Beyond the Wheeze

In this episode, I welcome back Dr. Meraj Khan, co-founder and CEO of Digi Bios, to answer a practical question: is AI actually ready for real-world asthma care?

We talk about why the biggest barrier is no longer the technology itself. The real gap is translation into care. Many AI tools struggle with workflow integration, real-world validation, and reimbursement models. If it does not fit inside the clinic, it will not be used.

Dr. Khan breaks down where AI can help today: continuous monitoring, early screening, triage, risk stratification, and decision support. The goal is not to replace clinicians. It is to empower them and support patients with clearer insights.

We also explore his AI readiness framework: define the problem, manage it properly, then operationalize it in real settings. Trust becomes central. That means transparency, explainability, diverse datasets, and ongoing auditing to reduce bias.

Using Lung Sense as a case study, we discuss lessons learned from moving beyond controlled research environments into hospital deployment, long-term care, and remote settings. The feedback from clinicians is clear: do not give us more data. Give us clarity.

This conversation is about implementation, accountability, and what it will actually take for AI to improve asthma outcomes.

00:30 Welcome Back Dr Khan
01:45 Why Adoption Lags
05:03 What AI Can Do Now
08:13 Clinic Reality Check
12:17 Why Tools Fail
15:10 Patient Expectations
17:44 Lung Sense Lessons
22:22 Refining With Feedback
24:16 What Trustworthy AI Means
28:16 Patients and AI Literacy
29:51 Scaling Adoption for Patients
32:23 Medical Disclaimer and Scope
32:46 Can AI Prevent Attacks
36:07 Where AI Helps Most Today
38:06 Data Bias and Governance
42:55 Myth vs Reality AI Limits
49:00 When AI Is Clinic Ready
50:54 What’s Next for DigiBios
54:01 One Last Breath Message

Connect with us (@BeyondTheWheeze):

• Check us out on Instagram
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• 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 sit down with Jenna Reynolds, Vice President of Mission, Advocacy, and Research at Asthma Canada, to talk about the real gaps in asthma care across the country and what meaningful progress could look like. From diagnosis challenges to medication access, education, and environmental impacts, this conversation explores how systems, policy, and lived experience intersect — and why better coordination could change outcomes for millions of Canadians.

We also discuss the role of advocacy, why education must be treated as essential treatment, and how organizations like Asthma Canada are working to make care more equitable and proactive rather than crisis-driven.

What we discuss in this episode:
• Why asthma is still underestimated despite affecting millions of Canadians
• The gaps in diagnosis, follow-up care, and patient education
• How geography, income, and community resources shape asthma outcomes
• The impact of medication cost and formulary access on patient health
• The growing influence of environmental factors like air quality and wildfires
• Why integrated, team-based care could redefine asthma management in Canada

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Asthma Canada: https://asthma.ca
Asthma Canada helpline and support resources: https://asthma.ca/get-help/

If you or someone you care about lives with asthma, these resources can help you better understand the condition, access support, and advocate for improved care.

Chapters:

00:30 Welcome + What You’ll Learn About Asthma Care in Canada
01:23 Jenna Reynolds’ Personal ‘Why’ Behind Asthma Advocacy
02:24 The Pattern Asthma Canada Hears Most: ‘It’s Just My Asthma’
03:07 Reality Check: What’s Broken in Asthma Care Right Now
05:30 Spotting the System Gaps: Red Flags & What to Do Next
06:37 Diagnosis Done Right: Spirometry, Misdiagnosis, and the Domino Effect
07:48 Follow-Up & Ongoing Management: Beyond the First Inhaler
09:29 Who Gets Left Behind: Income, Rural Access, and Indigenous Health Gaps
11:13 Education That Changes Outcomes: 3 Things Everyone Should Know
13:25 Inhaler Technique & Action Plans: What ‘Good Education’ Includes
15:13 Asthma at School: Policies, Training, and Ryan’s Law
16:57 Medication Costs & Coverage: How Affordability Drives Outcomes
19:33 When Controllers Aren’t Affordable + Making Biologics Accessible
21:34 The Ideal Asthma Care Pathway (and What’s Realistic in 5–10 Years)
25:02 Myth vs Reality: Common Misconceptions That Put People at Risk
26:38 3 Things Patients Can Do This Week to Improve Control
28:26 Caregivers’ Checklist: Protecting and Supporting Kids with Asthma
29:43 Self-Advocacy Without Burnout: Being Heard in the System
31:09 Environment & Climate: Wildfires, Air Quality, and Asthma Canada’s Work

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 Jeremy Saunders, Canadian actor, podcaster, and public speaker, to explore what it truly means to live with cystic fibrosis and how he has used storytelling, humor, and vulnerability to break health stigma.

Jeremy shares what day-to-day life with CF looks like, including managing complex treatments, navigating travel, and balancing physical and mental health. We talk about how new medications like Trikafta have changed the landscape of CF care, while also acknowledging the realities that many people still face. Jeremy also discusses his “expiry date” mindset, embracing mortality, and choosing to live fully despite uncertainty.

We dive into the origins and evolution of Sick Boy, the role of humor in serious conversations, and why authentic, sometimes uncomfortable dialogue is essential for building understanding and community. Jeremy also reflects on receiving the Meritorious Service Medal, his work with Breathless, and the projects he continues to pursue to raise awareness and support others living with chronic illness.

This episode offers honest perspective for anyone living with a chronic condition, supporting someone who is, or interested in how storytelling and openness can change the way we talk about health.

🎧 Sick Boy Podcast: https://www.sickboypodcast.com/

🎧 Breathless Podcast: https://www.cysticfibrosis.ca/breathless

🎧 More episodes: https://beyondthewheeze.ca/podcast

00:30 – Introduction to Jeremy Saunders
00:32 – Jeremy’s career and achievements
01:17 – Disclaimer and welcome
01:42 – Jeremy’s experience with cystic fibrosis
03:10 – Understanding cystic fibrosis beyond the lungs
06:46 – Daily life with CF
11:37 – Traveling with cystic fibrosis
16:42 – Embracing mortality and living fully
25:11 – Advancements in CF treatment
28:45 – Humor in serious illness
28:54 – The importance of authentic conversations
29:59 – Navigating social interactions during hardship
31:40 – Humor and seriousness in Sick Boy
32:47 – Crossing the line in vulnerable conversations
37:01 – The evolution and impact of Sick Boy
40:33 – Receiving the Meritorious Service Medal
44:12 – The mission behind Breathless
48:27 – Living with uncertainty and optimism
51:55 – The power of open dialogue
56:13 – Upcoming projects and final thoughts

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 sit down with Eric Closs, Founder and CEO of Daily Breath, to explore the powerful (and often overlooked) relationship between outdoor air quality, environmental exposure, and respiratory health — especially asthma.

Eric explains how environmental conditions like air pollution, pollen, wildfire smoke, temperature shifts, and weather patterns can quietly increase risk, even before symptoms show up. Through Daily Breath, his mission is to help people anticipate and prevent attacks using personalized, real-time environmental data, rather than relying on generalized forecasts or reacting when it’s already too late.

He also shares the “light bulb” moment that sparked the creation of Daily Breath after witnessing his sister’s rheumatoid arthritis flare up due to weather changes. That experience revealed a major gap in modern healthcare: environmental triggers are real, measurable, and highly personal — yet they’re still often ignored in asthma care.

Our conversation goes beyond asthma alone, connecting environmental exposure to broader health outcomes like cardiovascular strain, the impact of cumulative exposure over time, and the need for localized, actionable information that helps people make smarter daily choices.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.dailybreathforecast.com/
🎧 More episodes: https://beyondthewheeze.ca/podcast

00:31 Introduction to Eric Closs and Daily Breath
01:42 The Light Bulb Moment: Inspiration Behind Daily Breath
03:25 Focusing on Asthma: Identifying the Gaps in Care
04:54 The Heartbreaking Story of Diamond Conway
06:39 Understanding Environmental Triggers and Their Impact
12:41 The Role of Weather in Asthma and Respiratory Health
14:47 Cumulative Exposure: Why It Matters
23:57 Personalized Environmental Health Risk Index
29:34 Recognizing Early Symptoms and Environmental Risks
30:34 The Importance of Bedroom Air Quality
30:52 Nasal Rinses and Environmental Oversights
32:40 Health System Failures and Environmental Triggers
34:49 Integrating Environmental Data into Healthcare
38:36 Communicating Air Quality to Asthma Patients
41:50 Practical Outdoor Tips for Asthma Management
45:45 Reframing Asthma Care Around Environmental Risks
49:20 Future of Environmental Awareness in Respiratory Health
53:26 Final Thoughts and Resources

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 Annelise Bauer, founder of In-Bodied, to explore how conscious breathing and mindful movement can support people living with asthma and other respiratory conditions.

Drawing from her own experience with asthma, Annelise shares how Buteyko breathing, nervous system regulation, and breath awareness can help reduce symptoms, manage anxiety, and improve overall wellbeing. We also walk through a short, safe breathing exercise, discuss how to get started with breathwork, and explore how these practices can be integrated alongside traditional medical care.

This episode offers practical insight for anyone living with asthma, managing a chronic respiratory condition, or looking to improve their breathing, mental health, and quality of life.

🔗 Learn more: https://www.in-bodied.com/
📸 Instagram: @in.bodied
🎧 More episodes: https://beyondthewheeze.ca/podcast

00:31 – Introduction to Annelise Bauer and her work
01:50 – Annelise’s personal journey living with asthma
05:35 – Why conscious breathing matters
08:49 – Understanding Buteyko Breathing
13:02 – Guided breathing exercise demonstration
19:44 – How to get started with breathwork safely
23:00 – Breathwork, mental health, and nervous system regulation
26:25 – Integrating breathwork with traditional medical care
32:42 – Annelise’s programs and final thoughts
37:28 – Final signature question and Annelise’s message

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 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.