In the final installment of our six-part series on blast exposure and brain injuries, I continue my powerful conversation with JTF2 breacher, Master Corporal Justin MacPherson. This episode dives into raw truths, hard lessons, and the urgent need for change. We explore the efforts of Veterans-turned…
What's Your Twenty
by Emily Zufelt
A mental health check-in for First Responders, Armed Forces, and persons exposed to and dealing with trauma. Real people and real talk, removing the masks and taking down the veil to expose what happens on the inside of organizations and the effects on their members. Navigating, managing and living life with PTSI/PTSD using a trauma-infromed approach to understanding and recovery. Taking steps to turn pain into purpose whie allowing ourselves grace to heal, forging ahead with a growth mindset, ensuring no one journeys this path alone. *Disclaimer* The information on this podcast is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your health care provider before making any health care decisions or for guidance about a specific medical concern or condition. If you or anyone you know has a medical emergency or is suicidal call 911 immediately or Canada Suicide Prevention Services at 1-833-456-4566 or 988. The views and o
Latest Episodes
Continuing the 6 part series on Blast Exposure and Brain Injuries, this episode is dedicated to Master Corporal Pete Duff - a soldier, husband, father, and friend whose memory remains woven into the lives of those who knew and cared for him. Through this series, we’ve heard from those who honour his…
Mind Beyond the Mission Podcast: Turning Pain into Purpose with Guests Emily Zufelt and Andrew Gough
Emily is the guest on Mind Beyond the Mission - the Atlas Institute of Veterans and Families podcast hosted by members of the lived experience team, Laryssa Lamrock and Brain McKenna.
In this episode of Mind Beyond the Mission, Laryssa Lamrock is joined by guest co-host Andrew Gough — a Canadian Arm…
In this powerful continuation of my conversation with Shane Nedohin, MCPL (ret'd), we dive deeper into the challenges faced by Veterans dealing with blast-induced brain injuries. Shane recounts his call with the former Minister of Veterans Affairs Canada, Ginette Petitpas Taylor, where he expressed …
In this episode we return with Part III of our Blast Exposure & Brain Injuries series with Shane Nedohin, MCPL (ret'd), a former breacher for JTF2 in the Canadian Armed Forces. Shane provides a compelling front-row seat into the intense world of breaching operations and the physical and brain injuri…
In the second part of our series on "Blast Exposure & Brain Injuries," we continue the compelling journey with retired Master Warrant Officer Brendan Hynes. As a veteran who served with distinction in CANSOFCOM JTF2, Brendan's story highlights the ongoing battles faced by those affected by blast-ind…
In the first part of our 6-part series on "What's Your Twenty?", we dive into the powerful and emotional story of MWO Brendan Hynes. Once a proud member of CANSOFCOM JTF2, Brendan dedicated his life to serving his country. Now a veteran living with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) due to blast exposure,…
In this real and unfiltered episode of "What's Your Twenty?", we dive deep into the untold stories of first responders - the paramedics, firefighters, police officers, correctional officers, and dispatchers who face trauma daily to save lives. These women and men often suffer in silence, grappling …
In this episode, Emily delves into the transformative power of curiosity and hope through the personal journey of healing and growth. The focus is on the pivotal role of curiosity as a sign of recovery, inspired by the insightful words of a therapist, Roberta, who played a crucial role in Emily's he…
In this episode, I am honored to welcome Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Canada’s Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence. With a career that spans from social work to her current role, Minister Petitpas Taylor brings a deeply empathetic and dedicated perspective to her work…
In Part II, this heartfelt episode, Jodie Baulkham, author of Choosing My Tomorrow, delves into the profound challenges and triumphs she and her husband, RCMP Staff Sergeant, Brent Baulkham, face. Brent's struggle with PTSD takes centre stage, highlighting the impact of mental health on their lives…
In Part I, I sit down with Jodie Baulkham, the author of Choosing My Tomorrow: Surviving Murder, Navigating Mental Health, and Harnessing the Power of Choice. Jodie shares the harrowing story of the night her life changed forever. At just 29 years old, she was at home with her 8-month-old daughter w…
In this powerful part II episode with Mark Bouchard, the author of Setting My Sights on Stigma, we discuss mental health, stigma, and cultural growth in law enforcement organizations. Mark’s experience as a first responder informs our conversation about stigma within critical roles, the emotional to…
In this thought-provoking Part 1 episode, I sit down with Mark Bouchard, a seasoned ERT/SWAT Medic with over 15 years of frontline experience in law enforcement. Mark shares his insights on tactical operations, critical medical support, and the challenges faced by first responders. Our conversation …
We don't need to wear a uniform to experience trauma. We're picking up with drive-by shooting survivor and founder of Hit The Ground Running, Brandon Peacock. Part II is the continuation of Brandon's recovery and mission to help other trauma survivors to not simply recover, but thrive. If you take …
Drive-by shooting survivor, Brandon Peacock is an incredible human whose resilience and determination have turned a personal tragedy into a beacon of hope for many. On a fateful summer evening in 2020, Brandon's life was forever altered when he became the unintended victim of a drive-by shooting. Sh…
Healing and mental health management does not have a one size fits all. In the ongoing quest to offer the most effective tools for managing mental health challenges, the conversation around medicinal marijuana consistently emerges. This podcast embarks on a journey to understand the therapeutic pote…
Exploring the latest in brain health and trauma, Ryan Carey is a retired Captain of the Canadian Armed Forces and a passionate advocate for veterans' well-being. Not only did Ryan serve in the CAF, but he also played professional football in the Canadian Football League. Intimately knowing the conne…
Part II of II The Silver Cop Robin Ferrie of the Ottawa Police Service and I pick up on the day he found himself immersed in chaos at the National War Memorial on the day that Corporal Nathan Cirillo was gunned down standing sentry at The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We discuss the infamous photo se…
Part I of II with The Silver Cop, Robin Ferrie of Ottawa Police Service and I discuss men not speaking up at the risk of being seen as weak, as well as the stigma and institutional betrayal when attempting to seek mental health supports. This episode was recorded on December 29th and is dedicated to…