What does it take to build a healthy heart and mind?

Too often, we think of physical and mental health as separate—but they’re more connected than we realize.

Dr. Scott Lear, a Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser University and the Pfizer/Heart and Stroke Foundation Chair in Cardiovascular Prevention Research, has spent decades studying how to prevent heart disease. Imagine his surprise when he was diagnosed with it!

In this episode, Dr. Lear shares his journey, the powerful link between heart and brain health, and why small, everyday choices can make a big impact on your longevity and well-being.

From movement and nutrition to managing stress, he breaks down practical, science-backed steps that anyone can take to improve their heart health. He also opens up about his experience with depression, the moment he knew he needed help, and why removing the stigma around mental health is just as important as preventing heart disease.

If you’ve ever delayed a checkup, ignored symptoms, or brushed off stress as "just part of life," this episode will change how you think about your health—before it’s too late.

Follow Dr. Scott Lear

• Website - https://drscottlear.com/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drscottlear/
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@drscottlear
• X - https://x.com/DrScottLear

MINDFIT Toolkit - Mental Wellness for Men - from Canadian Men’s Health Foundation

https://menshealthfoundation.ca/mindfit-toolkit

Follow Canadian Men’s Health

• Website - https://menshealthfoundation.ca/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/menshealthfdn/
• Facebook - https://facebook.com/menshealthfoundation

Chapters

00:22 Meet Dr. Scott Lear

00:56 Dr. Lear's Heart Health Journey

05:02 Diagnosis and Lifestyle Changes

07:46 Research on Physical Activity

14:03 Mental Health and Personal Struggles

22:25 Advice and Final Thoughts

26:39 Conclusion and Resources

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How can one conversation change everything?

Too often, men struggle in silence, unsure of how to talk about emotions or seek support. But what if something as simple as asking, "How are you? No, really?" could make all the difference?

After experiencing an unimaginable loss, Mike Cameron—founder of A Love Letter to Men, entrepreneur, and executive coach, turned his grief into purpose. He joins guest host Buzz Bishop to explore the impact of helping men build resilience, redefine strength, and develop emotional fitness—just like physical fitness.

Whether navigating personal struggles, looking to strengthen your emotional well-being, or simply curious about a fresh perspective on men’s mental health, this conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

Follow Mike Cameron

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mikecameron.ca/
• LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/mikecameron
• Facebook - - https://www.facebook.com/mikedavidcameron
• X - Mike Cameron (@axiommike) / X
• YouTube - https://youtube.com/mikecameronspeaks

Register for A Love Letter to Men virtual event happening Feb 18th to 20th

https://lovelettertomen.com/schedule-2025

Mentioned in the Episode

• Dear Men - https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/dear-men-emotions-1.5126049
• TedX Talk - https://www.ted.com/talks/mike_cameron_redefining_badass_the_way_we_think_about_strong_is_wrong

MINDFIT Toolkit - Mental Wellness for Men - from Canadian Men’s Health Foundation

https://menshealthfoundation.ca/mindfit-toolkit

Follow Canadian Men’s Health

• Website - https://menshealthfoundation.ca/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/menshealthfdn/
• Facebook - https://facebook.com/menshealthfoundation

Episode Chapters

00:24 Meet Mike Cameron: Author and Coach

01:10 Mike's Ultra Marathon Journey

03:50 The Tragic Story of Colleen

05:54 Dear Men: A Viral Editorial

06:56 Exploring True Strength and Emotional Mastery

09:13 The Power of Forgiveness

17:07 Creating the Love Letter to Men Conference

23:38 Building Emotional Fitness and Community

30:48 Final Thoughts and Reflections

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are more Canadians ditching booze?

Dr. Sylvain Charlebois—known as The Food Professor—leads the Agri-Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University, studying the trends that shape how Canadians shop, eat, and drink.

In this episode, he explores the rising popularity of non-alcoholic beverages, shifting alcohol consumption habits, and how these changes are impacting men’s health and daily life.

Whether you’re curious about cutting back on alcohol, looking for healthier choices, or just here for expert insights, this conversation offers fresh perspectives on Canada’s evolving health landscape.

Follow Dr. Sylvain Charlebois

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/charlebois.sylvain/
• Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@thefoodprofessorpodcast8171
• Agri Food Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University - https://www.dal.ca/sites/agri-food.html

Follow Canadian Men’s Health

• Website - https://menshealthfoundation.ca/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/menshealthfdn/
• Facebook - https://facebook.com/menshealthfoundation

00:20 Meet Dr. Sylvain Charlebois: The Food Professor

01:30 Exploring Food Distribution and Policy

02:50 The Impact of Food Inflation

04:37 Shifts in Alcohol Consumption

07:00 Generational Differences in Alcohol and Cannabis Use

10:04 The Rise of Non-Alcoholic Beverages

11:45 Economic and Health Implications of Alcohol Consumption

18:21 Public Health Messaging and Guidelines

26:02 Final Thoughts and Advice

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you think running a marathon is tough – what about running one every day, for 100 days? Four years ago, Canadian hip-hop artist DillanPonders traded alcohol for running shoes. Running became a passion that transformed his life, his health and his music. Conquering his own struggles with depression and addiction, he took on the gruelling 100-day challenge to shine a light on men’s mental health, and offer support to others navigating similar battles.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

CTV National News Correspondent, John Vennavally-Rao is a survivor of two primary cancers, lung and rectal cancer. Before his diagnosis there were no symptoms, he never smoked, and a colonoscopy was the last thing on his mind. It took multiple surgeries, extended hospital stays, and every resource at his disposal to fight back. And it started with a simple, routine health screen, a colonoscopy.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Next Gen Men is a non-profit organization with an ambitious goal: to build a future where boys and men experience less pain. Director of Programs, Jonathon Reed knows firsthand how much it matters to support, protect, and help boys be true to themselves and cared for by the people around them. As an educator working directly with boys and young men, Jonathon guides conversations from classrooms to wilderness expeditions alike, about identity, mental health, and what it means to be a man.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Harris is no stranger to the exhilarating highs of championship wins and the darkest lows of mental health. The four-time Grey Cup Champion, MVP, and CFL All-Star joins host Dan Murphy and shares why success often stood in stark contrast to how he truly felt. At his breaking point, Andrew didn’t want to get out of bed, be around anyone, or wake up the next day. He’s now a mental health advocate with a message to take off the mask, be vulnerable, and let others in.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

At age 15, Rick Hansen was told he would never walk again. Today, the six-time Paralympic medalist and Canadian icon joins guest host Buzz Bishop to discuss the people, experiences, and lessons that helped him navigate his darkest moments and complete a 40,000 km world tour. Rick shares how he redefined what it means to be an athlete, rebuilt his life purpose, and his advice for those confronting life’s toughest challenges.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.