Sickboy

This week on Sickboy, we go way back to an episode we originally aired in 2018. We chat with Marnie about an experience that isn't her own but one that has changed her life forever. Paranoid Schizophrenia. She grew up in a household where mom and dad don't get along. They fall into a devastating divorce, and soon after mom begins to believe that drones with lasers are following her everywhere and silently attacking her internal organs and slowly killing her. A jam packed episode of heartbreak, hospital psych ward escapes, secret letters, brain washing and home made moats dug around the house and most certainly not up to code. 

You’re in a high-stakes meeting. You’re wearing a power suit. And you just shit your ankle socks. What do you do? This week, we sit down with Meg, a lawyer who is navigating the high-pressure corporate world while battling Crohn’s Disease. We dive deep into the messy side of chronic illness that LinkedIn doesn't tell you about: The shame of "potty breaks," the legal right to accommodations that nobody talks about, and the absolute mind-f*ck of having a partner who literally studies your disease for a living.It’s a masterclass in resilience, humor, and knowing when to say "f*** the billable hour, I need a nap."You can watch this entire episode over on YouTube! Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord.

Lachi thinks the way we talk about disability is boring, so she’s here to make it glam, loud, and impossible to ignore. This week, the boys are joined by recording artist, Grammy Trustee, and CEO of RAMPD, Lachi. She breaks down why she went from throwing her white cane into traffic as a kid to turning it into a high-fashion statement today. We dive deep into the concept of "Maladaptive Daydreaming" (and Jer’s sudden realization that he definitely has it), the crucial difference between the "Charity Model" and the "Social Model" of disability, and why Lachi’s new book title, I Identify as Blind, is pissing off the internet in the best way possible.Check out RAMPD: rampd.orgFind Lachi: lachimusic.com | @lachimusicFollow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

Dr. Sami Timimi is a psychiatrist with a bone to pick with his own profession: he thinks we’ve fallen down a diagnostic rabbit hole, and he’s here to help us climb back out. This week, the boys sit down with the child psychiatrist who is effectively flipping the table on his own profession. We live in an era where everyone and their dog seems to have a diagnosis. But what if those labels (ADHD, Depression, Autism) aren't actually explaining why we struggle, but are just describing how we struggle? Dr. Timimi argues that modern psychiatry has fallen down a rabbit hole of "upside-down science," turning ordinary human distress into medical disorders without the biological proof to back it up. We get into the weeds on the "myth" of the chemical imbalance, why psychiatric diagnoses are nothing like diagnosing diabetes, and the potential harm of identifying too closely with a label. Dr. Timimi's Work: Visit samitimimi.co.ukFollow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

Welp... Jer bought a gun. And let's just say his progressive friend group had some thoughts. This week, the boys are joined by Noah Schwartz, author of Targeted, to figure out why the topic of firearms immediately feels like a diagnosis. We dive into Jer's journey to getting his PAL (for the love of ethical moose meat, not a zombie apocalypse... probably), the massive cultural gap between Canadian and American gun owners, and the history of framing guns as a "public health crisis."Is owning a firearm a symptom of sickness? Or is the way we talk about it the real problem?About the Guest: Noah S. Schwartz is an assistant professor of political science at the University of the Fraser Valley in Abbotsford, BC. His research looks at the politics of the gun debate in Canada and the United States.Resources:Read the Book: Targeted: Citizenship, Advocacy, and Gun Control in Canada is available now.Find Noah: Visit noahschwartz.caFollow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok, and Discord!

Imagine your brain’s hardware is perfect, but the software is glitching so badly your body stops working.We sit down with Erum, a biochemist who navigates the world with a rare and often misunderstood condition: Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). We Raw Dog into the fascinating science behind the diagnosis. Basically her brain has a "software glitch" but the hardware is pristine. So how, and why is it causing the left side of her body to physically fail during flare-ups? Erum shares her harrowing and resilient story, from a terrifying ER visit where doctors suspected a brain tumor or MS, to the "magic trick" test that finally led to her FND diagnosis. We discuss the profound connection between her condition and a history of severe childhood trauma, including growing up as a child of deaf adults (CODA) and surviving abuse. Plus, we talk about the healing power of boxing and how FND finally forced her to stop people-pleasing.You can watch this entire episode over on YouTube!Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord.

This week, we're joined by legendary filmmaker and noted curmudgeon Alan Zweig. He’s spent his career being unflinchingly honest about every insecurity in the book; loneliness, obsession, failure, but he’s always avoided the one thing he admits he thinks about most: his weight. Now, he's finally forcing himself to talk about it with his new podcast, "Tubby," which he perfectly describes as "a self-help podcast for those of us that can’t help ourselves." We get into the weeds of that "inner tubby" feeling, why the mirror is the "devil," whether this is all just a "character flaw," and if being uncomfortable in your own skin is the secret source of all our other hang-ups. This is a hilarious, sad, and deeply human chat about what it's like to feel fat, even when you're not.Be sure to listen to "Tubby" wherever you get your podcasts! Follow Sickboy: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickboypodcastTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sickboypodcastDiscord: https://discord.gg/expeUDN

"My husband had a kidney transplant... I just got breast cancer. Ain't that a kick in the head?" This week, we're joined by Kacy and Thomas, a couple who knows what "in sickness and in health" really means. First, Thomas went through kidney failure, dialysis , and a life-saving transplant from his childhood best friend. Just as life found its new normal, the roles were completely flipped when Kacy was diagnosed with an aggressive, non-hormonal breast cancer. They share their incredible journey of being both patient and caregiver, the "oil spill" feeling of chemo , the power of being "too angry to die" , and the profound lessons they've learned about fighting with each other when you're healthy, not just when you're sick.Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

What's it like getting pepper-sprayed when you have a chronic lung disease? A homicide detective knows what’s up. This week, we sit down with a guest who defies expectations: Jeremy, a homicide detective living with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). We dive into the unique challenges and surprising advantages of managing a demanding, high-stress career alongside a chronic illness. He opens up about the progression of his CF, the profound impact of the life-changing drug Trikafta, and his perspective on life expectancy before and after the medication. You can watch this entire episode over on YouTube.Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

"Society says it's better dead than disabled." This week, we sit down with Ryan Yellowlees , a counselor and activist who is living—and thriving—with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, decades past his initial prognosis. Ryan gets real about the progression of his condition , the systemic ableism he fights against , and why he's fiercely campaigning against the expansion of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD), calling it modern-day eugenics. He shares his unique perspective on finding strength and purpose in disability and why, given the choice, he'd live this life all over again.Find Ryan: https://www.lifeempoweredcounselling.caFollow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

What if your hand suddenly tried to choke you, or a microscopic parasite in your brain was making you horny for cat piss? From our live show at PodSummit in Calgary, the boys take a wild tour through the glitches in the human brain. We explore Alien Hand Syndrome, the brain-hijacking parasite Toxoplasma Gondii, and the profound ethical dilemma of Body Integrity Identity Disorder. Then, we're joined by our incredible new teammate, Paralympian Brock Richardson! Brock shares the powerful story of confronting his high school bullies head-on, the harrowing experience of being dropped by a support worker who wouldn't listen, and the hilarious story of his first date with his wife... who is not his sister. We think. Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord.

After her father's sudden death, she carried a "calcified" grief for 15 years that traditional therapy couldn't touch—until one psychedelic cannabis journey changed everything. This week, we're joined by psychotherapist Angela, founder of Altered Healing, for a fascinating deep dive into the world of psychedelic therapy. Angela challenges the "Cheetos and cartoons" stereotype, making the case for cannabis as a powerful medicine for healing trauma when used with intention. We discuss her incredible personal story, the crucial difference between recreational and therapeutic use, and how cannabis compares to other medicines like ketamine, psilocybin, and MDMA.Find Angela's work and the organizations mentioned:Altered Healing: https://alteredhealing.com/Holos Integrative Health (Ketamine Therapy): https://holosintegrativehealth.com/Bluestem Psilocybin Pilot Program for Vets: Bluestem.co/vetsYou can watch this entire episode over on YouTube!Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord.

Her vertebrae are shaped like footballs, and doctors told her parents she wouldn't live past the age of five. This week, we're joined by the incredible Natasha, who shares her story of living with Morquio Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. She takes us on the journey of her "two lives": the one before and the one after a spinal stroke during a routine surgery left her paralyzed at 16. Despite the immense challenges, Natasha's story is filled with shocking humor, unshakable positivity, and unforgettable moments (like meeting Taylor Swift for her Make-A-Wish). This is a conversation about resilience, adaptation, and finding joy in the most unexpected places.You can watch this entire episode over on YouTube. Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

What does it feel like to get your dad back for a few beautiful moments of clarity, only to have dementia snatch him away again? This week, we're joined by our dear friend Haley for a powerful and vulnerable conversation about losing her father, the beloved musician Cyril McPhee, to Lewy Body Dementia. Haley opens up about the "trickster" nature of the disease, the profound experience of "pre-grieving" a parent who is still alive, and the beautiful legacy he left behind, known as "The Cyril Effect." This is a deeply moving look at grief, family, and the enduring power of love in the face of a devastating illness.Check out the episode on YouTube to see some of Haley's incredible photos of her father in his final days: You can watch this entire episode over on YouTube! Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

When six months is the best a doctor can offer, hope feels like a cruel joke. In this Breakdown edition of Sickboy, we dig into Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH)—a rare disease that once meant certain death but now has science flipping the script.Through narration and three candid interviews, this audio doc traces PAH’s path from despair to possibility. Jane shares what it’s like to have her lungs hijacked in her twenties. Dr. David Langleben, who built Canada’s first pulmonary hypertension clinic, walks us through decades of grim prognoses. And Jamie Myrah of PHA Canada explains why delayed diagnosis is still PAH’s deadliest trick. But then comes the plot twist: a new therapy called Sotatercept, a treatment that doesn’t just slap a Band-Aid on symptoms but actually targets the root cause. For doctors who’ve watched patients run out of time, it’s nothing short of a game changer.The Breakdown is a new addition to the Sickboy’s format! An audio documentary where we crack open one illness at a time and make sense of it with heart, humour, and the occasional “WTF.”Shout out to PHA Canada! This first Breakdown proves that even in the heaviest stories, hope still gets the last word.For more information on how you can help please visit https://www.phacanada.ca/Follow Sickboy: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickboypodcastTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sickboypodcastDiscord: https://discord.gg/expeUDN

You don’t survive ten years of podcasting without a few scars—and a hell of a lot of stories. In part one of this milestone episode, the guys sit down with Brock, a new intern with a fiery past—literally. From being wrongly accused of arson at age four to navigating life with cerebral palsy, Brock’s journey is as hilarious as it is jaw-dropping. He unpacks what it means to live with PVL, how systemic failures nearly derailed his education, and why he wouldn’t trade his disability for anything. Then in part two, the hosts turn the mics inward. Reflecting on a decade of Sickboy, they revisit the biggest lessons, most surprising moments, and the impact this show has had—not just on listeners, but on themselves. With equal parts heart and humour, this is the definitive Sickboy episode: raw, reflective, and wildly unforgettable.You can watch this entire episode over on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL0EVgIbBQOxtKJ4qjAlfeutzZRfCGV8nbSickboy LIVE in Calgary!Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord

Think PMS makes you a little cranky? That's cute. This week, we're diving headfirst into its evil, unhinged cousin: Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, or PMDD. Our guest Julia describes it as preparing for "doomsday" every single month —a two-week cycle where her brain basically turns into a rage-filled, paranoid monster that, among other things, absolutely hates her husband. This isn't just about mood swings; it's a full-blown psychiatric disorder that comes with a terrifying risk of suicidal thoughts and makes just getting through the day a monumental task. Julia walks us through the whole experience, from getting diagnosed thanks to her running watch (seriously) , to considering the most metal solution possible: having her ovaries surgically removed. Spoiler: her doctors weren't exactly thrilled with the idea. Strap in for a wild, raw, and surprisingly funny look at a condition that proves hormones are not to be trifled with.Sickboy LIVE in Calgary!Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord.

We're not like the other health podcasts — we're weirder. For 10 years and counting, Sickboy has been the forum for open, honest and hilarious conversations destigmatizing all types of illnesses and injuries. Join best friends Jeremie, Brian and Taylor on their journey to laugh through life's most painful conversations. Come for the wildly inappropriate jokes, stay for the conversations that will change the way you view life, death, and wellbeing. Thanks for being here!

When we last spoke with Cameo in 2023, she was a driven student who seemed to be thriving, managing her mental health in a way that truly worked for her. Then, she reached out with an update. Cameo returns to the show to share the unfiltered reality of what happens when a mental health journey takes a nosedive. In a conversation that is both heartbreaking and incredibly self-aware, she describes being trapped in a prison of her own making—battling all-consuming OCD, anxiety, and the lingering grip of an eating disorder that has followed her since childhood. This is a raw, necessary look at the messy truth of recovery, and a reminder that the path to wellness is rarely a straight line.This conversation deals with difficult themes of mental illness. If you or someone you know is struggling, please know that support is available. You don't have to go through this alone.- For crisis support across Canada: Call or text 9-8-8 anytime.- In Quebec: Call Info-Social at 811 to speak with a psychosocial health professional.- For non-crisis support: Text WELLNESS to 741741 to connect with Wellness Together Canada.Reaching out is a sign of strength. 

You can’t hike your way out of an adrenal crisis.After a sudden diagnosis of Addison’s disease at 23, Aly’s life changed in a single phone call—from invincibility to a strict medication schedule and emergency steroid injections. She shares the harrowing early signs of adrenal failure, the shock of navigating life-threatening illness, and the second crisis that forced her to take her condition seriously. But this isn’t just about survival. It’s about adaptation. Aly opens up about “rewilding” herself back into the outdoors, reclaiming joy in hiking and surfing while living in manual mode. From hospitalizations to heartbreak, this episode explores chronic illness, self-advocacy, and finding strength in the body you have—even when it betrays you.