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

Mario Rolle — Courage, Community, and Creating Brave Spaces

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 beyond. He speaks to the importance of meeting people where they are, creating brave spaces for honest conversation, and the power of community-led solutions that respond to real needs. Together, they explore how stigma around mental health has shifted over time, why vulnerability is essential for healing, and how innovative approaches — from barbershop conversations to community summits — are helping more people feel seen, heard, and supported. Mario also reflects on the importance of self-care, joy, and balance, reminding us that doing this work sustainably means taking care of ourselves along the way. We also continue the conversation with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s President and CEO, Starr Cunningham, reflecting on the importance of listening to communities and supporting grassroots initiatives that create meaningful, lasting impact. ⸻About Mario RolleMario is a passionate mental health advocate with a career dedicated to fostering education, promoting social justice, and enhancing community well-being. Growing up in Bain Town, Nassau, Bahamas, he developed a profound understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities. This upbringing inspired his lifelong commitment to addressing systemic issues and supporting vulnerable populations.With a double degree in Criminology and Sociology from Saint Mary’s University and advanced training from the Dalhousie School of Social Work, Mario has built a strong academic foundation to tackle complex social and mental health challenges. His professional journey includes impactful leadership roles at Nova Scotia Health and Correctional Services Canada, where he has worked to address mental health and societal issues at both individual and systemic levels.Currently, Mario leads transformative initiatives such as the Engaging African Nova Scotian Men and Boys program focused on domestic violence, the Healthy Relationships program for men and boys of African descent, and the Black Men’s Health Summit. These programs, which he created, are designed to empower African Nova Scotian and Black men, fostering resilience, awareness, and positive change within their communities.Guided by empathy, collaboration, and an unwavering belief in the potential for growth and healing, Mario continues to inspire those around him. His work leaves a meaningful legacy, driving progress in mental health advocacy and uplifting individuals and communities alike.⸻Support & ResourcesThis episode may include discussion of mental health or suicide. If this brings up difficult feelings, help is available. Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 (24/7) Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (NS): 1-888-429-8167 Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.⸻About Keep TalkingKeep Talking is a podcast by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, which funds community-based mental health and addictions programs across the province. The Foundation does not provide direct services.Learn more or support our work: mentalhealthns.ca⸻New episodes of Keep Talking are available on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.This episode was recorded and edited by Tiny Rhino Studios and produced by Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.Music: “I Must Believe” by T. Thomason

Fiona Kirkpatrick Parsons — Purpose, Perspective, and Sharing Your Gifts

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 her deep commitment to community and mental wellness. She reflects on her role in helping guide grant funding across the province, the impact of grassroots initiatives, and why supporting others is both a responsibility and a privilege. Together, they explore the importance of authenticity, finding meaning in the work we do, and the lessons that come from navigating both challenging and hopeful moments. Fiona also offers simple but powerful reminders — to breathe, to trust yourself, and to recognize that even in difficult times, there is always hope. We also continue the conversation with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s President and CEO, Starr Cunningham, reflecting on the impact of community grants and the people behind them. ⸻ About Fiona Kirkpatrick Parsons Fiona Kirkpatrick Parsons is owīhtamakīw (meaning “one who advises” in the Woodland Cree language) with Kirkpatrick Parsons Consulting and is a passionate champion of reconciliation in Canada. A member of Lac La Ronge First Nation, Treaty 6 Territory, where she was born, she is equally proud of both her Woodland Cree roots on her mother’s side and Scottish ancestry on her father’s. She has lived in Kjipuktuk, Mi’kma’ki (Halifax, Nova Scotia), the traditional, unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq since 1999. Fiona is dedicated to inspiring and empowering Canadians to walk the path of reconciliation together, with authenticity and kindness, to help create a better country where all have the same opportunities to thrive, now and for all generations to come. Prior to returning to her own consultancy in 2024, Fiona was instrumental in spearheading and advancing reconciliation efforts at the largest professional services firm in Canada, resulting in the organization publishing the first reconciliation action plan in corporate Canada (June 2020). She provided strategic guidance to leadership on reconciliation, worked with clients on Indigenous-related engagements, and co-authored a publication on the inextricable link between climate action and reconciliation. Prior to that portion of her career, Fiona dedicated more than 30 years in the communications and marketing field, in the public, private, and media sectors. She has appeared as a guest on several podcasts and in media interviews (broadcast, print and online), has been a featured keynote speaker, panelist, and moderator at conferences and in boardrooms across the country. ⸻ Support & Resources This episode may include discussion of mental health or suicide. If this brings up difficult feelings, help is available. Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 (24/7) Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (NS): 1-888-429-8167 Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868 If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. ⸻ About Keep Talking Keep Talking is a podcast by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, which funds community-based mental health and addictions programs across the province. The Foundation does not provide direct services.Learn more or support our work: mentalhealthns.ca ⸻ New episodes of Keep Talking are available on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was recorded and edited by Tiny Rhino Studios and produced by Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. Music: “I Must Believe” by T. Thomason

Seana Jewer — Community, Connection, and Supporting Each Other Through Suicide

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 suicide, as well as those who are grieving. She speaks to the vital role of lived experience, the importance of creating safe, non-judgmental spaces, and why community — not just the healthcare system — plays a key role in helping people stay connected to life. Together, they explore what meaningful support can look like in everyday moments, from recognizing when something needs to change to finding small ways to reconnect with the present. Seana also reflects on the importance of caring for ourselves, setting boundaries, and letting go of control — both as supporters and as individuals navigating our own mental health. We also continue the conversation with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s President and CEO, Starr Cunningham, reflecting on how community-led initiatives and partnerships are strengthening mental wellness across the province. Content note: This episode includes discussion of suicide. Listener discretion is advised.⸻ About Seana Jewer Seana Jewer is the Community Engagement Lead for Roots of Hope with Nova Scotia Health Mental Health and Addictions — a national initiative of the Mental Health Commission of Canada that helps communities build their capacity to support people who are thinking about or grieving from suicide. Seana’s journey into suicide prevention began in 2019 with the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Communities Address Suicide Together program, and she’s since become recognized by the Public Health Agency of Canada as an emerging expert in the field. She’s also a published researcher whose work explores how caregivers and communities can be supported through compassionate, practical, and even tech-driven approaches to suicide prevention. With more than 20 years in the community sector, Seana brings both heart and experience to her work. She’s passionate about rethinking how we talk about suicide — moving away from stigma and toward understanding, connection, and community care. Raised in Bible Hill and now a mom of two neurodiverse teens, Seana balances her professional life with a love of mid-century design, vintage glass, houseplants, and a good TV series — currently Severance. ⸻ Support & ResourcesThis episode may include discussion of mental health or suicide. If this brings up difficult feelings, help is available. Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 (24/7) Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (NS): 1-888-429-8167 Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.⸻About Keep TalkingKeep Talking is a podcast by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, which funds community-based mental health and addictions programs across the province. The Foundation does not provide direct services.Learn more or support our work: mentalhealthns.ca⸻ New episodes of Keep Talking are available on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was recorded and edited by Tiny Rhino Studios and produced by Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. Music: “I Must Believe” by T. Thomason

Lorna Griffin-Fillier — Boundaries, Safety, and Building a Life of Connection

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 clinician, Lorna shares how her work has shaped her understanding of the connection between mental and physical health — and why the two can’t be separated. She speaks to the impact of complex trauma, the importance of relational safety, and how boundaries are less about controlling others and more about understanding what we need to feel safe. Together, they explore the pressure to always be “on,” the limits of traditional self-care, and why true wellbeing is rooted in connection, meaning, and intentional living. Lorna also offers practical insight into shifting out of black-and-white thinking, tapping into curiosity, and building the skills that help us navigate difficult moments. We also continue the conversation with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s President and CEO, Starr Cunningham, reflecting on how trauma-informed, community-based approaches can strengthen mental wellness across Nova Scotia. Content note: This episode may include discussion of suicide. Listener discretion is advised. ⸻About Lorna Griffin-Fillier Lorna Griffin-Fillier is a social worker, therapist, community leader, and mental health advocate passionate about helping people navigate everything from grief, trauma and forced identity transition, to complex relational experiences and central nervous system activation. Her clinical work also spans mental health education for teams and workplaces, providing a fresh take on the interconnectedness between mental wellness and relational responsibility. As Professional Practice Leader with Interprofessional Practice and Learning at Nova Scotia Health, Lorna acts as a consultant to the organization as they strive to delivering high‑quality, person‑centred care health care. Outside of work, Lorna is the Vice-Chair of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, where she’s spent more than five years championing grants and community-driven mental health initiatives. ⸻Support & ResourcesThis episode may include discussion of mental health or suicide. If this brings up difficult feelings, help is available. Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 (24/7) Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (NS): 1-888-429-8167 Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.⸻About Keep TalkingKeep Talking is a podcast by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, which funds community-based mental health and addictions programs across the province. The Foundation does not provide direct services. Learn more or support our work: mentalhealthns.ca ⸻ New episodes of Keep Talking are available on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was recorded and edited by Tiny Rhino Studios and produced by Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. Music: “I Must Believe” by T. Thomason

Morgan Manzer — Lived Experience, Leadership, and Showing Up Authentically

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 have shaped his commitment to supporting others. He speaks to the real impact of community-based programs, the barriers many people face in accessing care, and what it means to see that impact firsthand through the clients he works with every day. Together, they explore the courage it takes to share your story, the importance of showing up authentically — especially in professional spaces — and how lived experience can become a source of empathy, connection, and strength. Morgan also reflects on the small but meaningful ways we can care for our own mental wellness in the midst of busy, demanding lives. We also continue the conversation with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s President and CEO, Starr Cunningham, reflecting on how leadership and lived experience can help shape more compassionate, accessible systems of care. Keep Talking is a podcast from the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, featuring honest conversations around mental health, lived experience, and hope. Content note: This episode includes discussion of suicide. Listener discretion is advised. New episodes of Keep Talking are available on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was recorded and edited by Tiny Rhino Studios and produced by Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia. Music: “I Must Believe” by T. Thomason ⸻ Support & Resources This episode may include discussion of mental health or suicide. If this brings up difficult feelings, help is available. Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 (24/7) Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (NS): 1-888-429-8167 Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868 If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. ⸻ About Keep Talking Keep Talking is a podcast by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, which funds community-based mental health and addictions programs across the province. The Foundation does not provide direct services. Learn more or support our work: mentalhealthns.ca ⸻ About Morgan Manzer Morgan Manzer (he/him) is a Staff Lawyer for Nova Scotia Legal Aid (NSLA) practicing child protection and family law. Morgan is presently finishing his Masters of Laws in Dispute Resolution with a focus on culture, equity, and power at Osgoode Hall Law School. At the Nova Scotia Barrister's Society Morgan has served as a Council member since 2021 and also serves on the Racial Equity and Fitness to Practices committees. For the first half of 2020, Morgan was seconded to the Society’s Equity and Access Office to advise on equity and access issues affecting the legal profession. Over the past several years, Morgan has also been a practice manager for the bar admission program (PREP). Within Nova Scotia Legal Aid Morgan is an active member of their equity and racial diversity Committee. In early 2021 Morgan concluded four and a half years as Chair of Halifax Pride’s board of directors. He also presently serves as Vice-Chair of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, and as a member of Global News’s DEI Advisory Committee. In 2019, he was presented the Zöe Odei Young Lawyers Award from the Canadian Bar Association (CBA), Nova Scotia Branch, for his work within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and he is a recent recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for his volunteerism in the areas of mental health and equity.