Jessica shares what Tree of Stars stands for, the purpose behind the organization, and the meaningful initiatives they have planned for May. Together, Rob and Jessica explore why mental health awareness continues to matter, the power of empathy and community, and how individuals can get involved and make a difference.

The conversation also takes a personal turn as both Rob and Jessica reflect on something they now share in common, recently releasing new books. They discuss the inspiration behind their writing, the role of storytelling in healing, and the impact their messages hope to have on others.

This episode is a reminder that awareness of others can change lives, and that even small acts of understanding can create a lasting impact.

This week, we sit down for an incredibly brave conversation with Sarah and Jessica. We are meeting them in a tender moment: just one week after the one-year anniversary of the death of Sarah’s son, Riley, who died by suicide. In this episode, we explore what life looks like after the unthinkable. Sarah and Jessica share the reality of the "year of firsts" and address one of the most difficult aspects of their journey: the fact that there were no signs. We move beyond the tragedy to honour who Riley was, focusing on his personality, his light, and the enduring love of the family he left behind.

Throughout our conversation, we discuss the importance of celebrating Riley’s life beyond his final moments and the raw confusion that comes when a loss occurs without visible warnings. We explore what it feels like to cross the one-year anniversary threshold and how the sisters are turning their pain into a legacy of advocacy. This episode is a lighthouse for anyone navigating their own "unthinkable" or for those who want to understand how to better show up for the people they love.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. You can call or text 988 anytime from anywhere in Canada. This service is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Your story is not over.

Through every setback, Darryl continued to move forward with strength, gratitude, and an unwavering commitment to becoming the best version of himself. In this episode, Rob and Darryl reflect on childhood memories, speak openly about the realities of his treatment journey, and explore the mindset that helped him remain grounded and hopeful during the most difficult moments of his life.

This conversation is honest, deeply inspiring, and a reminder of the unseen battles so many people carry.

After sustaining physical and psychological injuries in the line of duty, Andrew began using a service dog for PTSD in 2017, becoming one of the first in Ontario, and possibly Canada, to do so. Alongside his service dog, Riggs, he helped challenge stigma around mental health while instructing at the Ontario Police College.

We discuss the hidden impact of service, the culture of policing and soldiering, the struggle with identity after medical retirement, the need for better legislation for service dog handlers in Canada, and how advocacy and community can lead to healing.

A moving and honest conversation about resilience, dignity, and continuing to serve in new ways.

Dave also reflects on the moments that changed him, the lessons he learned from patients and families, and how years in emergency aviation shaped his understanding of compassion, resilience, and service.

This episode offers a rare and human look at helicopter EMS and the people who show up when it matters most.

In this episode, Ed explores a surprisingly simple but deeply effective approach that can help children thrive socially, emotionally, and even professionally. He explains why many common parenting strategies fall short and how subtle shifts in the way we communicate with our kids can create lifelong positive impact.

Whether you are a parent, caregiver, or educator, this conversation offers practical insight rooted in decades of hands-on clinical experience and provides a fresh perspective on what children truly need to flourish.

Tune in to hear Ed’s transformative answer.

In this episode, we explore:

• The journey from heavy frontline service to the personal reckoning of PTSD.

• How Graham transformed his own healing path into the creation of a non-profit and residential program (Learn to Live Again) for others.

• The power of peer-based lived experience versus traditional therapeutic models.

• Practical coping tools, lifestyle adjustments, and the role of service dogs in PTSD recovery.

• Lessons on leadership, resilience, and purpose-driven change from someone who has walked the walk.

Whether you are a veteran, first responder, mental health advocate, or simply someone interested in how purpose arises from pain, this conversation will challenge, inspire, and deepen your understanding of trauma, recovery, and transformation.

Together, we unpack the complex realities today’s youth face, from the pressures of social media and academics to the ongoing challenges of stigma and silence. We also explore the kinds of support systems that can truly make a difference, highlighting how families, schools, and communities can help create safer spaces for young people to express themselves and get the support they need.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, friend, or young person yourself, this conversation offers meaningful insight, practical tools, and, above all, a message of hope.

We talk about what it’s like to live with a chronic illness, the emotional and physical challenges of spending months in the hospital, and what it means to step back into life outside those walls. Through our conversation, Philly also shares how he tries to help others facing similar battles, encouraging them not to lose hope. He reflects on resilience, gratitude, and why organ donation matters so deeply to him and to so many others waiting for a second chance at life.

Austin takes us back to his first love for the game, the coaches and moments that shaped his passion, and the surprising way North Dakota State found him. He also opens up about suiting up for two teams this summer, balancing the grind, and the highlights that made it all worth it.

It hasn’t been all smooth sailing though — Austin shares his mental battle through a tough injury and how the support around him helped turn things around.

Finally, he offers heartfelt advice for young players dreaming big, including the mindset and habits that keep him motivated. Whether you’re a baseball fan or just love a good underdog story, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.

But Danielle is no stranger to adversity. From raising her children as a single mother during nursing school to working on the frontlines in mental health and addictions care, she’s spent her life helping others — and now, she’s fighting to advocate for herself within the same healthcare system she once served.

In this conversation, Danielle shares her journey with raw honesty: the struggle to find answers, the mental toll of invisible illness, and what it means to rediscover strength in unexpected places.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unheard, or like you were starting over from zero — this episode is for you.

She shares how the support she received from Nankind during her cancer treatment made a lasting impact, and why she’s now documenting her journey to create a life record for her son and future generations. Jordanna also offers heartfelt advice for others facing health challenges, caregiving responsibilities, or both—reminding us that we’re never as alone as we think.

This is a story of pain, persistence, vulnerability, and grace—you won't want to miss it.

We explore:

• The most common myths about ADHD in teens—and why they can be harmful

• How ADHD presents differently in teens versus kids or adults

• The emotional toll ADHD can take on self-esteem, anxiety, and relationships

• How parents can support without micromanaging or shaming

• The vital role of executive function and realistic ways to build it

• Real-world success stories that highlight resilience, growth, and family healing

Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone curious about ADHD, this episode offers practical tools and heart-centered advice to help teens feel seen, heard, and empowered.

If you've ever wondered whether your teen might be struggling with undiagnosed ADHD, Jheri also shares what first steps to take—and how to move forward with empathy and clarity.

This episode of Awareness features personal insights, shifts in the creative process, and real conversations about wellness, resilience, and the evolving role of artists in breaking down mental health stigma. You’ll also get the inside scoop on new music, tour plans, and what’s ahead in summer 2025 and beyond.

Whether you’re an artist, a fan, or simply passionate about mental wellness, this podcast delivers authentic stories — straight from the heart.

- Key differences between Canada and the United States when it comes to immigration systems.

- Rules around sponsoring a spouse, partner, or family member to Canada.

- Dual citizenship between Canada and the United States, how it works, and whether or not there are restrictions or complications.

- Current travel restrictions or requirements for crossing the Canada-U.S. border.

- How past criminal charges, even if minor, impact immigration applications for either country.

- All this & more. Happy Canada Day! Happy 4th of July!

PLUS...

- Dr. Rasha & I discuss people-pleasing, where it comes from. How it affects relationships. And why people-pleasers attract narcissists..

AND...

- Boundaries, healing, and growth are also important parts of our conversation.

- What Jim thinks radio needs to do in order to survive in an ever-changing media landscape.

- the radio GREATS he's always looked up to.

- How he personally feels when he sees the constant changes of late in the radio industry.

- What he recommends to people currently working in the radio field and on the sidelines who feel like they're at a loss for words when they see the unfathomable amount of job cuts in the industry.

- What his absolute favourite subject was to teach at Seneca College/what he'll miss most about teaching.

- And, his plans for retirement...

- Corey is going to walk us through the story of losing his Dad at such a young age. How he channeled the grief early on, and what he still does to this day to manage it.

- Plus, his suggestions on how to check in with someone who is grieving.

- And, what you should NOT do to someone who is grieving.

This episode is certainly for you if at any point in your life you had to deal with overwhelming grief. It's also certainly for those that want to be proactive and learn strategies on how to handle grief before it arrives, rather than dealing with it when it shows up all of a sudden.

What about relationship anxiety? Do you experience it? If so, you're not alone.

Dr. Mary Marano is my special guest in this episode. She'll provide strategies on how to best manage these issues, and more.

- Lisa's heroic work in nursing and what ultimately led to her early exit from the medical field.

- The PTSD symptoms she's experienced over the years, how she's dealt with them and which treatments she personally found to be the most effective.

- And now that she's stabilized and living a healthier life, she shares a few positive words of encouragement to other nurses who might be facing the same PTSD battle she did...

- Scott discusses what the public can look forward to on Induction Day, June 7th at the Hall.

- Also, the lead up events to Induction Day. Plus, he reminisces about the time Jose Bautista flipped his bat, and why that is going to matter very much in the coming weeks.

- And, Scott reveals what sorts of challenges kids in baseball are experiencing most these days when it comes to their mental game. All this and more in episode 10! Hope you join us.

- Plus, what Amanda did to cope with the trauma through her teenage years.

- Her breaking point that led her on a very holistic healing type journey.

- And how Amanda channeled the pain she's endured over her lifetime, turned it into purpose, and built one of the fastest growing grass roots charitable initiatives in Simcoe County to help underserved children boost their self-esteem and self-worth through her Christmas Campaign, Gift-a-Family.”

- His advice to people who are currently employed, and have the looming fear of a potential recession happening in the near future.

- What he recommends to frustrated job seekers who are sending out application after application online, and are not hearing anything back.

- What exactly recruiters are looking for on your resume when you apply for a job.

- And, Marc reveals a personal fear he's had for a VERY long time.

- Mike discussing some of the mental health challenges he's encountered when it comes to travelling the world for his magic shows.

- Also, how much preparation goes into each show, and how he keeps the material as fresh as possible for each audience he encounters.

- And who inspired him to become a magician, and why.

- Jeremy's big dream of opening up specific mental health facilities to help others, and how he plans to do it.

- The top three addictions people currently struggle with most.

- His own ongoing battle with mental health challenges.

- And why he specifically chose to work in addictions and community service.

- All that, and more in episode 5! Join us for this super meaningful discussion.

-Her father taking his own life.

- Katy's recommendations to people who are shy/and or nervous to ask for a leave of absence from work for mental health related reasons

- And how she navigates life living with Complex PTSD, ADHD & depression.

- the toughest mental health challenge Ben Davy had to go through in his life thus far, and his recommendations for others facing similar challenges.

- his involvement with CAMH’s sunrise challenge.

- and his thoughts on what the Baycats have to do in order to repeat as champions in 2025.

- What the mission of the Simcoe County Suicide Awareness council is, and what they're all about.
- What exactly Suzan's duties are within the council.
- Why Suzan chose a suicide council to dedicate her time.
- Her thoughts on how to help someone in crisis, and what needs the most improvement in the mental health sector in Ontario and Canada.
- Navigating mental health wellness in society and at home, when there typically always seems to be something bombarding our thoughts with something major going on. I.E. Covid, the war, politics etc...