In a dance designed for two, what happens when the music stops for one? This week Jer and Tay go OG FGF mode. After introducing the newest member of the team, Haeley, Jer delves into the complex world of conjoined twins, particularly focusing on the rare and heartbreaking scenario where one twin dies but the other lives. We explore the various types of conjoined twins and the medical intricacies involved, from shared organs to separate sensations. Modern medicine offers some the possibility of separation, yet for others, like the famed Abby and Brittany Hensel, separation is not a viable optio ..read more

Sometimes, the world we see isn't just defined by light and shadows, but by the stories we tell and the voices we hear. Mara Hutchinson offers the fellas a candid glimpse into her life with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), a rare eye disease that affects the retina. She’s lived a journey marked not just by challenges but also by profound resilience. Mara delves into how navigating the world with a white cane (or white stick, depending who you ask) is more than an exercise in mobility—it's a statement of independence and identity. In the wrap, the boys keep the visual disorders going with prosopometa ..read more

Life is a storyboard, and every chapter counts, especially those we write in advance. Karine Diedrich, the Director of Advance Care Planning at the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Association (CHPCA) unravels the threads of advance care planning—a blueprint for future healthcare that aligns deeply with one's values and wishes. Karine explains the crucial distinctions between a living will and advance care directives, spotlighting the importance of the Platinum Rule: treating others with the dignity they define. In the Wrap Up the fellas take a deep dive under the surface of the ocean to explo ..read more

In the analog corners of Utah, Libby Slem navigates the digital age with a Luddite's charm and a warrior's grit, facing Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). This isn't your everyday pain; it's a journey through a rare nerve disease that transforms every facet of life, from motherhood's joys and trials to the heart's metallic beats, courtesy of an atrial septal defect. Libby's candid conversation unfolds the layers of CRPS, beyond the pain to the diagnosis stages, and the sheer impact on her personal and parenting life. With humor and gravity, she delves into the challenges of seeking support ..read more

Isobel's journey isn't just about battling Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS); it's a deep dive into resilience and self-discovery amidst the challenges of chronic illness. Facing skepticism and navigating a world not built for her, she shares the highs and lows of her path to recovery. Isobel walks the fellas through her mission to challenge the status quo by using her TikTok as tool to spread awareness about accessibility (or lack thereof) in London. Isobel's story is a clarion call for awareness and understanding, proving that embracing one's ..read more

Forget everything you thought you knew about the birds and the bees because this episode dives deep into the world less spoken of, yet equally vital: anal health. Dr. Gary Bucher, a pioneer in HIV medicine and an advocate for HPV-related disease awareness, illuminates the shadowy misconceptions surrounding HPV and its implications beyond the cervix. In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Bucher demystifies HPV's widespread impact, champions the life-saving power of High Resolution Anoscopy (HRA), and advocates for the critical need for HPV vaccinations. From dissecting the groundbreaking Anchor Stud ..read more

Who knew that a backache could lead you on a journey through the depths of sorrow and the heights of artistic creation? Meet Rhonda, a spirited soul entangled in the web of chronic pain and depression due to a misdiagnosed herniated disc. But Rhonda's story isn't just one of suffering; it's a testament to the transformative power of art. In this episode, she unveils her "Deep Cuts" series, an artful exploration of human resilience amid trauma. With each stroke and collage, Rhonda navigates the tumultuous waters of grief, using her canvas as both a shield and a vessel. Her journey is not just a ..read more

In a world where health meets digital narrative, Dr. Mike Lang and Kristy Wolfe turn the mic to the unsung heroes of healthcare: storytelling. This episode dives deep into the heart of healthcare, illuminated by the guiding lights of digital storytelling. Dr. Lang, a filmmaker and health researcher, along with digital storyteller and photographer Kristy Wolfe, unveil the transformative power of digital storytelling in the realm of health and wellness. Storytelling not only provides therapeutic relief but also fosters meaningful behavior change. From the intimate corridors of personal health jo ..read more

Maybe it’s steroids? Maybe she’s born with it? Wait… no, she’s definitely born with it. It’s HAE. How fitting is it that Rare Disease Day falls on a fairly rare day, Feburary 29th! In this episode, the fellas sit down with Jordyn Campbell, who not only shares her eye-opening journey with hereditary angioedema (HAE) but also how she's punching back with advocacy and awareness. What the hell is HAE? Here’s the elevator pitch - your body decides to puff up like a balloon at the most inconvenient times, thanks to a rare genetic curveball. Welcome to Jordyn's world, where getting swole is just part ..read more

In this heart-tugging episode, the fellas dive into a tale of resilience, love, and the complexities of kidney transplantation with one ultimate goal - finding a Kidney for our dear friend, Ellie. Ellie is a rockstar nurse battling kidney disease. She opens up about her journey through kidney failure, dialysis, and the quest for a second transplant after her first one has hit a rough patch. Ellie's story is nothing short of a rollercoaster. She sheds light on the emotional and logistical hurdles of finding a kidney match, all while juggling life with her superhero partner, Keegan, and contempl ..read more