Sickboy - podcast cover

Sickboy

CBC

Sickboy is the only place where terminal diagnoses can peacefully coexist with jokes we probably shouldn't make. Hosted by three best friends, Jeremie, Brian, and Taylor, this show smashes taboos around illness, death, and everything in between. Inspired by Jeremie’s life with Cystic Fibrosis, we dive headfirst into the uncomfortable, the hilarious, and the heartbreaking. We talk to people living with everything from chronic disease to catastrophic injury, mental health struggles to medical miracles - and we do it with radical empathy, zero BS, and the kind of unfiltered jokes that get us kicked out of support groups. If you’ve ever felt weird, broken, or like no one gets it, welcome. New episodes drop every Wednesday. Pull up a seat; it’s gonna get real.


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Episodes

Two Brain Surgeries and a Positive Mindset

This week Jer and Bri sit down with Dan, a survivor of not just one, but two emergency brain surgeries. At the young age of 28, Dan's life took a drastic turn when he was handed a sealed envelope after a visit to the optometrist and told to go directly to the hospital. The cause of his persistent headaches turned out to be a brain hemorrhage, and Dan was faced with a long and challenging road to recovery. Through grit, perseverance, and resilience, Dan relearned everything he once knew, from how...

Mar 27, 20231 hr 3 minEp. 389

Wishful Thinking: When Living Longer Means Fewer Wishes - Feel Good Friday

"Sorry kid, you're not sick enough for us anymore." This week the fellas discuss the Make-A-Wish Foundation's controversial decision to change their policy on cystic fibrosis. Apparently, medical advances have made it possible for these patients to live longer, which means they don't automatically qualify for a wish anymore. Also, did you know a year's worth of Trikafta could be made as cheap as $5700? Yet some poorer countries aren’t being given access to the drug and it’s killing young folks w...

Mar 24, 20231 hr 7 min

Occupational Therapy and the Art of Creative Healing with Jon Jon Rivero

This week the fellas chat with Jon Jon Rivero, CEO & Founder of Qi Creative, a therapy practice that services children and schools of all abilities. Jon Jon is also an award-winning producer, director, and actor. We discuss his personal story of becoming an occupational therapist and how his upbringing influenced his approach to therapy. We also highlight the importance of honouring the background and culture of patients when engaging with them. Jon Jon shares his experience as a performing ...

Mar 22, 20231 hr 3 min

From Fur Babies to Chemo: Amanda's Breast Cancer Journey

This week Bri and Jer are joined by Amanda Vegter, a 4th-year veterinary student at Colorado State University who found out she had Stage II breast cancer during her studies. She shares how she discovered a lump but didn't get it checked out because she was "too busy" (I mean, hey… Vet school is busy). After travelling to Africa and contracting tick bite fever, Amanda decided to get it checked and was diagnosed. She goes into the effects of forced/early menopause and how they're often overlooked...

Mar 20, 20231 hr 13 minEp. 388

Did Ya Know?! Pepto Bismol Makes Your Poop Black! - Feel Good Friday

This week Jer introduces a new segment - DID YA KNOW?! Did you know Pepto Bismol makes your poop and tongue black? If you've experienced this, don't freak out - it's just because of the “bismuth” in Pepto. Just remember, Pepto Bismol may give you a dark side, but it also gives you fast and effective relief from your tummy troubles. Stay cool and let your stomach chill with Pepto Bismol! (This is not an ad). Some smart people created a bandage that's not just any bandage, but one that uses electr...

Mar 17, 20231 hr 3 min

Go Placid Against The Haste: Navigating the Challenges of Family Medicine w/ Dr. Iris Gorfinkel

This week the guys sit down with Dr. Iris Gorfinkel, a well-respected family physician and clinical researcher. With over 15 years of experience in participating in clinical trials, Dr. Gorfinkel shares her insights on the current state of primary care in Canada and the impact of a shortage of family doctors. She sheds light on the pressing issue of one in five Canadians lacking a family doctor, and the impact it has on patient care. Dr. Gorfinkel also discusses the challenges faced by family ph...

Mar 15, 20231 hr 9 min

Self-Catheterization and Self-Discovery: Rare Ovarian Teratoma-Related Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndrome.

Today, the fellas are joined by Madeline Tweel, who has rare Ovarian Teratoma-Related Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndrome. Don't worry if you can't pronounce that, Jeremie will do it for ya. Madeline was halfway through medical school when she became a very sick patient. She experienced meningitis, insane headaches, and even had to resort to self-catheterization. And get this, her grandparents gave her tips and tricks over lunch. I mean, who wouldn't want to learn how to self-catheterize over a...

Mar 13, 20231 hr 6 minEp. 387

Blink and You'll Miss It: Something Is Lodged In Jeremie's Tear Duct!? - Feel Good Friday

This week Jer and Bri take things to a whole other level of Gnar. Jeremie somehow experienced something medical that is not googleable. Spoiler alert it has to do with something lodged in his tear duct AKA the PUNCTUM! What happens to a broken bone that doesn't receive any medical intervention? The results are gag-inducing. The fellas discuss the dangerous reality of medical tourism in the United States - specifically the story of four unfortunate souls who took a trip to Mexico for some cosmeti...

Mar 10, 202359 min

Sick Lies: Unpacking the Complexities of Munchausen by Proxy

This week the fellas chat with Andrea Dunlop to discuss Munchausen by Proxy (MBP), a condition that has been misunderstood and misrepresented in popular culture. Andrea, an expert in the field, sheds light on the complexities of MBP and helps us understand whether it is a mental illness or a crime. Andrea explains that MBP encompasses two separate things: Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another, which is the official DSM diagnosis, and Medical Child Abuse, which is a crime. The term is often misu...

Mar 08, 202353 min

Brain Donations and Bipolar: Jen Kish's Mission to Make a Difference

This week the fellas chat with Jen Kish - the former captain of Canada's Olympic bronze medal-winning rugby sevens team and now a coach on Canada's Ultimate Challenge. Jen's got some wild stories to share about her days on the sevens circuit and how she used her lightning-fast skills and tenacious defence to leave opponents in the dust. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. The guys dive into heavy topics like Jen's bipolar diagnosis and how it impacted her personal relationships, as well as h...

Mar 06, 20231 hr 8 minEp. 386

Medicine or Madness? The Most Puzzling Medical Treatments of All Time - Feel Good Friday

Did you hear the latest relationship trend? Apparently, one in five couples are ditching the traditional shared bed and opting for separate bedrooms. According to a survey of 2,200 Americans, the reasons for this new trend include snoring, differing schedules, and general sleep disturbances caused by bed-sharing. I guess some people just can't handle the heat (or the snoring)! Sex therapists and marriage counsellors are raising their eyebrows at this trend, suggesting that it may signal deeper r...

Mar 03, 202349 min

Sickboy Introduces: White Coat, Black Art

Dr. Brian Goldman takes listeners through the swinging doors of hospitals and doctors' offices, behind the curtain where the gurney lies. In this episode, you’ll hear about how it took more than a year and five delays for 16-year-old Nathan Gilson to get the scoliosis surgery he needed. As Nathan waited, the curvature to his spine got worse, making him uncomfortable and self-conscious. He was teased. He didn’t understand the delay: “They don't care about me, mom.” Across Canada, there were 600,0...

Mar 02, 202328 min

Advocating for Palliative Care: A Conversation The Canadian Cancer Society

In this episode, the guys sit down with Daniel Nowoselski, Advocacy Manager for Hospice Palliative Care at the Canadian Cancer Society. Daniel shares his passion for palliative care and the importance of advocating for access to it. He reflects on his own experiences as a caregiver and the challenges he faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss the major gaps in palliative care and the need for investment from our society and government to ensure everyone has access to it. This conversation...

Mar 01, 202341 min

Lifting the Veil on Infant Loss: A Discussion with Christy Wopat

This week we go deep and explore the challenges of loss and grief and how to overcome them. The boys chat with Christy Wopat, a 4th-grade teacher, writer, and award-winning author. Christy has faced the unimaginable loss of her two children, Sofie and Aiden, and has since dedicated her life to helping others who have experienced the same heartbreak. She has published several books, including the award-winning memoir "Almost a Mother: Love, Loss, and Finding Your People When Your Baby Dies," "Mas...

Feb 27, 202351 minEp. 385

Breaking News: Men's Junk Jumps by 24% Worldwide - Feel Good Friday

Scientists are puzzled by a recent study that found the average erect penis length has increased by 24 percent worldwide over the last few decades. The researchers speculate that global environmental causes, including a sedentary lifestyle and exposure to hormone-disrupting substances, could be contributing to the increase. A man in his 50s diagnosed with prostate cancer developed an "uncontrollable 'Irish accent" despite not having one before, according to a report by researchers from Duke Univ...

Feb 24, 202344 min

Crazy Talk: Medication-Induced Madness

Join the dudes as they delve into the current state of the addiction and mental health system with Todd Leader, a multiple-award-winning consultant, social worker, and psychologist. Todd will share his unique perspective and real-life experience of leading a system transformation, which he documented in his book "It's Not About Us; The Secret to Transforming the Mental Health and Addiction System in Canada." In this episode, you'll learn about the reasons behind the failures of the system, key s...

Feb 22, 20231 hr 12 min

Sickboy Introduces: The Heart: SISTERS

The Heart is an audio art project about power and love. From CBC Podcasts, Mermaid Palace and Radiotopia. SISTERS is a 5 episode series that follows the journey of an older and younger sister from birth to adulthood. Natalie and Kaitlin went from being childhood rivals to being best friends. When the sisters decide to work together to create the very podcast series you are about to listen to, they face challenges they never anticipated. Sibling rivalry, mental health struggles and the daunting t...

Feb 21, 202342 min

Overcoming Challenges with Parkinson's Disease: A Conversation with Larry Gifford

The guys welcome Larry Gifford, a man on a mission to raise awareness and find a cure for Parkinson's disease. Diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson's Disease at 45, Larry didn't let it slow him down. Instead, he co-founded PD Avengers, a global alliance working towards ending Parkinson's disease. Larry and his wife Rebecca also host the podcast "When Life Gives You Parkinson's," sharing their journey and inspiring others. Join us as Larry discusses his role as Ambassador for the World Parkinson ...

Feb 20, 202355 minEp. 384

Bringing A Gun Into A MRI Machine - Feel Good Friday

What happens when you bring a gun into an MRI machine? You get shot in the gut, that's what. This week the fellas talk about the latest in medical news including the shocking story of why a Glizzy doesn't belong anywhere near a gigantic machine that has a butt load of magnetic pull. The research is in and it turns out that instant noodles account for almost a third of childhood burn injuries, so if you have a kid make sure you help them with their Mr. Noodles so they don't get hurt! A man suffer...

Feb 17, 202358 min

Going Out With a Bang...and a Bubble: Reef Memorials

The CEO of Eternal Reefs, Inc., George Frankel joins the guys to talk about going green! George has a unique and complete understanding of the personal, emotional and regulatory issues surrounding green cremation memorial options, and has worked with thousands of families as they memorialize their loved ones in the ocean. In this episode, George shares his personal family story, his journey as the CEO of Eternal Reefs, and how the company is working to benefit the marine environment through the ...

Feb 15, 202359 min

From Hometown Hockey Pro to One Legged Sledge Hero w/ Chris Caderstrand

This week the fellas have a conversation with Chris Caderstrand, a competitor in Canada's Ultimate Challenge. Chris grew up playing hockey in Martensville, Saskatchewan, and went on to play in the WHL. However, his life took a sudden turn when a heavy machinery accident resulted in the amputation of his leg. Despite the setback, Chris taught himself how to skate and snowboard again and eventually found a new passion in sledge hockey. He worked hard to improve his skills, and eventually made his ...

Feb 13, 20231 hr 11 minEp. 383

Sniffing Out Parkinson's Disease - Feel Good Friday

Joy Milne had a superpower that she was unaware of, but it wasn't until her husband's Parkinson's disease diagnosis that she realized her unique ability. She found out that Parkinson's patients have a distinct odor and Joy was able to accurately identify it. This led to groundbreaking research and Joy's sense of smell is now helping scientists find new ways to diagnose disease. The boys break down the latest p*rnhub data and what changes we've seen in 2022! Finally, get ready to turn back the cl...

Feb 10, 202342 min

The Body REALLY Does Keep The Score w/ Jody Carrington

This week the fellas chat with Dr. Jody Carrington, the queen of reconnection. With over 20 years of experience as a psychologist and bestselling author, Jody is on a mission to help people solve their most complex human-centered challenges with a smile and all giggles. In this episode, we'll dive into Jody's latest book, "Feeling Seen: Reconnecting in a Disconnected World." With the world feeling more disconnected than ever, Jody shares her insights on why mental health is at a critical point a...

Feb 08, 20231 hr 7 min

From Homeless to Harvard: The Emi Story

This week the boys chat with Emi Nietfeld, a writer, speaker, and advocate for young people. Emi's journey through foster care and homelessness inspired her to write a memoir, "Acceptance," which delves into the true meanings of resilience, ambition, and success. Emi explores her backstory with mental health challenges and her turbulent childhood. She also discusses why she concealed her illness on her college applications and our culture's obsession with resilience narratives. Emi has a unique ...

Feb 06, 20231 hr 5 minEp. 382

Gonorrhoea: A Love Story with a Twist (of Antibiotic Resistance) - Feel Good Friday

Gonorrhoea is causing trouble, with highly resistant cases showing up in Massachusetts. But fear not, some cases were tamed with ceftriaxone. Just a friendly reminder to stay safe and get tested if you think you've got the "clap". On a lighter note, a new male contraceptive called EF-4-177 has been developed, giving guys another option besides condoms or "the snip". This non-hormonal option can reduce sperm count by 45% in mice. Time to take control, fellas! Also! the Arctic blast in Nova Scotia...

Feb 03, 202358 min

Arkells & The Healing Power of Music w/ Max Kerman

This week the fellas have a rollicking good time with Max Kerman, the unstoppable front man of the party-starting rock band Arkells! We discuss the impact of songwriting on people's lives, and the powerful connections that can be formed with fans through music. Max shares some touching stories of fans who have reached out to the band during times of grief or challenge, and how the band has been able to be a source of support and community for these fans. We also talk about the importance of givi...

Feb 02, 202352 min

The Science of Chronic Pain: It's Not Just in Your Head (Unfortunately)

The boys sit down with Julie, the reigning queen of pain science and mindfulness. She's got the degrees to back it up - Clinical Psychology, Clinical Epidemiology, and a PhD in behavioural medicine. Smart. We delve into the world of pain care, where waiting times are longer than a traffic jam on the way to a job you hate. But the good news? Chronic pain is finally being recognized as a public health emergency, and Julie thinks it's about time! She shares her thoughts on the nervous system, and h...

Feb 01, 202350 min

More Than Just The Baby Blues - Postpartum Anxiety & Insomnia

This week the fellas chat with Suzanne, Mama of two and Disabilities Coordinator at Carleton University! We dive into the world of psychiatric disorders of childbirth. Specifically postpartum anxiety and insomnia! Suzanne has had two very wild rides when it comes to having a baby. Two very different births. One that included a week long insomnia which led to severe anxiety which lasted for quite some time. Through the use of medication, therapy, a rock solid support system and openly sharing her...

Jan 30, 20231 hrEp. 381

Fungus Among Us: How Close are We to the Last Of Us Scenario? - Feel Good Friday

This week the fellas chat "The Last Of Us". The HBO show depicts a world overrun by deadly fungi, but experts say the threat is all too real. Fungi can infect and control the brain, killing hundreds of thousands of people annually. The WHO's list of high-risk fungi includes Aspergillus fumigatus, Candida species, and Cryptococcosis neoformans. Cordyceps, the fungus depicted in the show, is real and can change an insect's behavior. Climate change's impact on fungi is also a concern, highlighting ...

Jan 27, 20231 hr 5 min

Racism Is A Key Public Health Threat w/ Kwadwo Kyeremanteng

Racism, xenophobia and discrimination have a profound impact on health but are largely overlooked. This week the fellas chat with Kwadwo Kyeremanteng, the director of critical care at the Ottawa hospital about his work as a physician leader and the racism he’s experienced during his time as a physician. Be sure to check out all of the amazing work Kwadwo does on social media at @kwadcast on all social media platforms.

Jan 25, 202355 min
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