What's Your Twenty

In the final installment of our six-part series on blast exposure and brain injuries, I continue my powerful conversation with JTF2 breacher, Master Corporal Justin MacPherson. This episode dives into raw truths, hard lessons, and the urgent need for change. We explore the efforts of Veterans-turned-Toronto Police Officers Aaron Dale and Jeremy Burns, and the Military Veteran Wellness Program - a...

Continuing the 6 part series on Blast Exposure and Brain Injuries, this episode is dedicated to Master Corporal Pete Duff - a soldier, husband, father, and friend whose memory remains woven into the lives of those who knew and cared for him. Through this series, we’ve heard from those who honour his legacy, and today, we continue that promise - to keep speaking his name, supporting those who strug...

Emily is the guest on Mind Beyond the Mission - the Atlas Institute of Veterans and Families podcast hosted by members of the lived experience team, Laryssa Lamrock and Brain McKenna. In this episode of Mind Beyond the Mission, Laryssa Lamrock is joined by guest co-host Andrew Gough — a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veteran, serving Reservist and medically retired police officer — and guest Emily Zu...

In this powerful continuation of my conversation with Shane Nedohin, MCPL (ret'd), we dive deeper into the challenges faced by Veterans dealing with blast-induced brain injuries. Shane recounts his call with the former Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada, Ginette Petitpas Taylor, where he expressed his frustration over the government's lack of prioritization for Veterans' needs and wellbeing. Duri...

In this episode we return with Part III of our Blast Exposure & Brain Injuries series with Shane Nedohin, MCPL (ret'd), a former breacher for JTF2 in the Canadian Armed Forces. Shane provides a compelling front-row seat into the intense world of breaching operations and the physical and brain injuries that come with it. We delve into The Globe and Mail article that brought Shane's story to light,...

In the second part of our series on "Blast Exposure & Brain Injuries," we continue the compelling journey with retired Master Warrant Officer Brendan Hynes. As a veteran who served with distinction in CANSOFCOM JTF2, Brendan's story highlights the ongoing battles faced by those affected by blast-induced Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). This episode shines a spotlight on the incredible support provide...

In the first part of our 6-part series on "What's Your Twenty?", we dive into the powerful and emotional story of MWO Brendan Hynes. Once a proud member of CANSOFCOM JTF2, Brendan dedicated his life to serving his country. Now a veteran living with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) due to blast exposure, Brendan shares his journey of resilience and ongoing struggle for recognition, respect, and support...

In this real and unfiltered episode of "What's Your Twenty?", we dive deep into the untold stories of first responders - the paramedics, firefighters, police officers, correctional officers, and dispatchers who face trauma daily to save lives. These women and men often suffer in silence, grappling with mental injuries, PTSD, and PTSI, while feeling immense pressure to appear strong and invincible....

In this episode, Emily delves into the transformative power of curiosity and hope through the personal journey of healing and growth. The focus is on the pivotal role of curiosity as a sign of recovery, inspired by the insightful words of a therapist, Roberta, who played a crucial role in Emily's healing process. She explores how becoming curious about her future and possibilities, signalled a shi...

In this episode, I am honored to welcome Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Canada’s Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence. With a career that spans from social work to her current role, Minister Petitpas Taylor brings a deeply empathetic and dedicated perspective to her work. She reflects on her early career as a social worker and her time with the RCMP - experiences that...

In Part II, this heartfelt episode, Jodie Baulkham, author of Choosing My Tomorrow, delves into the profound challenges and triumphs she and her husband, RCMP Staff Sergeant, Brent Baulkham, face. Brent's struggle with PTSD takes centre stage, highlighting the impact of mental health on their lives. Amidst this, Jodie receives a life-altering diagnosis of breast cancer, leading to a double mastect...

In Part I, I sit down with Jodie Baulkham, the author of Choosing My Tomorrow: Surviving Murder, Navigating Mental Health, and Harnessing the Power of Choice. Jodie shares the harrowing story of the night her life changed forever. At just 29 years old, she was at home with her 8-month-old daughter when she received a knock at the door - her husband, RCMP officer Chris Worden, couldn't be found. In...

In this powerful part II episode with Mark Bouchard, the author of Setting My Sights on Stigma, we discuss mental health, stigma, and cultural growth in law enforcement organizations. Mark’s experience as a first responder informs our conversation about stigma within critical roles, the emotional toll, and the importance of mental health support for those on the front lines. Mark’s advocacy work e...

In this thought-provoking Part 1 episode, I sit down with Mark Bouchard, a seasoned ERT/SWAT Medic with over 15 years of frontline experience in law enforcement. Mark shares his insights on tactical operations, critical medical support, and the challenges faced by first responders. Our conversation delves deeper into crucial aspects of mental health within the law enforcement community. Needing to...

We don't need to wear a uniform to experience trauma. We're picking up with drive-by shooting survivor and founder of Hit The Ground Running, Brandon Peacock. Part II is the continuation of Brandon's recovery and mission to help other trauma survivors to not simply recover, but thrive. If you take intelligence, resilience, kindness, genuineness, authenticity, ambition, athleticism and survivorship...

Drive-by shooting survivor, Brandon Peacock is an incredible human whose resilience and determination have turned a personal tragedy into a beacon of hope for many. On a fateful summer evening in 2020, Brandon's life was forever altered when he became the unintended victim of a drive-by shooting. Shot three times, a bullet that hit his femoral artery could have ended his life, but instead, it mark...

Healing and mental health management does not have a one size fits all. In the ongoing quest to offer the most effective tools for managing mental health challenges, the conversation around medicinal marijuana consistently emerges. This podcast embarks on a journey to understand the therapeutic potential of cannabis, particularly in the context of those who have served in the military. While I'm n...

Exploring the latest in brain health and trauma, Ryan Carey is a retired Captain of the Canadian Armed Forces and a passionate advocate for veterans' well-being. Not only did Ryan serve in the CAF, but he also played professional football in the Canadian Football League. Intimately knowing the connection between sport and military concussions and head injuries, he was thrown into the world of chro...

Part I of II with The Silver Cop, Robin Ferrie of Ottawa Police Service and I discuss men not speaking up at the risk of being seen as weak, as well as the stigma and institutional betrayal when attempting to seek mental health supports. This episode was recorded on December 29th and is dedicated to Constable Ireneusz "Eric" Czapnik of OPS in honour of his service and sacrifice, as it was the 14th...

Part II of II The Silver Cop Robin Ferrie of the Ottawa Police Service and I pick up on the day he found himself immersed in chaos at the National War Memorial on the day that Corporal Nathan Cirillo was gunned down standing sentry at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We discuss the infamous photo seen around the world and how Robin found his voice and moved forward in healing and advocacy for othe...

On the heels of multiple First Responders taking their lives, Emily Zufelt takes a walk inside the mind with suicide. On her own recovery journey with PTSD and CPTSD, she dares to say the things that don't get said, out loud. In Emily's first solo episode she attempts to highlight what anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts do to wreak havoc inside the minds of the incredible people who strugg...

Guest, critical thinker and speaker, Seb Lavoie reached out as he felt that a social media post was feeding into victim mentality and he wanted to either understand, support, or perhaps, both. What happened next through an abundance of alignment and respect is an enlightened and organic conversation between two people who discuss the importance of taking a 'tactical pause' and how victim mentality...

The Caring Support Podcast hosts, James Smith and Cali Wiersma invited me on the show to discuss some of the common misconceptions of PTSI/PTSD amongst law enforcement and healthcare professionals. We delve into how departments and organizations can better support their members who are struggling with mental health and the overt challenges and resistance faced by law enforcement personnel when it...

Marisa Tracey - mother, wife and widow of the late Master Warrant Officer Daniel Tracey, who died by suicide on October 13, 2022 - courageously talks about living with and loving a military man who battled mental health and PTSD until his suicide. Marisa discusses surviving Dan’s suicide and learning how to heal herself and her family. What is the definition of survivorship? Survivorship literally...

Jon Archambault - CAF Veteran, mental health advocate and founder of Wired Differently, author of Operation: Wired Differently, podcast host of the Black Sheep Podcast, Leadership Coach and founder of Jon A. Archambault - Elite Consultant, and former police officer. Jon invited me on his podcast to discuss the systemic gaslighting within a police detachment and how a paramilitary approach make it...