Narcolepsy Navigators Podcast

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...

Leave a review! Rahmat Farina's journey with narcolepsy began at the age of 20, and it has been marked by resilience and introspection. Imagine trying to maintain your education and daily life while being suddenly overtaken by sleep attacks and sleep paralysis—this was Rahmat's reality. His initial struggles were compounded by disbelief from his family, but understanding grew as his cond...

Leave a review! Hello Everyone, We are so excited to be back for Season 2 of Narcolepsy Navigators Podcasts. Here is a brief announcement thanking all of our wonderful listeners from around the world. Welcome To Season 2. We look forward to hearing  your stories.  Follow and support Narcolepsy Navigators: Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/narcolepsynavigatorspodcast/   Facebook : https://www.f...

Leave a review! In this compelling episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, we meet Angela, an inspiring artist living with narcolepsy and cataplexy. Through her candid storytelling, Angela reveals how creativity and support systems have become her sanctuary amidst the challenges of living with unpredictable sleep disorders. What You’ll Learn: How Angela uses bead art as a therapeutic escape from medical...

Leave a review! Welcome back to Narcolepsy Navigators for an eye-opening Season Two episode that dives into Tamby's journey with narcolepsy. In this heartfelt conversation, Tamby shares the raw reality of living with a misunderstood condition, navigating cultural misconceptions, and dealing with a whirlwind of challenges, from hallucinations to unexpected cataplexy attacks. She recounts memor...

Leave a review! Imagine being the youngest person ever diagnosed with narcolepsy at just three years old. Today, we're honoured to share the extraordinary journey of Mathilda, who has spent her life battling and thriving despite this complex condition. Joined by our Marketing Manager Iris, also living with narcolepsy type 1, we dive into Mathilda's world—from her early diagnosis to the r...

Leave a review! Join us on this heartwarming episode of Narcolepsy Navigators as we welcome our special guests Laura, an experienced animal foster parent from Illinois, and her narcoleptic dog, Toast.  From being a breeder dump to becoming a beloved family member, Laura's journey is filled with challenges, adaptations, and the joy of raising a special needs pet. Laura recounts her initial str...

Leave a review! Experience the raw and transformative journey of Sara Duncan, a courageous 29-year-old from Oregon, as she navigates the complexities of life with narcolepsy. From her pre-med college days filled with relentless fatigue to the frustrating misdiagnoses that dismissed her symptoms as mere anxiety and depression, Sarah's story highlights the often-overlooked struggles of those li...

Leave a review! Can navigating life with narcolepsy impact your mental health and career? Join us on Narcolepsy Navigators as we explore these pressing questions with our special guest, Christine from Northern Ireland. You'll hear firsthand about her journey with narcolepsy type 1 and cataplexy, and how symptoms manifest uniquely in her jaw. We share our personal struggles with exhaustion and...