Bunny Hugs and Mental Health

In part one Amy found out her husband at the time was a serial rapist whose victims included her own friends and family members. In this episode, Amy Irvine shares her harrowing journey through the legal system as a survivor of abuse, detailing the emotional toll of testifying against her ex-husband. We discuss the complexities of victimhood, the impact of family dynamics on healing, and the importance of advocacy for survivors. Amy reflects on her personal growth, the lessons learned from her experiences, and her journey towards finding new relationships after trauma. TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE INCLUDE sexual assault, depression, trauma, PTSD   Please go to www.bunnyhugspodcast.com to find all my social media links, merch store, my children’s book, buy me a coffee and more!   Bunny Hugs and Mental Health is currently on the Top Ten Best Canadian Mental Health Podcasts list!    And the Top 100 Best Mental Health Podcasts on the internet!   Thank you to BLEAV podcast network!    Follow this other great Canadian podcast Hard Knox Talks    Please donate to Cornwall Alternative School here And a big thank you to Carey Hyndman and Sonia Wiggins!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

subscribe to Transgression On October 1, the first 3 episodes of my new documentary podcast series Transgression - My search for the REAL trans agenda in Saskatchewan comes out. Please have a listen to the trailer and follow the show for fresh downloads. Since 2023 the Premier of Saskatchewan, Scott Moe, and his government have set their sights on the trans community, specifically trans youth . With the creation of the controversial Bill 137 and Moe’s comments during the last provincial election, I had questions. So as a white, cisgendered, straight man, I wanted to find out what the trans agenda in Saskatchewan really is. During my search of over six months, I interviewed queer, religious and 2 spirited leaders, mental health and legal experts, health care providers, teachers, politicians, parents, and trans adults and youth. In each episode I share some of these conversations regarding specific issues for trans people in Saskatchewan. You may be surprised to hear what I discovered and what I feel is the real trans agenda in Saskatchewan.   To support this project and others like it please consider making a donation HERE. Any amount is greatly appreciated. Please listen and subscribe to my weekly podcast Bunny Hugs and Mental Health. Follow Transgression on Instagram Thank you to Carey Hyndman from Your Voice Consulting The trans community in Saskatchewan And everyone that took the time to speak with me  Please check out these links to some transgender services in Saskatchewan and to some of the amazing people and groups that were a part of this series. Their Collective  Queen City Wellness Affirming Connections Trans Health Navigator Queen City Pride Saskatoon Pride Indigenous Teachers For Two Spirit Youth Out Saskatoon Bread Of Life Church  The Trevor Project Trans Sask Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Summer is over and it’s time for some NEW episodes. Part 1/2 Amy shares her harrowing journey through an abusive marriage, detailing the manipulation and control she experienced from her ex-husband, who was later revealed to be a serial rapist. We discuss the complexities of recognizing red flags, and the emotional turmoil of confronting the truth about a loved one's abusive behaviour, the the impact of trauma, the emotional toll on victims, and the challenges faced in the pursuit of justice. The conversation highlights the importance of victim support and the shared experiences among survivors. You won’t believe who some of her husband’s victims were. How did Amy find out? Was justice served? Has Amy rebuilt her identity after such devastating trauma? TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE INCLUDE sexual assault, trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction   Please go to www.bunnyhugspodcast.com to find all my social media links, merch store, my children’s book, buy me a coffee and more!   Bunny Hugs and Mental Health is currently on the Top Ten Best Canadian Mental Health Podcasts list!    And the Top 100 Best Mental Health Podcasts on the internet!   Thank you to BLEAV podcast network!    Follow this other great Canadian podcast Hard Knox Talks    Please donate to Cornwall Alternative School here And a big thank you to Carey Hyndman and Sonia Wiggins! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode was originally released December 2 2023. Martin spent 17 and a half years in prison for killing 2 people while driving under the influence. Did Martin learn from those mistakes, why did a reporter refer to his crash as a 'palpable irony' and what are Martin's thoughts on the prison system in America? TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE INCLUDE addiction, trauma, death, depression    Please go to www.bunnyhugspodcast.com to find all my social media links, merch store, my children’s book, buy me a coffee and more!   Bunny Hugs and Mental Health is currently on the Top Ten Best Canadian Mental Health Podcasts list!    And the Top 100 Best Mental Health Podcasts on the internet!   Thank you to BLEAV podcast network!    Follow this other great Canadian podcast Hard Knox Talks    Please donate to Cornwall Alternative School here And a big thank you to Carey Hyndman and Sonia Wiggins!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode was originally released on April 15 2023 - In 2017 Jeremy was mauled in a bear attack several kilometres away from his truck and civilization. Listen to his INCREDIBLE story of survival and, not just the attack, but with his battle with extreme PTSD. Today Jeremy is raising five million dollars to go to PTSD research. Be sure to read Jeremy's book Mauled: Lessons Learned from a Grizzly Bear Attack available on Amazon https://www.amazon.ca/Mauled-Lessons-Learned-Grizzly-Attack/dp/1771604832 And follow Jeremy on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/thegrizzlydude1/ Topics in this episode include trauma, depression, suicide, PTSD Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode was originally released on March 3 2024 In March of 2022 Jenn’s son Jordan took his own life after being catfished online and sextorted. Sextortion, or sexual extortion, occurs when an online actor threatens to release a victim's intimate photos or videos for financial gain. These people tend to target youth between the ages of 14 and 24. In Jordan’s case his culprits were caught, but very few are. Almost always, the guilty party is overseas. There have been multiple teens taking their lives in very similar situations as Jordan’s in Canada and the US. What should young people know about the dangers of sextortion? What can we do as parents? And what are social media outlets doing about it? TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE INCLUDE suicide, trauma, grief, sex Please go to www.bunnyhugspodcast.com to find all my social media links, merch store, my children’s book, buy me a coffee and more! Bunny Hugs and Mental Health is currently on the Top Ten Best Canadian Mental Health Podcasts list! And the Top 100 Best Mental Health Podcasts on the internet! Thank you to BLEAV podcast network! Follow this other great Canadian podcast Hard Knox Talks Please donate to Cornwall Alternative School here And a big thank you to Carey Hyndman and Sonia Wiggins! Please go to www.bunnyhugspodcast.com to find all my social media links, merch store, my children’s book, buy me a coffee and more! Bunny Hugs and Mental Health is currently on the Top Ten Best Canadian Mental Health Podcasts list! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/canadian_mental_health_podcasts/ And the Top 100 Best Mental Health Podcasts on the internet! https://podcasts.feedspot.com/mental_health_podcasts/ Follow this other great Canadian podcast Hard Knox Talks https://linktr.ee/hardknoxtalks Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode was originally released on October 14th 2023 - When Giselle met her first husband it was love at first sight. They were a typical young, small town couple who worked hard and played hard. It wasn't long before occasional red flags for Giselle turned into a constant nightmare. One night it all came to a head and things ended in tragedy. Today Giselle tells her harrowing story to inspire others in abusive relationships to find a way out and to prove that life can be good again after traumatic events. Topics in this episode include abuse, trauma, addiction, suicide, depression Please go to www.bunnyhugspodcast.com to find all my social media links, merch store, my children’s book, buy me a coffee and more!   Bunny Hugs and Mental Health is currently on the Top Ten Best Canadian Mental Health Podcasts list!    And the Top 100 Best Mental Health Podcasts on the internet!   Thank you to BLEAV podcast network!    Follow this other great Canadian podcast Hard Knox Talks    Please donate to Cornwall Alternative School here And a big thank you to Carey Hyndman and Sonia Wiggins!    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode was originally released September 4 2021 - I speak to Wanda and Chris Ball, two incredibly strong people, about the heart breaking loss of their son Kye. Kye was days away from turning 17 when he took his own life. The three of us discuss Kye's journey with mental illness, the mental health system, the day of his death and the advocacy they are doing now. -note- This episode gets heavy at times. TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE INCLUDEaddiction, depression, borderline personality disorder, BPD, suicide, grief   Please go to www.bunnyhugspodcast.com to find all my social media links, merch store, my children’s book, buy me a coffee and more!   Bunny Hugs and Mental Health is currently on the Top Ten Best Canadian Mental Health Podcasts list!    And the Top 100 Best Mental Health Podcasts on the internet!   Thank you to BLEAV podcast network!    Follow this other great Canadian podcast Hard Knox Talks    Please donate to Cornwall Alternative School here And a big thank you to Carey Hyndman and Sonia Wiggins! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode was originally released on June 10 2023- Daniel knows violence. Whether it was street violence, drug violence or his time spent as a medic in the military, he knows violence. Returning home from Iraq, lost and suffering with PTSD, he fell back into his old ways. Lucky for Daniel he met someone with the patience, empathy and love to help him turn his life around. Even while in the midst of severe alcohol addiction, it seemed Daniel was on the path to stability, when suddenly... TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE INCLUDE gun violence, addiction, suicide, grief, depression   Please go to www.bunnyhugspodcast.com to find all my social media links, merch store, my children’s book, buy me a coffee and more!   Bunny Hugs and Mental Health is currently on the Top Ten Best Canadian Mental Health Podcasts list!    And the Top 100 Best Mental Health Podcasts on the internet!   Thank you to BLEAV podcast network!    Follow this other great Canadian podcast Hard Knox Talks    Please donate to Cornwall Alternative School here And a big thank you to Carey Hyndman and Sonia Wiggins!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode was originally released April 29th 2023. Agata wants the option to die with dignity. Living with anorexia for most of her life, Agata is tired of suffering. She applied to be MAiD ( medical assistance in dying) for her mental illness. Canada passed Bill C-39 in January allowing people to apply for MAiD for mental health reasons, only to withdrawal the bill a month later. Agata has applied for MAiD but is now in limbo waiting for the government to pass the bill once again. We discuss why Agata applied and her experience with anorexia. Since this episode originally aired, this bill has been put on hold. TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE INCLUDE suicide, depression, trauma, anorexia, eating disorders,Please go to www.bunnyhugspodcast.com to find all my social media links, merch store, my children’s book, buy me a coffee and more!Bunny Hugs and Mental Health is currently on the Top Ten Best Canadian Mental Health Podcasts list!And the Top 100 Best Mental Health Podcasts on the internet!Thank you to BLEAV podcast network!Follow this other great Canadian podcast Hard Knox TalksPlease donate to Cornwall Alternative School hereAnd a big thank you to Carey Hyndman and Sonia Wiggins! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Will Craig is a returning guest, great guy and my friend. Over the years Will has gone from a blogger to an advocate, author, and mental health podcaster. In this episode we discuss the emotional weight of helping others in the mental health space, personal growth, the journey of progress over perfection, and the challenges of navigating ego and humility. We also delve into the complexities of societal expectations surrounding masculinity. TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE INCLUDE suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, addiction   Please go to www.bunnyhugspodcast.com to find all my social media links, merch store, my children’s book, buy me a coffee and more!   Bunny Hugs and Mental Health is currently on the Top Ten Best Canadian Mental Health Podcasts list!    And the Top 100 Best Mental Health Podcasts on the internet!   Thank you to BLEAV podcast network!    Follow this other great Canadian podcast Hard Knox Talks    Please donate to Cornwall Alternative School here And a big thank you to Carey Hyndman and Sonia Wiggins!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brooks parents, uncle and aunt were murdered by a cousin when she was only two. There’s more to this story but I’ll let Brook tell it. Beyond the tragic day we discuss impact of mental health on family dynamics, Brook's journey into social work, and her unique perspective on life shaped by these events. Brook also talks about her career in hairdressing and how she integrates her mental health knowledge into her work, where she often engages in deep conversations with clients, many of whom are therapists themselves. She reflects on her diagnoses of complex PTSD and ADHD, her journey of uncovering the truth about her past, and her understanding of denial in others. We also discuss the role of dark humor as a coping mechanism and reflect on the significance of Mother's Day in Brook's life.TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE INCLUDE murder, suicide, violence, mental illness, reactive attachment, PTSD, trauma, ADHDPlease go to www.bunnyhugspodcast.com to find all my social media links, merch store, my children’s book, buy me a coffee and more!Bunny Hugs and Mental Health is currently on the Top Ten Best Canadian Mental Health Podcasts list! And the Top 100 Best Mental Health Podcasts on the internet!Thank you to BLEAV podcast network! Follow this other great Canadian podcast Hard Knox Talks Please donate to Cornwall Alternative School hereAnd a big thank you to Carey Hyndman and Sonia Wiggins! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Part 2 of 2 - Raised in the Mormon faith as a gay male, Sean struggled with acceptance at a young age. From there Sean Hemeon shares his tumultuous journey through addiction and drug dealing, revealing the allure of the underbelly of society and the consequences that followed. He discusses the thrill of engaging in a dangerous lifestyle, the gradual descent into addiction, and the pivotal moments that led to his arrest and the realization of the impact of his choices. How is he alive and not in prison today? What was the turning point for Sean? Please contact Sean on his website www.seanhemeon.com and watch for his new book The Good Little Drug Lord to be released soon! TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE INCLUDE addiction, overdose, depression, suicide   Please go to www.bunnyhugspodcast.com to find all my social media links, merch store, my children’s book, buy me a coffee and more!   Bunny Hugs and Mental Health is currently on the Top Ten Best Canadian Mental Health Podcasts list!    And the Top 100 Best Mental Health Podcasts on the internet!   Thank you to BLEAV podcast network!    Follow this other great Canadian podcast Hard Knox Talks    Please donate to Cornwall Alternative School here And a big thank you to Carey Hyndman and Sonia Wiggins! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Part 1 of 2 - Raised in the Mormon faith as a gay male, Sean struggled with acceptance at a young age. From there Sean Hemeon shares his tumultuous journey through addiction and drug dealing, revealing the allure of the underbelly of society and the consequences that followed. He discusses the thrill of engaging in a dangerous lifestyle, the gradual descent into addiction, and the pivotal moments that led to his arrest and the realization of the impact of his choices. How is he alive and not in prison today? What was the turning point for Sean? Listen next week to part 2 to find out! Please contact Sean on his website www.seanhemeon.com and watch for his new book The Good Little Drug Lord to be released soon! TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE INCLUDE addiction, childhood trauma, PTSD, suicidal ideation    Please go to www.bunnyhugspodcast.com to find all my social media links, merch store, my children’s book, buy me a coffee and more!   Bunny Hugs and Mental Health is currently on the Top Ten Best Canadian Mental Health Podcasts list!    And the Top 100 Best Mental Health Podcasts on the internet!   Thank you to BLEAV podcast network!    Follow this other great Canadian podcast Hard Knox Talks    Please donate to Cornwall Alternative School here And a big thank you to Carey Hyndman and Sonia Wiggins!    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AmandaGrace Krier is a mental health advocate, particularly for youth. Amanda shares her personal journey with mental health struggles, including her experiences with disabilities and the impact of her cousin's suicide on her advocacy work. We explore the significance of self-care, support systems, stigma, and the role of organizations like the Sean Flynn Foundation in raising awareness about mental health issues, including CTE. AmandaGrace explains the need for more accessible services and the role of lived experience in supporting others. You can follow AmandaGrace on Instagram @noshameinbrainpain and apply for the Sean Flynn Memorial Scholarship Fund https://bold.org/scholarships/sean-flynn-memorial-scholarship/TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE INCLUDE depression, suicide, grief, ADHD, PMDDPlease go to www.bunnyhugspodcast.com to find all my social media links, merch store, my children’s book, buy me a coffee and more!Bunny Hugs and Mental Health is currently on the Top Ten Best Canadian Mental Health Podcasts list! And the Top 100 Best Mental Health Podcasts on the internet!Thank you to BLEAV podcast network! Follow this other great Canadian podcast Hard Knox Talks Please donate to Cornwall Alternative School hereAnd a big thank you to Carey Hyndman and Sonia Wiggins! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Renee Swanson is the charming host of The Covert Narcissist Podcast. We discuss the complexities of narcissism, undiagnosed ADHD, addiction, emotional dysregulation and how they may look the same but are very different. Renee explains the differences between overt and covert narcissism, the impact on their relationships and the impact on children raised in such environments. Can narcissistic traits manifest in everyone? Is your partner a covert narcissist? Better yet, are you a covert narcissist? Look for more information on Renee’s website covertnarcissism.com and on her YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/@cngreneeswanson or listen on Applepodcast https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/the-covert-narcissism-podcast/id1566895530 TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE INCLUDE narcissism, abuse, ADHD, cluster B personality disorders, addiction   Please go to www.bunnyhugspodcast.com to find all my social media links, merch store, my children’s book, buy me a coffee and more!   Bunny Hugs and Mental Health is currently on the Top Ten Best Canadian Mental Health Podcasts list!    And the Top 100 Best Mental Health Podcasts on the internet!   Thank you to BLEAV podcast network!    Follow this other great Canadian podcast Hard Knox Talks    Please donate to Cornwall Alternative School here And a big thank you to Carey Hyndman and Sonia Wiggins! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Brad is lucky to be alive. At one time Brad was using so often he was having regular seizures. Brad shares his personal journey of recovery and his need for ongoing support and understanding in the community. He discusses the connection between mental health, addiction and trauma. Today he is a professional speaker, counsellor and author. Please check out his book The Long Road of Recovery: One Man's Journey Through the World of Mental Health and Addictions on Amazon and his website bradsiroski.com TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE INCLUDE addiction, depression, anxiety, ADHD, suicide   Please go to www.bunnyhugspodcast.com to find all my social media links, merch store, my children’s book, buy me a coffee and more!   Bunny Hugs and Mental Health is currently on the Top Ten Best Canadian Mental Health Podcasts list!    And the Top 100 Best Mental Health Podcasts on the internet!   Thank you to BLEAV podcast network!    Follow this other great Canadian podcast Hard Knox Talks    Please donate to Cornwall Alternative School here And a big thank you to Carey Hyndman and Sonia Wiggins! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this conversation, Adam A. Meyers shares his journey from military service to becoming a police officer in his rural, Wisconsin, hometown. He recounts a critical incident where he had to use deadly force during a confrontation with a 25 year old mother. After the incident Adam spiralled into a life of substance abuse, sex and putting a gun to his own head. Today Adam is a police Captain, peer support worker and advocate. What lessons did Adam learn, how did he climb out of his own dark thoughts, and what does he want others to get from telling his story? Adam wrote a chapter in the new book Take Back Your Power available here https://www.amazon.com/Take-Back-Power-Marla-McKenna/dp/1957351713 TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE INCLUDE gun violence, mental illness, depression, anxiety, addiction, suicidal thoughts   Please go to www.bunnyhugspodcast.com to find all my social media links, merch store, my children’s book, buy me a coffee and more!   Bunny Hugs and Mental Health is currently on the Top Ten Best Canadian Mental Health Podcasts list!    And the Top 100 Best Mental Health Podcasts on the internet!   Thank you to BLEAV podcast network!    Follow this other great Canadian podcast Hard Knox Talks    Please donate to Cornwall Alternative School here And a big thank you to Carey Hyndman and Sonia Wiggins! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kelly Murphy shares her deeply personal story of gun violence, mental health struggles within her family, and her journey into activism. She discusses her brother's tragic path to murdering his neighbour and the mental scars a school shooting left on her children. How did these events impact her life and her community? What are the challenges of the mental health care system and the urgent need for reform in gun violence prevention? Follow Kelly on Instagram @impactedbygunviolence and check out her podcast Impacted by Gun Violence - Hope in the Face of AdversityTOPICS IN THIS EPISODE INCLUDE murder, gun violence, suicide, depression, anxiety, mental illnessPlease go to www.bunnyhugspodcast.com to find all my social media links, merch store, my children’s book, buy me a coffee and more! Bunny Hugs and Mental Health is currently on the Top Ten Best Canadian Mental Health Podcasts list! And the Top 100 Best Mental Health Podcasts on the internet!Thank you to BLEAV podcast network! Follow this other great Canadian podcast Hard Knox Talks Please donate to Cornwall Alternative School hereAnd a big thank you to Carey Hyndman and Sonia Wiggins! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode originally aired on September 23 2023 - Angela is one the stars of the extremely funny and clever HBO show, The Rehearsal. Creator Nathan Fielder takes ordinary people and puts them in extraordinary circumstances in order to 'rehearse' a basic life choice...Trust me, it’s amazing. Angela reflects on her unexpected journey into reality television, discussing the audition process, her experiences on the show, and the impact it had on her personal life. She shares insights on navigating deception in reality TV, the backlash she faced online, and the importance of faith and personal growth. Even if you have never seen the show, you need to listen to this episode! Since the original airing of this episode Season 2 of The Rehearsal with Nathan Fielder has been aired.TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE INCLUDE addiction, anxiety, trauma, online hatePlease go to www.bunnyhugspodcast.com to find all my social media links, merch store, my children’s book, buy me a coffee and more! Bunny Hugs and Mental Health is currently on the Top Ten Best Canadian Mental Health Podcasts list! And the Top 100 Best Mental Health Podcasts on the internet!Thank you to BLEAV podcast network! Follow this other great Canadian podcast Hard Knox Talks Please donate to Cornwall Alternative School hereAnd a big thank you to Carey Hyndman and Sonia Wiggins! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.