In this quickie episode, we take a look back at 2020, what we in the MS community have learned, and what we hope the population at large has taken away from this unprecedented last year. LINKS: Link to COVID-19: The Unexpected Equalizer episode The MS Gym Website The MS Gym on Facebook The MS Gym on Instagram Brooke Slick Website & Instagram...
EPISODE NOTES: Each day we speak 15,000-16,000 words and think 30,000 words! For a relationship to thrive we need to use a ratio of 5:1 positive to negative comments. What is the relationship you have with your own body? Do you speak words over yourself so that your body can thrive? Our words and thoughts have a direct impact on how we view our bodies and our lives. "Your actions will always follow your beliefs. If you accept defeat then that's what you will get". Facing the Giants Links: The MS...
Even though it's been a crazy upside down year, there's been so much to celebrate inside The MS Gym. From member victories to the three year anniversary of The MS Gym, there've been more and more people with MS jumping on the neuroplasticity train and living life by design not by diagnosis. Today, I sat down with Ken Allen, Trevor's right hand man and guiding force within the MS gym to get an inside look at what makes the Gym tick behind the scenes and what changes we have to look forward to in ...
Join us today as we talk with our own Wonder Woman, Kelly O'Connell, as she shares the challenges of balancing work, exercise, and family. Learn more about her: Diagnosis and primary symptoms Daily schedule and how she prioritizes exercise Career and daily work challenges Motivation and her WHY Struggles Inspirational attitude Decision to disclose her disease to her clients Desire to make memories with her family Advice for fellow MS Gym Members Links The MS GYM...
HSCT (hematopoietic stem cell transplant) veterans Brooke Slick and Jodi Feltham sit down for a one-on-one to discuss the differences between having HSCT done in Mexico and in Russia. These facilities are currently two of the most popular HSCT treatment facilities around the world, and due to their similar protocols, they are often the two that are most-compared before making a final decision. In this episode, Jodi and Brooke break down the differences into bite-size pieces that are easy to dige...
As the world continues to adjust to the ever-changing normal it's more important than ever to find connection in a safe community. Today's podcast highlights the many benefits of The MS Gym Coffee Chats, yet another perk of being a member. Two of the Coffee Chat hosts, Deb & Erica, join me today to discuss: How the Coffee Chats came to be How they keep the atmosphere light and positive despite the chaos going on around us The connection forged between members The benefits of Buddy Groups How...
Today's episode is all about wheelchair and accessible travel, but our guest, though an international expert in this field, brings way more to the table than just that. For instance, She's an award-winning accessible travel writer, blogger and photographer, travel agent, author, entrepreneur and disability rights advocate. She's a service disabled US Air Force veteran, full-time wheelchair user, single mother and former Miss wheelchair USA. She's the founder of the award-winning Spin the Globe t...
The Canadian MS Society states that: 77,000 Canadians live with the disease MS can occur at any age, but is most often diagnosed between the ages of 20-49 MS affects individuals during the peak years for education, career and family-building MS is 3 times more likely to affect women than men Today’s guest Melissa Hayes candidly shares her struggles and challenges with: Her Diagnosis at age 23 Starting a new career in the midst of multiple MS symptoms Having multiple relapses at once Worsening of...
I wanted to welcome you all back from summer break and give you a taste of what to expect this upcoming season. If you haven't already heard the announcement, Jodi Feltham, who already plays a huge role in the organization of the MS Gym behind the scenes will be joining me this season as a co-host. To say I'm thrilled would be an understatement. Jodi's episodes will be focusing on member victories, struggles and lifestyle, while my episodes will continue to feature guests related to all things M...
EPISODE NOTES: I recently had the opportunity to be part of a round table discussion that focused on how the medical history of yesterday affects the decisions of black patients in the MS community today. At the table we have neurologist, Dr Mitzi Joi Williams aka, Dr. Mitzi, who was recently part of the MS Gym Summit; MS advocate, Damian Washington, who is also the creator of the popular YouTube vlog No Stress MS; along with MS advocate, blogger and Instagram phenom Jenna Green, creator of the ...
Hi everyone! It's Brooke, and I'm popping on to let you know about an exciting project we've been working on, and, to celebrate the one-year anniversary of our move to an interview format of the podcast. I'm going to share some fun little statistics about the progress we've made and who we're reaching with our content. I'll also be sharing a link to registration to The MS Gym Thrive Summit below. So let's get started! LINKS: Li nk to MS Gym Thrive Summit Registration The MS Gym Brooke Slick...
One of the many advantages to belonging to the MS Gym community is getting to listen to Jodi Feltham's weekly Motivation Monday video on the MS Gym's Facebook page . This week's episode of Motivation Monday was so thought provoking, I knew it was one that our podcast listeners needed to hear. Now, let's put down our crystal balls and let Jodi put things into perspective for you. EPISODE NOTES: -Getting stuck in the "used tos" -If only I had or hadn't -Questioning past treatment choices -Comparin...
In this episode, we'll take a look at the world's response to COVID-19 through the eyes of someone with MS or a chronic illness, plus 15 predictions for life post-COVID. EPISODE NOTES: - MSrs watching the meltdown - Having to think the unthinkable - The lengths you have to go to survive - What once was a given is now a privilege - Watching it all go up in flames - Sacrifices made - Logistical hardships - Dreams on hold - COVID-19 doesn't give a damn - Just another war story - Before and after la...
In this impromptu episode, I'll be sharing information that I've gained regarding the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, and its impact on those who have MS. The Coronavirus is the potentially deadly virus that reportedly surfaced in China in December of 2019 and has now swept the globe in what is now considered pandemic proportions. With this episode, I'm hoping to arm you with information that will quell your fears and help you to safely move forward as we all navigate this hopefully once in...
In this week's episode you'll get an exclusive look at one of the many advantages of being part of the MS Gym Membership Community. It's called Buddy Groups and it may be just what you've been looking for. Before I do that, I want to back this up a little bit and add a little more clarity as to the difference between The MS Gym and the MS Gym Membership Community. First, the MS Gym is the world's largest online provider of FREE neurologically-based exercises and movement methods designed to use ...
In this episode, Trevor is joined by his beloved wife, Misty, who is a fan-favorite in the MS Gym community. Her compassionate insight paired with Trevor's in-depth knowledge of neuroplasticity and how the body can work around the damage MS inflicts makes for a dynamic duo of encouragement, inspiration and mindset molding that will leave you feeling hopeful. If you're ready to tackle your fears and reset the trajectory of your MS path, this episode is for you. EPISODE NOTES: -What it means to pr...
This episode addresses our frustration with able-bodied people not "getting us" and what we could be doing to alleviate the divide with communication and a differently angled perspective. EPISODE NOTES: - MS and social media - Looking for confirmation that you're not the only one - Complaining/venting - One social media MS theme that sticks out - How insensitive able-bodied people can be - They just don't get us - Should they get us? - They don't speak our language - Are they insensitive or are ...
The episode that so many of you have asked for is finally here. It's all about CBD!! This week's guest is Licensed Clinical Social Worker/Integrated Health and Wellness & CBD Consultant, Erica Zachary, and as and added bonus, we have a special guest host, Tracy Pulkrabek. Always wondered what CBD could do for you? What it is and what it isn't? Tune in as Erica and Tracy break it all down into easily digestible bites. EPISODE NOTES: -The controversy -Choosing CBD over traditional drugs -CBD a...
This throwback Thursday episode is the perfect way to kick off your new year, or any day of the year for that matter! I had never heard this motivational speech from Trevor before and, wow, was I blown away. By the end of his speech, I was saying to myself "Yes! Yes! Yes! I can do this!", and you can too. If you're doubting yourself and thinking you can never win against MS, stop what you're doing right now and listen to this episode. It's time to let your rebellious side come out. EPISODE NOTES...
In today's episode, I have the good fortune of talking with Causso Moore of My Struggle is My Strength. He's an Atlanta-based MS activist, motivational speaker and social media powerhouse. Whether you find him on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or his own website, his raw online content where he shares his own struggles and triumphs as well others around the globe, is a go-to resource for inspiration, mindset work and perspective. If you need a kick in ass to get you moving, if you're looking for ...
Another classic Throwback Thursday from Trevor will get you thinking about tomorrow. Whatever it brings, how will you handle it? It could all change overnight. Are you ready?
When the opportunity arose to have today's guest on the podcast, I was more than elated. She's an absolute superstar in the MS space. From her award-winning blog, Tripping on Air, that chronicles her life with MS, to her Instagram presence, to the recent WebMD documentary featuring her, Ardra Shephard is calling bullshit on how society views differently-abled individuals. Her content is overflowing with upfront, often comically deadpan observations about living with MS and, equally as important,...
In this powerful Throwback Thursday episode, Trevor will guide you through putting down your mental weapons of MS destruction and surrendering to a more strategic plan to defeat your challenges. EPISODE NOTES: - Is your "fight" against MS hurting you? - Fighting is demanding - Fighting to maintain who you were - The secret to healing - Are you fighting yourself or your MS? - Fighting to prove your self-worth - Give up, fight or freedom. It's your choice. - MS doesn't disqualify you from being lo...
If you want a quick shot of inspiration as we head into the holidays, be sure to tune into this week's episode where I share off-the-cuff thoughts on mobility devices and the mind games we play that hold us back from participating in life. PLUS, you don't want to miss the challenge at the end! LINKS: The MS Gym Brooke Slick
In this Throwback Thursday classic from Trevor, he asks the question "What is your MS identity?" Now that you have MS, inevitably, your life is going to change. Are you prepared for those changes? Are you going to be able to take the hits and rebound with a win? In this episode, as usual, Trevor brings the fire as he guides you through the ever-winding road of life with MS. EPISODE NOTES: - What's going to change? - Internal pain and external pain - Loss of control - Feeling cast out - Relations...
In this episode, Binty, a former pharmacist and mother of two, describes her long road to diagnosis, her discovery of The MS Gym and the subsequent victories that are helping her continue to thrive despite physical setbacks. EPISODE NOTES: - The long road to an MS diagnosis and the clear path to The MS Gym - Trekking poles, AFOs and assistive devices - The symptoms that affect her most - Which MS Gym movement plans she relies on for relief - Use it or lose it - Visible victories - Cooking is a l...
This week, we're sharing an epic throwback episode from Coach T where he gives advice on how to navigate the stress, overwhelm and oftentimes obligation we feel during the holiday season. I just listened to the whole episode myself and I've got to say, much like a favorite holiday recipe, it's one part pep talk. two parts straight talk, with a heaping spoonful of motivation and compassion mixed in. Let the festivities begin! Episode Notes: Internal stress and external stress The two camps of pro...
EPISODE NOTES: The evolution of the amount of care required over time Failing drugs, failing health When doctors don't acknowledge caregiver input Preserving the patient's dignity Being a spouse and a carer The price a carer can pay if they don't tend to their own healthcare needs Never underestimate how stress can affect a caregiver's wellbeing You can't care for the patient if you don't care for yourself Home modifications to make life easier for the patient and the caregiver When your home fe...
Depression is one of the most common symptoms of a chronic illness. One half of the MS population will be faced with depression at some point in their journey with the disease. This episode's goal is to shed light on depression, not only for the patient, but for the family, friends and loved ones who care for them. EPISODE NOTES: - The definition of depression - How to differentiate between sadness and depression - What signs to look for - A testimonial on depression from Tracy Pulkrabek - When ...
Social security disability. It's a benefit we hope we never have to claim, and one so many of us hesitate to apply for. You may be saying things to yourself like... Will I be able to afford to quit my job if I go on social security disability? Will people think I'm giving up, looking for a free ride, or that I no longer have any value? Am I disabled enough to qualify? Even if I do decide to apply, I have no idea where to start. In this episode I'll be talking one-on-one with Pittsburgh-based Att...
