Living Chronic

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz speaks with actress Siana Smith, who shares her journey living with multiple sclerosis (MS). They discuss the challenges of getting a diagnosis, the importance of community support, navigating work with a chronic illness, and the lifestyle changes that have helped Shana manage her health. They also touch on the role of therapy, men...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz speaks with Vanessa Abram, author of 'Speechless' and a chronic illness warrior. They discuss Vanessa's traumatic journey from being a speech therapist to becoming a patient who lost her ability to speak. The conversation delves into the profound impact of medical trauma, the struggles of recovery, and the misunderst...

Send us Fan Mail Last Friday, Living Chronic hit the streets of Washington, DC to cover the Unite for Veterans Rally — a powerful gathering calling attention to the needs of veterans living with chronic illness, disability, and trauma. In this special episode, Brandy shares personal reflections from the rally, interviews with advocates, and powerful moments from the march. It’s a raw, moving look...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz speaks with attorney Gary Martoccio about the intersection of employment law and disability rights. They discuss the importance of disclosing disabilities, navigating workplace accommodations, and the impact of remote work on disabled employees. The conversation also addresses the challenges of resume gaps for those with chronic il...

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Brandy Schantz speaks with Amy McClelland, a breast cancer survivor and tech leader, about her journey navigating the job market after her diagnosis. They discuss the challenges faced by individuals with chronic illnesses, the importance of sharing experiences, and the unique strengths that chronically ill employees bring to the workforce. Amy shares her insi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz speaks with Mamello, a lupus patient and advocate from South Africa. They discuss the challenging journey to diagnosis, the importance of self-advocacy, and the role of support networks in managing chronic illness. Mamello shares her experiences with lupus, the misconceptions surrounding chronic illness, and her efforts to raise aw...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz speaks with Matt Reed about his journey with Crohn's disease, the challenges of navigating work while managing a chronic illness, and the importance of mentorship and support systems for those living with chronic conditions. They discuss the need for greater awareness and understanding of invisible illnesses, the difficulties...

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Brandy Schantz interviews Dr. Frederick Schiffer, a psychiatrist and author, about his work in dual brain psychology. They discuss the concept of dual brain psychology, which posits that each hemisphere of the brain can support a separate mind, and how trauma can affect mental health. Dr. Schiffer explains his treatment techniques, including visual stimulatio...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz speaks with Suzy Burnett, a mother and advocate living with Crohn's disease and drug-induced lupus. They discuss Susie's journey with her illness, the therapeutic power of writing, the importance of community and advocacy, and the challenges faced in navigating the healthcare system. The conversation highlights the need f...

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Brandy Schantz and Dr. Robert C. Smith discuss the ongoing crisis in mental health care, emphasizing the role of primary care physicians in addressing mental health issues. They explore the lack of training in medical education regarding mental health, the importance of empathy and communication in healthcare, and the need for a cultural shift within the medi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz and Heather Boughey discuss their challenging experiences with chronic illnesses, particularly Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. They share personal stories about navigating the complexities of medication management, the impact of these conditions on mental health, and the importance of support systems. The conversatio...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz interviews Jeremy Tammone, a veteran who shares his harrowing experience of being shot and the profound impact it has had on his life. Jeremy recounts the night of the incident, his miraculous survival against the odds, and the significant changes he has faced since then. The conversation delves into themes of resilience, grief, an...

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Brandy Schantz and Professor Brian Lowry explore the intersection of achievement and meaning, particularly in the context of chronic illness and identity. They discuss how personal experiences shape our understanding of self and the importance of community and inclusion in navigating life's challenges. The dialogue emphasizes the need for individuals to...

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Brandy Schantz and Natalie Hayden discuss their advocacy work with the Crohn's Colitis Foundation, sharing personal experiences and the importance of community support. They emphasize the significance of knowledge and education for patients with IBD, highlighting the ongoing research and resources available through the foundation. The discussion also tou...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz interviews N'Jadika Olatunde, an expert in reflexology and holistic healing. They discuss the significance of reflexology, the role of the nervous system in health, and the connection between gut health and overall well-being. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preventive health, the need to reconnect with one'...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz speaks with Ashley Hurst, a registered dietitian specializing in Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. They discuss the importance of nutrition in managing IBD, the emotional challenges faced by patients, and the need for better support and understanding within the healthcare system. Ashley shares her personal journey with IBD and h...

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Brandy Schantz and Beth Biss discuss the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, particularly in relation to conditions like POTS and dysautonomia. They explore the role of social media in raising awareness and facilitating diagnoses, the importance of support groups, and the interconnectedness of body systems. The discussion also highlights the value...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz speaks with Laura Packard, founder of Health Care Voices and a cancer survivor, about the importance of healthcare advocacy. They discuss the challenges faced by patients navigating the healthcare system, the impact of the Affordable Care Act, and the need for education and resources for individuals dealing with chronic illnesses....

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Brandy Schantz interviews John Register, a Paralympic silver medalist and motivational speaker, about his journey from a world-class athlete to overcoming the challenges of disability. They discuss the dual nature of inspiration, the importance of employment for disabled individuals, and how resilience can lead to success. John shares insights from his new bo...

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Brandy Schantz speaks with Dr. Keith Ellis about his research on long COVID, particularly focusing on the microclots hypothesis. They discuss the challenges faced by patients, the lack of clear diagnostic criteria, and the frustrations with the healthcare system. Dr. Ellis emphasizes the need for more focused research and the development of therapeutics to ad...

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Brandy Schantz and Dr. Kirk Adams discuss the importance of disability inclusion in the workforce. They explore the untapped potential of individuals with disabilities, the transformative impact of inclusive hiring practices on corporate culture, and the success stories of companies that have embraced diversity. Dr. Adams shares insights on the challenges fac...

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Brandy Schantz and Anna Knight explore the shared experiences of individuals living with chronic illnesses, emphasizing the global nature of these challenges. They discuss the rise of dysautonomia and the importance of awareness, the grieving process associated with chronic illness, and the power of patient-led movements. The conversation highlights the need...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz speaks with Dr. Tara Palumbo, a seasoned medical professional who now navigates the complexities of healthcare as a patient. They discuss the evolution of healthcare over the past three decades, the challenges of accessing care, especially in rural areas, and the burden of medical debt. They also touch on the impact of environmenta...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz discusses her personal journey with chronic illness and the importance of vocational rehabilitation services. She shares her struggles with Crohn's disease and other health issues, emphasizing the need for support systems to help disabled and chronically ill individuals remain in the workforce. Brandi advocates for better awar...

Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Brandy Schantz speaks with Emma Polette about her journey with chronic illness and her focus on healing. They discuss the importance of practicing Ahimsa, the philosophy of yoga, and the need for self-compassion. Emma shares her experience with endometriosis and the benefits of attending a pelvic pain clinic. They also touch on the significance of rest and th...