Greg Nywa joins me to explore the profound impact of trauma and mental health. Greg shares his remarkable journey, from growing up on a ranch to facing devastating personal losses, including the heartbreaking suicide of his son Brandon during the COVID-19 pandemic. What struck me most was Greg's incredible resilience and his commitment to turning grief into purpose by creating the Beach Project, a mental health education initiative.

We unpack the importance of vulnerability, the power of self-conversation, and the critical need for proactive mental health support. Greg's story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to find meaning in the most challenging circumstances. Through our conversation, we hope to shed light on the often-overlooked emotional toll of trauma and inspire others to seek help and support.

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In this powerful first episode of Tear Off the Tape, I sit down with Bob Harriman, a retired RCMP officer who's lived a life defined by resilience. Growing up with a mother battling mental illness, Bob learned early on how to navigate life's challenges. From potentially heading down a dark path to finding purpose through the Boys and Girls Club, his story is a testament to the power of community and personal growth. We dive deep into his experiences as a police officer, dealing with 104 fatal accidents, and the mental toll of witnessing trauma. Bob shares candidly about the importance of vulnerability, the need to 'tear off the tape' and talk about our experiences, and how seeking help isn't weakness—it's strength. His journey is a powerful reminder that we can transform our pain into purpose.

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The story of the Humboldt Broncos tragedy in 2018 shocked the nation. Ryan Straschnitzki was on the bus and joins me to explore the incredible journey of resilience that followed the devastating Humboldt Broncos bus accident. Ryan shares his raw and honest story of confronting trauma, from the pressures of junior hockey to the life-changing moment that altered his path forever. We dive deep into the psychological challenges of dealing with unexpected tragedy, the importance of mental health, and how he transformed his experience into purpose. Through his work with the Straz Strong Foundation, Ryan demonstrates how personal pain can be channeled into supporting others facing similar challenges. His story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to not just survive, but to find meaning, hope, and a new direction after unimaginable adversity.

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Trauma leaves marks we don’t always see. In December 1986, tragedy struck the hockey world when the Swift Current Broncos’ team bus slid off an icy Saskatchewan highway, claiming the lives of four young players. Bob Wilkie was one of the survivors. Though he went on to play professional hockey with the Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers, and several minor league teams, the trauma of that night never left his side.

For years, Bob carried the weight in silence. The team was given no counselling, no outside help, and was told simply to get back to work. Like many survivors of trauma, Bob buried his pain — until it began to surface in ways that could no longer be ignored. His journey to heal became his life’s purpose, leading him to launch I Got Mind, a mental wellness organization dedicated to helping others build resilience and overcome their own struggles.

Now, Bob opens the door wider with Tear Off the Tape — a podcast where professionals from every field share their personal stories of trauma, recovery, and hope. Launching Fall 2025.

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