Shows
Uncle Jimmy's PodcastBreaking the Silence: Men's Mental Health Matters the journey of Laverne FriesenIn this powerful episode of Uncle Jimmy's Podcast, Laverne Friesen shares his harrowing journey from a childhood steeped in trauma within a religious cult to becoming a law enforcement officer and ultimately a beacon of hope for others. Laverne discusses the impact of abuse, the struggles with mental health, and the importance of healing through therapy. He emphasizes the need for open conversations about men's mental health and the significance of breaking generational cycles through empathetic parenting. Laverne's story is a testament to resilience, healing, and the power of vulnerability.Takeaways
2026-03-071h 00
Wisdom Without The GuruChildhood Trauma, Policing, and PTSD: Breaking the Silence as a First Responder with Laverne FriesenWhat happens when the environment that raises you is also the source of harm?In this episode I speak with Laverne Friesen, a former Canadian law enforcement officer who grew up in an ultra-conservative, closed religious community in rural Alberta. From early childhood, Laverne experienced violence, scapegoating, fear-based control, and profound betrayal — including sexual assault that was never properly addressed because the church insisted on “handling it internally.”Laverne eventually left the community as a teenager and built a career in policing and emergency response. But the nervous system that grows up in chaos...
2026-02-041h 35
Mens AnonymousBreaking The Cycle: A Father Turns Pain Into Purpose With Laverne FriesenLaverne Friesen spent his formative years in an abusive religious cult, where people around him – even his own parents – taught him to feel he is fundamentally flawed. Looking back to his journey of resilience with Daniel Weinberg, he shares how he escaped this unhealthy environment, experienced a mental health crisis, and discovered profound healing through therapy. He talks about learning to catch his negative self-talk and dealing with his biggest childhood trauma to turn his painful memories into purpose. Laverne also discusses how he aims to break the cycle of abuse by doing everything in his power to be a go...
2025-11-2147 min
Vision Pros Live PodcastWhat's your vision? Laverne Friesen. Podcast Session 1.What's your vision? Laverne Friesen. Podcast Session 1.
2025-05-1920 min
The Meredith Patterson PodcastHealing Through Vulnerability with Laverne FriesenMy guest is someone who embodies resilience and authenticity. Laverne Friesen is a former law enforcement officer whose life has been shaped by incredible challenges—childhood abuse, a painful divorce, a mental health crisis—but rather than being broken by them, he chose to transform. Through his work as a peer supporter, public speaker, and the host of the True Emotion Dad podcast, Laverne is on a mission to shatter the stigma around mental health and masculinity. He's showing others—especially men—that healing is possible, and that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a superpower. This...
2025-05-0959 min
A Chat with Jay "Remove your Mask, Write your Story, Authentic Opinions, Views & Stories"Ep 51 Part 1 with Laverne Freisen from CanadaJourney of a Whitefeather.. Remove the mask and write your story.....its time to live nowMy Journey has inspired me to be a motivational speaker, healer, author and mentor using my bat belt of gifts, my contagious energy and inspiration to help you find your purpose & yourselfToday I talk to Laverne Friesen from CanadaLaverne says in his pre interview ..."I am an "accidental" life coach who is passionate in helping others love themselves. I say accidental because after a prolonged mental health crisis, stressful divorce, and an unplanned career change...
2025-03-0533 min
Forgive and ThriveFnT 174: Why ending mental health stigma matters more than ever with Laverne FriesenIn today’s episode, we talk with Laverne Friesen, who is on a mission to raise awareness about the damaging effects of mental health stigma. We delve into the critical importance of ending mental health stigma and its profound impact on our lives and society. Drawing from personal experiences and real-life stories, we explore how stigma prevents individuals from seeking help, affects employment and productivity, and the benefits of supportive work environments, affects relationships and leads to social isolation, and even influences our physical health. We touch also on the role of advocacy and education in changing perceptions and re...
2024-12-0456 min
Healing for Male Survivors with Mike Chapman50 - Live Interview with Laverne FriesenLaverne Friesen is on a mission to raise awareness on the harmful effects of the stigma that surrounds mental health. After surviving a prolonged mental health crisis, he was pulled back from the brink of suicide by the love and presence of his children. In an incredible journey of post-trauma growth, Laverne has triumphed over the effects of being raised in a cult, experiencing childhood physical and sexual abuse, abusive relationships, and a traumatic career in law enforcement. With an unwavering commitment to personal growth, he has transformed his life after trauma, heartbreak, and a career-ending psychological injury. Now...
2024-12-031h 05
The Mental Health MixtapeEpisode 14: From Darkness to Light – Laverne Friesen’s Story of Resilience and RedemptionJoin host Ryan Collyer as he sits down with Laverne Friesen, whose life journey is a powerful testament to resilience, healing, and transformation. Laverne’s diverse path spans roles as a first responder, a farmer, and a worker in Northern Canada’s energy development industry. But beneath these experiences lies a story marked by deep trauma—including childhood violence and emotional abuse—that eventually led to an occupational stress injury and a mental health crisis. Silenced by stigma, Laverne fought alone against depression and anxiety until he finally sought professional help.
Through intensive therapy, Laverne began to heal and...
2024-11-191h 04
A Chat with Jay "Remove your Mask, Write your Story, Authentic Opinions, Views & Stories"Ep 15 Part 1 with Laverne Friesen from Canada ; A Chat with Jay "Remove your Mask, Write your story"Journey of a Whitefeather.. Remove the mask and write your story.....its time to live nowMy Journey has inspired me to be a motivational speaker, healer, author and mentor using my bat belt of gifts, my contagious energy and inspiration to help you find your purpose & yourselfToday I talk to Laverne Friesen from CanadaLaverne says in his pre interview ..."I am an "accidental" life coach who is passionate in helping others love themselves. I say accidental because after a prolonged mental health crisis, stressful divorce, and an unplanned career change...
2024-11-0936 min
Journey to PurposeFrom Trauma to Transformation: Laverne Friesen on Mental Health and HealingLaverne Friesen shares his profound journey from a traumatic childhood marked by abuse and a controlling upbringing to a successful career in law enforcement, which ultimately led to a mental health crisis. Through therapy and self-discovery, he learned to embrace his emotions, find empathy, and transform his pain into purpose. Now a personal coach and mentor, Laverne emphasizes the importance of reaching out for help and creating safe spaces for others to share their struggles. His story serves as a powerful reminder of resilience and the ongoing journey of healing.TakeawaysLaverne's childhood was marked by...
2024-11-071h 07
Raw MindsRaw Minds S2 Ep. 9 - Escaping the Cult, Defending the Law: A Man's Fight for FreedomIn this deeply moving and powerful episode of Raw Minds, Laverne courageously shares his story of survival, pain, and eventual hope. Raised in the tightly controlled environment of a cult, Laverne was subjected to sexual abuse that haunted him well into adulthood. Despite escaping the cult, he found himself trapped in emotionally abusive relationships, and although he built a career in law enforcement, his path took a devastating turn when a psychological injury ended his career.
During this dark period, Laverne faced a prolonged mental health crisis, struggling with suicidal thoughts for months, too terrified to speak...
2024-10-251h 40
Nobodies Are Somebodies Podcast with Chad ViceEpisode 0000261: Laverne FriesenIn this week's episode, I'm speaking with Laverne Friesen, a former law enforcement officer and a survivor of childhood abuse. After experiencing a prolonged mental health crisis, a divorcee, forced career change and heartbreak, Laverne transformed his pain into personal growth. Now as a transformational coach, Laverne helps others find personal empowerment, deeper connections, and fulfilling relationships. This is Laverne's story! Laverne Friesen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaverneFriesen97 On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trueemotionhealing?lang=en Website: www.trueemotion.ca
2024-08-2044 min
Nobodies Are Somebodies PodcastEpisode 0000261: Laverne FriesenIn this week's episode, I'm speaking with Laverne Friesen, a former law enforcement officer and a survivor of childhood abuse. After experiencing a prolonged mental health crisis, a divorcee, forced career change and heartbreak, Laverne transformed his pain into personal growth. Now as a transformational coach, Laverne helps others find personal empowerment, deeper connections, and fulfilling relationships. This is Laverne's story! Laverne Friesen on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaverneFriesen97 On TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@trueemotionhealing?lang=en Website: www.trueemotion.ca
2024-08-2044 min
Phoenix Wisdom: inspiring stories of transformation and triumph over suicidal ideation#59 - Rising Above: Overcoming Trauma and Finding Purpose with Laverne FriesenIn this episode of the Phoenix Wisdom podcast, host Janet Sandberg welcomes Laverne Friesen, a former law enforcement officer and child abuse survivor whose lifetime of trauma took him to the brink of suicide during a prolonged mental health crisis. Saved by the presence of his young children, Laverne sought help when he realized he could no longer fight through on his own. He has embraced healing and self-discovery and has finally learned to love himself for who he is.
Laverne's story is a compelling testament to the power of resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of seeking help. From...
2024-08-1448 min
Personal Development Trailblazers PodcastUncover Your Subconscious Drivers with Laverne Friesen
Welcome to the Personal Development Trailblazers Podcast! In this episode, we'll explore the subconscious motives that influence your life, helping you gain insight and control over your choices.
Laverne Friesen is on a mission to raise awareness about the damaging effects of mental health stigma! After surviving a prolonged mental health crisis and the depths of despair, he was pulled back from the brink of suicide by the love and presence of his children.
In an incredible journey of post-traumatic growth, Laverne has triumphed over the...
2024-08-0715 min
You're Not The Only OneWhat if your escape from a cult was just the beginning?Born into a cult a boy endures horrific acts of abuse that follow him into his career in law enforcement.“Just knowing someone reached out to help me, because they could see something was going on with me it was like a golden hug from the universe. I knew now without a doubt that I was not alone. I knew I could do this, that there was hope”
Today's guest featured Laverne Friesen. If you would like to reach out to Laverne you can email him at laverne@trueemotion.ca. He also has a news...
2024-07-2850 min
Real Men Feel with Andy GrantBreaking the Stigma of Mental Health | Men Hurt and Can HealSometimes, the bravest thing you can do is ask for help. Men face a stigma about that, too.My guest today is Laverne Friesen. He is a former first responder who is passionate about raising awareness around the stigma of mental health after experiencing his own mental health crisis. Now, as a transformation coach, Laverne shares the wisdom he gained from his traumatic experiences to help others live fulfilling lives.Laverne shares his experience as a sexual abuse survivor in a fundamentalist family who went on to become a police officer and hid his mental...
2024-07-1353 min
Our People: Holdeman Mennonite StoriesA Voice from Crooked Creek: Laverne's Story of Resilience and HealingJoin us as we delve into the life journey of Laverne Friesen. Born into the Holdeman Mennonite community in Crooked Creek, Alberta, Laverne shares his candid experiences of growing up within and eventually stepping away from the Church of God in Christ Mennonite. This episode explores the complex tapestry of faith, personal growth, and the arduous path to healing from religious trauma.
Discover how Laverne confronted challenges from his upbringing, questioned deep-seated beliefs, and navigated through significant life changes—from moving across Canada to reassessing his spiritual and mental health. He also touches on the sensitive subject of...
2024-04-211h 27
Real Men Don't Cry. Or Do They?17- Healing from abusive mother and suicidal thoughts -Laverne FriesenIn this immensely powerful episode, Laverne shares the challenges an abusive mother left him with to navigate as a man. He went through a time in his life where he had planned out his suicide, and it was his daughter that helped him realize he needed to find a way to stay alive.
Laverne Friesen is a former law enforcement officer who, after decades of being stuck in victimhood, transmuted painful lifetime events into opportunities for growth and healing. He is committed to constant growth and is passionate about helping others find and recover their power.
TikTok / Instagram @trueemotionhealing
www...
2024-04-0151 min
UpTalk PodcastS8E11: Laverne Friesen | Former Law Enforcement Officer | Mental Health Advocate | True Emotion ApparelWelcome Laverne Friesen back to Feb podcasts. We chat about the incredible journey he has been on since his last appearance here. Absolutely incredible. Blessed to be a part of this conversation. You can still get your tickets for the Education Days in Halifax. Visit www.tema.foundation for all of the info. Find UpTalk wherever you get your podcasts. If you Listen on @applepodcasts please take a second to leave a review. UpTalk Season 8 is presented by The Tema Foundation www.tema.foundation Sponsored by Before Operational Stress (B...
2024-03-121h 26
Inspire Me PodcastLaverne's journey through a mental health crash that lead him down a spiritual path to his true self.
Laverne Friesen is a former Firefighter & Law Enforcement Officer whom was forced into therapy after having a mental health crash that took him to the brink of suicide.
Laverne embraced therapy and began to peel back the layers, that a lifetime of trauma had built up, around his true self. In the process Laverne discovered that we all suffer, and began to question “What are we doing to each other?”
Laverne’s journey of recovery took him places that he would have never imagine. Now, trained as a reiki healer and a yoga teacher, Laverne believes that his pu...
2023-03-2250 min
UpTalk PodcastS5E21: Laverne FriesenMeet Law Enforcement Officer, and former Volunteer Firefighter, Laverne Friesen. This episode is dedicated to Senior Firefighter Joshua Spilman. Subscribe, Listen, and Share! #UpTalkSeason5 #OwnYourGrowth #MoreLoveLessJudgement
2020-08-181h 44
SAMatters RadioMental Health Mayday - The Verne and Chancy Friesen Story - Part 2Contact Us www.SAMatters.com www.RichGasaway.com 612-548-4424 (office) 651-331-8518 (cell) Get connected with SAMatters Facebook: Follow SAMatters LinkedIn: Follow Rich Gasaway Twitter: Follow Rich Gasaway Instagram: Follow SA_Matters Youtube: Subscribe to SAMattersTV Itunes: Subscribe to SAMatters Radio Stitcher Radio: Subscribe to SAMatters Radio Google Play: Subscribe to SAMatters Radio iHeart Radio: Subscribe to SAMatters Radio...
2020-03-1055 min
SAMatters RadioMental Health Mayday - The Verne and Chancy Friesen Story - Part 1 Laverne Friesen was a guest on Episodes 301 and 302, talking about his mental health near-miss. Upon the completion of the recording, he mentioned to me that his wife has a powerful story to share about how this journey has impacted her and their relationship. This is their joint mental health mayday story. You may want to also go back and listen to his previous interview which contains many additional details not included in this interview. Show Notes Contact Us www.SAMatters.com www.RichGasaway.com...
2020-03-0351 min
SAMatters RadioA Mental Health Mayday. The Laverne Friesen Story – Part 2 Laverne Friesen spent his career in a variety of first responder positions in Alberta, Canada. His experiences include healthcare, volunteer firefighter and a sworn law enforcement officer. This has exposed him to the best and worst of what people do to themselves and to others. After his battle with mental illness, Laverne committed himself to starting conversations to destigmatize mental illness in first responders, which has led to the realization that the issues plaguing the emergency services applies to the public at large. Laverne is trying to raise awareness ar...
2020-01-0755 min
SAMatters RadioA Mental Health Mayday. The Laverne Friesen Story Laverne Friesen spent his career in a variety of first responder positions in Alberta, Canada. His experiences include healthcare, volunteer firefighter and a sworn law enforcement officer. This has exposed him to the best and worst of what people do to themselves and to others. After his battle with mental illness, Laverne committed himself to starting conversations to destigmatize mental illness in first responders, which has led to the realization that the issues plaguing the emergency services applies to the public at large. Laverne is trying to raise awareness ar...
2019-12-3153 min