Passionate. Purposeful. Persuasive.

Laverne is a dynamic and experienced public speaker who specializes in boosting organizational morale and productivity. With a deep passion for motivational and inspirational speaking, Laverne is committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. He believes that, as a society, we can vastly improve our support for one another.

Laverne powerfully explores how betrayal in various areas impacted his mental health, connecting these experiences to the workplace and beyond. He challenges his audience to be mindful of their behavior and the actions of those around them.

Through his compelling personal story, Laverne takes audiences on an emotional journey filled with highs and lows, offering a powerful message of hope for those who may be struggling. His tale of triumph over adversity inspires listeners to take action and strive for improvement in all aspects of their lives.

Testimonials

"I had the privilege of attending one of Laverne's sessions in 2023, and I was profoundly impacted by the passion and clarity he brought to his presentation.

Laverne’s understanding of the unique challenges faced by first responders is unparalleled, drawn from his extensive experience in the field. His ability to articulate the emotional landscape of first responders with authenticity and depth is truly exceptional. During his session, Laverne shared his personal experiences and the challenges he encountered, offering practical solutions and insights that were both inspiring and actionable.

One of the most striking aspects of Laverne’s speaking style is his enthusiasm. He communicates with a genuine passion that captivates his audience, yet he remains grounded and sincere in expressing the complex emotions associated with mental health in the first responder community. His willingness to motivate and assist others in overcoming their own mental health challenges is of the highest caliber.

I highly recommend Laverne Friesen to anyone who has experienced the rigors of being a first responder or who supports those in such roles. His speeches provide not only valuable knowledge and strategies but also a sense of solidarity and hope. Listening to Laverne speak is an opportunity not to be missed for anyone interested in mental health and the wellbeing of first responders." M.S. District Fire Chief

"Laverne’s talk was authentic, passionate and emotional. He connected well with the group and shared his powerful story in a meaningful way. The way he tells his story is impactful, captivating and engaging. Laverne makes it easy for anyone, not just first responders, to understand the importance of mental health supports, and emotional and meaningful connections with social supports." B.B. Captain, CCISM Team Lead

"I would just like to extend my gratitude to Laverne for his powerful testimonial at our info session. Laverne’s heartfelt delivery of his personal experience was extremely compelling and it was very much appreciated." M.W. Incident Commander

Real Men Don’t Cry. Or Do They?

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast

In this immensely powerful episode, Laverne shares the challenges an abusive mother left him with to navigate as a man. He went through a time in his life where he had planned out his suicide, and it was his daughter that helped him realize he needed to find a way to stay alive.

Laverne Friesen is a former law enforcement officer who, after decades of being stuck in victimhood, transmuted painful lifetime events into opportunities for growth and healing. He is committed to constant growth and is passionate about helping others find and recover their power.

heCast: The Official Podcast of HeChangedIt

https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast

Laverne Friesen, a former law enforcement officer, shares his journey of struggle, mental health challenges, and finding hope. He spent 15 years in law enforcement, experiencing the trauma and stress associated with the job. Laverne discusses the fear and danger he faced, as well as the impact it had on his mental health. He opens up about his battle with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts, and the difficulty of navigating the mental health crisis while working in law enforcement. Laverne emphasizes the importance of holding space for others and breaking the stigma around mental health. Laverne Friesen shares his journey of leaving law enforcement and finding self-love and healing. He reflects on the lessons he learned during his time in law enforcement and the toxic environment that led to his mental health decline. Laverne emphasizes the importance of reaching out for support and finding people who will hold space for you. He also discusses his transformation through self-love and the impact it has had on his life. Laverne has developed a 12-week course called 'Transformation Through Honor' to help others on their healing journey.

Our People: Holdeman Mennonite Stories

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast

Join us as we delve into the life journey of Laverne Friesen. Born into the Holdeman Mennonite community in Crooked Creek, Alberta, Laverne shares his candid experiences of growing up within and eventually stepping away from the Church of God in Christ Mennonite. This episode explores the complex tapestry of faith, personal growth, and the arduous path to healing from religious trauma.

Discover how Laverne confronted challenges from his upbringing, questioned deep-seated beliefs, and navigated through significant life changes—from moving across Canada to reassessing his spiritual and mental health. He also touches on the sensitive subject of childhood sexual violence and the subsequent coverup by church staff, offering insights into the resilience required to overcome such profound adversities.