In this episode of Keep Talking, we sit down with Mary Deacon, Chair and Founder of Bell Let’s Talk.
This conversation explores Mary’s why — what first inspired her to champion mental health, and what continues to drive her commitment to ensuring these conversations don’t end after a single day.
Together, we talk about leadership, community impact, and the importance of continuing to show up for mental health year after year. Mary reflects on the evolution of Let’s Talk, the role of collective action, and why keeping the conversation going is essential to creating real, lasting change.
Keep Talking is all about honest conversations around mental health, lived experience, and hope — and this episode is a powerful reminder that awareness is just the beginning.
We’ll also continue the conversation with the Foundation’s President and CEO, Starr Cunningham, reflecting on what this work means for mental health and addiction support here in Nova Scotia and beyond.
New episodes of Keep Talking are available on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.
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
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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 Mary Deacon
Mary Deacon is Chair of the Bell Let’s Talk mental health initiative, the largest-ever corporate initiative of its kind in Canada. Launched in 2010, Bell Let’s Talk supports improved access to care, workplace leadership, research and anti-stigma programs, including the annual Bell Let’s Talk Day and has contributed over $140M since its inception. Intended to build awareness, acceptance and action in mental health, Bell Let’s Talk Day has become a global phenomenon with people around the world sharing their stories of both struggle, recovery and hope. Prior to becoming Chair of the Bell Let’s Talk, she had a long and successful career in the philanthropic sector including almost a decade as the inaugural President of the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation – supporting Canada’s largest mental health hospital. A passionate advocate and leader in the mental health community, Mary is respected and known for bringing people and ideas together to create positive change.