DanSun Health is a space dedicated to breaking the silence around mental health through powerful visual storytelling and honest conversation. Created by internationally recognized artist, paramedic, retired firefighter and counselling therapist Daniel Sundahl, this channel explores the intersection of trauma, healing, and the human experience.
🎨 Therapeutic art and how the creative process benefits mental wellbeing
🧠 Mental health discussions grounded in real-world experience
💬 Tools for Post-Traumatic Growth
🌱 Inspiration for personal growth, connection, and wellbeing
Episode #32 - Tracking First Responder Suicide with Gavin Flewelling. The Flare Initiative
In this episode of the DanSun Health Podcast, Gavin Flewelling discusses the importance of tracking first responder suicides in Canada through the Flare Initiative, emphasizing data accuracy, community support, and mental health awareness.
Key topics:
The purpose and importance of the Flare Initiative
Challenges in tracking first responder suicides
The four pillars: visibility, precision, community, compassion
Legislation and its impact on mental health support
The role of community and stigma reduction
Self-care and mental health strategies for responders
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to the podcast and guest Gavin Flewelling
03:09 Comparison with the US and the need for accurate data
04:23 Why tracking suicides helps improve prevention programs
06:51 The four pillars of the Flare Initiative: visibility, precision, community, compassion
09:16 The importance of accurate data and overcoming challenges
12:24 Community engagement and supporting families
13:35 The role of compassion and normalizing mental health
16:30 Legislation and its influence on reporting and support
21:24 Benefits for families and the community
22:39 Achievements and future goals of the Flare Initiative
24:42 The scope of first responder professions included
25:46 Current data and ongoing challenges in data collection28:45 The importance of mental health normalization and support33:16 Gavin's self-care practices and hobbies
35:10 How to support the Flare Initiative and upcoming events
36:27 Long-term vision and the goal to put themselves out of business
37:27 Strategies to capture unreported suicides and community involvement
38:06 Upcoming events and community engagement opportunities
39:53 Advice for first responders struggling with mental health
45:15 Closing remarks and appreciation for Gavin's work
Links:
Webpage: https://flareinitiative.org/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/the_flare_initiative/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flare-initiative/posts/?feedView=all
https://www.4pointshealth.com/
In this episode of the DanSun Health Podcast, we explore men's mental health, featuring insights from Sandra Daoust, a registered counselling therapist specializing in men's mental health. With a practice largely composed of male clients, Sandra sheds light on the unique challenges they face and the misconceptions surrounding their mental health journeys. Sandra shares insights on the unique challenges men face, the importance of understanding masculinity, and practical approaches to therapy that foster vulnerability and growth.
key topics
• Men's mental health statistics and challenges
• The impact of societal expectations on men
• Therapeutic approaches for men, including parts work and somatic experience
• The concept of healthy versus toxic masculinity
• Strategies for men to seek help and build connections
00:00 Introduction to Sandra Daoust and her expertise
01:53 The focus on men's mental health and societal challenges
03:57 The gaps in counselling training for men's issues
06:59 Common issues men seek help for, including purpose and anxiety
10:00 Statistics on men's mental health, homelessness, and suicide
15:10 Fatherlessness and its impact on masculinity
20:02 Understanding wounded versus healthy masculinity
24:49 Approaches to therapy: parts work, somatic experience, and emotional awareness
29:54 The importance of male connection and community
34:55 Growth versus recovery and vulnerability in men
39:56 Sandra's personal motivation and purpose in her work
44:59 Creative outlets and self-care routines
50:05 Advice for men seeking help and how to find the right therapist
54:47 Supporting men as therapists and the importance of male-informed care
57:55 How to contact Sandra Daoust and final thoughts
Links:
Webpage: https://www.sovereign-wellness.com/
Psychology Today profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/therapists/sandra-daoust-north-vancouver-bc/1522295
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandradaoust/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sovereignwellness/
Sovereign Love book by Dene Logan MFT: https://a.co/d/07HCFMpz
Mental Health Links:
Canada -
HeadsUpGuys: https://headsupguys.org/
Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 9-8-8 (24/7, bilingual, nationwide).
Mental Health Support: Get Help: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health-services/mental-health-get-help.html
Crisis Text Line: Text CONNECT to 741741.
USA-
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: www.988lifeline.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): www.nami.org
Mental Health America (MHA): www.mhanational.org
Movember (Mental Health & Suicide Prevention): www.movember.com
United Kingdom -
Mind: mind.org.uk
Samaritans: samaritans.org
NHS Every Mind Matters: nhs.uk/every-mind-matters
Rethink Mental Illness: rethink.org
Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM): thecalmzone.net
UK Men's Sheds Association: menssheds.org.uk
Australia -
Lifeline: lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue: beyondblue.org.au
SANE Australia: sane.org
Black Dog Institute: blackdoginstitute.org.au
MensLine Australia: mensline.org.au
Australian Men's Shed Association: mensshed.org
5 Jul 2026
Episode #30 - Integration of Mental Health into Emergency Services with Dr. Drew Anderson
In this episode, Dr. Drew Anderson shares his unique journey from academia to first responder mental health, emphasizing the importance of integrating mental health practices into emergency services. We explore strategies for building sustainable mental health programs, the role of peer support, and the impact of diet and lifestyle on mental well-being.
Key Topics
• Integration of mental health into emergency services
• Building and sustaining peer support programs
• Organizational culture and leadership in mental health
• Impact of diet and lifestyle on mental well-being
• Strategies for mental health assessment and monitoring
Chapters00:00 Introduction to Mental Health in First Responders
03:05 Dr. Drew Anderson's Journey and Experience
06:01 Integrating Mental Health into First Responder Organizations
08:47 Building a Culture of Mental Health Support
12:05 The Importance of Preventative Measures
14:51 Peer Support Teams: Structure and Function
17:57 Reintegration of First Responders After Mental Health Challenges
21:02 The Role of Eating Disorders in Mental Health
34:31 Exploring the Link Between Eating Disorders and Trauma
39:42 Childhood Trauma and Its Impact on Eating Disorders
44:43 The Role of Nutrition in Mental Health
53:46 Personal Strategies for Mental Health Maintenance
58:43 Creativity in Professional Life
01:01:03 Improving Mental Health in Organizations
LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/drew-anderson-53b1804
Email: qolconsultingllc@gmail.com
Website - https://qolconsultingllc.com
Lecture on integration of mental health for emergency services: https://youtu.be/44CJ2c9AXdI?si=5QdO5C6d9n_dtSrP
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Contact DanSun Health Podcast
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of DanSun Health Podcast?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
