Stronger than Autoimmune

In this empowering episode of Stronger Than Autoimmune , host Desiree Werland sits down with Dr. Shivani Gupta, Ayurvedic expert, to explore ancient wisdom that can help you reclaim your energy, reduce inflammation, and support your body’s natural healing—especially when living with autoimmune conditions. Dr. Gupta breaks down Ayurveda: The Science of Life and why its time-tested principles are mo...

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Pj Glassey, Owner and CEO of X Gym in Kirkland, Washington. With over 20 years leading X Gym and a degree in Exercise Science from Seattle Pacific University, Pj has pioneered a revolutionary approach to fitness that delivers serious results in minimal time. We dive deep into how people with autoimmune conditions can build strength, improve energy, and re...

Hey friend, welcome to Stronger Than Autoimmune . This week I’m joined by Theresa Lyons — Yale University trained scientist, medical strategist, autism mom, and fierce advocate for parents who refuse to be dismissed. Theresa shares the raw moment every parent dreads: knowing deep in your gut that something isn’t right with your child, only to be told “everything is fine.” She ignored her intuition...

Most leaders believe the bottleneck is their business. According to ex–banker turned performance strategist Ritchie Nkana , it’s not. It’s the Operator running it . In this powerful episode of Stronger Than Autoimmune , Ritchie shares how he went from a burned-out corporate banker moving millions for global banks to building Operator’s Edge™ , a system that helps founders and executives scale ener...

Mid-January isn’t a motivation problem, it’s a regulation problem . In this episode of Stronger Than Autoimmune , Desiree Werland breaks down four science-backed tools designed specifically for working women with autoimmune disease who are managing careers, households, and invisible symptoms—without burning out or triggering flares. We’re talking about: ✔ Why caffeine and willpower backfire for au...

What if part of your autoimmune or chronic illness picture has been hiding in plain sight—your mouth? For many people living with invisible illness, answers feel scattered, incomplete, or dismissed. This conversation brings clarity without fear. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Toni Engram , a biological dentist, integrative health coach, and founder of Flourish Dental Boutique in Richardson,...

Three days into January, and your resolutions are mocking you with that wired-tired crash? Snoozing five times, three coffees by 10am, napping in your car, brain fog rereading emails, sound familiar? As a 32-48-year-old high-achiever in marketing, healthcare, or corporate mid-level, I've lived the flop: Normalizing exhaustion, joint pain, bloating, guilt over takeout, snapping at loved ones, a...

Dive into this inspiring episode of Stronger Than Autoimmune featuring Russell Carter, co-owner of Heartland Elderberry Farms in Northern Indiana. Russell shares his journey from corporate America to sustainable farming, growing six varieties of American elderberries for premium immune-supporting syrup, and managing over 450 beehives for raw honey. Explore natural remedies, beekeeping, regenerativ...

As we head into New Year's, if your resolutions are already fading into that wired-tired crash, hitting snooze five times, chugging three coffees by 10am, napping in your car at lunch, or doom-scrolling "normal TSH but still exhausted", you're not failing! As a high-achieving professional like you, I've lived those flop years: Normalizing brain fog rereading emails three time...

Today on Stronger Than Autoimmune , I’m joined by Dr. Jason Bachewich , a naturopathic doctor who’s become the Sherlock Holmes of complex illness . After his own life-altering battle with Lyme disease , Dr. Jason made it his mission to uncover what most providers miss: hidden infections, co-infections, gut dysfunction, detox roadblocks, and the real reasons people don’t fully heal . Dr. Jason has...

Feeling like autoimmune is quietly stealing your ambition, your fire, your “I’ve got this” energy? This episode is your Monday-morning shot of military-grade resilience. 30-year Army veteran and congressional-honored leader Otis “Scotty” Scott Jr., author of the book Stay Hungry joins Desiree for a no-BS conversation about how to stay driven when your body is throwing every possible roadblock at y...

If you’ve ever heard “your labs are normal” while secretly crying in the work bathroom because you can barely function, this episode is your permission slip to stop gaslighting yourself. In this raw, 15-minute episode Desiree shares the exact four things she did the week she almost quit her director-level job with perfect attendance and a TSH of 2.8. No green juices, no quitting your career, no to...

Are you dreading Thanksgiving because you know you’ll pay for it with a massive autoimmune flare in December? You’re not alone. Thousands of professional women with Hashimoto’s, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, MCAS, or other autoimmune diseases search every year for “how to survive holidays with autoimmune disease” or “thanksgiving Hashimoto's or Sjogren's, lupus or rheumatoid arthritis flare...

Carolyn Routh (Nu-Blu) turned multiple strokes and Type 1 Diabetes into the heartbeat of a 20-year bluegrass career. Host, Desiree Werland uncovers how music became medicine, how Carolyn manages intense touring with T1D, and why giving up was never an option, no matter what her body threw at her. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Carolyn’s first stroke at the peak of her career 06:40 – Learning ba...

On the Stronger Than Autoimmune podcast, Desiree Werland (autoimmune coach & host) interviews Hope Rose, founder of the Hope Rose movement about rising from unimaginable grief, turning pain into divine purpose, and guiding others through autoimmune healing. In this powerful episode you’ll discover: How extreme loss became the spark for a global movement What “turning ashes into alchemy” really...

In this week's podcast episode, I'm unpacking where this permission-seeking comes from, what it costs us, and howto give yourself the permission slip you've been waiting for. You’re waiting for a doctor, boss, or lab result to tell you it’s okay to finally take your health seriously. Spoiler: You already have permission. Stop waiting to be “sick enough” and start healing on your terms....

Are you waking up tired after 8 hours of sleep? Struggling with brain fog, weight gain, or afternoon crashes but your doctor says your labs are "normal"? In this episode of Stronger Than Autoimmune: From Boardroom to Breakroom Edition , I explain why "normal" lab results don't always mean you're functioning optimally especially if you have (or suspect) an autoimmune con...

Are you exhausted despite sleeping 8-9 hours? Falling asleep at stoplights? Being told your labs are "normal" while feeling anything but fine? You're not lazy—you're burnt out from being the strong one. In this episode, we explore: • 00:00 - Why successful women ignore their bodies until they can't • 02:00 - The symptoms Diana has been normalizing (and you might be too) • 05:...

Are you tired of being told “your labs look normal” while your body says otherwise? In this first episode of Stronger Than Autoimmune , host Desiree Werland talks with Dr. Cory Rice , Chief Clinical Advisor for Biote , about what’s really driving the rise in autoimmune disease—and what you can do to take control of your health. Dr. Rice shares how a functional, evidence-based approach to hormone b...

Avoiding the candy bowl might look simple — but with an autoimmune disease, food decisions come with real health consequences. This week, Desiree shares how to protect your body and your boundaries during the holiday season with: ✨ Scripts to decline food politely ✨ Potluck + office party survival strategies ✨ Mindset shifts that support your immune health ✨ A weekly confidence-building challe...

Join licensed naturopathic doctor and medicinal mushroom expert Anna Sitkoff, ND , on the Stronger Than Autoimmune podcast. She share with me, Desiree Werland, over a decade of experience blending clinical practice with research-based natural therapies. As Co-founder and Chief Science Officer of Lucidum Medicinals , Anna formulates evidence-backed mushroom supplements that support immune, lung, an...

Managing an autoimmune condition while working or leading can feel isolating—but you don’t have to do it alone. 💬 In this 11-minute episode, Desiree Werland explores how building genuine community can ease inflammation, reduce burnout, and restore energy. Learn how to find supportive people, set healthy boundaries, and build workplace allies who get it . 🎨 Want a safe space to connect? Join the...

What if your fatigue isn’t just from stress—but from your cells running low on energy? In this empowering episode, we dive deep into mitochondrial health , autoimmune fatigue , and how to rebuild your body’s energy factory—starting with your next meal. You’ll learn: ⚡ How inflammation affects your mitochondria (and your energy levels) 🍳 The best foods to rebuild cellular energy —with both omnivo...

When life crumbles, you bake a new path. 🍪 In this inspiring Stronger Than Autoimmune episode, meet Carolyn , founder of Mightylicious Cookies , who turned her Celiac diagnosis into a thriving gluten-free cookie company. After years of disappointment with crumbly, tasteless gluten-free treats, Carolyn decided to create her own recipe— gluten-free, healthy, and delicious . What started in her kitc...

Think autoimmune conditions are rare or “just stress”? Think again. In this week’s Stronger Than Autoimmune: Boardroom to Breakroom Edition , host [Your Name] breaks down what everyone should know about autoimmune disease—because invisible conditions need visible support. You’ll learn: ✅ The truth behind the top 3 myths about autoimmune disease (and what not to say at work) ✅ How managers and te...