The MS Gym Podcast

In today's podcast, we delve into the topic of mindfulness with our guest Stephen Schettini. Stephen, AKA the inner monk, shares his experiences as a mindfulness coach and as a former Tibetan monk. In our episode, he shares how mindfulness: Differs from meditation Creates self-awareness  Is bypassed by habitual behaviours  Draws us into authenticity Allows us to feel the full spectrum of emotions...

Today's topic uncovers an emotional aspect of my healing journey and I'm grateful to share my experiences with gut health coach, William Dickinson. William will help unpack disordered eating, restrictive diets and why your gut health may be the issue, not the food you're eating. In today's episode, we will also discuss: The connection between chronic illness and digestive function How compromised...

Join us for a special podcast episode with the CEO of The MS Gym, Ken Allen. In today’s interview we’ll learn about: Ken and his career before The MS Gym  How he met founder Trevor Wicken The MS Gym’s evolution and ethos The The MS Gym product offerings Its online growth and social media outreach Who’s not a good fit for The MS Gym Ken’s views about partnership and affiliates The MS Gym’s program...

In today's episode, Jodi and I get to check in with Ardra Shephard about the engaging complexities of her intriguing new book, aptly titled, Fall-osophy, My Trip through Life with MS. You may think you already know Ardra from her award-winning blog, Tripping on Air, her social media content, or her popular podcast, but, trust us, if you REALLY want to know her, you need to place this revealing pag...

Take a journey overseas as we address the rarely discussed topic of mental health in the chronic illness community. Join our podcast guest Lynn as she shares about her: Early childhood symptoms Symptoms dismissed as anxiety Numerous doctors appointments but yielding no results Medical team delaying a diagnosis out of fear of legal action Physiotherapist (sister) "diagnosing" her with MS Mother's c...

Today's podcast guest, Danielle, shares about the challenges of balancing family, work and chronic illness. Danielle shares with us her: First symptoms at 16 years old Lack of diagnosis due to technology limitations Symptom remission because of positive lifestyle changes Being shuffled between medical professionals Official diagnoses 11 years after initial symptoms Choice of MS medications Educati...

In today's podcast, we meet Michelle and explore her passion for advocacy, while she navigates her own health challenges. Michelle will share about her: Sudden, troublesome symptoms Numerous diagnostic tests Official MS diagnosis Family history with MS Post-secondary education and career Passion to help vulnerable groups Rollercoaster ride with different DMTs Discovery of The MS Gym Dedication to...

Today's podcast guest, Missy, will inspire you, as she shares about her: Troubling health concerns Diagnosis with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Complications from RA medications Unusual symptoms and MRI findings Difficulty coping with life challenges Walking struggles and MS diagnosis Career and work accommodations Difficult decision to "medically" retire Support from family and church Travel adventur...

Let's travel down under to chat with Australian MS Gym member Kerry. Learn about her rare disease and journey of: Being diagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) Battling muscle atrophy Living with a disease that has no treatment options Embracing the Wahls protocol and experiencing symptom relief Finding The MS Gym Using her research skills to learn more about her disease Traveling to the U.S....

Join us as we travel to the rainy lands of the UK to chat with our latest podcast guest, Sarah. We'll learn more about Sarah's journey with MS as she shares about her: Early symptoms in childhood Post-secondary education in Germany Adventurous travel expeditions and volunteer work Marriage and difficulties finding work Catering business partnership with her parents Flare of symptoms and ensuing di...

In today's podcast we delve into the chaos with MS Gym veteran Julie. Join us as we travel down the winding path as Julie shares her: Initial symptoms Years of being gaslight Delayed MS diagnosis Son's cancer diagnosis Ability to find calm and community in the storm Sudden worsening of symptoms and departure from work Environmental triggers and isolation Change in life after finding The MS Gym Ded...

It's time to travel across the oceans to talk with today's podcast guest, Cathrin. We'll learn of her journey with MS from her homeland of Sweden. She'll share her story about her: First symptoms as a new mom Questionable and poorly delivered diagnosis Choice of DMTs and failure rates Lifestyle choices that helped relieve her fatigue Career and necessary accommodations Divorce and ensuing stress J...

Be encouraged by today's podcast as we talk with long time MS Gym member Joann. Journey with us as we unpack Joann's: Initial symptoms  Challenges of navigating an MS diagnosis before the internet Choice to ignore unhelpful advice from medical providers Determination to continue her career Decision to pursue accommodations at work Routine with work and exercise Choice of medications Distaste for "...

In today's episode, we'll be chatting with MS Gym newcomer, Heather. Gain new insights as we explore Heather's: First symptoms and diagnostic journey Challenges of being a single mom Career and accomodations Frustration of needing mobility aids at a young age Squeaky wheel policy First impressions of The MS Gym Non-linear progression with exercise Goals for the future Focus on living in the presen...

Join us for our first episode of the fall season as we talk with MS Gym veteran, Yulia, and learn about the many tools she's found and used in her healing journey with MS. We'll talk about her: Initial symptoms and adolescent diagnosis Course of treatments - both pharmaceutical and natural Introduction to The MS Gym Love for The MS Gym community Freedom from loneliness and anxiety Tool belt - CPAP...

In today's podcast episode, Jodi Feltham shares from the book, "Habit Stacking" by author James Clear. She highlights some of the tips and tricks she uses in her own life to create sustainable habits.

In today's message Jodi Feltham shares about her own humble beginnings and healing journey from a broken rib injury. She also recounts the early beginnings of The MS Gym.

I have the privilege today to interview our latest guest Dr. Samantha Roman, better known on TikTok as Dr. Sam. You'll learn valuable insights from our guest, who's not only a John Hopkins MS-trained neurologist, but a fellow MS warrior. In today's podcast, we'll discuss Dr. Sam's: Extensive education in mental health and neuroimmunology  Experiences in MS research Initial symptoms, diagnosis, and...

Join us for our podcast as we learn more about Brenda, one of the Original Gymmers (OG) in The MS Gym. Today, she'll talk about her: Initial symptoms Unexpected diagnosis DMT and treatment choices Journey to find The MS Gym Her commitment to exercise Her change in vocation Travel bug origins Mobility aids that assist her in her passion for global travel Upcoming plans Advice to fellow Chronic Illn...

Life can change so quickly when diagnosed with a chronic illness. Things we once held tightly to like our jobs, hobbies, abilities, family and friends can disappear in the blink of an eye. We can find ourselves lost and isolated from the world around us. Today’s podcast guest tells us how she channelled her own struggles, fear and uncertainty into her TikTok videos and created a safe space and com...

Social media is all around us and is a valuable tool for spreading knowledge, influencing others, and creating awareness. Today, we will learn from Toronto-born Christina Andaya as she shares about how she uses social media to: Create community and share about her own MS journey Raise awareness about atypical MS symptoms and unusual diagnosis in minority ethnic groups Collaborate with organization...

Today's episode is a super special one because I get to reintroduce and/or introduce the MS Gym to the masses. The MS Gym has been around for almost 6 years and has thousands of followers, but there are upwards of 3 million people worldwide who have MS, so there's always someone newly diagnosed out there or just discovering us who may want to know more about exactly who we are.  Who's the founder?...

With summer, vacation months upon us, at least here in the U.S., for those of us living with mobility issues, it adds on an extra layer of complexity and consideration into planning a trip. Things like...Is your vacation rental gonna have steps? Is it going to have an elevator? Are you going to be able to get to your connecting flight fast enough through the airport? Are you going to hold everybod...

In today's MS Gym podcast episode, we'll chat with MS Gym member Kim as she shares about her: Symptoms and rare diagnosis Brain biopsy  Family life Career in mental health Support system Love for MS support groups Inspirational mindset Independence and self-determination Priorities for living well Use of imagination to activate movement Desires for inclusivity and awareness Ability to break obstac...

Welcome back to our 3rd and initially unplanned episode with Dr. Richard Burt, author of the recently released book, Everyday Miracles and the OG provider of HSCT here in the US. Let me explain why we thought it would be useful for our listeners, as well as Dr. Burt to come back and re-hash some of Dr. Burt's touch points from the first two episodes. In particular his stance on NOT treating PPMS a...