Changing Mental Health Conversations with Allan Kehler

For this week’s Inspirational Leadership Podcast I spoke with Allan Kehler, who’s a mental health advocate, international keynote speaker, and best-selling author of four books. His writing has been published in countless national magazines and he has been featured on several television and radio programs. He has also instructed various mental health related courses at the college level, and spent years working as an addiction counselor and clinical case manager.

Allan is one of Canada’s most sought-after speakers when it comes to the topic of mental health and wellness. He has stood on more than 500 stages and is recognized for his engaging style and captivating approach. Having persevered through his own mental health issues and substance use, Allan speaks from a place of experience. His moving stories tug on heartstrings, inspire a new perspective, and allow people to connect with themselves and others at a deeper level. He uses humor and compassion to create a safe space where people feel seen, heard and supported.

Allan has developed a genuine appreciation and passion for learning and working with Indigenous people and communities. This has played a key role in his own recovery and these cultural teachings can be found in his presentations.

Recently, Allan and his wife, Tanya, launched Born Resilient™ – a clothing line that empowers people to persevere through their challenges and find their inner strength. They are proud to donate a percentage of their profits to organizations that promote wellness.

Here are some of the topics we discussed:

• Understanding that vulnerability shows immense strength
• Why so many people with mental health struggles suffer in pain for so long
• How to surrender to the things you can’t control and create peace
• Shifting from trying to fix people and instead creating a space where people feel seen, heard and supported
• Why emotions are energy and expressing feelings leads to healing
• The difference between existing and intentionally living your life
• How leaders who show up authentically give others permission to do the same
• Responding the same way to emotional pain as physical pain
• Tapping into your resilience and surrounding yourself with people who lift you higher

Listen to the podcast here:

Watch the video here:

Show Notes:

Learn more about Allan and his work here

Connect with Allan on Facebook, Linkedin, Instagram and Twitter

Watch Allan’s TEDx Talk – Mental Health Crisis in Men

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