Invisible Not Broken - Chronic Illness Podcast Network

Summary In this conversation, Maggie Bushway shares her experiences as a child with brain cancer and the impact it had on her life, family, and friendships. She discusses the importance of autonomy in medical decisions, the role of writing in processing emotions, and the challenges of managing chronic illness while pursuing her passion for writing. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of...

Summary In this conversation, Tara Moriarty discusses her journey into the world of service dogs, the challenges of finding and training them, and the importance of understanding their role in supporting individuals with disabilities. The discussion covers the costs associated with obtaining a service dog, the various training methods, and the misconceptions that the public holds about service dog...

Summary In this conversation, Tisha shares her journey of living with chronic illness, emphasizing the importance of gratitude, community support, and the struggles of public perception. She discusses her experiences with autoimmune disorders, the challenges of diagnosis, and how she has reframed her relationship with her illness, focusing on empowerment rather than battle. In this conversation, t...

Summary In this conversation, Monica Michelle and Ann-Britt discuss their shared experiences with chronic illness, particularly Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. They explore the challenges of living with a chronic condition, the importance of community support, and the therapeutic role of music in coping with illness. Ann-Britt shares her journey from being an active musician to adapting her life around he...

Monica Michelle is joined by author Sue Jackson. Sue lives with Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and Lyme disease . In this episode, Monica and Sue discuss:  Sue’s pathway to diagnosis  Parenting with chronic illness and parenting a child with chronic illness Managing ME/CFS from diagnosis to creating routines Using books to cope emotionally Writing a book while having c...

Monica Michelle is joined by artist Kyrianna Bolles. Kyrianna lives with chronic pain . In this episode, Monica and Kyrianna discuss:  Kyrianna’s struggle to be accommodated for her pain throughout school years How Kyrianna uses her portraits to help represent other’s chronic conditions The communities Kyrianna has built, from a college support group to an artist collective Kyrianna’s favorite too...

Monica Michelle is interviewed by consultant and content creator Nick Clemmons. Nick recently started the blog Dory’s Corner with Invisible Not Broken. A companion podcast hosted by Nick will be released soon. Nick lives with Sickle Cell Disease. Monica lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome , POTS , MCAS , and Fibromyalgia . In this episode, Nick and Monica discuss: Monica’s diagnostic history and her...

Monica Michelle is joined by consultant and podcast host Nick Clemmons. Nick lives with Sickle Cell Disease. In this episode, Monica and Nick discuss: The ways disabled folks are often forgotten in education infrastructure How Nick navigates societal limitations to achieve his goals Disability representation in the media Knowing how to realistically offer help to disabled folks TIMESTAMPS 00:42 -...

Monica Michelle is joined by consultant and podcast host Tim Reitma. Tim lives with Crohn's Disease . In this episode, Monica and Tim discuss:  Tim’s resiliency through managing his Crohn’s The importance of self-advocacy, especially in the workplace  Tim’s podcast why he shares stories of those with invisible illness  TIMESTAMPS 00:47 - Tim's diagnosis  06:31 - How and why Tim applies self advoca...

Monica Michelle is joined by artist and disability advocate Sunny Ammerman Sunny lives with Septo-optic dysplasia , panhypopituitarism , Optic Nerve Hypoplasia , and is missing a membrane in the brain called the "septum pellucidum". In this episode, Monica and Sunny discuss:  Sunny’s complex disorders and how she copes with them Everything VR provides from accessible gaming, social platforms and t...

Monica Michelle is joined by Journalist Julia Metraux. Julia lives with vasculitis , mild to moderate hearing loss, and has experienced long COVID . In this episode, Monica and Julia discuss:  Julia's diagnosis with vasculitis and how it influences her journalistic lens How community impacts the mental health of those with chronic illness How Julia and Monica find positives and negatives in the in...

Monica Michelle is joined by author & physiotherapist Kevin Hunt. Kevin lives with chronic pain. In this episode, Monica and Kevin discuss:  Kevin’s philosophy of pain management as a physiotherapist who experiences chronic pain.  The Hexagon Model, a life-management tool for focusing on what’s important to you. Kevin’s idea behind his new book. Using pain as a guide. TIMESTAMPS 00:34 - Kevin’...

Monica Michelle is joined by author & personal trainer John K. Frazier. John lives with ankylosing spondylitis . In this episode, Monica and John discuss:  John’s work as a physical trainer and author Chronic pain comparisons Personal triumph TIMESTAMPS 00:50 - John’s business & diagnosis 07:19 - Chronic pain olympics 09:31 - Talking about & hiding a diagnosis 15:09 - Personal triumph...

Monica Michelle is joined by musician Laura Mustard. Laura lives with VATER syndrome . In this episode, Monica and Laura discuss:  Laura’s inspiration for her upcoming musical EP. How Laura’s illness impacted her recent relationship & self-image. Laura’s creative process, new music, and social media pressure. TIMESTAMPS 00:30 - Laura’s new EP / Monica’s recent COVID experience 05:32 - Relation...

Monica Michelle is joined by author Amanda Chay. Amanda lives with Sjögren’s and Lupus . In this episode, Monica and Amanda discuss:  Amanda’s book & diagnosis Outlooking on work & writing Navigating chronic illness with kids & family TIMESTAMPS 00:26 - Intro + The Girlfriend’s Guide to Lupus 02:17 - Amanda’s diagnosis 10:09 - Amanda’s outlook on writing 17:11 - Navigating chronic illn...

Monica Michelle is joined by author Alexis Kline. Alexis lives with Dysautonomia . In this episode, Monica and Alexis discuss:  Being a sick teenager Having an isolated diagnosis Productivity workflows TIMESTAMPS 00:28 - Alexis’s diagnosis & dog 07:18 - Sick teenager road map 10:00 - Alexis’s book & workflow 16:25 - Having an isolated diagnosis 20:50 - Wildlife photography, purchases  The...

Monica Michelle is joined by author Emily Falcon. Emily lives with ALCAPA . In this episode, Monica and Emily discuss:  Growing up sick Post-surgery support Having a public body Self-motivation and adventuring TIMESTAMPS 00:28 - Being a sick kid & Emily’s book title 07:28 - Mortality 10:16 - Portrayal of disability in media 12:21 - Post-surgery support 19:23 - Having a public body 23:43 - Self...

Monica Michelle is joined by writer and entrepreneur Micaela Hoo. Micaela lives with Lyme disease , bartonella , babesia , mold toxicity , parasite overgrowth , candida overgrowth , Hashimoto's disease , and Morgellons disease . In this episode, Monica and Micaela discuss:  Micaela's diagnosis story Healthcare insurance TIMESTAMPS 00:24 - The start of Micaela’s diagnosis journey 14:42 - Gastropare...

Monica Michelle is joined by physical therapist Rita White. Rita lives with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome , Mast Cell Activation syndrome , and POTS . In this episode, Monica and Rita discuss:  Rita’s work as a physical therapist Toxic productivity mentality Happiness from self-understanding and patience TIMESTAMPS 00:38 - Rita’s diagnosis and job 04:58 - “pushing through the pain” 14:10 - handling bad d...

Monica Michelle is joined by author Sara Staggs. Sara lives with epilepsy . In this episode, Monica and Sara discuss:  Being a full-time creative with a disability Pregnancy & parenting Disability disclosure Chronic illness in media TIMESTAMPS 00:30 - Sara’s writing process 06:03 - Sara’s diagnosis & college 09:44 - Pregnancy & parenting 13:37 - Disability disclosure in dating and pare...

Monica Michelle is once again joined by musician, chef, and activist Dione Bullard. Dione lives with End Stage Renal Disease . In this episode, Monica and Dione discuss:  Favorite TV shows Favorite books Moments of delight Parenting TIMESTAMPS 02:20 - Platonic 11:42 - Somewhere Boy 14:09 - More favorite shows 21:38 - Favorite books 26:17 - Appreciating moments of delight 30:42 - Parenting through...

Monica Michelle is joined by activist Cosmo C. Cosmo lives with porphyria , Ehlers-Danlos syndrome , and fibromyalgia . In this episode, Monica and Cosmo discuss:  Pets LARPing Disability income and surviving on it Privilege and Prejudice TIMESTAMPS 00:33 - Cats and LARPing 12:05 - Adulting on disability income 22:01 - Privilege and prejudice 31:19 - Deadlines, speech, and steroids The full transc...

Monica Michelle is joined by musician, chef, and activist Dione Bullard. Dione lives with End Stage Renal Disease . In this episode, Monica and Dione discuss:  End Stage Renal Disease Self Advocacy as a Patient Dion’s Music & Cooking TIMESTAMPS 06:17 - Dion’s diagnosis 14:44 - Music career & food 21:42 - Self advocacy 26:05 - Disparities in care of dialysis centers 31:27 - How to speak wit...

Monica Michelle is joined by activist Kim Luke. Kim lives with multilevel spondylosis , POTS , and fibromyalgia . In this episode, Monica and Kim discuss:  Kim’s story Pain clinic negligence Disability tech & advocacy TIMESTAMPS 00:51 - How Kim started 10:54 - Kim’s work 16:03 - Pain clinic negligence 19:33 - Healthcare in politics 27:08 - Recommendations for teaching and advocacy 31:47 - Disa...

Monica Michelle is joined by lawyer, author, comedian, and activist Julia Irzyk. Julia lives with Lupus , Osteoarthritis , Degenerative Disk Disease , and Fibromyalgia . In this episode, Monica and Julia discuss:  The state of COVID-19 in 2023 Julia's new book, "Disabilities and the Law, 4th Edition" The entertainment industry Access to pain medication TIMESTAMPS 00:56 - COVID-19 09:10 - Masks in...