Summary

In this conversation, the speakers discuss the complexities of choosing and training service dogs versus puppies, emphasizing the importance of temperament, the challenges of finding suitable dogs, and the training process. They share personal experiences and insights on navigating the world of service animals, including the significance of socialization and public perception. In this conversation, the speakers discuss v...

Summary

In this conversation, Jess shares their journey of writing the book 'Being Sick Enough', which explores themes of invisible illness, childhood trauma, and the complexities of living with chronic conditions. The discussion delves into the challenges faced as a sick child, the misunderstandings surrounding invisible illnesses, and the process of writing personal stories while navigating relationships and self-acceptance. I...

Summary

In this conversation, Maggie Bushway shares her experiences as a child with brain cancer and the impact it had on her life, family, and friendships. She discusses the importance of autonomy in medical decisions, the role of writing in processing emotions, and the challenges of managing chronic illness while pursuing her passion for writing. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of friendship during illness, the j...

Summary

In this conversation, Tara Moriarty discusses her journey into the world of service dogs, the challenges of finding and training them, and the importance of understanding their role in supporting individuals with disabilities. The discussion covers the costs associated with obtaining a service dog, the various training methods, and the misconceptions that the public holds about service dogs and their handlers. This conve...

Summary

In this conversation, Tisha shares her journey of living with chronic illness, emphasizing the importance of gratitude, community support, and the struggles of public perception. She discusses her experiences with autoimmune disorders, the challenges of diagnosis, and how she has reframed her relationship with her illness, focusing on empowerment rather than battle. In this conversation, the speaker shares their experien...

Summary

In this conversation, Monica Michelle and Ann-Britt discuss their shared experiences with chronic illness, particularly Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. They explore the challenges of living with a chronic condition, the importance of community support, and the therapeutic role of music in coping with illness. Ann-Britt shares her journey from being an active musician to adapting her life around her health challenges, including t...

Monica Michelle is joined by author Sue Jackson.

Sue lives with Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and Lyme disease.

In this episode, Monica and Sue discuss: 

• Sue’s pathway to diagnosis 
• Parenting with chronic illness and parenting a child with chronic illness
• Managing ME/CFS from diagnosis to creating routines
• Using books to cope emotionally
• Writing a book while having chronic fatigue

Monica Michelle is joined by artist Kyrianna Bolles.

Kyrianna lives with chronic pain.

In this episode, Monica and Kyrianna discuss: 

• Kyrianna’s struggle to be accommodated for her pain throughout school years
• How Kyrianna uses her portraits to help represent other’s chronic conditions
• The communities Kyrianna has built, from a college support group to an artist collective
• Kyrianna’s favorite tools for art and chronic pa...

Monica Michelle is interviewed by consultant and content creator Nick Clemmons. Nick recently started the blog Dory’s Corner with Invisible Not Broken. A companion podcast hosted by Nick will be released soon.

Nick lives with Sickle Cell Disease. Monica lives with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, POTS, MCAS, and Fibromyalgia.

In this episode, Nick and Monica discuss:

• Monica’s diagnostic history and her relationship with her disabil...

Monica Michelle is joined by consultant and podcast host Nick Clemmons.

Nick lives with Sickle Cell Disease.

In this episode, Monica and Nick discuss:

• The ways disabled folks are often forgotten in education infrastructure
• How Nick navigates societal limitations to achieve his goals
• Disability representation in the media
• Knowing how to realistically offer help to disabled folks

TIMESTAMPS

00:42 - ADA, Titl...

Monica Michelle is joined by consultant and podcast host Tim Reitma.

Tim lives with Crohn's Disease.

In this episode, Monica and Tim discuss: 

• Tim’s resiliency through managing his Crohn’s
• The importance of self-advocacy, especially in the workplace 
• Tim’s podcast why he shares stories of those with invisible illness 

TIMESTAMPS

00:47 - Tim's diagnosis 

06:31 - How and why Tim applies s...

Monica Michelle is joined by artist and disability advocate Sunny Ammerman

Sunny lives with Septo-optic dysplasia, panhypopituitarism, Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, and is missing a membrane in the brain called the "septum pellucidum".

In this episode, Monica and Sunny discuss: 

• Sunny’s complex disorders and how she copes with them
• Everything VR provides from accessible gaming, social platforms and the potential for better o...

Monica Michelle is joined by Journalist Julia Metraux.

Julia lives with vasculitis, mild to moderate hearing loss, and has experienced long COVID.

In this episode, Monica and Julia discuss: 

• Julia's diagnosis with vasculitis and how it influences her journalistic lens
• How community impacts the mental health of those with chronic illness
• How Julia and Monica find positives and negatives in the internet spaces for chronic...

Monica Michelle is joined by author & physiotherapist Kevin Hunt.

Kevin lives with chronic pain.

In this episode, Monica and Kevin discuss: 

• Kevin’s philosophy of pain management as a physiotherapist who experiences chronic pain. 
• The Hexagon Model, a life-management tool for focusing on what’s important to you.
• Kevin’s idea behind his new book.
• Using pain as a guide.

TIMESTAMPS

00:34 - Kevin...

Monica Michelle is joined by author & personal trainer John K. Frazier.

John lives with ankylosing spondylitis.

In this episode, Monica and John discuss: 

• John’s work as a physical trainer and author
• Chronic pain comparisons
• Personal triumph

TIMESTAMPS

00:50 - John’s business & diagnosis

07:19 - Chronic pain olympics

09:31 - Talking about & hiding a diagnosis

15:09 - Personal triumph

18:24 - Stay...

Monica Michelle is joined by musician Laura Mustard.

Laura lives with VATER syndrome.

In this episode, Monica and Laura discuss: 

• Laura’s inspiration for her upcoming musical EP.
• How Laura’s illness impacted her recent relationship & self-image.
• Laura’s creative process, new music, and social media pressure.

TIMESTAMPS

00:30 - Laura’s new EP / Monica’s recent COVID experience

05:32 - Relationships wit...

Monica Michelle is joined by author Amanda Chay.

Amanda lives with Sjögren’s and Lupus.

In this episode, Monica and Amanda discuss: 

• Amanda’s book & diagnosis
• Outlooking on work & writing
• Navigating chronic illness with kids & family

TIMESTAMPS

00:26 - Intro + The Girlfriend’s Guide to Lupus

02:17 - Amanda’s diagnosis

10:09 - Amanda’s outlook on writing

17:11 - Navigating chronic illness wit...

Monica Michelle is joined by author Alexis Kline.

Alexis lives with Dysautonomia.

In this episode, Monica and Alexis discuss: 

• Being a sick teenager
• Having an isolated diagnosis
• Productivity workflows

TIMESTAMPS

00:28 - Alexis’s diagnosis & dog

07:18 - Sick teenager road map

10:00 - Alexis’s book & workflow

16:25 - Having an isolated diagnosis

20:50 - Wildlife photography, purchases 

The ...

Monica Michelle is joined by author Emily Falcon.

Emily lives with ALCAPA.

In this episode, Monica and Emily discuss: 

• Growing up sick
• Post-surgery support
• Having a public body
• Self-motivation and adventuring

TIMESTAMPS

00:28 - Being a sick kid & Emily’s book title

07:28 - Mortality

10:16 - Portrayal of disability in media

12:21 - Post-surgery support

19:23 - Having a public body

23:43 - Self-motivatio...