Help Me See with Justin Driedger

Exhaustion has a way of disguising itself as purpose. And for a lot of us, being busy has become the proof that we matter. In this episode of Help Me See, Justin Driedger sits down with Calissa Ngozi, mental health expert, professor at Mohawk College, seven-time award-winning international speaker, and author of The Oxygen Mask Mindset: Reclaiming Your Energy in a World that Glorifies Exhaustion. Calissa shares the story that could have defined her forever: adopted as a baby, placed in care, and a doctor telling her parents, "this is going to be a stupid child." Her family chose to see beyond the paperwork, and that decision became the beginning of a life built on possibility. Together, Justin and Calissa unpack mental health stigma across generations, the real cost of "just get over it," and why healing cannot stay hidden in whispered conversations. Calissa also teaches practical tools for burnout recovery through her CARE Tool, a framework built around clarity, activity, resilience, and engagement, and she challenges a belief many of us carry: self-care is not a luxury, it's a birthright. You'll walk away with: A clearer understanding of how stigma keeps you stuck and silent A simple framework to restart when you feel depleted and overwhelmed A healthier definition of resilience that doesn't require perfection A reframed view of self-care that removes guilt, especially for parents and leaders A grounded perspective on identity, faith, and becoming who you are meant to be If this episode resonates, tag @‌jdriedger, follow or subscribe on YouTube, and leave a comment with the moment that hit closest to home.

What if God never meant to be "first on your list"? In this episode of Help Me See, Justin talks with Kevin Shepherd - CEO of Crossroads and YES TV, assistant superintendent in the PAOC's Western Ontario District, long-time pastor, husband and dad about the deeper work of faithfulness, leadership, and possibility. Kevin shares about growing up in a pastor's home with a busy but present dad and a mom who knew how to pray. He opens up about perfectionism, a loud inner critic, and how increasing leadership responsibility forced him to rethink what faithfulness actually is. You'll hear: Why "familiarity does not equal faithfulness" How the "God first, family second, work third" hierarchy quietly breaks us Kevin's picture of God at the center of every box: family, work, side hustle, leadership The "problem of capable people" and why self-reliance is so dangerous Why silos are not the enemy — and how they should feed the whole, not themselves The difference between information and knowledge, and why leaders must learn to wrestle A powerful reframing of Jesus turning water into wine: just keep bringing the water How his family lives out the Shema in everyday rhythms: drive time, meal time, bedtime If you're a leader, parent, pastor, creative, or just someone who wants to be faithful where you are without losing your soul in the process — this conversation will give you both language and courage. If this moved you, tag @‌jdriedger, leave a review, or subscribe on YouTube for more.

What if the "more" you're sensing isn't ego ... it's obedience? Phil Kniesel, lead pastor of Hope City Church in Edmonton, shares how God broke his heart for his city, why he set a 1% vision, and how to lead with both audacity and wisdom. From launching prayer nights that grew from 125 to over 1,100 to creating financial buffers that preserved his staff during crisis, Phil shows a path any leader can walk: be all in with what's in your hand, ask God for favor, and keep solving the next problem with courage and compassion. Guest: Phil Kniesel. Theme: calling, bold vision, prayer, stewardship, leadership resilience. You'll learn: How to discern the difference between ambition and assignment and why asking God for success and favour isn't pride. A practical model for citywide impact: long-horizon goals supported by consistent corporate prayer. How to pair big dreams with prudent systems like building financial margin so people keep their jobs. Why leadership gets lonelier as you grow and the relationships that keep you healthy. The portable rule for momentum: be faithful with your next step. If this moved you, tag @‌jdriedger, leave a review, or subscribe on YouTube for more.

What if your story began with "unfortunate"—and God renamed your future? Julius Rwotlonyo shares how he moved from scarcity and limiting labels to leading a 35,000-person, 17-location church and dreaming in decades for a continent. This conversation will stretch your vision for what's possible and show you how to pair courage with wise stewardship. Guest: Julius Rwotlonyo Theme: identity, calling, stewardship, dignity, long-horizon vision You'll learn: How reframing identity activates calling, including Julius's renaming story and why "possibility" became his core lens. The seven convictions that anchor resilient leadership: God's greatness, goodness, love, presence, ongoing work, sufficient grace, and glory. How to hold big vision and real budgets without becoming reckless—financing the gap while staying faithful to core mission. Why dignity beats handouts, and how serving with excellence transforms both the city and the servant. Vision 2050 and a belief that Africa is at a turning point that will rewrite a global story. If this moved you, tag @‌jdriedger, leave a review, or subscribe on YouTube for more.

He was kidnapped at 13… and thrown off a cliff for his faith. In this raw and powerful episode of Help Me See, Anees Khan tells the story of how he survived an attempted murder in Pakistan—and how it marked the beginning, not the end, of his life. From waking up on the edge of death to walking into his own funeral, Anees shares what happened when trauma collided with calling. His story is a masterclass in choosing obedience over comfort, identity over victimhood, and purpose over pain. This episode isn't just about survival—it's about the supernatural grace required to start over, lead a family, and keep believing when everything says you shouldn't. What you'll walk away with: A new understanding of what it means to own your story The mindset that turns tragedy into transformation How obedience—even when terrifying—becomes freedom Why unprocessed pain won't disqualify your purpose A reminder that your life is not over—it's just beginning Listen to the full episode and tag @‌jdriedger and @‌aneeskhan on Instagram with your biggest takeaway. Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@helpmeseepossibility

What if the thing that frustrates you most is actually pointing you toward your purpose? In this episode of Help Me See, Johnny Henderson shares how discovering his "why" completely changed how he shows up in the world—from comedy clubs and motivational stages to humanitarian leadership in Mexico. Johnny opens up about how one moment of clarity—reading a phrase on the side of a truck—set the tone for his entire life: "You belong. Your life has purpose. You can make a difference." That message would go on to shape his work with youth, his creative projects, and the way he leads others into lives of purpose and service. You'll hear: How to uncover your purpose by identifying what breaks your heart The truth about calling (hint: it doesn't always look like a platform) The role of empathy in truly connecting with others What happens when you say yes to your "why" How to lead from a place of authenticity and service Guest: Johnny Henderson Theme: Purpose, identity, empathy, creative risk, youth leadership Tag @‌jdriedger, follow us on YouTube at http://youtube.com/@helpmeseepossibility , and leave a comment if something in this episode opened something up in you. We'd love to hear your story.

In this compelling episode of Help Me See, Justin Driedger sits down with Brett Esslinger, pastor and author of 'The Hope Habit,' to unpack how to reclaim hope in a world that feels increasingly heavy. Brett shares the powerful backstory of how the unexpected loss of a close friend led to the creation of his book – a practical guide for transforming hope from a fleeting feeling into a daily, intentional habit. Listeners will learn: Why hope is more than just optimism – it's a belief system rooted in something greater than ourselves How to navigate 'hope deferred' and find meaning in seasons of struggle The three key rhythms that can help reclaim hope: prayer, gratitude, and forgiveness Why faith, hope, and love are intertwined – and how to anchor yourself in all three, even when life feels chaotic Join Justin and Brett as they explore how we can each cultivate hope as a way of life, rather than a passing emotion. It's an inspiring conversation for anyone feeling overwhelmed, disillusioned, or simply in need of a fresh perspective. Follow Brett Esslinger: Instagram: @‌BrettEsslinger Book: 'The Hope Habit' – Available Now thehopehabitbook.com Listen now, tag @‌jdriedger, and share how this episode challenged your perspective. And don't forget to subscribe and leave a review to stay connected to more conversations that challenge limiting beliefs and celebrate what's possible.

What if the very place you feel trapped in is the exact place you're meant to thrive? In this episode of Help Me See, Justin Driedger sits down with Josh Abcede — a creative, entrepreneur, and faith leader in Niagara Falls who turned his barbershop into a hub for community, art, and connection. Josh opens up about growing up feeling like an outsider, the pivotal moment when he finally embraced his God-given creativity, and how a seemingly ordinary church series reignited his sense of purpose. From fashion to painting to dance, Josh's story is a powerful reminder that we are all designed to express what God has placed in us, even when it doesn't fit the mold. Listen in to learn how Josh broke free from limiting mindsets, why community is the secret ingredient to creativity, and how his faith continues to shape every project he takes on. Tune in to hear how one moment of clarity can change everything — and how embracing who you are might just be the key to impacting those around you. Tag @‌jdriedger on Instagram, follow us on YouTube for more belief-shifting conversations, and don't forget to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to help others discover the show.

Ashley Gee joins Help Me See for one of the most moving conversations we've had yet. At 16, she was told she'd never be a mother—a moment that launched her into a 20-year journey through grief, surrender, spiritual disappointment, and ultimately, possibility. In this raw and honest episode, Ashley unpacks how she rebuilt her mindset, stopped performing for God, and learned what true faith and partnership with God really look like. Whether you're walking through infertility, heartbreak, or waiting for a dream to materialize, this conversation will challenge you to reframe the journey—and see beauty in the in-between. You'll walk away with: A deeper understanding of what it means to surrender daily Tools to navigate grief and unanswered prayer A new lens on your relationship with God and identity Language for hope when you feel unseen A call to guard your dream and fight for what's possible Tag @‌jdriedger, follow or subscribe on YouTube, and don't forget to leave a comment.

Chris Driedger was drafted into the NHL at 18. But it took seven years to play a game. He fought through injuries, setbacks, and being overlooked by the very system that once believed in him. In this raw and honest episode of Help Me See, Chris opens up about the moment his career nearly flatlined—and what he did to turn it around. From reinventing his approach to training, to mentally resetting after failure, to co-producing a documentary during his ACL recovery, Chris shows us what it really means to keep moving forward. This is an episode about choosing belief in the face of uncertainty. It's about reinventing your identity, doing the hard internal work, and deciding that your story isn't over. What you'll take away from this episode: The 5 R's Chris uses to reset after failure or a goal against How to break free from passive career momentum and take ownership A mindset for reinvention, especially when the doors feel closed The power of staying grounded, even when you're on the outside looking in What it means to fight for the dream again after it slipped away once Tag @‌jdriedger, follow or subscribe on YouTube, and don't forget to leave a comment.

What if the only thing standing between you and your goals is the way you think? In this episode of Help Me See, Justin Driedger sits down with Brady Shearer, CEO of Pro Church Tools, to talk about belief systems, self-doubt, and unlocking possibility. Brady shares how he built a business from the ground up without waiting for permission, the power of calculated delusion, and why most people never start because they think they aren't ready. This conversation dives deep into what it means to believe in yourself, take action before you feel prepared, and surround yourself with the right people who will call out the best in you. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How your beliefs shape your reality and how to change them Why most people fail before they even start The concept of calculated delusion and why it works How to push past self-doubt and take action The power of surrounding yourself with the right people If you have ever felt stuck, struggled with self-doubt, or wondered if you have what it takes, this episode will challenge you to see what's possible in a whole new way. Tag me @‌jdriedger and let me know what resonated most with you. Follow or subscribe on YouTube and don't forget to leave a comment. 

What if the way you see your relationship is limiting what's possible? In this episode of Help Me See, Justin Driedger sits down with his wife, Melanie Driedger, for a candid conversation about marriage, mindset, and choosing to see the best in each other—even when it's hard. They open up about the early days of marriage, working together in ministry, what it really takes to thrive as a team, and how shifting your mindset can unlock connection, growth, and possibility. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to challenge common (and limiting) beliefs about marriage The surprising power of perspective in relationships What it really means to "speak life" into your partner Why optimism is a discipline, not just a personality trait How to build a relationship where both people flourish If you've ever felt stuck, discouraged, or disconnected in your relationship—or if you simply want to do love and leadership better—this conversation will help you see what's possible in a brand new way. Tag me @jdriedger and let me know what resonated most. Email me at [email protected] if this episode impacted you—or if you (or someone you know) should be a guest on the show.

What if the biggest thing holding you back isn't your circumstances—but your mindset? In this powerful episode of Help Me See, host Justin Driedger sits down with Bill Markham—a world-class communicator and visionary leader—to uncover the limiting beliefs that keep people stuck and how to break free. What You'll Learn: -Why most people never reach their potential (and how to avoid that trap) -The difference between inherited vs. experiential mindsets -How feeling like an outsider can be your greatest strength -The power of "Compound Faith"—small steps that lead to big breakthroughs -Why being seen can change everything -How to retrain your brain and "redock your neurons" for possibility If you've ever doubted yourself, felt like you didn't belong, or struggled to see what's possible—this episode will challenge you to think bigger, believe deeper, and step into who you were created to be. What resonated most with you? Share your thoughts ([email protected]), leave a comment on social & tag me @jdriedger !  Follow & Subscribe for more conversations on unlocking potential.