Episode 16: Corey Hirsch

Episode 16: Corey Hirsch

Author: CMHA Kelowna and Jessica Samuels September 24, 2025 Duration: 29:40

In this powerful episode of A Way Forward, host Jessica Samuels sits down with Corey Hirsch — former NHL goaltender, Stanley Cup champion, Olympic silver medalist, broadcaster, and mental health advocate.

From the outside, Corey seemed to be living the dream at the height of his hockey career. But behind the mask, he was struggling with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and suicidal thoughts that nearly cost him his life.

Corey opens up about:
-The hidden reality of living with OCD while playing in the NHL.
-Why stigma kept him silent for over 20 years.
-How sharing his 2017 Players’ Tribune article, “Dark, Dark, Dark”, changed the conversation for him and countless others.
-The importance of being “that person” someone can talk to without judgment.
-The tools he uses today to manage his mental health, from therapy and medication to exercise, meditation, and community.

This candid and inspiring conversation reminds us that talking about our struggles saves lives — and that healing begins when we break the silence.

✨ Key takeaway: Mental health is health. Be the person someone can turn to.

Resources & Links:
Dark Dark Dark - https://www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/corey-hirsch-dark-dark-dark
You are not alone - https://www.theplayerstribune.com/articles/corey-hirsch-you-are-not-alone
Canucks Hockey Talks Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOmVmAIXX7Y
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOmVmAIXX7Y

Learn more about OCD at www.cmhakelowna.org

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8 in Canada to connect with suicide prevention support.

🎧 A Way Forward is presented by Beem Credit Union, with deep roots in BC and a commitment to supporting strong, healthy communities.


Hosted by Jessica Samuels and presented by the Canadian Mental Health Association's Kelowna branch, A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health digs into the real-world factors that impact our psychological well-being. This isn't just a discussion of symptoms, but a thoughtful exploration of the societal, cultural, and personal stressors that weigh on us. Each episode moves beyond simply identifying problems to focus on practical approaches and tangible practices that can make a difference. You'll hear conversations that acknowledge how interconnected our mental health is with our physical fitness, our community, and the world around us. Supported by Beem Credit Union, the podcast provides a grounded space where complex topics feel accessible. Tuning in offers more than just insight; it’s about gathering useful information and realistic tools that you can apply to your own life. The goal is to leave each conversation with a clearer sense of direction and, as the title suggests, a genuine path toward resilience. This is a resource for anyone looking to understand the nuances of mental health and find actionable strategies for themselves and their communities.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 27

A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health
Podcast Episodes
Episode 13: Managing Your Mental Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:44
In this episode, hosts Jessica Samuels and Mike Gawliuk unpack what it really means to “manage your mental health” — and how that differs from managing mental illness. Together, they explore everyday actions, habits, and…
Episode 12: Mental Health & Caregiving [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:26
In Episode 12: Mental Health & Caregivers of A Way Forward Podcast | Presented by Beem Credit Union, hosts Jessica Samuels and Mike Gawliuk, CEO of CMHA Kelowna, explore the realities of mental health and caregiving. As…
Episode 11: Workplace Mental Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:36
In Episode 11: Workplace Mental Health of A Way Forward Podcast | Presented by Beem Credit Union, host Jessica Samuels is joined by Candace Giesbrecht, Director of People, Culture & Engagement at CMHA Kelowna, to explore…
Episode 10: Housing First & Complex Care [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:35
In Episode 10: Why Supportive Housing Matters of A Way Forward Podcast | Presented by Beem Credit Union, hosts Jessica Samuels and CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawiuk to discuss the critical role of supportive housing in addres…
Episode 9: Exploring Counselling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:54
Welcome to Episode 9: Exploring Counselling of A Way Forward Podcast | Presented by Beem Credit Union. In this episode of A Way Forward, Jessica Samuels and CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk dive into the topic of counsellin…
Episode 8: Mental Health in Heavy Times [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:34
Welcome to Season 2 of A Way Forward, presented by Beem Credit Union. In this episode, hosts Jessica Samuels and CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk discuss strategies for managing mental health during turbulent times. With a…
Episode 7: Loneliness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:58
In Episode 7 of A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health, presented by Beem Credit Union, host Jessica Samuels sits down with CMHA Kelowna CEO, Mike Gawliuk to dive into the topic of loneliness—what it truly means,…
Episode 6: The State of Mental Health in Canada [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:38
In Episode 6 of A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health, presented by Beem Credit Union, host Jessica Samuels sits down with Mike Gawliuk, CEO of CMHA Kelowna, to discuss findings from the State of Mental Health in…