Let’s Talk Lungs Podcast

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.