From Wheezing to Leadership: Living with Asthma and Leading Change

Episode SummaryThis episode is sponsored by Medlior Health Outcomes Research. Sponsorship supports Amplify, while all conversations and perspectives remain independently produced.In this episode of Amplify: Elevating Patient Voices, hosts Ursula Mann and Anne Marie Hayes are joined by Jeff Beach, President & CEO of Asthma Canada.Jeff shares his deeply personal journey—from a childhood marked by severe allergies to a life-changing asthma diagnosis in adulthood—and how that experience shaped his path into patient advocacy and leadership.The conversation explores the realities of living with asthma, including common misconceptions, the importance of proper disease management, and what “good control” truly looks like. Jeff also provides a behind-the-scenes look at leading a national patient organization—navigating funding, maintaining independence, and ensuring patient voices remain at the center of healthcare decisions.With World Asthma Day approaching, this episode is both timely and powerful—reminding us that asthma is not just occasional wheezing, but a chronic condition that requires awareness, action, and advocacy.Why You Should ListenUnderstand the difference between controlled and uncontrolled asthmaLearn how lived experience shapes healthcare leadership and advocacyDiscover why asthma is often misunderstood—and underestimatedHear practical insights on managing triggers and improving daily lifeGet inspired by stories of resilience, including patients who went from struggling to walk to running marathonsGain perspective on how patient organizations operate, stay independent, and drive changeEpisode Highlights00:01 – Introduction to Amplify & today’s conversation Setting the stage: patient voices and why this discussion matters.04:39 – Jeff’s journey with asthma From childhood allergies to an unexpected diagnosis in adulthood.07:21 – The reality of diagnosis Why asthma can be difficult to identify—especially in children.11:22 – Rescue vs. controller medication What proper asthma management really looks like.13:14 – Signs your asthma is not controlled Common misconceptions and warning signs to watch for.14:12 – Can people with asthma stay active? Breaking the myth—why movement is part of better control.18:38 – From lived experience to leadership Jeff’s path into patient advocacy and nonprofit leadership.23:36 – Funding, independence, and trust How patient organizations operate and stay patient-centered.27:53 – The role of patient voices in healthcare Why advocacy and storytelling drive real change.31:17 – Looking ahead: World Asthma Day Shifting from awareness to taking asthma seriously.Links & ReferencesAsthma Canada: https://asthma.ca/Asthma Canada YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/AsthmaSocietyCanadaAsthma & Allergy HelpLine: https://asthma.ca/what-we-do/helpline/Patient Voice Partners: https://patientvoicepartners.com Medlior Health Outcomes Research: https://www.medlior.com/ Medical Disclaimer:The content shared on Amplify is for informational and educational purposes only.Nothing discussed on this podcast—including stories, experiences, perspectives, or commentary from hosts, guests, or contributors—sho