As companions, pets do so many wonderful things; from fuzzy friends to emotional supports. We invited our guests to share how having a pet or service animal has improved their quality of life while living with chronic disease. Positively Speaking is a project by Casey House hospital, visit our website to learn more. Special thanks again to David Matta for audio engineering season 2 of Positively Speaking, and Nick Nausbaum for composing the music. --- Additional Resources: To...

Marty is a woman who is loved, with a job and family, who also uses crack cocaine. In this episode, Marty discusses her experience as a person who uses drugs, its repercussions, and both the pull and judgement of drug use. Positively Speaking is a project by Casey House hospital, visit our website to learn more. *Warning: this episode contains descriptions of intimate partner violence* --- Additional Resources: ConnexOntario – Provides service information for people experiencing problems...

Like many, Fred’s substance use is a way to manage with trauma. In this episode, he describes how he uses drugs to cope with his emotional and physical pain, and the importance of compassion and harm reduction in his life. Positively Speaking is a project by Casey House hospital, visit our website to learn more. *Warning: this episode contains descriptions of sexual abuse.* --- Additional Resources: ConnexOntario – Provides service information for people experiencing problems with gamb...

Following Episode 2 on immigration, we take a deeper dive into Xica’s story of growing up in isolation and adversity. She shares her journey not only traveling from Honduras, but in finding her true self while in Canada. Positively Speaking is a project by Casey House hospital, visit our website to learn more. *This episode contains references to suicide, and other content that may be upsetting to some listeners* --- Additional Resources: Trans Hotline- Canada – 877-330-6366 LGBTQ2+ ...

The road to becoming Canadian comes with extra complexities when you live with HIV. Hear three stories of people who arrived in Canada as refugees: Miguel, Ower, and Xica, and how they navigated new challenges and opportunities in a new country. Positively Speaking is a project by Casey House hospital, visit our website to learn more. *This episode contains references to suicide and other content that might be upsetting to some listeners* --- Additional Resources: HALCO – HIV AIDS Le...

Three and a half years after being diagnosed with ALS, Eric chose medical assistance in dying (or MAID) at Casey House. Listen as Eric reflects on his past, the lead up to his decision, and how MAID gave him a renewed sense of choice, dignity and hope. Positively Speaking is a project by Casey House hospital, visit our website to learn more. --- Additional resources: MAiDHOUSE – “MAiDHouse is a non-profit organization based in Toronto devoted to providing those eligible to ...

Casey House's podcast, Positively Speaking, returns for season 2 to share more stories from those living with HIV. This season we will be discussing medical assistance in dying (MAID), immigration, trans experience, substance use, and pets & service animals. New episodes will be released on Wednesdays. Visit CaseyHouse.ca for more details. Support the show

The last episode of season 1 ends on an encouraging note; you'll hear from guests Robert, Kenneth, Eliot and Francois, who despite facing multiple challenges, have been able to find constructive new ways to understand their circumstances and find positive ways to engage with the world. Positively Speaking is a project by Casey House hospital, visit our website to learn more. Support the show

There are few medical conditions as stigmatizing as HIV/AIDS. Tell friends or family that you have cancer or diabetes and they often rally around you; tell them you are HIV+ and their responses can be quite different. Guests Allan, Michael, Scott and Tim describe their experiences with isolation and loneliness, some self-imposed, and how they have come to find peace within themselves. Positively Speaking is a project by Casey House hospital, visit our website to learn more. Support the show

Toronto already has an affordable housing problem. Finding clean, safe, supportive and affordable housing for people living with HIV/AIDS experiencing physical, mental health and/or substance use issues adds another layer of complexity. Guests Allan, Michael, Scott and Tim discuss challenges finding appropriate housing, stigma and discrimination because of their HIV status, and the urgent need for more supportive housing in our city. We also discuss the difference appropriate housing makes to...

Guests share their experiences with mental health: the shock and impact of the HIV diagnosis; how substance use is sometimes a coping mechanism; the challenges of accessing appropriate mental health services, as well as the isolating effects of stigma and discrimination. Scott, Rod, Debbie, Steve and Sabani also describe what they learned from these challenges to create a positive path forward. Positively Speaking is a project by Casey House hospital, visit our website to learn more. Support...

Guests Jean, Greg, Phil and Alberto describe how living with HIV has impacted their relationships. For some it has strengthened them, for others, it has forced them to examine their needs, values and what's important to them. Positively Speaking is a project by Casey House hospital, visit our website to learn more. Support the show

Hear about the episodes in season 1 of Positively Speaking, Casey House's new podcast. Topics for the first season include: HIV and long-term survivors, relationships, mental health, housing, isolation and living positively. Positively Speaking is a project by Casey House hospital, visit our website to learn more. Support the show

The premier episode tells the stories of long-term survivors, people who have been living with HIV for over 25 years. Guests Allan, John, Rod, Murray and Muluba tell us about the early days of the epidemic, early and current medications, loss and hopes for the future. Positively Speaking is a project by Casey House hospital, visit our website to learn more. Support the show