Bob Wilkie heard Erin Brown speak at a the Legends Charity Classic in Canmore, Alberta. He knew he wanted to have her on the podcast. Erin is an adaptive athlete and amputee whose story spans childhood bullying, postpartum depression, secondary trauma, and the sudden illness that led to the loss of her leg. Erin recalls growing up in Flin Flon, Manitoba, facing vicious bullying that eroded her confidence and kept her from sports she loved.

She later rebuilt her sense of self working in the mine, moving to Calgary, and eventually becoming a mother—only to be plunged into crisis when her young son nearly died and then, years later, when a minor bike fall spiraled into sepsis and amputation. Erin shares how Rocky Mountain Adaptive, skiing on one leg, deep therapy work, and community helped her rediscover purpose. Her honesty about body image, fear, and resilience offers hope to anyone living with trauma.

Find Erin on Instagram: @brokenbarbie11.

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In this episode of "Tear Off the Tape," host Bob Wilkie and guest Alan Canerva discuss the emotional and psychological toll of trauma. Alan shares his experiences, including childhood traumas like getting stuck in a cave and a bicycle accident, and how these events impacted him later in life. They explore the three hallmarks of trauma: fear, terror, and helplessness, and how witnessing trauma in others can also be traumatizing. Alan introduces the "7Ts" framework for trauma: Tragedy, Theft, Torment, Torture, Tenacity, Treatment, and Triumph, emphasizing the importance of addressing trauma quickly and effectively. He also shares success stories of individuals who have healed from severe trauma, highlighting the potential for recovery at any age. Alan Canerva discusses the prevalence of sexual trauma, noting that two out of five men and one out of three women have experienced it. He emphasizes the importance of addressing these issues and shares his personal journey of gaining respect and better boundaries. Alan offers free 30-minute consultations through his website, inspired.com, and encourages people to reach out for support. He also highlights the significance of creating a vision for future self-improvement, referencing Bob Proctor and Matthew McConaughey. The conversation concludes with a call to action for those struggling with trauma to seek help and improve their lives.

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I shared my life’s arc—from a mobile childhood in Saskatchewan after my father’s business failed, through anxiety and codependency, to finding stability in marriage and raising two children. My mother’s long cancer battle and later death left deep scars, and years later I discovered I carried the same cancer gene, leading to multiple surgeries that changed my body and sense of self. My first husband developed PTSD; his struggle and eventual death upended my family and forced me into grief work. Art—painting, candle-making, and writing—became my refuge and path to self-love, culminating in my book Finding My Fire. I learned the power of boundaries, honest conversations, and group support. I now speak for first-responder families, advocate for education about trauma, and volunteer with veteran and frontline organizations. Today I continue healing, living authentically, and helping others find purpose, resilience, and compassionate strength. I encourage others to explore creative outlets and seek connection for recovery daily.

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Brad Lambert joins host Bob to share his powerful journey from small-town Alberta hockey kid to junior and pro enforcer, and ultimately to survivor and community pillar. Brad describes leaving home at 16, being thrust into the role of fighter, and living with constant anxiety, fear, and performance pressure while wearing a mask that everything was fine. He details the unhealthy coping of partying, addiction, and gravitating toward chaotic environments, culminating in being shot eight times in a Montreal bar. Treated more like a criminal than a victim, Brad spiraled for years in anger, self-destruction, and hopelessness. His turning point came when becoming a father and finally asking for help, entering a program that gave him tools to process trauma, manage anxiety, and let go of hate—including writing and burning a letter to the man who shot him. Brad now lives sober, supports others, and stresses that asking for help is an act of strength, not weakness.

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Bob speaks with Derek Hines, a Marine veteran, sharing his deeply personal journey through trauma, resilience, and healing. Derek discusses the impact of a strict upbringing, early struggles with mental health, and the profound effects of military service in Afghanistan—including exposure to violence, loss, and survivor’s guilt. After leaving the service, Derek faced further challenges with addiction and family disruption but eventually sought help through therapy and veterans’ support organizations. Emphasizing the significance of community, gratitude, and vulnerability, Derek highlights his work supporting fellow veterans with resources like his “Mindful Gratitude” journal and outreach initiatives. The conversation, led by Bob Wilkie, explores the stigma around discussing trauma and the power of connection, showing Derek’s growth from enduring hardship alone to finding purpose in service to others and raising his daughters.

Buy Derek's Book here

Connect With Derek on LinkedIn

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Greg Niwa joins me to explore the profound impact of trauma and mental health. Greg shares his remarkable journey, from growing up on a ranch to facing devastating personal losses, including the heartbreaking suicide of his son Brandon during the COVID-19 pandemic. What struck me most was Greg's incredible resilience and his commitment to turning grief into purpose by creating the Beach Project, a mental health education initiative.

We unpack the importance of vulnerability, the power of self-conversation, and the critical need for proactive mental health support. Greg's story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to find meaning in the most challenging circumstances. Through our conversation, we hope to shed light on the often-overlooked emotional toll of trauma and inspire others to seek help and support.

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In this powerful first episode of Tear Off the Tape, I sit down with Bob Harriman, a retired RCMP officer who's lived a life defined by resilience. Growing up with a mother battling mental illness, Bob learned early on how to navigate life's challenges. From potentially heading down a dark path to finding purpose through the Boys and Girls Club, his story is a testament to the power of community and personal growth. We dive deep into his experiences as a police officer, dealing with 104 fatal accidents, and the mental toll of witnessing trauma. Bob shares candidly about the importance of vulnerability, the need to 'tear off the tape' and talk about our experiences, and how seeking help isn't weakness—it's strength. His journey is a powerful reminder that we can transform our pain into purpose.

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The story of the Humboldt Broncos tragedy in 2018 shocked the nation. Ryan Straschnitzki was on the bus and joins me to explore the incredible journey of resilience that followed the devastating Humboldt Broncos bus accident. Ryan shares his raw and honest story of confronting trauma, from the pressures of junior hockey to the life-changing moment that altered his path forever. We dive deep into the psychological challenges of dealing with unexpected tragedy, the importance of mental health, and how he transformed his experience into purpose. Through his work with the Straz Strong Foundation, Ryan demonstrates how personal pain can be channeled into supporting others facing similar challenges. His story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to not just survive, but to find meaning, hope, and a new direction after unimaginable adversity.

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