In this episode of Keep Talking, host Sam Madore sits down with Paul Hollingsworth, Multi-Skilled Journalist with CTV National News, for a deeply personal and meaningful conversation.
Paul shares his experience of losing his brother to suicide while he was still a university student, and how that devastating moment reshaped his life and sense of purpose. He reflects on grief, compassion, and how carrying that loss forward led him to become a passionate supporter of mental health initiatives and open conversations around suicide prevention.
Together, they talk about the importance of showing up for one another, the power of storytelling, and how honesty and connection can help turn pain into purpose — and isolation into understanding.
We also continue the conversation with the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia’s President and CEO, Starr Cunningham, reflecting on what stories like Paul’s mean for mental health awareness and community care in Nova Scotia and beyond.
New episodes of Keep Talking are available on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
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Support & Resources
This episode may include discussion of mental health or suicide. If this brings up difficult feelings, help is available.
Canada Suicide Crisis Helpline: Call or text 988 (24/7)
Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team (NS): 1-888-429-8167
Kids Help Phone: 1-800-668-6868 or text 686868
If you’re in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
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About Keep Talking
Keep Talking is a podcast by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia, which funds community-based mental health and addictions programs across the province. The Foundation does not provide direct services.
Learn more or support our work: mentalhealthns.ca
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About Paul Hollingsworth
Paul Hollingsworth is a multi-skilled journalist for CTV National News, based in Halifax. Born and raised in Halifax, Paul began as a reporter and quickly developed a talent for covering live events. Paul then broadened his skills by stepping behind the anchor desk and leading a team as the weekend producer/anchor. Paul always stood out as the go-to guy for sports. With a keen passion and a head for stats, TSN began to take notice of Paul’s abilities and extended invitations for him to not only host shows from their Toronto studios but also report from a variety of events in North America and around the world. Highlights of his career include reporting from the World Series, World Baseball Classic, Super Bowl, 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany, Stanley Cup Playoffs, Tim Hortons Brier and IIHF World Junior Championships. A published author, Paul has written a book about Sidney Crosby and lends his time and talents to events that support Mental Health initiatives.
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This episode was recorded and edited by Tiny Rhino Studios and produced by Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.
Music: “I Must Believe” by T. Thomason