What's Your Twenty

Emily Zufelt

A mental health check-in for First Responders, Armed Forces, and persons exposed to and dealing with trauma. Navigating, managing and living life with PTSI/PTSD. *Disclaimer* The information on this podcast is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your health care provider before making any health care decisions or for guidance about a specific medical concern or condition. If you or anyone you know has a medical emergency or is suicidal call 911 immediately or Canada Suicide Prevention Services at 1-833-456-4566. The views and opinions expressed on the podcast and associated social media pages are those of the authors and speakers and do not reflect or represent the views or opinions of their employers, groups or associations that they may be affiliated with. All content including text, graphics and images contained on or available through this podcast and associated social media pages is for general information purposes only. read less
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Episodes

The Road Ahead Begins with Curiosity
1w ago
The Road Ahead Begins with Curiosity
In this episode, Emily delves into the transformative power of curiosity and hope through the personal journey of healing and growth. The focus is on the pivotal role of curiosity as a sign of recovery, inspired by the insightful words of a therapist, Roberta, who played a crucial role in Emily's healing process. She explores how becoming curious about her future and possibilities, signalled a shift towards wellness - reflecting on her journey, from questioning her capacity for happiness to aspiring to leave behind a life filled with struggles and suicidal thoughts. This episode emphasizes the importance of aligning external circumstances with internal awareness and viewing breakdowns as breakthroughs. Listeners are encouraged to move beyond comfort zones, embrace gradual transformation, and validate themselves from within. The episode highlights the inevitability of setbacks and the strength gained from outgrowing old lives and embracing the desire for more - more wellness, emotional management, and authenticity. Emily discusses the necessity of active participation in personal growth, starting with small, consistent actions that lead to significant breakthroughs over time. The episode also provides practical tips on starting small, utilizing available resources, and maintaining a vision of a healthier self. Ultimately, this episode is about choosing moments that matter, acknowledging the journey of trials and errors, and nurturing changes that prioritize well-being. It's a powerful reminder that healing and growth begin with the willingness to embrace change and take that first step.
Ginette Petitpas Taylor: Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
14-09-2024
Ginette Petitpas Taylor: Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
In this episode, I am honored to welcome Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Canada’s Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence. With a career that spans from social work to her current role, Minister Petitpas Taylor brings a deeply empathetic and dedicated perspective to her work. She reflects on her early career as a social worker and her time with the RCMP - experiences that shaped her approach to public service that led her to public office and advocacy for veterans. Our discussion delves into her appointment as Minister of Veterans Affairs and the profound sense of responsibility it carries. Minister Petitpas Taylor shares her experiences with cold calling World War II veterans, and offering a glimpse into the importance of those conversations. We also explore the various ways Canada commemorates its veterans, including the significance of the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and how these commemorations honour the bravery and sacrifices of our servicemen and women. The conversation shifts to the modern-day veteran and the evolving needs of those who have served. Minister Petitpas Taylor addresses the controversial "Purge" and its impact on veteran services, providing insight into the ongoing efforts to support veterans effectively. Additionally, she highlights the challenges faced by veterans dealing with brain injuries and the effects on their mental health, underscoring the necessity of comprehensive support and services. Join us for this discussion as Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor sheds light on her commitment to improving veteran services and the meaningful work being done to ensure that those who have served our country receive the recognition and support they deserve.
Ryan Carey, Capt (ret'd): Project Enlist
28-02-2024
Ryan Carey, Capt (ret'd): Project Enlist
Exploring the latest in brain health and trauma, Ryan Carey is a retired Captain of the Canadian Armed Forces and a passionate advocate for veterans' well-being. Not only did Ryan serve in the CAF, but he also played professional football in the Canadian Football League. Intimately knowing the connection between sport and military concussions and head injuries, he was thrown into the world of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease caused by repeated brain trauma. After retiring from the military, Ryan joined Project Enlist Canada, a research initiative that aims to accelerate critical research on traumatic brain injury (TBI), CTE, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military veterans. Ryan has pledged to donate his brain to Project Enlist Canada, hoping to contribute to the advancement of science and the improvement of the lives of those affected by brain trauma. He also raises awareness and educates others about the signs, symptoms, and treatments of CTE and related disorders. In addition, Ryan is the founder of Operation Brain Health, a program (and soon-to-be app) that helps veterans develop healthier habits. The program provides tools and guidance for exercising regularly, eating well, sleeping better, as well as peer support and social integration. Operation Brain Health is part of Ryan's mission to help veterans feel better and cope with the challenges of brain injury and their symptoms. Special thanks to Brendan Hynes and his coffee company, Your Daily Fix, for sponsoring this episode. Brendan is a member of the Canadian Armed Forces as well as a proud Ambassador of Project Enlist.
Suicide Survivorship: Marisa Tracey, wife of the late MWO Daniel Tracey
05-06-2023
Suicide Survivorship: Marisa Tracey, wife of the late MWO Daniel Tracey
Marisa Tracey - mother, wife and widow of the late Master Warrant Officer Daniel Tracey, who died by suicide on October 13, 2022 - courageously talks about living with and loving a military man who battled mental health and PTSD until his suicide. Marisa discusses surviving Dan’s suicide and learning how to heal herself and her family. What is the definition of survivorship? Survivorship literally means the act of surviving and the further recognition that there is more to life after the suicide of a loved one than just surviving. A husband, father, friend and colleague - at the age of 46, MWO Daniel Basil Tracey ended his life by suicide. With a military career spanning over 21 years, Dan joined the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Royal Canadian corps of Signals (RCCS) in 2002 as a Signals Operator. After serving with the 2nd Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group (2 CMBG), as a member of 2 CMBG HQ and Signal Squadron and subsequently of 1st Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment, Dan joined the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM). Dan was an expert in his field, a leader, a mentor, a brother in arms, and a loyal friend. Everyone would say that they didn’t see the signs leading up to Dan taking his life, but looking back, he struggled terribly with mental health and PTSD/PTSI. In the words of his widow, “Dan knew how to save everyone, he just didn’t know how to save himself.”