Beyond the Wheeze

E30. AI in Asthma Care with Dr. Meraj Khan: From Innovation to Real-World Clinical Practice

In this episode, I welcome back Dr. Meraj Khan, co-founder and CEO of Digi Bios, to answer a practical question: is AI actually ready for real-world asthma care? We talk about why the biggest barrier is no longer the technology itself. The real gap is translation into care. Many AI tools struggle with workflow integration, real-world validation, and reimbursement models. If it does not fit inside the clinic, it will not be used. Dr. Khan breaks down where AI can help today: continuous monitoring, early screening, triage, risk stratification, and decision support. The goal is not to replace clinicians. It is to empower them and support patients with clearer insights. We also explore his AI readiness framework: define the problem, manage it properly, then operationalize it in real settings. Trust becomes central. That means transparency, explainability, diverse datasets, and ongoing auditing to reduce bias. Using Lung Sense as a case study, we discuss lessons learned from moving beyond controlled research environments into hospital deployment, long-term care, and remote settings. The feedback from clinicians is clear: do not give us more data. Give us clarity. This conversation is about implementation, accountability, and what it will actually take for AI to improve asthma outcomes. 00:30 Welcome Back Dr Khan 01:45 Why Adoption Lags 05:03 What AI Can Do Now 08:13 Clinic Reality Check 12:17 Why Tools Fail 15:10 Patient Expectations 17:44 Lung Sense Lessons 22:22 Refining With Feedback 24:16 What Trustworthy AI Means 28:16 Patients and AI Literacy 29:51 Scaling Adoption for Patients 32:23 Medical Disclaimer and Scope 32:46 Can AI Prevent Attacks 36:07 Where AI Helps Most Today 38:06 Data Bias and Governance 42:55 Myth vs Reality AI Limits 49:00 When AI Is Clinic Ready 50:54 What’s Next for DigiBios 54:01 One Last Breath Message Connect with us (@BeyondTheWheeze): * Check us out on Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/beyondthewheeze] * Follow Beyond the Wheeze on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-wheeze/?viewAsMember=true] * Connect with us on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthewheeze] * Follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/Beyond-The-Wheeze/61567550591171/] * Speaking services, media, blog & news on our website [http://www.wheezespeak.ca] * Email Josh directly at Josh@wheezespeak.ca. [http://www.gmail.com] Are video podcasts more your thing? Check us out on YouTube! [https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondTheWheeze] Visit Asthma Canada [http://www.asthma.ca], or the Lung Health Foundation [http://www.lunghealth.ca], to see how you can get involved today.

E29. Asthma Care in Canada with Jenna Reynolds: Challenges, Access Gaps, and the Future of Treatment

In this episode of Beyond the Wheeze, I sit down with Jenna Reynolds, Vice President of Mission, Advocacy, and Research at Asthma Canada, to talk about the real gaps in asthma care across the country and what meaningful progress could look like. From diagnosis challenges to medication access, education, and environmental impacts, this conversation explores how systems, policy, and lived experience intersect — and why better coordination could change outcomes for millions of Canadians. We also discuss the role of advocacy, why education must be treated as essential treatment, and how organizations like Asthma Canada are working to make care more equitable and proactive rather than crisis-driven. What we discuss in this episode: • Why asthma is still underestimated despite affecting millions of Canadians • The gaps in diagnosis, follow-up care, and patient education • How geography, income, and community resources shape asthma outcomes • The impact of medication cost and formulary access on patient health • The growing influence of environmental factors like air quality and wildfires • Why integrated, team-based care could redefine asthma management in Canada Resources mentioned in this episode: Asthma Canada: https://asthma.ca [https://asthma.ca] Asthma Canada helpline and support resources: https://asthma.ca/get-help/ [https://asthma.ca/get-help/] If you or someone you care about lives with asthma, these resources can help you better understand the condition, access support, and advocate for improved care. Chapters: 00:30 Welcome + What You’ll Learn About Asthma Care in Canada 01:23 Jenna Reynolds’ Personal ‘Why’ Behind Asthma Advocacy 02:24 The Pattern Asthma Canada Hears Most: ‘It’s Just My Asthma’ 03:07 Reality Check: What’s Broken in Asthma Care Right Now 05:30 Spotting the System Gaps: Red Flags & What to Do Next 06:37 Diagnosis Done Right: Spirometry, Misdiagnosis, and the Domino Effect 07:48 Follow-Up & Ongoing Management: Beyond the First Inhaler 09:29 Who Gets Left Behind: Income, Rural Access, and Indigenous Health Gaps 11:13 Education That Changes Outcomes: 3 Things Everyone Should Know 13:25 Inhaler Technique & Action Plans: What ‘Good Education’ Includes 15:13 Asthma at School: Policies, Training, and Ryan’s Law 16:57 Medication Costs & Coverage: How Affordability Drives Outcomes 19:33 When Controllers Aren’t Affordable + Making Biologics Accessible 21:34 The Ideal Asthma Care Pathway (and What’s Realistic in 5–10 Years) 25:02 Myth vs Reality: Common Misconceptions That Put People at Risk 26:38 3 Things Patients Can Do This Week to Improve Control 28:26 Caregivers’ Checklist: Protecting and Supporting Kids with Asthma 29:43 Self-Advocacy Without Burnout: Being Heard in the System 31:09 Environment & Climate: Wildfires, Air Quality, and Asthma Canada’s Work Connect with us (@BeyondTheWheeze): * Check us out on Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/beyondthewheeze] * Follow Beyond the Wheeze on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-wheeze/?viewAsMember=true] * Connect with us on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthewheeze] * Follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/Beyond-The-Wheeze/61567550591171/] * Speaking services, media, blog & news on our website [http://www.wheezespeak.ca] * Email Josh directly at Josh@wheezespeak.ca. [http://www.gmail.com] Are video podcasts more your thing? Check us out on YouTube! [https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondTheWheeze] Visit Asthma Canada [http://www.asthma.ca], or the Lung Health Foundation [http://www.lunghealth.ca], to see how you can get involved today.

E28. Inside Cystic Fibrosis: Jeremie Saunders on Life, Humor, and Changing the Story

In this episode of Beyond the Wheeze, I’m joined by Jeremy Saunders, Canadian actor, podcaster, and public speaker, to explore what it truly means to live with cystic fibrosis and how he has used storytelling, humor, and vulnerability to break health stigma. Jeremy shares what day-to-day life with CF looks like, including managing complex treatments, navigating travel, and balancing physical and mental health. We talk about how new medications like Trikafta have changed the landscape of CF care, while also acknowledging the realities that many people still face. Jeremy also discusses his “expiry date” mindset, embracing mortality, and choosing to live fully despite uncertainty. We dive into the origins and evolution of Sick Boy, the role of humor in serious conversations, and why authentic, sometimes uncomfortable dialogue is essential for building understanding and community. Jeremy also reflects on receiving the Meritorious Service Medal, his work with Breathless, and the projects he continues to pursue to raise awareness and support others living with chronic illness. This episode offers honest perspective for anyone living with a chronic condition, supporting someone who is, or interested in how storytelling and openness can change the way we talk about health. 🎧 Sick Boy Podcast: https://www.sickboypodcast.com/ [https://www.sickboypodcast.com/] 🎧 Breathless Podcast: https://www.cysticfibrosis.ca/breathless [https://www.cysticfibrosis.ca/breathless] 🎧 More episodes: https://beyondthewheeze.ca/podcast [https://beyondthewheeze.ca/podcast] 00:30 – Introduction to Jeremy Saunders 00:32 – Jeremy’s career and achievements 01:17 – Disclaimer and welcome 01:42 – Jeremy’s experience with cystic fibrosis 03:10 – Understanding cystic fibrosis beyond the lungs 06:46 – Daily life with CF 11:37 – Traveling with cystic fibrosis 16:42 – Embracing mortality and living fully 25:11 – Advancements in CF treatment 28:45 – Humor in serious illness 28:54 – The importance of authentic conversations 29:59 – Navigating social interactions during hardship 31:40 – Humor and seriousness in Sick Boy 32:47 – Crossing the line in vulnerable conversations 37:01 – The evolution and impact of Sick Boy 40:33 – Receiving the Meritorious Service Medal 44:12 – The mission behind Breathless 48:27 – Living with uncertainty and optimism 51:55 – The power of open dialogue 56:13 – Upcoming projects and final thoughts Connect with us (@BeyondTheWheeze): * Check us out on Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/beyondthewheeze] * Follow Beyond the Wheeze on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-wheeze/?viewAsMember=true] * Connect with us on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthewheeze] * Follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/Beyond-The-Wheeze/61567550591171/] * Speaking services, media, blog & news on our website [http://www.wheezespeak.ca] * Email Josh directly at Josh@wheezespeak.ca. [http://www.gmail.com] Are video podcasts more your thing? Check us out on YouTube! [https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondTheWheeze] Visit Asthma Canada [http://www.asthma.ca], or the Lung Health Foundation [http://www.lunghealth.ca], to see how you can get involved today.

E27. From Reaction to Prevention: Using Environmental Data to Improve Respiratory Care with Eric Klos

In this episode of Beyond the Wheeze, I sit down with Eric Closs, Founder and CEO of Daily Breath, to explore the powerful (and often overlooked) relationship between outdoor air quality, environmental exposure, and respiratory health — especially asthma. Eric explains how environmental conditions like air pollution, pollen, wildfire smoke, temperature shifts, and weather patterns can quietly increase risk, even before symptoms show up. Through Daily Breath, his mission is to help people anticipate and prevent attacks using personalized, real-time environmental data, rather than relying on generalized forecasts or reacting when it’s already too late. He also shares the “light bulb” moment that sparked the creation of Daily Breath after witnessing his sister’s rheumatoid arthritis flare up due to weather changes. That experience revealed a major gap in modern healthcare: environmental triggers are real, measurable, and highly personal — yet they’re still often ignored in asthma care. Our conversation goes beyond asthma alone, connecting environmental exposure to broader health outcomes like cardiovascular strain, the impact of cumulative exposure over time, and the need for localized, actionable information that helps people make smarter daily choices. 🔗 Learn more: https://www.dailybreathforecast.com/ [https://www.in-bodied.com/] 🎧 More episodes: https://beyondthewheeze.ca/podcast [https://beyondthewheeze.ca/podcast] 00:31 Introduction to Eric Closs and Daily Breath 01:42 The Light Bulb Moment: Inspiration Behind Daily Breath 03:25 Focusing on Asthma: Identifying the Gaps in Care 04:54 The Heartbreaking Story of Diamond Conway 06:39 Understanding Environmental Triggers and Their Impact 12:41 The Role of Weather in Asthma and Respiratory Health 14:47 Cumulative Exposure: Why It Matters 23:57 Personalized Environmental Health Risk Index 29:34 Recognizing Early Symptoms and Environmental Risks 30:34 The Importance of Bedroom Air Quality 30:52 Nasal Rinses and Environmental Oversights 32:40 Health System Failures and Environmental Triggers 34:49 Integrating Environmental Data into Healthcare 38:36 Communicating Air Quality to Asthma Patients 41:50 Practical Outdoor Tips for Asthma Management 45:45 Reframing Asthma Care Around Environmental Risks 49:20 Future of Environmental Awareness in Respiratory Health 53:26 Final Thoughts and Resources Connect with us (@BeyondTheWheeze): * Check us out on Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/beyondthewheeze] * Follow Beyond the Wheeze on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-wheeze/?viewAsMember=true] * Connect with us on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthewheeze] * Follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/Beyond-The-Wheeze/61567550591171/] * Speaking services, media, blog & news on our website [http://www.wheezespeak.ca] * Email Josh directly at Josh@wheezespeak.ca. [http://www.gmail.com] Are video podcasts more your thing? Check us out on YouTube! [https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondTheWheeze] Visit Asthma Canada [http://www.asthma.ca], or the Lung Health Foundation [http://www.lunghealth.ca], to see how you can get involved today.

E26. The Power of Breath with Annelise Bauer

In this episode of Beyond the Wheeze, I’m joined by Annelise Bauer, founder of In-Bodied, to explore how conscious breathing and mindful movement can support people living with asthma and other respiratory conditions. Drawing from her own experience with asthma, Annelise shares how Buteyko breathing, nervous system regulation, and breath awareness can help reduce symptoms, manage anxiety, and improve overall wellbeing. We also walk through a short, safe breathing exercise, discuss how to get started with breathwork, and explore how these practices can be integrated alongside traditional medical care. This episode offers practical insight for anyone living with asthma, managing a chronic respiratory condition, or looking to improve their breathing, mental health, and quality of life. 🔗 Learn more: https://www.in-bodied.com/ [https://www.in-bodied.com/] 📸 Instagram: @in.bodied 🎧 More episodes: https://beyondthewheeze.ca/podcast [https://beyondthewheeze.ca/podcast] 00:31 – Introduction to Annelise Bauer and her work 01:50 – Annelise’s personal journey living with asthma 05:35 – Why conscious breathing matters 08:49 – Understanding Buteyko Breathing 13:02 – Guided breathing exercise demonstration 19:44 – How to get started with breathwork safely 23:00 – Breathwork, mental health, and nervous system regulation 26:25 – Integrating breathwork with traditional medical care 32:42 – Annelise’s programs and final thoughts 37:28 – Final signature question and Annelise’s message Connect with us (@BeyondTheWheeze): * Check us out on Instagram [http://www.instagram.com/beyondthewheeze] * Follow Beyond the Wheeze on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/beyond-the-wheeze/?viewAsMember=true] * Connect with us on TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondthewheeze] * Follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/people/Beyond-The-Wheeze/61567550591171/] * Speaking services, media, blog & news on our website [http://www.wheezespeak.ca] * Email Josh directly at Josh@wheezespeak.ca. [http://www.gmail.com] Are video podcasts more your thing? Check us out on YouTube! [https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondTheWheeze] Visit Asthma Canada [http://www.asthma.ca], or the Lung Health Foundation [http://www.lunghealth.ca], to see how you can get involved today.