Cody Hodgson and The RYR-1 Foundation 11/11/25

Diagnosed in 2016 with RYR-1-related malignant hyperthermia, Cody Hodgson’s promising NHL playing career was cut short when the effects of his disease made it impossible for him to push his body to the extent necessary in pro hockey. However, what initially looked like a major setback gave way to a very different, equally powerful calling. Now an active ambassador for the Pittsburgh, PA-based RYR-1 Foundation, Hodgson is precisely the kind of figure in the hockey world that our production staff loves connecting with.

With mobile recording gear in tow, our producer and co-host, Jeff Taylor recently joined the RYR-1 Foundation in Pittsburgh for their 10th anniversary conference. A handful of in-depth interviews were conducted that day, including with former NHL’er Cody Hodgson himself, as well as Toronto-based anesthesiologist Dr. Sheila Riazi, Hodgson’s diagnosing physician.

Reading: The RYR-1 Foundation’s Clinical Care Guidelines text:
https://ryr1.org/clinical-care-guidelines

Video: Watch Cody Hodgson score an incredible shorthanded goal, beating all five Carolina Hurricanes players:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pyGSyfkO6I

Video: Wim Hof Breathing Method (YouTube):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tybOi4hjZFQ

Today’s episode was co-produced by Jeff Taylor and Ashley Taylor.

Very special thanks to Espresso A Mano, Pittsburgh’s finest coffee roasters and cafe, for partnering with Fly Penguins Fly podcast. Visit an Espresso A Mano location near you:
https://espressoamano.com/

Thank you for listening!! Follow the podcast on X/Twitter: @penspod
Jeff Taylor: @penspod_JT // Jordan DeFigio: @fidgenewton

LETS GO PENS.
JEFF TAYLOR + JORDAN DEFIGIO

Fly Penguins Fly Podcast is produced by Jeff Taylor
Original theme and outro music composed and recorded by Jeff Taylor
Mark Guiliana played drums, Ashley Taylor sang.

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Shane Taylor designed and delivered our artwork.
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This episode includes portions of the following musical selections:
Fly Penguins Fly Theme composed and produced by Jeff Taylor
Kid Kodi by Blue Dot Sessions
Hammers and Tape composed and produced by Jeff Taylor
Arp Landing composed and produced by Jeff Taylor
Inside the Paper Crane by Blue Dot Sessions
Hardboil by Blue Dot Sessions
Camphor Kingdom by Blue Dot Sessions
Diatom by Blue Dot Sessions