Crash Survivor Bob Wilkie Launches Trauma Recovery Podcast

Two survivors of separate hockey team bus crashes are now helping thousands of people heal from their own trauma.

Bob Wilkie, who survived the Swift Current Broncos bus crash and went on to play professional hockey, just released "Tear Off the Tape," a podcast exploring mental health and recovery. The first three episodes dropped this month, featuring raw, unfiltered conversations with people who've overcome life's toughest challenges.

The opening episode brought together Wilkie and Ryan Straschnitzki, a survivor of the 2018 Humboldt Broncos bus crash. The two first met just days after Straschnitzki's accident when Wilkie visited him in the hospital, forming a connection that spans years of shared understanding.

"Being open and honest and putting your story out to the world takes a high degree of vulnerability, and that's where so much of the strength that is required to heal," Wilkie said. He believes listening to others' experiences helps people understand their own healing journey and start important conversations with loved ones.

Straschnitzki has become a beacon of perseverance since his crash, founding the Straz Strong Foundation and speaking to students across the country. His appearance on the podcast offers deep insights into how he maintains happiness and health despite ongoing challenges.

Why This Inspires

Wilkie isn't new to mental health advocacy. He founded I Got Mind in 2008, an organization that brings therapists, psychologists, and mental health professionals together to support sports programs, workplaces, and communities. The group teaches self-care, accountability, and compassion through accessible programs.

Last September, Wilkie released "Sideways," a documentary chronicling his hockey career and life before and after his own bus crash. The podcast extends that mission, creating space for others to share their stories of survival and strength.

Each episode features guests who've faced significant adversity and found ways forward. Wilkie actively seeks diverse stories so listeners from all backgrounds can find someone they relate to, whether they're struggling themselves or trying to support someone in their household.

The podcast proves that vulnerability shared becomes strength multiplied.