Beyond the Wheeze
Podcast Description
Beyond the Wheeze is the podcast that proves your limits are just the beginning. Hosted by Josh Rheaume, an asthma advocate, marathon runner, and speaker, this show dives into inspiring stories of individuals who’ve faced adversity—especially respiratory challenges—and found ways to push beyond what they thought possible. Whether you have asthma, other health conditions, or simply seek motivation to overcome your own obstacles, Beyond the Wheeze is here to remind you that resilience and determination can unlock your full potential.In each episode, Josh and his guests—athletes, health professionals, and advocates—share their personal journeys and practical tips for managing health challenges while achieving greatness. From expert advice on improving fitness and managing respiratory conditions to actionable mindset strategies, Beyond the Wheeze is packed with practical insights you can apply to your own life.This podcast isn't just for those with asthma—it's for anyone ready to take on life’s challenges, break through barriers, and live fully. Tune in for powerful stories and expert tips on how to thrive, no matter what’s holding you back. Breathe easier, live stronger, and push past your limits with Beyond the Wheeze.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast focuses on themes of resilience, health advocacy, and personal growth, featuring episodes that discuss overcoming respiratory challenges and achieving athletic goals, such as Grace Pyatt's story of balancing her asthma management while excelling in professional volleyball.
Beyond the Wheeze is the podcast redefining what it means to live with asthma. Hosted by asthma advocate, runner, and patient voice Josh Rheaume, this show dives into the real stories, medical insights, and practical strategies that help people breathe easier and live stronger.
Each episode features honest conversations with healthcare experts, patients, and caregivers tackling the myths, challenges, and breakthroughs in asthma care and respiratory health. From managing triggers to staying active, navigating healthcare systems to advocating for better treatment — Beyond the Wheeze bridges the gap between patients and providers to build a future where no one feels alone in their diagnosis.
If you live with asthma, care for someone who does, or work in healthcare, this podcast gives you the tools, stories, and knowledge to take control, find hope, and keep moving forward.
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
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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.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
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