Podcast Episodes

Hosted by Andrea Paquette, President and Co-Founder of the Stigma-Free Mental Health Society,

The Stigma-Free Voices Podcast brings powerful conversations around mental health to the forefront.

Each episode features inspiring guests from across the globe who share their personal stories, professional insights, and lived experiences around mental health, stigma, and other intersecting topics.

Whether you’re tuning in live on our Facebook page or catching up later on YouTube, Stigma-Free Voices offers real and relevant discussions that break down barriers and spark meaningful change.

Join us as we amplify voices, challenge stigma, and champion mental wellness—one conversation at a time.

Healthy Minds, Healthy Farms - A Conversation with Heather Watson

In this episode, we sit down with Heather Watson, Executive Director of Farm Management Canada to discuss their Healthy Minds, Healthy Farms study. FMC is a national non-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness, appreciation and adoption of farm business management practices to help position Canada’s farmers for sustainable growth and prosperity.

Harnessing The Power of Conversation and Community with Shawn Lesser

Shawn was the CEO and Founder of SWC and in 2007, he co-founded Big Path Capital, the first impact investing investment bank and exited in early 2023 . In 2023 after the exit Shawn founded THE REAL Mental Health Foundation, a nonprofit organization that harnesses the power of conversation and community to improve mental health.

Why Youth Mental Health Can't Wait: A Conversation with Nevin Harper

In this episode, we sit down with Nevin Harper, a nature-based therapist, author, and educator based on Vancouver Island, Canada. A Professor at the University of Victoria, he specializes in recreation and health education, with a focus on outdoor and experiential approaches in therapy.

Roots of Resilience: Exploring Mental Health in PEI's Farming Community with Wendy Holm

In this episode, we dig into the heart of farming life on the Island—exploring how the EAP is helping farmers navigate stress, break down mental health stigma, and build resilience.

From Concern to Connection: Navigating Youth Substance Use with Chantal Vallerand

In this episode we are having a conversation with Chantal Vallerand, Executive Director of Drug Free Kids Canada. DFK Canada is a national, registered charity whose mission is to reduce the prevalence of problematic substance use by youth.

Making Sense of Emotions in the Classroom and at Home with Dr. Robin Baweja

In this podcast episode, Dr. Baweja dives into how we can better understand children’s big feelings, why emotional regulation is foundational to learning, and what parents and educators can do to support neuro-divergent kids with compassion and confidence

From Courts to Chapters: A Mental Health Conversation with Paul Bromby

In this episode, we welcome Paul Bromby, an emerging voice in Children’s literature. Unveiling his debut masterpiece, “The Backpack”, a compelling exploration of mental health and well-being within the context of the parent-child relationship.

Supporting Families Managing Mental Illness and Trauma with Dr. Michelle Sherman

In this podcast episode, we are having a conversation with Michelle D. Sherman, PhD LP ABPP. Michelle is a board-certified clinical psychologist in Minnesota who has dedicated her career to supporting families of adults living with a mental illness or trauma history.

Bridging the Healthcare Gap in BC’s Remote Communities: A Conversation with Paul Adams

In this episode, we’re having a conversation with Paul Adams, Executive Director of the BC Rural Health Network (BCRHN). Paul has demonstrated exceptional leadership and dedication in the realm of rural health.

Cultivating Rural Mental Health with Merle Massie

In this episode, we welcome Merle Massie, farmer, author, the Executive Director of The Do More Agriculture Foundation, championing mental health in Canadian agriculture. Merle values energy, creativity, and curiosity, and loves collaborating. Fun fact: last summer,

Stuttering, Mental Health, and Stigma with Ezra Horak

In this podcast episode, we welcome Ezra Horak, a stutterer, and Board Co-Chair for SPACE: Stuttering, People, Arts, Community, Education. Ezra is also the founder of Stutterology, an empowering digital content platform that educates about stuttering through a neurodiverse and trauma-informed lens.

Mindfulness with Debby DeSpain, Co-Founder of the Mindful Key Organization

Debby DeSpain has a passion for helping others find life balance and harmonious living through mindfulness practices. She is a Certified Mindfulness Meditation Facilitator of 10 years. She is also a 14-year Board Certified Massage Therapist.

Dr. Shimi Kang - A Conversation About Parents and Youth Mental Health

Dr. Shimi Kang is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, award-winning author, and renowned speaker who empowers individuals to unlock their brain’s potential. With over 20 years of experience, she blends neuroscience and positive psychology to address stress, anxiety, and addiction.

Touching Base with Akshay Gupta, CEO & Founder of Bit Happier Inc.

Akshay is the CEO & Founder of Bit Happier Inc., which is a Digital Health technology Canadian company that combines Neuroscience tools, Social Networking tools and Financial tools for the purpose of making every individual a Bit Happier.

Live Stream with Gerry Friesen: The Recovering Farmer's Journey

Join us for an inspiring live stream on July 4 at 10 AM PST with Gerry Friesen, author of “The Recovering Farmer.” Gerry will share his powerful story of resilience, recovery, and mental health as he navigates life in the agricultural community.

Farm & Flourish: Victoria Hutt on Growing Mental Wellness

Victoria Hutt is the new coordinator of Agriculture NB’s Mental Health & Farm Safety program, Farm Talk Care, recently launched in June 2023. Living and working on the banks of the beautiful Wolastoq river on the outskirts of Florenceville-Bristol, an agricultural region of western New Brunswick where she grew up.

Thank you for your support.

Our Society Donors

Visit Our Sites

Donate Today

Follow & Subscribe