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

I GOT A BAD BITE, 2.0: Feral Cats And Mysterious Bacterial Infections - Feel Good Friday

I GOT A BAD BITE!! A Cat in the UK was found to have infected a man with a microbe of unknown origin. Not extraterrestrial... but definitely not something we're familiar with. Yuck! Bri and Jer dive into a study linking a toddler's brain waves to their future IQ. Discover how early experiences shape cognitive development and the potential for targeted interventions. Jer isn't entirely sure what the heck this whole study meant. Low IQ. Tocco the dog is a man in a dog suit. But in his heart of hea...

Aug 11, 202349 min

Huntington’s Disease And One Womans Relentless Search For Happiness

This week the fellas sit down with their pal Erin Paterson. Erin is an author and speaker and at age 32 she tested gene positive for Huntington’s Disease (HD). Shortly after she started suffering from depression, then received more crushing news: she was infertile. Despite those diagnoses, she was determined to have a family and live a joyful life. She is on a mission to positively impact other people’s lives by writing and speaking about genetic disease, depression, and infertility. She shows t...

Aug 09, 202359 min

Slaying Stigma: HIV Activism with Myles Sexton

The boys have the honour of sitting down with Myles Sexton, a multi-talented Creative Director, Stylist, and Makeup Artist, known for their remarkable work as an HIV/AIDS Activist. Myles recounts the pivotal moment when they first learned about their HIV diagnosis. The initial shock and fear they experienced serve as a powerful backdrop for their subsequent journey of empowerment and activism, as they challenge the stigma surrounding sexual health and open up important conversations around menta...

Aug 07, 20231 hr 3 min

Saddle Sores & Penis Fractures: The Worlds Most Dangerous Sex Position - Feel Good Friday

The world's most dangerous sex position, is not what you might think! Drum roll please… The humble Reverse Cowgirl! The boys delve into the alarming statistics surrounding penile fractures in the bedroom, attributing a shocking 50% of these incidents to this once-considered harmless position. YEEHAW! Ticks aren’t only out there giving you Lyme disease, but they are also making you severely allergic to red meat. Vegans unite. In other news Florida Man must contend with the news that Florida accou...

Aug 04, 202346 min

Cancer, Disability, and the Legal Hustle: Triage Cancer with Monica Fawzy Bryant

In this episode the fellas sit down with Monica Fawzy Bryant, COO of Triage Cancer and a renowned cancer rights attorney specializing in healthcare and disability law. Monica shares her expertise on financial planning after a cancer diagnosis, including health insurance, employment, estate planning, and disability insurance. During the conversation, Monica delves into common legal issues faced by cancer patients and survivors, emphasizing the importance of understanding cancer-related legal matt...

Aug 02, 202348 min

I Can't Piss When You're Watching: Paruresis

Jer and Tay sit down with Christopher Zara, the senior editor at Fast Company magazine, who bravely shares his experience living with Paruresis, the infamous "shy bladder syndrome." While often played for laughs in pop culture, Christopher sheds light on the serious side of this quirky social phobia, which can be both crippling and embarrassing. Paruresis is a legit social phobia and Christopher knows that more than anyone. From grade school escapades of holding it in all day (to the point of ph...

Jul 31, 202346 minEp. 407

Parasitic Twin: The Stranger Within - Feel Good Friday

This week the fellas dive into the world of health news starting with Hong Kong's latest attempt to crush the habit of smoking. And how you ask? Well, people in Hong Kong are being urged to shame smokers by staring at them in a ''disapproving'' way. In other news, who knew staying up all night might cure your depression but may also add to the brain fog. Jer has come across a new AI chat bot that can provide some valuable advice and could be an extremely useful sounding board. Jer also wants eve...

Jul 28, 20231 hr 3 min

From Physician to Patient: Dr. Koffman's Journey with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

Dr. 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 providers. The fellas dive into Chronic ...

Jul 26, 20231 hr 13 min

Dodging Death, Surviving Cancer and Shifting Careers: Stage IV Melanoma and Addison's Disease

"This week the boys are joined by past guest Oliver, a cancer survivor with a twist! Not only did he take on stage IV melanoma like a champ, but the immunotherapy he braved had a quirky side effect—Winnie Harlow style! Yup! Oliver’s skin changed colours. Even his eyebrows have taken on their own look. But that's not all—Oliver's story gets even more colourful (pun intended) with his unexpected encounter with Addison's disease. A mix of liquid diarrhea and medications required to keep him alive! ...

Jul 24, 20231 hr

Down the Rabbit Hole: A Look at the Strange and Surreal World of Alice in Wonderland Syndrome - Feel Good Friday

This week things get weird. Like, Alice in Wonderland weird. Speaking of, ever hear of Alice In Wonderland Syndrome? It's a rare neurological condition that causes people to experience distortions in their perception of time, space, and their bodies. People with Alice in Wonderland syndrome might feel like they're shrinking or growing, or that their surroundings are changing size. In some cases, they might even feel like they're losing their sense of self. All without the need for psychedelics. ...

Jul 21, 202350 min

Death, Grief, and the Art of Living (But Not Dying Too Soon) w/ Stephen Jenkinson

In this very very special episode the fellas speak with Stephen Jenkinson, a renowned author, storyteller, and grief worker. Jenkinson has a master's degree in theology from Harvard Divinity School and another in social work from the University of Toronto. He led the counselling program for the country's largest home-based palliative care program, and has worked with thousands of people facing death and dying. The fellas are enthralled as Jenkinson discusses his views on death, grief, and the im...

Jul 19, 20231 hr 9 min

BPD and the Power of DBT: One Asian Man's Struggle with Mental Health

This week the boys engage in a conversation with Bryce Seto, writer, marketing executive, and co-founder of The Blossom Fund. Bryce, diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), shares personal insights on how this condition impacts his daily life and relationships. He candidly discusses early signs and symptoms, their evolution, and the effect on parenting. Intriguingly, Bryce sheds light on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and its transformative power in his life. We explore how BPD...

Jul 17, 20231 hr 11 minEp. 405

A Grave Responsibility: USPS's Struggle with Undelivered Cremated Remains

Jer kicks things off with a startling report revealing that the United States Postal Service (USPS) has 452 packages filled with unidentified cremated remains. The USPS Office of Inspector General's investigation highlights lapses in handling procedures, which may explain how these sensitive packages ended up lost. Then, a bizarre and unfortunate incident where a patient suffered "major injuries" after mistakenly wearing a metallic butt plug to an MRI scan. Discover why magnetic forces can turn ...

Jul 14, 20231 hr 4 min

Understanding Asexuality: A Conversation with Aline Laurent-Mayard

This week the fellas are joined by Aline Laurent-Mayard, a French journalist and advocate for gender and LGBTQ+ issues, and the host of "Free From Desire" now available in Canada and the US. The gang dive into the world of asexuality. Aline, who identifies as asexual, shares personal insights and experiences, challenging misconceptions and promoting understanding. They discuss the pressures faced by teenagers regarding sex as a rite of passage, questioning societal norms that equate sexual activ...

Jul 12, 20231 hr 5 min

Aging Like a Fine Wine: Roy Baird's Bladder Cancer Battle

In this heartwarming and humorous episode, Jer and Bri have the pleasure of chatting with Roy Baird, an 83-year-old dynamo from Sherbrooke, Quebec, who is fearlessly taking on bladder cancer while living life to the fullest! Roy's journey is a testament to his unwavering spirit and ability to navigate the complex process of a bladder cancer diagnosis. The gang dive into the challenges he faced during treatment, but with a touch of humour that only Roy can bring. After all, he's got a literal lif...

Jul 10, 202343 min

Semen Allergy: When Love Juice Makes You Itchy, Scratchy, Or Can Even Kill You

Brian is out of town so Jer and Tay go off the rails this week. RIP Jerry Martin. The past Sickboy guest and Safe Supply advocate has tragically died of a suspected fentanyl overdose. It turns out COVID can have a detrimental effect on the quality of semen and semen production even when the infection was mild. Usually, fans throw things like bras and their cellphones at their favourite musicians… one lady threw a bag of her mom's ashes at Pink! Did you know that your pests can get infested with ...

Jul 07, 20231 hr 2 min

You Make Your Path by Walking - Navigating Trauma and Grief

The fellas are in for an inspiring conversation with Suzanne Anderson, founder of The Mysterial Woman and a renowned psychologist, coach, and author. Suzanne's pioneering work in awakening our Feminine and Masculine strengths combines ancient wisdom, depth psychology, and modern neuroscience. In her memoir-guidebook, "You Make Your Path by Walking," she explores how difficult events can become transformative forces, guiding us towards wholeness and growth. We delve into the power of acceptance a...

Jul 05, 20231 hr 2 min

Timmy The Tumor: Benign Brain Tumor and Depression

In this captivating episode, the fellas welcome Sandy, also known as Sandserif, a graphic designer, illustrator, and webcomic artist. Sandy, who typically prefers to keep his real name private, breaks his silence to discuss mental health in his art and his journey as an artist with a benign brain tumour. The fellas explore Sandy’s personal experiences with anxiety, depression, and his recent bipolar disorder diagnosis. He shares the intriguing story of his awake brain surgery. No, unfortunately,...

Jul 03, 202358 minEp. 403

The Dark History of Organ Transplantation

This week the boys deep dive into the very VERY dark and twisted history of organ transplantation. In particular, Jer tells the boys about the role that Vladimir Demikhov played in it all. Demikhov was a Soviet scientist and organ transplant pioneer referred to as “the father of heart and lung transplantation.” But he isn’t only famous for his work in discovering how we can transplant organs in humans. He’s arguably more famous for his bat-sh*t crazy off-the-wall work in trying to create a two-h...

Jun 30, 20231 hr 4 min

When The Ticker Is A Bit Thicker: Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM)

This week's routine checkup packs in an inspiring conversation with Lisa Salberg, Founder and CEO of the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA). Lisa's mission to improve the lives of those affected by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) stems from her personal experience battling this genetic heart muscle disorder and losing her sister to HCM as well. Despite her own heart transplant in 2017, her commitment remains resolute. In this episode, the fellas discuss screening practices, the sig...

Jun 28, 202358 min

Immunodeficiencies Unmasked: Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) and Granulomatous and Lymphocytic Interstitial Lung Disease (GLILD) and the Power of Plasma

This week the fellas are joined by Aubrey, a young adult living with Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) and Granulomatous and Lymphocytic Interstitial Lung Disease (GLILD), as she shares her journey of resilience. From symptoms to diagnosis and treatment, we explore the world of Primary Immunodeficiencies (PI) and the importance of plasma donations for PI patients. Aubrey candidly discusses her college experience with chronic illness and the uncertainties it brings to future plans. We also ...

Jun 26, 20231 hr 4 min

Selling Dead People's Faces and Other Body Parts: Harvard's Shocking Morgue Scandal

This episode is all sorts of messed up. Apparently a former Harvard morgue manager is facing charges for selling dead peoples faces. Like something straight out of a Goosebumps book, Cedric Lodge and his wife allegedly trafficked stolen body parts, including brains and faces and who knows… maybe some nipple lamps. With customers handpicking their desired remains or opting for home delivery. Yikes. Speaking of sketchy ethics - the fellas cover the world of synthetic human embryos. Without the nee...

Jun 23, 202353 min

The Holy Trinity of Diabetes: Exercise, Nutrition, and Blood Sugar Management

This week the fellas chat with Ben Tzeel, a true inspiration for anyone living with diabetes. Diagnosed at age 7, Ben shattered the notion that diabetes is a life sentence. Instead of succumbing to limitations, he transformed himself into a science experiment and pursued his passions against the grain. As a Registered Dietitian, Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and Certified Diabetes Educator, Ben is on a mission to help folks with diabetes improve their blood sugars while relishi...

Jun 21, 20231 hr

Youthful Swagger and MS: Rachel's Courage In The Face Of Early Onset Multiple Sclerosis

At a mere 22 years old, Rachel takes the fellas on an exhilarating rollercoaster ride through her jaw-dropping journey with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Picture this: a young, vibrant soul released from St. Michael's Hospital with a diagnosis that would make even the bravest tremble. Rachel defies the odds as she reflects on her transformation from scared rookie to seasoned warrior, sprinkling gratitude and renewed passion along the way. On top of it all this experience leaves Rachel reconsidering h...

Jun 19, 20231 hr 7 min

Faking Your Own Death For The Likes, LOL - Feel Good Friday

Everyone loves a good prank, right?! But is this a "good prank"? David Baerten, a 40-something-year-old TikTok user, faked his own demise just to surprise his family at his funeral — but hey, at least he did it in style by arriving to his own funeral in a helicopter. In other bat sh*t crazy news, Sweden has announced Sex as a sport. At least thats what many news outlets would like you to believe so that you will click on their link to put money in their pocket. Nova Scotia has implemented an ER ...

Jun 16, 20231 hr 2 min

ICU Delirium: An Absolute F'ing Nightmare

In this captivating episode of Routine Checkup, The dudes are in for an eye-opening conversation with Kali Dayton, DNP, AGACNP. Kali is a critical care nurse practitioner, the host of "Walking Home From The ICU" and "Walking You Through The ICU" podcasts, and a critical care outcomes consultant. Delving into the depths of ICU practices, Kali sheds light on the reality and risks of medically-induced comas, uncovering the haunting world of ICU Delirium Nightmares. She explores the prevailing cultu...

Jun 14, 20231 hr 3 min

Mommin' on Wheels: Ambulatory Wheelchair User With Spina Bifida & Tethered Cord Syndrome

The fellas sit down for a chat with Reedan, an ambulatory wheelchair user and bad ass mother of four from Squamish, BC, who has mastered the art of taking back her bodily autonomy and defying expectations. Reedan's long-form diagnosis reads like a medical encyclopedia — Spina Bifida Meningocele, Tethered Cord syndrome with Adhesive Arachnoiditis, Surgically Fused Scoliosis, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and a few other skeletal surprises along with Celiac disease. There will be a quiz on this at the e...

Jun 12, 20231 hr 10 minEp. 400

Point Of Personal Privilege: Jeremie Is Now A Certified Death Doula

This week the boys take some time to touch on a few points of personal privilege. So much so that they don't have time for anything else. Should people who publicly nasal blast snot into an already USED hanky only to stuff it back in their pocket to use it later be shamed? Brian seems to think this is perfectly okay. Tay and Jer, not so much. Jeremie has been officiall diagnosed with ADHD and has been officially undiagnosed with his first hemrrohoid - no need to suffer in silence. The boys dive ...

Jun 09, 20231 hr 4 min

Ultra Processed People: Unraveling the Secrets of Ultra Processed Foods with Dr. Chris Van Tulleken

This week the boys have an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Chris Van Tulleken, an infectious diseases doctor at UCLH and renowned BBC science presenter. They dive deep into the world of ultra-processed foods (UPF) and their effects on our health. Where the f*** does UPF come from? Dr. Van Tulleken unveils the surprising sources of these heavily processed foods that have become so prevalent in our modern diets. Dr. Chris shows us how UPF cleverly hacks our brains and how they manipulate our tas...

Jun 07, 20231 hr 4 min

If You Nap, You Die: Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome

Join the fellas as they dive into an extraordinary conversation with the fabulous Shannon. Shannon shares her experience in living with Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome, a disorder that affects normal breathing. People with this disorder take shallow breaths (hypoventilate), especially during sleep, resulting in a shortage of oxygen and a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood. Basically, if you nap, you die. They explore the wild world of technology transitions, from going trach to v...

Jun 05, 20231 hr 10 minEp. 399
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