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 ...

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...

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 nam...

"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 o...

"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 Oa...

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" wi...

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...

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. Ha...

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...

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 Faja...

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!

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. ...

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 ...

Nine times out of 10 when someone I meet learns that I no longer drink (3,124 days as of this writing), they say, "Boy it must be great not having to deal with hangovers!" Of course it is, but in truth that's about the 10th best thing I've discovered from leading a sober life. So for this week's blog post, here are my Top 10 Best Things of My Sober Life after hitting rock bottom on January 26, 2015: 1 - NO FEAR : The rest of these points really are in no particular order but this is my clearcut #1. Why? Because imagine being paralyzed by fear so much that you're afraid to look at your phone, you shudder in a cold sweat each and every time a text or call comes in because you assume you're in trouble for something you did or said while drinking (and most times you don't even remember doing it). Imagine having to tiptoe around your boss's office to avoid his angry glare for your drunken antics, or constantly worry about "who's talking t...

BOSTON — Jim Montgomery was at his lowest point after he was fired by the Dallas Stars for what he has since admitted was a drinking problem. Three years later, he is at the top of the NHL, coaching the Boston Bruins to the best record in NHL history. It wouldn’t have been possible if not for the lessons learned during his exile, his rehab and his climb back through the coaching ranks. “You’re filled with guilt and shame. You’re not even thinking about when’s your next job,” Montgomery said in an interview with The Associated Press. “I was at the nadir of my life. Then you start building yourself back up and you start to get your life in order first and work on yourself. And then you start getting back. And you become better at everything.” A native of Canada who led Maine to the 1993 NCAA title — scoring a third-period hat trick in the final — Montgomery played in 122 NHL games over six years before he turned to coaching. He won two U.S. junior titles and led Denver to an NCAA champio...

The following story originally appeared in the Montreal Gazette's June 29/2018 edition, in the Inside The CFL feature, written by Hall of Fame writer Herb Zurkowsky: REGINA — More than three years later, Rod Pedersen still tells the story when asked, almost as though it has become cathartic to relive his battle with alcoholism and the subsequent fight to become sober. And each time the narrative becomes easier, each graphic detail of a life that was spiralling into self-destruction flowing more readily. “They say when you can tell your story without crying, you’ve healed,” Pedersen said. “Most times, I can tell it without crying.” Pedersen, 45, a big fish in a small pond, has been the radio voice of the Saskatchewan Roughriders for 20 seasons, a broadcaster at Regina radio station CKRM since 1995. And he easily could have lost it all. The native of Milestone, Sask., a farming community (pop. 640) 50 kilometres south of Regina, began drinking at age 16. Perhaps Peders...

2020 hasn't been ALL bad. For the past few months I kept hearing the name Allan Kehler, Allan Kehler , ALLAN KEHLER . The name had been coming up in my conversations with friends like Clint Malarchuk, Health industry personnel and media folk. Allan's mug even popped up in my Facebook feed under "People You May Know". But I didn't know him. It seemed Allan Kehler's name is a trusted one, and my friends told me he's a Mental Health advocate, motivational speaker and best-selling author out of Saskatoon. "You've gotta meet him," they kept saying. "You two'd hit it off!" And then this week, out of the blue, I got a note from Allan saying he was going to be in my city and he asked for a meeting. As I've learned in Recovery when someone opens a door for you, you walk through it. So we set up a time to meet on Friday at the studios of my daily sports talkshow. That in itself was a gong show and Allan would have his first ...

(Photo: Zach Drake, DiscoverMooseJaw.com) By: Zach Drake, DiscoverMooseJaw.com Alcohol and drugs have never been more easily accessible to youth, and that's the reason many feel it's so important to educate them on the dangers of substance abuse early. Former voice of the Saskatchewan Roughriders Rod Pedersen now works as a Sober Coach with Pedersen Recovery INC. for athletes, entertainers, the military and more who are battling addictions and mental illness. Pedersen spends a lot of time working as a recovery advocate and serving as a keynote speaker. Thursday afternoon, Pedersen spoke to a group of students at Peacock Collegiate. He described what his main message was in the presentation. "Well, the number one weapon against addiction is prevention. So if we can stop kids before they've started drugs and alcohol abuse it's a win right there. If it's an older group I talk to, I say ' it's never too late to turn your life around ' but...

Like millions of Canadians, it's very likely you were wrapped up in the thrilling Toronto Raptors run to the 2019 NBA championship this past spring! And, if you were tuned into the broadcasts on TSN and Sportsnet, you'll recall a deep, baritone voice introducing " Yourrrrrrrrrrr Toronnnnnto Rrrrrraptor s!" to the hardwood at Scotiabank Arena before thousands of fans, and millions more on TV. That voice belongs to my friend Herbie Kuhn who, in addition to his role as Public Address Announcer for Canada's NBA Team, serves as the club's official co-Chaplin. He is also the Team Chaplin for the CFL's Toronto Argonauts, and that's how he and I crossed paths. It was at the 2016 Grey Cup in Toronto, where Herbie was serving as the MC for the annual Athletes In Action Breakfast at the Sheraton in Downtown Toronto. I'll detail a little more of the story in the podcast, but suffice it to say that Herbie and I met, exchanged numbers, and became fast fr...