Keep Talking | A Podcast by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia

In this episode of Keep Talking, host Sam Madore sits down with Fiona Kirkpatrick Parsons, a longtime supporter of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia and member of the Community Grants Committee, for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about purpose, giving back, and staying grounded.Fiona shares how her personal experiences, cultural identity, and professional journey have shaped her deep commitment to community and mental wellness. She reflects on her role in helping guide grant funding across the province, the impact of grassroots initiatives, and why supporting others is both a responsibility and a privilege.Together, they explore the importance of authenticity, finding meaning in the work we do, and the lessons that come from navigating both challenging and hopeful moments. Fiona also offers simple but powerful reminders — to breathe, to trust yourself, and to recognize that even in difficult times, there is always hope.We also continue the conversation with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s President and CEO, Starr Cunningham, reflecting on the impact of community grants and the people behind them.⸻About Fiona Kirkpatrick ParsonsFiona Kirkpatrick Parsons is owīhtamakīw (meaning “one who advises” in the Woodland Cree language) with Kirkpatrick Parsons Consulting and is a passionate champion of reconciliation in Canada. A member of Lac La Ronge First Nation, Treaty 6 Territory, where she was born, she is equally proud of both her Woodland Cree roots on her mother’s side and Scottish ancestry on her father’s. She has lived in Kjipuktuk, Mi’kma’ki (Halifax, Nova Scotia), the traditional, unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq since 1999.Fiona is dedicated to inspiring and empowering Canadians to walk the path of reconciliation together, with authenticity and kindness, to help create a better country where all have the same opportunities to thrive, now and for all generations to come.Prior to returning to her own consultancy in 2024, Fiona was instrumental in spearheading and advancing reconciliation efforts at the largest professional services firm in Canada, resulting in the organization publishing the first reconciliation action plan in corporate Canada (June 2020). She provided strategic guidance to leadership on reconciliation, worked with clients on Indigenous-related engagements, and co-authored a publication on the inextricable link between climate action and reconciliation. Prior to that portion of her career, Fiona dedicated more than 30 years in the communications and marketing field, in the public, private, and media sectors.She has appeared as a guest on several podcasts and in media interviews (broadcast, print and online), has been a featured keynote speaker, panelist, and moderator at conferences and in boardrooms across the country.⸻Support & ResourcesThis episode may include discussion of mental health or suicide. If this brings up difficult feelings, help is available.​Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 (24/7)​Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (NS): 1-888-429-8167​Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.⸻About Keep TalkingKeep Talking is a podcast by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, which funds community-based mental health and addictions programs across the province. The Foundation does not provide direct services.Learn more or support our work: mentalhealthns.ca⸻New episodes of Keep Talking are available on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.This episode was recorded and edited by Tiny Rhino Studios and produced by Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.Music: “I Must Believe” by T. Thomason

In this episode of Keep Talking, host Sam Madore sits down with Seana Jewer, Community Engagement Lead with Roots of Hope at Nova Scotia Health, for a compassionate and insightful conversation about suicide prevention, community care, and connection.Seana shares how Roots of Hope is helping communities across Nova Scotia build the skills and confidence to support people who may be thinking about suicide, as well as those who are grieving. She speaks to the vital role of lived experience, the importance of creating safe, non-judgmental spaces, and why community — not just the healthcare system — plays a key role in helping people stay connected to life.Together, they explore what meaningful support can look like in everyday moments, from recognizing when something needs to change to finding small ways to reconnect with the present. Seana also reflects on the importance of caring for ourselves, setting boundaries, and letting go of control — both as supporters and as individuals navigating our own mental health.We also continue the conversation with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s President and CEO, Starr Cunningham, reflecting on how community-led initiatives and partnerships are strengthening mental wellness across the province.Content note: This episode includes discussion of suicide. Listener discretion is advised.⸻About Seana JewerSeana Jewer is the Community Engagement Lead for Roots of Hope with Nova Scotia Health Mental Health and Addictions — a national initiative of the Mental Health Commission of Canada that helps communities build their capacity to support people who are thinking about or grieving from suicide. Seana’s journey into suicide prevention began in 2019 with the Canadian Mental Health Association’s Communities Address Suicide Together program, and she’s since become recognized by the Public Health Agency of Canada as an emerging expert in the field. She’s also a published researcher whose work explores how caregivers and communities can be supported through compassionate, practical, and even tech-driven approaches to suicide prevention. With more than 20 years in the community sector, Seana brings both heart and experience to her work. She’s passionate about rethinking how we talk about suicide — moving away from stigma and toward understanding, connection, and community care. Raised in Bible Hill and now a mom of two neurodiverse teens, Seana balances her professional life with a love of mid-century design, vintage glass, houseplants, and a good TV series — currently Severance.⸻Support & ResourcesThis episode may include discussion of mental health or suicide. If this brings up difficult feelings, help is available.​Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 (24/7)​Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (NS): 1-888-429-8167​Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.⸻About Keep TalkingKeep Talking is a podcast by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, which funds community-based mental health and addictions programs across the province. The Foundation does not provide direct services.Learn more or support our work: mentalhealthns.ca⸻New episodes of Keep Talking are available on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.This episode was recorded and edited by Tiny Rhino Studios and produced by Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.Music: “I Must Believe” by T. Thomason

In this episode of Keep Talking, host Sam Madore sits down with Lorna Griffin Fillier, Professional Practice Leader with Nova Scotia Health and Vice Chair of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s Board of Trustees, for a deeply insightful conversation about trauma, connection, and what it really means to care for our mental health.With more than 20 years of experience as a trauma clinician, Lorna shares how her work has shaped her understanding of the connection between mental and physical health — and why the two can’t be separated. She speaks to the impact of complex trauma, the importance of relational safety, and how boundaries are less about controlling others and more about understanding what we need to feel safe.Together, they explore the pressure to always be “on,” the limits of traditional self-care, and why true wellbeing is rooted in connection, meaning, and intentional living. Lorna also offers practical insight into shifting out of black-and-white thinking, tapping into curiosity, and building the skills that help us navigate difficult moments.We also continue the conversation with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s President and CEO, Starr Cunningham, reflecting on how trauma-informed, community-based approaches can strengthen mental wellness across Nova Scotia.Content note: This episode may include discussion of suicide. Listener discretion is advised.⸻About Lorna Griffin-FillierLorna Griffin-Fillier is a social worker, therapist, community leader, and mental health advocate passionate about helping people navigate everything from grief, trauma and forced identity transition, to complex relational experiences and central nervous system activation. Her clinical work also spans mental health education for teams and workplaces, providing a fresh take on the interconnectedness between mental wellness and relational responsibility. As Professional Practice Leader with Interprofessional Practice and Learning at Nova Scotia Health, Lorna acts as a consultant to the organization as they strive to delivering high‑quality, person‑centred care health care.Outside of work, Lorna is the Vice-Chair of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, where she’s spent more than five years championing grants and community-driven mental health initiatives.⸻Support & ResourcesThis episode may include discussion of mental health or suicide. If this brings up difficult feelings, help is available.​Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 (24/7)​Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (NS): 1-888-429-8167​Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.⸻About Keep TalkingKeep Talking is a podcast by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, which funds community-based mental health and addictions programs across the province. The Foundation does not provide direct services.Learn more or support our work: mentalhealthns.ca⸻New episodes of Keep Talking are available on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.This episode was recorded and edited by Tiny Rhino Studios and produced by Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.Music: “I Must Believe” by T. Thomason

In this episode of Keep Talking, host Sam Madore sits down with Morgan Manzer, a lawyer with Nova Scotia Legal Aid and Chair of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s Board of Trustees, for an honest and insightful conversation about lived experience, advocacy, and leadership.Morgan shares how both his personal experience with mental health and his professional work in child protection law have shaped his commitment to supporting others. He speaks to the real impact of community-based programs, the barriers many people face in accessing care, and what it means to see that impact firsthand through the clients he works with every day.Together, they explore the courage it takes to share your story, the importance of showing up authentically — especially in professional spaces — and how lived experience can become a source of empathy, connection, and strength. Morgan also reflects on the small but meaningful ways we can care for our own mental wellness in the midst of busy, demanding lives.We also continue the conversation with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s President and CEO, Starr Cunningham, reflecting on how leadership and lived experience can help shape more compassionate, accessible systems of care.Keep Talking is a podcast from the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, featuring honest conversations around mental health, lived experience, and hope.Content note: This episode includes discussion of suicide. Listener discretion is advised.New episodes of Keep Talking are available on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.This episode was recorded and edited by Tiny Rhino Studios and produced by Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.Music: “I Must Believe” by T. Thomason⸻Support & ResourcesThis episode may include discussion of mental health or suicide. If this brings up difficult feelings, help is available.​Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 (24/7)​Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (NS): 1-888-429-8167​Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.⸻About Keep TalkingKeep Talking is a podcast by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, which funds community-based mental health and addictions programs across the province. The Foundation does not provide direct services.Learn more or support our work: mentalhealthns.ca⸻About Morgan ManzerMorgan Manzer (he/him) is a Staff Lawyer for Nova Scotia Legal Aid (NSLA) practicing child protection and family law. Morgan is presently finishing his Masters of Laws in Dispute Resolution with a focus on culture, equity, and power at Osgoode Hall Law School.At the Nova Scotia Barrister's Society Morgan has served as a Council member since 2021 and also serves on the Racial Equity and Fitness to Practices committees. For the first half of 2020, Morgan was seconded to the Society’s Equity and Access Office to advise on equity and access issues affecting the legal profession.Over the past several years, Morgan has also been a practice manager for the bar admission program (PREP). Within Nova Scotia Legal Aid Morgan is an active member of their equity and racial diversity Committee. In early 2021 Morgan concluded four and a half years as Chair of Halifax Pride’s board of directors. He also presently serves as Vice-Chair of the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, and as a member of Global News’s DEI Advisory Committee.In 2019, he was presented the Zöe Odei Young Lawyers Award from the Canadian Bar Association (CBA), Nova Scotia Branch, for his work within the 2SLGBTQIA+ community and he is a recent recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for his volunteerism in the areas of mental health and equity.

In this episode of Keep Talking, host Sam Madore sits down with Stacy Darku, a Registered Counselling Therapist with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists and owner of Esinam Counselling, for a thoughtful and powerful conversation about trauma, grief, and the work of healing.With more than 15 years of experience in the mental health field, Stacy supports individuals who are navigating sexualized trauma, domestic violence, addictions, grief, sexual difficulties, and racial injustice. She shares what it means to create safe, culturally informed spaces for people who are struggling to reconnect with themselves — and why compassion must be at the centre of that work.Together, we explore the complexity of trauma, the courage it takes to seek support, and how healing becomes possible when people feel seen, heard, and understood.We also continue the conversation with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s President and CEO, Starr Cunningham, reflecting on how community-based care strengthens mental wellness across the province.Content note: This episode includes discussion of trauma, violence, and other sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.New episodes of Keep Talking are available on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.This episode was recorded and edited by Tiny Rhino Studios and produced by Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.Music: “I Must Believe” by T. Thomason⸻Support & ResourcesThis episode may include discussion of mental health or suicide. If this brings up difficult feelings, help is available.​Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 (24/7)​Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (NS): 1-888-429-8167​Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.⸻About Keep TalkingKeep Talking is a podcast by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, which funds community-based mental health and addictions programs across the province. The Foundation does not provide direct services.Learn more or support our work: mentalhealthns.ca⸻About Stacy DarkuStacy Darku is a Registered Counselling Therapist with the Nova Scotia College of Counselling Therapists. Stacy has been working in the mental health field for over 15 years in different capacities. The essence of her work is to support individuals that are struggling to find themselves and want to heal from their trauma. She specializes in working with individuals that have experienced sexualized trauma, domestic violence, addictions, grief, sexual difficulties, and racial injustice.

In this episode of Keep Talking, host Sam Madore sits down with Paul Hollingsworth, multi-skilled Journalist with CTV National News, for a deeply personal and meaningful conversation.Paul shares his experience of losing his brother to suicide while he was still a university student, and how that devastating moment reshaped his life and sense of purpose. He reflects on grief, compassion, and how carrying that loss forward led him to become a passionate supporter of mental health initiatives and open conversations around suicide prevention.Together, they talk about the importance of showing up for one another, the power of storytelling, and how honesty and connection can help turn pain into purpose — and isolation into understanding.We also continue the conversation with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s President and CEO, Starr Cunningham, reflecting on what stories like Paul’s mean for mental health awareness and community care in Nova Scotia and beyond.New episodes of Keep Talking are available on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.This episode was recorded and edited by Tiny Rhino Studios and produced by Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.Music: “I Must Believe” by T. Thomason⸻Support & ResourcesThis episode may include discussion of mental health or suicide. If this brings up difficult feelings, help is available.​Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 (24/7)​Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (NS): 1-888-429-8167​Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.⸻About Keep TalkingKeep Talking is a podcast by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, which funds community-based mental health and addictions programs across the province. The Foundation does not provide direct services.Learn more or support our work: mentalhealthns.ca⸻About Paul HollingsworthPaul Hollingsworth is a Multi-Skilled Journalist for CTV National News, based in Halifax. Born and raised in Halifax, Paul began as a reporter and quickly developed a talent for covering live events. Paul then broadened his skills by stepping behind the anchor desk and leading a team as the weekend producer/anchor. Paul always stood out as the go-to guy for sports. With a keen passion and a head for stats, TSN began to take notice of Paul’s abilities and extended invitations for him to not only host shows from their Toronto studios but also report from a variety of events in North America and around the world. Highlights of his career include reporting from the World Series, World Baseball Classic, Super Bowl, 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany, Stanley Cup Playoffs, Tim Hortons Brier and IIHF World Junior Championships. A published author, Paul has written a book about Sidney Crosby and lends his time and talents to events that support Mental Health initiatives.

In this episode of Keep Talking, host Sam Madore is joined by Karen Furneaux — three-time Olympian, world champion sprint kayaker, author, and mental health advocate — for an honest conversation about strength, vulnerability, and resilience.Karen shares her experience of receiving a late-onset mental illness diagnosis after years of competing at the highest level of sport, and how that moment reshaped her understanding of identity, balance, and wellbeing. Together, we explore the mental side of high-performance athletics, the role of movement in mental health, and why speaking openly about mental illness can be a powerful act of leadership.This conversation is a reminder that mental health journeys don't follow a single path — and that redefining strength can open the door to healing and hope.We’ll also continue the conversation with the Foundation’s President and CEO, Starr Cunningham, reflecting on what this work means for mental health and addiction support here in Nova Scotia and beyond.New episodes of Keep Talking are available on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.This episode was recorded and edited by Tiny Rhino Studios and produced by Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.Music: “I Must Believe” by T. Thomason⸻Support & ResourcesThis episode may include discussion of mental health or suicide. If this brings up difficult feelings, help is available.​Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 (24/7)​Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (NS): 1-888-429-8167​Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.⸻About Keep TalkingKeep Talking is a podcast by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, which funds community-based mental health and addictions programs across the province. The Foundation does not provide direct services.Learn more or support our work: mentalhealthns.ca⸻About Karen FurneauxKaren is a three-time Olympian and two-time World Champion in the sport of sprint kayaking.  She is an author, her book, Strong Beauty: Power Up the Champion Within, helps build resilience and self-confidence in sport and life.  She has been named one of the top 15 most successful athletesin Nova Scotia sport history.   Karen was diagnosed with late onset bipolar disorder in2024.  She shares her story to raise awareness and decrease the many stigmas surrounding mental illness.  She is most passionate about the positive impact of movement on mental health. 

In this episode of Keep Talking, we sit down with Mary Deacon, Chair and Founder of Bell Let’s Talk.This conversation explores Mary’s why — what first inspired her to champion mental health, and what continues to drive her commitment to ensuring these conversations don’t end after a single day.Together, we talk about leadership, community impact, and the importance of continuing to show up for mental health year after year. Mary reflects on the evolution of Let’s Talk, the role of collective action, and why keeping the conversation going is essential to creating real, lasting change.Keep Talking is all about honest conversations around mental health, lived experience, and hope — and this episode is a powerful reminder that awareness is just the beginning.We’ll also continue the conversation with the Foundation’s President and CEO, Starr Cunningham, reflecting on what this work means for mental health and addiction support here in Nova Scotia and beyond.New episodes of Keep Talking are available on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.This episode was recorded and edited by Tiny Rhino Studios and produced by Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.Music: “I Must Believe” by T. Thomason⸻Support & ResourcesThis episode may include discussion of mental health or suicide. If this brings up difficult feelings, help is available.​Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 (24/7)​Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (NS): 1-888-429-8167​Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.⸻About Keep TalkingKeep Talking is a podcast by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, which funds community-based mental health and addictions programs across the province. The Foundation does not provide direct services.Learn more or support our work: mentalhealthns.ca⸻About Mary DeaconMary Deacon is Chair of the Bell Let’s Talk mental health initiative, the largest-ever corporate initiative of its kind in Canada. Launched in 2010, Bell Let’s Talk supports improved access to care, workplace leadership, research and anti-stigma programs, including the annual Bell Let’s Talk Day and has contributed over $140M since its inception. Intended to build awareness, acceptance and action in mental health, Bell Let’s Talk Day has become a global phenomenon with people around the world sharing their stories of both struggle, recovery and hope. Prior to becoming Chair of the Bell Let’s Talk, she had a long and successful career in the philanthropic sector including almost a decade as the inaugural President of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation – supporting Canada’s largest mental health hospital. A passionate advocate and leader in the mental health community, Mary is respected and known for bringing people and ideas together to create positive change.

Welcome to the very first episode of Keep Talking, a podcast from the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia — featuring honest conversations around mental health, lived experience, and hope.In this episode, host Sam Madore sits down with Caitlin Morrison, who is carrying forward her brother Matthew Perry’s legacy through her advocacy for long-term recovery support. Caitlin shares insight into the vision behind Matthew Perry House Ottawa, a first-of-its-kind supportive housing initiative designed to offer stability, dignity, and time for meaningful recovery.This conversation explores why long-term, peer-supported models matter, how personal loss can shape purpose, and what hope looks like when we invest in people for the long haul.We’ll also continue the conversation with the Foundation’s President and CEO, Starr Cunningham, reflecting on what this work means for mental health and addiction support here in Nova Scotia and beyond.New episodes of Keep Talking are available on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.This episode was recorded and edited by Tiny Rhino Studios and produced by Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.Music: “I Must Believe” by T. Thomason⸻Support & ResourcesThis episode may include discussion of mental health or suicide. If this brings up difficult feelings, help is available.​Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 (24/7)​Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (NS): 1-888-429-8167​Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.⸻About Keep TalkingKeep Talking is a podcast by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, which funds community-based mental health and addictions programs across the province. The Foundation does not provide direct services.Learn more or support our work: mentalhealthns.ca⸻About Caitlin MorrisonCaitlin Morrison carries forward her brother Matthew Perry’s legacy by advocating for long-term recovery support. With a deep commitment to breaking down stigma and improving access to resources, Caitlin has played a pivotal role in the development of the Matthew Perry House Ottawa, a first-of-its-kind supportive housing initiative. She brings both professional leadership and a personal understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and families affected by addiction.