A Way Forward Podcast Blog Series: Q&A with Jessica Samuels

You might be wondering, ‘Who is Jessica Samuels, the host of A Way Forward Podcast?’ CMHA Kelowna sat down with Jessica to really dive into her story, why she hosts this podcast, and her passion for mental health supports.

This conversation started by asking Jessica about her personal and professional background, and how she became a part of CMHA Kelowna.

CMHA Kelowna: Can you tell us a bit about your journey – what led you to become involved with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) and the A Way Forward Podcast?

Jessica: At first glance, my journey that led me to this organization and this podcast may not seem very direct, but I think a lot of what has happened along the way has allowed this to be such a good fit. I went to school to be a Broadcast Journalist and spent many years in the career.

I had almost every position in media there is, but my passion was always for what is known as long-format journalism. I started out as a content producer/researcher for a Vancouver radio talk show, that lead to a position doing the same for a national television talk show.

Eventually life brought me to the Okanagan where I did a few different things in media until I landed the position as host of my own talk radio show. I love having the time to really dig into a topic and share it in a way that matters to people. I firmly believe that words and conversations, learning and understanding, and holding space for peoples’ stories and experiences can make all the difference.

Which kind of connects to me leaving media to go into non-profit communications when you think about it. That career change eventually led me to CMHA Kelowna in 2017. During my 5 years at the organization, my role evolved and expanded but it was always about engaging with people, truly hearing what they had to say, and sharing how CMHA Kelowna could help.

I’d say another key point was the “Mental Health Monday” monthly segment I did while at CMHA Kelowna, along with my husband and Global Okanagan video-journalist Travis Lowe.

We won a BC Association of Broadcasters award for the series. But more important [than the award] is how folks in the community would come up to us and tell us how the segment had helped them. They still do today. I left CMHA Kelowna in 2022 to pursue a once-in a lifetime chance to become a small business owner.

CMHA Kelowna: What experiences in your life or career have shaped your understanding of mental health and wellbeing the most?

Jessica: I didn’t really grow up with any sort of stigma around speaking about mental health. Whether it was through friends, family members, or through my own personal journey, having open and vulnerable conversations about mental health and mental illness was a part of the norm for me.

Talking with someone about their struggles and mental health highs and lows was common – it was just what you did. I don’t think I realized how important, and perhaps different, that was until later years.

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Storytelling is one of Jessica’s strong suits, as an award-winning journalist, we wanted to know more about how she wants to use her skills as a journalist as the host of A Way Forward Podcast.

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CMHA Kelowna: What inspired you to start hosting A Way Forward Podcast, and what do you hope listeners take away from each episode?

Jessica: People are not okay. That’s not meant as a catch phrase or a tagline. Mental health has been a topic of conversation for a long time, but the reality is that it continues to be a big issue that is not going away.

Service organizations such as CMHA Kelowna are feeling compelled not only to do more, but to do it differently. They are doing some really great work with innovative programs and supports, and through sharing information in ways that are easily and readily accessible.

What I hope listeners take-away from the podcast are seeds of information, insight, and hope that they can nurture to possibly help stave off a mental health crisis. This may not be possible for everyone, but it could be for someone.

There are many factors that could cause someone to have mental health issues. I’m not saying this podcast is going to be a solution for everything. But I do believe it can serve a helpful purpose, however small.

CMHA Kelowna: How do you approach crafting conversations or selecting topics for the podcast to ensure they resonate with a wide audience?

Jessica: When it comes to conversations about mental health, there are always topics that are at the forefront for individuals and communities. These are the ongoing issues that are impacting all of us. I pay close attention to the conversations of people around me. What are they experiencing? How are they feeling? What in life is impacting their mental health?

I pay attention to all of that, loud and obvious headlines and the quiet anecdotal comments. Then I do a lot of research. Of course, I really rely on CMHA Kelowna CEO, Mike Gawliuk’s decades of knowledge and experience during these conversations. What I learned during my years working with Mike at CMHA Kelowna is that he has a particular ability to explain a complex problem in simple bitesize pieces. That really is the key to this podcast.

CMHA Kelowna: Why are you personally passionate about mental health advocacy, and how has this passion influenced your work? 

CMHA Kelowna: What has been the most rewarding or impactful moments for you since starting the podcast?

Jessica: Taking it from the idea stage to actually doing it has been incredibly rewarding. What is also rewarding is that we are starting to get feedback from listeners – what helped them, what they would like to hear more about.

That is great because it means people are listening and engaging with the podcast which means we are on the right track.

CMHA Kelowna: What challenges have you faced in addressing mental health topics in an accessible and relatable way through the podcast?

Jessica: These are really tough topics. I don’t want the podcast itself to negatively impact someone’s mental health and that can be a challenge. We try to keep a fine balance with each episode. That’s how the name of the podcast came to be. How can we be frank and open about the topic and instill hope in the individual who is identifying with it? How can they feel like there is a way forward?

Distilling down the relevant information without feeling like we are leaving out important facts is another hard aspect of these episodes. I really rely on the flow of conversation led by Mike’s responses and expertise for that. I don’t ever know what he is going to say. I may have a general idea, but I don’t know for sure. I think that aspect of our conversation gives it a natural and honest flow.

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After season 1, the podcast created a dedicated audience with over 1000 views on YouTube, and 200 audio downloads. Jessica has big plans for season 2, engaging viewers on how they can get involved in supporting those who struggle.

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CMHA Kelowna: Where do you see the podcast going in the future, and how do you hope it contributes to the broader conversation about mental health?

Jessica: I would love to see that folks are engaging with the podcast more; sending us topic ideas, commenting, and asking questions. If that happens, I think our reach will expand and our listeners (and watchers) will increase. For me, that would mean more people may be able to find help, hope, and a way forward.

CMHA Kelowna: What advice would you give to individuals who want to make a positive impact in the mental health space but don’t know where to start?

Jessica: Start a conversation whether it is with yourself or someone close to you. Connection is a huge factor in mental health – and I mean real connection. I think that is something a lot of people are missing.

It’s important to know you don’t have to have all the answers. If someone close to you is struggling, you don’t have to solve their problems. You don’t have to know the exact right resource or organization to go to. Often, just listening and holding space for them goes a long way. So does supporting them as they navigate finding the right resources.

Recognize this work is heavy. It can take a toll. Make sure you are well rooted on how to manage your own mental health and have a network of your own supports.

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Tune in to the first season of A Way Forward Podcast: Conversations on Mental Health, wherever you get your podcasts or on YouTube, to learn more about mental health topics, programs, and supports that could help you or your loved ones better their mental health journey.

The way forward is together.

Mental Health Support Services | Canadian Mental Health Association Kelowna

Want to contact the podcast? Email: awayforward@cmhakelowna.org

A Way Forward Podcast is proudly presented by Beem Credit Union. BlueShore Financial, GFCU Savings, Gulf & Fraser, Interior Savings, and North Peace Savings are tradenames of Beem Credit Union.

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