Sickboy

In this heart-wrenching yet inspirational episode of Sickboy, the boys sit down with Jeff, the husband of Samantha Price Mitchell, a tireless advocate for the metastatic breast cancer (mBC) community. Samantha's legacy lives on through "Turning the Page on Cancer," an annual fundraising campaign she created to support Rethink's Metastatic Breast Cancer (mBC) Fund. Samantha saw the need for a different approach in the fight against mBC, one that went beyond traditional "pink ribbon" norms. Jeff shares Samantha's incredible journey and discusses the importance of community involvement in this year's campaign launch. In this emotional and thought-provoking conversation. Some of the topics covered in this weeks episode include - The Unique Place of mBC: Jeff sheds light on the struggles faced by the mBC community and their sense of invisibility within the broader breast cancer landscape. Learn how Samantha's advocacy aimed to give them a voice and make their struggles heard. The Role of the Caregiver and Partner: Jeff opens up about the challenges he faced as a caregiver and partner, including the difficult decisions regarding overall survival and quality of life. His perspective offers invaluable insights into the intricacies of caring for a loved one with mBC. The Shit List - Rethink: We explore the critical work of Rethink in supporting those with mBC and how their initiatives are making a difference in the lives of patients and caregivers alike. Join the gang as they honor Samantha's memory and celebrate the incredible work she started through "Turning the Page on Cancer." This episode is a reminder of the power of advocacy, community, and the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Join the post-episode conversation over on Discord! https://discord.gg/expeUDN

The fellas are joined once again by their friend and Parkinson's advocate, Larry Gifford. The gang have an intimate conversation about his life with Parkinson's, they delve into the heart of his upcoming Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery, a groundbreaking procedure aimed at reclaiming his quality of life. Larry's candor shines through as he describes the incredible journey he's undertaken. He opens up about the daily challenges of living with Parkinson's, shedding light on the disease's relentless grasp on his life. With unwavering resilience, Larry shares his excitement, anxiety, and hope as he prepares for the life-altering surgery, revealing the astonishing detail: "They will be drilling holes in my head to insert electrodes." The conversation takes a fascinating turn as Larry elaborates on the science behind DBS surgery, describing how he will soon wield a remote control to fine-tune the electric stimulus that will significantly improve his symptoms. The future is here. Good luck tomorrow Lar, we love you buddy! Join the post-episode conversation over on Discord! https://discord.gg/expeUDN

We here at Sickboy are trying to practice what we preach. Speaking openly about your mental health is not always easy and Jer knows this firsthand. This week the boys discuss Jer’s new diagnosis of clinical depression and how an addiction was a manifestation of his recent mental health crisis. Look… video games aren’t BAD, but lying to your friends and loved ones in order to squeeze in more time saving the Sword Coast from the impending Elder Brain infestation as a level 12 half Bard Half Warlock named Imlin in Baldurs Gate 3 is not a great way to manage your mental health. In other news: Chemo in combination with lasers turns the treatment from a shotgun blast to a sniper shot. Not unlike the laser blasted from Imlin’s hands as he invokes an eldritch blast directed at a Owlbear trying to tear him to pieces. We can learn a lot about our health based on the shape of our poop… sort of like how you can learn a lot about your overall performance as a half Bard half Warlock when you pay close attention to how you develop your skill tree. For WHAT THE HELLTH!??! The guys discover a condition where some people have 5 fingers, but no thumbs! Not unlike a Mind Flayer which has no need for thumbs as they can control their environment with the innate psychic powers. Don’t worry, Imlin is okay. Join the post-episode conversation over on Discord! https://discord.gg/expeUDN

For Routine Checkup the boys are joined by the remarkable Dr. Michael Dunbar, Professor of Surgery at Dalhousie University. Dr. Dunbar is a trailblazer in orthopedics, with a career spanning three decades and a unique perspective on the future of medicine. Dr. Dunbar explores the world of knee health in sports and how surgery is evolving from treating the average patient to personalized care. He dispels the myth that robots and AI will replace clinicians, explaining that it's the clinicians who embrace AI that will reshape healthcare. He also dives into the importance of the human element in medicine. Dr. Dunbar highlights the essential role of empathy in patient care. Join the post-episode conversation over on Discord! https://discord.gg/expeUDN

This week the boys chat with their guest, James, about living with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP). James shares his journey of having a WILD rare disease with hidden symptoms. A case of feeling perfectly fine, yet being on medication that makes you feel worse. Black dots in the mouth? Google might say it’ll clear up on it’s own. But sometimes it really really doesn’t. James recounts the jaw-dropping reaction of doctors and nurses to his rapidly dropping platelet count. A not so fun adventure of the uncertainty of constant blood tests and the emotional rollercoaster they bring. James's story reveals the unpredictability of ITP, leading to two intense emergency room visits and a life lived in fear of the next clinic summons. Join the post-episode conversation over on Discord! https://discord.gg/expeUDN

This week Jeremie takes us through his unusual experience with phototherapy, which involved putting sunscreen on his nipples. Now he has ghost nips. But that's just the beginning. In France, a bed bug infestation has caused chaos far beyond the bedroom. Turns out global warming is the surprising culprit behind this global issue, according to James Logan, a professor at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. The gang unpack the (not-so) surprising findings of two remarkable studies: one challenging the overdose myth by examining drug decriminalization and another highlighting the impact of Universal Basic Income in reducing homelessness and boosting full-time employment. And to cap it all off with "WHAT THE HELLTH!?" An 80-year-old Russian woman was found to have a needle in her skull since infancy. Ouchie! Join the post-episode conversation over on Discord! https://discord.gg/expeUDN

Jer's on leave but Bri and Tay are holding down the fort with a captivating conversation with Natalie Ruskin, an award-winning journalist, success coach, and the host of "A Success Of Our Own Podcast." With nearly two decades of expertise in wellbeing, Natalie offers a fresh perspective on sustainable success. Natalie and the boys tackle topics such as imposter syndrome, habit change, and rewiring the brain for thriving success. They also emphasize the importance of introspection and aligning actions with personal values. This episode is a bit different from the norm and will challenge your notions of success and empower you to pursue a more fulfilling and sustainable path. Tune in for a transformative discussion with Natalie Ruskin. Join the post-episode conversation over on Discord! https://discord.gg/expeUDN

Fiona Ramsay, is a Calgary-based designer with a master's in architecture and a passion for sports and the outdoors. Fiona shares her journey through Chiari Malformation Type 1. Although Chiari is something ninjas scream while driving their fists through the chest cavity of their enemies, this is a completely different kind of Chiari. Chiari malformation is a condition in which brain tissue extends into the spinal canal. It occurs when part of the skull is misshapen or smaller than is typical, pressing on the brain and forcing it downward. Fiona emphasizes the challenges of diagnosis and the rollercoaster from symptoms to surgery to recovery. She also sheds light on living with an invisible illness and its profound impact on mental health. Join the post-episode conversation over on Discord! https://discord.gg/expeUDN

This week is full of gnar. First Jer shares the horrifyingly cute story of David and his bulldog puppy, Harley. Harley’s not so playful bite on David’s toe revealed a startling truth—David's foot was entirely numb. So numb that he didn’t realize Harley literally chewed his toe off. Like, completely. Rushed to the hospital, doctors discovered two blocked arteries in his leg, a potential amputation risk. Silly Harley! Her taste for flesh led to the discovery that her owner could have died and she saved his life! If you thought that was gnarly, you should hear about the worm problem down in the US. What kind of worm? Rat Lungworm. Oh yeah… From rats lungs, to rats poop, to snails, back to rats, into their brains. Rinse and repeat. Somewhere in that F’ed up cycle they can end up inside of YOU! Moral of the story? Don’t eat salad, I guess? Finally for WHAT THE HELLTH!? One man went full Smurf. And if we learned one thing, it’s that you never go full Smurf. Join the post-episode conversation over on Discord! https://discord.gg/expeUDN

In today's episode, we have two remarkable guests who are shedding light on a unique intersection of art, culture, and emotion: memorial tattoos and their profound connection to grief. Our first guest, Susan Cadell, is a distinguished member of various multidisciplinary research teams specializing in the field of grief and bereavement. Susan's current research ventures into the world of memorial tattoos, seeking to understand the powerful stories etched into ink. Join us as she shares insights into the significance of these tattoos and the compelling narratives they hold. We also explore her role in advancing social work education in palliative care, developing competencies that promote compassionate care for individuals facing life's most challenging moments. Our second guest, Mary Ellen MacDonald, is an anthropologist and Professor in Palliative Medicine at Dalhousie University. In a deeply personal revelation, Mary Ellen recounts an eye-opening experience at a yard sale that forever altered her perception of grief, connection, and the hidden meanings behind seemingly ordinary yard sale finds. Her story reminds us that even the most unexpected encounters can carry profound insights into the human experience. Join us for a thought-provoking and insightful discussion as we uncover the hidden stories, artistry, and healing power behind inked memories. Join the post-episode conversation over on Discord! https://discord.gg/expeUDN