Ça va-tu? —A Quebec Podcast on Suicide Hosted by Jonathan Roberge 

In Ça va‑tu?, a Quebec podcast on suicide, public figures sit down with comedian Jonathan Roberge to speak openly about distress, mental health, grief and hope through deeply personal testimonies. This miniseries is presented by suicide.ca, an initiative of the Association québécoise de prévention du suicide. 

    

Episodes (in French only): 

 

• Sylvie Fréchette - Ça va-tu?
• Jonathan Roberge - Ça va-tu?
• Éric Martel-Bahoeli - Ça va-tu?
• Michel Mpambara - Ça va-tu?
• Jean-François Mercier - Ça va-tu?
• Cédric Bergeron - Ça va-tu?
• Marie-Pier Houle - Ça va-tu?
• Farnell Morisset - Ça va-tu?

 

Episode: Sylvie Fréchette

Two-time Olympic champion Sylvie Fréchette shares her journey following her partner’s suicide, just days before her departure for the Barcelona Games in 1992. Through an honest and vulnerable account, she talks about her mental health and the resources that helped her move through grief and guilt. Inspired by today’s youth, Sylvie also shares a moving message of hope for people experiencing distress. 

Episode: Jonathan Roberge

In this episode, Jonathan Roberge switches roles to share his own experience with suicidal thoughts. Joined by Hugo Fournier, Executive Director of the Association québécoise de prévention du suicide, he speaks openly about psychological distress, panic attacks, and the guilt he experienced following a friend’s suicide. His testimony highlights the importance of support from those around him and helps break down the myths that can prevent some men from seeking help. 

Episode: Éric Martel-Bahoeli

Eric Martel-Bahoeli, former Canadian heavyweight champion, breaks taboos by speaking openly about the challenges he has faced. He shares how defeats, concussions and struggles with substance use and finances led him to experience suicidal thoughts. After hitting rock bottom, he chose to rebuild. Through his journey, he reminds us that asking for help is an act of courage. 

Episode: Michel Mpambara 

Michel Mpambara, comedian and winner of the prestigious Félix Award for Show of the Year in 2001, speaks candidly about the highs and lows of his journey. From experiences of racism and war, to living with bipolar disorder, financial hardship and personal breakups, he addresses mental health without taboo, blending insight and humour. In this episode marked by resilience, Michel reminds us of the importance of being surrounded by support and taking care of ourselves. 

Episode: Jean-François Mercier 

Comedian Jean-François Mercier speaks openly about the origins of his suicidal thoughts and his mental health in this episode of Ça va-tu?. In conversation with Jonathan Roberge, he shares how humour helped restore meaning to his life and reflects on a transformative experience that changed the way he sees himself. He also offers practical insights and strategies he uses to maintain his well-being day to day. 

Episode: Cédric Bergeron 

Cédric Bergeron shares his story with Jonathan Roberge in this episode of Ça va-tu?. He recounts how panic attacks led him to experience suicidal thoughts, and how his brother played a key role in helping him through that period. Learn more about his difficult youth, the tools he uses to manage anxiety, and what now brings meaning to his life. 

Episode: Marie-Pier Houle

Professional boxer Marie-Pier Houle speaks with Jonathan Roberge in this episode of Ça va-tu? about her grieving process following her father’s suicide. She reflects on the complexity of their relationship, the distressing call from police and the lasting impact on her life. A deeply moving look at the reality of living with the loss of a loved one to suicide. 

Episode: Farnell Morisset 

Farnell Morisset, lawyer and TikTok creator, opens up for the first time about his suicidal crisis and hospitalization in this episode of Ça va-tu?. In conversation with Jonathan Roberge, he looks back on and analyzes the reasons behind his distress—despite outward success—and the masks we sometimes wear. He also shares how he manages intrusive thoughts today, in a conversation that is both moving and touched with humour. 

Credits — Ça va-tu?

Host: Jonathan Roberge 
Production and direction: Denis Martel 
Research: Charlotte Laberge
 

Who is Jonathan Roberge?

 

Jonathan Roberge is a Quebec comedian, host, author and director known for his distinctive humour and creativity. He first gained recognition with the hit web series Contrat d’gars, which propelled him into the media scene.  

He went on to create Fiston et Papa, award-winning works both in Quebec and internationally. In addition to hosting radio shows, he has written several bestselling books, including Le Petit Roberge.  

Deeply committed to social causes, he has been a spokesperson for the Association québécoise de prévention du suicide for several years. Currently appearing in The Play That Goes Wrong, he continues to connect with audiences through projects that blend humour and emotion.