originALS: more than ALS steps into the world of the incredible people affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS. In each episode, hosts Flynn Mason and ALS Canada Community Ambassador Hayley King highlight firsthand experiences of one special guest. From the challenges of diagnosis to the passions that make each one of us unique, you’ll hear stories of hope for all that is possible, even in the face of a devastating disease. Whether you’re here for inspiration, to learn more, or to feel the power of a community coming together, originALS: more than ALS is for you.
Publisher
Flynn Mason & Hayley King
Category
health & fitness · society & culture · society & culture
Send us Fan Mail “They’ve found cures for other diseases in my lifetime. Why not me in my lifetime?” Jason Ritchie is a 49-year-old husband and father of two with a simple motto when it comes to participating in ALS research: the more invasive, the better. While Jason would never call his June 2024 diagnosis a gift, he tells us it's clarified what's important to him in life and pushed him to pursue his goals without hesitation. For Jason, this means blending meaningful time with family and fr...
30 Jun 2026
Nitesh Sanghai - From Grass to Grace
Send us Fan Mail "We have invented a molecule in Manitoba. We are friendly Manitobans. And we will extend this friendliness globally." Nitesh Sanghai became a friendly Manitoban in 2018 when he moved to Winnipeg from India to work under Dr. Geoffrey K. Tranmer as a post-doctoral candidate at University of Manitoba. Dr. Tranmer posed a tough challenge: synthesize a new molecule to help treat ALS. Nitesh hadn't heard of ALS, but inspired by his late father's words to "do somet...
31 May 2026
Jodee Karlowsky - Speak Your Truth
Send us Fan Mail "...even if my voice waivers, I'm still going to speak out and I'm speaking out because Greg can't speak." There are many words one could use to describe Jodee Karlowsky - creative mind, passionate leader, persistent advocate, dedicated caregiver, CALI grad, animal lover, instant grandma - the list goes on. But if you ask Jodee what brings the most joy to her colourful life, she'll tell you it's her husband, Greg. After 15 years of marriage and 9 months of m...
30 Apr 2026
Paula Trefiak - Everything In My Power
Send us Fan Mail “I am now proving this disease is treatable.” 75% of Paula's extended family on her father's side is affected by familial ALS. Diagnosed in 2016, Paula has found life-saving treatment in the form of Tofersen, the first gene specific ALS therapy. She now works in advocacy at provincial, national, and global levels to develop expedited pathways in the drug approval process, striving for a future where ALS patients can access treatment before their lives are taken. Join us as we...
31 Mar 2026
Shawn Penno - What You Can, While You Can
Send us Fan Mail "I want to do it. Give me a minute. I’m looking disabled, it might not be graceful, but I want to do it. Or at least try to do it.” Shawn Penno is a bright light of positivity in the ALS community. After his diagnosis in 2023, Shawn has become an active participant in ALS advocacy and research, determined to move the needle towards a cure in any way he can. Guided by his mantra, "Do what you can, while you can," Shawn is a beacon of hope for his fellow PALS. Join us as we dis...
9 Mar 2026
Candid Conversations - Remembering Eric Dane
Send us Fan Mail " ...to be vulnerable like that, I think it's just all a part of the advocacy and trying to do what people in the ALS community have been trying to do for generations, which is to, you know, generate awareness and some level of understanding" Eric Dane passed away on February 19th, 2026, less than a year after announcing his ALS diagnosis to the public. Eric Dane was best known as an actor with roles as Mark Sloan in Grey's Anatomy and Cal Jacobs in Euphoria, but mo...
28 Feb 2026
Rick Zwiep - Nothing About Us, Without Us
Send us Fan Mail "I sometimes maybe exaggerate a little too much how well I'm doing when I'm not really, just to give people the permission to engage. You wouldn't know that I can barely brush my teeth anymore." After Rick Zwiep's diagnosis in August of 2022, he was quick to become a loud and proud part of the ALS community, spreading awareness about the disease at every possible turn. Today, Rick sits on the board of directors for ALS Action Canada, where he leads a community support group t...
31 Jan 2026
Lea Storry - Grief is Like a Backpack
Send us Fan Mail "When you're caring for somebody living with ALS, it's going to be tough. You can't imagine it. You can't explain it. But being there for the person after they're gone, it'll mean the world to you." Lea Storry, believe it or not, tells stories for a living. An accomplished writer, journalist, and CALI graduate, Lea’s life was profoundly shaped by her experiences with ALS through the diagnoses of her mother, Shela, and her close friend, Pauline. Those experiences led her to cr...
30 Dec 2025
Andrew Dundas - When Life Gives You Lemons
Send us Fan Mail "In one sentence, our lives were turned upside down." Andrew Dundas was diagnosed with ALS in December, 2022. Today, he's an official ALS Canada Community Ambassador, an author, and a fierce accessibility advocate who has dedicated his life to inspiring the community around him. Join us as we delve into the details of Andrew's lifelong journey of turning lemons into lemonade! To join Andrew's Virtual Mobility Challenge, visit https://alslemonade.org/ To read Andrew's blog, vi...
12 Dec 2025
Welcome to originALS: more than ALS
Send us Fan Mail originALS: more than ALS steps into the world of the incredible people affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS. In each episode, hosts Flynn Mason and ALS Canada Community Ambassador Hayley King highlight firsthand experiences of one special guest. From the challenges of diagnosis to the passions that make each one of us unique, you’ll hear stories of hope for all that is possible, even in the face of a devastating disease. Whether you’re here for inspiration, to lea...
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