My Spoonie Sisters

Ever felt your heart race, hands shake and a sense of shame wash over you during an anxiety attack? Our guest, Brian, bravely takes us through his personal journey, beginning with his first encounter with a panic attack on a date at 17. Brian's story underscores the importance of sharing personal experiences and having an open discourse about mental health. As we journey further, we’ll discov...

How does one maintain an active lifestyle while battling osteoarthritis? Robin Robertson, a seasoned advocate for the Arthritis Foundation, shares her inspiring journey from a rare knee condition at birth, numerous surgeries, and an ultimate halt to all impact sports at 24 to leading a vibrant life despite her limitations. It's not simply a tale of resilience and courage but an exploration of...

Imagine finding yourself in a whirlwind of chronic pain and being told by the medical world to just lose weight and follow a keto diet. Picture the emotional turmoil that comes with such advice and the relief of finally finding a medical professional who listens. This is the narrative of our guest, Kayla, a brave individual who faced chronic conditions head-on. Her journey from diagnosis, mental h...

As we journey together through the challenges of chronic illness, there's a recurring phrase that rings oh-so-very true — it's okay not to be okay. You've probably heard me chant this mantra on Instagram; in this empowering podcast, I bring the same spirit to uplift my beautiful Spoonie Sisters, who battle daily with various ailments. I speak candidly about the pain, the fatigue, an...

Imagine waking up to find your body in a revolt against the change in weather. Sounds crazy, right? Yet, it's a reality that we've grappled with, alongside life's unexpected roller-coaster rides and the influence of modern fashion trends. This episode is an honest, heartfelt conversation about dealing with chronic illnesses, adapting to medication, finding the right doctor, and even...

Have you ever wondered about the battles that those living with autoimmune diseases face every day? Join us as we listen to the compelling journey of Joshua, a retired army veteran who faced this reality when he was diagnosed with multiple autoimmune conditions - Myasthenia Gravis, Small Fiber Neuropathy, and Hashimoto's. Joshua offers a unique perspective on battling these conditions, from c...

Are you aware of how much power you hold in managing your Rheumatoid Arthritis? Understanding your condition, being knowledgeable about treatment options, and maintaining a robust support system can significantly impact your health journey. In our conversation today, we share our personal experiences and mention Stefanie, the Rheumatoid Arthritis Coach, and Dani from Make It Count for Dani. These...

Imagine the strength it takes to not only battle multiple autoimmune conditions but to also travel across 40 countries seeking knowledge from experts and scientists. That’s exactly what Sweta did. Born with epilepsy, and later diagnosed with rare autoimmune hemolytic anemia, lupus, IVSC, Hashimoto's, and alopecia, she was determined to learn how to manage her symptoms and prevent other autoim...

Ready to shake off the chill of November and get your blood pumping? Join me, your host Gracefully Jen, and my dear friend Dani from Make it Count 4 Dani, as we ignite the spark of "Move-Ember," a call to action for at least 20 minutes of deliberate, focused movement every day this month. This isn't a grueling challenge; it's a beacon towards a healthier, more energized lifesty...

Are you ready to decode the enigma of 'Spoon Theory'? Let's embark on a journey together, unraveling this metaphorical term coined by the notable blogger, Christine Mizerendino. We'll leverage the concept of spoons as units of daily energy, revealing the victories and challenges inherent in life with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Prepare to discover 15 signs that resonate...

I've been marveling at the strength of Suzy, a remarkable polymyositis patient, who held her ground at work for 15 years even while battling progressive muscle loss, fatigue, and overwhelming stress. It wasn't until she finally opened up about her chronic illness and embraced support from her workplace that a profound transformation began to take place. We discuss our shared journey of n...

Ever been curious about the inner workings of chronic illness from the perspective of a renowned specialist who's also a patient? Join us in a profound discussion with Dr.  Saimun Singla, a triple-board-certified physician who battles rheumatoid arthritis daily. Dr. Singla unravels her journey as she was diagnosed with the condition even while she was already a qualified rheumatologist. She b...

Have you ever wondered about the resilience of the human spirit in the face of chronic illness? Brace yourself as we delve into the captivating story of Kiera Chan, a steadfast advocate for disability rights and women's health who lives with adrenal insufficiency and vascular eagle syndrome. At age 20, Kiera started a health journey that would transform her world. With daily adrenal crises an...

How does it feel to live with chronic illnesses? To manage the pain and the everyday tasks while dealing with the physical, emotional, and mental impacts? It's a journey that our guest, Jacinda, also known as Virgo Beauty, knows all too well. Diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis at a tender age of five, life threw a curveball at her in 2016 when she experienced a severe flare-up that...

Discover how to embrace your unique identity and build a successful personal brand in our heartfelt conversation with Neeti, a coach and healer from Mumbai, India. Get ready to feel seen, celebrated, and whole as Neeti shares her transformative journey of dealing with adversity and her mission to empower women. From discussing challenges faced in her health journey to the ins and outs of her treat...

Ever dreamed of embarking on a grand adventure but felt tethered down by the struggles of a chronic illness? This episode unfolds the inspiring journey of our brave friend, Angelic, who defied the odds and flew the globe from San Francisco to London with a painful chronic illness. Angelic paints a vivid image of her thrilling escapade and gives the listeners a front-row seat to her experiences. Fr...

What might you do if you had symptoms of a chronic condition at the tender age of 15 and diagnosed at 18? Well, our guest for this episode, Effie, turned her fight with juvenile arthritis into a platform for advocacy. Rising Above RA, as she is known in the digital world, sheds light on her journey from grappling with the emotional fallout of her diagnosis to finding her equilibrium. Join us as sh...

Welcome to Behind the Smile with Cheryl Crow! Have you ever wondered how someone manages a bustling online presence while battling a chronic condition? Picture this: Cheryl Crow, a woman leading an active lifestyle, starts experiencing an array of symptoms that eventually lead her to a Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosis at age 21. Once a vibrant athlete, she noticed her weight drop, leading to her lif...

What does it mean to be a warrior? Today, I'm joined by Makenzie, a 22-year-old nursing student who embodies this term like no other. Battling Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis since age 13, Makenzie navigates the daily struggles of her own disease while also being a champion for her son Josiah, who has Familial Cold Autoinflammatory Syndrome, and her mother, who is fighting Lupus and Rheumatoid...

Are you caught in the crossfire of chronic illness in the Spoonie community? Feel like your healthcare provider is gaslighting you? Hear from Stefanie,  the rheumatoid arthritis coach, who opens up about her own experiences with medical gaslighting as a patient and a family nurse practitioner. She pulls back the curtain on this hot topic, discussing what gaslighting entails in the healthcare secto...

Hello, my spoonie sisters! Ready to move and groove with a twist? Join me and my dear friend Dani from Make It Count 4 Dani as we embark on the July Encouragement Challenge, a fun-filled initiative designed not to push you to the brink but to inspire and empower you to move in ways that suit you best. Regardless of what your movement looks like, be it an intense workout or a leisurely stroll to th...

Ever wondered how a life-altering diagnosis can become the birthplace of an inspiring journey? Our guest, Mariah, has transformed her battles with PCOS and IBD into a beacon of hope—finding solace and purpose in fitness, and creating a brand, Invisible Voices, that empowers others in their struggles. In an intimate conversation, Mariah reveals her struggles and triumphs, from navigating the comple...

Have you ever felt dismissed or doubted by medical professionals while struggling with a rare and life-altering health condition? Jewel Dukes knows this feeling all too well, and she bravely shares her journey with Cushing's Disease in this powerful episode. Listen in as we discuss her battle with weight gain, depression, and anxiety, as well as her monumental decision to undergo brain surger...

Have you ever felt the gut-wrenching pain of betrayal, whether it be from a friend, a doctor, a family member, or a significant other? What if we told you there are ways to navigate these feelings and come out stronger on the other side? In this heartfelt episode, we are joined by our spoonie sisters, Andi Byers, and Danielle Bryant, to discuss our personal experiences with betrayal and how we&apo...

Imagine living with a chronic illness that affects your ability to eat and enjoy food. Holly, the host of 'The Cook Who Can't Eat' podcast, knows this all too well as she shares her journey navigating gastroparesis and paralysis of her intestines. Despite her health challenges, Holly remains positive and inspiring to others facing similar struggles. Join us as we explore Holly'...