The Mental Health Mixtape

Episode 22: I’ve Got Your Back: Breaking the Stigma of PTSD in First Responders

In this episode of Mental Health Mixtape, Ryan andMegan sit down with Shaun Taylor, co-founder of the #IVEGOTYOURBACK911awareness campaign, to shed light on the mental health realities faced by FirstResponders and those living with PTSD. Launched in 2014, #IVEGOTYOURBACK911 began as an onlinemovement aimed at breaking down stigma and drawing attention to the risingmental health challenges within the First Responder community. Through a strongand dedicated online presence, the campaign quickly gained worldwiderecognition as a space where First Responders could connect, share resources,and visibly support one another. The campaign proudly supports Paramedics, Police,Firefighters, Emergency Telecommunications, Nurses, Corrections, and Militarypersonnel, anyone regularly exposed to traumatic incidents in the workplace. Asthe movement grew, so did the demand for its message. What started as a hashtagand Facebook page evolved into an online store and charitable trust, allowingsupporters to turn awareness into tangible action. In this conversation, Shaun shares the personal journeybehind creating #IVEGOTYOURBACK911, how the campaign has grown over the years,and what the organization is currently working on. He also opens up about hisown lived experience, offering an honest and powerful perspective on trauma,healing, and why community support matters. All funds raised through the #IVEGOTYOURBACK911 charitabletrust are donated directly to organizations across the country whose sole focusis First Responder mental health initiatives—ensuring 100% of donations gowhere they’re needed most. This episode is a meaningful listen for anyone passionateabout mental health, advocacy, and supporting those who show up for othersevery day. Connect with Shaun: ⁠LinkedIn⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-taylor-a505a942/?originalSubdomain=ca] ⁠Website⁠ [https://www.ivegotyourback911.com/] Connect with us: BOS Website: ⁠www.beforeoperationalstress.com⁠ [www.beforeoperationalstress.com] BOS Podcast Page: ⁠www.beforeoperationalstress.com/podcast⁠ [www.beforeoperationalstress.com/podcast] BOS Podcast on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/1rC1XCZBRdPnIA3cOsyzfH⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/1rC1XCZBRdPnIA3cOsyzfH] BOS Instagram: @beforeoperationalstress BOS LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/before-operational-stress⁠ [ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/before-operational-stress]

Episode 21: Navigating Grief, Growth, and Life with a First Responder: A Conversation with Jodie Baulkham

In this powerful episode of Mental Health Mixtape, Ryan and Megan sit down with Jodie Baulkham, professional coach, educator, author, and advocate, to explore what it truly means to rebuild your life after profound loss and to navigate the complexities of being a partner to a first responder. Jodie shares her deeply personal mental health journey, beginning with the tragic loss of her first husband, an RCMP officer killed in the line of duty, and continuing through her experiences supporting her second husband, also a police officer, living with PTSD. With remarkable vulnerability and insight, Jodie discusses how grief reshapes identity, what it looks like to find your footing again, and the ongoing work of choosing hope, meaning, and self-compassion. Drawing from her lived experience, her work as a leadership specialist within the RCMP, and her coaching practice, Jodie offers practical guidance on: * Supporting a first responder partner through operational stress and trauma * Understanding family dynamics in first responder households * Honouring grief while embracing personal growth * Harnessing the power of choice to move toward a meaningful next chapter Jodie is also the author of Choosing My Tomorrow: Surviving Murder, Navigating Mental Health, and Harnessing the Power of Choice, available on Amazon. This episode is a must-listen for first responders, their families, and anyone seeking insight into resilience, healing, and the power of choosing your path forward. Connect with Jodie: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-baulkham-47a1801bb/] Website [https://www.jodiebaulkham.com/] Connect with us: BOS Website: www.beforeoperationalstress.com [www.beforeoperationalstress.com] BOS Podcast Page: www.beforeoperationalstress.com/podcast [www.beforeoperationalstress.com/podcast] BOS Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rC1XCZBRdPnIA3cOsyzfH [https://open.spotify.com/show/1rC1XCZBRdPnIA3cOsyzfH] BOS Instagram: @beforeoperationalstress BOS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/before-operational-stress [ https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/before-operational-stress]

Episode 20: Prolonged Exposure, it’s like Buckley’s: it tastes horrible, but it works!

In this episode of the Mental Health Mixtape, hosts Ryan Collyer and Dr. Megan McElheran sit down with two incredible guests who bring both heart and honesty to the table: Dr. Kristjana Fridfinnson, a psychologist dedicated to supporting and advocating for the mental health of Public Safety Personnel (PSP), and Constable Brennan Martin, a 23-year law enforcement officer who has made it his mission to break the stigma around mental health in first responder communities. This raw, brutally honest, and unexpectedly hilarious conversation explores Brenan’s personal journey through over two decades in policing — the challenges, the lessons, and the moments that reshaped how he sees mental health, resilience, and asking for help. Together, the group dives into: * The realities of mental health in law enforcement * What it means to lead with vulnerability * How advocacy and open dialogue can change the culture of PSP organizations Whether you’re a first responder, mental health professional, or someone who wants to better understand the human side of public safety work, this episode is a must-listen. 💬 Tune in for real stories, powerful insights, and a good dose of laughter as Brennan and Kristjana remind us that seeking support is a sign of strength — not weakness. Connect with Brennan Martin: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/brennan-martin-a48b40270/] Check out his podcast, Called to Serve Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7dxpg4D6verfU2GyEr9wqo?si=355fcf63f7fd4357] Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUkPiGLyPFxWxUASs5iONHzujQopGyrp7] Connect with us:- BOS Website: www.beforeoperationalstress.com - BOS Podcast Page: www.beforeoperationalstress.com/podcast- BOS Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rC1XCZBRdPnIA3cOsyzfH- BOS Instagram: @beforeoperationalstress - BOS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/before-operational-stress - BOS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beforeoperationalstressAPPLY TO BE A GUEST PODCAST ON OUR SHOW: https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=PjtvTJVveUOiKrmEkV8N0yHesdqOeyBDhv05KNuGdjhUM1NRTkM2TzAxM0YyV0FIVTBQNDM1WVJURi4u

Episode 19: Breaking the Silence: Mental Health in the Helping Professions

In this episode, hosts Ryan and Megan sit down with Devon and Raman—two Vancouver-based counsellors with frontline experience in corrections, healthcare, and private practice. Both guests share their personal and professional journeys through trauma-exposed environments, their entry into the world of forensic psychology, and how their lived experiences with mental health have shaped the way they now support others. Together, they unpack the stigma that still exists around seeking help—especially among service providers and those working in high-stress roles. From advocacy and clinical research to prevention and legacy-building, this conversation is a heartfelt reminder that even those who help others deserve support too. Connect with Devon Silvers: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devon-silvers-54094834/ Connect with Raman Samra: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramansamra/ Connect with us: BOS Website: www.beforeoperationalstress.com - BOS Podcast Page: www.beforeoperationalstress.com/podcast- BOS Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rC1XCZBRdPnIA3cOsyzfH- BOS Newsletter: https://www.beforeoperationalstress.com/podcast-newsletter- BOS Instagram: @beforeoperationalstress - BOS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/before-operational-stress - BOS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beforeoperationalstress

Episode 18: Staying Resilient in Public Safety: A Mental Health Journey with Jennifer Lessard

In this episode of Mental Health Mixtape, hosts Ryan Collyer and Dr. Megan McElheran sit down with Jennifer Lessard, a seasoned law enforcement leader with over 21 years of experience. Jennifer shares her personal mental health journey, discussing the challenges she’s faced in a high-stress career and the strategies that have helped her stay resilient. From breaking the stigma around mental health in public safety to prioritizing self-care and building strong support systems, Jennifer offers invaluable insights into maintaining well-being in demanding professions. Tune in for a powerful conversation on resilience, leadership, and the future of mental health in public safety. Connect with Jennifer Lessard: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-lessard-9b39221b6/ Connect with us:- BOS Website: www.beforeoperationalstress.com - BOS Podcast Page: www.beforeoperationalstress.com/podcast- BOS Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1rC1XCZBRdPnIA3cOsyzfH- BOS Newsletter: https://www.beforeoperationalstress.com/podcast-newsletter- BOS Instagram: @beforeoperationalstress - BOS LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/before-operational-stress - BOS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beforeoperationalstress