Struggle and healing often go hand in hand, as Delicia's gripping tale of resilience unfolds in our latest conversation. Facing a health odyssey that begins with severe allergies and the emotional scars of childhood trauma, she takes us through her diagnosis and the powerful connection between emotional distress and physical health. Her story is a beacon of hope for anyone facing similar battles as she recounts her experiences with hay made from barley on a Swiss farm, propelling a discussion on...
Apr 22, 2024•50 min•Season 3Ep. 32
When Lisa Norris, a part-time paramedic and former clinical trials researcher, recounts her 20-year struggle with lupus and polymyositis, it's not just a story of illness but of extraordinary perseverance. Our latest episode invites you into Lisa's world, where she navigates the complexities of her autoimmune diseases with the same precision and focus she once brought to emergency scenes and research labs. Her candid discussion of the sudden emergence of her symptoms, the winding path to a corre...
Apr 15, 2024•35 min•Season 3Ep. 31
There's nothing more humbling than hearing the story of someone who's faced the gauntlet of health challenges and emerged with wisdom to share. That's precisely what you'll get as Suzanne Casamento joins us to recount her battles with chronic Lyme disease, medical gaslighting, and a complexity of health issues that would test anyone's resolve. Her story isn't just a sequence of struggles; it's a beacon for anyone who's felt unheard or misunderstood by the medical system, and it's packed with ins...
Apr 08, 2024•45 min•Season 3Ep. 30
Have you ever wondered why we carry certain beliefs about sexuality, or how those beliefs impact our intimate relationships? In a riveting discussion with Dr. Fanny the Baker, an acclaimed sex coach, we unravel the intricate web of sexuality myths and the profound influence of sex education on our perceptions. As we examine the delicate interplay between intimacy and expectations, Dr. Fanny and I illuminate the significance of pleasure, safety, and communication in sexual relationships. You'll d...
Apr 01, 2024•41 min•Season 3Ep. 29
When resilience meets wisdom, stories like that of Carrie Shepperson unfold. Her journey through the labyrinth of Still's disease, narrative rich with city savvy and mountain wisdom, is one I had the privilege to uncover. Carrie, hailing from Kentucky and a steadfast volunteer at AiArthritis, shares her personal odyssey from bewildering symptoms to a fierce advocacy for those entangled in the complexities of autoimmune disorders. Her analytical nurse's mind, coupled with an unwavering spirit, sh...
Mar 18, 2024•48 min•Season 3Ep. 28
Have you ever found a friend in the most unexpected of places? On our latest episode, we're joined by Geri, a beacon of hope from the chronic illness community on Instagram, who opens up about her life with Lupus and Sjogren's syndrome. Her story is a testament to the strength and solace that virtual friendships can provide, especially when real-life connections to those who truly understand are few and far between. We navigate the all-too-common experience of medical gaslighting and the sheer d...
Mar 10, 2024•29 min•Season 3Ep. 27
When Emmanuel's life was touched by the invisible struggles of autoimmune disease within his family, it ignited a fire within him to champion the rights of workers grappling with similar battles. As the founder of the Workers with Autoimmune Aliments Alliance, his story—shared on our latest podcast—encapsulates the drive behind a movement that's not just personal but pivotal for countless individuals. Together, we unravel the complexities of autoimmune diseases in the workplace and the essential...
Mar 04, 2024•22 min•Season 3Ep. 26
Imagine shouldering the weight of chronic illness while your partner is deployed, leaving you to single-handedly care for children who also navigate their own health complexities. Welcome back Kenzie, the Rare Mom, as we delve into her raw and hopeful narrative of managing mixed connective tissue disease and a blood coagulation defect. As she courageously steps into the role of both mother and medical student, Kenzie unveils the intense reality of parenthood under such unique pressures—chronicli...
Feb 29, 2024•37 min•Season 3Ep. 25
When Michelle first learned of her daughter Hailey's rare diagnosis, an ultra-rare genetic disorder called Jordan's Syndrome (ppp2r5d), the ground beneath her seemed to shift. Facing the labyrinth of healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, she became a beacon of resilience, her story a mosaic of love, adversity, and unwavering determination. Join us as we unravel Michelle's compelling narrative, revealing the raw and intricate journey of parenting a child with special needs. From adapting to vi...
Feb 25, 2024•29 min•Ep. 24
As the sun sets on another day of managing the delicate balance of chronic illness, I sat down with Jess Hay, a resilient "Spoonie Sister" who graciously opened up about her life woven with challenges and triumphs. Our intimate conversation traverses Jess's early health struggles to her current dance with multiple conditions, including celiac disease and POTS. She candidly discusses the tapestry of treatments, both conventional and holistic, that color her daily life and offers an honest look in...
Feb 18, 2024•34 min•Season 3Ep. 23
Have you ever felt the weight of the day before it even begins, knowing that each task demands a piece of your already dwindling energy? Embrace the power of the girl with spoons as I, Gracefully Jen, recite a moving poem that captures the essence of living with chronic illness. Through spoken word, we explore the tender narrative of conserving energy, where each spoon symbolizes a precious resource, a unit of strength that must be carefully allocated to overcome the day's hurdles. This episode ...
Feb 11, 2024•3 min
Have you ever met someone whose sheer presence, both physical and metaphorical, can fill a room with inspiration? Terry Tucker, a former NCAA Division I basketball player turned SWAT hostage negotiator, embodies just that. Balancing on the towering height of six-foot-eight, Terry walks us through the valleys of his life, including his battle with a rare form of cancer, and how these experiences have fueled his mission to inspire others through Motivational Check LLC and his book "Sustainable Exc...
Feb 05, 2024•38 min•Season 3Ep. 22
When Tiffany Kairos was just 16, her life took an unexpected turn with the onset of epilepsy, a journey that taught her how to find humor in the face of adversity. Join us as Tiffany, founder of the Epilepsy Network, shares her transformative tale from confusion to advocacy, infusing each challenge with a dose of laughter. In our heartfelt conversation, we uncover the realities of living with epilepsy, from addressing the stigmas to embracing the power of a united community. Tiffany's inspiring ...
Jan 29, 2024•29 min•Season 3Ep. 21
Discover the unmasked realities of lupus with Amanda Chay, the brave voice behind the Girlfriend's Guide to Lupus, in an episode that's as heartfelt as it is insightful. Amanda doesn't just share her story; she opens the door to a world where autoimmune challenges are the norm, not the exception. From her own two-decade struggle to a diagnosis and the emotional rollercoaster that ensued to practical advice wrapped in humor, this conversation is an intimate exploration of resilience and self-advo...
Jan 22, 2024•40 min•Season 3Ep. 20
What if you could transform your life's greatest struggles into sources of strength and self-love? This episode brings you an inspiring conversation with Dr. Fanny Le Boulanger, a French doctor and sex coach who did exactly that, following her epilepsy diagnosis at the age of 26. Dr. Fanny opens her heart about how she navigated the challenges of seizures, medication, and their impact on her relationships, eventually finding peace and self-acceptance. She reminds us of the transformative power o...
Jan 15, 2024•38 min•Season 3Ep. 19
Ever wondered how you can take control of your health while living with an autoimmune disease? Our special guest, Amy Behimer, is a Doctor of Pharmacy and Nationally Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach who lives with multiple sclerosis. She uses her education, training, and first-hand experience navigating life with autoimmune disease to help people make changes to start creating autoimmune health. Changes to lifestyle habits are proven to help you feel better today and also help you worry...
Jan 08, 2024•24 min•Season 3Ep. 18
Navigating a chronic disease like rheumatoid arthritis can feel like trekking through a dense forest with no map. But what if we told you that there's a way to cut through the thickets, make sense of the path, and move forward with purpose and optimism? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Stefanie, a family nurse practitioner, and rheumatoid arthritis coach who helps her clients do just that. With her guidance, we explore the complex impact of this inflammatory disease on the body and ...
Jan 01, 2024•37 min•Season 3Ep. 17
Ever felt your heart race, hands shake and a sense of shame wash over you during an anxiety attack? Our guest, Brian, bravely takes us through his personal journey, beginning with his first encounter with a panic attack on a date at 17. Brian's story underscores the importance of sharing personal experiences and having an open discourse about mental health. As we journey further, we’ll discover how we can identify our own anxiety triggers and take control of these situations. From a holistic app...
Dec 18, 2023•43 min•Season 3Ep. 16
How does one maintain an active lifestyle while battling osteoarthritis? Robin Robertson, a seasoned advocate for the Arthritis Foundation, shares her inspiring journey from a rare knee condition at birth, numerous surgeries, and an ultimate halt to all impact sports at 24 to leading a vibrant life despite her limitations. It's not simply a tale of resilience and courage but an exploration of alternative forms of exercise that can help maintain a healthy lifestyle while dealing with osteoarthrit...
Dec 11, 2023•42 min•Season 3Ep. 15
Imagine finding yourself in a whirlwind of chronic pain and being told by the medical world to just lose weight and follow a keto diet. Picture the emotional turmoil that comes with such advice and the relief of finally finding a medical professional who listens. This is the narrative of our guest, Kayla, a brave individual who faced chronic conditions head-on. Her journey from diagnosis, mental health struggles, the empowerment of finding the right medical team, to finally being diagnosed with ...
Dec 04, 2023•38 min•Season 3Ep. 14
As we journey together through the challenges of chronic illness, there's a recurring phrase that rings oh-so-very true — it's okay not to be okay. You've probably heard me chant this mantra on Instagram; in this empowering podcast, I bring the same spirit to uplift my beautiful Spoonie Sisters, who battle daily with various ailments. I speak candidly about the pain, the fatigue, and the emotional toll that comes with chronic illness. However, I also emphasize that your experiences are valid, yo...
Dec 01, 2023•3 min
Imagine waking up to find your body in a revolt against the change in weather. Sounds crazy, right? Yet, it's a reality that we've grappled with, alongside life's unexpected roller-coaster rides and the influence of modern fashion trends. This episode is an honest, heartfelt conversation about dealing with chronic illnesses, adapting to medication, finding the right doctor, and even coping with the stress that positive changes can bring. Buckle in as we share some laugh-out-loud moments discussi...
Nov 27, 2023•30 min•Season 3Ep. 13
Have you ever wondered about the battles that those living with autoimmune diseases face every day? Join us as we listen to the compelling journey of Joshua, a retired army veteran who faced this reality when he was diagnosed with multiple autoimmune conditions - Myasthenia Gravis, Small Fiber Neuropathy, and Hashimoto's. Joshua offers a unique perspective on battling these conditions, from chronic fatigue and muscle spasms to debilitating migraines. We follow Joshua as he navigates the challeng...
Nov 20, 2023•51 min•Season 3Ep. 12
Are you aware of how much power you hold in managing your Rheumatoid Arthritis? Understanding your condition, being knowledgeable about treatment options, and maintaining a robust support system can significantly impact your health journey. In our conversation today, we share our personal experiences and mention Stefanie, the Rheumatoid Arthritis Coach, and Dani from Make It Count for Dani. These wonderful individuals have helped us understand our condition better and have shown us the importanc...
Nov 13, 2023•35 min•Season 3Ep. 11
Imagine the strength it takes to not only battle multiple autoimmune conditions but to also travel across 40 countries seeking knowledge from experts and scientists. That’s exactly what Sweta did. Born with epilepsy, and later diagnosed with rare autoimmune hemolytic anemia, lupus, IVSC, Hashimoto's, and alopecia, she was determined to learn how to manage her symptoms and prevent other autoimmune conditions from developing. Her resilience and relentless pursuit of health led her to establish Hea...
Nov 06, 2023•35 min•Season 3Ep. 10
Ready to shake off the chill of November and get your blood pumping? Join me, your host Gracefully Jen, and my dear friend Dani from Make it Count 4 Dani, as we ignite the spark of "Move-Ember," a call to action for at least 20 minutes of deliberate, focused movement every day this month. This isn't a grueling challenge; it's a beacon towards a healthier, more energized lifestyle. Whether it's a brisk walk, yoga, or even a Zumba class, the choice is yours. But there's more! Along with the benefi...
Nov 01, 2023•9 min
Are you ready to decode the enigma of 'Spoon Theory'? Let's embark on a journey together, unraveling this metaphorical term coined by the notable blogger, Christine Mizerendino. We'll leverage the concept of spoons as units of daily energy, revealing the victories and challenges inherent in life with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Prepare to discover 15 signs that resonate with the 'Spoonie' life, from systematically designed daily routines to the comfort found in the empathetic companionshi...
Oct 30, 2023•6 min
I've been marveling at the strength of Suzy, a remarkable polymyositis patient, who held her ground at work for 15 years even while battling progressive muscle loss, fatigue, and overwhelming stress. It wasn't until she finally opened up about her chronic illness and embraced support from her workplace that a profound transformation began to take place. We discuss our shared journey of navigating the often murky waters of chronic illness, focusing on the importance of sharing our experiences, fi...
Oct 30, 2023•43 min•Season 3Ep. 9
Ever been curious about the inner workings of chronic illness from the perspective of a renowned specialist who's also a patient? Join us in a profound discussion with Dr. Saimun Singla, a triple-board-certified physician who battles rheumatoid arthritis daily. Dr. Singla unravels her journey as she was diagnosed with the condition even while she was already a qualified rheumatologist. She brings to light the necessity of early detection, the criticality of educating oneself about chronic illnes...
Oct 16, 2023•50 min•Season 3Ep. 8
Have you ever wondered about the resilience of the human spirit in the face of chronic illness? Brace yourself as we delve into the captivating story of Kiera Chan, a steadfast advocate for disability rights and women's health who lives with adrenal insufficiency and vascular eagle syndrome. At age 20, Kiera started a health journey that would transform her world. With daily adrenal crises and a relentless pursuit for answers, her courage has been tested repeatedly - but she continues to thrive....
Oct 09, 2023•45 min•Season 3Ep. 7
