Tyler Smith joins Riley Sheahan as Co-Host of ‘Speak Your Mind’ Podcast

Boston, MA – ‘Speak Your Mind’, a bi-weekly podcast focused on normalizing the conversation around mental health created by Seattle Kraken forward Riley Sheahan in association with TorchPro, is proud to announce the addition of Tyler Smith as the newest co-host on the project.

Smith, who will be replacing Danny Healey as co-host, is a familiar face to the podcast as he appeared on the second episode of ‘Speak Your Mind’ as the first guest. “Tyler is the perfect person to take over my position as co-host,” Healey says, “His journey in mental health is incredible and he will help take this platform to the next level.”

Humans have always struggled with mental health and while treatment and awareness is becoming more prevalent in today’s society; many who struggle with their mental health still face scrutiny and stigmas around voicing their own inner battles. Prior to the start of the Covid-19, mental health issues were on the rise with about 19% of adults in the U.S. experiencing mental illness, according to Mental Health America, with those numbers increasing at a higher rate since the onset of the pandemic. The need to normalize and encourage those struggling with their mental health to speak up and seek help is more important than ever.

“Tyler was an incredible guest and we received an overwhelming amount of support from listeners after his episode aired and he shared his story,” states Sheahan. “I am looking forward to welcoming him as my new co-host and I know that he will be a powerful addition and his message will resonate with guests and listeners alike.”

Smith, a former hockey player for the Humboldt Broncos who is currently a student at NAIT’s Radio and Television Program, has placed an emphasis on being an advocate for mental health issues since being one of the survivors of the 2018 bus crash that tragically took the lives of sixteen players, coaches, and staff members of the team. During the episode, Smith opened up about the constant struggle and how he is coping with the mental and emotional impacts that he will battle forever. One of Smith’s goals is to remind people that “it’s okay to not be okay”, which he is helping to further through his clothing line, Not Alone.

“I was honored when Riley approached me to be on ‘Speak Your Mind’, let alone to be the first guest,” says Smith. “I have a tremendous amount of respect for the project that Riley and TorchPro have started, and I cannot wait to play a role in the future of the show, share my own experiences, and hopefully make a positive impact and help in some way for the lives of those listening.”

The fourth episode of ‘Speak Your Mind’, featuring Canadian country music singer Jojo Mason as a guest, will be the first to feature Smith as the co-host airs on Monday, September 13th, will be available through all major podcast networks and on the TorchPro platform.

“We are proud to have been able to help Riley with the launch of the podcast and seeing a project he is passionate about come to life has been a rewarding experience,” says TorchPro CEO and Co-Found, Matt Fornataro. “Adding Tyler as a core element to the podcast will be a huge benefit for Riley, their guests, the listeners, and the advocation of mental health issues, and we are excited about the impact we know they are going to make. ”

Along with the ‘Speak Your Mind’ podcast, viewers can find authentic content from professional athletes on training, competing, and life outside of their playing careers on the TorchPro platform with the goal of inspiring greatness within future generations of athletes, coaches, and fans. TorchPro is helping athletes by giving them the tools and guidance to tell their stories, authentically.

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