Justin Brien

Keynote Speaker | Cochrane, Alberta

Mental Health Advocate & Life Coach
Addiction Recovery & Resilience Expert

Justin Brien Expertise Nutrition & Fitness, Work Life Balance, Mental Health, Addictions & Substance Abuse, PTSD & Trauma, Stress Management, Suicide Prevention, Health Performance and Lifestyle & Health.

Justin Brien

About Justin Brien

Justin Brien is a mental health awareness expert, transformational life coach, and inspirational, TEDx speaker whose story inspires change. Having lived through the challenges of suicide, addiction, ADHD, anxiety, and depression, he now shares powerful strategies that help others build resilience and purpose. His journey from struggle to strength equips him to connect deeply with audiences, offering tools that are both practical and empowering. Justin’s mission is to break stigma and spark honest conversations about mental health, guiding people toward self-discovery and renewed hope. Through his speaking and coaching, he champions the belief that everyone has value and the ability to live a meaningful life. His story reminds individuals that purpose can be found in the hardest moments—and that they matter.

Justin Brien Videos

Redefining purpose through adversity | Justin Brien | TEDxMission

Alcohol Poisoning | Cocaine Addiction Recovery | Justin Brien

Justin Brien Interviews & Podcasts

Inspirational Speaker Justin Brien on Finding Your "why" | the Mental

Justin Brien Author / Motivational Speaker / Transformational Coach

Hockey 2 Hell and Back Ft. Justin Brien: Inspirational Speaker and Li

Justin Brien Author / Motivational Speaker / Transformational Coach

Pursuing Courageous Vulnerability with Justin Brien

JUSTIN BRIEN BIOGRAPHY

Justin Brien is a mental health awareness expert, transformational life coach and inspirational TEDx speaker. His raw and painful journey into and back out of the depths of addiction and suicidal depression have afforded him powerful insights into the mechanics of effective and enduring life strategies to live his best life.

Justin Brien grew up in Salmon Arm, BC where he enjoyed a promising early career as a hockey player, later playing throughout the province for various teams within the BC Junior B hockey leagues. Despite his athletic success, Justin Brien was dogged by seemingly unshakeable insecurities. His low self-esteem and lack of self-confidence found him seeking validation in any available form. Inevitably, drugs and alcohol provided a vicious quick fix to the inner turmoil he was experiencing. Unwilling, unable and afraid to ask for help from a world that told him mental health issues were for the weak, Justin spiraled into a shadowed life. By age 21 his hockey career was over after a series of concussions, despite his attempts to hide his medical condition, his depression and his addictions. His life had become a blur of working nights as a bartender, after-hours parties and depression-laden mornings of guilt, shame and remorse and months-long bouts of suicidality. And it only got worse from there.

Not long after his first child was born, Justin Brien experienced a powerfully motivating and transformational moment as the result of asking himself a series of transformational questions. In a terrifying moment of facing two options – end it all or ask for help – Justin asked for and accepted help.

Justin’s discovery of his WHY is a driving force behind the mightily motivating and guiding work he does to help others realize their own WHY and to translate it into effective strategies, tools and daily practices. A passionate inspirational speaker, best-selling author, transformational life coach and mental health awareness expert, Justin immediately engages his audiences with his highly relatable story told with emotion and humour, passion and energy.

Now five years sober, Justin Brien enjoys an inspired and motivated life with his wife, son and daughter. He is now a fulltime life coach, inspirational speaker and works as the mental health liaison for Mr. Mike’s restaurant chain. He is the host of The Stronger You Project podcast, featured on Spotify and is an Amazon best-selling author with his recent book Chasing Shadows: Fighting The Monster Within. His solid understanding of the foundations for a good life helped him and his wife lead their family in successfully navigating the challenges of the birth of their beautiful daughter, born with Down Syndrome, and the resulting barrage of complications and surgeries their little fighter faced.

His direct experience in facing life on life’s terms offers audiences a captivating and motivating message that affirms no matter one’s circumstances, past experiences or even current feelings and emotions, a better and brighter future filled with happiness and belonging is possible. And he invites you to follow his lead by transforming your own life with practical and efficient strategies to realize your own best life. Justin Brien firmly believes there is a magic in each and every one of us and through the power of sharing his story and passing along of his knowledge to others in support and understanding of what they are going through, he helps to defeat negative stigmas that hold us back from getting the help we need and to champion for mental and physical health.

 

 

Justin Brien Topic Presentations

Justin Brien Cochrane, Alberta, Canada delivers keynote presentations, workshops, fireside chats, moderated Q&A, and other presentation formats on a wide variety of topics. Each presentation is unique, customized and tailored for audiences, industries, conferences and event formats.

Finding Your Why: The Foundation of Resilience and Purpose

Breaking the Stigma: Honest Conversations About Mental Health

From Rock Bottom to Recovery: Building a Life Beyond Addiction

The Stronger You: Strategies for Lasting Mental Resilience

Leadership Through Vulnerability: The Power of Sharing Your Story

Justin Brien Books & Articles

Chasing Shadows: Fighting the Monster within
Chasing Shadows: Fighting the Monster

This is a book about recovery, redemption, overcoming obstacles, and loss. It highlights struggles with mental health, substance use, and...

Salmon Arm Mental Health Advocate Helps Others to Find Their ‘why’
Salmon Arm Mental Health Advocate Helps Others to

A Salmon Arm man has taken it upon himself to help others find their ‘why.’ Justin Brien is a mental health advocate, inspirational...

Inclusivity, Mental Health Focuses of Upcoming Salmon Arm Job Fair
Inclusivity, Mental Health Focuses of Upcoming

Connections, resources and inspiration await those seeking work, as well as employers and employees, at a job fair planned for Salmon...

"finding My 'why' Was the Biggest Thing That

Finding my ‘why’ was the biggest thing that helped me to turn around my life. There was a time I thought my son deserved better than...

Justin Brien Speaking Testimonials

"As a teacher in Vancouver’s downtown eastside, many of my students are faced with pitfalls such as gangs, drugs, and alcohol. Often, the children feel confined by environmental influences. When Justin spoke to my class, I could see their visceral reactions to his message. He conveyed optimism and provided strategies for students to realize their limitless potential. His words still resonate in my classroom today as a source for inspiration for my students.    "

Justin Borsato

Teacher
Britannia School

"I just heard Justin Brien speak for the first time, and I can’t wait for him to come back! His message about the importance of mental health told through his personal stories grabbed the attention of my grade eight students – you could hear a pin drop in the gym. His raw, authentic, and emotional delivery of his message needs to be heard by more than just my students. And yes, there were moments of humour, too. If you are looking for a heartfelt, charismatic, inspirational speaker who can relate to teens, invite Justin Brien to speak at your school.    "

Matt White and Roni Wocknitz

Teachers
Shuswap Middle School

"It has been almost a month since Justin visited Merritt Secondary, and I still have students and staff commenting on his presentation. Seldom do speakers have the kind of lasting impact that Justin has left on our school community. I can’t wait to work with him again in the future.    "

Dave Andersen

Vice Principal
Merritt Secondary School

"Justin Brien worked with 120 of our school’s grade 7 & 8 students. From the time he began to the time he finished, students were engaged with Justin and his message. Not only was his message poignant, but it was also relevant and timely for the kids – Mental health, positive self esteem and relationships, the dangers of substance misuse, and the importance of connection. Justin emphasized that nobody needs to do it alone and that help is always available. And he delivered it in a way that kids relate to with the right amounts of passion, energy and humour. Justin also did a session for school staff that had professional educators engaged and thinking. I can’t say enough about the..."

Scott Anderson

Principal
A.L. Fortune Secondary School

"I highly recommend Justin Brien as a speaker for any workplace seeking to promote better mental health and well being. Justin delivered several sessions to our employees at Gorman Bros. Lumber, including those in Production, Maintenance, Sales, Accounting, and Woodlands. His story as a father, son, brother and husband is relatable and resonates with so many. The feedback from both employees and supervisors has been overwhelmingly positive. Justin’s sessions help to reduce the stigma often associated with discussions around mental health. It is essential that our employees feel supported in all aspects of their lives, including their mental health and well being. Justin’s visit to our..."

Bria Young

HR Coordinator
Gorman Group

"When a colleague first made me aware of Justin as a mental health advocate and public speaker, it resonated with me as aligning with our values at SMS. We met to learn more about Justin to see what he could offer and quickly knew that his message was one we wanted to share with our team. He asked great questions of us to ensure his presentation was relevant to his audience. And was it ever. Justin’s dark yet inspirational story, and presentation skills are powerful, and he had our teams captured and completely engaged from the very beginning through the entire hour. He took us on an emotional journey that had everyone relating to at least part of it, in some way, and genuinely made an..."

Dale Heichert

Operations Manager
SMS Equipment Kamloops

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Justin Brien known for and what is their expertise as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Justin Brien is known for defined subject matter expertise based on professional experience and industry background. As a keynote speaker in Canada for conferences and conventions, their presentations align with organizational objectives and audience outcomes. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada are selected based on credibility, relevance, and practical application. Expertise alignment supports informed booking decisions. Read More

What topics does Justin Brien speak on for conferences, conventions, corporate events, and annual general meetings in Canada?

Justin Brien delivers keynote presentations on defined topic areas confirmed during booking. Canadian business speakers for corporate meetings in Canada align topic selection with event objectives and audience priorities. Conference speakers in Canada adapt messaging for conventions, trade shows, and summits. Topics are finalized prior to written confirmation. Read More

How do I know if Justin Brien is the right fit for my audience, conference, convention, or AGM?

Justin Brien is evaluated based on audience alignment, event objectives, and subject matter relevance. Event planners booking keynote speakers in Canada for corporate conferences review experience, delivery style, and industry context. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings must align with program goals and audience expectations. Fit is clarified during the pre decision call. Read More

Where is Justin Brien from and where do they speak across Canada?

Justin Brien is from Cochrane, Alberta and is available for events across Canada. Conference speakers in Canada frequently travel nationally with defined travel terms. Corporate keynote speakers coordinate scheduling through structured agreements. Availability is confirmed through formal inquiry. Read More

Is Justin Brien available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, webinars, or hybrid events in Canada?

Justin Brien is available as a virtual keynote speaker for online conferences, corporate webinars, and hybrid events in Canada. Virtual keynote speakers in Canada deliver structured presentations adapted for remote audiences. Format, platform coordination, and timing are confirmed during booking. Virtual availability is documented through written agreement in Canada. Read More

Does Justin Brien deliver keynote presentations, workshops, training sessions, breakout sessions, fireside chats, or panel discussions?

Justin Brien may deliver keynote presentations as well as workshops and breakout sessions. Canadian business speakers for corporate training in Canada define session length and format during booking. Conference speakers may also participate in fireside chats or panel discussions depending on program design. Session formats are confirmed in writing. Read More

How do I contact Justin Brien to check availability and begin the booking process in Canada?

Justin Brien is contacted through Speakers Bureau of Canada to confirm availability and event details. Event planners and meeting planners typically schedule a pre decision call to clarify format, objectives, and scope. Booking begins once event requirements are defined. Written confirmation follows agreement execution. Read More

How do I book Justin Brien for a conference, convention, trade show, summit, or corporate meeting in Canada?

Justin Brien is booked through a structured agreement process confirming availability, fee structure, and logistics. Booking keynote speakers in Canada for conventions and trade shows includes written contracts and defined payment terms. Canadian business speakers for annual general meetings require scope confirmation before date holds convert to confirmed status. Booking is finalized upon agreement execution. Read More

How much does it cost to book Justin Brien as a keynote speaker in Canada?

Justin Brien keynote speaker fees depend on event type, audience size, format, and location. The cost to book a keynote speaker in Canada varies based on preparation scope and delivery structure. Corporate keynote speakers in Canada confirm fees through a booking agent and written agreement. Final pricing reflects defined scope and contract terms. Read More

Are there additional costs to hire Justin Brien for a corporate event, convention, or trade show in Canada?

Additional costs to hire Justin Brien may include travel expenses, extended sessions, workshops, meet and greets, emcee duties, or event host roles. Keynote speakers in Canada for business conventions often separate honorarium from travel and related logistics. Canadian business speakers confirm these components in writing before agreement execution. All additional costs are outlined contractually. Read More

How far in advance should I book Justin Brien for a conference, convention, or business meeting in Canada?

Justin Brien should be booked once event dates, location, and format are confirmed. Conference speakers in Canada often secure dates several months in advance. Corporate keynote speakers for annual general meetings may have limited availability during peak seasons. Early inquiry improves confirmation certainty. Read More

Is Justin Brien represented by an agent in Canada and how is the agreement handled?

Justin Brien is represented by Speakers Bureau of Canada for booking coordination and agreement management. Keynote speakers in Canada often work through an agency to formalize contracts and payment handling. Agent representation ensures structured communication between organizers and the speaker. Representation clarifies agreement terms before confirmation. Read More