Sickboy

When the map doesn't match the terrain, sometimes you just make your own path. Natalia Bartlomowicz was born with a rare congenital condition so unique it doesn't even have a name—just a stack of medical files and a body doctors still can't quite predict. In this episode, she opens up about navigating childhood surgeries, a 16-hour operation in Boston, and the emotional toll of being called a “medical mystery.” From discovering she has two uteri to building a safe space for youth with chronic illness, Natalia's story is one of resilience, radical self-advocacy, and finding strength in the unexpected. She talks dating, dignity, and how the healthcare system can better treat patients as people. It's a heartfelt ride through one woman's no-name diagnosis—and the superpower she's made of it.Links:together-we-thrive.caFollow Sickboy: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickboypodcastTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sickboypodcastDiscord: https://discord.gg/expeUDN

You can't outgrow puberty—but maybe we can outlearn how we teach it. This week, Jer and Tay explore a topic often overlooked: puberty education for youth with disabilities. Social worker and doctoral student Jennalyn Suda breaks down how trauma-informed frameworks can radically reshape how we approach this formative stage, especially for students who face additional barriers. From the sensory challenges of menstruation to the cultural and cognitive complexities that shape understanding, Jennalyn sheds light on the gaps in traditional education. The boys dive into awkward memories, laugh about the lessons they never learned, and highlight how shifting the conversation from shame to empowerment might just be the change we need.Follow Sickboy: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickboypodcastTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sickboypodcastDiscord: https://discord.gg/expeUDN

When you go in for testicular cancer surgery, do they offer you a scrotal facelift while they're down there? We ask the important questions. This week is a wild ride through Taaha's diagnosis in grade 12. Taha talks about the pressure to be strong for his family, how the other testicle "kicks up into overdrive" to pick up the slack, and the incredible nurses who inspired him to change his life's path. Now a registered nurse and a fierce advocate for the Canadian Cancer Society, Taaha is using his experience to help others and expose the staggering out-of-pocket costs that come with our "free" healthcare system.You can watch this entire episode over on YouTube.Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

When the cost of survival outweighs the cost of death, something has gone deeply wrong. In this sobering and eye-opening episode, Mitch, living with cerebral palsy and chronic pain, shares his harrowing journey through a Canadian healthcare and social system that he argues is failing its disabled citizens. From the challenges of inadequate education and inaccessible post-secondary programs, to the emotional toll of societal stigma and the bureaucratic obstacles in pursuing intimacy, Mitch exposes the gaps that leave many disabled individuals isolated, under-resourced, and overlooked. He bravely discusses everything from systemic failures and addiction to sex work and survival strategies — reminding us how much dignity and independence are shaped by equity, not charity.You can watch this entire episode over on YouTube.Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

Some people get nine lives. Others get nine surgeries and still walk taller. This week, Ray shares a gripping story that starts with a motorcycle crash at 19 and unfolds into a series of life-altering events: a traumatic brain injury, a delayed cancer diagnosis, and the unexpected grief of infertility. Through it all, Ray finds his way—first back to school, then into the world of horseshoeing and prosthetics, and eventually into the complex terrain of emotional healing. Buckle up folks. This is a raw and thoughtful conversation about masculinity, resilience, and what it means to keep showing up, even when life keeps changing the map.Follow Sickboy: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickboypodcastTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sickboypodcastDiscord: https://discord.gg/expeUDN

American men are in a friendship recession. Compared to a few decades ago, five times as many men have no close friends. So what's going on? In this episode of Embodied, host Anita Rao talks with Mark Pagán, creator and host of the podcast “Other Men Need Help,” about what makes close friendships among men so fraught — and what we can do about it. They talk about everything from why Mark loves secret handshakes to his ongoing journey of making himself say the hard stuff out loud.Meet the guest: Mark Pagán is the creator and host of the podcast "Other Men Need Help" and writes the substack "Other Men" Read the transcript. More episodes of Embodied are available here: https://www.wunc.org/show/embodied

This week, meet Corinne, a teen who makes "Final Destination" look like a chill day out. After a car packed like a clown car met a tree at high speed, she was launched out the window (note to self: wear your seatbelt, kids ), broke a laundry list of bones, and then casually had a stroke in the ambulance for an encore. The paramedic? Looked "terrified". Corinne spills on surviving the unsurvivable, relearning to talk (with a little help from Taylor Swift ) at the amazing IWK Health Centre, and why graduating high school is her biggest flex – mostly because she's "done with science and math". It's a story of insane resilience and why you should support the IWK Telethon.For more info on the IWK Telethon.You can watch this entire episode over on YouTube.Follow Sickboy: Instagram,Tiktok & Discord.

Feeling like 'self-care' is just another word for avoiding your problems? Psychologist Dr. Emily Anhalt joins the boys to unpack the concept of Emotional Fitness — a proactive approach to mental health that involves leaning into discomfort, not away from it. Discover the 7 traits of emotionally fit people (including mindfulness, resilience, and playfulness!) and learn practical 'emotional push-ups' you can do daily to build strength, even when it sucks. Dr. Anhalt breaks down why waiting until 'shit hits the fan' isn't the best strategy, how to reframe negative self-talk by talking to your 'inner five-year-old', and why true growth comes from embracing the uncomfortable. Get ready to flex your feelings and ditch the B.S. self-care trends.  Be sure to check out Dr. Ahalt's new book: https://www.dremilyanhalt.com/bookYou can watch this entire episode over on YouTube!Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord.

What happens when your brain betrays you with seizures that arrive without warning and leave you depressed for days? Meet Landis, a writer and podcaster who developed epilepsy after brain tumor surgery at age 32. In this illuminating conversation, she breaks down the reality of living with seizures that arrive without warning, including the four-day depression cycle that follows each episode. From creating a post-seizure self-care system complete with personal reminders, to experiencing fascinating "auras" where her brain conjures fictional characters like "Mrs. Bit Binder," Landis shares it all with remarkable honesty and humor. She also discusses how epilepsy affected her dating life (including having a seizure during some hanky panky sexy times!), the service dog who detects her seizures before they happen, and how this condition has simultaneously limited her independence while deepening her appreciation for life's small moments. A powerful reminder of resilience in the face of chronic illness.You can watch this entire episode over on YouTube!Check out Landis' podcast "What The Ef"Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord.

What if the thing that saved your life ended up making you feel like a stranger in your own body? Whose Hand Is It Anyway? This week, Jer goes full Frankenstein as he walks the guys through the psychological minefield of visible transplants—hands, faces, and all the weird, uncomfortable identity baggage that comes with them. From the guy who returned his donor hand, to another who says he'd rather go back to prosthetics, to a woman who looked in the mirror and saw a stranger's mouth — this episode dives into the surreal world where medicine meets identity crisis. Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

He lost most of his leg, two lungs got cracked open, and somehow he still walked it off—literally. Jeff Bryant's life was all about basketball—until a swollen leg led to a diagnosis of high-grade osteosarcoma. What followed was a wild medical journey: a full femur and knee replacement, the loss of three out of four quadriceps, two lung surgeries, and multiple reconstructive operations. But Jeff didn't just survive—he came back swinging, walking hospital laps days after surgery, mentoring other patients, and even launching an international young adult cancer support network. This episode dives deep into the physical pain, the mental grit, and the community that helped Jeff keep going. From titanium bones to Final Four tickets, this is a story of resilience, purpose, and finding new dreams when old ones get ripped away.

When Gwen first went to the doctor for stomach pain, she didn't expect to leave with a diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome—let alone a growing list of conditions including POTS and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome. In this episode, the gang explore what it's like to get too many answers too quickly, how chronic illness reshapes identity, and why the system often fails patients with complex needs. From medical gaslighting to becoming a voice for disability advocacy, Gwen's story is as sharp as it is eye-opening. It's a reminder that “invisible” doesn't mean imaginary—and that the fight for proper care can be just as exhausting as the illness itself.Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

Are we witnessing the first scientific proof of telepathy? Dr. Diane Powell is a Harvard-trained neuroscientist and psychiatrist who's spent the last 20 years diving deep into a topic most scientists wouldn't touch with a ten-foot pole: telepathy. And not just any kind — we're talking about non-speaking autistic children who seem to communicate mind-to-mind. In this mind-bending episode, Diane joins the fellas to unpack her controversial research, the wild experiments that left her questioning everything, and why the scientific community has been so eager to ignore the data. Is this fringe pseudoscience, or are we looking at a hidden frontier of the human mind? If you thought savant syndrome was wild, wait until you hear this.For more on Diane's work be sure to check this page out.Be sure to catch the full video version of this episode on YouTube.Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord.

What do Hereditary, Sound of Metal, A Ghost Story, and The Rugrats Movie have in common? They'll absolutely destroy you—and maybe help you feel a little more human while they're at it. This week, Jeremie and Brian sit down with Elliott and Kylie from the Moody Movie Club podcast, who are running a film screening series all about grief, loss, and those beautiful moments where a cartoon baby can make you ugly cry. Together, they unpack four films that hit like a truck and make a strong case for why sad movies might be better than therapy (not medical advice, obviously). From demonic moms to haunted pie-eating ghosts to the sound of silence (literally) to a baby's search for his mom—this episode is for anyone who's ever sobbed into their popcorn and said, “Damn, I needed that.”Learn more about the Moody Movie Club grief screening series here ➡ https://metrocinema.org/series/undone-by-each-other-grief-loss-and-mourning/Be sure to catch the full video version of this episode on YouTube!Follow Sickboy: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickboypodcastTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sickboypodcastDiscord: https://discord.gg/expeUDN

What if you were too young for the place you had no choice but to call home? At 39, Mel moved into a long-term care facility because of her MS. Fifteen years later, she's navigating a world designed for people twice her age—where privacy requires special door signs, intimacy becomes a spectator sport, and a single shower per week is the norm. With unflinching honesty and humour, Mel takes the fellas inside her daily reality: having meaningful conversations in a place where 90% of residents have dementia, fighting for basic dignities most take for granted, and hanging a "virtual meeting in process" sign when she needs... hanky panky time. This episode is a window into the rarely discussed intersection of disability, aging care systems, and what it means to maintain your identity when the world around you doesn't quite fit. Through Mel's advocacy and refusal to be an afterthought, we discover her powerful mantra: "Inaccessible is unacceptable. Dignity matters.Be sure to catch the full video version of this episode on YouTube! Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord.

When war rages, combat medics are the only thing standing between life and death. Most people will never experience the chaos of a war zone—but for combat medics like Philip, it's just another day at work. From dodging artillery fire while treating wounded soldiers to sneaking through conflict zones under cover of darkness, this episode takes you inside the high-stakes world of battlefield medicine. Philip shares firsthand accounts of life-saving interventions, near-death moments, and the mental toll of being responsible for lives in the middle of war. Now working as the Director of Operations for Aspen Medical, Philip continues to bring his expertise to the world's most dangerous places. From Ukraine to Syria, Haiti, Iraq and beyond, he's seen it all—and he's here to tell us what it takes to survive in the worst conditions imaginable.Be sure to catch the full video version of this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCstejCbe9-zvG7nXgf-jwbgFollow Sickboy: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickboypodcastTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sickboypodcastDiscord: https://discord.gg/expeUDN

Your inner voice can be your greatest weapon—or your worst enemy. So… which one is yours? Psychologist and bestselling author Ethan Kross joins the boys to unpack the science of self-talk, emotional control, and mental resilience. Why do some people crack under pressure while others thrive? What separates high performers from those who let emotions run their lives? And most importantly, how can you take control of your mind before it controls you? Ethan takes Jer and Bri on a dive deep into his latest book SHIFT to unpack elite psychological strategies used by Navy SEALs, healthcare workers, and top performers to master their emotions. Learn how to shift your perspective, silence negative self-talk, and use your inner voice as a tool—not a weapon. You're already talking to yourself. It's time to start listening the right way.Be sure to catch the full video version of this episode on YouTube. Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

What if everything we think we know about reality is just scratching the surface? After our deep dive into Savant Syndrome and Telepathy, we found ourselves spiralling into a whole new conversation—one that forced us to rethink everything we believe about consciousness, religion, and the limits of human potential. This bonus episode is a portion of this weeks episode that didn't make the final cut but we thought deserved its own dedicated episode. From the boundaries between science and the unexplained to the possibility that we're all connected in ways we can't yet measure, this raw and unfiltered discussion explores what happens when you let go of skepticism and open yourself up to the impossible. 

What if your thoughts aren't just your own? Some scientists believe telepathy might be real… and the proof could lie in savant syndrome. Some people wake up from traumatic brain injuries with brand-new talents—like instantly becoming a world-class musician or solving impossible math problems. Others, born with savant syndrome, display superhuman memory, artistic mastery, and skills they never learned. But how does this happen? This episode the boys dive into the mind-bending world of savants, acquired genius, and the telepathic mysteries of non-speaking autistic individuals. Are some people accidentally accessing an unknown part of human consciousness? Could we all have hidden abilities waiting to be unlocked? And what does this mean for our understanding of intelligence, memory, and reality itself?Be sure to catch the full video version of this episode on YouTube.Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord.

How do you fix a face that's falling apart? In Rachel's case, you break it even more. What started as trouble swallowing as a teenager turned into a full facial reconstruction. Rachel's TMJ deterioration left her unable to eat, breathe properly, or even recognize her own face. With her airway down to just 2 millimeters (when it should be 11!), doctors had no choice but to break and rebuild her entire jaw. In this episode, Rachel walks us through her insane surgical journey—from bone saws to gold weights implanted in her eyelid, the facial paralysis that followed, and the emotional rollercoaster of waking up with a face that felt like someone else's. This is a story about identity, survival, and the body's wild ability to rebuild itself.Be sure to catch the full video version of this episode on YouTube!

"Only move from love, don't move from fear." That's the mantra guiding Mark Brand, a world-class chef who went from spiraling into self-destruction to serving over 2,200 meals a day to Vancouver's most vulnerable. At 27, Mark was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease—a degenerative condition that would eventually shut down his organs. Doctors warned him he'd be on dialysis by 35 and told him to slow down. Instead, he went harder—booze, drugs, chaos. But rock bottom isn't always the end. For Mark, it was the beginning of something bigger. In this raw and powerful episode, Mark opens up about his journey from near-death to radical purpose, the moment that changed everything, and how food became his weapon in the fight against hunger, inequality, and despair.Be sure to catch the full video version of this episode on YouTube.Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

Declared dead. Hours later, she opened her eyes—very much alive. From waking up in a chilly morgue to defying every known law of medicine, this episode dives into the spine-tingling reality of Lazarus Syndrome—when someone pronounced clinically dead shocks everyone by suddenly coming back to life. We trace eerie accounts of premature burial fears, ancient “safety coffins,” and real-life cases that baffle even seasoned professionals. Tune in as the boys dissect the science, folklore, and mind-bending implications of a phenomenon that leaves us wondering: When are we truly gone for good? Strap in… things are about to get weird.Be sure to catch the full video version of this episode on YouTube.Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord.

What if dying is the most transformative experience you'll ever have? David Maginley unpacks the mysteries of death and spirituality, sharing profound insights on near-death experiences, ego deconstruction, and the cultural impact of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). David, a psycho-spiritual therapist, chaplain, and four-time cancer survivor, dives deep into the mysteries of death, dying, and spirituality in this thought-provoking conversation. Drawing from 25 years of experience supporting people in palliative care, David explores the universal phenomena of mystical experiences at the end of life and the profound deconstruction of the ego during the dying process. In this episode, we tackle the controversial topic of Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD). David shares why he believes MAiD may rob people of the opportunity for transcendence and the deeper lessons death has to offer. From near-death experiences to the cultural and spiritual implications of MAiD, this is a conversation that will challenge your perspectives and open your mind.Be sure to catch the full video version of this episode on YouTube. And hear our previous episode featuring David here! David's BookFollow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

When the odds say you shouldn't be alive, sometimes you wake up and make a podcast application anyway. In this episode, Hannah Maria takes us through her miraculous survival story after a devastating collision with a semi-truck left her with the lowest possible score on the Glasgow Coma Scale. From a shattered pelvis to a brain that decided to take an 11-day nap, her injuries read like a medical textbook's greatest hits. But what happens when you wake up thinking you're pregnant, only to discover you've been crafting Instagram reels in your sleep? Between memory gaps, broken bones, and an inexplicable urge to apply to Sickboy while still in the ICU, Hannah Maria's story is a testament to resilience, universal healthcare, and the strange ways our minds work when piecing life back together. In the wrap-up, the fellas dive into the surprising differences between getting knocked out and falling into a coma, proving that sometimes the best naps are the ones you don't remember taking.Want to see some of the jaw dropping photos from Hanna Maria's experience? Be sure to catch the full video version of this episode on YouTube.Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord.

When your healthcare system runs on love and unpaid overtime, something's gotta give. This week, we're joined by Liv Mendelsohn, Executive Director of the Canadian Centre for Caregiving Excellence, to unpack a staggering reality: for every hour of professional healthcare, there are three hours of unpaid care happening behind closed doors. From accidental caregivers who don't realize they've joined the club to burnt-out heroes keeping our healthcare system from collapse, Liv breaks down why Canada needs to step up its game in supporting those who support others. Get ready for some real talk about what happens when half of all Canadian women are caregivers, but the system pretends not to see them. Plus, find out why your coworker's constant "doctor's appointments" might be the tip of a much bigger iceberg.Be sure to check out "Who Cares?" - a new podcast series exploring caregiving stories across Canada, available now wherever you get your podcasts!Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

When your parents tell you you'll be the exception to CF's cruel rules, you either sink or swim - Madison MacGregor chose to freestyle. When doctors couldn't halt her declining health, Madison went rogue - ditching the CF diet for squash and alternative treatments until she weighed just 88 pounds. From competitive dancing with an IV to battling her medical team at every turn, this self-proclaimed "geriatric Gen Z-er" shares her unconventional journey through CF. But the real twist? Sometimes surviving isn't the hardest part - it's figuring out who you are when death is no longer knocking at your door.Find our other episodes about cystic fibrosis here (the first-ever episode of Sickboy!), here, and here (our chat with Justin Baldoni).Catch the full video version of this episode on YouTube.Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

They say you can't teach an old dog new tricks, but Brad Arseneau's here to prove them wrong. At 49, he decided to master skateboarding, a hobby that quickly became a passion—and surprisingly, had nothing to do with the bus accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. Brad's journey of resilience began not on his skateboard, but his bike. Faced with unimaginable challenges, he refused to let the accident define him. From relearning how to walk to skating like he never missed a beat, Brad's story is a masterclass in grit, growth, and grabbing life by the trucks.Catch the full video version of this episode on YouTube!Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord.

On Drugs looks through the lenses of history, pop culture and personal experience to understand how drugs have shaped our world. Because even if it's just caffeine or ibuprofen, there's a good chance you're on drugs right now. More episodes of On Drugs are available at: https://link.mgln.ai/upajoH

When the pursuit of health becomes unhealthy, it's time to rewrite the rules. From struggling with orthorexia to becoming a leading voice against diet culture, registered dietitian Abbey Sharp joins us to explore the complex relationship between mental health and eating. Abbey shares her journey from an obsession with "clean eating" to helping others find food freedom, while breaking down popular wellness myths and the science behind trending diets. Together, Jer, Taylor and Abbey dive into intuitive eating, the controversy around Ozempic, and why the pursuit of "perfect" eating might be doing more harm than good. Whether you're wrestling with your own relationship with food or just trying to make sense of the latest TikTok nutrition trends, this episode offers an honest, evidence-based perspective on finding balance in a world obsessed with diets.Follow Abbey: Bite Back Podcast | Abbey's Kitchen on YouTube | www.abbeyskitchen.com | www.neuetheory.comFollow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

That impulse purchase you made at 2 AM? It wasn't about the thing you bought—it was about that thing that happened when you were seven. In this episode, we sit down with financial expert Jessica Moorhouse to explore the hidden emotional roots of our money habits. From childhood trauma to ADHD, we dive into the surprising ways our mental health shapes our financial decisions. Jessica opens up about her own journey and shares insights from her new book "Everything But Money," helping us understand that our money struggles often have nothing to do with money at all. Whether you're a chronic over-spender or someone who hoards every penny, this conversation will help you understand the "why" behind your relationship with money—and how to heal it.Our previous episode featuring Jessica is right here. Find Jessica's podcast here, her YouTube page here and her Instagram here.Catch the full video version of this episode on YouTube!Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord.

Sometimes the scariest monsters aren't under your bed—they're hiding behind your ribs. At 31, Christine Elliott found herself staring at a suspicious divot in her breast that would launch her into a battle with not just one, but two formidable opponents. From being a naturopathic devotee to embracing chemotherapy, her journey challenges the false dichotomy between traditional and alternative medicine. Christine candidly shares her experience with stage 3C breast cancer, the terrifying five-month limbo of an unidentified lung mass, and the paradigm shift that transformed her approach to healing. From vitamin C therapies to becoming a human light bulb during hyperthermia treatments, Christine's story reminds us that sometimes the path to healing isn't about choosing sides—it's about embracing what works, even if it challenges everything you once believed.Check out our previous episodes where we discuss breast cancer and lung cancer here and here.Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

What if the secret to fixing your brain was as simple as a thousand tiny sound beams and a really close shave? In this special live episode from the CTO Conference in Toronto, the fellas sit down with Rima, a clinical trial participant who traded Lysol face wipes for focused ultrasound treatment in her battle against debilitating OCD. Dr. Nir Lipsman, a neurosurgeon at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, joins to explain how his team is revolutionizing brain surgery by making precision "strikes" without ever opening the skull. From Chuck E. Cheese anxiety attacks to groundbreaking clinical trials, this episode explores the intersection of mental health innovation and patient care. Dr. Lipsman drops the mic with "It's better to have no brain than bad brain" - a statement that's both terrifying and oddly reassuring. Stick around to hear how a thousand tiny sound beams and one brave patient are changing the future of mental health treatment.Hear our previous fascinating chat about OCD here.Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

Breaking the silence around infertility isn't easy—but neither is pretending you're fine when Karen from accounting suggests "just relaxing" will help you get pregnant. This week, Dr. Vaneeta Sandhu, founder of the Fertility Wellness Collective, brings her expertise as both a clinical psychologist and someone who's walked the infertility path herself. From navigating the emotional minefield of IVF to dealing with well-meaning but clueless friends, we dive deep into the psychological impact of fertility challenges. Taylor shares his own IVF journey, while Jeremie explores the reality of future family planning with CF. Plus, we tackle the uncomfortable truth about how expensive it is to make a baby when your body needs a little extra help. Whether you're in the thick of it or supporting someone who is, this episode strips away the awkwardness and gets real about what it means to face infertility.Check out our previous episode about fertility struggles here.Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

Nature doesn't just heal—it teaches, tests, and transforms. This week, we paddle into the breathtaking Alberta Badlands with filmmaker Mike Lang and Sam Taylor, a cancer mom turning caregiving on its head. Together with Jeremie, stand up paddled 60 KM down the Red Deer River over three days. The whole adventure was documented on Caregivers in the Wild, a web series that throws caregivers into nature to help them find themselves again. From SUP adventures to deep talks about letting kids face their fears, we explore how the wild helps us heal. Plus, Jeremie shares the intimate moment of making eye contact with a deer while peeing in the wilderness—because nothing says "finding yourself" quite like that.Be sure to check out Jer & Sam's episode of Caregivers in the Wild on Youtube!Check out Sam's previous conversation with us here.Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord.

Not all hangovers leave you blind, but Ashley King's did. In this episode, the actor and playwright shares her harrowing experience of methanol poisoning after being served a contaminated beverage while on vacation in Bali. Unlike ethanol, the alcohol found in drinks, methanol is highly toxic and can cause severe health issues. This tragedy left Ashley with irreversible vision loss. From the life-saving medical intervention in New Zealand to navigating daily life with a disability, Ashley's story is one of resilience and reinvention. She opens up about the emotional toll, shifting social circles, and the internalized ableism that kept her from even telling a date she was blind. Ashley also dives into her creative process for Static, a darkly comedic play (and podcast) inspired by her journey. With humour and heart, she sheds light on the hidden dangers of homemade alcohol and the power of storytelling in healing.Be sure to check out Ashley's new podcast Static: A Party Girl's Memoir.Check out some of our other episodes where guests share their experiences with blindness here, here and here.Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

Blood isn't just thicker than water—it's a lifeline, and sometimes it needs saving. In this special three-part episode, we explore leukemia and lymphoma from every angle. First, survivor Leanne Kean opens up about the grit, hope, and humour it took to reclaim her life after cancer. Next, Dr. Mani Larijani reveals the groundbreaking research reshaping blood cancer treatment and offering new hope to patients. Finally, Daniel Blacquiere from the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada highlights how donations power these life-saving advancements. It's an emotional, eye-opening journey into the science, stories, and spirit of the fight against blood cancer.For more information on how you can support those battling Leukemia & Lymphoma visit: https://www.bloodcancers.ca/Catch the full video version of this episode on YouTube.Follow Sickboy on TikTok, Instagram and Discord!

If we're so close to gender equality, why does it still feel like women are running a marathon in heels? In this episode, award-winning journalist and bestselling author Liz Renzetti breaks down the illusion of progress when it comes to gender equality. She schools the boys on why caregiving—mostly done by women—is undervalued, how NDAs silence victims of harassment, and why the rise of “tradwives” has patriarchy patting itself on the back. From the eerie silence surrounding NDAs to the tech world's need for more female voices, Renzetti's insights challenge the status quo with wit and candor. Listen in for a fresh take on allyship, accountability, and the uphill trek toward true gender parity.Catch the full video version of this episode on YouTube here! Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord.

From "Why me, God?" to "Well, this is awkward..." Joel goes deep on his decade long tango with a rare cancer diagnosis. No inspirational background music or heartwarming montages here - just raw, unfiltered real talk about what happens when life serves you a hot steaming plate of garbage. Joel takes the fellas through his journey with a cancer, exploring how it rattled his faith, redefined his identity, and made him question everything he thought he believed in. Openly shedding light on the emotional and physical toll, the power of family support, and the strength he found in awareness and acceptance. Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

They needed certainty. They got chaos. For over a decade, countless people from at least five different countries put their trust in a company offering prenatal paternity tests. It promised clients “99.9% accuracy” — but then routinely, for over a decade, identified the wrong biological fathers.Investigative journalists Jorge Barrera and Rachel Houlihan track down the people whose lives were torn apart by these bad results, the shattered families and acrimonious court cases that followed, and the story behind the company that continues to stand by its testing and is still operating today.More episodes of Uncover are available at: https://lnk.to/7IRiRnqd

Pain doesn't always look the way people expect it to. Watercolor artist Kyriana delves into the reality of living with chronic pain—a sensation she likens to a broken bone that refuses to heal. Art, for her, is more than a passion; it's a lifeline and a voice for the often invisible struggles of chronic illness. In this episode, she shares how painting helps her express and validate her symptoms while tackling the disbelief and gaslighting that can come with an invisible condition. Kiriana opens up about the unique catharsis of translating pain into portraits, shedding light on chronic illness and the healing power of creativity.Be sure to check out KYRIANNA'S upcoming art exhibit if you're in the area! 1078 Gallery, Chico California - November 1-24 2024.Catch the full video version of this episode on YouTubeFollow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

Solitary confinement isn't just a punishment; for some, it's a childhood reality. In this episode, author Lisa Moore discusses her powerful collaboration with Jack Whalen on Invisible Prisons, a book that reveals the traumatic experiences of children in reform schools, focusing on Jack's harrowing story of isolation. The conversation explores the systemic issues of child abuse, the deep psychological impact of solitary confinement, and the pivotal role of love and family in healing. Lisa reflects on the transformative power of empathy in storytelling and her personal journey through the writing process.Catch the full video version of this episode on YouTube.Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

When science and ethics clash, the results can be mind-boggling—and a little unsettling. This week Jer takes the fellas on a Cloning deep dive. It all begins with the recent story of Arthur “Jack” Schubarth, an 81-year-old rancher imprisoned for illegally cloning sheep for trophy hunting, sparking a deeper look into the ethical maze of cloning. From Dolly the sheep's groundbreaking role as the first mammal cloned from an adult cell to the controversial revival of extinct species like the woolly mammoth, cloning's potential is both awe-inspiring and alarming. Along the way, the discussion tackles fringe theories, human-animal hybrids, and the growing trend of cloning pets—raising big questions about our future with biotechnology.Catch the full video version of this episode on YouTube!Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord.