Season 2 of Beyond the Wheeze is here. Join host Josh Rheaume, The Asthma Runner, for real stories and expert insights on asthma, fitness, and lung health. This season explores how mindset, movement, and community help people live and breathe beyond their limits. Hear from patients, doctors, and advocates making a difference in respiratory care.

Episode 1 drops on Tuesday, October 28th.

Connect with us (@BeyondTheWheeze):

• Check us out on Instagram
• Follow Beyond the Wheeze on LinkedIn
• Connect with us on TikTok
• Follow us on Facebook
• Speaking services, media, blog & news on our website
• Email Josh directly at [email protected].

Are video podcasts more your thing? Check us out on YouTube!

Visit Asthma Canada, or the Lung Health Foundation, to see how you can get involved today.

Season 1 of Beyond the Wheeze has been filled with powerful conversations, lived experiences, and expert insights, all centered around asthma, lung health, and the people who are pushing for better care.

In this special highlight episode, we revisit some of the most memorable moments from the season. You’ll hear from patient advocates, leading clinicians, researchers, and innovators who are transforming the way we understand and manage respiratory conditions.

In this episode:

• Breakthroughs in asthma management and digital health tools
• Real patient stories of resilience, advocacy, and thriving with chronic lung disease
• Insights from clinicians and researchers driving change in respiratory care
• A reflection on how far we’ve come and where we’re headed in Season 2

This episode is a celebration of community, knowledge, and the power of lived expertise. If you’ve missed an episode or want a quick recap, this is the perfect place to start.

Season 2 begins October 28.

Additional Resources:

• Beyondthewheeze.ca
  to explore past episodes, blog posts, and resources
• Asthma Canada
  for support, advocacy, and education for people living with asthma
• Lung Health Foundation
  for resources on lung disease prevention, research, and support

Follow & Subscribe

New episodes of Beyond the Wheeze drop every second Tuesday, with recap blogs every Friday.

Connect with us (@BeyondTheWheeze):

• Check us out on Instagram
• Follow Beyond the Wheeze on LinkedIn
• Connect with us on TikTok
• Follow us on Facebook
• Speaking services, media, blog & news on our website
• Email Josh directly at [email protected].

Are video podcasts more your thing? Check us out on YouTube!

Visit Asthma Canada, or the Lung Health Foundation, to see how you can get involved today.

In this episode of Beyond the Wheeze, we explore the world of pediatric asthma education with Dr. Mark Schnellinger, a pediatric emergency medicine physician at Children’s Minnesota and the author of The Medicine Stars, an adventure novel that helps middle schoolers understand asthma through storytelling.

We explore:

• The challenges families face during pediatric asthma crises, from medication access to socioeconomic barriers
• How The Medicine Stars blends storytelling and medical knowledge to educate children about asthma
• The role of schools, families, and communities in creating supportive environments
• Why empowerment through knowledge reduces fear and builds confidence for children with asthma
• Broader systemic issues and the future of pediatric asthma education and care

Dr. Schnellinger shares his journey from emergency medicine to creative author, showing how narrative can be a powerful tool to help children and families better understand asthma.

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction
01:24 – Meet Dr. Mark Schnellinger
08:44 – Storytelling as a tool in medicine
15:38 – Helping kids understand asthma
21:40 – Lessons for parents and families
27:33 – Writing The Medicine Stars
33:20 – Final thoughts and reflections

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode

• The Medicine Stars by Dr. Mark Schnellinger
  
  
• Asthma Canada Helpline
  Connect with Certified Respiratory Educators for support and guidance: Asthma Canada Helpline
  
  
• American Lung Association – Asthma Resources
  Access educational tools and asthma management guides: lung.org/asthma
  
  
• Camp Superkids
  A summer camp that combines fun with asthma education: Camp Superkids – American Lung Association
  
  

For more episode resources, guest bios, blogs, and previous episodes, visit beyondthewheeze.ca/podcast

Connect with us (@BeyondTheWheeze):

• Check us out on Instagram
• Follow Beyond the Wheeze on LinkedIn
• Connect with us on TikTok
• Follow us on Facebook
• Speaking services, media, blog & news on our website
• Email Josh directly at [email protected].

Are video podcasts more your thing? Check us out on YouTube!

Visit Asthma Canada, or the Lung Health Foundation, to see how you can get involved today.

In this episode of Beyond the Wheeze, we delve into the evolving world of digital health and mobile apps for respiratory care with Dr. Shirley Quach, a leading researcher in mHealth for asthma and COPD.

We explore:

• The promises and pitfalls of mobile health apps for chronic respiratory conditions
• How to evaluate app quality, reliability, and privacy
• Ways digital tools can support, but never replace, clinical care
• The future of AI and emerging technologies in asthma and COPD management
• Practical guidance for patients, families, clinicians, and researchers

Dr. Quach shares her insights on how digital tools can empower patients to manage their conditions effectively while highlighting the importance of collaboration between patients, families, and healthcare providers.

Episode Chapters:
01:18 Introduction and Guest Welcome
03:08 Dr. Quach's Career and Research Journey
05:01 The Role of Mobile Health in Respiratory Care
10:40 Evaluating Mobile Health Apps
12:31 Features and Effectiveness of COPD Apps
22:30 Public vs. Controlled Trial Apps
28:59 Privacy, Security, and Regulatory Compliance
32:37 Clinically Viable App Features
38:12 Empowering Patients in Self-Management
39:54 Connecting Digital Health to Patient Care
40:21 Pharmacological Advances and Digital Tools
41:26 The Role of Education in Self-Management
42:23 Non-Pharmacological Techniques and Digital Health
44:39 Stakeholder Insights on Apps and Self-Management
50:40 Facilitators and Barriers to App Use
57:59 Future of Digital Health in Respiratory Care
01:03:38 Advice for Aspiring Clinicians and Researchers
01:06:07 Final Thoughts and Resources
01:10:20 Philosophical Reflections on Health

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

• Dr. Shirley Quach’s Thesis: The State of COPD Apps.
• Asthma Canada Helpline
  – Connect with Certified Respiratory Educators for expert support and advice.
• COPD Foundation Educational Materials
  – Access a variety of useful booklets, flyers, and tools to help you learn more about living and thriving with COPD.
• COPD360social
  – Join an interactive online community for patients, their families, caregivers, and healthcare professionals.

For more episode resources, guest bios, blogs, and previous episodes, visit beyondthewheeze.ca/podcast.

Connect with us (@BeyondTheWheeze):

• Check us out on Instagram
• Follow Beyond the Wheeze on LinkedIn
• Connect with us on TikTok
• Follow us on Facebook
• Speaking services, media, blog & news on our website
• Email Josh directly at [email protected].

Are video podcasts more your thing? Check us out on YouTube!

Visit Asthma Canada, or the Lung Health Foundation, to see how you can get involved today.

In this episode, I sit down with Glenn Kitchener, a passionate COPD advocate who opens up about his journey from smoking-related lung disease to finding new ways to live well with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Glenn was diagnosed in 2010 shortly after quitting smoking. He shares the struggles he faced in the beginning and how education, pulmonary rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes at West Park Healthcare Center’s Respiratory Day Hospital helped him move forward.

We also take a closer look at COPD itself, including symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options, while highlighting why early diagnosis and proper management make such a difference. Glenn talks about his advocacy work with the Lung Health Foundation and offers thoughtful advice for people who are newly diagnosed and their families. His story shows how important it is to stay informed, seek out support, and find ways to live well even with a chronic lung condition.

You can find additional resources, as well as more information about Glenn and what we discussed in this episode, at beyondthewheeze.ca/episode-22
.

Chapters

 01:03 Introduction to Glenn Kitchener's Journey
 02:06 Understanding COPD: A Quick Overview
 04:16 Glenn's Diagnosis and Early Challenges
 08:03 The West Park Experience
 14:04 Living Well with COPD
 21:57 Advocacy and Raising Awareness
 23:18 First In-Person Better Breathing Week Experience
 23:51 Empowerment Through Advocacy and Support Networks
 26:08 Finding Reliable Health Information
 31:14 Personal Reflections and Advocacy Journey
 34:50 Final Thoughts and Advice for Living with COPD
 40:29 The Impact of Smoking and Vaping
 42:22 Conclusion and Call to Action

Connect with us (@BeyondTheWheeze):

• Check us out on Instagram
• Follow Beyond the Wheeze on LinkedIn
• Connect with us on TikTok
• Follow us on Facebook
• Speaking services, media, blog & news on our website
• Email Josh directly at [email protected].

Are video podcasts more your thing? Check us out on YouTube!

Visit Asthma Canada, or the Lung Health Foundation, to see how you can get involved today.

In this episode of Beyond the Wheeze, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Neil Maharaj, a respirologist with over 20 years of experience and the Medical Director at Niagara Pulmonary Medicine and Diagnostics. We talked about his journey in respiratory medicine, the importance of pulmonary function testing, and how technology and AI are starting to reshape patient care.

Dr. Maharaj shared what inspired him throughout his career, how he built a unique community-based clinic in Niagara, and the barriers patients often face in accessing timely asthma care. We also explored practical advice for clinicians and patients alike, the growing need for respiratory specialists, and how AI could change the future of healthcare. Along the way, Dr. Maharaj highlighted the importance of integrity, collaboration, and open communication in medicine, and reminded us that kindness and consistency matter both professionally and personally.

For more resources, links to Dr. Maharaj’s clinic, and additional episode materials, check out https://www.beyondthewheeze.ca/podcast.

Chapters

01:19 Introduction and Guest Welcome
 03:01 Dr. Maharaj's Career and Inspirations
 05:18 Founding Niagara Pulmonary Medicine
 09:32 The Role of Pulmonary Function Testing
 14:26 AI and the Future of Pulmonary Medicine
 22:12 Introduction to Niagara Pulmonary Medicine
 24:01 Unique Challenges in Niagara
 26:38 Advice for Clinicians in Smaller Communities
 29:08 Empowering Patients and Caregivers
 31:34 Personal Reflections and Leadership
 36:39 Final Thoughts and Future Projects
 38:30 Philosophical Reflections

Connect with us (@BeyondTheWheeze):

• Check us out on Instagram
• Follow Beyond the Wheeze on LinkedIn
• Connect with us on TikTok
• Follow us on Facebook
• Speaking services, media, blog & news on our website
• Email Josh directly at [email protected].

Are video podcasts more your thing? Check us out on YouTube!

Visit Asthma Canada, or the Lung Health Foundation, to see how you can get involved today.

In this episode of Beyond the Wheeze, I’m joined by Dr. Teresa To, a senior scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children and one of Canada’s leading voices in pediatric asthma and population health research. Dr. To shares her insights on how early life exposures like air pollution, secondhand smoke, and socioeconomic factors can shape a child’s risk of developing asthma.

We explore how early intervention, improved access to care, and data-driven research are essential to changing outcomes. Dr. To also walks us through her work with the OASIS Research Program and how she uses ICES Big Data to inform everything from clinical practice to public health policy. She talks openly about mentorship, the importance of gender equity in science, and the promise of AI and digital tools in helping deliver more personalized asthma treatment.

This conversation is packed with both heart and science. Whether you’re living with asthma, treating it, or researching it, there's something here for you.

You can also learn more about Dr. To’s lifelong commitment to asthma research in her profile from Asthma Canada, by clicking here.

Chapter Markers:

01:24 Introduction and Guest Welcome
03:42 Dr. To’s Journey into Asthma Research
05:07 Early Life Exposures and Asthma
08:46 Air Pollution and Public Health
12:53 Early Intervention and Personalized Treatment
16:33 Barriers in Asthma Care
27:26 Research Highlights and Big Data Insights
39:50 Mentorship, Equity, and Collaboration
46:12 Guest Final Thoughts and Plugs

Additional Resources:

Asthma Canada’s Asthma & Allergy Helpline
Get support from a Certified Respiratory Educator:
https://asthma.ca/get-help/asthma-and-allergy-help/

OASIS Research Program
https://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/research/initiatives/oasis

ICES (Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences)
https://www.ices.on.ca/

Health Canada: Air Quality Health Index (AQHI)
https://www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/services/air-quality-health-index.html

WHO – Asthma and Air Pollution Facts
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/asthma

Connect with us (@BeyondTheWheeze):

• Check us out on Instagram
• Follow Beyond the Wheeze on LinkedIn
• Connect with us on TikTok
• Follow us on Facebook
• Speaking services, media, blog & news on our website
• Email Josh directly at [email protected].

Are video podcasts more your thing? Check us out on YouTube!

Visit Asthma Canada, or the Lung Health Foundation, to see how you can get involved today.

In this emotionally charged episode, we welcome Christine Fader, a caregiver advocate, author, and cancer widow. Christine shares her profound journey following her husband Michael's diagnosis and battle with two separate cancers. With moving honesty, she reflects on personal loss, the challenges of navigating trauma-informed cancer care, and her mission to improve support for caregivers. This discussion highlights the often-overlooked issues faced by cancer patients and their families, emphasizing the need for better awareness and funding for lung cancer. Christine's story is a testament to resilience, hope, and the importance of advocacy in transforming healthcare.

Visit Christine Fader's website to find more information on her free workshops and other available resources at https://www.christinefader.com.

Be sure to visit https://www.lunghealth.ca to learn how you can help those affected by lung cancer.

01:04 Introduction to Christine Fader's Journey
02:43 Michael's First Cancer Diagnosis
04:14 The Second Cancer Diagnosis
08:14 The Battle with Pain and Palliative Care
11:48 Christine's Advocacy and Reflections
15:11 Challenges in Rural Health and Trauma-Informed Care
24:20 Michael's Childhood Trauma and Its Impact
31:37 The Hidden Struggles of Cancer
32:28 Michael's Resilience and Positivity
33:10 Lung Cancer Awareness and Misconceptions
35:32 Challenges in Lung Cancer Screening
37:44 Supporting Caregivers and Grieving
47:49 Personal Reflections and Moving Forward
53:59 Final Thoughts and Advocacy

Connect with us (@BeyondTheWheeze):

• Check us out on Instagram
• Follow Beyond the Wheeze on LinkedIn
• Connect with us on TikTok
• Follow us on Facebook
• Speaking services, media, blog & news on our website
• Email Josh directly at [email protected].

Are video podcasts more your thing? Check us out on YouTube!

Visit Asthma Canada, or the Lung Health Foundation, to see how you can get involved today.

In this episode, I’m joined by Fahreen Walimohamed, a health informatics professional and Implementation Manager at OnCall Health. We dig into her career journey, her passion for using health tech to improve care, and how she’s working to empower patients in a system that can be tough to navigate.

Fahreen shares stories from projects she’s proud of — like improving home oxygen care — and we talk about how digital health tools are changing the game, especially for people managing chronic respiratory conditions.

We also dive into patient data access, the importance of health equity, and the often-overlooked role of caregivers. Fahreen opens up about her leadership style, advocacy work, and her platform, Empower Speaks, where she’s creating space for tough but needed conversations in healthcare.

This one’s packed with practical insights about trusting your gut, speaking up for what matters, and using digital tools to better manage your health.

Chapters:

01:10 Introduction to Fahreen Walimohamed
 02:46 Podcast Takeover and Recent Meeting
 03:43 Reflecting on a Distinguished Career
 04:00 Home Oxygen Project and Quality of Life
 11:18 Digital Health and Patient Empowerment
 15:51 Digital Health in Chronic Disease Care
 20:41 Virtual Care and Patient Portals
 26:55 Challenges in Patient Data Access
 31:54 Equity in Digital Health Tools
 33:58 Addressing Language Barriers in Healthcare
 34:20 Equity and Social Determinants of Health
 37:43 The Role of AI in Healthcare
 38:41 Leadership, Advocacy, and Empowerment
 51:10 Personal Reflections and Motivations
 57:60 Final Thoughts and Future Projects

Connect with us (@BeyondTheWheeze):

• Check us out on Instagram
• Follow Beyond the Wheeze on LinkedIn
• Connect with us on TikTok
• Follow us on Facebook
• Speaking services, media, blog & news on our website
• Email Josh directly at [email protected].

Are video podcasts more your thing? Check us out on YouTube!

Visit Asthma Canada, or the Lung Health Foundation, to see how you can get involved today.

In this episode of Beyond the Wheeze, I’m joined by Dr. Meraj Khan, a clinical research scientist and CEO of DigiBiomics. We dive into how AI is changing the landscape of respiratory health and what it could mean for people living with asthma. Dr. Khan walks me through his career journey, the story behind DigiBiomics, and how their AI-driven diagnostics — including a tool called LungSense — are helping detect lung disease earlier and personalize care for patients.

We get into the potential of AI in asthma management, what advancements might be around the corner, and how collaborations across healthcare and tech are moving the field forward. We also talk about the ethical challenges that come with AI in medicine, and Dr. Khan shares some solid advice for anyone looking to work at the intersection of healthcare and technology.

If you’re curious about where asthma care is headed or how AI might fit into future treatment plans, this is a conversation worth hearing.

Visit DigiBiomics website by clicking here, or connect with Dr. Khan on LinkedIn, here.

Timestamps:

01:25 Introduction and Guest Welcome
02:22 Dr. Khan’s Career Journey
04:16 The Mission Behind DigiBiomics
06:37 AI’s Role in Respiratory Health
07:25 Future of AI in Asthma Care
09:33 DigiBiomics Services and Personalized Care
13:29 Collaborations and Global Impact
18:43 Ethics and Challenges in AI Adoption
28:21 Personal Reflections and Advice
34:18 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Connect with us (@BeyondTheWheeze):

• Check us out on Instagram
• Follow Beyond the Wheeze on LinkedIn
• Connect with us on TikTok
• Follow us on Facebook
• Speaking services, media, blog & news on our website
• Email Josh directly at [email protected].

Are video podcasts more your thing? Check us out on YouTube!

Visit Asthma Canada, or the Lung Health Foundation, to see how you can get involved today.