MS Podcasts

In this special women’s health episode of the MS Plus podcast series, Continence Nurse Fiona Easton discusses the impact of menopause and perimenopause on bladder health, especially in women with MS. She elaborates on typical changes during menopause, effective management strategies, and the importance of pelvic floor exercises. This episode provides valuable information for women navigating menop...

In this special women’s health episode of the MS Plus podcast series, we speak with Susan Agland, an MS neuroimmunology transitional nurse practitioner at John Hunter Hospital, about fertility, subfertility and MS. The discussion covers how MS and its treatments can impact conception, the roles of medication, stress, and the importance of understanding personal risk factors.  Susan shares insights...

In this episode of the MS Boost, we speak with Dr. Emma Beckett, a passionate science communicator with expertise in food science, nutrition, and biomedical sciences. Dr. Beckett discusses her new book, 'You Are More Than What You Eat,' which focuses on simplifying nutrition and food science to reduce stress and complexity for people, especially those living with MS. The conversation delves into t...

In this podcast episode, Julie Orr, an accredited dietitian with MS Plus, explores the relationship between diet and menopause, offering easy to follow strategies for managing menopausal symptoms through nutrition. With a focus on evidence-based insights and compassionate guidance, Julie explores the significance of adopting a wholesome diet rich in whole foods, based on current research. She navi...

In this episode of the MS Boost, we sit down with Associate Professor Priya Sumithran, an endocrinologist and clinical researcher to discuss weight loss medications, with the most popular and commonly known, being semaglutide or known as the brand name Ozempic.  Priya discusses the surprisingly long history of this medication, how it works and what considerations there are before starting this med...

In this episode of the MS Boost,  we speak with Michael Mortenson, a seasoned MS nurse and one of the few recipients of the MS Nurse Australasian Inc. Association's Lifetime Membership. Michael shares his journey into MS nursing, his experiences throughout his 15-year career, and the significant changes in the treatment landscape. Michael shares his insights as a MS Nurse based in Tasmania, the ev...

*Trigger warning* This is a trigger warning. In today's episode, we're discussing two men's experience of diagnosis and the impact on their lives and mental health, and we briefly discuss suicidal ideation. If you are not in the right place to listen to this topic, please skip from 7 minutes to 8:40 minutes of the episode. Please take care of yourself, and if you are in need of any assistance, ple...

In this episode of The MS Boost, we interview Luke Mitchell, a Men's Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in sexual health to discuss erectile dysfunction (ED), its prevalence in the population, misconceptions and links with mental health. Luke provides insight and practical advice for managing ED discussing holistic treatment options, the importance of trusting your health care practitioner and...

In this episode of the MS Boost podcast series, we are joined by Fatima, a person living with multiple sclerosis (MS), who shares her personal journey to diagnosis.  Like many other people living with MS, Fatima was constantly misdiagnosed while experiencing a myriad of symptoms. Fatima's story delves into the importance of persistence in seeking medical help, the emotional impact of receiving a d...

“I do think it's being talked about more now, and I think it's really important for people to be seeing that there's no shame in having a trauma response to pain, and it's very treatable, trauma is very treatable. But the first step to treating it, of course, is to recognise like, ‘Oh, I think I'm having a traumatic response to my illness, my diagnosis etcetera.’ ” In this episode of the MS Boost,...

In this episode of the MS Boost, we discuss the challenges of living with chronic illness with psychotherapist Katie Willard Virant. Katie, a practitioner and author of the blog 'Chronically Me' on Psychology Today, shares her insights into the societal pressures that lead people to wear a 'costume of wellness' despite their health struggles, which inspired her article 'Feeling Sick, Faking Well'...

Vitamin D has a complex relationship with MS, with links to increased risk of diagnosis, influencing gene expression in immune cells and generally being lower in people living with MS. In this episode of the MS Boost, we speak with Dr Wei, neurologist and researcher from the Alfred MSNI clinic, and discuss how much vitamin D people with MS need, how to get adequate levels of Vitamin D, as well as...

This episode of the MS Boost features Nicola Palfrey, a child clinical psychologist and head of clinical leadership at Headspace, focusing on how parents diagnosed with multiple sclerosis can effectively communicate with their teenagers about the diagnosis.  Nicola shares her views on teens and how they often get a bad rap, and the complexities of adolescent development. Nicola chats about the imp...

In this episode we chat with neurologist Dr Cassie Nesbitt, one of the principal investigators for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne.  Cassie explains the process of HSCT, risks and considerations for accessing HSCT treatment overseas, as well as the current research on who is likely to benefit and how this is accessed in Australia. Cassie outlines...

With thanks to Olivia Wills. Olivia is an Accredited Practising Dietitian and member of Dietitians Australia’s. She completed a Bachelor of Nutrition and Dietetics (Hons)(Deans Scholar) from the University of Wollongong in 2021. Olivia is now completing a PhD in multiple sclerosis and lifestyle management and is supported by a postgraduate scholarship from MS Australia. At the heart of Olivia’s re...

Linda Rowley, mental health consultant, delves into the complexities of mental health for carers, focusing on the overlooked experience of ambiguous loss. Linda discusses the importance of acknowledging these emotions, how to find meaning and hope, as well as the need for compassion and self-care for carers.  Linda is a wellbeing specialist with a professional interest in ambiguous loss. Linda dra...

Check out the transcript here. Medical Gaslighting: Multiple Sclerosis’ Dirty Little Secret? Authored by Rachel Horne With thanks to Rachel Horne . Rachel Horne is a journalist and MS advocate. Rachel was diagnosed with MS in 2009, age 43. She has written extensively about the disease and has co-authored a number of papers published in The BMJ, Neurology, Nature Reviews Neurology and other prestig...

In this episode of the new fortnightly series, the MS Boost, we discuss a new subcutaneous delivery mode for Tysabri, with MS nurse Louise Rath and the things you need to consider when making a switch, including the practical considerations, efficacy, logistics to costs and potential side effects. Check out a copy of the transcript here . With thanks to Louise Rath, MS Nurse Louise Rath is the MS...

In this podcast episode, Leif Lagesen, an accredited practicing dietitian and habit science practitioner, discusses the mechanisms behind building better habits. He explores the steps involved in building long-lasting habits and shares his tips on how small changes can lead to lasting lifestyle changes.  Leif is an accredited practicing dietitian, with dual degrees in Sport and Exercise and Nutrit...

Summer brings the risk of natural disasters, and preparing mentally is just as important as preparing physically. In this podcast, Catherine and Michael, MS Social Work Advisors discuss the importance of preparing mentally for crisis, and strategies to help people feel confident this coming summer season.   With thanks to Catherine and Michael Read episodes transcript here Reach out for support: M...

With the current high cost of living, many households are impacted, and their budgets are tightening. In this podcast, Catherine and Michael, MS Social Work Advisors discuss how to tackle the cost-of-living crisis and how to find some financial relief, with no concession card required.  With thanks to Catherine and Michael, MS Plus Social Work Advisors. View the episodes transcript here. Reach out...

Nutrition can play an important role for women when trying to conceive, and it can be hard to find evidence-based information when thinking about making changes to your diet. Accredited Practising Dietitian and Certified Fertility Dietitian, Mariam Metwally discuss the impact of nutrition on preconception and fertility, and the specific considerations for women with MS. Mariam, founder of Tayyib N...

Dr Francesca Bridge is a Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology Fellow at the Alfred Hospital and a PhD Candidate at Monash University.  Clinically, Francesca cares for people with multiple sclerosis and other neuroimmunological conditions.  Her research interests lie in women’s health and multiple sclerosis.  Specifically, the impact of menopause on MS disease activity and the risk of cervical ca...

For someone living with MS, the changes in sensory load and sensations can impact on one’s quality of life. In the Learn from Me series, MS Plus Peer support coordinator Kim chats with Mark who shares his experience of sensory symptoms since being diagnosed with MS. Mark discusses the challenges and offers helpful tips and strategies that help him manage every day. With thanks to Mark Elisha, MS P...

Good sleep can be hard to get, and it’s vital for wellbeing. Sleep Coach Carla Butler shares tips for good sleep, and why this is so critical for good health. Presenter: Carla Butler is a sleep and recovery coach, and a women’s health coach from Ora Sleep Coaching. Carla's passion for sleep coaching was sparked by her own personal tragedy, after her father passed away due to chronic disease, partl...