originALS: more than ALS

originALS: more than ALS steps into the world of the incredible people affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or ALS. In each episode, hosts Flynn Mason and ALS Canada Community Ambassador Hayley King highlight firsthand experiences of one special guest. From the challenges of diagnosis to the passions that make each one of us unique, you’ll hear stories of hope for all that is possible, even in the face of a devastating disease. Whether you’re here for inspiration, to learn more, or to feel the power of a community coming together, originALS: more than ALS is for you.

Contributors

Host

Flynn Mason

Flynn Mason (he/him) - Co-host, co-producer, editor

Flynn Mason is a 2025 graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University's RTA Media Production program and an emerging voice in the next generation of media creators. With a strong foundation in screenwriting and hands-on experience across film and television sets, multi-camera productions, live radio, and independent podcasting, he brings both a creative vision and production savvy mindset to every project.

A proud queer and trans artist, Flynn is driven to amplify underrepresented voices and help shape a more empowered, inclusive media landscape. He aspires to build a lasting career within the 2SLGBTQIA+ media space while remaining a committed advocate for ALS awareness, a cause that continues to inform his work and purpose.

Guests

Guest

Andrew Dundas

Andrew Dundas (he/him) - S1E1 Guest

A 2024 graduate of the Canadian ALS Learning Institute, Andrew is a kind and generous man with a great sense of humour and an impressive list of ALS advocacy–related accolades since his diagnosis in December 2022. He is the author of My ALS Challenge, an insightful blog that has reached six continents and 37 countries. He was featured in the book Speaking ALS: An Anthology and speaks publicly about his experiences before influential groups, including the Whitby Rotary Sunrise Club and Whitby’s MPP, Lauren Coe. Andrew also leads initiatives to raise awareness about ALS and is now advocating for the construction of accessible housing.

Guest

Lea Storry

Lea Storry (she/her) - S1E2 Guest

Lea is a graduate of Toronto Metropolitan University, a professionally trained journalist with a background in history and political science. As a reporter, she’s worked and lived around the world and across Canada, in places such as The Gambia, South Korea, New Brunswick, British Columbia, Ontario, Nova Scotia, and the Northwest Territories. She currently lives in Alberta and owns a writing business called Our Family Lines. Through the diagnosis of family and friends, Lea has been impacted more than once in her life by ALS, and is a 2024 graduate of the Canadian ALS Learning Institute.

Guest

Rick Zwiep

Rick Zwiep (he/him) - S1E3 Guest

Rick Zwiep comes from a successful 30 year background in the telecommunications industry, working in product management and technical sales. A curious man with studious tendencies, a love of books and new technology, and a drive to succeed, Rick has forayed into ALS advocacy to impressive results since his diagnosis in August of 2022. A graduate of the Canadian ALS Learning Institute, Rick proudly promotes ALS Society of Canada fundraising events such as the Revolution Ride and Walk to End ALS. Today, Rick sits on the board of directors for ALS Action Canada - a patient-led organization acting to amplify the voices of those living with ALS and their caregivers. He is also part of the advisory council for the ALS Super Fund, which has raised over $1.8 million for ALS research since 2020.