Humboldt Crash Survivor Ryan Straschnitzki

Brad Lambert: The Bullets Saved My Life

Brad Lambert joins host Bob to share his powerful journey from small-town Alberta hockey kid to junior and pro enforcer, and ultimately to survivor and community pillar. Brad describes leaving home at 16, being thrust into the role of fighter, and living with constant anxiety, fear, and performance pressure while wearing a mask that everything was fine. He details the unhealthy coping of partying, addiction, and gravitating toward chaotic environments, culminating in being shot eight times in a Montreal bar. Treated more like a criminal than a victim, Brad spiraled for years in anger, self-destruction, and hopelessness. His turning point came when becoming a father and finally asking for help, entering a program that gave him tools to process trauma, manage anxiety, and let go of hate—including writing and burning a letter to the man who shot him. Brad now lives sober, supports others, and stresses that asking for help is an act of strength, not weakness. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Battlescars: Former US Marine Derek Hines from Wounded to Healing

Bob speaks with Derek Hines, a Marine veteran, sharing his deeply personal journey through trauma, resilience, and healing. Derek discusses the impact of a strict upbringing, early struggles with mental health, and the profound effects of military service in Afghanistan—including exposure to violence, loss, and survivor’s guilt. After leaving the service, Derek faced further challenges with addiction and family disruption but eventually sought help through therapy and veterans’ support organizations. Emphasizing the significance of community, gratitude, and vulnerability, Derek highlights his work supporting fellow veterans with resources like his “Mindful Gratitude” journal and outreach initiatives. The conversation, led by Bob Wilkie, explores the stigma around discussing trauma and the power of connection, showing Derek’s growth from enduring hardship alone to finding purpose in service to others and raising his daughters. Buy Derek's Book here [https://www.amazon.ca/Mindful-Gratitude-Six-Month-Journal-Veterans/dp/B0CCCVQGZ2] Connect With Derek on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/derek-hines-850400205/] See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Conversations with Self: A Father's Journey Through Grief

Greg Niwa 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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

The Invisible Wheelchair: Understanding Unseen Trauma

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].

Humboldt Crash Survivor Ryan Straschnitzki

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. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy [https://art19.com/privacy] and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info [https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info].