Best Dr Sheila Wijayasinghe Podcasts (2025)

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14. PCOS: More Than Missed Periods 21:18

4d ago21:18

21:18

Episode Summary: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common—but misunderstood—hormonal conditions. In this episode, Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe (family doctor) and Dr. Shazma Mithani (ER physician) break down what PCOS really is, why it often goes undiagnosed, and what to watch for beyond irregular periods. We cover: What PCOS is—and is…

1
13. Breaking the Cycle of Loneliness with Dr. Jody Carrington 41:03

17d ago41:03

41:03

Episode Summary: In this powerful conversation, Drs. Shazma and Sheila sit down with psychologist and author Dr. Jody Carrington to unpack the loneliness epidemic. Why are women more prone to loneliness? How can we be more intentional in raising our children to foster emotional intelligence? And what role does social media play in perpetuating disc…

1
12. It's Not Just a Bad Period 30:30

1M ago30:30

30:30

Menstrual pain, heavy periods, absent periods—what’s normal and what’s not? In today’s episode, we tackle the many types of menstrual disorders that impact millions but often get dismissed. From painful periods (dysmenorrhea) and heavy bleeding (menorrhagia) to absent periods (amenorrhea) and emergency situations like ovarian torsion, we break down…

1
Samantha Reusch: Why Civic Leaders Need to Listen to Youth 9:25

1M ago9:25

9:25

There’s a lot of talk about voter turnout ahead of Canada’s upcoming federal election, especially when it comes to young Canadians. But low turnout isn’t always an indicator of indifference. Sometimes, it’s a signal that people feel left out. Samantha Reusch, executive director of Apathy is Boring, underscores how creating pathways for Gen Z and mi…

1
11. How Cancer Screening Could Save Your Life 32:01

2M ago32:01

32:01

In this episode of The Doc Talk Podcast, Dr. Shazma Mithani, an ER doctor, and Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe, a family doctor, tackle an important listener question: How can I stay up to date with cancer screening to reduce my risk? Cancer screening is not about finding something wrong—it’s about catching potential issues early, sometimes before symptoms…

1
Kishone Roy: Tackling Generational Gentrification 8:50

2M ago8:50

8:50

There is a growing generational divide in Canada’s housing landscape, one that’s not only pushing young people out of their communities but also leaving seniors behind. Housing advocate and author Kishone Roy outlines some of the key factors intensifying what they call “generational gentrification” and emphasizes the importance of reimagining housi…

1
10. Think It’s Not Your Heart? Think Again. 31:21

2M ago31:21

31:21

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in Canada. In this episode of The Doc Talk Podcast, we dive into what heart disease can look like in women, how it’s too often overlooked, and what you can do to protect yourself and those you love. We kick off with a listener question from Kellie, who asks: “What does the research say about how…

1
Justin Ling: Three Factors Behind Increased Polarization in Canada 7:40

2M ago7:40

7:40

Canada’s political landscape is becoming increasingly divided, making it harder than ever to navigate public discourse productively. Investigative journalist and author Justin Ling highlights three of the major factors intensifying polarization in Canada—and shares what everyday citizens can do to push back against it. Ling spoke at The Walrus Talk…

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9. Why the Bladder Matters 23:37

2M ago23:37

23:37

Episode Summary: In this episode of The Doc Talk Podcast, Drs. Shazma and Sheila tackle the critical and often under-discussed topic of bladder health. From the nuances of urinary tract infections (UTIs) to the dangers of kidney infections and urosepsis, the doctors break it all down. Plus, they shine a spotlight on incontinence, exploring its caus…

1
8.5. Measles is Back…Again! 7:09

2M ago7:09

7:09

In this quick mini-episode of The Doc Talk Podcast, Drs. Sheila and Shazma break down the basics of measles, why outbreaks are back, and how to stay protected with vaccinations. They highlight the serious risks associated with measles, share who should get the MMR vaccine, and address rare cases where vaccination might not be suitable. If you’re un…

1
Valerie Creighton: Canada Is a Creative Powerhouse 11:31

3M ago11:31

11:31

Canada has long been a force in the arts, culture, and media space, but what makes Canadian storytelling stand out? Valerie Creighton, president and CEO of the Canada Media Fund, discusses how embracing authenticity in storytelling strengthens Canada’s cultural identity and elevates our stories on the world stage. Creighton spoke at The Walrus Talk…

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8. How Do I Optimize My Bone Health? 32:12

3M ago32:12

32:12

Today’s episode of The Doc Talk dives into a listener question on bone health and osteoporosis. Definition of Osteoporosis: - Dr. Sheila explains osteoporosis as a condition where bones become weak and brittle, making them prone to fractures. - It’s often called the “silent disease” because there are no symptoms until a fracture happens. Osteoporos…

1
Golnaz Golnaraghi: Why Career Programs Fail Racialized Women 10:57

3M ago10:57

10:57

Many companies champion mentorship programs and leadership initiatives that promise to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. But too often, these efforts fall short of meaningfully supporting their racialized women employees. Golnaz Golnaraghi, founder of Accelerate Her Future, a career accelerator for Black, Indigenous, and racialized women in…

1
7. So, You’re Having Trouble Sleeping? 35:48

3M ago35:48

35:48

In this episode, we’re talking about all things sleep with sleep expert and social media star, Dr. Sujay Kansagra. If you’ve ever struggled to fall asleep, stay asleep, or wake up feeling rested, this episode is for you. And make sure you stay until the end to hear Dr. Kansagra’s prescription for better sleep! We touch upon all your sleep-related q…

1
Elizabeth Dubois: Digital Citizenship 8:25

4M ago8:25

8:25

Every click, swipe, and like we make in online spaces leaves a digital trace that can influence government and shape our ability to participate in political life. Elizabeth Dubois, associate professor and University Research Chair in Politics, Communication and Technology at the University of Ottawa, highlights the importance of thinking critically…

1
6. Could I Get Diabetes? 31:31

4M ago31:31

31:31

Episode Overview: Welcome back to The DocTalk Podcast! In this episode, we’re tackling a condition that affects millions of Canadians: Diabetes. We discuss what diabetes is, risk factors, prevention strategies, complications, and how to manage it effectively. This episode is inspired by a listener question about reducing the risk of diabetes and it…

1
5. Could Medicine Learn a Thing or Two From Professional Sport? 33:12

4M ago33:12

33:12

Key Discussion Points: The Journey from Hockey to Medicine: What inspired Hayley to pursue a new career as a physician after her legendary hockey career? How her experience as a professional athlete shaped her training and approach to medicine. Lessons from Sports to Medicine: The parallels between high-performance sports and practicing medicine. H…

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4. How to Avoid a Trip to the ER (Part 1) 36:27

5M ago36:27

36:27

The emergency room is one of the busiest places in healthcare—and while it’s there for when we need it most, wouldn’t it be great to avoid a trip altogether? In our first episode of 2025, we kick off a two-part series on how to stay out of the ER. This episode focuses on pediatrics, though many of the tips are just as relevant for adults. Dr. Shazm…

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BONUS: Aging Powerfully With Melissa Grelo Crossover Episode! 1:00:37

5M ago1:00:37

1:00:37

On this week’s bonus episode of The Doc Talk, we do a crossover episode with Aging Powerfully with Melissa Grelo! In this rapid-fire episode, we talk about misinformation and the importance of sourcing credible health information from social media. Melissa then hits us with rapid-fire listener questions on as many health topics as she can cover!…

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Luna Matatas: Reconnecting to Pleasure During Menopause 10:50

6M ago10:50

10:50

Building and maintaining sexual and body confidence as we age is essential for living healthier, happier lives. The intensity of the changes brought on by menopausal symptoms can make this especially challenging, but reconnecting to pleasure offers one path to empowerment. Luna Matatas is a sex and pleasure educator. This special episode of The Con…

1
3. Is Colon Cancer on the Rise? 25:08

6M ago25:08

25:08

Colorectal Cancer: Screening, Prevention, and What You Need to Know Welcome back to The Doc Talk Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Shazma Mithani and Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe take a deep dive into the critical topic of colorectal cancer—the third most commonly diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in Canada. Whether you're curio…

1
Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe: How to Self-Advocate as a Perimenopausal Patient 11:33

6M ago11:33

11:33

Navigating the health care system after a perimenopause diagnosis can be uniquely difficult, especially without a clear script for what questions to ask. Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe is the Medical Director of Primary Care Outreach at Women’s College Hospital; she is the Health Expert for CTV’s The Social; and she is an advocate and author. This special…

1
Dr. Iliana Lega: Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy 11:48

6M ago11:48

11:48

Pervasive myths and misconceptions have made the conversation around hormone replacement therapy a contentious and confusing one. But studies show that hormone therapy can be safe and highly effective, helping many women manage menopause symptoms and reclaim a sense of normalcy. Dr. Iliana Lega is a Scientist at Women’s College Hospital Research an…

1
2. Is it Perimenopause? 30:05

6M ago30:05

30:05

Introduction In this episode of The Doc Talk Podcast, Dr. Shaz Mithani and Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe delve into a topic that affects millions of women worldwide: perimenopause. This phase of life often brings about various symptoms, from mood swings to cycle changes, and can sometimes leave women feeling like they're in uncharted territory. Today’s d…

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Dr. Ariel Dalfen: Four Questions for Menopausal Mental Health 12:20

6M ago12:20

12:20

Mental health and menopause are highly stigmatized, making it hard for those experiencing both to chart a path forward. But what if there was a framework that perimenopausal and menopausal women could use to proactively incorporate mental health treatment into their care plans? Dr. Ariel Dalfen is a Psychiatrist and the Co-Founder and CEO of BRIA. …

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Dr. Jenny Godley: Menopause in the Modern Workplace 10:17

7M ago10:17

10:17

Did you know that women over forty make up a quarter of the Canadian workforce? Failing to accommodate those experiencing menopause has the potential to drive women out of the working world, resulting in severe consequences for the socio-economic fabric of our society. Dr. Jenny Godley is a Professor of Sociology and Adjunct Professor in Community …

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1.5. What’s the Deal With Walking Pneumonia? 4:00

7M ago4:00

4:00

Walking pneumonia is caused by a bacterial infection by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. It’s called walking pneumonia because of the mild to absent symptoms. Even though the symptoms are mild, there are still things that can signal Mycoplasma pneumonia. The symptoms tend to build more slowly and can include cough, but also things like sore throat, runny nos…

1
1. Respiratory Season Overview 32:26

7M ago32:26

32:26

Welcome to episode 1 of The Doc Talk Podcast! This episode is an overview of respiratory season. Key Viruses and the Illnesses They Cause Influenza A (H1N1): Symptoms: Fever, chills, cough, muscle aches, fatigue. Complications: Pneumonia, exacerbation of asthma or heart conditions RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus): Symptoms: Runny nose, cough, whee…

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Sarain Fox: Sitting With Your Grandmother 10:27

7M ago10:27

10:27

In the Anishinaabe tradition, the experiences of menopause and menstruation are regarded as sacred and in relationship to the land. These stages of life meaningfully connect women and girls to their ancestors, to their communities, and to each other. Sarain Fox is an Anishinaabe Artist, Activist, and Filmmaker. This special episode of The Conversat…

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Janet Ko: Closing the Menopause Knowledge Gap 10:58

7M ago10:58

10:58

The impact of untreated menopause symptoms is far-reaching, affecting everything from an individual’s mental and physical health to the output and efficiency of the economy. How do we equip women with the necessary information and resources to thrive in this new phase of their lives? Janet Ko is the President and Co-founder of the Menopause Foundat…

1
Welcome to The Doc Talk! 1:17

7M ago1:17

1:17

Welcome to The Doc Talk, a new podcast from Dr. Sheila Wijayasinghe and Dr. Shazma Mithani! Get ready to join them as they answer your healthcare questions, and deep-dive into different medical topics with each episode. They're here to make navigating the healthcare system a bit easier by informing you with what you need to know to get the care you…

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Dianne Whelan: 7 Lessons From Travelling the Trans Canada Trail 11:44

1y ago11:44

11:44

487 trails, part of the Trans Canada Trail, can tell an important story about Canada, its history and its people. Dianne Whelan is a filmmaker, photographer, author, and public speaker. She spoke at The Walrus Talks Nature on March 19, 2024. This episode of The Conversation Piece features content from Manulife presents The Walrus Talks Nature, supp…

1
Carolynne Crawley: My Relations 10:25

1y ago10:25

10:25

Indigenous people’s relationship to land forms an “ontological belonging.” Their spiritual beliefs connect them to the land and to all things of nature. Carolynne Crawley is the founder of Msit No’kmaq, co-founder of Turtle Protectors, and a Forest Therapy Guide. She spoke at The Walrus Talks Nature on March 19, 2024. This episode of The Conversati…

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Ambika Tenneti: Newcomers Access to Nature is Vital 10:58

1y ago10:58

10:58

Racialized immigrants face barriers that restrict their access to nature. Access to public spaces for new immigrants encourages participation in society and the potential to build Canadian pride. Ambika Tenneti is an Environmentalist and PhD Candidate in Daniels Forestry at the University of Toronto. She spoke at The Walrus Talks Nature on March 19…

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Iraz Soyalp: Why We Need Equitable Access to Nature 9:02

1y ago9:02

9:02

Environmental health should also consider inequality in the areas of housing, economics, food, education. Iraz Soyalp, PhD, is the Director of Social Impact, Private Markets, for Manulife Investment Management. She spoke at The Walrus Talks Nature on March 19, 2024. This episode of The Conversation Piece features content from Manulife presents The …

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Dr. Melissa Lem: The Prescription calls for Nature 9:49

1y ago9:49

9:49

Some doctors consider nature time to be “the fourth pillar of health.” It can have a positive effect on mood, physical ability, and even mental wellness. Dr. Melissa Lem is the director of PaRx (Parks Prescriptions), an initiative of the BC Parks Foundation, and a family physician. She spoke at The Walrus Talks Nature on March 19, 2024. This episod…

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Sean Kheraj: Canadians’ Troubled History with Oil Pipelines 9:15

1y ago9:15

9:15

How we interact with nature changes over time. Canada has a long and rocky history with pipelines. The opposition has taken different forms. Understanding the nuances can tell us a lot about environmental concerns over long periods of time. Sean Kheraj is Associate Professor in the Department of History, Vice-Provost, Academic, at Toronto Metropoli…

1
Marlaine Koehler: Civic Engagement Builds Our Access to Nature 9:46

1y ago9:46

9:46

There is a diversity in trails and their uses. They are a meeting place for communities. They promote an appreciation for the environment. They promote physical and mental health while also serving as a catalyst for ecological health, community renewal, and economic vitality. Marlaine Koehler is the Executive Director of the Waterfront Regeneration…

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Nick Saul: The Magic of Sharing Food in Your Community 9:55

1y ago9:55

9:55

Four million people living in Canada are food insecure. Nick Saul—food and social justice activist and president and CEO of Community Food Centres Canada—explores the importance of pushing for systemic change through political engagement and grassroots initiatives on the journey to improving food security. Nick Saul spoke at The Walrus Talks Living…

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Jessica Ching: Trust Patients, Trust Women 9:21

1y ago9:21

9:21

A commitment to innovation is important in every field, but perhaps none more so than health care. Jessica Ching—co-founder and CEO of Eve Medical—highlights the importance of advocating for patient involvement and cultural shifts in the advancement of health care technologies. Jessica Ching spoke at The Walrus Talks Health in Ottawa, Ontario, on N…

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Paulette Senior: Gender-Based Violence Is Not an Exceptional Experience 10:38

1+ y ago10:38

10:38

There is a gap between our anti-violence values and our competence and confidence to play an anti-violence role in real life, but Paulette Senior is determined to close it. Paulette is the CEO and President of the Canadian Women’s Foundation. She explains how confronting biases around gender-based violence is critical for supporting survivors and o…

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Fay Slift and Fluffy Soufflé: Empowering Children to Be Proud of Who They Are 12:31

1+ y ago12:31

12:31

Many 2SLGBTQI+ people face abuse and harassment, often at a young age, but JP Kane and Kaleb Robertson imagine a safer, less prejudiced world for all. JP Kane (Fay Slift) and Kaleb Robertson (Fluffy Soufflé) are storytellers and the stars of The Fabulous Show with Fay and Fluffy. They explore the violence faced by the 2SLGBTQI+ community and highli…

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Angela Sterritt: Believe Indigenous Peoples' Stories 11:38

1+ y ago11:38

11:38

Despite making up only 4% of the female population in Canada, Indigenous women are murdered or missing at much higher rates than any other population. Angela Sterritt is the national bestselling Author of Unbroken. She examines how stereotypes dehumanize Indigenous people and how changing the narrative empowers change. Angela spoke at The Walrus Ta…

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Shree Paradkar: You Cannot Silence Journalists with Abuse 12:06

1+ y ago12:06

12:06

There has been a marked increase in the abuse and harassment of journalists, especially journalists who are women of colour. Shree Paradkar is a Columnist and Internal Ombud at the Toronto Star. She examines the myriad impacts of this abuse, not only on journalists, but on the media landscape and society at large. Shree spoke at The Walrus Talks Ge…

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Anuradha Dugal: The Gender Gap in Emergency Planning 9:56

1+ y ago9:56

9:56

There is a gap in our emergency planning when it comes to intimate partner violence. Anuradha Dugal wants to change that. Anuradha is the Vice President of Community Initiatives at the Canadian Women’s Foundation. She examines the consequences of not shockproofing our emergency planning against intimate partner violence. Anuradha spoke at The Walru…

1
Jake Stika: The Papercuts of Patriarchy 8:10

1+ y ago8:10

8:10

Patriarchal structures are bad for women and gender-diverse people, but are they also damaging to men? Jake Stika is the Executive Director and Co-founder of Next Gen Men. He examines the negative consequences of a patriarchal society on men and explores how men who feel less pain will do less harm. Jake spoke at The Walrus Talks Gender-Based Viole…

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Pamela Cross: The Unintended Consequences of Criminalizing Intimate Partner Violence 10:15

1+ y ago10:15

10:15

Canadian criminal law is changing in response to intimate partner violence, but is it changing for the better? Pamela Cross is the Advocacy Director at Luke’s Place. She examines the consequences of criminalizing intimate partner violence and emphasizes the importance of policy that prioritizes victims rather than their abusers. Pamela spoke at The…

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Navneet Alang: AI in Debate 9:48

1+ y ago9:48

9:48

What is intelligence? Does it require ethical research, group think, or just a well-programmed code? Today, intelligence has an added layer of data and computing power, and AI, a still-emerging technology, poses both opportunities and risks. Toronto Star tech journalist, Navneet Alang, talks about AI’s narrative of progress, its limits, and the nee…

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Kamal Al-Solaylee: In Defence of Ghettos 10:15

1+ y ago10:15

10:15

Gentrification has reframed the way we think about ghettos. They’re no longer just in inner cities. As real estate booms, entire communities are being pushed out of city cores and into the margins, says Kamal Al-Solaylee, director and professor at the University of British Columbia’s School of Journalism, Writing, and Media. Kamal Al-Solaylee spoke…

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Chief Sharleen Gale: First Nations Are on the Front Line of Energy Projects—and Their Impacts 8:52

1+ y ago8:52

8:52

Oil and gas extraction in Canada has been disruptive for Indigenous communities historically. Sharleen Gale, Chief of the Fort Nelson First Nation and Chair of the First Nations Major Projects Coalition, highlights the cultural importance and economic impact of Indigenous-led energy initiatives. Chief Sharleen Gale spoke at The Walrus Talks Economi…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Dr Sheila Wijayasinghe Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen