Let’s Talk Lungs Podcast

Lung Sask

Tune in to Let’s Talk Lungs podcast as we explore ways to improve lung health, one breath at a time. This podcast addresses threats to lung health, how to protect yourself, and shares insights on living well with lung disease. Be inspired by leaders, researchers, and individuals on a lung health journey, and discover how we can help you breathe a little easier.

Play

Open in

21 episodes
Avg 30 min
English

Episodes 21

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

#19
Wednesday · 16 min
Part 2 Clearing the Air: Radon Reduction and Healthier Homes
On this episode of Let’s Talk Lungs Podcast, host Bethany is joined by two Tod(d)s – Todd Despins, owner and operator of Vent Pro Mechanical, and Tod Boss, sales manager at Fantech. Both Tod(d)s are radon mitigators certified through the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program and long-time friends of Lung Saskatchewan. Bethany, Todd, and Tod discuss radon reduction, indoor air quality, the lung health impacts, and answer questions about what homeowners can do to breathe better in their homes.
#26
October 15 · 45 min
Is It Time to Escalate Care in Airways Disease?
On World Chronic Cough Awareness Day, podcast hosts Trent and Lori share the table with Dr. Alan Kaplan, a chronic cough expert, as he discusses when it’s time to escalate care in asthma and COPD. He explains what escalation really means in practice, from reassessing symptoms and confirming diagnosis to optimizing inhaler use, addressing adherence, and identifying barriers to treatment. Dr. Kaplan highlights key signs of poor control, when to consider stepping up therapy or referral, and the role of interprofessional teams in supporting access and patient care. If you’re looking for practical, patient-centred strategies to improve outcomes in airway disease, you won’t want to miss this conversation. About our episode guest: Dr. Alan Kaplan is a practicing family physician and Chair of the Family Physician Airways Group of Canada. He is an Honorary Professor of Primary Care Respiratory Medicine at the Observational and Pragmatic Research Institute (Singapore) and holds multiple leadership roles in respiratory care, including with Health Quality Ontario, the International Primary Care Respiratory Group, and the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA). He is also a Clinical Lecturer at the University of Toronto. His work focuses on respiratory medicine in primary care, and he has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications and nearly 150 conference abstracts. This podcast episode is supported through a Lung Saskatchewan and Sanofi-Regeneron partnership.
#25
October 7 · 37 min
Triple Therapy Simplified: What Clinicians Need to Know
Join Lung Saskatchewan's Let's Talk Lungs hosts Trent and Lori for a practical conversation with Dr. Shawn Aaron about triple therapy in asthma care and what clinicians need to know when supporting patients whose symptoms or exacerbations suggest their current treatment plan may need reassessment. For many patients, asthma management is not just about adding another medication. It is about confirming the diagnosis, understanding symptom patterns and exacerbation risk, checking inhaler technique and adherence, simplifying treatment where possible, and making sure patients can use and access the therapy being prescribed. This episode is designed for clinicians and health professionals who support people living with asthma, including primary care providers, respiratory educators, pharmacists, nurses, nurse practitioners, and specialist teams. The conversation will focus on practical decision-making, patient communication, and how coordinated care can help close the loop between a treatment recommendation and day-to-day use. About Our Episode Guest Dr. Shawn Aaron, MD, FRCPC, is a Professor in the Division of Respirology at the University of Ottawa and a Senior Clinician Scientist in the Inflammation and Chronic Disease Program at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute. His clinical and research work has focused on asthma, COPD, diagnosis, and improving respiratory care for patients and clinicians. In this episode, Dr. Aaron brings a practical, evidence-informed lens to asthma treatment decisions and the role of triple therapy in appropriate patient profiles. This podcast episode is supported through a Lung Saskatchewan and MethaPharm partnership.
#24
September 8 · 42 min
Protecting Young Lungs: Understanding Youth Vaping
As young people head back to school, conversations about vaping and nicotine are more important than ever. In this episode of Let’s Talk Lungs podcast, host Bethany sits down with respirologist Dr. Erika Penz to take a closer look at youth vaping. They explore what we know about vaping and its impact on health, what parents and educators should know about the products young people may be using. Whether you’re a parent, caregiver, educator or someone who supports young people, this episode offers trusted information to help you better understand youth vaping and support young people who may vape or use nicotine products. About our episode guest: Erika Penz is Associate Professor and Division Head of Respirology and Sleep Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. She is Physician Co-Lead for the COPD Provincial Clinical Network. Dr Penz’s main research focus includes burden of disease studies, with a focus on lung health, including tobacco cessation, effects of vaping, and management of severe asthma and COPD. She is co-author of the 2023 CTS Position Statement on Climate Change and Choice of Inhalers for Patients with Respiratory Disease as well as the 2023 CTS Guideline on Pharmacotherapy in Patients with Stable COPD and 2025 CTS Guideline on Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency targeted testing and augmentation therapy. She is Associate Editor for COPD at the CHEST Journal. She also serves as Past President for the Canadian Thoracic Society and is an Advisory Board member of the Institute for Cancer Research of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
#18
July 3 · 13 min
Part 1 Clearing the Air: Radon Reduction and Healthier Homes
On this episode of Let’s Talk Lungs Podcast, host Bethany is joined by two Tod(d)s – Todd Despins, owner and operator of Vent Pro Mechanical, and Tod Boss, sales manager at Fantech. Both Tod(d)s are radon mitigators certified through the Canadian National Radon Proficiency Program and long-time friends of Lung Saskatchewan. Bethany, Todd, and Tod discuss radon reduction, indoor air quality, the lung health impacts, and answer questions about what homeowners can do to breathe better in their homes.
#23
June 10 · 31 min
Pulmonary Hypertension: From Diagnosis to Daily Life
Join Lung Saskatchewan’s Let’s Talk Lungs hosts Trent and Lori for a timely conversation with Dr. Moaaz Rashad, a Saskatoon-based respirologist with a clinical interest in pulmonary hypertension (PH). Pulmonary hypertension can be complex, and often misunderstood. In this episode, Dr. Rashad breaks down what PH is, what causes it, and how it can affect day-to-day life. Together, we’ll explore symptoms and warning signs that may prompt an evaluation, and practical strategies that can help people living with PH navigate daily routines, manage challenges, and feel more supported over time. About Our Episode Guest Dr. Moaaz Rashad, MD is a respirologist in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, providing specialist care for people with lung and breathing conditions. This podcast episode is supported through a Lung Saskatchewan and AstraZeneca partnership.
#22
May 31 · 33 min
Quitting Smoking and Breathing Easier
In this episode of Let's Talk Lungs, host Bethany is joined by Dr. Erika Penz, Associate Professor and Division Head of Respirology and Sleep Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. Bethany and Dr. Penz discuss quitting smoking while managing lung disease, the positive impacts of quitting on your health, cessation strategies, and available supports. About our episode guest: Erika Penz is Associate Professor and Division Head of Respirology and Sleep Medicine at the University of Saskatchewan. She is Physician Co-Lead for the COPD Provincial Clinical Network. Dr Penz’s main research focus includes burden of disease studies, with a focus on lung health, including tobacco cessation, effects of vaping, and management of severe asthma and COPD. She is co-author of the 2023 CTS Position Statement on Climate Change and Choice of Inhalers for Patients with Respiratory Disease as well as the 2023 CTS Guideline on Pharmacotherapy in Patients with Stable COPD and 2025 CTS Guideline on Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency targeted testing and augmentation therapy. She is Associate Editor for COPD at the CHEST Journal. She also serves as Past President for the Canadian Thoracic Society and is an Advisory Board member of the Institute for Cancer Research of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research.
#21
May 27 · 33 min
From Symptoms to Solutions: A Practical Approach to Identifying and Managing Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency
In this episode, Dr. Mohit Bhutani will be diving into what Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency is and why it matters; unpacking its genetic roots, how it affects the lungs, and the critical importance of early recognition. We’ll walk through the common signs, symptoms, and risk factors that may signal Alpha-1, and discuss when testing or further evaluation should be considered. We will also explore practical management strategies, including lifestyle approaches and available treatments, to help individuals and families take charge of their health. Finally, we’ll highlight ways to access support and resources, empowering listeners to advocate for themselves, their loved ones, or the patients they care for who are living with Alpha-1. About Our Episode Guest Dr. Mohit Bhutani, MD, FRCPC, FCCP is an accomplished physician and researcher specializing in respiratory and critical care medicine. With extensive clinical experience and a strong commitment to evidence-based practice, he has dedicated his career to improving patient outcomes through thoughtful diagnosis, innovative treatment, and compassionate care. Dr. Bhutani is also actively involved in medical education and community outreach, helping clinicians and the public better understand complex health conditions. His passion for mentorship, advocacy, and clear communication makes him a trusted voice in the field and a valuable guest for our conversation. This podcast episode is supported through a Lung Saskatchewan and Takeda partnership.
#20
May 6 · 29 min
Engineering Immunity: The Future of mRNA Technology and Respiratory Vaccines
Join Lung Saskatchewan’s Let’s Talk Lungs hosts Trent and Lori for a timely conversation with Dr. Kyle Brown, Associate Director, Field Medical Advisor, Moderna Canada. mRNA technology has already changed the game, and its potential in respiratory health is still unfolding. In this episode, Dr. Brown will unpack what’s on the horizon: how mRNA platforms are evolving, what that could mean for the next generation of respiratory vaccines, and where the most exciting innovation may be headed. Dr. Brown brings expertise in Medical Affairs & Medical Information and a deep background in infectious disease, vaccine development (human & animal), molecular biology, and mRNA technology. He earned his B.Sc. and Ph.D. in Medical Microbiology from the University of Manitoba and completed post-doctoral research with VIDO at the University of Saskatchewan. This episode is sponsored by Moderna Canada.
#18
April 7 · 37 min
A Second Breath, A Stronger Voice. A Singer's Lung Transplant Story.
To celebrate National Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Month, Let’s Talk Lungs podcast host Nurse Jill sits down with professional singer and double lung transplant recipient Darcy Murdoch. He shares his powerful journey from losing his breath to finding his voice again. Celebrating 11 years with his new lungs, Darcy reflects on life after transplant, the gift of organ donation, and what it truly means to receive a second breath—and a stronger voice. Darcy Murdoch is a professional singer and entertainer originally from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, now based in Vancouver. Performing under the name Bobby Bacchus, Darcy is known for his smooth crooner style and timeless repertoire, delighting audiences across Western Canada for decades. In 2011, Darcy was diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive lung disease that took away his breath—and his ability to sing. After receiving a life-saving double lung transplant in January 2015, Darcy returned to the stage with renewed purpose. Today, he uses both his voice and his story to advocate for lung health and organ donation as a lung ambassador and health advocate. Whether inspiring audiences through music, sharing hope and gratitude, or even donning a Santa suit—having performed over 64 shows this past holiday season—Darcy continues to remind us of all of the power of second chances.
January 12 · 29 min
Part 2: Surviving Lung Cancer. Let’s Talk Radon!
Get inspired as Nurse Jill chats with two remarkable young women who have turned a scary diagnosis into an opportunity to empower people to know about radon and how to reduce their risk of lung cancer. About Episode Guests Christine Elliott is an author, speaker, and mentor to people who have experienced disease, disaster, or adversity. She is the host of The Live Free Podcast, The Evolution of You. Her journey as a two-time cancer survivor enables her to connect with people on a personal level. She is an advocate for health and a lung ambassador with Lung Saskatchewan. Kerri Mossing is a successful real estate agent, mom, wife, and lung cancer survivor. She is a strong health advocate and lung ambassador for Lung Saskatchewan. She is passionate about empowering people to test for and reduce the radon levels in their homes, with the hopes of preventing someone else from being diagnosed with lung cancer diagnosis in the future.
#16
Dec 16, 2025 · 12 min
Holiday Episode
As we wrap up the first year of the Let’s Talk Lungs podcast, hosts Trent and Lori are celebrating with a special holiday episode! Join them as they reflect on a year of meaningful conversations about lung health and thank our guests, listeners, and sponsors for making it all possible. They’ll also give listeners a sneak peek at what’s coming in 2026, new episodes, new voices, and even more stories to help us all breathe a little easier!
#17
Dec 15, 2025 · 42 min
Real Talk on Quitting Smoking
In this episode of Let’s Talk Lungs, brand new host Bethany Verma, Lung Saskatchewan's Health Promotion Manager, has a conversation with Jenna Anderson, licensed pharmacist and Manager of Professional Practice at Pharmacy Association of Saskatchewan, and Leon Ferguson, Saskatchewan Quits ambassador. Bethany, Jenna, and Leon chat all things quitting - supports available, how to navigate nicotine replacement therapy and medications, and tips for quitting amidst the stress that can come with the holiday season. This episode is sponsored by Nicorette.
#15
Nov 19, 2025 · 47 min
Ready! Set! Breathe – With COPD!
In this episode of Let’s Talk Lungs Inspired Breathing hosts, Lori and Trent have a conversation with Dr. Mohit Bhutani, Professor in the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta. In their conversation with Dr. Bhutani they will talk about all things COPD – the new Canadian and global guidelines for treatment; the upcoming role biologic therapies will play in disease management; and what the future holds in terms of research directions, and disease remission. This episode is sponsored in part by the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation. About Dr. Mohit Bhutani Dr. Mohit Bhutani’s achievements in the clinical, research and educational aspects of respiratory diseases have contributed to his recognition as a leading member of the respiratory community. Dr. Bhutani joined the Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry at the University of Alberta in 2005 and now a professor in the Division of Pulmonary Medicine. Dr. Bhutani’s research in COPD and asthma has garnered many provincial and national research awards and his research work has been published in high impact journals such as The Journal of Physiology, Lancet Respiratory Medicine, CHEST and New England Journal of Medicine.
#14
Nov 5, 2025 · 30 min
Wildfires on the Rise: Impact & Inequities in Indigenous Populations
In this episode of Let’s Talk Lungs Inspired Breathing hosts, Lori and Trent will be talking with Dr. Jaris Swidrovich from the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto. In this conversation, they will uncover the health inequities that exist among our Indigenous populations in relation to exposure to wildfires and just how it is impacting their health. This episode is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim. About Dr. Jaris Swidrovich Dr. Jaris Swidrovich, BSP, PharmD, PhD, AAHIVP, RPh (he/they) is an Assistant Professor, Tenure Stream, and Indigenous Engagement Lead in the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy at the University of Toronto. He is a queer, Two Spirit, Saulteaux and Ukrainian pharmacist from Yellow Quill First Nation (Treaty 4 territory, Saskatchewan). Their areas of research and practice include HIV/AIDS, substance use disorders, 2SLGBTQ+ health, Indigenous health, social determinants of health, pharmacy practice, and pharmacy and health professions education.
#13
Oct 30, 2025 · 35 min
Part 1: Radon 101: The Lung Cancer Risk you can’t see, taste, or smell.
In this episode of Let’s Talk Lungs, Nurse Jill chats with Regional Radiation Specialist Sandy Hutchison from Health Canada about all things radon. Tune in to learn about this radioactive gas and what you can do to reduce your lung cancer risk. About Episode Guest Sandy Hutchison has energetically walked and talked all things radon across Manitoba and Saskatchewan since 2008. The Regional Radiation Specialist position sits within the Environmental Health Program of Health Canada. The duties of this position are non-regulatory; instead, Sandy works to collaborate and build partnerships that improve education and awareness about the second leading cause of lung cancer. Sandy has contributed to many radon working groups, steering committees, the Policy Advisory Board of the Canadian-National Radon Proficiency Program and is a past recipient of Health Canada’s Spokesperson of the Year award.
#12
Oct 15, 2025 · 22 min
Kids and Asthma! Where is Science Taking Us?
In this episode of Let’s Talk Lungs Inspired Breathing hosts Lori and Trent have a conversation with Dr. Connie Yang, Pediatric Respirologist at Toronto’s SickKids. In their conversation with Dr. Yang they will explore recent changes to asthma management for kids and also talk about what the future holds in terms of research directions, and disease remission. This episode is sponsored by GSK. About Dr. Connie Yang Dr. Connie Yang is a pediatric respirologist at the Hospital for Sick Children where she is the Medical Director of their Asthma Program and the Scientific Director of the Ontario Asthma Surveillance Information System. She has participated in the development of multiple provincial and national asthma guidelines. Her research interest is identifying children who are at risk for poor asthma outcomes, with the goal of providing more targeted treatments.
#8
Oct 1, 2025 · 21 min
RSV and Infants – When It’s More Than Just a Cold
In this episode of Let’s Talk Lungs Inspired Breathing, hosts Lori and Trent have a conversation with Dr. Cora Constantinescu, pediatrician and infectious disease physician at Alberta Children’s Hospital. With RSV making headlines and spreading more widely each season, Dr. Constantinescu helps us unpack what this virus means for infants, who is most at risk, and what families can do to protect their little ones. From prevention strategies for pregnant individuals to the role of antibody therapies and the latest vaccine developments, Dr. Constantinescu brings clarity, compassion, and science to a topic on the minds of many caregivers. Whether you’re a parent, health professional, or someone who cares about community wellness, this conversation offers timely, evidence-based insights into one of the most pressing respiratory threats facing infants today. This episode is sponsored by Sanofi Canada. About Dr. Cora Constantinescu Dr. Cora Constantinescu is a Pediatric Infectious Disease Specialist at Alberta Children’s Hospital and a leading advocate for vaccine confidence. With a focus on preventing serious illness in children and building public trust in immunization, she works at the intersection of clinical care, communication, and public health.
#6
Sep 22, 2025 · 39 min
Building Trust in mRNA Technology: A New Era in Prevention and Therapies
In this episode of Let’s Talk Lungs, Inspired Breathing hosts Lori and Trent have a conversation with Dr. Kyle Brown, Associate Director, Field Medical Advisor for Moderna Canada. In their conversation, they will explore mRNA as a technology and learn why it is such a good fit for vaccines and other therapies. This episode is sponsored by Moderna Canada. About Dr. Kyle Brown Kyle is the Associate Director, Field Medical Advisor for Moderna Canada, and brings his expertise in Medical Affairs & Medical Information to our conversation today. Kyle obtained his B.Sc and Ph.D in Medical Microbiology from the University of Manitoba as well as completed a post-doctoral research role with the Vaccine & Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO) at the University of Saskatchewan. He has a broad history of working in the pharmaceutical industry with both US and Canadian-based healthcare providers. Kyle's experience focuses on infectious disease, human & animal vaccine development, molecular biology, mRNA technology and cardiovascular-based pharmaceuticals.
#7
Sep 8, 2025 · 18 min
RSV and Other Respiratory Vaccines! What Do I Need to Know?
In this episode of Let’s Talk Lungs Inspired Breathing hosts, Lori and Trent will be talking with Dr. George Zhanel from the Max Rady College of Medicine at the University of Manitoba. In this conversation, they will uncover everything we should know about RSV and other respiratory viruses and vaccines. This episode is sponsored by Pfizer Canada. About Dr. George Zhanel Dr. Zhanel is a microbiologist and pharmacologist who is presently a professor and associate head of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, at the Max Rady College of Medicine at the University of Manitoba Dr. Zhanel is the Research Director of the Canadian Antimicrobial Resistance Alliance (also known as CARA) and is also the founding and Chief Editor of the CARA website.

Showing 1–20 of 21 episodes