My Spoonie Sisters

Can you imagine going from running marathons to fighting for a diagnosis that doctors initially dismissed as stress? Kristine has lived this journey, and she shares it with us in a gripping conversation about her struggle with chronic illness and rare diagnoses. From the first strange tweak in her foot to the emotional toll of being invalidated by medical professionals, Kristine's story is on...

Ever wondered if there's more to managing chronic illness than just medication? Discover the transformative journey of Josie, a fervent advocate for natural treatments for autoimmune diseases, as she shares her powerful story. From childhood ailments to grappling with rheumatoid arthritis and Hashimoto's, Josie's quest for healing led her to a holistic center in Denver, where she fo...

When Jessica Mitchell, a health coach driven by a deeply personal narrative, steps into our podcast venue, the air fills with an undeniable energy of transformation and hope. Her sister's untimely passing ignited a fire in Jessica to champion the cause of lifestyle disease prevention, and she's here sharing her wisdom on how to forge a path towards sustainable health. The conversation we...

Are you ready to transform how you navigate the daily hurdles of arthritis? Join me, Gracefully Jen, for practical advice that promises to enhance your daily living with arthritis. Overcoming the challenges of chronic illness is no small feat, but with our latest episode, you'll learn five key strategies to rework your routine for the better. We focus on making each day not just bearable but...

Navigating life with an autoimmune condition can feel like a solo journey, but it doesn't have to be. I had the pleasure of bringing in Annie, my health and wellness coach, who's an expert in turning living with autoimmune diseases into thriving despite them. Together, we unpack the art of crafting wellness plans that are as unique as your fingerprint, offering hope and actionable advice...

As your host, Jen, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of getting the right diagnosis - it's a journey that can be as tumultuous as it is enlightening. That's why I invited Olivia Dennis to the show, where she bravely recounts her quest through the tangled healthcare system, grappling with the often invisible web of IBS, anxiety, OCD, and autism. Olivia's candid n...

When your world is turned upside down by chronic illness, finding humor and connection can be your lifeline. That's exactly what happened when Jewel, the effervescent @ thelipedemacushie , joined me for a chat that'll make you laugh, and nod along with understanding. We dove into Jewel's experiences with Cushing's disease, her surgeries, and the daily dance with adrenal insuffi...

Leila's voice crackles with emotion as she recounts the moment her life took an unexpected turn with the diagnosis of Lupus and Sjogren's disease. Her candid narrative details the trials and triumphs of living with these stealthy autoimmune diseases, from the early signs that something was amiss to the latest treatment that's been her saving grace. We're honored to have her on...

Struggle and healing often go hand in hand, as Delicia's gripping tale of resilience unfolds in our latest conversation. Facing a health odyssey that begins with severe allergies and the emotional scars of childhood trauma, she takes us through her diagnosis and the powerful connection between emotional distress and physical health. Her story is a beacon of hope for anyone facing similar batt...

When Lisa Norris, a part-time paramedic and former clinical trials researcher, recounts her 20-year struggle with lupus and polymyositis, it's not just a story of illness but of extraordinary perseverance. Our latest episode invites you into Lisa's world, where she navigates the complexities of her autoimmune diseases with the same precision and focus she once brought to emergency scenes...

There's nothing more humbling than hearing the story of someone who's faced the gauntlet of health challenges and emerged with wisdom to share. That's precisely what you'll get as Suzanne Casamento joins us to recount her battles with chronic Lyme disease, medical gaslighting, and a complexity of health issues that would test anyone's resolve. Her story isn't just a s...

Have you ever wondered why we carry certain beliefs about sexuality, or how those beliefs impact our intimate relationships? In a riveting discussion with Dr. Fanny the Baker, an acclaimed sex coach, we unravel the intricate web of sexuality myths and the profound influence of sex education on our perceptions. As we examine the delicate interplay between intimacy and expectations, Dr. Fanny and I...

When resilience meets wisdom, stories like that of Carrie Shepperson unfold. Her journey through the labyrinth of Still's disease, narrative rich with city savvy and mountain wisdom, is one I had the privilege to uncover. Carrie, hailing from Kentucky and a steadfast volunteer at AiArthritis, shares her personal odyssey from bewildering symptoms to a fierce advocacy for those entangled in the...

Have you ever found a friend in the most unexpected of places? On our latest episode, we're joined by Geri, a beacon of hope from the chronic illness community on Instagram, who opens up about her life with Lupus and Sjogren's syndrome. Her story is a testament to the strength and solace that virtual friendships can provide, especially when real-life connections to those who truly unders...

When Emmanuel's life was touched by the invisible struggles of autoimmune disease within his family, it ignited a fire within him to champion the rights of workers grappling with similar battles. As the founder of the Workers with Autoimmune Aliments Alliance, his story—shared on our latest podcast—encapsulates the drive behind a movement that's not just personal but pivotal for countles...

Imagine shouldering the weight of chronic illness while your partner is deployed, leaving you to single-handedly care for children who also navigate their own health complexities. Welcome back Kenzie, the Rare Mom, as we delve into her raw and hopeful narrative of managing mixed connective tissue disease and a blood coagulation defect. As she courageously steps into the role of both mother and med...

When Michelle first learned of her daughter Hailey's rare diagnosis, an ultra-rare genetic disorder called Jordan's Syndrome (ppp2r5d), the ground beneath her seemed to shift. Facing the labyrinth of healthcare during the COVID-19 pandemic, she became a beacon of resilience, her story a mosaic of love, adversity, and unwavering determination. Join us as we unravel Michelle's compell...

As the sun sets on another day of managing the delicate balance of chronic illness, I sat down with Jess Hay, a resilient "Spoonie Sister" who graciously opened up about her life woven with challenges and triumphs. Our intimate conversation traverses Jess's early health struggles to her current dance with multiple conditions, including celiac disease and POTS. She candidly discusses...

Have you ever felt the weight of the day before it even begins, knowing that each task demands a piece of your already dwindling energy? Embrace the power of the girl with spoons as I, Gracefully Jen, recite a moving poem that captures the essence of living with chronic illness. Through spoken word, we explore the tender narrative of conserving energy, where each spoon symbolizes a precious resour...

Have you ever met someone whose sheer presence, both physical and metaphorical, can fill a room with inspiration? Terry Tucker, a former NCAA Division I basketball player turned SWAT hostage negotiator, embodies just that. Balancing on the towering height of six-foot-eight, Terry walks us through the valleys of his life, including his battle with a rare form of cancer, and how these experiences ha...

When Tiffany Kairos was just 16, her life took an unexpected turn with the onset of epilepsy, a journey that taught her how to find humor in the face of adversity. Join us as Tiffany, founder of the Epilepsy Network, shares her transformative tale from confusion to advocacy, infusing each challenge with a dose of laughter. In our heartfelt conversation, we uncover the realities of living with epil...

Discover the unmasked realities of lupus with Amanda Chay, the brave voice behind the Girlfriend's Guide to Lupus, in an episode that's as heartfelt as it is insightful. Amanda doesn't just share her story; she opens the door to a world where autoimmune challenges are the norm, not the exception. From her own two-decade struggle to a diagnosis and the emotional rollercoaster that en...

What if you could transform your life's greatest struggles into sources of strength and self-love? This episode brings you an inspiring conversation with Dr. Fanny Le Boulanger, a French doctor and sex coach who did exactly that, following her epilepsy diagnosis at the age of 26. Dr. Fanny opens her heart about how she navigated the challenges of seizures, medication, and their impact on her...

Ever wondered how you can take control of your health while living with an autoimmune disease? Our special guest, Amy Behimer, is a Doctor of Pharmacy and Nationally Board-Certified Health and Wellness Coach who lives with multiple sclerosis. She uses her education, training, and first-hand experience navigating life with autoimmune disease to help people make changes to start creating autoimmune...

Navigating a chronic disease like rheumatoid arthritis can feel like trekking through a dense forest with no map. But what if we told you that there's a way to cut through the thickets, make sense of the path, and move forward with purpose and optimism? Join us for an enlightening conversation with Stefanie, a family nurse practitioner, and rheumatoid arthritis coach who helps her clients do...