

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

Oct 2, 2023 • 1h 1min
Sweet & Sour: Life with Aggressive Type 1 Diabetes
Buckle up, folks, because this week the fellas are diving into a rollercoaster of topics with “Your Ladyship, Tricia”. Tricia shares her journey through Type 1 diabetes and the eye-opening tales of what happens when young folks don't exactly take the best care of themselves. It's a lesson in resilience and personal growth. Classic Sickboy content! The gang talk about the Ultimate Lifesaver: organ donation. Tricia reminds us all that those crucial conversations with our families about being donors can literally mean the difference between life and death. The gang also explore third-trimester blindness: Yes, you read that right! Tricia's second pregnancy took an unusual twist as she literally went blind! Ever wondered what the heck HELLP Syndrome is? Thankfully Your Ladyship can help with that. Join us for an episode that's brimming with Tricia's signature charm. From life's highs and lows to medical mysteries and miraculous moments, this one’s got it all.
Join the post-episode conversation over on Discord! https://discord.gg/expeUDN

Sep 29, 2023 • 1h 5min
The Longest Period Ever: Like Ever. She Need A Frickin Blood Transfusion - Feel Good Friday
This week! Jer fills us in on some WACK ass health crap he’s been dealing with. Itchy skin, powerful steroids, UV light time machines and more! The guys delve into a chilling account of a woman's nightmarish 83-day period, a truly harrowing ordeal that necessitated a blood transfusion. Picture the opening rave scene from Blade, but it's happening between your legs and lasts way longer than anyone should endure. Jer also shares intriguing insights into how your hands can reveal significant clues about your overall health—perhaps not exactly palm reading, but your hands can convey a wealth of information. One woman is changing the way she thinks about death by cooking the recipes left behind as epitaths on gravestones. Finally, in a segment of "WHAT THE HELLTH?!" the guys tackle the issue of leftovers. We don’t care how much you loves mom's spaghetti… if you leave that crap out on the counter and eat it days later, not only with it make your palms sweaty, knees weak and arms heavy, it’ll also kill you.Join the post-episode conversation over on Discord!

Sep 27, 2023 • 1h 9min
Championing Trans Rights and Mental Health: Rowan Jetté Knox
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode, we sit down with Rowan Jetté Knox, a renowned author, speaker, and human rights advocate. Rowan's incredible journey in advocating for LGBTQ2S+ inclusion and raising awareness about mental health has had a profound impact worldwide. We dive into his latest book, "ONE SUNNY AFTERNOON". He shares the courage it took to seek help when struggling with suicidality as September is Suicide Awareness Month. Throughout the conversation, we explore Rowan's personal journey with mental health, from adolescence to adulthood. He candidly discusses the challenges he's faced, including a diagnosis of Complex PTSD, and the daily tools he's implemented to manage this condition effectively. Join us for this moving and enlightening conversation as we explore the intersections of mental health, LGBTQ2S+ inclusion, and the resilience that comes from seeking help and support. Rowan Jetté Knox's story is a testament to the power of advocacy and the human spirit.

Sep 25, 2023 • 1h 4min
Invisible Illness Illuminated: Multifocal epilepsy
Daniel is a remarkable individual who has faced the challenges of living with epilepsy for 27 years. His journey is a testament to courage, tenacity, and that good ol' human spirit that just won't quit. Little Danny, just a wee tot of four, was on a family adventure in Montreal. And then, bam! Out of nowhere, he's hit with a grand mal seizure that sends him zooming to the nearest hospital. Thus began his epic odyssey through the land of pills, scans, and a gazillion doctors' appointments. Some treatments worked like magic, while others... well, let's just say, as they say on the island, they were about as useful as a fart in a mitt. Fast forward to the working world, and Daniel faced the cold, hard truth of living with an invisible illness. Pesky nighttime seizures would pop up, causing him to miss work leading to job loss and accusations of misconduct. His mental health suffered, and the stigma surrounding epilepsy only compounded his struggles. Join the fellas in this episode as Daniel shares his remarkable journey, from the darkest moments of despair to newfound hope. His story sheds light on the challenges faced by those living with epilepsy and the importance of raising awareness about invisible illnesses.

Sep 22, 2023 • 54min
Unlocking the Afterlife: Beyond Flatlining - Feel Good Friday
This week the boys are delving deep into the jaw-dropping findings of a recent study on near-death experiences, where the line between life and the great beyond gets a little blurry. A recent study shows how patients displayed brain activity in the delta, theta, alpha, and beta ranges, indicating possible conscious activity over 60 minutes AFTER their heart stopped! Maybe ghosts are real? Brian showed up with a Gen Z haircut but he’s behind in the race for the most trendy 'do. One rapper from Mexico had hooks implanted into his head so he could rock a full head of bling… and to be quite honest, it looks pretty sick. Trikafta won a big ol’ prize for extending Jer's life! Thai food is delicious but one dish may kill you with one bite and for WHAT THE HELLTH!?! The boys cover an insanely shocking story of one woman who’s blood was so toxic that it landed multiple healthcare providers in the hospital after trying to save her life!
Join the post-episode conversation over on Discord! https://discord.gg/expeUDN

Sep 20, 2023 • 1h 15min
CULTivating Liberation: Navigating a Life of Art and Spirituality
In this captivating episode, we sit down with Jeremy Carne, a multifaceted artist, producer, meditation teacher, and model who has traversed the worlds of comedy, music, and spirituality across the UK, US, and Australia. With over 2 billion views on his produced videos and more than 30 years of spiritual practice, Jeremy's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Jeremy's unique upbringing within a community often labeled as a "cult" raises intriguing questions about the boundaries between liberation and conformity. Join us as he reflects on the valuable lessons he gleaned from this unconventional environment and his subsequent quest for personal freedom. We delve into profound discussions, exploring the root-level resolution of chronic mental illnesses through yogic techniques and the pursuit of inclusivity in a post-pandemic world marked by division.

Sep 18, 2023 • 1h 6min
A Petri Dish of Emotions: A Microbiologist's Eating Disorder Journey
**Trigger Warning - Discussions Of Eating Disorders & Body Image**
This week things get equally as hilarious as they do get heart-wrenching. The guys invite Cameo, a courageous 21-year-old fourth-year Microbiology major at UVic on Vancouver Island to share her inspiring journey of resilience. While her academic pursuits at the Deeley Research Center (DRC), a BC Cancer lab, are impressive, her personal battle with eating disorders takes center stage. From the tender age of eight, Cameo struggled with anorexia, a battle that persisted until grade eight. But the story doesn't end there; she candidly reveals her ongoing struggle with orthorexia and the lasting impact of eating disorders on her life. Through her narrative, we emphasize the non-linear nature of recovery and how the stressors of academia can exacerbate these deeply ingrained challenges. Cameo sheds light on her journey through anxiety, depression, and OCD, all of which have cast a shadow on her academic path.
We love Cameo and think she is an absolutely incredible young woman and we are beyond elated to have had a chance to get to know her.
Join the post-episode conversation over on Discord! https://discord.gg/expeUDN

Sep 15, 2023 • 49min
Can Your Mummy Be Your Wifey?! - Feel Good Friday
Love. It can be beautiful and it can be weird… like really weird. The guys delve into the unsettling story of a 26-year-old man in Peru who was recently discovered carrying a 600 to 800-year-old mummy in a food delivery cooler bag. This ancient relic, dating back to the Inca civilization, was far more than a historical artifact to him; it was his "spiritual girlfriend.” In a more somber note the guys shine a spotlight on the heartbreaking story of Stephanie Aston, a 33-year-old woman from New Zealand who lost her life to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a genetic disorder she was unjustly accused of faking. Stephanie's harrowing journey, marked by a severe misdiagnosis and denial of medical care, ultimately led to her untimely death on September 1. Finally Jer scratches Brian's itch for a top 10 list by exploring the 10 most common nightmares as identified by scientific research. While dreams are highly personal, certain themes resonate universally, shedding light on our shared human experiences.
Join the post-episode conversation over on Discord! https://discord.gg/expeUDN

Sep 13, 2023 • 1h 6min
Hope For The Best, Plan For The Rest: Innovations in End-of-Life Care with Dr. Sammy
In this episode, the guys are honoured to join Dr. Sammy! A distinguished medical professional with a wealth of experience and a passion for palliative care reform. Dr. Sammy, a McMaster University Medical School graduate, holds a remarkable record of accomplishment. With a background in Family Medicine and fellowship training in Palliative Medicine, she dedicates her clinical practice to the community, providing compassionate care in patients' homes. But Dr. Sammy’s impact extends beyond the clinic. She's a vocal advocate for palliative care reform, believing that these principles should be integrated into care from the outset of a patient's illness journey. Alongside co-author Dr. CN Seow, she co-hosts the Waiting Room Revolution podcast and co-authored "Hope For The Best, Plan For The Rest: 7 Keys for Navigating a Life-Changing Diagnosis." A book that every single person should get their hands on! In this episode, the gang delves into vital topics such as empowering patients and families with information, the importance of the 'big picture' in illness, and the challenges of toxic positivity in healthcare.
Pre-order Hope For "The Best, Plan For The Rest" here! https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Best-Plan-Rest-Life-Changing/dp/1774582961
Join the post-episode conversation over on Discord! https://discord.gg/expeUDN

Sep 11, 2023 • 1h 1min
Fighting Back with Fitness: John's Triumph Over Ankylosing Spondylitis
At just 22 years old, John embarked on his personal training business, but life had an unexpected twist. At the age of 27, he was diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis (AS), a debilitating autoimmune disease that targets the spine, hips, and even vital organs. This progressive disease threatened to derail his dreams and ambitions. However, John's resilience and unwavering spirit shone through. He refused to be defined by his diagnosis and embraced a powerful mantra: "I'm more than the bad things that happen to me." With a plan of action firmly in place, John used his own experiences to empower others facing similar challenges, offering them hope and a path forward through fitness. John joins the fellas to talk all about his experience as a trainer living with AS!
Check out John’s book here - https://www.amazon.com/Through-Pain-Suffering-Triumph-Personal-ebook/dp/B0C8L8X2R7
Join the post-episode conversation over on Discord! https://discord.gg/expeUDN


