How does it feel to live with chronic illnesses? To manage the pain and the everyday tasks while dealing with the physical, emotional, and mental impacts? It's a journey that our guest, Jacinda, also known as Virgo Beauty, knows all too well. Diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at a tender age of five, life threw a curveball at her in 2016 when she experienced a severe flare-up that left her bedridden. Today, she lives with RA and the rare Stills disease, navigating the labyrinth of chr...
Oct 02, 2023•56 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Discover how to embrace your unique identity and build a successful personal brand in our heartfelt conversation with Neeti, a coach and healer from Mumbai, India. Get ready to feel seen, celebrated, and whole as Neeti shares her transformative journey of dealing with adversity and her mission to empower women. From discussing challenges faced in her health journey to the ins and outs of her treatment care plan, Needy's insights and advice are simply invaluable. This episode goes beyond your typ...
Sep 25, 2023•34 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Ever dreamed of embarking on a grand adventure but felt tethered down by the struggles of a chronic illness? This episode unfolds the inspiring journey of our brave friend, Angelic, who defied the odds and flew the globe from San Francisco to London with a painful chronic illness. Angelic paints a vivid image of her thrilling escapade and gives the listeners a front-row seat to her experiences. From a grueling 10-and-a-half-hour flight to her unplanned detour to Lisbon, Portugal, Angelic proved ...
Sep 18, 2023•38 min•Season 3Ep. 4
What might you do if you had symptoms of a chronic condition at the tender age of 15 and diagnosed at 18? Well, our guest for this episode, Effie, turned her fight with juvenile arthritis into a platform for advocacy. Rising Above RA, as she is known in the digital world, sheds light on her journey from grappling with the emotional fallout of her diagnosis to finding her equilibrium. Join us as she opens up about her high school years wrapped in pain, her journey of managing imbalances within he...
Sep 11, 2023•36 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Welcome to Behind the Smile with Cheryl Crow! Have you ever wondered how someone manages a bustling online presence while battling a chronic condition? Picture this: Cheryl Crow, a woman leading an active lifestyle, starts experiencing an array of symptoms that eventually lead her to a Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosis at age 21. Once a vibrant athlete, she noticed her weight drop, leading to her life-altering diagnosis. Join us as we traverse Cheryl's journey managing her condition and online busi...
Sep 04, 2023•55 min•Season 3Ep. 2
What does it mean to be a warrior? Today, I'm joined by Makenzie, a 22-year-old nursing student who embodies this term like no other. Battling Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis since age 13, Makenzie navigates the daily struggles of her own disease while also being a champion for her son Josiah, who has Familial Cold Autoinflammatory Syndrome, and her mother, who is fighting Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. She offers a candid insight into the complexities of their journeys, from the agonizing search...
Aug 27, 2023•36 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Are you caught in the crossfire of chronic illness in the Spoonie community? Feel like your healthcare provider is gaslighting you? Hear from Stefanie, the rheumatoid arthritis coach, who opens up about her own experiences with medical gaslighting as a patient and a family nurse practitioner. She pulls back the curtain on this hot topic, discussing what gaslighting entails in the healthcare sector. She equips us with effective communication strategies to foster a healthier dialogue with our medi...
Jul 10, 2023•44 min•Season 2Ep. 30
Hello, my spoonie sisters! Ready to move and groove with a twist? Join me and my dear friend Dani from Make It Count 4 Dani as we embark on the July Encouragement Challenge, a fun-filled initiative designed not to push you to the brink but to inspire and empower you to move in ways that suit you best. Regardless of what your movement looks like, be it an intense workout or a leisurely stroll to the mailbox, we want to see it as you share your journey using the hashtag #IChooseMovement on Instagr...
Jul 05, 2023•7 min•Season 2Ep. 29
Ever wondered how a life-altering diagnosis can become the birthplace of an inspiring journey? Our guest, Mariah, has transformed her battles with PCOS and IBD into a beacon of hope—finding solace and purpose in fitness, and creating a brand, Invisible Voices, that empowers others in their struggles. In an intimate conversation, Mariah reveals her struggles and triumphs, from navigating the complexities of her illness, building a supportive community, and managing her health. She talks about her...
Jul 03, 2023•45 min•Season 2Ep. 28
Have you ever felt dismissed or doubted by medical professionals while struggling with a rare and life-altering health condition? Jewel Dukes knows this feeling all too well, and she bravely shares her journey with Cushing's Disease in this powerful episode. Listen in as we discuss her battle with weight gain, depression, and anxiety, as well as her monumental decision to undergo brain surgery to remove the tumor causing her symptoms. We also explore the invaluable role that community support pl...
Jun 26, 2023•39 min•Season 2Ep. 27
Have you ever felt the gut-wrenching pain of betrayal, whether it be from a friend, a doctor, a family member, or a significant other? What if we told you there are ways to navigate these feelings and come out stronger on the other side? In this heartfelt episode, we are joined by our spoonie sisters, Andi Byers, and Danielle Bryant, to discuss our personal experiences with betrayal and how we've learned to set boundaries for our mental and emotional well-being. Together, we unpack the intricaci...
Jun 19, 2023•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 27
Imagine living with a chronic illness that affects your ability to eat and enjoy food. Holly, the host of 'The Cook Who Can't Eat' podcast, knows this all too well as she shares her journey navigating gastroparesis and paralysis of her intestines. Despite her health challenges, Holly remains positive and inspiring to others facing similar struggles. Join us as we explore Holly's life in a blended family, discussing the legal and practical implications of parenting teens and young adults. Holly a...
Jun 12, 2023•42 min•Season 2Ep. 26
Have you ever wondered about the mysterious world of autoimmune diseases? This episode is your ultimate guide to understanding some of the most common autoimmune conditions, such as lupus, Hashimoto's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, and celiac disease. Listen in as we explore information and symptoms of each disease, arming you with valuable knowledge to better understand these challenging conditions. Get ready to learn about the various types of psoriasis, includin...
Jun 05, 2023•15 min•Season 2Ep. 25
When chronic pain came knocking in my early 30s, little did I know that I'd be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and later, palmar plantar postulosis psoriasis. I felt lost and alone in my struggles, which is why I've made it my mission to be a support system for others going through similar experiences. In this heartfelt episode, I, Jen, share my personal journey and the challenges I faced, from dealing with brain fog to failed attempts at getting help from my doctor. But we're not alone in o...
May 29, 2023•12 min•Season 2Ep. 24
Life with chronic illness can be a rollercoaster. Introducing Amanda - an inspirational individual who saw an opportunity and seized it. I can't wait to share her incredible story with you! Amanda's story is a true testament to the power of hard work and determination. She started off with a simple idea and worked tirelessly to turn it into a successful business. Her journey was not without its challenges, but she never gave up. Despite facing many obstacles along the way, Amanda remained focuse...
May 22, 2023•38 min•Season 2Ep. 23
Often, depression can feel like an elephant in the room. Breaking the Silence on mental health is an essential aspect of overall health and well-being that is often overlooked and stigmatized. However, more and more people are starting to speak out about their experiences with mental health concerns, and this is helping to break down the barriers that prevent people from seeking help. Listen as we chat about depression, family, friends, management, and life with chronic illness mixed with depres...
May 15, 2023•44 min•Season 2Ep. 22
Wendy Garvin Mayo is a Board Certified Nurse Practitioner, Stress Solution Strategist, International Speaker, #1 Best Selling Author, and Certified John Maxwell Trainer and Coach with 20+ years in the healthcare industry; she has healthcare experience in various nursing sectors, including clinical leadership, research, academia, and pharmaceuticals. Mrs. Mayo is the CEO of The Stress Blueprin t, Creator of the Stress Blueprint Academy , and Host of the Nurse Wellness Podcast . Wendy is passionat...
May 08, 2023•28 min•Season 2Ep. 21
Andi helps women maintain JOY using holistic methodologies to advance strategic growth in health, life & business without overwhelm or burnout. She is a Holistic Wellness Practitioner. She is passionate about helping women find their happiness! Let's start here: between the ages of 14 and now, she was diagnosed with what she refers to as autoimmune mayhem (MS, SLE, RA, POTS, Fibro ). "Every day, there is something going haywire in my body & it's always an adventure to figure out which sy...
May 01, 2023•46 min•Season 2Ep. 20
Have you met the lovely Chelsea? Chelsea is 28 and runs a small business ( @juniperandwildflower ) with her mom! She was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis a little over three years ago, and then has developed scleritis/uveitis in her right eye. Since getting diagnosed with a chronic illness, life hasn’t been easy, but finding community with other spoonies on similar paths has helped Chelsea feel less alone in hers. This is why she decided to create her space on Instagram, to share her story an...
Apr 28, 2023•44 min•Season 2Ep. 19
In this episode, we bring back Megan from last season to discuss how she helps others to get fit with arthritis. Did you not catch her interview last year? Listen to season one, episode 17 today! Get Fit with Arthritis 1:1 Online Coaching Program Get Fit with Arthritis is a 3-6 month online coaching program GUARANTEED to help you obtain results while battling chronic joint pain! This program will not only teach you how to strengthen your joints safely & effectively while building more muscle...
Apr 14, 2023•46 min•Season 2Ep. 18
Join Linnea & Jen as they discuss life with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriasis, & chronic pain. Did you miss the interview with Linnea in March of 2022? You can catch up on it in season one, episode 2! You may find yourself in the middle of some laughter, tears, and even venting! Linnea IG: https://www.instagram.com/linnea_4me/ Jen IG: https://www.instagram.com/gracefully_jen/ Send us a text Are you living with a chronic illness and want to make your voice heard? Rare Patient Voice connects...
Mar 24, 2023•46 min•Season 2Ep. 17
Brandi, AKA 1SicB, is an MS Warrior advocating, thriving, and podcasting her way to empower, educate, and evoke conversations that will change the narrative of what chronic illness looks like. Pull up a chair and listen as Brandi and Jen discuss life with chronic illness. https://instagram.com/1sicb_podcast?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y= https://www.1sicb.com/ https://linktr.ee/1SicBpodcast?fbclid=PAAaaX-9i3maQ0dBYnGI_n0F_ZdxwMC8BzEBye4Q6yCqM2eg28BsG6nLu80wg Send us a text Are you living with a chronic ill...
Mar 17, 2023•38 min•Season 2Ep. 16
MEET LIZ, the fitness/mind-body trainer extraordinaire. Liz has over a decade of experience in the health, fitness, and wellness industry. She has a Master's of Science in Exercise Science and a Bachelor's of Science in Sports Science from Northern Michigan University. She specializes in working with those with chronic conditions and in special populations (cardiovascular disease, low-back-pain, etc.) with an emphasis on helping those with autoimmune disorders learn to manage their conditions. S...
Mar 10, 2023•44 min•Season 2Ep. 15
On today's episode, I sit down to chat with Stefanie, The Rheumatoid Arthritis Coach, to discuss her journey with Rheumatoid Arthritis and how it brought her to help others with the same challenges she has had. Be sure to bring a pen and paper to jot down her top things in her spoonie tool kit because you will want to try them for yourself! Stefanie, the Rheumatoid Arthritis Coach, is a coach for people with RA! "Yes– this is what I do. I have dedicated my life to helping people with rheumatoid ...
Mar 03, 2023•32 min•Season 2Ep. 14
Angelic is a holistic health practitioner, mindfulness coach, author, and spoonie sister from San Diego, California. She also volunteers with the Myositis Support & Understanding organization, where she leads mindfulness conversations and advocates for myositis awareness. She loves traveling with her husband, reading and writing inspirational stories, cuddling with dogs, and eating nachos! Social Links: website: www.mindfuljourneytofreedom.com IG: @mindfuljourneys LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/...
Feb 28, 2023•32 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Listen to this episode as I sit down to chat with Rekha about her journey with Lupus. Lupus is a disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your own tissues and organs (autoimmune disease). Inflammation caused by Lupus can affect many different body systems — including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms often mimic those of other ailments. The most distinctive sign of Lupus — a facial...
Feb 17, 2023•40 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Reintroducing Amy, mental health advocate, fitness enthusiast, stillirun ambassador, and spoonie sister! Did you miss last year's episode? If so, scroll back and catch season one, episode 3, to catch up on Amy's story! On today's episode, listen as Amy & Jen discuss life with anxiety, the good, the bad, and the ugly. IG: https://www.instagram.com/alignedamy/ Send us a text Are you living with a chronic illness and want to make your voice heard? Rare Patient Voice connects patients and caregi...
Feb 10, 2023•44 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Corinne is an occupational therapist-turned-hand coach who helps those with chronic hand conditions get back to doing their favorite activities. Maybe you’ve seen all sorts of hand braces and feel completely overwhelmed with all your options. Perhaps you want to know all the best gadgets to immediately do your favorite activities better. Or maybe you're curious about hand exercises to improve your mobility and strength, but you aren’t sure where to start. Corinne is definitely your gal. Shoot he...
Feb 03, 2023•41 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Listen as I sit down and chat with Matt, the brains behind AI3 One Spray away. He shared with us his journey with Osteoarthritis, chronic pain, and how he came up with the idea to help himself and others. AI3 provides immediate relief for all muscle soreness, strains, joint pains, tendonitis, bursitis, arthritis, and chronic aches and pains. One spray away on the affected area or multiple sprays, depending on the scope of the pain, and within seconds to minutes, the pain will diminish. Be sure t...
Jan 27, 2023•32 min•Season 2Ep. 9
My name is Jennifer, and I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the age of 32 after a year of doctors and treatments trying to figure out my chronic pain. I had multiple allergic reactions, one resulting in pustular psoriasis altering my life forward and adding a new lifelong diagnosis. I strive to be the support for newly diagnosed or struggling warriors the way I desperately needed and did not have. https://www.mamasfacingforward.com/2022/11/23/moms-are-some-of-the-best-advocates-now-its...
Jan 13, 2023•26 min•Season 2Ep. 8
