My Spoonie Sisters

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be both the healer and the one in need of healing? Meet Mallory Carlson, an acupuncturist of nearly 12 years who has simultaneously navigated her own 16-year journey with debilitating migraines and women's health issues.  Mallory takes us deep into the raw reality of chronic pain, sharing how she's learned to read her body's signals and...

What happens when doctors dismiss your symptoms for years, even as you're coughing up blood? For Amy, this medical gaslighting journey finally ended with a diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension in March 2023, followed by immediate hospitalization and life-altering treatments. Amy's story isn't just about receiving difficult diagnoses – including a rare heart defect, genetic m...

Have you ever found yourself scrolling through social media, seeing others with your same diagnosis seemingly thriving while you struggle to get out of bed? That gnawing feeling of "why them and not me?" isn't something we talk about enough in the chronic illness community. The Spoonie Sisters dive deep into the complicated emotions of competition and comparison that silently impact...

Steve Lovelace's journey with arachnoiditis demonstrates the remarkable strength of the human spirit when faced with seemingly insurmountable pain. When his neurologist delivered the devastating diagnosis in 2014 with a solemn "I'm sorry," Steve realized his life would never be the same. This rare disease, ranking at the top of the pain scale, forced him to abandon his career a...

Andrea's inspiring journey from interior design to public health is a testament to the power of personal experience in shaping professional paths. Prompted by her son's asthma diagnosis and the challenges they faced navigating the healthcare system, Andrea became a Certified Health Education Specialist and Asthma Educator. Through her story, we uncover the emotional resilience required t...

How do you pursue your dreams when your body seems to have other plans? For slow travel nomad and empowerment coach Caitlin, the answer lies in adaptation rather than abandonment. With a background in environmental engineering and a life shaped by fibromyalgia and complex mental health challenges, she's crafted a unique approach to entrepreneurship that prioritizes well-being alongside achiev...

What happens when you combine the expertise of a trailblazing dentist with an unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy? Dr. Amee shares her powerful story of living with epilepsy since age eight and how it catalyzed her mission to challenge societal stigma and embrace vulnerability. Her journey from patient to advocate is a beacon of hope for those newly diagnosed, offering insights into ba...

Join us for a deeply moving conversation with Ashley Spalla, as she recounts her extraordinary journey living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and hip dysplasia. From a seemingly benign basketball injury in college, Ashley quickly found herself facing a challenging medical path that culminated in 49 surgeries over a decade. Her story, filled with determination, resilience, and hope, offers valuable ins...

Struggling with the challenges of invisible disabilities? Join us as Maggie Cavanaugh, a National Certified Counselor living with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), reveals her transformative journey from an advertising career to becoming a counselor. Diagnosed at just 14, Maggie navigates the complexities of mental health and chronic illness with empathy, sharing her insights on ov...

Chronic illness impacts every aspect of our lives, including the bedroom. In this refreshingly candid conversation, we break down the walls of shame and silence surrounding sexuality when living with chronic conditions. Ali returns from her mountain cabin retreat to share how her diagnosis completely changed her relationship with intimacy—once a proudly sexual person who even won a Thunder Down Un...

Ever wondered how fitness can be more inclusive and empowering for everyone? Join us as we dive into a transformative conversation with Keira, the innovative founder of Chaotic Good Fitness, who has redefined personal training for neurodivergent and queer individuals. Keira's journey, marked by personal battles with ADHD and depression, has fueled their empathetic and personalized approach to...

What happens when ordinary deja vu becomes something far more complex? In honor of Epilepsy Awareness Day, join us as we uncover Emma's extraordinary journey with epilepsy, a condition she was unexpectedly diagnosed with at the age of 23. Her story is a testament to resilience as she navigates through the labyrinth of symptoms and misdiagnoses, revealing the often-overlooked intricacies of li...

Uncover the power of advocacy and community in rheumatology as we welcome our empowering guests, Jennifer Weaver and Cheryl Crow. Jennifer, a dedicated patient leader, and Cheryl, an occupational therapist and founder of Arthritis Life, open up about their journeys as Rheum Champions at the ACR Convergence 2024. With a promise of insight and inspiration, we navigate the intricacies of large confer...

Have you ever felt unheard or dismissed in a doctor's office? Join us as we navigate through the deeply personal health journeys of Isabel and Emily, part of the founding team of Guava Health, who share their compelling stories of battling complex medical challenges and the frustrating experience of not being believed by healthcare professionals. These stories aren't just about struggle—...

Join us for a heartfelt and enlightening conversation tackling one of women's health's often-overlooked issues: endometriosis. Through the eyes of three women who bravely share their personal narratives, we uncover the complexities around the experiences of living with this painful condition. From the onset of their first menstrual cycles, fraught with discomfort and uncertainties, to th...

Kim, a passionate advocate and mother, shares her incredible journey of adopting two daughters, one of whom faces the challenges of an ultra-rare brain condition known as Linspad syndrome. Through personal trials and triumphs, Kim has emerged as a formidable voice in the advocacy space, particularly with her work at the Child Neurology Foundation. Explore how Kim has become a beacon of hope, lever...

What happens when a determined spirit meets a daunting diagnosis? Join us as we hear from Jewel Dukes, who courageously shares her battle with Cushing's disease. Discover the emotional rollercoaster she faced, from the challenges of weight gain, depression, and anxiety to the life-changing brain surgery to remove a tumor from her pituitary gland. Jewel's story is not just about enduring...

Discover how former Harlem Globetrotters athletic trainer turned business coach, Michael Dickey, unravels his personal journey with ADHD—a revelation sparked by his son's experiences. Despite initial pushbacks from healthcare professionals, Michael sought a diagnosis that ultimately shed light on the struggles he faced throughout his career and life. His story is both enlightening and empower...

From the heart-wrenching journey of a mother's advocacy to the personal battles with chronic illness, Stacey Haynes's story promises to move and inspire you. We sat down with Stacey, a leading voice in the chronic illness community, to explore her transformative path—from her daughter Iris’s diagnosis of Crohn's disease at a young age to Stacey's own diagnosis of thyroid cancer...

Crafting the perfect elevator pitch isn't just for business moguls—it's a vital tool for anyone navigating life with a chronic illness. Imagine being able to communicate the essence of your health journey in just a few sentences. That's exactly what our latest episode explores, featuring remarkable insights from Jen, Ali, Andi, Linnea, and Megan. Ali inspires us with her journey as...

*TRIGGER WARNING* violence, sexual abuse, and suicide Serena's journey is one of extraordinary resilience and transformation. As our guest, she opens up about surviving a traumatic childhood filled with unimaginable challenges, including abuse and life in witness protection. Her unwavering determination to reconnect with her mother amidst adversity is a powerful testament to the strength of f...

Ever wondered how innovative tools like trainer chopsticks can transform your daily life with a chronic illness? Join us, your hosts Jen, Ali and Andi, as we share our personal experiences navigating these challenges and discuss the inspiring lifestyle of Okinawa, Japan. Discover the secrets behind their remarkable longevity, from embracing community to pursuing passions that spark joy in everyday...

Imagine facing a medical system that dismisses your symptoms and undermines your experiences. Our guest and dedicated advocate for patient empowerment, Anneke, reveals how she tackled this daunting challenge. Her remarkable journey from misdiagnoses such as chronic fatigue syndrome to finally understanding her rare chronic conditions, including adrenal insufficiency, lupus, and Ehlers-Danlos syndr...

What gives you the ICK? Ever been trapped in an empty lobby, only to have someone sit right next to you? You're not alone! Join us as we laugh through the relatable quirks of public spaces that drive us all up the wall, from the orchestra of loud eaters to those who park just a smidge too close for comfort. We'll share some of our tried-and-true strategies for staying sane in these situa...

Transform your approach to anxiety and personal growth with insights from Andi Byers, a decorated Air Force veteran turned holistic wellness practitioner. Andi & Jen dive in on the My Spoonie Sisters Podcast to share their incredible journeys, the hurdles faced in being recognized for achievements, and the vital role setting boundaries plays in managing anxiety. Andi's ventures, like Chro...