Podcast
Braving the Waves
Hosted by Mikaela Brewer · EN
Author, speaker, researcher, and storyteller, Mikaela Brewer, brings us Braving the Waves & Bridging the Gap: Stories of Unsinkable Resilience & Resolvving Stigma. This podcast features a series of storytelling-focused conversations with youth in our communities. Inspired and guided by the powerful advocacy, care, and storytelling legacy at Resolvve and Unsinkable, Brewer speaks to some of today’s most empowering young storytellers, writers, musicians, comedians, activists and more about their mental health journey in a deeper, refreshing way.
Season 2 adds a new layer to storytelling. To complement the programs at Unsinkable & Resolvve's work supporting students, Mikaela offers another way to Brave the Waves: crafting words for moments that feel like they don't have any, especially for those who don't feel comfortable writing, speaking, or publicly sharing. Each week, Mikaela gathers anonymous voice notes, memories, journal entries, photos, drawings, and anything that captures a specific, meaningful moment, through a memory box form. She then creates a poem and episode to offer a comforting way to pause in a moment, preserve a memory, and feel seen/heard in it as it's given words and read aloud. Head to tinyurl.com/bravingthewaves to read more about the process and submit!
Season 1 of Braving the Waves featured a series of storytelling-focused conversations with youth in our communities. Inspired and guided by the powerful advocacy, care, and storytelling legacy at Resolvve and Unsinkable, Mikaela spoke with some of today’s most empowering young storytellers, writers, musicians, comedians, activists and more about their mental health journey in a deeper, refreshing way.
Resolvve, driven by a lack of comprehensive mental health literacy being taught in high schools and universities, aims to fill the gap by providing mental health education and rapid access to integrated therapeutic services.
Unsinkable, a charitable organization founded by Olympic hero and mental health advocate Silken Laumann, aims to use storytelling to help people #BridgeTheGap between struggling with their mental health and taking steps towards mental well-being.
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Season 2 Trailer
Oct 30, 202300:04:16Tap to summarizeEpisode Notes Welcome to Season 2 of the Braving the Waves Podcast! This season, we're adding a new layer to storytelling: an anonymous memory box. To complement the storytelling program at Unsinkable (www.weareunsinkable.com) & Resolvve's (www.resolvve.ca) work supporting students, Mikaela will be offering another way to Brave the Waves: crafting words for moments that feel like they don't have any, especially for those who don't feel comfortable writing, speaking, or publicly sharing. You'll have the opportunity to submit anonymous voice notes, memories, journal entries, photos, drawings, or anything that you feel captures a specific, meaningful moment in your life: They may reflect your most painful battle or bouquet of joy. They can landscape profound memories: events, first dates, breakups, losses, weddings, birthdays, divorces, first therapy sessions, vacations, etc. They could share simple moments: a walk between phone calls, pouring coffee (or spilling it), the first time a book spoke to you, or learning something new. Each week, Mikaela will gather materials from each submission in the memory box (tinyurl.com/bravingthewaves). She will then allow them to inspire a poem, which she will write and read aloud on the podcast each week. Alternatively, you're welcome to share writing/audio files that you'd like used verbatim. For example: a written piece that you'd like Mikaela to read aloud as is, or an audio file that you'd like us to weave into an episode. As you listen to our weekly episodes, listen carefully: one will feature the experiences you shared. We hope that this will craft a comforting way to pause in a moment, preserve a memory, and feel seen/heard in it as it's given words and read aloud. If you'd like to share, please head to tinyurl.com/bravingthewaves to read more & submit. :)
Transcribe →Season Finale: "We've read the book and you come out on top."
Oct 23, 202300:37:56Tap to summarizeEpisode Notes We've reached the end of the first season of Braving the Waves and we will be continuing onward with a new format very soon. But for now, it is back to your regularly scheduled show notes! "See, I told you that you could do it." This week, Mikaela speaks with Stephanie, an elementary school educator in Ontario. When not teaching, she enjoys cosplaying at conventions, watching shows and films with her husband, travelling the world, and attending theatre. She enjoys assisting others in the neurodivergent community and advocating for mental health. In this episode, we reflect on music, magic, solo travel, the paradox of time travel, how to actually glow up, and water as a metaphor for nearly everything. Here are a few tidbits of our conversation: Being a role model and giving back to organizations & community create incredible connection points. Using and exploring water as a metaphor for everything, especially unpredictability in life, struggle, and triumph. Thinking about glowing up beyond the physical attributes—feeling better rather than looking better. We 'glow' differently when we're healthy & mentally well. This energy is transferred—others notice! Glowing up is not always something you see but something you feel. Pause to ask, find out, or think about if someone needs help, even if their behaviour makes us uncomfortable. Disclaimer: This Podcast, along with Resolvve’s & Unsinkable’s mental health learning, educational content, and storytelling is not therapy and is not a replacement for therapy. Please seek professional help if needed. Go to www.resolvve.ca or weareunsinkable.com to get the support you need. Mikaela offers 1:1 peer support here. Follow Resolvve on Twitter (@Resolvve_Inc), Instagram (@resolvvementalhealth), and YouTube (@resolvvementalhealth). Follow Unsinkable on Instagram (@unsinkableyouth), TikTok (@unsinkableyouth), and YouTube (@unsinkable).
Transcribe →"Piecing your life together many ways."
Oct 16, 202300:27:08Tap to summarizeEpisode Notes We're back with the penultimate episode of this season of Braving the Waves. This week, Mikaela speaks with Arielle, a young woman who grew up in a small town and lived a fairly simple life until she reached adulthood. A mom, a wife and a Human Resources Specialist who has decided it's time to share her horrific story with the world. A loving mother who will do anything in her power to help end the stigma of mental health so that her children grow up in a world where people talk about their mental health and are not shamed or judged. A passionate writer who has been writing her novel for five years in hopes of making a difference in the world. In this episode, we reflect on motherhood, finding the right medications, family support, postpartum depression, navigating psychosis, and completing your self-care puzzle. Here are a few tidbits of our conversation: Complete your self-care puzzle, with pieces like exercise & journaling. You can be a parent who lives their life and shares their dreams. Being mindful of our words and delivery is crucial, especially when discussing diagnoses & symptoms. Vulnerability & courage coexist—moving through fear is the ultimate bravery. Work towards understanding yourself, your warning signs, and your regulation. For ex: when are your medications needed vs. another form of support? Medications won't cure you, and they take time (not like Advil!). They're one piece of the equation and aren't a one-size-fits-all. There is often fear around making time back when you're struggling as a mother. Don't live in darkness alone—even if one person doesn't connect with you, others will. Don't feel embarrassed or ashamed—you didn't choose to struggle. When you're accountable for something, think about what you're going to do about it vs. how you're going to attack yourself about it. Disclaimer: This Podcast, along with Resolvve’s, Unsinkable’s mental health learning, educational content, and storytelling is not therapy and is not a replacement for therapy. Please seek professional help if needed. Go to www.resolvve.ca or weareunsinkable.com to get the support you need. Mikaela offers 1:1 peer support here. Follow Resolvve on Twitter (@Resolvve_Inc), Instagram (@resolvvementalhealth), and YouTube (@resolvvementalhealth). Follow Unsinkable on Instagram (@unsinkableyouth), TikTok (@unsinkableyouth), and YouTube (@unsinkable).
Transcribe →“Acceptance allows you to move forward.”
Sep 5, 202300:39:00Tap to summarizeEpisode Notes Kelli's six-word story: “Acceptance allows you to move forward.” Listen in to hear more of Kelli’s story! “Back then I asked “Why me? Why did this happen to me?” And now, it’s “Why not me?” How can I use my story and telling my story to others, in a way where they can take something away from my recovery, lessons, and insights.” This week, Mikaela speaks with Kelli Chu, an Adversity & Resilience Keynote Speaker and a Mindset Coach with past clients like TEDx and San Diego State University. She brings her vulnerability, inspiration, and resilience strategies to create a safe and impactful space for listeners. Her motivating and empowering story is a transformative experience for audiences looking to navigate life’s unexpected challenges, improve self-esteem and purpose building, and adapt a more forward-thinking mindset. In this episode, we reflect on acceptance, the connection between mental & physical healing, communication, owning your authentic self, and much more. Here are a few tidbits of our conversation: Dealing with what happens to us (and accepting it as it is) can be the most freeing thing—make space to feel while moving on in a way that helps you heal. Mental and physical healing are connected—recovery from a physical injury can take a mental toll (and vice versa). It’s easy to become trapped in the victim mentality, allowing anger & guilt to take control. Allow your feelings to evolve! Trauma can impact our support system in different ways—sometimes they’re more in the dark than we are. It can be more difficult to verbalize what you need when you’re struggling, and those who care about us the most often ask what we need the most frequently (and we don’t always have an answer). Communication is key, and support doesn’t need to be words! Journalling doesn’t need to fit pen & paper (or follow a specific format). It can be any way you move through & with your thoughts. Going back in time to an experience and finding ease in coming in and out of that place (seeing it from bird’s eye view rather than re-living it) is the ultimate sign of healing. Own your authentic self & your journey! Connect with Kelli here! Instagram: @itskellichu Website: kellichu.com LinkedIn: @kelli-chu-speaker-coach Disclaimer: This Podcast, along with Resolvve’s & Unsinkable’s mental health learning, educational content, and storytelling is not therapy and is not a replacement for therapy. Please seek professional help if needed. Go to www.resolvve.ca or weareunsinkable.com to get the support you need. Mikaela offers 1:1 peer support here. Follow Resolvve on Twitter (@Resolvve_Inc), Instagram (@resolvvementalhealth), and YouTube (@resolvvementalhealth). Follow Unsinkable on Instagram (@unsinkableyouth), TikTok (@unsinkableyouth), and YouTube (@unsinkable).
Transcribe →"Peace. Courage. Proud. Independence. Support. Dream."
Aug 28, 202300:34:02Tap to summarizeEpisode Notes Pamela's six-word story: “Peace. Courage. Proud. Independence. Support. Dream." Listen in to hear more of Pamela's story! “The best part of our stories is that I tend to pull out stuff in an effort to relate to people close to me, people going through things, people sharing, or people I’m working with, and I think that’s the beautiful thing about life and keeping our stories nice and close to us, is it’s probably going to offer something to someone else, or an opportunity to connect with someone, help a community or help yourself.” This week, Mikaela speaks with Pamela Fitzgerald. After 15 years in the fitness industry studying and teaching human anatomy, wellness and nutrition, Pamela left a life in the city to fully embrace nature and rediscover her childhood obsession with horses. Her purpose in this space is to inspire each person to connect deeply to what makes you feel passionate, alive and joyful. She hosts retreats in Canada and Costa Rica so that you can step outside of what you "do" and take time to connect with who you are. Pamela is a certified yoga instructor with very extensive knowledge of the human body and nervous system. She teaches regular classes and continually explores yoga philosophies to help her and her students live a mindful and joyful life. Pamela offers experiential learning, wellness, mindfulness, and connection opportunities with our equine friends. Horses offer a very different lens with which to take in this world and she invites you to experience this magic. In this episode, we reflect on re-defining exercise & movement, horses, being aligned creatively, honouring your courage, building a life soundtrack, and creating safe spaces and so much more! Here are a few tidbits of our conversation: There is a difference between keeping the peace and creating peace in our lives. Recognize what support looks like from other people & who you want to collaborate on a support system with. Build a creative reality that you’re aligned with! Just because we’re comfortable sharing our stories doesn’t mean everyone will be comfortable hearing them or ready to receive them. It’s okay to not take the path that is expected of us (we don’t need to step into spaces just because others value them). Some stories become less prevalent through time, though we will carry them with us forever. You’re not defined by any one story. Redefining exercise: movement is an expression of your soul, spirit, and mind. There is a difference between physical fitness and using your body as a vehicle to connect to everything you’re thinking & feeling. Connect with land, movement, and animals. Connect with Pamela here! Website: pamelafitzgerald.ca @pamelafitzgerald.ca on Instagram @pamelafitzgeraldwellness on Facebook Disclaimer: This Podcast, along with Resolvve’s & Unsinkable’s mental health learning, educational content, and storytelling is not therapy and is not a replacement for therapy. Please seek professional help if needed. Go to www.resolvve.ca or weareunsinkable.com to get the support you need. Mikaela offers 1:1 peer support here. Follow Resolvve on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Follow Unsinkable on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Transcribe →“Regular person struggles through difficult times.”
Aug 21, 202300:27:54Tap to summarizeEpisode Notes Ryan's six-word story: “Regular person struggles through difficult times.” Listen in to hear more of Ryan's story! “One of the biggest things about learning experiences is that they come at the expense of someone else, because that’s how we truly learn. As a man that’s also really important to understand.” This week, Mikaela speaks with Ryan Forsyth, an award-winning mental health speaker, advocate, fundraiser, an Unsinkable Community Champion, and Founder of The Gentle-Man’s Club. Ryan is passionate about helping men open up about their mental health struggles and helps educate men on the harms of toxic masculinity and the patriarchy. In this episode, we reflect on exploring mental health as we grow up, unlearning, understanding diverse aspects of mental health (for everyone), healthy masculinity, tough conversations, when to use your voice (and when not to), and how accountability and caring for your mental health coexist. Here are a few tidbits of our conversation: Gratitude, privilege, and pain coexist—no one is immune to mental health struggle. What we see on TV isn’t always representative of our experience—we can easily self-stigmatize. Education & communication go hand-in-hand. We must be mindful of the difference between labels & language for experiences. When reflecting on our past, consider how the ways we’ve been hurt and ways we’ve hurt others are intertwined. We can both hold ourselves accountable and have compassion for the moments that we may not have had the same info, thoughts, empathy, compassion, and knowledge that we do now. You can’t have a conversation about men’s mental health without including women & nonbinary people! Men’s mental health affects the whole world. We’re at a junction where men are being asked to both be accountable and better themselves, which can sometimes clash. Men have a responsibility to heal internally, externally, and communities. Being held accountable isn’t always personal—it’s an opportunity for incredible good. Mental health allows us to walk into the necessary difficult conversations. With mental illness, you’re not always the best version of yourself—you don’t show up the way you want to, you’re MIA, or you don’t have the capacity to maintain the relationship because you can’t maintain the relationship with yourself. We have to recognize the grace and care that our people have granted us through this. Connect with Ryan here! gentlemansclubcanada.com @bigrigredryan01 on Instagram Disclaimer: This Podcast, along with Resolvve’s & Unsinkable’s mental health learning, educational content, and storytelling is not therapy and is not a replacement for therapy. Please seek professional help if needed. Go to www.resolvve.ca or weareunsinkable.com to get the support you need. Mikaela offers 1:1 peer support here. Follow Resolvve on Twitter (@Resolvve_Inc), Instagram (@resolvvementalhealth), and YouTube (@resolvvementalhealth). Follow Unsinkable on Instagram (@unsinkableyouth), TikTok (@unsinkableyouth), and YouTube (@unsinkable). Follow Unsinkable on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Transcribe →“Persevere through the toughest of times.”
Aug 14, 202300:37:01Tap to summarizeEpisode Notes Jan's six-word story: “Persevere through the toughest of times.” Listen in to hear more of Jan's story! “You are your children’s champion & hero—you are more than enough.” This week, Mikaela speaks with Jan Stewart, a highly regarded mental health governance expert and advocate. Growing up in New York and moving to Toronto after marrying a Canadian, she was untouched by major adversity throughout her youth and imagined a similar, happy life for her children. In her raw and emotional book Hold on Tight: A Parent’s Journey Raising Children with Mental Illness, she candidly describes the shock she and her husband faced when each of their two young children started exhibiting troubling behaviours. While it took time to find the right doctors, diagnoses and treatments, Jan’s roller coaster journey with the children’s multiple mental health disorders taught her to insist on an integrated partnership approach with all those involved and propelled her to help parents of children with similar challenges. Her book gives readers invaluable insights and advice to become empowered and inspires them to persevere and never give up. It also importantly serves to better educate health care professionals on the parental perspective, as well as families, friends, educators and employers of those affected by these challenges. While Jan takes great pride in her business career, the majority of which was spent as a senior Partner with the global executive search firm Egon Zehnder, it is her mental health governance experience that has been the most meaningful to her. This includes currently Chairing the Board at Kerry’s Place Autism Services, Canada’s largest autism services provider, and previously serving as Vice Chair at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. She also served on the Parent Advisory Council at Mass General Hospital’s Department of Neuropsychopharmacology, the Advisory Council of Access Open Minds, the Advisory Board of LIGHTS, and the Board of Directors of the former Ontario OCD Network. In addition, she co-founded the OCD Parent Advisory Group at SickKids Hospital. Jan is a Diamond Life Master in bridge and enjoys genealogy, fitness and dance. In this episode, we reflect on Jan’s role as a caregiver and parent, how she takes care of herself, the mindset shifts needed in the mental health care system, and more! Here are a few tidbits of our conversation: It is okay to get through minute by minute when we’re in survival mode—we don’t always have words in these moments Focus on connectivity—better education & providing emotional support amongst one another. The patient is the whole family—we need more family-centered approaches in the mental health care system Forgive yourself for your mistakes When we share our stories, we have to be mindful of how we represent others. Hold on tight! Taking care of the caregivers goes way beyond healthy eating, exercise, and sleep: Connect with other parents Find humour Carve out time for yourself (away from your kids & partner) Give your partner & support system the benefit of the doubt Connect with Jan here! · Website: janstewartauthor.com @janstewartauthor on Instagram & Facebook Disclaimer: This Podcast, along with Resolvve’s & Unsinkable’s mental health learning, educational content, and storytelling is not therapy and is not a replacement for therapy. Please seek professional help if needed. Go to www.resolvve.ca or weareunsinkable.com to get the support you need. Mikaela offers 1:1 peer support here. Follow Resolvve on Twitter (@Resolvve_Inc), Instagram (@resolvvementalhealth), and YouTube (@resolvvementalhealth). Follow Unsinkable on Instagram (@unsinkableyouth), TikTok (@unsinkableyouth), and YouTube (@unsinkable).
Transcribe →"Comfort. Resilience. Love. Growth. Learning. Sadness."
Aug 8, 202300:54:30Tap to summarizeEpisode Notes Rohit's six-word story: "Comfort. Resilience. Love. Growth. Learning. Sadness." Listen in to hear more of Rohit's story! "It’s enough to put something on a piece of paper. Don’t fabricate your words—base them on true, raw, authentic experiences. They’re the best. That’s your story." This week, Mikaela speaks with Rohit Doel. Rohit is an Autistic Content Creator who creates content speaking and sharing their experiences of what it's like being autistic. He also creates content on his big interests, which are Sonic The Hedgehog and music. He writes film/TV reviews as well. Rohit is also an advocate for mental health and speaks passionately about mental health, specifically in the Asian community and other marginalized areas about what needs to change. His dream ultimately is to work in film/television either as a scriptwriter or as a development researcher, as he wants to inspire and make people happy through creativity and brilliant storytelling. In this episode, we reflect on poetry, music, and making time for ourselves. Here are a few tidbits of our conversation: We can grow with our younger selves. The process of crafting poetry as a puzzle/sequence to getting unstuck—a means of sharing your story by connecting words with thoughts & feelings. Be creative no matter what! You don’t have to be a “perfect poet.” Explore music’s ability to transport us to memories! Celebrate with & seek support from people you care about (and who you want to build good memories with). Be mindful of who you share your story with and who you let into the deeper layers (sometimes this isn't your family/who you’re told it should be, and that's okay). Mental health doesn’t discriminate—nobody is immune. It is valid to feel anything you’re feeling right now. Figuring out therapy takes time. Connect with Rohit here! @neurodivergent_dimension - Instagram @RohitDoel - Twitter @neurodiverse_dimension - TikTok YouTube Disclaimer: This Podcast, along with Resolvve’s & Unsinkable’s mental health learning, educational content, and storytelling is not therapy and is not a replacement for therapy. Please seek professional help if needed. Go to www.resolvve.ca or weareunsinkable.com to get the support you need. Mikaela offers 1:1 peer support here. Follow Resolvve on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Follow Unsinkable on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Transcribe →"The outside never captures what shines within."
Jul 31, 202300:29:28Tap to summarizeEpisode Notes Hailey's six-word story: "The outside never captures what shines within."**** Listen in to hear more of Hailey's story! "Nothing is ever linear. Just because we hear a story from beginning to what feels like a potential end—it isn't an end. There isn't just 'now I'm good and none of these thoughts will ever come back into my mind'." This week, Mikaela speaks with Hailey Hechtman, Unsinkable's Executive Director! Hailey is a social impact leader who has dedicated her career to empowering people to see their potential. She has spent 8+ years leading social service organizations and is passionate about mental health, youth wellness and taking a strength-based approach to community development. Some of her career highlights include founding the Yukon Distress & Support Line, establishing a collective impact strategy for northern disability-serving organizations, creating foundational training for front-line workers in the territories and becoming a thought leader for mental health in the workplace and inclusive hiring. She holds an honours degree in Psychology from Queen's University and a postgraduate certificate in Nonprofit Management from Simon Fraser University. Hailey is also a contributing writer to KBI Inspire Magazine, a digital publication focused on youth mental health and a coach for the Fora Network for Change Rise on Boards Program. In this episode, we reflect on body image, how stories move through time, finding joy, awareness of our mental energy consumption, and so much more. Here are a few tidbits of our conversation: We interpret our stories differently through time—that's how we grow. When we're fixated on certain thoughts, we may miss the memories & joy that we hope to remember years later. Sharing your story with a broader audience is powerful, but reading the story of someone close to you can create a deeper sense of connection & understanding—it allows people to get to know you better (they may not have known what you were thinking when they were sitting directly across the table from you). Small moments in time can shift us in ways we can't predict! Realize where your mental energy is being spent (and seek help to redistribute it if you need to!) Let's move away from making assumptions/comments/judgements about body changes—validate who someone is and the person they show up as rather than how they look. Connect with Hailey @hailey.hechtman on Instagram! Disclaimer: This Podcast, along with Resolvve’s & Unsinkable’s mental health learning, educational content, and storytelling is not therapy and is not a replacement for therapy. Please seek professional help if needed. Go to www.resolvve.ca or weareunsinkable.com to get the support you need. Mikaela offers 1:1 peer support here. Follow Resolvve on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Follow Unsinkable on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Transcribe →"Learning to live with clinical depression."
Jul 24, 202300:44:14Tap to summarizeEpisode Notes Angelica's six-word stories: "Learning to live with clinical depression" + "Overcoming adversity and finding my purpose"**** Listen in to hear more of Angelica's story! "If you're going through a difficult time right now, it is going to end eventually. The sun will come again." This week, Mikaela speaks with Angelica Galluzzo, a mental health advocate, TEDx Speaker, safeTALK Trainer, and Podcast Host of The Revolutionized Mind. After battling depression and suicidal ideation for many years, she became passionate about making an impact, using her voice to create positive change, and normalizing the struggles that many of us go through. Angelica graduated with an Honors Specialization in Psychology at Western University and has also completed her safeTALK, ASIST, and Mental Health First Aid certifications. She currently works full-time for Jack.org, a national charity that focuses on improving youth mental health and dismantling barriers such as stigma, access to resources, and more. Additionally, Angelica spent fifteen years of her life as an elite athlete. Her most notable achievements include winning two provincial championships, two national championships, and earning a scholarship to a Division 1 school in the United States. Through this experience, she has learned a great deal about dealing with adversity, working with others, and extending these lessons to life outside of sport. She loves the quote, "There is always a light at the end of the tunnel, even if you can't see it right now!" In this episode, we reflect on the ebbs and flows of your mental health journey, appreciating a moment, making space for anger, and unpack the notion of "everything happens for a reason." Here are a few tidbits of our conversation: Some days are okay, some aren't, and sometimes we need to take a step back—especially as advocates & storytellers! Appreciate a moment while you're in it—gratitude & pain coexist. It is okay to feel anger alongside finding joy! Look at yourself as a person first—balance is important when our identities are so dynamic. Don't forget the impact you have and who your words reach! Let other people see you (and what you're going through). Connect with Angelica: Socials: @therevolutionizedmind (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube) Disclaimer: This Podcast, along with Resolvve’s & Unsinkable’s mental health learning, educational content, and storytelling is not therapy and is not a replacement for therapy. Please seek professional help if needed. Go to www.resolvve.ca or weareunsinkable.com to get the support you need. Mikaela offers 1:1 peer support here. Follow Resolvve on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Follow Unsinkable on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
Transcribe →