The discussion addresses concerns about medication side effects, the importance of treating rheumatic diseases early, and the false stigma that using advanced treatments indicates more severe disease or personal failure. Dr. Hazelwood emphasizes the importance of balancing risks and benefits and provides insights into how modern treatments can significantly improve quality of life. The episode emphasizes the safety and necessity of these medications and highlights the benefits of starting treatm...
Jun 26, 2025•24 min•Ep. 175
Seth discusses the challenges and lessons learned from his condition, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and humor as coping mechanisms. He also reflects on the 25-year journey of Creaky Joints, which began as a simple idea to connect arthritis sufferers and has grown into a significant patient advocacy and support organization. Cheryl and Seth also discuss the importance of patient voices in research and healthcare policy, the role of advocacy in improving healthcare systems, and the p...
Jun 19, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 174
Cristina and Cheryl reflect on how RA has shaped their lives, and the deep sense of purpose they’ve found in supporting others on a similar path. They highlight the power of self-advocacy, the comfort of community, and the resilience it takes to live well with RA. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or alone in your diagnosis, this honest and empowering conversation will remind you: you’re not in this alone—and your voice matters. Episode at a glance: Christina’s Journey with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Ear...
Jun 12, 2025•54 min•Ep. 173
Cheryl, Marisa, Alice, Gittel, Meg and Annette reflect on the profound impact of community, the invaluable educational components, and the collective wisdom that has helped them cope and thrive. The conversation highlights the importance of vulnerability, shared humor, and the supportive environment of the Rheum to THRIVE group, which empowers members to navigate their health challenges and advocate for themselves. Episode at a glance: Celebrating 5 Years of Thrive : Cheryl reflects on the origi...
Jun 06, 2025•40 min•Ep. 172
They clarify the differences between these terms and provide examples, such as the myth that only elderly people get arthritis, the stigma that people with arthritis are lazy, and the misconception that arthritis is merely mild joint pain. Eileen and Cheryl also emphasize the importance of education and self-advocacy and share personal experiences to illustrate how these misunderstandings can affect mental health. They also highlight resources for further learning and empowerment so you can help...
May 29, 2025•23 min•Ep. 171
Riley details her complex and often delayed diagnostic journey, the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, and which treatments have worked best for her. She also shares how she navigates daily life while living almost exclusively at home due to limited mobility and energy. Cheryl and Riley also discuss the adaptations and strategies Riley uses to manage her conditions and maintain her quality of life, including some special tips for RV living. Riley offers insights into finding peace i...
May 22, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Ep. 170
In this candid intro episode, you’ll hear how they met online, bonded over the challenges of living with RA, and teamed up to make science-backed info more relatable and easier to understand. Their mission? To bust myths, share real stories, and offer practical tips to help you feel more in control of your health. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting someone with RA, or work in healthcare, this podcast is here to empower you with insights that actually make a difference. Episode at a glanc...
May 15, 2025•14 min•Ep. 169
They discuss the complexities of managing overlapping conditions and the importance of a strong support system. Alice highlights the invaluable support she receives from her family, friends, church community, and online groups. They also talk about the challenges of explaining chronic illness to others, dealing with unsolicited advice, and finding comfort in relationships. This episode serves as a guide for both patients and their loved ones on fostering understanding and meaningful support. Ali...
May 08, 2025•29 min•Ep. 168
They discuss practical strategies for rebuilding trust in your body, the critical role of understanding your core values, and how to find the right support — whether through programs like Rheum to Thrive or events like the Virtual Sjögren’s Summit. Together, they show how education, advocacy, and mindset shifts can help patients move from fear to confidence in managing their immune health. Episode at a glance: Sjogren’s and MCAS 101: what is Sjogren’s and MCAS? Dr. Kara Wada’s personal journey :...
May 01, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 167
Jenni and Cheryl share the research highlights that stood out the most for them, from new research on POTS and Covid to the importance of sleep and fatigue management. We also shine a light on recent advancements in lupus treatment and managing stress and activity through "positive activity scheduling." Cheryl and Jennifer also share personal stories on navigating sleep hygiene, the subtle pressures of defining "normal," and the importance of sensitivity in language. Through these reflections, w...
Apr 24, 2025•37 min•Ep. 166
Dr. Jenna breaks down the key differences between pediatric and adult care, and shares practical tips to help you feel more confident and prepared—whether it’s learning how to speak up during appointments, track your symptoms, or build a support system that really gets it. They also get real about mindset, movement, rest, and how to keep living a full, active life even with rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis or a similar condition in the mix. If you’re feeling unsure about what ...
Apr 17, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 165
Additionally, Cheryl & Dr Dada also explore how strength training—not to "bulk up," but to boost energy, focus, and joint stability—can be a game-changer for these diseases. Dr. Dada reassures newly diagnosed individuals to avoid the anxiety of worst-case scenarios online and instead focus on reliable information and gradual, sustainable lifestyle changes. She emphasizes that managing arthritis is a marathon, not a sprint, and that even 1% improvement each day adds up. With the right knowled...
Apr 03, 2025•55 min•Ep. 164
Together, they break down the latest research from the 2024 American College of Rheumatology conference, unpacking the science behind the gut microbiome and the Mediterranean diet. Cristina explains how these can impact inflammatory diseases like RA and Sjogren’s—and why it’s about more than just what’s on your plate. They also tackle the big questions: Should you go gluten-free? Is the carnivore diet a miracle cure or just another fad? Is it worth having a restrictive diet if I’m stressed about...
Mar 27, 2025•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 163
They explore the tricky balance between wanting to “fix” your body and learning to accept where you are right now. Lindsay introduces a powerful framework for becoming your own loving companion—especially when flare-ups and uncertainty make life feel overwhelming. You’ll also walk away with practical, everyday strategies, like how a simple tool like Dycem can make tasks easier. Because sometimes, the smallest changes can have the biggest impact. If you’ve ever struggled with self-judgment or wis...
Mar 20, 2025•59 min•Ep. 162
Together, they break down the science behind why nutrition, exercise, and sleep play a crucial role in managing rheumatoid arthritis. Plus, they share practical tips on incorporating these key habits—along with stress management and social connection—into your treatment plan. Dr. Girnita also highlights the importance of medication in arthritis management and discusses how lifestyle changes complement traditional treatments. She even delves into exciting advancements like CAR T-cell therapy, a c...
Mar 13, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 161
From singing to trying nine different medications in five years, to embracing the THRIVE framework from Cheryl’s Rheum to Thrive Program, Alice shares the ups and downs of life with rheumatoid arthritis. Ultimately, Alice reminds us that living fully with RA doesn’t mean giving up on what matters—it means finding new ways to engage, and finding a way to balance grief for what you’ve lost with gratitude for what you still have. If you’re newly diagnosed, her story is a powerful reminder of the im...
Mar 06, 2025•48 min•Ep. 160
Cheryl and Helen dive into the often-overlooked mental challenges of inflammatory arthritis, which can sometimes feel harder to navigate than the physical symptoms. They explore mindset strategies and mental tools that have helped them, including approaches from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The conversation also highlights the importance of balance, such as steering clear of extreme “healthy” habits—like overly restrictive diets—that can add unnecessary stress. Cheryl and Helen share...
Feb 27, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 159
Together, Cheryl and Dr. Ortiz debunk common myths about RA and tackle important topics like medication hesitancy, lifestyle interventions, and the balance between the two. Dr. Ortiz reassures listeners that while factors like nutrition, sleep, exercise, and stress management can help, “just because lifestyle can help doesn’t mean lifestyle caused it.” They also discuss how to make the most of your doctor’s appointments—because being prepared can help you feel more confident and in control. Plus...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 158
Alison and Cheryl also explore the impact of the pandemic on rediscovering creative passions and the power of storytelling in raising awareness. Alison’s new children’s book, Kenzie’s Little Tree , is not only a meaningful read but also a way to support arthritis and chronic illness foundations. If you're newly diagnosed, this conversation offers reassurance, practical tips, and a reminder that you’re not alone in this journey. Episode at a glance: Alison’s Diagnosis Story: Alison shares how she...
Feb 13, 2025•54 min•Ep. 157
Cheryl and Tina emphasize the need for increased education, representation, and awareness about autoimmune conditions and treatment options to reduce stigma and support patients globally. Cheryl and Tina also discuss Tina’s advocacy work, including her blog Own Your Crohn’s and contributions to South Asian IBD Alliance (SAIA), focused on creating community and amplifying patient voices across diverse populations. See full episode show notes including a transcript here! Episode at a glance: Tina'...
Feb 06, 2025•40 min•Ep. 156
A new RA diagnosis can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to feel lost in a sea of emotions and uncertainty. In this episode, I share my best advice for navigating this new reality—offering practical tips on mindset, building a strong support system, and avoiding the pitfalls of misinformation. You'll also hear from fellow RA patients who share their personal insights and heartfelt encouragement, helping you approach your diagnosis with renewed hope—and, if you’re lucky, some evidence-based optimism...
Jan 30, 2025•48 min•Ep. 155
Chrissy recounts the challenges she faced seeking medical care for persistent swelling and joint pain. Despite visiting multiple doctors, she was repeatedly told she “wasn’t sick” before ultimately receiving her RA diagnosis. She reflects on the mix of emotions she felt—relief at finally having a treatment plan and the hope it brought, alongside fears about the long term implications of a progressive disease like RA. Chrissy also dives into the importance of mindset. She explains how maintaining...
Jan 23, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Ep. 154
Gabi highlights the accommodations that have been instrumental during her college experience, including adaptive tools and flexible scheduling. She shares how other young people with chronic illness can advocate for the accommodations they need to succeed in school. Cheryl and Gabi also discuss the vital role of peer support groups, such as Cheryl’s Rheum to THRIVE program, and emphasize the importance of self-advocacy and maintaining a positive outlook. For those newly diagnosed, Gabi offers in...
Jan 16, 2025•55 min•Ep. 153
Stephanie and Cheryl also reflect on the “roller coaster of acceptance,” or their journeys towards self compassion and acceptance in the face of fluctuating, unpredictable conditions. They also delve into the challenges of living with cognitive dysfunction or “brain fog” and Stephanie shares how she copes with this while serving as an adjunct professor. Stephanie also shares resources that have helped her in her chronic illness journey, including her work with Atlas Assistance Dogs and her impac...
Jan 09, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 152
They also discuss the importance of support and community, and Amber shares her experience in Cheryl’s Rheum to THRIVE program. Cheryl and Amber emphasize the importance of adaptability, finding joy in everyday activities like cooking and cheering for their favorite sports teams, and embracing flexibility in the face of unpredictability. Episode at a glance: Personal Stories of Resilience: Amber shares her journey of managing psoriatic arthritis while balancing work, friendships, and her love fo...
Jan 02, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 151
She discusses how she’s learned to adapt to life’s changes, uncover tools to improve her quality of life, and embrace creativity as a way to thrive. For instance, she shares how her power wheelchair allows her to explore her surroundings while conserving energy, and how her Spoonie Coloring Book brings joy and meaning to her daily life through art. Carrie and Cheryl also dive into topics like self-acceptance, disability representation in media, and the role storytelling plays in processing chall...
Dec 19, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 150
Cheryl shares how the program has evolved based on participant feedback, offering flexible learning options including self-paced options for those who would like to learn the self management tools without the support group. Cheryl and Lauren also discuss the ways in which the program has offered essential education, community and realistic hope for people who previously felt lost and overwhelmed. They also share the support group schedule for 2025 and beyond! Episode at a glance: Introduction to...
Dec 12, 2024•52 min•Ep. 149
Cheryl and Eileen stress the value of self-advocacy, working with a multidisciplinary team, and accessing reliable resources to navigate life with confidence and care. Episode at a glance: Mental Health and Support Groups: Cheryl and Eileen explore the transformative power of support groups, not only for attendees but also for those facilitating them. They discuss how mental health practices, like therapy and mindfulness, can supplement traditional care and provide emotional resilience. The Over...
Dec 05, 2024•47 min•Ep. 148
Carrie shares how she managed being a mom to two young kids and returned to her passion of running after undergoing two hip replacement surgeries. Her story emphasizes the importance of getting second opinions, persevering through setbacks, listening to her body and asking for help. Cheryl and Carrie discuss the challenges she faced and the mindset shifts that helped her return to running, including the importance of “staying in the mile you’re in” and remembering that “the comeback is bigger th...
Nov 21, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 148
Both Jed and Cheryl emphasize the importance of finding a supportive community and adjusting personal goals, as chronic illness often reshapes life plans. Cheryl also highlights the power of acceptance and resilience, and together they underscore the value of living fully within one’s limitations, embracing good days, and finding joy in achievable dreams. Episode at a glance: Chronic Illness Challenges: Jed shares his experiences living with ankylosing spondylitis, a chronic inflammatory conditi...
Nov 14, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 147
