Get on Their Turf with Dr. Suzanne Simpson

Parenting a Nonverbal Child with Down Syndrome | A Smile That Changed Everything #downsyndromeawareness #parentingjourney #specialneedsparenting What does it mean to hear “I love you” without words? That question shaped my entire journey as a father. My daughter Maddie was born with Down syndrome and is nonverbal, yet she taught me more about love than words ever could. Her smile became our unspok...

What happens when a daughter grows up in a culture that preferred sons? In this powerful episode, award-winning author and human rights journalist Sylvia Yu Friedman opens up about her journey from early rejection to radical healing. She shares how childhood trauma shaped her confidence, career, and relationships—and how reclaiming her self-worth began with telling the truth, setting boundaries, a...

WARNING: THIS EPISODE CONTAINS DISCUSSION ABOUT TEEN SUICIDE Tips for Supporting Your Teen's Mental Health and Reducing Teen Crisis Risk with Chris Coulter #teensuicideprevention #youthmentalhealth #suicidewarningsigns Are you wondering if your teen’s “fine” is just a mask? In this heartfelt conversation with Chris Coulter, I share powerful insights on recognizing teen suicide risk and suppor...

Hidden Struggles of Confident Teens | Mental Health & Parenting Insights with Darian Hooshi  #teenmentalhealth #parentingadvice #supportingteens  Discover how a seemingly confident young professional navigated "outing" his depression and anxiety to coworkers. This follow-up discussion explores Darian's experience and offers valuable insights for parents on supporting their teens...

Authenticity, Failure & Mental Health: Erica Rankin on Owning Your Story What happens when an entrepreneur shares her failures, mental health struggles, and unfiltered truth with the world? In this episode of Encountering , I sit down with Erica Rankin for a deeply honest conversation about what it really means to be authentic—online and in life. We explore the healing power of vulnerability,...

CBT and Self-Compassion: Taking Back Control from Anxiety with Judy Belmont What if anxiety didn’t have to run your life—and what if the way out started with how you speak to yourself? In this episode of Encountering , I sit down with author and therapist Judy Belmont, whose work on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has helped thousands take back control from anxiety, negative thought patterns, a...

Can mental health challenges be contagious?  In this compelling conversation with Matt Hussey, a therapist, writer, and former journalist, we explore the powerful idea of emotional contagion—how we absorb the feelings of those around us, especially in close relationships. Whether you’re a parent, partner, teacher, or friend, this episode will help you support others without losing yourself. Matt s...

How do we find hope after loss? Can grief, addiction, and pain lead to personal growth and transformation? In this episode of Encountering , I sit down with Jeff Johnston, who shares his deeply personal journey through grief, healing, and sobriety after the loss of his son and wife. Through his story, he explores the concept of beauty from ashes—how life's darkest moments can lead to resilien...

How can we create safe spaces at work that foster innovation, mental well-being, and personal growth ? What role do mindset, core values, and workplace culture play in preventing burnout and improving work-life balance ? In this episode of Encountering , I sit down with Wilson Obaneme to explore the power of citizen development —giving non-IT professionals the tools to innovate and make a real imp...

How is social media shaping our mental health, self-worth, and relationships? Is it possible to build real connections in a digital world that thrives on comparison and perfectionism? In this episode of Encountering , I sit down with Brock Johnson (@brock11johnson)—social media expert, entrepreneur, and advocate for authentic digital presence . Brock opens up about the challenges of staying true t...

Struggling with anger issues, emotional outbursts, or controlling frustration? In this podcast, I, Dr. Suzanne Simpson, team up with anger management expert Alistair Moes to dive into the psychology of anger, its triggers, and powerful strategies for managing it effectively. Together, we explore the root causes of anger, its impact on the brain and body, and the importance of expressing anger in a...

Advocating for Mental Health: A Deep Dive With Christa McDiarmid In this conversation, Dr, Suzanne Simpson and Christa McDiarmid explore the nuances of mental health advocacy, focusing on the importance of language, the distinction between 'client' and 'patient', and the implications of labeling mental health challenges as 'disorders'. Christa shares her personal expe...

NEW EPISODES WILL BE POSTED EVERY 2 WEEKS FROM NOW UNTIL SEPTEMBER. So, I will remain consistent but need to slow this down now, for my own wellness. Healing from a Suicide Attempt: A Survivor's Journey with David Woods Bartley NOTE: This podcast contains discussion about suicidation, a suicide attempt, and childhood sexual trauma. In this powerful interview, suicide attempt survivor David Wo...

In this episode, Cathy Nesbitt and I explore these questions and more: How do we live with joy? What is the relationship between joy and laughter? How does laughter help us achieve joy?  Cathy is a laughter yoga teacher and the inspiring mind behind Cathy's Crawly Composters.  She shares her insights on the power of joy, the importance of laughter, and how we can cultivate more happiness in o...

Join us as we delve into the complexities of bipolar disorder with mental health advocate Gabe Howard. In this insightful conversation, Gabe shares his personal journey, discussing the challenges, triumphs, and misconceptions surrounding this mental health condition. We explore the different types of bipolar disorder, the impact of trauma, and the importance of understanding and support. Discover...

Join us as we delve into the complexities of mental health and the art of prescribing. In this episode, I sit down with respected psychiatrist and author Dr. Warren Kinghorn to explore the power of human connection in the healing process. We'll discuss: The limitations of traditional psychiatry: Why a one-size-fits-all approach often falls short. The importance of relationship: How a strong d...

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Suzanne Simpson and Jeremy Church dive deep into the world of alternate education. We discuss the significance of this growing educational model, the journey of transitioning to an alternative setting, and the key differences between mainstream and alternative schools. We explore the challenges faced by students who don't thrive in traditional classrooms,...

Do you wonder how to navigate tough conversations with your kids when you are unwell? Join us as we sit down with Tim Reitsma, founder of Invisible Condition, to explore practical strategies for supporting your family through physical and mental health challenges. We'll delve into age-appropriate language, maintaining a stable foundation, and the unexpected benefits of adversity. Discover how...

This episode is for parents who are trying to get mental health support for their children at school. Stewart McAllen, a seasoned B.C. school counsellor, describes the reality of his work. While many parents assume counsellors can provide talk therapy at school, the truth is there are significant limitations simply due to our system. Stew describes his task list of course planning and code entries...

This episode is all about care. I interview youth-liaison Cpl Pauo Arreaga about his experience as a caring police officer. We talk about what care means, how we can do it better, and how we know it. This episode not only shows us all how to care more authentically, but helps build relationships between youth and police officers who work for the good of their community. Find my interview playlist...

This episode delves into how we understand. Vikki Ellis, who has taught all 27 years of her career in Indigenous communities, tells me the meaning of understanding. We explore what it takes to understand others, particularly youth in 2024, how we misunderstand, and the outcome of understanding and being understood. This episode is intended particularly for parents and educators, though Vikki gives...

Are you a parent struggling to support your child to sobriety? Narcotics Anonymous sponsor Scott Lang speaks candidly of his background and the work he does in helping others to freedom from substance use disorders. Clean since 1999, Scott talks about his journey from homelessness, prostitution, and incarceration. Scott describes how families can stop enabling drug use, and gives advice for parent...

Dave Sattler, pastor of North Shore Alliance Church, lives the concept of "support" through his work with the marginalized and homeless. Dave oversees weekly drop-in groups, Christmas dinners for hundreds, and building housing both locally and internationally. In this episode, we talk about support: how we do it, how we know it, the challenges of support, and its reciprocation. When we k...

This episode launches a transition into my research findings about how we support wellness. Andrew Neufeld, Registered Clinical Counsellor and owner of Alongside You mental health clinic, explores how to support wellness. We discuss Andrew's own mental health journey, including what he needed from others as he faced anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. Andrew gives insight into my find...

In this episode, Cea Sunrise Person, author of North of Normal and Nearly Normal , describes what it’s like to grow up with consistent trauma. She is candid about what trauma did to her as a child, and the challenges she still faces today as a result. You can see Cea’s story on the big screen in the 2022 movie North of Normal .  Find my interview playlist on YouTube Dr Suzanne Simpson, at Get On T...