Real conversations. Real stories. Real hope.
Living with PTSD can feel isolating. Loving someone who lives with PTSD can be just as overwhelming. Whether you’re a veteran, first responder, survivor of trauma, healthcare professional, family member, or someone searching for answers, Bridging The Gap is a place where honest conversations replace silence and understanding begins.
Hosted by Brian Smith, creator of the Smith House Adventure Show and a graduate of the BCIT Radio Arts program, alongside Lisa Mason, President of Operation: Talk 2 Me Johnny, this podcast brings together people who have lived through trauma, experts in mental health, advocates, and families who have learned that healing isn’t something anyone should face alone. Every episode shares authentic stories of resilience, recovery, setbacks, breakthroughs, and the power of connection. There are no scripted answers or perfect solutions, just meaningful conversations designed to educate, inspire, and remind listeners that there is hope beyond the struggle. If you’ve ever felt misunderstood, if you’re supporting someone with PTSD, or if you believe your story could help someone else find their way, you’ve found a community that wants to hear your voice. Could your story change a life?
We’re always looking for guests willing to share their experiences, expertise, or journey with PTSD, trauma recovery, mental health, and resilience. Your story doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be real. The conversation you share today could become the hope someone else needs tomorrow. Watch an episode. Join the conversation. Help us bridge the gap between struggle and understanding, One story at a time.
Lisa Mason
President of Operation: Talk 2 Me Johhny Lisa Mason sits down to talk about what is happening with the charity’s events in 2026, and we discuss the sister event that will be starting in Abbotsford, BC 2027.
Mark Ritchie
Retired from the Royal Canadian Airforce, Mark found photography and drones as a passion and with those skills has helped OT2MJ capture the moments at last year’s event and will be helping out again this year to help us grow.
Rob Lalande
After serving the Canadian Armed Forces With the PPCLI, like most felt a sense lost when he first released, but serving was always in his heart and he started Battle Buddies K-9 to give veterans a fully trained service dog to help them with their PTSD and other problems.
Diane Bergsma
Mental Health Matters for everyone and Three Oaks Cabin supports that but also provides a safe place where your first responders and farmers can go to get the help they need and have a break from the everyday stress they are exposed to.
Sharon & John Little
Host Brian Smith Sits down with the parents of Sgt John Little PPCLI. To talk about the life of John and the loss it has on the family, and how they Co-Founded OT2MJ to help other individuals with PTSD.
Bryan Ward
Bryan Ward (Bryan and Bobby) is a New Zealand Police officer whose media presence includes his top‑five‑rated Coppuccino podcast, radio appearances, and guest spots on The Café TV show sharing uplifting, practical messages about service, belonging, mental health, and community.