Awareness with Rob Daniels

In 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.

Rob 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.

In 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.

Host 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.

Therapist 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.

In 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.

Join 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.  

In 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.

Lala’s Journey explores life after postpartum depression, panic attacks, agoraphobia, and ongoing struggles with depression. Hosted by Lala, a mother navigating the challenges of mental health while raising a 13-year-old daughter, this episode shares personal stories of struggle, progress, and hope. It provides a candid look at resilience, self-discovery, and the effort it takes to find peace and healing.  

In this episode of Awareness: Fostering a More Compassionate, Empathetic, and Accepting Society, host Rob Daniels speaks with Dr. Cherie Lindberg, a transformational coach and Certified Brainspotting Consultant. Together, they explore how trauma affects everyday life, the healing power of brainspotting therapy, and practical tools for building resilience and creating lasting change.

In this episode of Awareness, I sit down with my best friend Phil “Philly” Esposito to share his powerful journey. Diagnosed with cardiomyopathy at just 20 years old, Philly has spent the last 22 years managing the condition. After his health took a serious turn earlier this year, he spent five months in the hospital, undergoing LVAD surgery to keep him alive while waiting for a heart transplant. He was finally discharged just two weeks ago. We talk about what it’s like to live with a chronic illness, the emotional and physical challenges of spending months in the hospital, and what it means to step back into life outside those walls. Through our conversation, Philly also shares how he tries to help others facing similar battles, encouraging them not to lose hope. He reflects on resilience, gratitude, and why organ donation matters so deeply to him and to so many others waiting for a second chance at life.

Retired Toronto & Peel Regional Police officer Scott Mills joins the podcast to reflect on his 30 years of service. Through open conversation, Scott shares stories from the job, including the challenges, the proud moments, and the lessons learned along the way. It’s a candid look at what it really means to protect and serve, and the lasting impact a policing career can have both on the community and on the officer behind the badge.  

In this episode, I chat with 18-year-old Austin Boylan, a Canadian athlete who just landed a baseball scholarship to North Dakota State University. We dive into what this milestone means for him, how his family and friends reacted, and the academic path he’s chosen alongside baseball. Austin takes us back to his first love for the game, the coaches and moments that shaped his passion, and the surprising way North Dakota State found him. He also opens up about suiting up for two teams this summer, balancing the grind, and the highlights that made it all worth it. It hasn’t been all smooth sailing though — Austin shares his mental battle through a tough injury and how the support around him helped turn things around. Finally, he offers heartfelt advice for young players dreaming big, including the mindset and habits that keep him motivated. Whether you’re a baseball fan or just love a good underdog story, this conversation is packed with insight and inspiration.  

After twenty years on the front lines as a paramedic, Corinne Mackenzie has seen both the resilience of the human spirit and the toll that tragedy can take. In this candid conversation, she opens up about the calls that shaped her, the moments that stayed with her, and the hidden weight first responders often carry. Forced to step away from the profession due to PTSD, she reflects on what it means to serve, to struggle, and to heal.

n this deeply moving episode no.20 of Awareness, host Rob Daniels sits down with Danielle Louise — a nurse, mother of three, and survivor of addiction, domestic violence, and the ongoing challenges of living with epilepsy. Two years ago, Danielle began experiencing seizures with no known cause, ultimately leading to a devastating accident and a loss of independence that changed her life. But Danielle is no stranger to adversity. From raising her children as a single mother during nursing school to working on the frontlines in mental health and addictions care, she’s spent her life helping others — and now, she’s fighting to advocate for herself within the same healthcare system she once served. In this conversation, Danielle shares her journey with raw honesty: the struggle to find answers, the mental toll of invisible illness, and what it means to rediscover strength in unexpected places. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, unheard, or like you were starting over from zero — this episode is for you.  

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, I sit down with Jordanna Bialo—a mother, wife, and healthcare worker from Toronto—who has endured over 25 hours of surgery in just five years, including a double mastectomy with DIEP flap reconstruction, a total hysterectomy, and a thyroidectomy. Living with Cowden Syndrome, fibromyalgia, PTSD, treatment-resistant depression, ADHD, and more, Jordanna opens up about what it means to navigate life with chronic illness while raising her 7-year-old son and helping care for her father as he battles cancer. She shares how the support she received from Nankind during her cancer treatment made a lasting impact, and why she’s now documenting her journey to create a life record for her son and future generations. Jordanna also offers heartfelt advice for others facing health challenges, caregiving responsibilities, or both—reminding us that we’re never as alone as we think. This is a story of pain, persistence, vulnerability, and grace—you won't want to miss it.

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with ADHD specialist and coach Jheri South to dive deep into the misunderstood world of teenage ADHD. As the founder of Headspace Hub, Jheri brings compassion, insight, and practical wisdom to families navigating the complexities of neurodivergence. We explore: The most common myths about ADHD in teens—and why they can be harmful How ADHD presents differently in teens versus kids or adults The emotional toll ADHD can take on self-esteem, anxiety, and relationships How parents can support without micromanaging or shaming The vital role of executive function and realistic ways to build it Real-world success stories that highlight resilience, growth, and family healing Whether you're a parent, educator, or someone curious about ADHD, this episode offers practical tools and heart-centered advice to help teens feel seen, heard, and empowered. If you've ever wondered whether your teen might be struggling with undiagnosed ADHD, Jheri also shares what first steps to take—and how to move forward with empathy and clarity.

Step into the world of multi-platinum recording artist, songwriter, and producer Karl Wolf as he takes you beyond the spotlight to explore the powerful connection between music and mental health. From navigating the pressures of a high-demand industry to managing rising talent like Dani Doucette, Karl offers an honest look at the emotional realities of a creative life. This episode of Awareness features personal insights, shifts in the creative process, and real conversations about wellness, resilience, and the evolving role of artists in breaking down mental health stigma. You’ll also get the inside scoop on new music, tour plans, and what’s ahead in summer 2025 and beyond. Whether you’re an artist, a fan, or simply passionate about mental wellness, this podcast delivers authentic stories — straight from the heart.

Please welcome the Director of Operations at Can-Am Immigration to Awareness ep.16, Mr. Nir Rozenberg. Since it's the week that 4th of July takes place, and Canada Day, I figured this episode could go a long way in helping others when it comes to celebrating these two great nations. Here's what we discussed .. - Key differences between Canada and the United States when it comes to immigration systems. - Rules around sponsoring a spouse, partner, or family member to Canada. - Dual citizenship between Canada and the United States, how it works, and whether or not there are restrictions or complications. - Current travel restrictions or requirements for crossing the Canada-U.S. border. - How past criminal charges, even if minor, impact immigration applications for either country. - All this & more. Happy Canada Day! Happy 4th of July!

Are you in a relationship or friendship with someone who displays narcissistic tendencies and/or behaviours? What really is narcissism? How can you spot narcissistic behaviour, and can narcissists change? Psychotherapist Dr. Rasha Wahid takes a deep dive into all this and breaks it down for us in Awareness episode no.15. PLUS... - Dr. Rasha & I discuss people-pleasing, where it comes from. How it affects relationships. And why people-pleasers attract narcissists.. AND... - Boundaries, healing, and growth are also important parts of our conversation.