ABOUT ME! Pedersen Media/Pedersen Recovery Inc.

We often come across individuals who excel in multiple fields, and Rod Pedersen is undoubtedly one of them. With a diverse skill set that encompasses broadcasting, writing, and serving as a sober coach for athletes, entertainers and military, Pedersen has made a significant impact in each of these domains. Let's delve into his journey!

Rod Pedersen first gained recognition as a prominent Canadian sports broadcaster. With a career spanning over three decades, he has covered various sporting events including Super Bowl, Grey Cups and the Stanley Cup Final. He's also enjoyed successful partnerships with Hockey Canada and USA Football. Pedersen's passion for sports shines through his engaging commentary and in-depth analysis. Whether it's play-by-play coverage or insightful pre- and post-game discussions, he has an innate ability to captivate audiences and bring sports to life.

But Pedersen's talents extend beyond the broadcast booth. As a writer, he has penned several best-selling books and award-winning blogs, showcasing his ability to delve into different subjects, keeping readers engaged and entertained.

However, it is Pedersen's work as a sober coach that truly sets him apart. Having battled addiction himself, he understands the struggles individuals face in their journey towards sobriety. With his experience and empathy, Pedersen has become a beacon of hope for those seeking a way out of their addiction. As a sober coach, he offers support, guidance, and motivation to individuals aiming to achieve and maintain a sober lifestyle. His dedication to helping others turn their lives around is both inspiring and commendable.

Pedersen's multifaceted career is a testament to his versatility and determination. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he is also known for his warm and friendly personality. His genuine interactions with people have resonated with audiences, fostering a strong sense of connection and community.

In addition to his career achievements, Pedersen's openness about his personal struggles has made him a relatable figure to many. By sharing his own journey towards sobriety, he has inspired countless individuals to confront their own demons and seek the help they need. Rod likes to remind people that we are all human, united by our shared experiences.

As a broadcaster, writer, and sober coach, Pedersen serves as an inspiration to those looking to pursue their passions and overcome adversity. His dedication to excellence, coupled with his compassionate approach, is a true embodiment of the power of perseverance.

To contact Rod, please email pedersenrecovery@aol.com.

(Narrator.com)

PEDERSEN RECOVERY PODCAST: CRIS CARTER

Pro Football Hall of Famer and Person In Recovery Cris Carter joins the Pedersen Recovery PODCAST with host Rod Pedersen.

The 8-time Pro Bowler and long-time ESPN and Fox NFL analyst gives a shockingly raw account of his history with Addictions and Mental Illness, and holds nothing back in this interview.

Carter answers with amazing candor and honesty:

- What's your Recovery story?

- What was life like before, and what's it like now?

- How do you deal with social pressures around drinking?

- What's your Self-Care regimen?

- What advice would you give the still-suffering Alcoholic or Addict?

- What advice would you give young people in the same position you were?

Listen to the show by clicking on the link below. If you have any suggestions for future podcast interviews, please email me or post in the Comment section!

For more information or sponsorship inquiries for Pedersen Recovery Inc., please email Director of Business Development Joe Gunnis at gunny@sasktel.net or Rod Pedersen at pedersenrecovery@aol.com. For more information on the Pedersen Recovery Right Place, Right Time Tour, click here.

Follow our Social Media links at:
Facebook: Pedersen Recovery Coaching Inc.
Twitter: @pedersenrecover
Instagram: @pedersenrecovery

The Pedersen Recovery RODCAST is produced by Jordan McRae. (@jmcraeradio)

LINK: https://soundcloud.com/ridervoice/pedersen-recovery-rodcast-ep-1-cris-carter

ADDICTION RECOVERY PODCAST: CHRIS "KNUCKLES" NILAN

In our latest Pedersen Recovery Podcast series, we sit down with famed NHL enforcer Chris "Knuckles" Nilan.

Hockey fans will remember Nilan as a bruising, fan-favourite with the Montreal Canadiens where he spent the majority of his 16 NHL seasons, winning a Stanley Cup in 1986.

The Boston, MA product now hosts a radio show on TSN 690 Montreal and also works in the Recovery field as a trained interventionist.

But what most people don't know - and I certainly didn't - is that Nilan is 8-years sober from intravenous heroin addiction, along with alcohol and other drugs. His rock bottom came in a Boston hotel bathroom where he overdosed. When he awoke, he made the decision which would ultimately save his life and that was to reach out for help.

In this podcast interview Nilan details his Recovery story, what life was like before and what it's like now, and delivers a message to the still-suffering alcoholic/addict.

The Pedersen Recovery Podcast features names from the sports and entertainment fields detailing their Recovery stories from addiction and mental illness.

Click below to hear Knuckles' Nilan's Recovery story:

RECOVERY PODCAST: DYSLEXIA SUFFERER, ADDICTION SURVIVOR BRENT SOPEL

"I was a bully and I caused a lot of pain. Now, helping others is greater than any day on the ice." - Brent Sopel

Stanley Cup champion and NHL star Brent Sopel is the latest guest on the Pedersen Recovery Podcast!

The 42-year old Calgary product has recently gone public with his story of a lifelong battle with Dyslexia, which led to a substance abuse battle, and successful stint in a treatment center.

Sopel played in the Western Hockey League with the Saskatoon Blades and Swift Current Broncos, but admits to graduating high school at only a Grade 8 reading level.

Brent went on to a very successful NHL career with stops in Vancouver, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta and Montreal, winning a Stanley Cup with the Blackhawks in 2010. All tolled, he played 659 NHL games.

However all-the-while, he was carrying scars of being mocked in elementary school, and the frustration of not knowing what was wrong with him well into his adulthood.

The story of how he got the Dyslexia diagnosis is a cliffhanger. However even after that, it took many more years before he'd reach successful, long-term sobriety.

Nowadays, Brent Sopel is an advocate for those suffering from Dyslexia and heads up the Brent Sopel Foundation for charitable causes. He is a proud Recovery Warrior.

Please enjoy this month's Recovery podcast interview with NHL star and survivor Brent Sopel:

PEDERSEN RECOVERY RODCAST: SCOTT OAKE

"If you fight against Addiction daily and are successful, I think that makes you a hero."

- Scott Oake

The star of CBC's Hockey Night In Canada Scott Oake tells his family's Recovery story on the latest Pedersen Recovery Rodcast.

Oake's son Bruce died of a drug overdose in 2011 in Winnipeg and while the Oake family will always struggle with that loss, they are working hard to ensure Bruce's death wasn't in vain.

In this month's podcast Scott talks about what got Bruce on the wrong path, how he struggled even in Recovery, the stigma facing both active and recovering addicts, and what the family is doing to attack the Addiction Crisis in Winnipeg.

A huge thank you to our sponsors Fine Foods, Milk2Go Sport and CJ Evans Home Designs for bringing you another edition of the podcast, and for sponsoring my speaking tour on Substance Abuse Prevention and Recovery.

The next stop on the tour is Saturday, May 12 at the fundraising gala for the Oak Tree Place centre in Moose Jaw. We'll be raising funds for the opening of the facility and the speakers are Billy Cuthbert and me. For tickets email jody.oakes@sasktel.net.

Please give the podcast a listen here:

PEDERSEN RECOVERY RODCAST: CLINT MALARCHUK

We're back for Round 2 of the Pedersen Recovery Rodcast!

As we continue to bring together the worlds of Recovery and professional sports, we chat on this episode with All Star NHL goaltender Clint Malarchuk.

We're also proud to announce the Rodcast is sponsored by Fine Foods and Saputo Dairy's Milk2Go Sport! To perform like a Pro you need to recover like a Pro.

Clint Malarchuk is a product of Grande Prairie, Alberta and played in the WHL with the Portland Winterhawks before being drafted in the 7th Round of the NHL Draft by the Quebec Nordiques.

Clint was in the NHL between 1981-1992 with the Nordiques, Sabres and Capitals and was named an NHL All-Star.

He also was the victim of one of the most tragic events in NHL history when his throat was slashed by an opponent's skate and he nearly bled to death at the Auditorium in Buffalo. That was one of many traumatic events Clint has experienced in his life and he turned to alcohol to "self-medicate" with disastrous consequences.

Clint also wrote the book The Crazy Game in which he tells stories from the crease but also of his lifelong battle with Mental Illness.

Listen to Clint's interview here, and hopefully you find some inspiration like I did from Clint's story!

Rod & Clint at Recovery Day Regina

RECOVERY PODCAST: NHL GREAT CHICO RESCH

September is Recovery Month in Saskatchewan where we celebrate people in Recovery from Alcoholism & Addiction. On our latest Recovery Podcast, we interview NHL great Glenn "Chico" Resch. Chico is a Saskatchewan product, who was born in Moose Jaw and raised in Regina.

Resch spent 14 seasons in the National Hockey League as a goaltender with the New York Islanders, Colorado Rockies, New Jersey Devils and Philadelphia Flyers. He also won a Stanley Cup while with New York.

These days, Chico is a broadcaster with the New Jersey Devils and also a key figure with Hockey Ministries International. While at the 2018 Memorial Cup in Regina, Chico and Florida Panthers goalie James Reimer spoke at the HMI Breakfast. At the soldout event, Resch shared his personal Faith story and also how he turned his life around by turning his back on alcohol.

This interview should be mandatory-listening for young athletes as well as their coaches, managers and parents as Chico and I discuss peer pressure within a locker room, and how easy it is to go down the wrong road like we did.

It's possible to turn your life around before it's too late.

Thanks to Pedersen Recovery sponsors Fine Foods, Milk2Go Sport and C.J. Evans Home Designs for their continued support of our efforts including this podcast, sober coaching, interventions, public speaking and sober events.

Listen to our latest podcast here:
Don't forget the 6th Annual Recovery Day luncheon is this Wednesday, September 19 featuring guest speaker Dr. Wendy Gore-Hickman and me as the MC.

Thanks for listening!
RP
@pedersenrecovery

MENTAL HEALTH PODCAST: NHL GOALIE & BROADCASTER COREY HIRSCH

Welcome back!

It's our first Pedersen Recovery Podcast of 2019 and we're pleased to welcome former NHL goaltender, current Vancouver Canucks broadcaster, and Mental Health Advocate Corey Hirsch!

I'd known - and known of - Corey Hirsch for quite some time. We're the same age, he's from Medicine Hat, AB, and I'd followed his illustrious playing career through his stops in Kamloops, Vancouver, New York, Washington, Dallas and Team Canada.

It was a pleasure to finally meet "Hirschy" in the living room of our mutual friend Curtis Hunt in Regina 10 or so years ago. At the time, Corey was working as a goalie coach.

But what really got my attention - and dropped my jaw - was Corey's raw column on his Mental Health battle on the popular website The Players Tribune two years ago. The courage Corey displayed in telling his story was remarkable, but it was equally sad to hear what he'd gone through including an attempt to take his own life.

Happily, Corey came out on the other side and lived to tell the tale after reaching out for assistance. Now he's sharing his story and doing his best to help others.

Here for you in our latest Recovery Podcast is Corey Hirsch telling his own personal story of battling Mental Illness, and he hopes to help others who might be battling the same thing.

Give it a listen here:

RECOVERY PODCAST: NFL AND CFL LINEMAN XAVIER FULTON

It's a brand new month, and time for a brand new Recovery Podcast here at Pedersen Recovery Inc.

This interview is one I've been excited to post for quite some time.

At 6'5" and 285 lbs, former NFL and CFL offensive tackle Xavier Fulton certainly looks the part of a rough-and-tumble pro football player.

But his life journey has had more than its share of ups and downs, with football stops in Tampa Bay, Indianapolis, San Francisco, Washington, Edmonton, Saskatchewan, Hamilton and Montreal.

His longest stint was with the Saskatchewan Roughriders (2012-2016), but it was there where he hit his own personal rock bottom and began taking the steps to turn his life around.

Those around him didn't know what "X" was going through at the time, but it turns out to be a familiar story for anyone who's battled the demons of Alcoholism and Mental Illness.

The Chicago, IL product went public with his personal story in 2016, and is happy to share it with our podcast listeners.

Heart-breaking at times, Xavier's story is one of triumph and inspiration and I'm thrilled to be able to share it with you.

Thanks again to our Recovery sponsors Fine Foods, Milk 2 Go Sport and C.J. Evans Home Designs for their continued support of all our Recovery efforts including one-on-one coaching, public speaking, interventions, sober events and this podcast.

Please have a listen here:
 

RECOVERY PODCAST: CODY FAJARDO TELLS HIS FAITH STORY

Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Cody Fajardo is a rising star in the football world, but also within the Faith community.

The 27-year old pivot from Brea, CA has risen to prominence in the Canadian Football League in his first year as a starter, but his fifth in the CFL. He also spent time with the NFL's Oakland Raiders.

Fajardo drew headlines this season with his colourful "Sprinkle of Jesus" quote, when he led the Riders on a game-winning touchdown drive in a 24-19 victory over Hamilton on August 1 at Mosaic Stadium. After the game, Cody gave credit for his heroics to his Lord and Saviour. The comment took off within the Rider Nation, and within the religious community

In this month's Pedersen Recovery Podcast, Cody Fajardo tells his personal Faith story, how he dealt with his parents' divorce as a teen, and how he deals with critics since he wears his heart on his sleeve as a Believer.

Please enjoy this uplifting interview with Cody Fajardo:

PEDERSEN RECOVERY RODCAST: CFL ALL STAR SHEA EMRY

Photo: Bell.ca

2-Time Grey Cup champion Shea Emry is the featured guest on the latest edition of the Pedersen Recovery Rodcast.

The Richmond, BC product spent eight seasons in the CFL with Montreal, Toronto and Saskatchewan and was named a CFL All Star in 2012. The linebacker also won the prestigious Jake Gaudaur Veterans Trophy in 2013, a distinction appointed to the individual who most exemplifies the values of Canada’s Veterans.

The 31-year old is the founder and CEO of WellMen Project, a men's adventure club which aims to empower men to take initiative in their own mental wellness.

While Shea has no history of substance abuse, he is an outspoken advocate for Mental Health and in this podcast Rod shares his own battles with Mental Illness along with Shea.

The Rodcast is sponsored by Saputo Dairy's Milk 2 Go Sport and CJ Evans Home Design.

Please give it a listen!

KORY SHEETS: RECOVERY IN LIFE AFTER FOOTBALL

Photo: Jeff Sawatzky

Pro football fans' last memory of Kory Sheets is very likely the famed Saskatchewan Roughriders running back ripping off a record 197 yards rushing in the 2013 Grey Cup, and being named the MVP of a 45-23 Saskatchewan victory over Hamilton at Taylor Field.

The highest of highs, you'd think.

Just a few months later Sheets - a free agent - spurned a lucrative offer from the Roughriders to sign with the NFL's Oakland Raiders for a few thousand dollars more. The following August, on national television at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Sheets popped his achilles tendon in a preseason game against the Packers and his career was over. In the blink of an eye.

That's when the regrets, the demons, and the downward spiral began.

With Sheets in Regina in June/2019 Photo: Jeff Armstead

In an interview with The Rod Pedersen Show, Sheets bared all about what Life After Football can be like, and how his life turned south with one fateful decision.

"I wanted to either stay in Saskatchewan or go pursue my dream," the former Dolphin, 49er, Raider and Rider said. "Honestly, I left over $20,000 and now I'm sitting here saying 'man, that's stupid!' Everyday.

"I see a therapist now because I deal with mental health issues and she asked me what my biggest regret in life is.

"I was like, 'Honestly, arguing over $20,000'. I literally left Canada, where I likely should've stayed, because they wouldn't give me an extra $20,000. I could've made that up off the field (in endorsements)! Hindsight's 20/20, you live and you learn, don't sweat the little stuff."

So just a scant six months later, Sheets' career was pinched off when it was potentially at the apex. He knew the second he heard a 'pop' near his ankle that he'd suffered a second severe achilles tendon injury. The Tampa Bay product waved off the trainer's cart and walked off on his own strength, admitting to himself that his days under the lights were over.

"That's another regret," Sheets winced. "I let go of the ball. So my last carry in the NFL was a damn fumble. When it popped, I thought 'Oh no, not this again'. And it was over."

You've likely heard the stories or seen the stats about how 75% of retired NFL'ers are broke, many have taken their own lives or attempted it, and their lives have completely fallen apart.

Kory Sheets is one of them, and he bravely bared his soul on the matter in an attempt to help others.

"For me after football I went through a big stage of depression where it was bad," the 34-year old detailed. "I got committed, and stayed in a facility for five days. That whole domestic violence thing I went through, I like to talk to people about that because there's a misconception about how that went.

"I was in pain through my career, and I took it out on the person that I loved, which was all bad. I think people do that a lot and don't understand where it's coming from. The partner thinks you're mad at them but really they're just a punching bag (metaphorically speaking). They could have nothing to do with what's going on in their partner's life but it's taken out on them. That's what was going on with me."

So how did that situation get resolved?

"She left me!" Sheets blurted. "That wasn't so much of a wakeup call but it forced me to face my biggest fears. It was my girl leaving me, my career was over, having another surgery, I had to move back into my parents' house, everything I didn't want to do in life. I thought, 'Alright, something's gotta give. Clearly, what I'm doing's not helping'. And I reached out and got help. I think more people should do that."

In the Recovery world, we often refer to the term "rock bottom". Anyone who's repaired their life has one. Where was Kory Sheets' rock bottom in this story?

"It was an attempted suicide," Sheets admitted. "I saw the pain in my parents, my sisters and my best friend and all I was doing was making them cry. I was tired of seeing me hurt the people I love. I needed to go get help, and that's what I did."

Forget about facing 300-lb frothing-at-the-mouth defensive linemen or blocking blitzing linebackers. This moment took the most courage Kory had ever mustered.

"It was a long drive to the hospital. I drove myself there and they asked, 'What's going on?' and I said 'I need help'.

The euphoria that comes on the other side of life begins when you tackle your demons head-on. No more running away. And life becomes a whole lot easier after that.

That's where Kory Sheets finds himself today.

"Yeah I've moved on but it's moreso like, have you ever faced your biggest fear in life?" Sheets asked, to which I nodded yes. "It's like, what the hell you got any fear for now? The worst thing I could've ever imagined, I done went through it already! And I'm still here. Nothing can really faze me now."

Just as happy for Kory Sheets is his family, who knew they couldn't do anything till Kory decided to help himself.

"They were just happy seeing me try to get better because they were watching me beat myself down and tear myself apart," Sheets surmised. "But they couldn't help me. They didn't know how, they didn't know why or what was going on with me because I didn't talk to people. Most men don't talk to people about their feelings.

"And I think that needs to change."

Sheets has a message for anyone who finds themself in a similar situation, and is wondering if there's a way out. It's not hopeless.

"You're not alone," Sheets concluded. "We're all struggling out here. Life is hard whether you're rich, poor or in the middle. Just talk to somebody and don't be afraid to reach out and get help. I promise you it's there and your loved ones will want to help you."

For more information on Kory Sheets or to book him for your event, visit his website at https://www.sheets24k.com.

(Rod Pedersen is a Recovery Coach in Sports, Entertainment & Military. He spent 20 seasons in the CFL as a Hall of Fame broadcaster.)

RECOVERY, SOBRIETY AND A BRONCOS COACH

Saskatchewan was rocked on April 6, 2018 by the devastating bus crash which took the lives of 16 players and staff of the Humboldt Broncos hockey club.

Remarkably, Broncos Assistant Coach Chris Beaudry - who celebrated his 4-year sober anniversary the day before the accident - survived the catastrophe simply because he was driving on his own to the playoff game in Nipawin, SK.

He wasn't on the bus.

Beaudry - a farmer from St. Front, SK and married father of two - has been very vocal about his sobriety, appearing in interviews and podcasts across North America since he made the positive life change in 2014.

And for the purposes of this Recovery podcast, Beaudry wanted to share his Recovery story and how it relates to the devastating circumstances in which he currently finds himself with the Broncos. If he can help someone, he wants to be that positive influence in their life.

When the interview was completed in the parking lot of a church in Northwest Regina, I asked Chris if he was happy with how it went.  "Yes," he smiled. "Very happy."

In the podcast you'll discover:

- Chris's Recovery story.

- What his life was like before sobriety and what it's like now.

- His daily self-care regimen.

- Why he thinks he survived and his best friends, and "sons", did not.

- How he's coping with the Broncos tragedy and helping the families of others.

It's a very emotional and fairly graphic interview in which Coach Beaudry holds nothing back. If that sounds like it may be too much for you, I encourage you NOT to listen.

You can access the show here:

As always thank you to Pedersen Recovery Inc. sponsors Fine Foods, Saputo Dairy's Milk2Go Sport and C.J. Evans Home Designs for their continued support of our Recovery efforts and this podcast. 

RP
TWITTER: @pedersenrecover
INSTAGRAM: @pedersenrecovery