Life is a storyboard, and every chapter counts, especially those we write in advance. Karine Diedrich, the Director of Advance Care Planning at the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) unravels the threads of advance care planning—a blueprint for future healthcare that aligns deeply with one's values and wishes. Karine explains the crucial distinctions between a living will and advance care directives, spotlighting the importance of the Platinum Rule: treating others with the dig...
Apr 17, 2024•59 min•Ep. 444
In the analog corners of Utah, Libby Slem navigates the digital age with a Luddite's charm and a warrior's grit, facing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This isn't your everyday pain; it's a journey through a rare nerve disease that transforms every facet of life, from motherhood's joys and trials to the heart's metallic beats, courtesy of an atrial septal defect. Libby's candid conversation unfolds the layers of CRPS, beyond the pain to the diagnosis stages, and the sheer impact on her pe...
Apr 10, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 443
Isobel's journey isn't just about battling Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS); it's a deep dive into resilience and self-discovery amidst the challenges of chronic illness. Facing skepticism and navigating a world not built for her, she shares the highs and lows of her path to recovery. Isobel walks the fellas through her mission to challenge the status quo by using her TikTok as tool to spread awareness about accessibility (or lack thereof) in Lo...
Apr 03, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 442
Forget everything you thought you knew about the birds and the bees because this episode dives deep into the world less spoken of, yet equally vital: anal health. Dr. Gary Bucher, a pioneer in HIV medicine and an advocate for HPV-related disease awareness, illuminates the shadowy misconceptions surrounding HPV and its implications beyond the cervix. In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Bucher demystifies HPV's widespread impact, champions the life-saving power of High Resolution Anoscopy (HRA), and ...
Mar 27, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 441
Who knew that a backache could lead you on a journey through the depths of sorrow and the heights of artistic creation? Meet Rhonda, a spirited soul entangled in the web of chronic pain and depression due to a misdiagnosed herniated disc. But Rhonda's story isn't just one of suffering; it's a testament to the transformative power of art. In this episode, she unveils her "Deep Cuts" series, an artful exploration of human resilience amid trauma. With each stroke and collage, Rhonda navigates the t...
Mar 20, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 440
In a world where health meets digital narrative, Dr. Mike Lang and Kristy Wolfe turn the mic to the unsung heroes of healthcare: storytelling. This episode dives deep into the heart of healthcare, illuminated by the guiding lights of digital storytelling. Dr. Lang, a filmmaker and health researcher, along with digital storyteller and photographer Kristy Wolfe, unveil the transformative power of digital storytelling in the realm of health and wellness. Storytelling not only provides therapeutic r...
Mar 13, 2024•1 hr 35 min•Ep. 439
They say home is where the heart is, but what if too many hearts are left without a home? In a riveting dialogue with Zach Churchill, Opposition leader and MLA for Yarmouth, the boys dive deep into the complex world of homelessness and the urgent cry for affordable housing. As the fabric of Nova Scotia's societal needs unfolds, Churchill sheds light on the intricate dance between the high cost of living, the scarcity of government support, and the vital role of emergency shelters. This conversat...
Mar 06, 2024•1 hr 25 min•Ep. 438
Maybe it’s steroids? Maybe she’s born with it? Wait… no, she’s definitely born with it. It’s HAE. How fitting is it that Rare Disease Day falls on a fairly rare day, Feburary 29th! In this episode, the fellas sit down with Jordyn Campbell, who not only shares her eye-opening journey with hereditary angioedema (HAE) but also how she's punching back with advocacy and awareness. What the hell is HAE? Here’s the elevator pitch - your body decides to puff up like a balloon at the most inconvenient ti...
Feb 28, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 437
In this heart-tugging episode, the fellas dive into a tale of resilience, love, and the complexities of kidney transplantation with one ultimate goal - finding a Kidney for our dear friend, Ellie. Ellie is a rockstar nurse battling kidney disease. She opens up about her journey through kidney failure, dialysis, and the quest for a second transplant after her first one has hit a rough patch. Ellie's story is nothing short of a rollercoaster. She sheds light on the emotional and logistical hurdles...
Feb 21, 2024•1 hr 51 min•Ep. 436
This is it. The end of Sickboy... as you've come to know it that is. This is the final FGF episode but fear not! We're not going anywhere. We're just evolving. It’s been almost ten years and hundreds of episodes since we sat down and recorded our first episode, which is crazy. For those of you who’ve been listening from the start, we love you so much! And today we have some big news. Starting next week, we’re experimenting with a fresh new format to bring you one epic episode a week full of all ...
Feb 16, 2024•36 min
Are those late-night snacks whispering secrets about your swimmers? In this episode, the fellas dive deep into the world of baby-making, but not in the way you might think. They sit down with Lisa Hendrickson-Jack and Lily Nichols, the brilliant minds behind "Real Food for Fertility," a book on how preconception nutrition and lifestyle choices support your health and vitality and lay the essential groundwork for your baby's development. The gang chew over everything from the mysteries of menstru...
Feb 14, 2024•1 hr 9 min
In a world where the only thing scarier than a monster under the bed is a diagnosis you can't pronounce, Sam Taylor steps into the Sickboy studio to unravel the tale of her journey as a caregiver for her 12 year old daughter Ellie, who is battling rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of sarcoma. Amid the whirlwind of treatment schedules and medical jargon, Sam found solace in yoga mats and breathwork, proving that sometimes, the best armour against the unknown is a deep breath. With an open heart, she discu...
Feb 12, 2024•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 435
Who knew your period could be your personal health detective? Picture this: A period pad that does more than just catch blood—it catches diseases, too! Enter the Q-pad, a brainchild of biotech innovation that's transforming the way we approach personal health screenings. With over a thousand tweaks and the aid of a menstruating robot named Betty, this FDA-approved marvel allows for easy at-home disease detection, from diabetes to cervical cancer. But the boys don't stop there; they dive deep int...
Feb 09, 2024•44 min
A new generation of bright minds is storming academia, and Emmy Schuler is leading the charge, armed with innovative ideas to mend the cracks in our fractured healthcare system. This week on Routine Checkup, the boys dive into the world of psychosocial support with Emmy Schuler, a Master's student and researcher who’s turning the spotlight on the hidden struggles of living with chronic illness and infectious disease. From the bustling heart of Nashville, TN, Emmy brings her firsthand experience ...
Feb 07, 2024•52 min
Imagine a world where your very identity is challenged by your body—this is where Rima Zigaitis reshapes the narrative. In today's episode, the boys sit down with Rima Zigaitis, a beacon of hope and empowerment for women grappling with life-altering diagnoses. Founder of Sumaavi Coaching, Rima's own journey through the maze of Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser (MRKH) syndrome—a condition that left her without a uterus, cervix, or vagina—fuels her mission. Beyond the physical, MRKH challenged Rima's...
Feb 05, 2024•1 hr 14 min
"BREAKING NEWS - You heard it here first! Your laptop is killing your sperm! Strap in (or strap-on in taylors case?) for a wild ride on Feel Good Friday as the boys dive headfirst into a world where science fiction meets reality, sweaty naked dreams blur into revelations, and history takes a hop into the absurd. First up, we've got a tale that's rhino-sized in both heart and hope. Scientists are playing god in the savannah, using IVF to give endangered rhinos a shot at love and survival. Then, T...
Feb 02, 2024•56 min
Laurel and Brendan are a film making duo and creators of the award winning comedy drama short film CHRONIC! The film follows Frankie, played by Nadine Bhabaha (Letterkenny), who struggles to accept the harsh reality of a recent brain injury. Her denial persists until she reluctantly attends a birthday party from hell thrown by her inconsiderate best friend. This event becomes a wake-up call, prompting her to re-evaluate her friendships and her approach to life. The siblings join the fellas to d...
Jan 31, 2024•1 hr 2 min
In the world of human complexity, laughter and wisdom intertwine unexpectedly. Buckle up! The moment you’ve all been waiting for is finally here. Recorded live from the Biltmore Cabaret in Vancouver, the boys sit down with the legendary Dr. Gabor Maté for a live recording that's nothing short of a rollercoaster of emotions and insights. Dr. Gabor Maté, a maestro of emotions and connections, joins the fellas for a journey through the complexities of human development, focusing on the crucial elem...
Jan 29, 2024•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 433
They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but could a vein busting fit of rage do the same, depending on your time zone? This Feel Good Friday, the fellas are dissecting a mind-bending study that shows how getting angry in the USA could be messing with your health, while in Japan, it might just be the secret sauce to feeling great. The beauty of cultural differences. Now don’t go raging out just yet, because the gang are celebrating the heartwarming story of Jeff Rhinerson, Kentucky's first...
Jan 26, 2024•59 min
Ever wondered how a topic as natural as menstruation became a cocktail of myths and misinformation? Buckle up, because today, the fellas dive deep with the fearless Dr. Jen Gunter, a true crusader in demystifying women's health. Best known for her groundbreaking books 'The Vagina Bible' and 'The Menopause Manifesto,' Dr. Gunter is back to debunk myths with her latest masterpiece, 'BLOOD: The Science, Medicine, and Mythology of Menstruation.'From menstruation shame to the impact of the ‘Wellness ...
Jan 24, 2024•1 hr 2 min
What happens when life throws a curveball straight after the final inning? This Monday, the boys sit down with Alexis Simon, a superhero mom who's been catching life's toughest pitches. After a picture-perfect pregnancy, Alexis's world turned upside down when her son, Theo, was born with a constellation of rare and complex health issues. Imagine finding out your newborn, who seemed perfectly healthy, is suddenly fighting for life with a ticking clock. Alexis opens up about the rollercoaster of b...
Jan 22, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 432
Roses are red, violets are blue, the magic school bus is yellow, and thanks to science, now we know why your piss is too. What's in a generation? Turns out, it's not as clear-cut as you might think! This Feel Good Friday, the boys dive headfirst into the chaotic, fascinating world of generational names. There's no secret council deciding who gets to be a Millennial or who falls into Gen Z; it's a wild mix of media, public opinion, and the impact of global events. The fellas unpack each generatio...
Jan 19, 2024•1 hr
"The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any point". In today's Routine Checkup, the fellas sit down with a duo that's bringing dreams to life in the most extraordinary way. Dr. Mike Bennett, a social work professor from the University of Texas at Arlington, and Jay Soulliere, a high-flying talent agent at The Feldman Agency, join forces in an unusual but inspiring partnership. They are the heart and soul behind Oneday Dreams, a charity giving...
Jan 17, 2024•1 hr
Ever thought of treating your brain bugs with a pinch of tech and a dash of psychedelics? The boys sit down with Joel Muise, the co-founder of Tranquility and a mastermind in internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT). Picture this: a world where managing anxiety and depression is as easy as clicking a button. Joel shares his personal journey, growing up with untreated anxiety and the silent battles with judgement he faced. It's a raw and real look at the struggles many of us face but s...
Jan 15, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 431
Is the key to someones heart located somewhere in their sweaty armpits? Jeremie is grappling with the existential crisis of turning 36, but the boys are there to remind him that age is just a number - albeit one that keeps getting bigger. In a twist of science meets sci-fi, researchers at Indiana University have birthed "Brainoware," a biohybrid brainchild blending human neurons with AI. It's not quite ready to take over the world, but lets face it, it’s only a matter of time. And speaking of br...
Jan 12, 2024•1 hr 12 min
Spell 'dyslexia' five times fast – a challenge even for the word wizards among us! Now, to dive into the real talk about dyslexia! The boys dive deep into the world of dyslexia with none other than Alicia Smith, the Executive Director of Dyslexia Canada. Alicia, who navigates life as a dyslexic individual and as a parent of a child with dyslexia, brings a rich, personal perspective to the table. She's not just talking the talk; she's walked the walk – or should we say 'wladked the wlak'? Alicia ...
Jan 10, 2024•1 hr 2 min
Ever felt like your life was spinning out of control? Well, you ain't got sh*t on Kat. She's the queen of spin. In this episode, the boys sit down with the indomitable Kat Harrison, a chronic illness warrior whose story zigzags through a maze of health challenges and dizzying experiences. Kat is an award-winning children's author, editor for The Mighty, and a staunch advocate for those living with chronic illnesses like bilateral vestibular loss, chronic migraine, SUNCT syndrome, and her latest ...
Jan 08, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 430
Everyone loves a good reboot! MIT decided to do their own reboot of the classic fat shaker machine of the 1950s with a new weight loss pill. The pill doesn’t have medicine, but rather, it has a teeny tiny little motor in it that makes the pill vibrate. Somehow this vibration makes your belly think “I’m full, thank you very much!” Speaking of full let's talk about pregnant women. Specifically, pregnant women who get nauseous. Turns out it can all be linked to a specific hormone and gene! Talking ...
Jan 05, 2024•1 hr 11 min
The fellas are joined again by Dr. Brian Koffman, a well-known doctor, educator, and clinical professor turned patient has dedicated himself to teaching and helping the Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) community since his diagnosis in 2005. Dr. Koffman believes that his dual status as a physician and patient provides a unique experience and understanding which allows him to provide clear explanations of complex issues and to advocate for his fellow patients and inform his fellow healthcare pro...
Jan 03, 2024•1 hr 4 min
Take a trip down Brain Injury Lane! In this episode, the gang sits down with the incredible Leanna, a self-proclaimed "brain injury weirdo." Leanna shares her harrowing journey after experiencing a cardiac arrest at a wedding in 2015, where the absence of a defibrillator and a prolonged wait for EMTs resulted in an anoxic brain injury. Leanna takes the guys through the challenging process of relearning everything, from basic tasks like holding a fork to more complex skills like driving. Imagine ...
Jan 01, 2024•59 min•Ep. 429
