Narcolepsy Navigators Podcast

Leave a review! Trigger Content Notice:   This episode discusses psychedelics, substance use, religious/spiritual themes, and past trauma. Listener discretion advised. Leave a review! In this powerful and vulnerable episode of Narcolepsy Navigators , we sit down with Alexander , a 28-year-old from Pennsylvania who shares one of the most unique and spiritually profound narcolepsy journeys we’ve hea...

Leave a review! In this episode of NAR Lipsey Navigators, hosted by Kerly and Liz, the spotlight is on Tara, a 27-year-old woman from Maine who has been living with narcolepsy type 1. Tara shares her story, from being misdiagnosed with ADHD and ODD as a child to finally receiving the correct diagnosis at 22. She discusses her struggles with maintaining jobs, her journey through various treatments,...

Leave a review! In this heartfelt episode of Narcolepsy Navigators , Gabrielle and Paul share their family’s journey of raising a child with Kleine Levin Syndrome (KLS) , also known as “Sleeping Beauty Syndrome.” Speaking openly about the uncertainty, the emotional toll, and the small victories, they offer listeners an inside look at how KLS impacts their son’s daily life — from sleeping 16–20 hou...

Leave a review! In this episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, hosted by Kerry Bwoga, the founder of Naps for Life, CIC, we sit down with 11-year-old Lucas and his mother Kathy from Toronto, Canada. Lucas shares his experiences living with Type 1 narcolepsy, detailing his daily struggles with sleepiness, cataplexy, and how he manages to stay active. Kathy provides insights into the challenges of naviga...

Leave a review! In this episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, hosts Kerly Bwoga and Liz are joined by Josephine Niipinge from Namibia, who shares her experience of living with narcolepsy with cataplexy. Diagnosed at the young age of 13, Josephine discusses the challenges she faced due to perceptions of witchcraft and lack of awareness about her condition in her community. She talks about her struggle...

Leave a review! This week on Narcolepsy Navigators , Kerly sits down with Fred to explore what it truly means to live with narcolepsy while navigating identity, stigma, and self-acceptance. Fred opens up about the diagnosis journey, the challenges of being misunderstood, and how to balance vulnerability with strength. From redefining what “disabled” means to them personally, to highlighting the im...

Leave a review! In this inspiring episode of Narcolepsy Navigators , we sit down with Soheila, a 22-year-old from the north of France, to explore what it’s like growing up with narcolepsy. Diagnosed after years of symptoms and medical misunderstandings, Soheila shares her journey from confusion and isolation to self-acceptance and advocacy. She opens up about navigating school, work, and friendshi...

Leave a review! When Gina’s six-year-old son began showing unusual sleepiness, tantrums, and sudden collapses, she never imagined it would lead to a diagnosis of narcolepsy with cataplexy. In this heartfelt and insightful conversation, Gina shares the highs and lows of navigating a rare sleep disorder as a parent and caregiver. From the emotional rollercoaster of seeking answers to the relief of f...

Leave a review! What if managing a condition could open new doors and redefine your career path? Meet Hugh, a talented video technologist from Plymouth, UK who has navigated the unpredictable waters of narcolepsy while making waves in the live entertainment industry. From working on big rock concerts to contributing to cutting-edge virtual productions like “The Mandalorian,” Hugh shares his unique...

Leave a review! In this eye-opening episode, we meet Rebecca from North Carolina, who shares her deeply personal and powerful experience living with narcolepsy type 1, cataplexy, ADHD, and a rare condition called gluten ataxia. From the moment she describes sleep attacks hitting like an unstoppable sneeze to navigating misunderstood conditions while holding down jobs, attending interviews, and try...

Leave a review! In this heartfelt episode of Narcolepsy Navigators , Kerly sits down with Lisa Isaac, an inspiring woman living with narcolepsy type 1 and cataplexy in New Zealand. From her days as a sporty teenager needing frequent naps, to being misdiagnosed with epilepsy, Lisa shares her winding journey to an accurate diagnosis — and how she finally found community and support. Lisa opens up ab...

Leave a review! In this episode of Narcolepsy Navigators , we meet the radiant and resilient Taya Austin , a federal employee, nonprofit leader, and auntie-turned-parent, living with Idiopathic Hypersomnia (IH) . After years of being dismissed, misdiagnosed, and told to “just sleep better,” Taya finally received her diagnosis two years ago. From childhood naps and overwhelming exhaustion in colleg...

Leave a review! In this raw and deeply moving episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, we meet Meg—a 36-year-old adoptee, student, and mental health advocate navigating life with narcolepsy type 1, CBID, Behçet’s syndrome, and bipolar disorder. Meg shares the emotional rollercoaster that led to her diagnosis after a devastating car crash, including the haunting vivid dreams, overwhelming fatigue, and mis...

Leave a review! 🎙️ Ever dropped mid-conversation and had to explain it wasn’t drugs? In this deeply personal and unexpectedly hilarious episode of Narcolepsy Navigators , we sit down with Cristina , the creator of Gourmet Recovery , to explore how she navigates life with Narcolepsy Type 1 , cataplexy, and a solid sense of humor. Cristina opens up about the frustrating path to diagnosis, being dism...

Leave a review! What happens when exhaustion is brushed off as “just stress” or “just pregnancy”? In this moving episode of Narcolepsy Navigators , Emma Cooksey—host, author, and now Sleep Apnea Program Manager at Project Sleep—shares her long, harrowing journey with undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). After years of misdiagnosis, Emma’s wake-up call came behind the wheel—when she fell asle...

Leave a review! In this unmissable Season 3 premiere of Narcolepsy Navigators, we curl up for a heartfelt and hilarious deep dive with comedian and podcaster Sarah Albritton, who opens up about living with narcolepsy type 1 and cataplexy—plus a rare twist: sexsomnia. From being misdiagnosed as a teenager in Kentucky to becoming an advocate on stage and behind the mic, Sarah’s journey is one of res...

Leave a review! Summary ️ What if it took a decade to get answers? In this episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, we sit down with Jacquie , a 25-year-old scientist from Texas, to discuss her journey with Idiopathic Hypersomnia (IH) —a sleep disorder that took 10 years to diagnose . From struggling through high school exhaustion to navigating university, lab work, and daily life , Jacquie shares how sh...

Leave a review! Summary What does it mean to truly thrive with narcolepsy? In this powerful episode of Narcolepsy Navigators , we sit down with Dawn Super , a passionate advocate who has lived with Narcolepsy Type 1 for over 40 years. From childhood isolation to self-acceptance , Dawn takes us through the challenges of growing up misunderstood, learning to manage symptoms, and the mental health st...

Leave a review! Summary ️ What if the world saw narcolepsy for what it truly is? Meet Tre Burge, an educator, designer, and fierce narcolepsy advocate, as he takes us through his journey of living with Narcolepsy Type 1. Diagnosed at 18, Tre quickly realized the lack of awareness, representation, and resources surrounding sleep disorders—especially in Black and Brown communities. In this episode,...

Leave a review! In this inspiring episode of Narcolepsy Navigators , we meet Jamie Nicole , a certified Holistic Health Coach, Autoimmune Strategist, and unstoppable advocate. Diagnosed with narcolepsy type 2 at 39, Jamie shares her journey of battling years of exhaustion, misdiagnoses, and systemic barriers—all while juggling life as a student, mother, and professional. Jamie dives deep into her...

Leave a review! London’s rush never stops—but for Imaarl Duprey, time did. At 18, what should have been a typical New Year’s Eve turned into the beginning of a mystery illness that would steal weeks, even months, of her life at a time. Diagnosed with Kleine-Levin Syndrome (KLS), or Sleeping Beauty Syndrome, Imaarl found herself trapped in a cycle of disbelief, misdiagnosis, and isolation, waking u...

Leave a review! In this episode, we are joined by Chloe, who shares her compelling journey of balancing narcolepsy type 1 and obstructive sleep apnea while pursuing a career in optometry. From the thrill of quad biking to the challenges of everyday tasks like getting a haircut, this episode uncovers the rollercoaster ride of managing sleep disorders. From the comical to the challenging, we explore...

Leave a review! Summary Glenn takes us through his remarkable journey to a proper diagnosis of narcolepsy type 2 after 20 long years, sharing how his life and career in local government have been influenced by his symptoms and the critical importance of workplace understanding and accommodation. The episode sheds light on many struggles faced by those with undiagnosed narcolepsy, like Glenn, whose...

Leave a review! Summary In this episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, Rachel Nesmith, also known as Sleepy American, shares her personal journey with narcolepsy, the challenges of motherhood, and how she uses music as a platform for advocacy. Rachel discusses her diagnosis, the impact of narcolepsy on her life and family, and the importance of community support. She emphasizes the need to change publi...

Leave a review! Years ago, Hayley Wall made the bold decision to transition from a demanding hospital role to a flexible occupational therapy position in pediatric home health. This change not only suited her professional skills but also provided the adaptability needed to manage her idiopathic hypersomnia (IH). In this episode, Hayley opens up about how this career shift has empowered her to effe...