

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.Follow Sickboy on Instagram & TikTok!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 26, 2024 • 59min
RAGE!!! Health Hazard or Emotional Elixir?
They say an apple a day keeps the doctor away, but could a vein busting fit of rage do the same, depending on your time zone? This Feel Good Friday, the fellas are dissecting a mind-bending study that shows how getting angry in the USA could be messing with your health, while in Japan, it might just be the secret sauce to feeling great. The beauty of cultural differences. Now don’t go raging out just yet, because the gang are celebrating the heartwarming story of Jeff Rhinerson, Kentucky's first paid deputy with Down syndrome. Jeff's not just wearing a badge; he's rewriting the rules of inclusion and shining brighter than a star in his new role at the judicial center. On completely different note, do insects experience heartbreak? The boys look at study about lovelorn fruit flies who prove that even the tiniest creatures can teach us big lessons about love and stress. Spoiler alert: Getting ghosted isn't just a human problem! For WHAT THE HELLTH!? A medical marvel. The boys dive into the tale of a man, his double-lung transplant, and some rather unconventional methods involving DD breast implants.
Join the post-episode conversation over on Discord! https://discord.gg/expeUDN

Jan 24, 2024 • 1h 2min
BLOOD: Busting Myths On Menstration With Dr. Jen Gunter
Ever wondered how a topic as natural as menstruation became a cocktail of myths and misinformation? Buckle up, because today, the fellas dive deep with the fearless Dr. Jen Gunter, a true crusader in demystifying women's health. Best known for her groundbreaking books 'The Vagina Bible' and 'The Menopause Manifesto,' Dr. Gunter is back to debunk myths with her latest masterpiece, 'BLOOD: The Science, Medicine, and Mythology of Menstruation.'From menstruation shame to the impact of the ‘Wellness industrial complex,’ Dr. Gunter sheds light on the social perceptions and misinformation shrouding menstruation. How does menstruation shame manifest and affect healthcare? What myths are perpetuated by health influencers and social media? And, let's get real about menstrual products – can tampons actually cause painful periods? Dr. Gunter, armed with scientific facts, medical expertise, and a fierce feminist perspective, is here to set the record straight. This episode is not just an eye-opener; it's a myth-buster on menstruation, healthcare, and society's skewed views. A conversation that's as enlightening as it is essential – you don't want to miss this one!
BLOOD: The Science, Medicine, and Mythology of Menstruation is available now!
Find Dr. Gunter here:
www.drjengunter.com
Jen Gunter (@drjengunter)
Twitter: Jennifer Gunter (@DrJenGunter)
Join the post-episode conversation over on Discord! https://discord.gg/expeUDN

Jan 22, 2024 • 60min
The Unseen Battles of a Miracle Child and His Mother: CHARGE Syndrome/17p13.1 Microduplication Syndrome
What happens when life throws a curveball straight after the final inning? This Monday, the boys sit down with Alexis Simon, a superhero mom who's been catching life's toughest pitches. After a picture-perfect pregnancy, Alexis's world turned upside down when her son, Theo, was born with a constellation of rare and complex health issues. Imagine finding out your newborn, who seemed perfectly healthy, is suddenly fighting for life with a ticking clock. Alexis opens up about the rollercoaster of being admitted to the hospital during the pandemic for Theo's failure to thrive and the evolution of family support through this journey. Theo, a little warrior with a heart as mighty as his challenges, has been to the OR 23 times, yet his superpower is his unyielding happiness. Despite battling CHARGE syndrome, a one-in-six-billion rarity, and a relentless form of epilepsy, his smile remains undefeated. As Theo approaches his fourth birthday, Alexis shares the story of his heart - both the literal hole and the metaphorical fullness of it. Strap in for a tale of love, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her extraordinary son.
*17p13.1 microduplication syndrome is a rare genetic condition characterized by a variety of symptoms. Only a few cases have been reported in the literature, and as such, it is not fully understood.
Join the post-episode conversation over on Discord! https://discord.gg/expeUDN

Jan 19, 2024 • 1h
From Vintage Vomit to Vibrant Piss - Ringing In A New Generation!
Roses are red, violets are blue, the magic school bus is yellow, and thanks to science, now we know why your piss is too. What's in a generation? Turns out, it's not as clear-cut as you might think! This Feel Good Friday, the boys dive headfirst into the chaotic, fascinating world of generational names. There's no secret council deciding who gets to be a Millennial or who falls into Gen Z; it's a wild mix of media, public opinion, and the impact of global events. The fellas unpack each generation's moniker, revealing surprising origins and the "squishy" spans that separate Boomers from Zoomers. But it's not just about labels. They explore how the era you're born in shapes everything from beliefs to how you spend your downtime. In classic Sickboy fashion, the conversation takes a very drastic turn as the boys shift into the world of science with a revelation about why our pee is yellow. No, it's not from Mrs. Frizzle's magic school bus paint melting in the depths of your bladder, but rather a discovery about the enzyme urobilin. To cap it all off, Jer drops some historical knowledge about antimony pills. These 19th-century "everlasting pills" weren't just a bellyache – they were the real deal in regurgitation, rejuvenation and a disgustingly questionable form of recycling. So, if you thought your generation had quirks, wait until you hear about the puke-and-rally routine of our ancestors.
Join the post-episode conversation over on Discord! https://discord.gg/expeUDN

Jan 17, 2024 • 60min
Oneday Dreams - Making Adult Sick Wishes Reality
"The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any point". In today's Routine Checkup, the fellas sit down with a duo that's bringing dreams to life in the most extraordinary way. Dr. Mike Bennett, a social work professor from the University of Texas at Arlington, and Jay Soulliere, a high-flying talent agent at The Feldman Agency, join forces in an unusual but inspiring partnership. They are the heart and soul behind Oneday Dreams, a charity giving hope and happiness to those facing life's final chapter. Mike and Jay dive into how they're turning dreams into reality for individuals and their loved ones during the toughest of times. They share the nuts and bolts of running a national charity with zero paid staff, relying solely on a dedicated team of volunteers, and how every dream, big or small, is brought to fruition with the support of local communities and businesses. They also discuss their commitment to inclusivity, working closely with Indigenous communities, and supporting the homeless with palliative care. But it's not just about fulfilling dreams. Mike and Jay are also revolutionizing end-of-life care conversations. By educating healthcare professionals across Canada, they're shifting the focus to a more holistic, person-centered approach, proving that sometimes, a little dream can make a world of difference.
For more info check out: https://onedaydreams.ca/
Join the post-episode conversation over on Discord! https://discord.gg/expeUDN

Jan 15, 2024 • 1h 22min
Tapping into Tranquility: Severe Anxiety & The Future of Therapy
Ever thought of treating your brain bugs with a pinch of tech and a dash of psychedelics? The boys sit down with Joel Muise, the co-founder of Tranquility and a mastermind in internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT). Picture this: a world where managing anxiety and depression is as easy as clicking a button. Joel shares his personal journey, growing up with untreated anxiety and the silent battles with judgement he faced. It's a raw and real look at the struggles many of us face but seldom talk about. Joel dives into the nitty-gritty of therapy, including the upsides and challenges of antidepressants. He passionately discusses how iCBT is revolutionizing mental health care – making it more accessible, affordable, and convenient. But what’s a Sickboy episode about mental health without diving into the transformative world of psychedelics? Joel also explores the intriguing world of "ancient technology" and their potential to heal deep-seated traumas. It's a blend of the old and the new in the quest for mental wellness.
Join the post-episode conversation over on Discord! https://discord.gg/expeUDN

Jan 12, 2024 • 1h 12min
Smell Ya Later! Science Links Divorce Rates To Body Odor?!
Is the key to someones heart located somewhere in their sweaty armpits? Jeremie is grappling with the existential crisis of turning 36, but the boys are there to remind him that age is just a number - albeit one that keeps getting bigger. In a twist of science meets sci-fi, researchers at Indiana University have birthed "Brainoware," a biohybrid brainchild blending human neurons with AI. It's not quite ready to take over the world, but lets face it, it’s only a matter of time. And speaking of brains, the Pope's latest thoughts on surrogacy have us pondering, "Wasn't Mary technically a surrogate?" And speaking of parenting, a new study throws a curveball - men with psychopathic traits seem to have more children. This leads to a fun little exercise to finally determine which of the three are the most Dahmer - spoiler alert, Jeremie and Brian have zero children. Tay is about to have 2. You be the judge. Lastly, say goodbye to swiping right and hello to sniffing shirts! Smell.Dating is here to change the dating game, one sweaty t-shirt at a time. And here's a stinker - could your sweaty t-shirt be the reason for rising divorce rates?
Join the post-episode conversation over on Discord! https://discord.gg/expeUDN

Jan 10, 2024 • 1h 2min
Unscrambling Dyslexia with the CEO of Dyslexia Canada - Alicia Smith
Spell 'dyslexia' five times fast – a challenge even for the word wizards among us! Now, to dive into the real talk about dyslexia! The boys dive deep into the world of dyslexia with none other than Alicia Smith, the Executive Director of Dyslexia Canada. Alicia, who navigates life as a dyslexic individual and as a parent of a child with dyslexia, brings a rich, personal perspective to the table. She's not just talking the talk; she's walked the walk – or should we say 'wladked the wlak'? Alicia is on a mission to shatter the silence and misconceptions surrounding this common learning disability. Alicia busts some widespread myths about dyslexia – no, it's not about seeing dancing letters on a page, nor does it have anything to do with intelligence or motivation. The conversation shifts to the current challenges faced by people with dyslexia, touching on issues that often go unnoticed. The boys and Alicia discuss potential transformations in the education system, emphasizing the need for early identification and intervention for children with dyslexia. Wondering if you or your child might have dyslexia? Curious about how you can contribute to making the world a more dyslexia-friendly place? Alicia offers practical advice and insights that listeners can apply in their lives. For more information, check out www.dyslexiacanada.org.

Jan 8, 2024 • 1h 12min
Dizzy But Not Down: SUNCT (Short-lasting, Unilateral, Neuralgiform headache attacks with Conjunctival injection and Tearing)
Ever felt like your life was spinning out of control? Well, you ain't got sh*t on Kat. She's the queen of spin. In this episode, the boys sit down with the indomitable Kat Harrison, a chronic illness warrior whose story zigzags through a maze of health challenges and dizzying experiences. Kat is an award-winning children's author, editor for The Mighty, and a staunch advocate for those living with chronic illnesses like bilateral vestibular loss, chronic migraine, SUNCT syndrome, and her latest opponent, lupus. Kat's tale begins at 15 when an IV antibiotic left her vestibular system in shambles, forcing her to relearn the basics of life in a world that just wouldn't stop bouncing.Her work with The Mighty and her public vulnerability not only shed light on the realities of chronic illness but also build a community for those navigating similar paths. Despite over two decades of health battles, Kat's story is not just about enduring pain; it's about the resilience of the human spirit and finding strength in the most challenging times.

Jan 5, 2024 • 1h 11min
Swallowing Vibrators For Weight Loss - Feel Good Friday
Everyone loves a good reboot! MIT decided to do their own reboot of the classic fat shaker machine of the 1950s with a new weight loss pill. The pill doesn’t have medicine, but rather, it has a teeny tiny little motor in it that makes the pill vibrate. Somehow this vibration makes your belly think “I’m full, thank you very much!” Speaking of full let's talk about pregnant women. Specifically, pregnant women who get nauseous. Turns out it can all be linked to a specific hormone and gene! Talking to whales is impressive, sure, but can you tell a whale to sit down, shake hands, and then give it a treat for being a good boy? No. You can’t. But you can however have a confusing 20-minute conversation with one by saying the same word to them in their own voice over and over again driving them absolutely insane by the end of it all. Finally female tears lower aggression in males. All it takes is one big sniff.
Join the post-episode conversation over on Discord! https://discord.gg/expeUDN


