Mind Beyond the Mission

Brian McKenna and Laryssa Lamrock
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Dive deep into the real issues experienced by Veterans, former RCMP members and Families living with mental health injuries. Mind Beyond the Mission is a podcast focused on having authentic conversations that are gritty, honest and informative. Mind Beyond the Mission is hosted by Laryssa Lamrock and Brian McKenna, members of the lived experience team at the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families.

  1. -6 J

    Are you biting off more than you can chew?

    In this episode of Mind Beyond the Mission, hosts Brian and Laryssa dive into the topic of “biting off more than you can chew” as it relates to Veterans, their Families and those who serve in caregiving roles.   Sharing candid stories and personal experiences, they explore how easy it is to become overwhelmed when supporting others while managing your own mental health and the day-to-day challenges that come up. Their conversation highlights the complexity of balancing care for loved ones while maintaining your own personal well-being, and how setting boundaries can feel both necessary but incredibly difficult. Key topics The unique pressures faced by Veterans and their Families around mental health and recoveryThe challenges around supporting others while managing your own mental healthThe importance of boundaries and maintaining a personal “reserve”Strategies to empower others to support themselves instead of doing everything for themThe risks and realities of burnout and compassion fatigueThe significance of small tasks accumulating into overwhelming responsibilitiesResources Hope in hand: Honouring our needs this holiday seasonFor Families: Supporting yourself when your loved one is struggling with a posttraumatic stress injuryLooking after yourself and others — a toolkit of practical information and guidance on suicide prevention for Veteran FamiliesResources for Families and friends — including information on signs and symptoms of posttraumatic stress injuries, potential impacts on Families, navigating challenging relationship dynamics and coping strategiesPeer support program directory — an online directory of peer support programs that are available to Veterans and their Families, searchable by locationMilitary sexual trauma: Self-care for Family members — learn about self-care and setting boundariesVeteran Family Summit 2026 — January 22 – 23, 2026 Lire en français : https://atl-as.ca/mbtm-ep34

    38 min

  2. 26 NOV.

    Understanding the invisible impacts of traumatic brain injury with Veteran and former CFL player Ryan Carey

    In this episode of Mind Beyond the Mission, hosts Brian McKenna and Laryssa Lamrock welcome returning guest Ryan Carey — a Canadian Armed Forces Veteran, former Canadian Football League (CFL) player, musician and football coach — for a candid conversation about brain health, traumatic brain injury and life after service.   Ryan shares insights from both his military and professional athletic experiences, diving into how repetitive impacts can affect brain function and sharing practical strategies for maintaining brain health. Brian, Laryssa and Ryan also explore the often-overlooked role of Family members and caregivers, the unspoken realities around transition to post-service life and the ongoing evolution in safety practices in the military and in sports. Throughout the discussion they highlight the importance of self-care, solidarity and peer support in navigating both physical and psychological challenges. Ryan Carey was drafted fourth overall in the 1994 CFL draft and played for five years with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He served as an infantry officer in the Royal Canadian Regiment from 2002 to 2016. Ryan is a brain donor and leader of Project Enlist, which brings awareness to head injuries in the military for the Concussion Legacy Foundation Canada. Key topics The physical and psychological impacts of repetitive head traumaPractical strategies for managing brain healthAdvancements in military and sports organizations' understanding of brain health and adoption of safer practicesThe differences in symptoms between posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuryCoping with memory loss and changing capabilities after injuryThe importance of communication and support from Family, peers and caregiversInterested in hearing more about traumatic brain injury? Listen to Ryan’s previous appearance on Mind Beyond the Mission where he first joined Brian and Laryssa to discuss traumatic brain injury and brain health. Resources Resources on traumatic brain injury for Veterans, their Family members and people who work with themTraumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)Concussion Legacy FoundationProject EnlistOperation Brain HealthThe Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der KolkBrain Injury Canada resource website  Lire en français ici : https://atl-as.ca/mbtm-ep33-fr

    43 min

  3. 22 OCT.

    Understanding how trauma impacts sleep, with Dr. Craig Stewart

    In this episode of Mind Beyond the Mission, hosts Laryssa Lamrock and Brian McKenna explore the prevalence of sleep issues in the Veteran and Family population and discuss how posttraumatic stress injuries (PTSIs) can impact sleep. They are joined by special guest Dr. Craig Stewart, a psychiatrist and certified sleep specialist at St. Joseph’s Health Care London’s Operational Stress Injury (OSI) Clinic, who helps unpack the complex relationship between trauma, sleep and our overall well-being.  They explore the common challenges Veteran Families face when sleep is disrupted by PTSIs, discuss practical advice for managing sleep issues and highlight new research around sleep health and trauma.  Dr. Craig P. Stewart, MB BAO BCh, MA, FRCPC is a Consultant Psychiatrist and Interim Medical Director at the St. Joseph’s Health Care London OSI Clinic. He completed a clinical fellowship in sleep medicine at the Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry at Western University, where he serves as Adjunct Professor in the Department of Psychiatry. He holds a master’s degree in behavioural neuroscience from Brock University with a focus on neurophysiological correlates of sleep, with additional research experience in circadian rhythms. He also practises at a community sleep clinic in the greater Toronto area.  Key topics  The impacts of trauma and sleep deprivation on memory and mental health The common differences and similarities in sleep issues between Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police Veterans and public safety personnel The long-term physical and mental health consequences of chronic insomnia Nightmares, dream enactment and practical Family strategies to manage sleep disruptions and behaviours How electronic device use and "doom scrolling" affect sleep routines and conditioned arousal Realistic expectations and recovery models for improving sleep after traumaResources ‘To sleep, perchance to dream’: An overview of common sleep issues, treatments and myths with Dr. Craig Stewart (video) Participate in a study aiming to better understand the prevalence of sleep conditions and challenges among Canadian Veterans and their Families Learn about posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and some treatment options Resources on living with PTSIs for public safety personnel and their Families Resources for Families and friends —includes information on signs and symptoms of PTSIs, potential impacts on Families and coping strategies Anxiety Canada: Getting a good night’s sleep U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Path to better sleep U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Sleep problems and PTSD  Lire en français ici : atl-as.ca/mbtm-ep32-fr

    42 min

  4. 25 JUIN

    An introduction to prolonged exposure therapy with guests Dr. David Paul and Justin Woodcock

    Host Laryssa Lamrock and guest co-host Justin Woodcock look at prolonged exposure (PE) therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with special guest Dr. David Paul, a registered psychologist specializing in trauma treatment for military and public safety personnel. They unpack the basics of PE, how it specifically helps those living with PTSD and the vital role Families play in supporting a loved one through this sometimes challenging but hopeful therapeutic journey. David addresses common misconceptions and shares practical insights to help Veterans and their loved ones make informed decisions and best prepare themselves for therapy. David Paul, PhD, R. Psych, is a registered psychologist in private practice in Edmonton, AB. He has specialized in the treatment and assessment of trauma- and stressor-related disorders in military and public safety personnel for most of his career, including in previous positions at the Edmonton OSI Clinic and the Operational Trauma and Stress Support Centre (OTSSC) at Canadian Forces Base Edmonton. He holds a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from McGill University and is certified as a trainer in PE therapy by the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety at the University of Pennsylvania. Justin Woodcock is a proud First Nation Veteran and social worker from Opaskwayak Cree Nation. He served from 2009 to 2017 in both the Canadian Army and Royal Canadian Navy. Motivated by the loss of fellow soldiers to PTSD, Justin pursued a career in social work. He now serves as the First Nations Veterans Program Coordinator for the Southern Chiefs’ Organization, leading a program created by and for First Nations Veterans. Key topics What PE therapy is and how it differs from general exposure therapyThe two main components of PE: imaginal and in vivo exposureWhy PE is targeted to treat PTSD and typical session durations and structureCommon misconceptions and fears about PE among Veterans and their FamiliesThe vital role Family members play and advice for Families with loved ones considering or starting PE therapyThe differences and unique challenges between treating Canadian Armed Forces and Royal Canadian Mounted Police VeteransResources About prolonged exposure therapy — The Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety at the Perelman School of MedicineFind a certified PE therapistRecorded trainings on PE therapy for service providersThe Centre for Posttraumatic Stress & Anxiety TreatmentEmail list for service providers — sign up to be notified about upcoming no-cost PE training opportunities offered by the Atlas InstituteOther training opportunities for service providers who work with Veterans and FamiliesJoin the Atlas Institute’s Evidence-Based Therapy Community of Practice Lire en français ici : https://atl-as.ca/mbtm-ep31-fr

    49 min

  5. 22 MAI

    The hidden impacts of intergenerational trauma with guests Guy Dallaire and Tarik Kadri

    In this episode of Mind Beyond the Mission, host Laryssa Lamrock is joined by guest co-host Tarik Kadri and special guest Guy Dallaire for a conversation about the impacts and complexities of vicarious trauma and intergenerational trauma among military and Veteran Families. Guy Dallaire was born into a multigenerational military Family — both his father and grandfather served in the Canadian Armed Forces. Guy served in both the Reserve and Regular Forces until he was medically released with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 2020. He is currently researching the impacts of vicarious trauma on adult children of Veterans and first responders. Guy reflects on how his upbringing in a military Family and his father's service experiences have shaped his own life and mental health. The episode unpacks the far-reaching impacts that trauma can have on Veterans and their Families — even spanning across generations — emphasizing the need for awareness and increased support for affected Families. Tarik Kadri served in the Canadian Armed Forces for 18 years, retiring as a Captain, Social Work Officer. Tarik is a registered social worker and trauma therapist and a member of the Atlas Institute’s Strategic Reference Group. Key topics The key differences between trauma, vicarious trauma and intergenerational traumaThe impacts of military service on Families, particularly childrenGuy’s personal experiences and reflections on growing up in a military FamilyChallenges faced by adult children of Veterans and first respondersSupport options and coping mechanisms for dealing with trauma-related issuesEncouragement and advice for open conversations about mental health within FamiliesResources Month of the Military Child — stories from military children and resources for parents and caregiversDandelion child: How my military childhood shaped meStories from young Veteran Family members, told in their own voicesWhy Is Daddy Like He Is? A book for kids about PTSD by Patience MasonChildren’s e-books for military, Veteran and public safety personnel FamiliesMaking sense of why I am like I am: The journey of adult children of VeteransRecordings and materials from previous Veteran Family Summits   Lire en français ici : https://atl-as.ca/mbtm-ep30-fr

    40 min

  6. 24 AVR.

    Finding strength in vulnerability with guests Gary Hollender and Sheri Lux

    Laryssa Lamrock and guest co-host Staff Sergeant (Ret’d) Gary Hollender are joined by Sheri Lux. Sheri opens up about losing her husband Mike, a Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) officer, who died by suicide in 2017. Sheri shares her journey of healing and self-discovery, providing insights into the unique challenges faced by RCMP Families, the power found in community support, and the importance vulnerability played in healing and processing such a profound loss. Gary discusses his own experiences in the RCMP and they emphasize the need for more open conversations about mental health in the military and Veteran community. Sheri Lux is an author, entrepreneur, mental health advocate and ambassador for Wounded Warriors Canada. Her memoir Finding My Fire is available for purchase online. Key topics The importance of community support in times of crisisInsights into the unique experiences of first responder FamiliesThe role the arts can play in healing and processing traumaHow vulnerability can serve as a source of strengthThe impacts mental health challenges can have on Family dynamicsThe importance of open conversations around mental health in the communityResources Suicide prevention for Veterans and Family membersMilitary and RCMP Veterans and suicide prevention — a toolkit of practical information and guidanceLooking after yourself and others — a toolkit of practical information and guidance on suicide prevention for Veteran FamiliesA guide for people and Families struggling with suicide — St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton9-8-8 — Suicide Crisis HelplineFinding My Fire by Sheri Lux Laryssa Lamrock et son coanimateur invité, le sergent d'état-major (à la retraite) Gary Hollender, sont rejoints par Sheri Lux. Sheri parle ouvertement de la perte de son mari Mike, un agent de la Gendarmerie royale du Canada (GRC), qui est décédé par suicide en 2017. Sheri partage son parcours vers la guérison et la découverte de soi, offrant un aperçu des défis uniques auxquels font face les familles de la GRC, du pouvoir du soutien communautaire et de l'importance de la vulnérabilité dans le processus de guérison et d'acceptation d'une perte aussi profonde. Gary parle de sa propre expérience au sein de la GRC et ils soulignent la nécessité d'avoir des conversations plus ouvertes sur la santé mentale dans la communauté policière, des forces armées et des vétérans. Sheri Lux est auteure, entrepreneure, militante pour la santé mentale et ambassadrice de Wounded Warriors Canada.

    42 min

  7. 26 MARS

    Turning pain into purpose with guests Emily Zufelt and Andrew Gough

    In this episode of Mind Beyond the Mission, Laryssa Lamrock is joined by guest co-host Andrew Gough — a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Veteran, serving Reservist and medically retired police officer — and guest Emily Zufelt. Emily is a former police dispatcher, advocate for first responders, military members and Veterans, and host and creator of What’s Your Twenty?, a podcast featuring stories from first responders, CAF members and Veterans, and other trauma-exposed professionals. Along with Laryssa, Emily and Andrew explore the parallels between the experiences and mental health journeys of first responders, military members and Veterans, and the unique nature of their work which puts them at high risk for exposure to trauma. Emily shares her personal journey of recovering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, and how these experiences have shaped her advocacy work. They discuss the concept of posttraumatic growth and turning pain into purpose. They emphasize the need for supportive communities and structures to aid in recovery, highlighting the significant role of Family in the healing process. Key topics:  The links between the mental health and well-being journeys of Veterans and first respondersThe power and challenge of overcoming stigma related to posttraumatic stress injuries (PTSIs)Strategies for finding purpose and healing in creativityThe role of Family in recovering from PTSIThe importance of self-advocacy in mental health treatmentNavigating identity beyond professional roles in uniformed servicesResources V-Eh! Veterans and Everyday Heroes: A not-for-profit organization providing wellness initiatives for Veterans and first responders, with the goal of reducing the stigma associated with mental health injuries What’s Your Twenty?: Emily Zufelt’s podcast featuring stories from first responders, CAF members and Veterans, and other trauma-exposed professionals Boots on the Ground: Anonymous peer support by first responders, for first responders Public safety personnel and posttraumatic stress injuries: Find resources, fact sheets and videos about PTSIs designed specifically for public safety personnel Your own brand of courage: A Mind Beyond the Mission episode featuring Andrew and Elizabeth Gough The Mind’s the Matter – Understanding a Family member’s operational stress injury: A free, module-based educational resource for Family members and friends of people living with operational stress injuries Wounded Warriors Canada: A national mental health service provider specializing in providing culturally informed services that utilize a combination of education, counselling, and training approaches to support resiliency and recovery from post-trauma injuries Operation LOBE: Watch a video about the CAF operation to evacuate the Canadian Embassy in Tripoli, Libya during a near civil war and then to provide protection for it. Lire en français ici : atl-as.ca/mbtm-ep28-fr

    47 min

  8. 26 FÉVR.

    Revisiting traumatic brain injury with Dr. Lyn Turkstra and Veteran and CFL player Ryan Carey

    This special compilation episode of Mind Beyond the Mission brings together the most valuable insights from two conversations with Dr. Lyn Turkstra and Veteran and CFL player Ryan Carey, who each joined Brian and Laryssa on Mind Beyond the Mission previously to share their perspectives as a clinician specializing in traumatic brain injury and a person with lived experience of TBI. Dr. Turkstra is Assistant Dean and Professor of Speech-Language Pathology in the School of Rehabilitation Sciences at McMaster University. A speech-language pathologist by training, she has over 30 years of experience working with individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Ryan is both a Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and former Canadian Football League (CFL) player. He played for five years with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He served as an infantry officer in the Royal Canadian Regiment from 2002 to 2016. Ryan is a brain donor and leader of Project Enlist, which brings awareness to head injuries in the military for the Concussion Legacy Foundation Canada (CLFC). Key topics: Understanding what can trigger a TBI and short and long-term symptomsThe differences and overlap between TBI and PTSDHow TBIs can impact women and men differentlyThe specific experiences in the military and sports that often contribute to TBIsPractical advice for living with a TBI Resources TBI 101: An overview of TBI, including causes, symptoms, treatment and ways to manage its impactsTools and strategies: Practical information and guidance for Veterans and Families on day-to-day care for a TBITBI and PTSD: Information on how TBI and posttraumatic stress disorder can overlap, including common symptoms and pathways to treatmentA resource for service providers who work with VeteransA webpage with information about TBI including support services, causes of TBI and additional resources Revoir la discussion sur les traumatismes crâniens avec la Dre Lyn Turkstra et le vétéran et joueur de la LCF Ryan Carey Cet épisode spécial de L'esprit au-delà de la mission rassemble les perspectives les plus importantes de deux conversations avec la Dre Lyn Turkstra et le vétéran et joueur de la LCF Ryan Carey, qui se sont tous deux joints à Brian et Laryssa dans L'esprit au-delà de la mission pour partager leurs points de vue en tant que clinicienne spécialisée dans les traumatismes cranio-cérébraux et en tant que personne ayant vécu un TCC. Thèmes clés Comprendre ce qui peut déclencher un TCC et les symptômes à court et à long termeLes différences et les chevauchements entre le TCC et le TSPTComment les TCC peuvent avoir un impact différent sur les femmes et les hommesLes expériences spécifiques dans le militaire et le sport qui contribuent souvent aux TCCConseils pratiques pour vivre avec un TCC

    57 min
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À propos

Dive deep into the real issues experienced by Veterans, former RCMP members and Families living with mental health injuries. Mind Beyond the Mission is a podcast focused on having authentic conversations that are gritty, honest and informative. Mind Beyond the Mission is hosted by Laryssa Lamrock and Brian McKenna, members of the lived experience team at the Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families.

Informations

  • Création
    Brian McKenna and Laryssa Lamrock
  • Années d’activité
    2022 - 2025
  • Épisodes
    34
  • Classification
    Tous publics
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Mind Beyond the Mission
  • Site web de l’émission
    Mind Beyond the Mission