Keep Talking | A Podcast by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia

In this final episode of Season 1 of Keep Talking , host Sam Madore sits down with Mario Rolle , a passionate mental health advocate dedicated to advancing social justice and strengthening the wellbeing of African Nova Scotian and Black communities. Mario shares his journey into advocacy — from his early work with at-risk men to helping build impactful programs like the Nova Scotia Brotherhood and...

In this episode of Keep Talking, host Sam Madore sits down with Fiona Kirkpatrick Parsons, a longtime supporter of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia and member of the Community Grants Committee, for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about purpose, giving back, and staying grounded. Fiona shares how her personal experiences, cultural identity, and professional journey have shaped he...

In this episode of Keep Talking, host Sam Madore sits down with Seana Jewer, Community Engagement Lead with Roots of Hope at Nova Scotia Health, for a compassionate and insightful conversation about suicide prevention, community care, and connection. Seana shares how Roots of Hope is helping communities across Nova Scotia build the skills and confidence to support people who may be thinking about...

In this episode of Keep Talking, host Sam Madore sits down with Lorna Griffin Fillier, Professional Practice Leader with Nova Scotia Health and Vice Chair of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s Board of Trustees, for a deeply insightful conversation about trauma, connection, and what it really means to care for our mental health. With more than 20 years of experience as a trauma clinicia...

In this episode of Keep Talking, host Sam Madore sits down with Morgan Manzer, a lawyer with Nova Scotia Legal Aid and Chair of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s Board of Trustees, for an honest and insightful conversation about lived experience, advocacy, and leadership. Morgan shares how both his personal experience with mental health and his professional work in child protection law...

In this episode of Keep Talking, host Sam Madore sits down with Stacy Darku, a Registered Counselling Therapist with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists and owner of Esinam Counselling, for a thoughtful and powerful conversation about trauma, grief, and the work of healing. With more than 15 years of experience in the mental health field, Stacy supports individuals who are navigating...

In this episode of Keep Talking, host Sam Madore sits down with Paul Hollingsworth, multi-skilled Journalist with CTV National News, for a deeply personal and meaningful conversation. Paul shares his experience of losing his brother to suicide while he was still a university student, and how that devastating moment reshaped his life and sense of purpose. He reflects on grief, compassion, and how c...

In this episode of Keep Talking, host Sam Madore is joined by Karen Furneaux — three-time Olympian, world champion sprint kayaker, author, and mental health advocate — for an honest conversation about strength, vulnerability, and resilience. Karen shares her experience of receiving a late-onset mental illness diagnosis after years of competing at the highest level of sport, and how that moment res...

In this episode of Keep Talking, we sit down with Mary Deacon, Chair and Founder of Bell Let’s Talk. This conversation explores Mary’s why — what first inspired her to champion mental health, and what continues to drive her commitment to ensuring these conversations don’t end after a single day. Together, we talk about leadership, community impact, and the importance of continuing to show up for m...

Welcome to the very first episode of Keep Talking, a podcast from the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia — featuring honest conversations around mental health, lived experience, and hope. In this episode, host Sam Madore sits down with Caitlin Morrison, who is carrying forward her brother Matthew Perry’s legacy through her advocacy for long-term recovery support. Caitlin shares insight into t...