Uncommon Lungs: Perspectives From the CF Community

Yogi, mother, and island-dweller Chelsea leads a beginner-friendly meditation to support breath awareness and connection. This practice is designed to meet you wherever you are in your day.

Chelsea believes CF is part of her family’s story, not the whole story. She shares how she and her husband are raising their two sons with openness, resilience, and compassion, while creating a home where love, understanding, and everyday life take center stage.

Chelsea shares what it’s like to build a life she loves in St. Thomas while living with CF. From embracing the beauty of island life to planning ahead with her mainland care team and advocating for her needs, she offers an honest look at balancing adventure with preparation. 

Kristina thought she had the answers, until a diagnosis at 40 brought more questions to the surface. What began as a search for clarity around persistent symptoms became a turning point that redefined her health and her place in the world. In this episode, Kristina shares what it was like to receive a cystic fibrosis (CF) diagnosis as an adult, how grief and gratitude shaped her first years post-d...

Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at 18, Ivan brings a powerful story of resilience, identity, and transformation. In this episode, Ivan opens up about the emotional and physical challenges of navigating CF in early adulthood and the discipline it took to reclaim his health and mindset. Now studying exercise science and working in tech sales, he channels his passion for fitness, family, and advocacy...

Maggie, a proud member of the Latino community and business owner, opens up about her experience as a caregiver to her adult daughter with CF. Balancing the demands of caregiving with her love of cooking, family traditions, and entrepreneurship, Maggie shares how her cultural roots and resilience help her navigate life's toughest transitions.

Raising a little one with cystic fibrosis (CF) is complicated. Carissa gets vulnerable about how she copes through the hardships of caregiving, revels in the joys of being a mother to a child with CF, and makes space for both things to be true at once.

Tune in for a bonus episode with Carissa! She's back, and this time, she's diving even deeper into very relatable topics about caregiving for a loved one with CF. This time, she’ll cover vulnerability, navigating your child’s dating and love life, and tackling negative self-talk as a caregiver.

Find a quiet space and follow along with this relaxing mindfulness meditation led by yoga teacher, Katie Malik.

Get to know opera singer, yoga teacher, community leader, and entrepreneur Katie as she explains the unique experiences that led her to where she is today and shares how she incorporates mindfulness and joy into her routine on a daily basis.

From leaving Guatemala with her family in search of crucial CF care to getting her masters and becoming a bilingual speech-language pathologist, Maria shares how her positive outlook and strong support system helped her stay true to herself every step of the way.

Reminisce on highlights from previous podcast episodes and get some hints about future episode topics with host, Julia Rae.

Caregiver, Magen, gets real about the financial challenges she has faced as a parent of twins with CF and social worker, Amanda, gives advice about making difficult life decisions and finding financial assistance.

Belle talks through her relationship with her body and how her experience as a student athlete has affected that relationship. Dietitian, Molly, provides a few methods for listening to your body and making sure it’s getting the nutrition it needs.

A conversation between Julia Rae & Tara.

A conversation between Julia Rae & Grace.

A conversation between Julia Rae, Jen, & Michael.