCL? CRCL provides community-based, in-person mental health crisis support for individuals 13 years and older. It addresses issues li...

In Episode 12: Mental Health & Caregivers of A Way Forward Podcast | Presented by Beem Credit Union , hosts Jessica Samuels and Mike Gawliuk , CEO of CMHA Kelowna, explore the realities of mental health and caregiving . As millions of Canadians provide unpaid care to loved ones, the toll on caregivers—especially family caregivers—is growing. Jessica and Mike unpack new data, share personal sto...

In Episode 11: Workplace Mental Health of A Way Forward Podcast | Presented by Beem Credit Union , host Jessica Samuels is joined by Candace Giesbrecht, Director of People, Culture & Engagement at CMHA Kelowna, to explore what it means to have a mentally healthy workplace—and why it's a shared responsibility across the entire organization. They discuss how measuring psychological safety, addre...

Welcome to the first episode of Forward Focus, our quick-hit, bit-sized episodes that gives you insight and information about the things you want to know. Today's episode focuses on the Central Okanagan Rent Bank. CMHA Kelowna believes that everyone has the right to safe and affordable housing. The rising cost of living means that there are many people who are only a paycheque or two away from not...

In Episode 10: Why Supportive Housing Matters of A Way Forward Podcast | Presented by Beem Credit Union , hosts Jessica Samuels and CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawiuk to discuss the critical role of supportive housing in addressing homelessness and mental health. They delve into key topics such as Housing First, complex care, and the broader systemic issues impacting affordable housing in Canada. Key To...

Welcome to Episode 9: Exploring Counselling of A Way Forward Podcast | Presented by Beem Credit Union. In this episode of A Way Forward , Jessica Samuels and CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk dive into the topic of counselling. They discuss when it might be time to seek counselling, what to look for in a counselor, and share helpful resources for those considering counselling. With personal insights a...

Welcome to Season 2 of A Way Forward , presented by Beem Credit Union. In this episode, hosts Jessica Samuels and CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk discuss strategies for managing mental health during turbulent times. With a 24-hour news cycle, social media, and ongoing global events, many people feel overwhelmed, anxious, and uncertain. Jessica and Mike explore how our bodies react to stress and shar...

In Episode 7 of A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health, presented by Beem Credit Union, host Jessica Samuels sits down with CMHA Kelowna CEO, Mike Gawliuk to dive into the topic of loneliness—what it truly means, how it impacts us, and strategies to address it. They explore how loneliness isn’t just about being alone but can also occur within social groups where people feel disconnected. Th...

In Episode 6 of A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health, presented by Beem Credit Union, host Jessica Samuels sits down with Mike Gawliuk, CEO of CMHA Kelowna, to discuss findings from the State of Mental Health in Canada  report . They delve into the report’s key insights, the challenges facing mental health care in British Columbia, and the steps needed to address these issues. From the to...

In Episode 5 of A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health, presented by Beem Credit Union, host Jessica Samuels is joined by Mike Gawliuk, CEO of CMHA Kelowna for a conversation on Mental Health & The Holidays. The holiday season brings unique joys and challenges. In this episode, we dive into practical strategies for managing mental health and well-being during a time of heightened expect...