As companions, pets do so many wonderful things; from fuzzy friends to emotional supports. We invited our guests to share how having a pet or service animal has improved their quality of life while living with chronic disease. Positively Speaki

HIV and substance use: Marty’s story

Apr 5th, 2023 27m 45s

Marty is a woman who is loved, with a job and family, who also uses crack cocaine. In this episode, Marty discusses her experience as a person who uses drugs, its repercussions, and both the pull and judgement of drug use. Positively Speaking i

HIV and substance use: Fred’s story

Mar 29th, 2023 16m 27s

Like many, Fred’s substance use is a way to manage with trauma. In this episode, he describes how he uses drugs to cope with his emotional and physical pain, and the importance of compassion and harm reduction in his life. Positively Speaking i

Xica’s journey as a trans woman

Mar 22nd, 2023 24m 3s

Following Episode 2 on immigration, we take a deeper dive into Xica’s story of growing up in isolation and adversity. She shares her journey not only traveling from Honduras, but in finding her true self while in Canada.Positively Speaking is a

Immigrating to Canada with HIV

Mar 15th, 2023 28m 59s

The road to becoming Canadian comes with extra complexities when you live with HIV. Hear three stories of people who arrived in Canada as refugees: Miguel, Ower, and Xica, and how they navigated new challenges and opportunities in a new countr

Eric’s journey to a medically assisted death (MAID)

Mar 6th, 2023 31m 59s

Three and a half years after being diagnosed with ALS, Eric chose medical assistance in dying (or MAID) at Casey House. Listen as Eric reflects on his past, the lead up to his decision, and how MAID gave him a renewed sense of choice, dignity

Trailer

Season 2 trailer

Mar 1st, 2023 2m 53s

Casey House's podcast, Positively Speaking, returns for season 2 to share more stories from those living with HIV. This season we will be discussing medical assistance in dying (MAID), immigration, trans experience, substance use, and pets & se

Living positively with HIV

Mar 4th, 2020 27m 53s

The last episode of season 1 ends on an encouraging note; you'll hear from guests Robert, Kenneth, Eliot and Francois, who despite facing multiple challenges, have been able to find constructive new ways to understand their circumstances and fi

HIV and isolation

Feb 18th, 2020 27m 19s

There are few medical conditions as stigmatizing as HIV/AIDS. Tell friends or family that you have cancer or diabetes and they often rally around you; tell them you are HIV+ and their responses can be quite different. Guests Allan, Michael, Sco

HIV and housing

Feb 3rd, 2020 24m 8s

Toronto already has an affordable housing problem. Finding clean, safe, supportive and affordable housing for people living with HIV/AIDS experiencing physical, mental health and/or substance use issues adds another layer of complexity. Guests

HIV and mental health

Jan 21st, 2020 23m 20s

Guests share their experiences with mental health: the shock and impact of the HIV diagnosis; how substance use is sometimes a coping mechanism; the challenges of accessing appropriate mental health services, as well as the isolating effects of

HIV and relationships

Jan 7th, 2020 21m 19s

Guests Jean, Greg, Phil and Alberto describe how living with HIV has impacted their relationships. For some it has strengthened them, for others, it has forced them to examine their needs, values and what's important to them.Positively Speaking

Trailer

Season 1 trailer

Dec 13th, 2019 3m 55s

Hear about the episodes in season 1 of Positively Speaking, Casey House's new podcast. Topics for the first season include: HIV and long-term survivors, relationships, mental health, housing, isolation and living positively. Positively Speaking

HIV and long-term survivors

Nov 15th, 2019 23m 56s

The premier episode tells the stories of long-term survivors, people who have been living with HIV for over 25 years. Guests Allan, John, Rod, Murray and Muluba tell us about the early days of the epidemic, early and current medications, loss a

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