Beyond the Wheeze

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.

Rumi and Prince lost their son, Rudhro, to a severe asthma attack at just eight years old. Since that devastating day, they’ve turned their grief into advocacy, building a movement to raise awareness about the seriousness of asthma and improve education and resources for families like theirs. Through the Rudhro Prince Hope Foundation, they are keeping their son’s memory alive and working to ensure other families do not have to face the same heartbreak. You can learn more about their work here: https://www.facebook.com/RudhroPrinceHopeFoundation/

Asthma affects over 4 million people in Canada and claims around 250 lives each year. The heartbreaking truth is that many of these deaths are preventable. That is why conversations like this matter. It is also why resources from Asthma Canada, like their Asthma and Allergy Helpline and free downloadable asthma action plans, are so important. If you or someone you love lives with asthma, I encourage you to visit asthma.ca and make sure you have an up-to-date action plan in place.

In this episode, Rumi and Prince open up about Rudhro’s life, the night everything changed, and how they’ve turned unimaginable loss into action. Their message is simple but urgent: asthma can be deadly, and no family should have to learn that too late.

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.

This episode of Beyond the Wheeze is a special one for me. I had the chance to sit down with Dr. Paolo Pianosi, a retired pediatric pulmonologist whose work has made a lasting impact in respiratory care. As a child growing up with severe asthma, I was actually one of Dr. Pianosi’s patients at the IWK Health Centre in Halifax. Having the opportunity to reconnect with him years later — this time behind a microphone — made this conversation especially meaningful.

Dr. Pianosi’s career took him from Northern Ontario to Halifax, London, and eventually to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. Along the way, he witnessed firsthand how asthma treatment for kids has changed, what’s improved, and where there’s still work to do.

In this conversation, we talk about:

• How asthma care has evolved over the years
• Why patient and family education still matters just as much as the medications we prescribe
• The advances in cystic fibrosis treatment and what that could mean for other respiratory diseases
• The importance of mentorship and compassion in medicine

Whether you’re a parent caring for a child with asthma, a young healthcare provider working in pediatrics, or someone navigating respiratory care yourself, there’s something in this episode for you.

Episode Chapters:

01:54 — Intro: Meet Dr. Paolo Pianosi
05:39 — His path through pediatric pulmonology: From Northern Ontario to the Mayo Clinic
10:22 — The biggest changes in pediatric asthma care over the years
15:17 — Advances in cystic fibrosis treatment and what that means for rare diseases
20:43 — Asthma medications: From basic inhalers to SMART therapy and biologics
26:08 — Why patient education and family involvement matter more than ever
30:12 — The value of home visits, psychosocial care, and treating the whole child
34:21 — What he hopes young healthcare professionals remember about this work
37:48 — A look ahead: New treatments and areas of promise in pediatric lung health
41:25 — Final thoughts: The importance of mentorship, advocacy, and compassion in medicine

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 Dr. Alan Kaplan — a family doctor who specializes in respiratory medicine and has spent years working to improve asthma care in Canada. Dr. Kaplan is the chair of the Family Physician Airways Group of Canada and works closely with Asthma Canada. Together, we unpack what it takes to manage asthma well, the role regular physical activity plays in lung health, and how people with asthma can exercise safely and confidently.

We cover a lot of ground in this conversation — from the difference between exercise-induced asthma and exercise-induced bronchospasm to why using your inhaler before exercise matters. Dr. Kaplan shares practical advice on medication management, trigger awareness, and how to build up your fitness when you live with asthma, even if it’s severe.

We also talk about his career in respiratory care, what’s changed over the years, and why education and a clear plan are key for better asthma control. Whether you live with asthma or care for someone who does, you’ll take away real, useful strategies to help improve quality of life and stay active.

If you ever need extra support managing asthma or allergies, Asthma Canada has an excellent Asthma and Allergy Helpline you can reach out to for free. Learn more at https://asthma.ca/get-help/asthma-and-allergy-helpline/.

Episode Chapters
01:00 Introduction to Dr. Alan Kaplan
02:16 Asthma and Exercise: The Basics
03:28 Understanding Exercise-Induced Asthma
05:15 Managing Asthma Symptoms During Exercise
10:30 Building Confidence in Exercising with Asthma
14:38 Choosing the Right Exercise for Asthma
16:04 Medications and Asthma Management During Exercise
20:50 The Importance of Exercise for Asthma Management
21:14 Weight Loss and Asthma Control
22:23 Using Peak Flow Meters
22:57 Listener Questions: Natural Therapies and Triggers
26:20 Listener Questions: Exercise and Asthma Control
28:11 Dr. Kaplan's Career and Motivation
31:57 A Life-Changing Asthma Story
36:23 Final Thoughts and Advice

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 Liz Radinovic, a personal trainer, health coach, and asthma athlete from Columbus, Ohio. Liz opens up about what it was like living with severe asthma for 15 years, how a breakthrough with biologic medication changed everything, and how she found her way back to long-distance running — including finishing a half marathon.

We get into her advocacy work for better asthma care, how she approaches coaching with a focus on sustainable health and fitness, and the growth she’s experienced as a public speaker. It’s a conversation about what it takes to keep going through tough health challenges, how resilience is built one step at a time, and why it matters to take responsibility for your health.

Liz shares powerful lessons about owning your story and using it to inspire others to take charge of their own.

Follow Liz on Instagram @liz_radinovic and follow Josh @the.asthma.runner.

Visit Liz Health Coaching at https://www.facebook.com/fithub.

Check out Liz's S-T-R-I-D-E (Strength, Resilience, Injury-Defence, Elevation) Method — a complimentary, runner-focused training resource for our podcast listeners. If you're looking for tips to get started, visit https://www.wheezespeak.ca/stride.

Chapters:

01:03 Introduction to Liz Radanovich's Journey
02:20 Connecting with Liz
03:18 Overcoming Asthma Challenges
08:56 Turning Point in Asthma Management
18:15 Running and Resilience
22:42 Unexpected Challenges in Marathon Training
22:51 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Resilience
23:43 Coaching Philosophy and Client Success
27:59 Navigating Professional Growth and Public Speaking
33:34 Health Coaching and Sustainable Habits
38:59 Future Goals and Expanding Opportunities
44:37 Final Thoughts and Inspirational 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.

In this episode, I sit down with Jessica Buckley, president and CEO of the Lung Health Foundation. We talk about where lung health stands in Canada right now and why it deserves far more attention, funding, and advocacy than it’s getting. Jessica shares her perspective on issues like youth vaping, COPD, lung cancer, and how air quality affects our health. We also dive into why early diagnosis, bold research, and strong government policy are essential for building a smoke-free future. This conversation is a reminder that real change starts with advocacy — both at the community level and across the country.

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.