Welcome to pozcast!

Art has always been a potent weapon in the fight against oppression, and in the battle against HIV and stigma, it's more vital than ever. That's where Mikiki, the irreverent Canadian artist, comes in.

As Black History month of February wanes, this compelling re-broadcast shines a light on why every month is truly worthy of the title.

As meth use appears on the rise in Canada, in this encore episode about gay men using meth, James Watson talks to harm reduction professional workers, Nick Boyce and Colin Johnson about their philosophy on safer drug use. But, as they discuss, the playing field is far from even.

Considering possible, imminent changes to Canada's flawed HIV criminalization laws, we re-present this pumped-up episode featuring HIV 'Accidental Activist', Randy Davis, on speaking up, and rousing up real change.

In this encore episode - one our most popular - we explore successful leadership in the response to the HIV epidemic. Are we fostering enough HIV positive leaders to sustain and champion the response in the years to come? Listen for answers to this, and more!

James Watson passess hosting duty to Trevor Stratton for an exciting episode that explores the 'DUDES Club', a participant-led program that draws on a proven model of Indigenous health promotion.

We’ve come a long way baby. HQ Health Hub in Toronto is a health centre for cis guys into guys, and all trans and non-binary people (finally!). What’s more, the centre’s holistic approach combines mental, sexual, and social health under one roof. In this episode, host, James Watson talks with long-time advocate and community leader, John McCullagh, co-chair of the Board of Directors for HQ––how it came to be, and why it's so vitally important.

Gay men using meth, part 1

Host James Watson explores a wide range of issues and topics with the ever engaging, Ken Monteith, Executive Director of COCQ-SIDA (Coalition of Quebec Community Organizations in the Fight Against AIDS), the main organizational partner for AIDS 2022, the 24th International AIDS conference in Montreal.

James Watson sits down with celebrated HIV activist Bob Leahy, who at 75 is the very embodiment of the courageous and determined spirit of HIV activism. Listen in to this candid conversation about the HIV sector, U=U, aging and what's next for this self-described, "largely retired activist."

As we approach National Indigenous History Month in June, we're thrilled to re-present this special, encore episode of pozcast featuring guest-host, Doris Peltier and inspiring guests, Elder, Albert McLeod and Dr. Randy Jackson. Together, they magically recount the Indigenous HIV movement in Canada... enriched by ceremonial music, art, lore and more! Listen in, reflect and celebrate... and be sure to share the episode too!

Our new and recurring, special pozcast series, ‘friendship collection’ showcases and preserves conversations among friends, exploring the immense impact of friendship on everyday lives of people living with HIV. And those who love us. Our first convo is heartwarming, inspiring and fun! So, strap in as three enthusiastic friends from Halifax kick around what truly bonds them…

Pozcast goes international! An illuminating discussion with PhD student, Vas Papageorgiou and peer researcher Husseina Hamza from London, England about their research and the impact of COVID-19 on people living with HIV.

We dive deep into how this powerhouse study impacts community, policy and programming to help prevent HIV transmission and promote health.

As Black History month approaches, we revisit the significant and creative work of the Because She Cares (BSC) initiative.

Undetectable=Untransmittable, a medical discovery, could effectively stop the global AIDS epidemic. So why hasn’t it? Host James Watson sits down with the director and some of the key cast members to discuss the film, Undetectable, and unpack the issues and triumphs with carrying forward U=U’s messaging.

Sex, health and reproduction…What are the needs and priorities of women living with HIV? Host James Watson discusses these, as well as the enduring success of the Canadian HIV Women’s Sexual & Reproductive Health Cohort Study (CHIWOS) with guests Breklyn Bertozzi and Mina Kazemi.

Host James Watson continues his exploration of the peer researcher role and the impact of engaging people living with HIV in research with Lori A. Chambers and Zack Marshall, both accomplished social workers, social justice advocates and community-engaged researchers.

Is the peer research model working? Pozcast opens up a discussion and casts a critical eye on on peer research as host James Watson chats with two well-respected peer researchers to get their insights into the realities of working in this complex position.

Summer is special season full of sunshine and celebrations, including Father's Day, which we recently celebrated in June. To continue celebrating dads, this month on pozcast we revisit one of our favourite episodes from Season 1.

In this special edition of pozcast and as part of National Indigenous History Month, guest host Doris Peltier and her two special guests, Elder Albert McLeod and Dr. Randy Jackson, discuss the Indigenous HIV movement in Canada.

On this episode host James Watson sets aside the microphone and listens in on an intergenerational takeover of pozcast by two thriving long-term survivors.

One way to ensure a thriving life is by maintaining resilience. Host James Watson sits down with Thomas Egdorf, the Director of the AIDS Bereavement & Resiliency Program of Ontario, to discuss resiliency in the face of grief, loss and transition.

HIV activist, community worker and television host Randy Davis reflects on his journey with activism and offers advice to those seeking to make change.

Are we fostering enough HIV positive leaders to sustain and champion the response in the years to come?

Mikiki, an HIV positive performance and video artist & queer community health activist, discusses art as activism, their process, and how they use their work to disrupt, raise awareness and demand accountability.

Community-based researcher and gifted storyteller Doris Peltier, an Anishinaabe mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, discusses family, performance and healing through story.

Is laughter the best medicine? Comedians James Tison & David Granirer explore the therapeutic benefits of stand-up comedy and prove its power in fighting HIV stigma.

Harm Reduction as an approach to safer drug use.

The challenges and triumphs of Crystal Meth recovery through the fellowships of the 12-Step Program.

Lust, men and meth: A gay man’s guide to sex and recovery.

HIV stigma can be more harmful than the disease itself. Is it possible to eradicate this social menace or is it here to stay?

Lori uses poetry to share the experiences of African women employed in the HIV response.

Is the meaningful engagement of people living with HIV in the workplace achievable in a sector squeezed for resources?

"If you want to have a baby, you can have a baby." Fertility researchers are turning their attention to HIV-positive men and as a result, poz men are rethinking their decisions around parenting.

Our guests agree that U=U is the most significant development in the HIV world since the advent of effective combination therapy 20 years ago.