Podcast
Awareness with Rob Daniels
Hosted by Rob Daniels · EN
AWARENESS the podcast with Rob Daniels is a podcast aimed at fostering a more compassionate, empathetic and accepting society by bringing things into awareness. It's about being aware of certain mental health conditions at stake in our society, and to care about the people navigating them, rather than being aware and not caring. The pod is mostly focused on mental health awareness, and mental health wellness. You will hear guests from all walks of life, including entertainers, mental health experts, athletes, and more.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Jessica - Tree of Stars
Mar 2600:38:29Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Awareness: Fostering a More Compassionate, Empathetic, and Accepting Society, Rob Daniels sits down with Jessica Compton, Director of Operations for Tree of Stars, for an important conversation ahead of Mental Health Awareness Month. Jessica shares what Tree of Stars stands for, the purpose behind the organization, and the meaningful initiatives they have planned for May. Together, Rob and Jessica explore why mental health awareness continues to matter, the power of empathy and community, and how individuals can get involved and make a difference. The conversation also takes a personal turn as both Rob and Jessica reflect on something they now share in common, recently releasing new books. They discuss the inspiration behind their writing, the role of storytelling in healing, and the impact their messages hope to have on others. This episode is a reminder that awareness of others can change lives, and that even small acts of understanding can create a lasting impact.
Transcribe →After the Unthinkable
Feb 900:46:56Tap to summarize"How do you move forward when the world as you knew it has ended?" This week, we sit down for an incredibly brave conversation with Sarah and Jessica. We are meeting them in a tender moment: just one week after the one-year anniversary of the death of Sarah’s son, Riley, who died by suicide. In this episode, we explore what life looks like after the unthinkable. Sarah and Jessica share the reality of the "year of firsts" and address one of the most difficult aspects of their journey: the fact that there were no signs. We move beyond the tragedy to honour who Riley was, focusing on his personality, his light, and the enduring love of the family he left behind. Throughout our conversation, we discuss the importance of celebrating Riley’s life beyond his final moments and the raw confusion that comes when a loss occurs without visible warnings. We explore what it feels like to cross the one-year anniversary threshold and how the sisters are turning their pain into a legacy of advocacy. This episode is a lighthouse for anyone navigating their own "unthinkable" or for those who want to understand how to better show up for the people they love. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. You can call or text 988 anytime from anywhere in Canada. This service is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Your story is not over.
Transcribe →Dr. Mary Marano - Setting a New Year's Resolution
Jan 1000:29:18Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I talk with Dr. Mary Marano about how to set New Year’s resolutions that are realistic and sustainable. She shares tips on staying motivated, building lasting habits, handling setbacks, and using reflection and mindfulness to succeed. Learn practical strategies to make meaningful changes in your health, career, relationships, and personal growth.
Transcribe →Darryl Silverstein
Dec 2400:44:43Tap to summarizeRob Daniels reconnects with longtime friend Darryl Silverstein, whose life story is a powerful example of resilience, perspective, and awareness. Growing up playing baseball together, Rob witnessed Darryl refuse to let being blind in one eye define or limit him. Years later, Darryl faced an even greater challenge when he was diagnosed with brain cancer in his 40s. Through every setback, Darryl continued to move forward with strength, gratitude, and an unwavering commitment to becoming the best version of himself. In this episode, Rob and Darryl reflect on childhood memories, speak openly about the realities of his treatment journey, and explore the mindset that helped him remain grounded and hopeful during the most difficult moments of his life. This conversation is honest, deeply inspiring, and a reminder of the unseen battles so many people carry.
Transcribe →Andrew, a medically retired municipal police sergeant and Canadian Armed Forces Captain
Dec 1800:33:53Tap to summarizeIn this powerful conversation, I sit down with Andrew, a medically retired municipal police sergeant and Canadian Armed Forces Captain, to explore life after service, mental health injury, and the search for purpose beyond the uniform. After sustaining physical and psychological injuries in the line of duty, Andrew began using a service dog for PTSD in 2017, becoming one of the first in Ontario, and possibly Canada, to do so. Alongside his service dog, Riggs, he helped challenge stigma around mental health while instructing at the Ontario Police College. We discuss the hidden impact of service, the culture of policing and soldiering, the struggle with identity after medical retirement, the need for better legislation for service dog handlers in Canada, and how advocacy and community can lead to healing. A moving and honest conversation about resilience, dignity, and continuing to serve in new ways.
Transcribe →What It Takes to Fly EMS: The Story of former Ornge Pilot Dave “Chops” Phillips
Dec 400:44:50Tap to summarizeHost Rob Daniels sits down with Dave “Chops” Phillips, a veteran Helicopter EMS pilot with the Ontario Air Ambulance, now known as Ornge. In this conversation, Dave shares what life is really like inside the world of air ambulance operations. He talks about the pressure of critical calls at 5000 feet, the teamwork required to respond to medical emergencies, and the emotional impact of helping people on the toughest days of their lives. Dave also reflects on the moments that changed him, the lessons he learned from patients and families, and how years in emergency aviation shaped his understanding of compassion, resilience, and service. This episode offers a rare and human look at helicopter EMS and the people who show up when it matters most.
Transcribe →The Two Words That Transform Childhood
Nov 2000:41:41Tap to summarizeTherapist Ed Schild, a child, family, and relationship expert with more than 40 years of experience, joins us for a powerful conversation on raising happier and more successful children. Ed is the Executive Director at Regesh Family and Child Services, where he supports children, parents, and families through emotional and developmental challenges. In this episode, Ed explores a surprisingly simple but deeply effective approach that can help children thrive socially, emotionally, and even professionally. He explains why many common parenting strategies fall short and how subtle shifts in the way we communicate with our kids can create lifelong positive impact. Whether you are a parent, caregiver, or educator, this conversation offers practical insight rooted in decades of hands-on clinical experience and provides a fresh perspective on what children truly need to flourish. Tune in to hear Ed’s transformative answer.
Transcribe →Catherine Kenwell
Nov 700:34:06Tap to summarizeIn this episode, author and mediator Catherine Kenwell joins the show to talk about her writing and her book Life After Loss. Catherine shares her personal experiences with pet loss, how she has learned to cope over the years, and what she recommends for those navigating the difficult journey of losing a beloved animal companion. This heartfelt conversation offers comfort, understanding, and practical guidance for anyone dealing with pet grief.
Transcribe →From Service to Survival: Navigating PTSD, Purpose and Purpose Built Rescue
Oct 3100:37:51Tap to summarizeJoin us for a raw and riveting conversation with Graham Bettes, retired Canadian Armed Forces Sergeant, 32-year veteran with the Peel Regional Police, ordained chaplain, and the visionary behind The Valhalla Project Niagara. After being diagnosed with PTSD himself, Graham turned his lived experience of trauma, survival, and service into a mission: creating a safe, insightful community and program for veterans and first responders experiencing post-traumatic stress. In this episode, we explore: • The journey from heavy frontline service to the personal reckoning of PTSD. • How Graham transformed his own healing path into the creation of a non-profit and residential program (Learn to Live Again) for others. • The power of peer-based lived experience versus traditional therapeutic models. • Practical coping tools, lifestyle adjustments, and the role of service dogs in PTSD recovery. • Lessons on leadership, resilience, and purpose-driven change from someone who has walked the walk. Whether you are a veteran, first responder, mental health advocate, or simply someone interested in how purpose arises from pain, this conversation will challenge, inspire, and deepen your understanding of trauma, recovery, and transformation.
Transcribe →Skye Barbic - Canada Research Chair in Integrated Youth Services
Oct 1600:41:35Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we dive into one of the most pressing conversations of our time: youth mental health. Joining me is Skye Barbic, a leading mental health expert and passionate advocate for young people. Skye is the Canada Research Chair in Integrated Youth Services, an Associate Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at the University of British Columbia, and a trained occupational therapist who has worked in the Canadian mental health system since 2004. Together, we unpack the complex realities today’s youth face, from the pressures of social media and academics to the ongoing challenges of stigma and silence. We also explore the kinds of support systems that can truly make a difference, highlighting how families, schools, and communities can help create safer spaces for young people to express themselves and get the support they need. Whether you’re a parent, educator, friend, or young person yourself, this conversation offers meaningful insight, practical tools, and, above all, a message of hope.
Transcribe →