Chronically Planned: Faith, Planning and Healing With Chronic Illness

Embracing the Dance in Functional Medicine with Tiffany Kaloustian In this episode of the Lupus Speaks Podcast , host Shedrica Shant’e sits down with Tiffany Kaloustian , a functional and integrative health practitioner , to discuss her transformational healing journey with lupus . After years of being dismissed by doctors, Tiffany took her health into her own hands—turning to functional medicine,...

In this insightful episode of the Lupus Speaks Podcast , we welcome Shamekka Marty , a dedicated advocate, mom, and lupus warrior. Shamekka shares her powerful journey from being a caregiver for her mother with lupus to receiving her own lupus diagnosis at 30. Her experiences have fueled her passion for patient advocacy, healthcare reform, and data privacy within the chronic illness community. Sha...

Whew! January had me in a CHOKEHOLD, y’all. Between the snow, my kids being sick, and my body acting up, I had to remind myself—rest is productive too. If you’re already feeling like you’re behind this year, let me tell you right now: you are NOT behind. We’re moving at our own pace, and that’s okay. 💜 In this episode, I’m giving you a real-life check-in—the highs, the challenges, and how we’re k...

Breaking Free from People-Pleasing In this powerful episode of the Lupus Speaks Podcast , I’m sharing something deeply personal from my therapy journey: how people-pleasing behaviors can stem from trauma responses and the emotional toll it takes—especially for those of us living with chronic illness like lupus. As Lupus Warriors , we often find ourselves caught between prioritizing our health and...

Hey, Lupie Boss! 🌸 In today’s episode, we’re diving into something that can completely shift the way you manage your lupus and chase your personal and professional goals: Mindset . Whether you’re managing your health, running a business, or simply navigating everyday life with lupus, your mindset is the foundation of it all. In this episode, I share my own journey of shifting from a victim mental...

Episode Title: Finding Your Tribe in 2025: Building Community and Setting Boundaries Show Notes In today’s episode of Lupus Speaks , Shedrica Shant’e dives deep into the transformative power of community and connection in the new year. The holidays have passed, and as we embrace the fresh start of 2025, it’s time to reflect on the importance of surrounding ourselves with the right people who uplif...

In this episode of Lupus Speaks, Shedrica Shant’e reflects on her podcasting journey, sharing why she started, the tools that have supported her, and the importance of consistency and planning. As she prepares for a well-deserved break, Shedrica highlights the power of community and offers words of encouragement for aspiring podcasters: start with what you have, stay true to your vision, and take...

Plan with Purpose: Reflecting on 2024 and Setting Intentions for 2025 In this episode of Lupus Speaks , Shedrica Shant’e dives into the art of planning with intention. As the year comes to a close, she reflects on how planning has been a cornerstone in managing life with lupus, balancing motherhood, and building a business. Shedrica shares the tools and methods she uses—both paper and digital—that...

Episode Description: "Navigating the Holidays with Lupus: Reflection, Support, and Self-Care" The holiday season is here, and while it’s a time of joy, it can also feel overwhelming—especially for lupus warriors and those managing chronic illnesses. In this episode, we dive into how to navigate this reflective season with intention, self-care, and grace. Here’s what you’ll take away: The importanc...

Episode Summary: Faith Over Lupus: Navigating Resilience, Community, and Purpose with Tommia B In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Tommia B, the visionary behind The Brave Ball Lupus Gala and founder of The Brave Inc. Diagnosed with lupus at just 19, Tommia shares how her faith, resilience, and passion for community have shaped her journey. We discuss the challenges of living with lupus, th...

In this episode of the Lupus Speaks Podcast , Shedrica Shant’e sits down with Kim Peacock to hear her powerful story of resilience while living with lupus and navigating multiple health challenges. Kim opens up about her recent battles with chronic illness, including hospitalizations and surgeries, and shares how she’s learned to advocate for herself in the face of complex medical diagnoses. This...

Lupus Speaks Rewind: My Diagnosis Story 🎙️ In this special episode, I sit down with my sister to share my lupus diagnosis journey and the experiences that shaped who I am today. Many of you have asked about my story, so I thought it was the perfect time to revisit this heartfelt conversation. We discuss the challenges, the lessons learned, and how I’ve navigated life with lupus while balancing my...

In this episode of the Lupus Speaks Podcast, host Shedrica Shant’e speaks with Jodie Young, who shares her 30-year journey with lupus, from her initial symptoms to her eventual diagnosis. Jodie discusses the challenges she faced growing up with the disease, including severe pain and fatigue, and how she learned to manage her health over the years. The conversation also delves into the importance o...

In this solo episode with Shedrica, we’re talking about the common wellness tips we know can help us manage lupus, but many of us tend to skip. Whether it's journaling our thoughts and emotions, getting outdoors, eating clean, or sticking to routines, these tips may seem simple, but they’re powerful tools in taking control of our health. We’ll dive into how these wellness practices can impact our...

Ever wish you had a personal coach helping you balance your health and business? With AI, you can! In this episode, we’ll show you how AI can act as your personal guide, helping you set boundaries, stay organized, and prioritize your health while still crushing your business goals. From automated scheduling to task management, learn how AI can make balance feel less like a dream and more like a re...

Manifesting Your Dream Life with AI: Practical Steps for Lupus Warriors In this SOLO transformative episode, we dive deep into how AI can help you turn your dreams into reality, even while navigating the challenges of lupus. Discover actionable steps to design your dream life with the support of powerful AI tools. From simplifying daily tasks to boosting productivity, this episode offers insight i...

In this episode, we delve into the synergy of mind, body, and business through AI and chakra affirmations. Discover how to identify blocked chakras with a daily self-check and explore powerful affirmations for each chakra that enhance focus, creativity, and balance. We’ll also discuss strategies to harmonize chakra work with your business goals, especially while navigating lupus. Let’s tap into ou...

Welcome to a special audio newsletter, Lupus Warriors! As we prepare for the launch of Season 3, I wanted to drop in with a quick update. October marks a special time for me, celebrating 16 years of my lupus journey, and this season is packed with episodes that honor both the highs and the challenges we face. I’ll also be sharing tips for balancing business while taking care of your health and inv...

n this conversation, Shedrica Shant’e interviews Semi Watson about her journey with lupus. Semi shares her experience of being diagnosed with lupus in 2013 and the challenges she faced, including fluid buildup around her heart and lungs. She discusses her treatment plans, including taking control of her own health and advocating for herself. Semi also talks about the importance of setting boundari...

In this episode of the Lupus Speaks podcast, host Shedrica Shant’e interviews Charisma Atkins about her journey with lupus and lupus nephritis. Charisma shares her experience of being diagnosed while in graduate school and the challenges she faced, including joint pain and fatigue. She emphasizes the importance of finding the right doctors and advocating for oneself. Charisma also discusses the ro...

Chastity Corbett shares her personal journey with lupus and how it has impacted her life. She emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself and finding the right healthcare professionals. Chastity also discusses the Social Butterflies Foundation, which provides direct assistance to lupus and fibromyalgia survivors and their families. The foundation offers emergency financial assistance, coll...

In this episode of the Lupus Beats podcast, Shedrica Shant’e interviews Amanda Chay, author of The Girlfriend's Guide to Lupus. Amanda shares her journey with lupus and her motivation for writing the book. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, education, and being tenacious in managing one's health. Amanda also discusses the challenges of getting a diagnosis and the impact of lu...

This solo episode is an audio version of the June monthly newsletter, filled with updates, announcements, and gratitude for the Lupus community. It also includes information about upcoming guests, tips for staying safe in the sun, and an announcement about the end of season two and the upcoming season three of the Lupus Speaks podcast. Takeaways The episode provides updates, announcements, and gra...

Brieana Salter shares her journey with lupus and how it inspired her to create the Lupie Girl Incorporated. She discusses her lupus diagnosis, living with lupus and arthritis, and the lessons she has learned about strength, empathy, compassion, and courage. Brieana explains how she incorporates these lessons into the programs offered by the Lupie Girl, including the Survivor Circle and care kits....

In this episode, Shedrica Shant’e interviews Tanya, the Lupus Dietitian, who shares her journey of putting lupus into remission through diet and lifestyle changes. Tanya emphasizes the importance of addressing gut health and the role of nutrition in managing lupus symptoms. She also discusses the systemic inequalities that impact individuals with lupus and the steps that can be taken to address th...