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.
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.
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.
"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.ca
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.
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/vets
You can watch this entire episode over on YouTube!
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.
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!
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 Myra 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/sickboypodcast
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sickboypodcast
Discord: 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=PL0EVgIbBQOxtKJ4qjAlfeutzZRfCGV8nb
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.
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.
Some people hit walls. Others knock them down, build a lab, raise millions, and call up strangers to make a genetically engineered mouse. When Terry Pirovolakis learned his young son Michael had SPG50 — a rare degenerative disease with no treatment and a grim prognosis — he didn’t spiral. He mobilized. In this jaw-dropping story of parental devotion and scientific hustle, Terry recounts how he went from IT consultant to biotech trailblazer, spearheading the development of a gene therapy from scratch. From homemade mice to confronting the Prime Minister, this episode is a whirlwind of heartbreak, grit, global collaboration, and unshakable hope. It’s not just about saving one child — it’s about lighting a path for thousands more.
Sickboy LIVE in Calgary: https://www.showpass.com/podsummityyc2025/
Follow Sickboy:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickboypodcast
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sickboypodcast
Discord: https://discord.gg/expeUDN
Alex hasn’t peed in 17 years — and he’s been busy. Diagnosed at 11 with a rare kidney disease triggered by a brutal run of childhood illnesses, his life became a blur of seizures, dialysis, and a transplant that didn’t stick. Now, between 7-hour nocturnal dialysis sessions, Alex co-owns two thriving Toronto restaurants and is building a creative community from scratch. In this episode, he talks about living with three kidneys (none of them working), how trauma forged his sense of purpose, and why “burnout” takes on a whole new meaning when your body’s already pulling an all-nighter just to keep you alive.
They say laughter is the best medicine - unless you're diagnosed with something that sounds like a meme.
Mike lives with FAP, short for Familial Adenomatous Polyposis - a rare genetic disorder that guarantees colon cancer without drastic surgical intervention. In this unfiltered and laugh-out-loud conversation, Mike opens up about the brutal realities of living without a large intestine, the mental toll of life-altering surgery at 18, and the deeply personal decision to write a memoir titled A Bump in the Road. From rows of shark-like baby teeth to an ostomy bag that looked like Rudolph’s nose, Mike takes us through the gritty details of his medical journey. But what starts as a conversation about disease turns into something much bigger: a story of resilience, perspective, and finding purpose on the other side of pain. Plus, a passionate pitch for bidets, because we all know bidets are for kings.
Turns out, the most dangerous thing on TV in the ‘90s wasn’t violence—it was Pikachu. In December, 1997, nearly 700 kids in Japan were rushed to the hospital after watching a single episode of Pokémon. No, this isn’t an urban legend—it actually happened, and it was electrifying (lol). This week, Jer walks the fellas headfirst into the wild, true story of the Pokémon seizure panic, how Pikachu literally short-circuited a nation, and why poor ol’ Porygon got wrongfully canceled before being canceled was cool.
We break down the science of photosensitive epilepsy, uncover how a cartoon nearly led to a nationwide media meltdown. Justice for Porygon. Blame Pikachu.
You can watch this entire episode over on YouTube!
Taylor Arbeau is a firecracker. A passionate photographer, musician, and former Special Olympics athlete, she also happens to live with Down syndrome — mosaic Down syndrome, to be exact (yeah, we had no clue what that was either). In this candid convo, Taylor drops truth bombs about growing up “different,” discovering self-love, and calling bullshit on assumptions people make about her. She opens up about dating, her dreams of becoming a mom, and the unexpected ways Down syndrome has shaped her art and identity.
This episode is all heart and zero pity. It’s a celebration of difference, determination, and the power of proudly being yourself — even if you might have a tiny bit of road rage.
Follow Taylor’s work on Instagram:
Photography: @beausphotos3
Music: @taylorandmusic.3
Jeremie met Terry where all deep, life-altering connections begin: half-naked in a sauna, trying not to die of heat stroke. What started as a sweaty convo about testosterone turned into one of the most jaw-dropping pain stories we’ve ever heard. Terry's been battling chronic pain since the age of nine thanks to a rare hip disease that left his femur more hammerhead shark than ball-and-socket. He’s survived countless surgeries, dealt with decades of ignorance around pain management, and got hit by a car after finally getting relief from his first hip replacement. Oh yeah—he’s also the President of the Chronic Pain Association of Canada. This episode is for anyone who's ever been told they're “too young” for real pain, who’s had their suffering questioned, or who just wants to hear a badass 64-year-old tell it like it is—with a body that creaks louder than a haunted house and a sense of humour sharper than a surgical scalpel.
Falling asleep is easy—until it becomes the hardest part of your day. Recorded live in Toronto, this episode dives into the unpredictable world of narcolepsy type 1 with Heather, a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner living with both narcolepsy and cataplexy. From sleep-deprived misdiagnoses to lucid hallucinations and arms that give out mid-laugh, Heather walks us through the reality behind the disorder’s misunderstood pop culture image. She opens up about losing her spontaneity, finding community, and redefining rest, all while navigating a healthcare system still catching up. It’s funny, eye-opening, and more than a little dreamlike.
When a hospital nurse's error leads to a life-threatening hemorrhage, Tracy's fight for survival and answers begins. This week, Tracy shares her unbelievable journey through misdiagnosis, two kidney transplants, and a near-fatal medical error that led her to become a fierce patient safety advocate. From a childhood illness that unknowingly attacked her kidneys to a shocking turn of events post-transplant, Tracy's story is a testament to resilience and the critical importance of self-advocacy in healthcare.
You can watch this entire episode over on YouTube!
