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 5: Mental Health & The Holidays [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:03
In Episode 5 of A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health, presented by Beem Credit Union, host Jessica Samuels is joined by Mike Gawliuk, CEO of CMHA Kelowna for a conversation on Mental Health & The Holidays. The h…
Episode 4: Men's Mental Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:53
In Episode 4 of A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health, presented by Beem Credit Union, host Jessica Samuels is joined by Mike Gawliuk, CEO of CMHA Kelowna, for a discussion on men's mental health and suicide rate…
Episode 3: Cost of Living [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:28
In Episode 3 of A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health, presented by Beem Credit Union, host Jessica Samuels is joined by Mike Gawliuk, CEO of CMHA Kelowna, for a discussion on the cost of living and how it can af…
Episode 2: Housing & Homelessness [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:08
In Episode 2 of A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health, presented by Beem Credit Union, host Jessica Samuels is joined by Mike Gawliuk, CEO of CMHA Kelowna, for a discussion on housing and homelessness. This episo…
Episode 1: Youth Mental Health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:07
In the first episode of A Way Forward Podcast: Conversations on Mental Health, presented by Beem Credit Union, Jessica Samuels covers the topic of Youth Mental Health with CMHA Kelowna CEO Mike Gawliuk and the need for m…
A Way Forward - Podcast Trailer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31
Introducing A Way Forward: Conversations on Mental Health, hosted by Jessica Samuels in partnership with CMHA Kelowna, and presented by Beem Credit Union. In this short introduction episode, Jessica Samuels outlines that…