Episode 16 - A Conversation with Brett Gardiner

In this episode, we have the privilege of talking with Brett Gardiner, the most awarded western sports announcer in Canadian history.

As the thirteen-time and reigning Canadian Pro Rodeo Announcer of the Year, Gardiner has educated and entertained audiences all across North America. Brett has been behind the microphone at some of the most celebrated events including the Canadian Finals Rodeo, the Calgary Stampede and since 2016 he has been on the PBR Canada Cup Series featured on TSN.

As a Speaker and Advocate, Brett speaks to over a million people annually and currently works many of the industries most celebrated events. But more than that, Brett was High School teacher for 14 years and worked with some of our school systems most complex learners. Over that time Brett learned first hand the importance of building relationships and fostering connection with both students and adults.

After his successful teaching career, Brett would continue on his journey of helping others and obtain a Master of Counselling Psychology Degree and is currently working towards his doctoral degree in Sport and Performance Psychology.

It is this combination of experiences and accolades that have quickly made Brett a strong advocate for mental health, and a highly sought after mental performance consultant and counsellor to many individuals, athletes and organizations. Brett has also become a public speaker in the area of mental health and motivation.

In this episode:

• dealing with mental health as a “masculine male”
• Relationship and listening is key to building connection for mental health
• What role do we play to help keep people connected?
• Every generation still needs face to face personal connection. Nowadays, we need to be creative about it in a social media world
• Your job is to find something that IS for you - you may not get excited about the same connection types as others, but find your “thing”
• There’s some personalization in your process….does it fill your tank? That’s what you do!
• Quote: "Everything therapeutic is not therapy."
• Can we build you a little capacity. What fills your gas tank?
• Sometimes we have to have the tough times to appreciate the good times

Only 11% of farms have succession plans…it’s important to recognize seasons in your lives

Quote by Anne Bradstreet

"If we had not winter, the spring would not be so pleasant. If we did not sometimes taste adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome”

• How do we define success for ourselves?
• What’s happiness and joy for ourselves?
• Once you get clear on those, then you have something to drive towards! What are you trying to get to?

Finally, What’s your favourite tradition?

Links and Resources:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.nfmha.ca/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - National Farmer Mental Health Alliance

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.lilaclanemedia.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - Lilac Lane Media

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