Public Speaking

I share real stories of service, injury, suicidal ideation, and recovery — lessons shaped by military life, first response, and the unexpected challenges that followed. My talks are grounded in lived experience and focused on what rebuilding truly requires.

Whether speaking to schools, corporate teams, first responders, leadership groups, or community organizations, I aim to create conversations that are honest, relatable, and actionable. This isn’t bravado or performance. It’s about awareness, responsibility, and leaving audiences with something practical they can carry forward — for themselves and for each other.

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Core Themes

Each talk can be tailored to the audience and setting.

Lead

Service Beyond the Uniform

Military experience, remembrance, leadership under pressure, and what service asks long after the uniform comes off.

A reflection on duty, sacrifice, and identity — not just in moments of service, but in the years that follow. This talk explores leadership, responsibility, and the human cost of carrying a role that shapes who you are.

Ideal for schools, Remembrance Day ceremonies, leadership programs, and community events.

The Quiet Battle

Suicidal ideation, permission to feel, and the courage to speak.

An honest conversation about the silent weight many carry. This talk addresses suicidal ideation directly — without dramatics, without shame — and reminds audiences that awareness, conversation, and connection can change outcomes. People leave not just informed, but willing to talk and willing to check on each other.

Ideal for schools (senior grades), first responders, military units, leadership teams, community mental health events, and organizations committed to building cultures where people speak up and look out for one another.

When Strength Stops Working

Injury, identity loss, and rebuilding when pushing harder is no longer enough.

A grounded look at traumatic brain injury, collapse of identity, and the moment high performance fails. This talk challenges the myth that endurance solves everything and explores what rebuilding requires when strength alone isn’t enough.

Ideal for first responders, veterans, high-performance teams, athletes, leadership groups, and organizations navigating burnout, injury, or major transition.

No One Makes It Alone

Teamwork, culture, and the responsibility we carry for one another.

Resilience is rarely individual. Drawing from military service, policing, and recovery, this talk explores how connection, culture, and leadership can either protect or isolate. Audiences leave with a renewed understanding of how to build environments where people speak up — and stay.

Ideal for corporate teams, emergency services, athletic programs, leadership retreats, and any organization focused on strengthening culture and accountability.

Robbie Vanorman | High School Social Studies at Matthew Halton School

"Jarod visited our school and spoke to both of my grade 12 classes. He engaged the students easily for about 60 minutes. "Engaging" - meaning the students were hooked from start to finish, they were captivated. It was largely because Jarod had them asking questions and then had great, honest stories to answer those questions. Jarod had a great sense of humor and quick wit in order to interact greatly with students. What also was great, is that in the 2 months since his visit, the ideas he shared have come up in class conversations close to a half dozen times. I'm often able to reference Jarod (by name) and his presentation to make what we are learning about more relevant."

Why I Speak

This work is about service, not fees.

I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to do public speaking. Being able to share my story and encourage others is something I don’t take lightly. I do not charge speaking fees — every engagement is offered as volunteer time. This work is about service, impact, and giving back, and it’s an honour to contribute in this way.

Based in Calgary, Alberta.
Available for schools, organizations, and events across Alberta and Canada.

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