FSHD Straight Talk with Tim Hollenback

You might have heard the exciting news: an undergraduate research team led by Heloise Hoffmann received $50,000 to fund their research into a novel treatment for FSHD. Join Tim for a conversation with Heloise, who lives with FSHD, and Alice as they discuss their unique approach, the varying pace of research, and their nearly two year process to design and fund their project. From patient-focused i...

Join Tim for a conversation with Tatiana Garcia, a college student in California. Tim & Tatiana talk misdiagnosis, the importance of family and community support, everyday adaptations, and how to become a fierce advocate for yourself and others. Want to be on the podcast? Reach out like Tatiana did on social media or send Tim an email at FSHDRadio@FSHDSOciety.org .   No one knows the experienc...

Join Tim for a conversation with Erin Saxon, Marketing Director, about a new look for the FSHD Society. From the empathy and intention behind brand colors to more cohesive messaging, Tim and Erin cover the full gamut of the process undertaken to rebrand the FSHD Society. Tune in for a look at how the Society will power the path forward. No one knows the experience of living with FSHD better than t...

In this rare solo episode, hear host Tim Hollenback’s FSHD story and his personal philosophy on coaching. Adapted from his 2025 VLS story, don’t miss this opportunity to learn about Tim, the history of the podcast, and how an FSHD diagnosis can spur anyone into action.  No one knows the experience of living with FSHD better than those who have it. FSHD Straight Talk features stories of life with t...

This week, Johnny Quintana joins host Tim Hollenback for a conversation about athleticism & perseverance. At the beginning of March 2025, Johnny placed 4th in the US ParaClimbing National Championship, a win allowing him to compete internationally as he works towards a spot on the 2028 USA Paralympic Team. When doctors told Johnny that FSHD would end his career as an athlete, he rose to the ch...

Please note: This episode contains discussions of sensitive topics including death, diagnosis, and suicide. Listen with care. This week, join host Tim Hollenback for an interview with Jim Chin, Board Chair. In addition to caring for a wife and son who lived with FSHD, Jim has served on the Board of Directors for 18 years. Knowledgeable about the history of the Society and every aspect of our work,...

This week, Gregg Lichtenstein, leader of the FSHD Wellness Hour online group, joins host Tim Hollenback for a conversation about creating and maintaining care networks. Don’t miss their candid conversation about the power of community—sometimes you need to talk to someone who understands how difficult it is to get up from a chair, or the toilet. As Gregg says in the episode, everyone has strengths...

Join host Tim Hollenback for a humorous, insightful conversation with Nia Stivers. Passionate, vulnerable, and honest, Nia shares stories about growing up and going through college with FSHD, watching her mother’s progression, finding faith, and teaching her students to see and embrace difference. Small and large moments of compassion from her community have shaped Nia’s life and influenced her pa...

Join host Tim Hollenback for a heartfelt and honest conversation with returning guest, Dr. Jennifer Egert. A licensed clinical psychologist living with FSHD, Egert guides Tim through her own reflections on decreased mobility, clinical trial participation, connection with others, and the importance of quieting the world around us so we can think and breathe. Winter encourages us to hibernate and re...

Grab your coffee, a pen, and a notebook and curl up for a masterclass in FSHD Research and developments with Dr. Lucienne Ronco. In the first FSHD Straight Talk episode of 2025, host Tim Hollenback talks everything FSHD research with the new Chief Science Officer of the FSHD Society. Dr. Ronco discusses: her work designing clinical trials at Fulcrum; initial insights from and plans for the Fulcrum...

You’ve seen the social media posts and heard the ads, now join us for a deep dive into BetterLife FSHD. This week, Tim is joined by Amy Bekier, BetterLife FSHD Focus Group Member, and Kayleigh Worek, BetterLife Program Manager. Together, they discuss: ––How BetterLife uses surveys to collect comprehensive data from platform users ––How survey data can match users with clinical trials/research oppo...

Today’s special episode spotlights two gifted musicians whose artistry inspires gratitude and reflection. Gracie Caggiano, a Kansas City-based singer-songwriter, shares her unique approach to crafting soulful, poetic music that blends intricate guitar work with heartfelt lyrics. Ben Livingston, a multi-talented Austin artist, talks about his eclectic sound, his love for collaboration, and how musi...

“There was a time when those of us with FSHD might not have known anyone with FSHD outside of our families.” Nearly 30 years after his diagnosis, Don Burke drove around the US and Canada for 93 days, including a stop at the 2024 FSHD Connect Conference in Denver. Join us for a heartwarming episode featuring Don as he shares stories and insights from his most recent trip and years of previous adven...

In this illuminating roundtable, Tim talks with Ally Roets, Debbie Eggleston, and Kristin Zwickau, the passionate moms leading the Early Onset Chapter. In addition to discussing how differently FSHD progresses in kids versus adults, Ally, Debbie, and Kristin touch on their past and upcoming advocacy efforts, the importance of changing clinical trial designs, and parenting in rare disease spaces. W...

Join host Tim Hollenback for a phenomenal conversation with Michael King, the new Chapter Director for North Carolina. A go-getter by nature, Michael went from advocating for his health and a diagnosis to experiencing life after diagnosis to his fullest potential. In addition to attending Connect 2024, Michael spearheaded the North Carolina Walk & Roll and helped his F3 friends raise funds thr...

Happy International Walk & Roll Day! 🎉 In today’s special episode of FSHD Straight Talk, Tim interviews amazing Walk & Roll leaders to celebrate. Tune in as Mary Mauch and Suzy Kosten from Chicago, Ann Kolakowski from the Mid-Atlantic region, and Michael King from North Carolina share their stories and motivations for leading Walk & Rolls. Watch the episode on Facebook or YouTube for...

Join host Tim Hollenback and guest Brittany Lauro for this honest conversation about love, relationships, and FSHD. A Team Captain and volunteer for the Sacramento Walk & Roll, Brittany is a world traveler who turned to photography as FSHD affected her ability to walk and hike. In addition to discussing the importance of spousal support, Brittany shares humorous anecdotes from married life inc...

In this episode, host Tim Hollenback talks with Dan Wilson, a retired respiratory therapist and NASCAR enthusiast. In addition to discussing resources for home safety and building support networks to help with FSHD’s relentless progression, Dan discusses his hope to build an FSHD community in the Indianapolis area. FSHers of Indiana, if you’re listening, reach out! On the second and fourth Tuesday...

Meet Mary Beth McCabe, the passionate Captain of Team McCabe and the NJ Shore Walk & Roll Leader. As host Tim Hollenback drums up support for the 2024 Walk & Roll season, hear how Mary Beth got involved and learned to host a successful fundraiser. Mary Beth is a hoot, a holler, and a half. Don’t miss this fun and informative episode. On the second and fourth Tuesday of every month, listen...

 Rob Stemple, musician and writer, joins host Tim Hollenback for a candid conversation about FSHD and family. In this episode, Tim and Rob discuss the importance of family support, home and other accommodations, and how using writing, music, and other art forms can create a powerful form of emotional release. Tune in to hear all about Rob's long history as a musician, from his start in polka bands...

In this episode of FSHD Straight Talk, host Tim Hollenback talks with George Pollock, longtime member of the FSHD Society Board of Directors and a powerful advocate FSHD treatments. Join Tim and George for a conversation about the healing power of movement and to hear more about George’s passion for endurance athletics and upcoming participation in the Triple Bypass Race . As George said during hi...

In this episode of FSHD Straight Talk, Tim interviews Chris Carrino, the play-by-play announcer for the Brooklyn Nets and founder of the Chris Carrino Foundation for FSHD! Chris talks about his career starting as a part-time producer to becoming a prominent voice in sports broadcasting. He also discusses life with FSHD and advocacy work, including a recent trip to Capitol Hill. This is a slam dunk...

It’s World FSHD Day! To celebrate today, Tim Hollenback, FSHD Straight Talk host, talks with: Ricardo Gerpe from FSHD Spain; Chelsea Moeller from the FSHD Society; Rick & Terry Colella from Friends of FSH Research; Jennifer Cherniwchan or the Alberta Chapter; and Chris Carrino, announcer for the Brooklyn Nets and founder of the Chris Carrino Foundation for FSHD.  For more information about Wor...

 In this episode of FSHD Straight Talk, Tim speaks with Wang Wen, a passionate advocate and prolific storyteller living in China. Following his long road to diagnosis, Wang has sprung into action leading support groups, creating educational documentaries, and using his social media platforms to raise awareness about FSHD. In 2025, Wang even hopes to write a book collecting stories from Chinese FSH...

When a busy schedule, family needs, and chronic pain limit your bandwidth, committing to regular exercise and healthy eating can be hard. In this episode of FSHD Straight Talk, host Tim Hollenback and his guest discuss their exercise routines, building strength through consistency, and the importance of committing to your health. For his guest, regular exercise, healthy eating, mindfulness, and an...