In this episode of Awareness: Fostering a More Compassionate, Empathetic, and Accepting Society, Rob Daniels sits down with Jessica Compton, Director of Operations for Tree of Stars, for an important conversation ahead of Mental Health Awareness Month.

Jessica shares what Tree of Stars stands for, the purpose behind the organization, and the meaningful initiatives they have planned for May. Together, Rob and Jessica explore why mental health awareness continues to matter, the power of empathy and community, and how individuals can get involved and make a difference.

The conversation also takes a personal turn as both Rob and Jessica reflect on something they now share in common, recently releasing new books. They discuss the inspiration behind their writing, the role of storytelling in healing, and the impact their messages hope to have on others.

This episode is a reminder that awareness of others can change lives, and that even small acts of understanding can create a lasting impact.

"How do you move forward when the world as you knew it has ended?"

This week, we sit down for an incredibly brave conversation with Sarah and Jessica. We are meeting them in a tender moment: just one week after the one-year anniversary of the death of Sarah’s son, Riley, who died by suicide. In this episode, we explore what life looks like after the unthinkable. Sarah and Jessica share the reality of the "year of firsts" and address one of the most difficult aspects of their journey: the fact that there were no signs. We move beyond the tragedy to honour who Riley was, focusing on his personality, his light, and the enduring love of the family he left behind.

Throughout our conversation, we discuss the importance of celebrating Riley’s life beyond his final moments and the raw confusion that comes when a loss occurs without visible warnings. We explore what it feels like to cross the one-year anniversary threshold and how the sisters are turning their pain into a legacy of advocacy. This episode is a lighthouse for anyone navigating their own "unthinkable" or for those who want to understand how to better show up for the people they love.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. You can call or text 988 anytime from anywhere in Canada. This service is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Your story is not over.

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Mary Marano about how to set New Year’s resolutions that are realistic and sustainable. She shares tips on staying motivated, building lasting habits, handling setbacks, and using reflection and mindfulness to succeed. Learn practical strategies to make meaningful changes in your health, career, relationships, and personal growth.