Jess Brien

That's So Chronic

Health EN ↓ 122 episodes

Sharing patient stories and discussions while having a laugh and keeping it real. New episodes back early 2025! A weekly podcast where performer, creator, and MS-er Jess Brien interviews people from around the world that are thriving - and sometimes only just surviving - with chronic illnesses, life changing injuries and potentially disastrous diagnoses. @thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #ThatsSoChronic Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professi...

Author

Jess Brien

Category

Health

Podcast website

shows.acast.com

Latest episode

Jun 2, 2026

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Episodes

Natasha Godetz & Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and a double hip replacement at 32 13.03.2023

Welcome to That’s So Chronic ! Today’s episode is with Natasha Godetz , and we are chatting about her diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis and the journey that led her to a double hip replacement.  In this episode, Natasha explains what it was like receiving a diagnosis when she was 10 years old, the effects university had on her health, the ups and downs of moving overseas and explorin...

Shana Pereira & a heart and kidney transplant 06.03.2023

YAY! We’re BACK! Thank you for being so patient while I took a break for the summer holidays here in NZ!  Today’s episode is with Shana Pereira, and we are discussing her heart and kidney transplant, and honestly, at times you will think it is actually the plot of a movie... But more on that towards the end of the episode! In this episode Shana talks us through her story that starts on Christ...

2022 That's So Chronic wrapped! 19.12.2022

Hello! Here is a sneaky lil bonus episode to finish the year! A 2022 That’s So Chronic wrapped episode, if you will!  I thought why not lean into the end of year vibes, and share 22 moments that have made up my (and the pod’s!) 2022. These are mostly highlights and achievements that feel fun to celebrate, with some challenging aspects thrown in too. If you would like to support the work I do...

That's So: The Good Nurse & Capturing The Killer Nurse (Charles Cullen) 28.11.2022

It’s the final (regular) That’s So Chronic episode of the year! How is that even possible!? Seeing as it’s the final Tuesday of the month it’s a That’s So episode. Today we are chatting about the two latest films to be released on Netflix all about serial killer Charles Cullen. It is of course The Good Nurse and Capturing The Killer Nurse   …and I have got a lot of fun facts to share with you...

Olivia & ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) 21.11.2022

Happy Tuesday! Welcome to That’s So Chronic . Today’s episode is with Olivia, who shares her journey navigating symptoms and trying to find a diagnosis. Olivia has been diagnosed with ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) but refers to that as a blanket diagnosis that doesn’t really explain the full picture. In this episode Olivia talks us through her symptoms that started ab...

Monica Foster & Cushing's Disease (Hypercortisolism) 14.11.2022

Welcome back to That’s So Chronic ! Today’s episode is with Monica Foster , and we are talking about her diagnosis of cushing’s disease (hypercortisolism) .  In this episode Monica shares her diagnosis journey, the ups and downs that came with countless tests from various different medical professionals, the decision to go through with brain surgery for the tumours on her pituitary gland, an...

Natalie Meyers & Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus & Pericarditis (with her mom Dr. Laurie!) 07.11.2022

Yay! Happy Tuesday! Today’s episode of That’s So Chronic is with Natalie Meyers and her mom Dr. Laurie , and we’re chatting about Natalie’s diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and pericarditis .  ** We had a couple of technical difficulties getting this video call to work, so thanks in advance for being understanding about the sound quality! **   In this episode, we basically talk a...

Chelsea Haughton & Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder & Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome 31.10.2022

Today’s episode of That’s So Chronic is with Chelsea Haughton and we are talking about her diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) , premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and hypermobile ehlers danlos syndrome (hEDS) . In this episode, Chelsea shares her experiences of seeking a diagnosis which includes flying to a different city for an appointment, how each of these conditions affect he...

Spotlight On: Hear Your Song 24.10.2022

Welcome to That's So Chronic! Today we are shining a spotlight on Hear Your Song, a non-profit organisation that is empowering children and teens with serious illnesses and complex health needs to make their voices heard through collaborative songwriting. If you know a bit about me, you’ll know that this is my cup of tea, so I was very excited to learn more and help share their story today! In thi...

Finn Iles/Violet Tendencies & Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) 10.10.2022

Happy Tuesday! Today I am chatting to Finn Iles/Violet Tendencies all about her diagnosis of hypermobile ehlers danlos syndrome (hEDS) , as well as a variety of comorbidities that come along with this.  In this episode, Finn explains the journey to get to a diagnosis (which is still continuing!), what on earth EDS is, and how medicinal cannabis has helped her symptoms. Finn also takes us thro...

BONUS: Jess Brien & Gluten Intolerance 03.10.2022

Hi! Today’s episode is a little bit different. If you’re not following That’s So Chronic over on instagram you might have missed that recently I was a guest on Ben Hampton’s podcast A Gluten Free Podcast . You might remember Ben from his interview episode here on That’s So Chronic where he shared his story of being diagnosed with coeliac disease.  I really enjoyed getting to chat to Ben all a...

That's So: The Certainty Myth by Dr Toni Lindsay (an interview with Toni!) 26.09.2022

How is it the end of September already?! I’m excited to share this months That’s So episode, because today we’re chatting about The Certainty Myth by Dr Toni Lindsay .  ** a content warning: while we share a lot of laughs, we do touch on the subject of death, so please take care while listening ** Dr Toni Lindsay is a clinical and health psychologist who has been working with both adults and...

Maria Williams & ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) 19.09.2022

Today’s episode is with comedian Maria Williams , and I must admit, I did have a moment where I cried with laughter while editing this episode! Maria is also a teacher, and lives with a diagnosis of ADHD , or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.  In this episode, Maria shares the journey of her ADHD diagnosis, from a diagnosis in Hawai’i that she was convinced was a misdiagnosis to an ev...

Caitlyn McMillan & Achalasia 12.09.2022

It’s Tuesday! Which means another episode of That’s So Chronic ! Today is the first in person interview for a little while (thanks to you know what) and I’m chatting to Caitlyn McMillan about her diagnosis of achalasia . In this episode, Caitlyn shares her diagnosis story, the symptoms she experiences, the decision to go through with surgery to her oesophagus and stomach, how she managed uni and h...

That's So: The Chronic Pain Couple by Karra Eloff (an interview with Karra!) 29.08.2022

How is it the end of August already?! Today we are taking a break from regular interview episodes to share another That's So episode. That's So is a monthly series where we dive deeper into a piece of content - be that a book, film, tv series, interview, literally anything! - that's in our That's So Chronic world. Today I am talking to Karra Eloff about her book titled The Chronic Pain Couple .&nb...

Sean Prenter & Traumatic Brain Injury 22.08.2022

Welcome to That’s So Chronic ! Today’s interview is with Sean Prenter , and we’re talk about his experience living life after sustaining a traumatic brain injury . In this episode, Sean talks us through the moment when he fell off a balcony, the recovery process, as well as how recovery looks when you’re a student, how he managed to complete a goal by being able to ski again, and why he wants to s...

Rosie Wilson & Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Coeliac Disease 15.08.2022

Yay! It’s Tuesday! Which means another interview here at That’s So Chronic . Today we are heading to the UK, and hearing from Rosie Wilson . Rosie is living with a diagnosis of coeliac disease and multiple sclerosis (MS) which is what we are chatting about today. In this episode, Rosie takes us through her coeliac diagnosis (as well the important questions like what her final meal would be if sudd...

Amber Tresca & Ulcerative Colitis 08.08.2022

Welcome back to That’s So Chronic! Today I was able to sit down with Amber Tresca from the AboutIBD podcast to talk about her diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. In this episode Amber talks us through her diagnosis of UC, the effects not having insurance had on her level of care, the decision to go through with J-pouch surgery, why she does the work that she does, and some excellent advice for anyone...

Ben Hampton & Coeliac Disease (from A Gluten Free podcast) 01.08.2022

Happy Tuesday! Welcome back to That’s So Chronic ! Today I was able to sit down with Ben Hampton from A Gluten Free Podcast to talk about his diagnosis of coeliac disease . In this episode Ben runs us through his journey to a diagnosis, what coeliac disease even is, the somewhat silver lining of being diagnosed in the middle of a global pandemic, what he’s found the most difficult, and the importa...

Spotlight On: Exsurgo 25.07.2022

Happy Tuesday friends! For today’s Spotlight On episode, I’m chatting to Richard Little from Exsurgo - A company that combines neuroscience, engineering and data analysis to help treat a range of neurological conditions without the use of pharmaceuticals. In this episode we’re talking about what inspired Richard to begin working in this space, his definition of chronic pain, what the latest piece...

Cheyenne Welham & Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome 18.07.2022

We made it! It’s Tuesday! Another That’s So Chronic episode! Today we are hearing from Cheyenne Welham , and we are talking about her diagnosis of hypermobile ehlers danlos syndrome (hEDS) and living life with an ostomy bag. In this episode Cheyenne explains what EDS is, the 10 year journey to her getting a diagnosis, the life changing decision to go through ileostomy surgery, the toll this has ha...

Megan & Vulvodynia, Endometriosis & Adenoyosis 11.07.2022

Happy Tuesday! Welcome to That’s So Chronic! Today I was able to catch up with Megan, to talk about her diagnosis of vulvodynia, endometriosis and adenomyosis. In this episode Megan talks us through her diagnosis story, what it was like being a part of the PIPI programme at Burwood Hospital, the importance of finding a good GP, her experience navigating the private v public aspect of the NZ health...

Logan Donnelly & Secondary Hypogonadism 04.07.2022

YAY! WE’RE BACK! Today’s episode is with Logan Donnelly ( @_kiwidad ) and we are chatting about his diagnosis of secondary hypogonadism , and what that means for his fertility.  In this episode Logan talks about his diagnosis, the decisions he made in regards to treatment, how wildly different specialists’ opinions can be, why he poured so much time and energy into becoming an expert on his o...

A quick little update... 06.06.2022

Happy Tuesday friends! Yep, another PSA… Interviews are going on a little break while I get caught up again! Thanks for being so understanding. I hope you don't forget about me and That's So Chronic!  But, this reminds me… Here’s the application form to share your story: https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9     Don’t forget to sign up to the free monthly newsletter: thatssochronic.su...

That's So: The Invisible Kingdom by Meghan O'Rourke (an interview with Meghan!) 30.05.2022

Happy Tuesday! Welcome back to That’s So, a monthly series here at That’s So Chronic where we get to chat a little bit deeper on a piece of content (book, film, interview, etc!) that’s in our That’s So Chronic world. Today… The Invisible Kingdom by Meghan O’Rourke . The Invisible Kingdom - Reimagining Chronic Illness, blends New York Times best seller Meghan O’Rourke’s own experiences of searching...

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