A mental health podcast where nothing is off the table. Join self advocate and hosts Mélanie Héroux,Victor Pereira and Daniel Share-Strom as they explore topics and how they relate to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
2025
Special Olympics Podcasts Spring 2025
Her Health Matters: Supporting Women's Health in Special Olympics
In this episode of the IDD Get to Know Me podcast, co-host Melanie interviews Dr. Laura St. John (a women’s health researcher), Camille Williams (a project manager within the Peter Gilgan Centre), Bridgette Lord (a nurse practitioner at Women’s College Hospital), Susan Wang (a Special Olympics athletes), Rachel Skanes (a director of youth and health programs at Special Olympics Nova Scotia), and Catriona Le May Doan (Canadian Olympic speed skater and Champions Network Athlete). They discuss the importance of supporting the menstrual and breast health of Special Olympics athletes and share ideas for how to manage symptoms and recognize changes.
Sleep
In this episode of the IDD Get to Know Me podcast, co-host Victor interviews Janet McCabe (a researcher), Claire Lemaire (a Special Olympics athlete), Corinne Lemaire (Claire’s mom), and Cheryl Bernard (a Canadian Olympic athlete and Champions Network Athlete). They discuss the importance of sleep for Special Olympics athletes and share tips to help get a good night's sleep.
Diabetes
Staying active through sports is a fun and effective way to help prevent diabetes and boost overall health. This topic highlights how regular physical activity, like participating in Special Olympics, can lower the risk of developing diabetes while helping athletes stay fit and strong. Being active not only improves fitness but also supports overall well-being, helping athletes feel their best.
Diabète
Écouter sur Apple | Écouter sur Spotify
Mindfulness
In this episode of the IDD Get to Know Me podcast, co-host Victor interviews Sue Hutton (a Mindfulness expert), Peter Charnish (a Special Olympics athlete), Cindy Charnish (Peter’s mom), Mark Tewksbury (a Canadian Olympic swimmer), and Natascha Wesch (a Special Olympics Canada Mental Performance Lead). They discuss the importance of mindfulness for Special Olympics athletes (and all of us!) and share tips for those just starting out in their mindfulness journey.
Listen on Apple | Listen on Spotify
Health Check-in
In this episode of the IDD Get to Know Me podcast, co-host Melanie interviews Dr. Yona Lunsky (a researcher and clinical psychologist) , Dr. Ullanda Niel (a family doctor), Heidi Mallett and Monique Shah (both Special Olympics athletes), and June Shah (a coach and family member). They discuss the importance of regularly checking in with a healthcare professional and ideas for how to prepare for appointments to make the most out of each visit.
Men's Health
In this episode of the IDD Get to Know Me podcast, co-host Victor interviews Dr. Jonathan Weiss (a researcher and clinical psychologist), Duncan Leblanc (a coach and family member), Kyle Shewfelt (a Canadian Olympic gymnast), and Matthew Fields (a Special Olympics athlete). They discuss men’s health, the stigma around men’s mental health and how to balance physical and mental well-being as athletes.
