Meet Brad
When given the opportunity to share his story in high schools, Brad jumped at the chance and quickly realized just how influential your story can be. This began his journey into speaking, educating, and advocating for mental health and substance use. After overcoming his own battles, Brad quickly realized that his most powerful tool was his voice.
A recurring theme in Brad’s speaking is perseverance. He overcame many hurdles in his addictions and was once again tested when he received a cancer diagnosis in 2015. Brad faced this head on and is currently living cancer free. This experience gives Brad a unique perspective on how people are treated when struggling with addictions in comparison to struggling with cancer.
Brad is an engaging speaker and quickly captures the attention of his audience. He has a no-nonsense, straight-forward approach, which combined with his sense of humour, is refreshing. Brad is easy to relate to, as he is more than willing to share his personal stories. These things, mixed with his unorthodox use of poetry while speaking, make his presentations informative and unforgettable. His content ranges from lived experience to education on a wide range of mental health and addiction topics.
Brad received a Mental Health and Addictions diploma through the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology. He has learned a lot about the Indigenous culture and holds these teachings in high regard. He has also incorporated a holistic approach of healing into his professional and personal life.
Over the last 5 years, Brad worked as an Outreach Addictions Counsellor and now works part-time as an Addictions Counsellor at a residential substance use treatment program, which allows him the time to focus on his passion - public speaking. He continues to work with communities to provide mental health and addiction support through his educational groups and public speaking events based around Mental Wellness and Holistic Healing.
He has opened a private practice and has a few spots available for new clients. He is trained in Motivational Interviewing and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy.
Brad was an integral part of the development of two mental wellness programs. He received the Safety Centered Leadership Award in 2022 for his contributions to the design of the Service Hospitality mental wellness modules. In March of 2023, he was honored by the province for his contributions to the Mental Health and Addictions field with the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee award.
Through sharing his story, Brad is helping others and feels that he has finally found his calling and can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Services
Complimentary Consultations
Book a Complimentary Consultation with Brad
Presentation Topics
Brad's Story
Mental Health &
Addiction Awareness
A poetic glimpse into a life of mental health struggles, addiction and recovery.
School Packages
Mental Health &
Addiction Awareness
Workshops promoting eduction, awareness and wellbeing.
Workplace Wellness
Mental Health & Addiction in the Workplace
Workshops, breakout sessions and presentations designed for your business.
Community Building
Promoting Positive Mental Health in Your Community
Workshops may be combined with School Packages for total community support.
Stopping Stigmas
Destroying Stigmas & Stereotypes in Addiction
Cancer and Addiction.
Two Diseases.
One Story.
Testimonials
Media Gallery
At SCSA's Annual General Meeting in Yorkton, Brad was the featured guest at this event.
Brad's presentation at the SCSA's Annual General Meeting was also featured in Yorkton This Week online.
Brad struggled with drug and alcohol addiction for over 20 years. He shares a glimpse into his powerful story in the social media video project produced by the Canadian Mental Health Association, and partially funded by the Royal University Hospital Foundation.
Brad shares his journey with students in Davidson and Watrous, stating "I think that mental health and addictions is such that there's no age group, and there's no discrimination; it affects everyone. When we take a community approach and talk to both the adults and the youth, it's a sure-fire way to build support and awareness in your community."
In the Project Voice series, Brad shares his answer to the question: If you could tell people one thing about mental illness or substance use disorder, what would it be?
In the Project Voice series, Brad shares his answer to the question: What is the one thing that you should NOT say to people with mental illness or addictions?
Brad talks with Chuck Thuss, Co-Founder and Co-Host of the podcast Warriors Unmasked. Both Brad and Chuck are opening their ears and hearts to continue making it easier for men to be vulnerable and shake off the stigma that accompanies mental health and addictions.
Brad sits down with Daniel Unmanageable of Hard Knox Talks for an engaging and interactive conversation about his story of struggle, recovery and the valuable lessons he has learned along the way that saved his life.
