On episode 45 of A Chat with Uma, I sit down with Scott Kelsey—mental health advocate, former pro-hockey player, fellow One Mind Lived Experience Council member, and founder + CEO of Shareapy, a platform dedicated to transforming mental health support through peer-driven connections. Scott opens up about his decades-long journey with anxiety & depression, unfolding during & after his five-season run in professional hockey during a time when “mental health” wasn’t spoken of. From mislabeling early symptoms as “just post-concussion stuff” to confronting depression, anxiety, panic attacks, and substance use, he shares what it took to finally acknowledge his mental health and start healing
A near-fatal brain injury in 2018 became the turning point that sparked sobriety, therapy, and ultimately, the creation of Shareapy—born from a realization that we all need easier, safer ways to feel truly seen, heard, and supported. What started as a simple experiment in peer connection is now a global community breaking stigma around mental health and wellness. This episode shares Scott’s profound story of transforming the pain of suffering in silence into a purpose rooted in vulnerability, connection, & helping others share their authentic selves.
Scott Kelsey is the Founder & CEO of Shareapy. With over 20 years of leadership experience in the financial and mortgage sectors, he has a strong track record of driving innovation and growth. He is also a passionate advocate for reducing the stigma surrounding mental health. He has served on several nonprofit boards and is actively involved in mentoring emerging leaders. He’s a dedicated volunteer and often participates in initiatives aimed at improving community well-being.
Topics Discussed (+ Timestamps):
(00:00:00) Introduction & welcome to Scott Kelsey!
(00:05:26) Early childhood: Gratitude, reflections, & growing up in the 70's with no mental health awareness
(00:13:28) Finding hockey: following his inspiration in his big brother & progressing into college hockey
(00:19:00) Signing pro hockey contracts, frequent transitions, & navigating his 5 season career
(00:25:26) 1995 neuro-psych eval: mislabeling concussion symptoms vs. clinical anxiety & depression
(00:33:14) Coping with booze, locker-room culture & “taking the edge off”
00:43:00) First full-blown panic attack, ER visit, pericarditis—and finally trying medication
(00:52:30) Mortgage-industry rise, marriage, kids…and the slow burn of unmanaged mental load
(01:02:00) April 7 2018: falling down the basement stairs, three brain hemorrhages & a second chance at life
(01:10:00) A complete transformation: Immersing himself in therapy, sobriety, & peer support
(01:18:00) “Why isn’t there an easier way to do this?” The founding origin story of Shareapy
(01:22:00) Scaling Shareapy worldwide: the reality of founding a company, training facilitators, specialized affinity groups, & Men’s Mental Health
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