© 2022 All rights reserved
The 2025 Schedule is still being finalized. The sessions and times below might adjust as we finalize this year’s roster.
6:00pm
This year we are hosting a virtual meetup. You can hang out on the zoom meeting, network with other like minded individuals and community allies.
6:10 pm
Welcome and evening overview
6:20pm
Kris Marks
30 Minutes
A multi-sensory exploration of how art and music can be used to help men communicate more effectively, express emotions, build connections, and heal from trauma.
About Kris:
VĪV Mental Health CEO and founder Kristopher Marks has shared his inspiring stories, lived experiences, and expertise with audiences all over the world.
Kristopher has established himself as a prominent and passionate voice in the fields of mental health, leadership development, workplace and generational cultures, psychological safety, suicide awareness, and supporting men, youth, and communities.
His authentic delivery style, captivating presence, and creative visuals highlight his
connection-based approach to audience engagement and immersive learning.
Kristopher is a Certified Psychological Health & Safety Advisor through the Canadian
Mental Health Association, with additional certifications in Mental Health First Aid and
Psychological First Aid. He is also a Red Seal journeyman machinist, professional
musician, and stand-up comedian.
6:30pm
David, Doug and Riley
30 Minutes
Participants in this informal panel session will hear three unique stories told by men involved with men’s sheds in the Edmonton Region. Presenters will share their stories of what “being retired” means to them, how they came to be involved with men’s sheds, what they do in relation to men’s sheds, and in what ways their involvement with men’s sheds has been of benefit to their health and well-being. Along with hearing the stories of 3 “shedders”, session participants will gain a sense of what the men’s sheds movement in Alberta and worldwide is about as well as resources that will help them find or start a shed in their own community.
7:15 pm
Mike, Nathan, Pascal
30 minute
Are you curious about how men’s groups are transforming lives? Our upcoming panel at the Love Letter to Men Conference dives deep into the power of community and connection in men’s lives.
What We’ll Cover:
Why This Matters: Men’s groups are safe spaces where men can slow down, open up, and reconnect with their authentic selves. They foster healing, resilience, and the courage to face life’s complexities without judgment. This is about building strength—not through silence, but through vulnerability and shared truth.
Who Should Attend: Whether you’re a man curious about personal growth, a supporter of men’s wellbeing, or simply seeking to understand the impact of these spaces, this panel is for you.
Don’t Miss This! Be part of the conversation. Let’s redefine what strength, connection, and healing can look like for men.
8:00 pm
Steve Mesler
45 Minute + Q & A
In his keynote, Olympic gold medalist and leader Steve Mesler will explore the intricate journey from peak athletic performance to managing real-world challenges, both personal and professional. Drawing from his experiences as a bobsled champion, CEO, and advocate for mental health, Steve reflects on the immense pressure men face as providers, leaders, and individuals navigating societal expectations.
Through powerful storytelling, Steve shares the highs of standing on the Olympic podium and the lows of depression, anxiety, and personal loss. He delves into how small, actionable choices helped him reclaim control over his life and how understanding the science of stress and mental health can empower others. Steve’s talk will challenge outdated notions of masculinity, celebrate empathy and vulnerability, and offer strategies for managing pressure constructively.
With a focus on connection, resilience, and intentional living, this keynote promises to inspire men to embrace their full spectrum of experiences, helping them make deliberate choices toward their goals, happiness, and a life of significance.
Steve Mesler, an Olympic gold medalist and co-founder of Classroom Champions, is a distinguished leader at the intersection of sport, business, and education. His commitment to excellence and personal growth has been instrumental in his athletic achievements and his efforts to inspire and mentor youth.
Born in Buffalo, New York, Steve now resides in Calgary, Canada, with his wife and two children. His diverse experiences and dedication to mental well-being make him a compelling speaker for our upcoming “Love Letter to Men” conference on men’s mental health. Steve’s insights into resilience, teamwork, and personal development will provide valuable perspectives for attendees seeking to enhance their mental health and support others in their journeys.
Join us at the conference to hear Steve share his experiences and strategies for fostering mental well-being in men, drawing from his unique background as an athlete, mentor, and advocate for personal growth.
9:00pm
Evening Close and Take aways
6:00pm
This year we are hosting a virtual expo. You can hang out on the expo floor, network with other like minded individuals and visit booths hosted by our community allies.
6:15pm
Welcome and evening overview
6:30pm
Dr. Harald Bettger
30 Minute
Shame is one of the most isolating and misunderstood emotions, yet it profoundly shapes how men see themselves, connect with others, and navigate life. In this engaging and insightful talk, Dr. Harald Bettger will explore the hidden dynamics of shame in men’s lives, how it often fuels feelings of inadequacy, disconnection, and anger, and why it is so often buried beneath a stoic facade. Drawing on principles from his work with Healing Shame (healingshame.com), Dr. Bettger will provide practical tools and compassionate guidance for recognizing, confronting, and transforming shame into a source of strength and self-awareness.
Attendees will learn how to:
Whether you’re a man navigating your own inner struggles or someone supporting the men in your life, this talk will offer a powerful opportunity to explore how healing shame can lead to deeper connection, resilience, and emotional freedom.
7:15pm
Ryan Glasser
30 minute
Recovery is not just about overcoming addiction—it’s about rediscovering love, purpose, and connection with yourself and others. In this heartfelt and inspiring talk, Ryan Glasser, Director of Administration at Lakeview Recovery Center, shares his personal journey of struggle, healing, and transformation. Through his own “love letter to men and himself,” Ryan invites attendees into a candid and powerful conversation about the challenges of recovery, the courage it takes to confront pain and shame, and the profound strength found in vulnerability.
With raw honesty and deep compassion, Ryan will explore:
Whether you’re on your own path to healing or supporting someone who is, Ryan’s story will serve as a reminder that resilience is not about perfection—it’s about showing up, embracing your scars, and choosing growth every single day.
8:00pm
Tanis Moore, Chris Fraser
45 Min + Q & Aute
As a society, we often urge men to open up and embrace vulnerability, but how often do we pause to ask why they might struggle with this? Or consider how their current ways of navigating the world might actually serve them in meaningful, protective ways?
In this thought-provoking keynote, Tanis Moore, a Registered Psychologist specializing in men’s mental health, invites us to shift the conversation. Drawing from her extensive experience working with men, Tanis will explore the importance of truly listening to men’s lived experiences, acknowledging the complexities of their struggles, and working collaboratively to chart respectful, goal-oriented paths toward healing.
Joining Tanis is Chris Fraser, who will share the innovative work he is doing with the Nexus Program. Chris will delve into how their program helps men discover their own needs by “getting out of the way” and avoiding the pitfalls of a one-size-fits-all approach to healing. He will address the dangers of perceptual biases about what men should need versus what they actually need, emphasizing why Nexus does not give advice—an approach that may feel counterintuitive but is essential to their philosophy of empowerment.
Chris will also outline the Nexus approach to recovery, highlighting how it complements and respects therapeutic work like that of Tanis Moore. Together, they will showcase how we can break down barriers, challenge traditional methods, and empower men to heal and thrive on their own terms.
9:00pm
Evening Close and Take aways
6:00pm
This year we are hosting a virtual expo. You can hang out on the expo floor, network with other like minded individuals and visit booths hosted by our community allies.
6:15pm
Welcome and evening overview
6:30pm
Josh Beharry
30 Minute
7:15 pm
Jonathan Reed
30 Minute
Join Jonathon Reed, Program Director at Next Gen Men, for a powerful 30-minute session unpacking the findings from the research report “Boys Will Be ___: The Online Lives of Boys Embracing Positive Masculinity.” This engaging presentation dives into how boys navigate the digital world, balancing social connections with the pressures of traditional masculine norms.
Discover key insights on:
Takeaways:
This session is a must-attend for educators, parents, and anyone invested in shaping the next generation of men.
About Jonathon Reed
Jonathon Reed is a dynamic speaker, storyteller, and Program Director at Next Gen Men. Passionate about supporting boys’ well-being, Jonathon combines research with engaging narratives to challenge harmful norms and promote positive masculinity.
8:00pm
Allan Kehler
45 Min + Q & A
In an effort to avoid being perceived as ‘weak’, many people bury their emotions deep within. This, in turn, causes individuals to sacrifice their health, safety and future success. It’s time to shatter the culture of silence around mental health.
Having experienced challenges with mental illness, addictions and suicide first-hand, Allan shares his captivating story of resilience and hope. Through an interactive quiz, you will learn how to remove your mask, step into vulnerability, and connect to yourself and others in a more authentic way. Vulnerability isn’t just about sharing our stories – it’s about creating safe spaces where others can find their voice.
While we all have our own challenges, we were not meant to fight our battles alone. Discover how to create a thriving community where people can be seen, heard, and supported.
Takeaways from Find Your Voice. Find Your Power.
9:00pm
Evening Close and Take aways
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