Sickboy

Personal Best is a podcast that celebrates small ambitions, half-wins and the quiet satisfaction of getting less bad at things. Each week they help ordinary people work through the little things they’d never bring to a life coach — like having the courage to dine alone at a fancy restaurant or getting less awkward at handshakes. Let them be your self-improvement sidekicks! More episodes from the brand new season of Personal Best are available at: https://link.chtbl.com/-kMRnPZ1

Managing life’s highs and lows is hard enough without your blood sugar joining the rollercoaster. Annie Arnone joins the boys to dive into her experiences living with type 1 diabetes and borderline personality disorder (BPD), highlighting the often-misunderstood differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Diagnosed at 16, Annie faced challenges that went far beyond managing insulin levels. From navigating stigma and bullying in high school to confronting the deep connection between chronic illness and mental health, her story is one of resilience. Annie’s journey toward acceptance sheds light on the importance of self-advocacy, awareness, and building supportive relationships while living with chronic illness.Check out past episodes on BPD and Diabetes:Borderline Personality Disorder: Sometime I Act CRAZYBPD and the Power of DBT: One Asian Mans Struggle with Mental HealthSweet & Sour: Life with Aggressive Type 1 DiabetesThe Holy Trinity of Diabetes: Exercise, Nutrition, and Blood Sugar ManagementMaking Porn & Fighting Diabetes The Not-So-Sugarcoated Truth: Diabetes Stigma with Laura Syron, President & CEO of Diabetes CanadaCatch the full video version of this episode on YouTube!Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord

When it comes to fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD), understanding is key, but misconceptions often get in the way. In this episode, Sickboy sits down with Judy Heilik to shed light on the realities of living with FASD. They tackle the stigma and blame that often surround the condition, emphasizing the need for empathy and support. Judy explains how alcohol consumption during pregnancy can impact brain development, leading to a range of challenges from emotional regulation to social interactions. She also delve into the barriers that make accessing resources difficult and highlight the importance of a holistic approach to care. This conversation is a call to action for increased awareness and a more compassionate perspective on FASD.Catch the full video version of this episode on YouTube.Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

When the fight against HIV meets the resilience of Indigenous communities, advocacy becomes a lifeline. Trevor Stratton, a member of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, shares his journey from diagnosis to becoming a powerful voice in the Indigenous HIV community. As the International AIDS Conference looms, Trevor dives into the pressing need for culturally safe education and messaging to combat stigma and discrimination. He sheds light on the importance of being "undetectable" and the unique epidemiological challenges faced by Indigenous populations. His story is a testament to the power of trust, community, and advocacy in breaking down the barriers to healthcare access.Catch the full video version of this episode on YouTubeFollow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

They say the only constant in life is change, but what happens when the change you're given feels like a double-edged sword? In this episode, the boys sit down with Connie, a young woman whose life with Cystic Fibrosis has taken a sharp turn thanks to Trikafta. She shares the raw realities of navigating a new chapter where her body, mind, and future are all in flux. From the ripple effects of this life-altering drug to the unexpected burden of added years, Connie explores the challenges of redefining herself and seeking community in a world that suddenly feels both more hopeful and isolating.Catch the full video version of this episode on YouTube!Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord

When a rabbit hole becomes a black hole, entire lives can be sucked into the void. This episode unravels the tangled web of QAnon, exploring its origins, spread, and devastating impact on individuals and families. Journalist Jesselyn Cook joins the fellas to dissect how a fringe conspiracy theory infiltrated mainstream culture, offering a false sense of belonging to those who feel lost. Through personal stories, the discussion sheds light on the psychological needs these theories fulfill and the heartbreaking challenges faced by loved ones trying to pull someone back from the brink. Empathy, dignity, and understanding emerge as crucial tools in combating the grip of harmful beliefs.Catch the full video version of this episode on YouTube!Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

Unlocking the vault of generational pain can be the first step toward healing. In this episode, Scott Armstrong, founder of Mentl and the Mentl Awards, shares his deeply personal journey, shaped by his father's struggle with depression and his own experiences with trauma. Scott emphasizes the importance of creating safe emotional spaces for children and the transformative power of therapy. He highlights the progress in addressing mental health stigma in the UAE, advocating for empathy, compassion, and open conversations as key to societal change.Tune in to learn how you can support and connect with Mentl’s initiatives. Stick around for the wrap up where Jer and Bri talk about a recent accident in death valley due to some poorly constructed flip flops. Big ouchie.Catch the full video version of this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCstejCbe9-zvG7nXgf-jwbgFollow Sickboy:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sickboypodcastTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sickboypodcastDiscord: https://discord.gg/expeUDN

What do Justin Bieber, Pirates, and Grief all have in common? In part one of this two-part special, Dr. Julia Samuel delves into the gritty reality and personal trials of battling shingles and Ramsey Hunt syndrome. She opens up about the profound grief and identity shifts that accompany facial paralysis, emphasizing the power of resilience, support, and humour in the face of adversity. She shows the fellas how navigating illness can redefine one’s sense of self and why being present for others is often more valuable than offering solutions. Part two takes a deeper dive into the science of shingles with Dr. Jia Hu. This conversation unravels the complexities of shingles, from its painful symptoms to the critical role of the immune system and the importance of vaccination. Dr. Hu shares insights from his public health initiative, 19 to Zero, highlighting the significance of preventative behaviours and public health awareness.Catch the full video version of this episode on YouTube!Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord

What if the path to freedom meant leaving behind everything you've ever known? Anna Lopes, a survivor turned advocate, takes the boys on a rollercoaster ride from the opulent streets of the UAE to the depths of domestic violence and back to the heights of healing. Anna peels back the layers of her past, revealing the invisible chains of manipulation that once bound her and the heart-pounding moment of her escape. She explores how childhood trauma shapes adult relationships and navigates the cultural tightrope of mental health discussions in Dubai. Through her Instagram page, Brave and Free, Anna transforms from survivor to warrior, proving that even in the darkest of deserts, hope can bloom.Catch the full video version of this episode on YouTube.Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord!

Shedding light on the invisible enemy, Dr. Nicholas Lobel reveals the illuminating potential of photodisinfection to transform healthcare. Dr. Loebel serves as President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Ondine Biomedical. Beyond the growing ineffectiveness of antibiotics, Dr. Loebel delves into the brilliance of using light to zap harmful microbes. Get ready to nerd out with the guys as they learn about how photodisinfection targets bacteria with laser-like precision on various surfaces and even within body cavities (right up the ol' schnoz), distinguishing itself from other light-based treatments. Dr. Lobel highlights the critical role of nasal decolonization in preventing hospital-acquired infections, showcasing impressive success stories and the untapped potential of this approach.Catch the full video version of this episode on YouTube!Follow Sickboy on Instagram, TikTok and Discord