My Spoonie Sisters

Chronic illness steals more than your health—it can rob you of your identity and everything you once loved. For Shira Haid, a classically trained musician and clinical massage therapist, the onset of multiple tick-borne illnesses, including Lyme disease, marked the beginning of a devastating transformation. What began as extreme fatigue in 2014 quickly spiraled into debilitating pain, cognitive dysfunction, and the loss of her inde...

Have you ever wondered what it's like to be both the healer and the one in need of healing? Meet Mallory Carlson, an acupuncturist of nearly 12 years who has simultaneously navigated her own 16-year journey with debilitating migraines and women's health issues. 

Mallory takes us deep into the raw reality of chronic pain, sharing how she's learned to read her body's signals and transform what once requir...

What happens when doctors dismiss your symptoms for years, even as you're coughing up blood? For Amy, this medical gaslighting journey finally ended with a diagnosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension in March 2023, followed by immediate hospitalization and life-altering treatments.

Amy's story isn't just about receiving difficult diagnoses – including a rare heart defect, genetic mutation, and eventually br...

Have you ever found yourself scrolling through social media, seeing others with your same diagnosis seemingly thriving while you struggle to get out of bed? That gnawing feeling of "why them and not me?" isn't something we talk about enough in the chronic illness community.

The Spoonie Sisters dive deep into the complicated emotions of competition and comparison that silently impact many people with chronic ...

Steve Lovelace's journey with arachnoiditis demonstrates the remarkable strength of the human spirit when faced with seemingly insurmountable pain. When his neurologist delivered the devastating diagnosis in 2014 with a solemn "I'm sorry," Steve realized his life would never be the same. This rare disease, ranking at the top of the pain scale, forced him to abandon his career as a traveling salesman and reimagin...

Andrea's inspiring journey from interior design to public health is a testament to the power of personal experience in shaping professional paths. Prompted by her son's asthma diagnosis and the challenges they faced navigating the healthcare system, Andrea became a Certified Health Education Specialist and Asthma Educator. Through her story, we uncover the emotional resilience required to manage a child's chronic ill...

How do you pursue your dreams when your body seems to have other plans? For slow travel nomad and empowerment coach Caitlin, the answer lies in adaptation rather than abandonment. With a background in environmental engineering and a life shaped by fibromyalgia and complex mental health challenges, she's crafted a unique approach to entrepreneurship that prioritizes well-being alongside achievement.

"I got very, v...

What happens when you combine the expertise of a trailblazing dentist with an unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy? Dr. Amee shares her powerful story of living with epilepsy since age eight and how it catalyzed her mission to challenge societal stigma and embrace vulnerability. Her journey from patient to advocate is a beacon of hope for those newly diagnosed, offering insights into balancing a thriving career and perso...

Join us for a deeply moving conversation with Ashley Spalla, as she recounts her extraordinary journey living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and hip dysplasia. From a seemingly benign basketball injury in college, Ashley quickly found herself facing a challenging medical path that culminated in 49 surgeries over a decade. Her story, filled with determination, resilience, and hope, offers valuable insights not just into the challenges ...

Struggling with the challenges of invisible disabilities? Join us as Maggie Cavanaugh, a National Certified Counselor living with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), reveals her transformative journey from an advertising career to becoming a counselor. Diagnosed at just 14, Maggie navigates the complexities of mental health and chronic illness with empathy, sharing her insights on overcoming disparities in income and ...

Chronic illness impacts every aspect of our lives, including the bedroom. In this refreshingly candid conversation, we break down the walls of shame and silence surrounding sexuality when living with chronic conditions.

Ali returns from her mountain cabin retreat to share how her diagnosis completely changed her relationship with intimacy—once a proudly sexual person who even won a Thunder Down Under fake orgasm contest (w...

Ever wondered how fitness can be more inclusive and empowering for everyone? Join us as we dive into a transformative conversation with Keira, the innovative founder of Chaotic Good Fitness, who has redefined personal training for neurodivergent and queer individuals. Keira's journey, marked by personal battles with ADHD and depression, has fueled their empathetic and personalized approach to fitness. Discover how Kira crafts ...

What happens when ordinary deja vu becomes something far more complex? In honor of Epilepsy Awareness Day, join us as we uncover Emma's extraordinary journey with epilepsy, a condition she was unexpectedly diagnosed with at the age of 23. Her story is a testament to resilience as she navigates through the labyrinth of symptoms and misdiagnoses, revealing the often-overlooked intricacies of living with epilepsy. Emma's can...

Uncover the power of advocacy and community in rheumatology as we welcome our empowering guests, Jennifer Weaver and Cheryl Crow. Jennifer, a dedicated patient leader, and Cheryl, an occupational therapist and founder of Arthritis Life, open up about their journeys as Rheum Champions at the ACR Convergence 2024. With a promise of insight and inspiration, we navigate the intricacies of large conferences, including the importance of ...

Have you ever felt unheard or dismissed in a doctor's office? Join us as we navigate through the deeply personal health journeys of Isabel and Emily, part of the founding team of Guava Health, who share their compelling stories of battling complex medical challenges and the frustrating experience of not being believed by healthcare professionals. These stories aren't just about struggle—they're the catalyst for innov...

Join us for a heartfelt and enlightening conversation tackling one of women's health's often-overlooked issues: endometriosis. Through the eyes of three women who bravely share their personal narratives, we uncover the complexities around the experiences of living with this painful condition. From the onset of their first menstrual cycles, fraught with discomfort and uncertainties, to the ongoing struggle to have their pa...

Kim, a passionate advocate and mother, shares her incredible journey of adopting two daughters, one of whom faces the challenges of an ultra-rare brain condition known as Linspad syndrome. Through personal trials and triumphs, Kim has emerged as a formidable voice in the advocacy space, particularly with her work at the Child Neurology Foundation. Explore how Kim has become a beacon of hope, leveraging her unique experiences to con...

What happens when a determined spirit meets a daunting diagnosis? Join us as we hear from Jewel Dukes, who courageously shares her battle with Cushing's disease. Discover the emotional rollercoaster she faced, from the challenges of weight gain, depression, and anxiety to the life-changing brain surgery to remove a tumor from her pituitary gland. Jewel's story is not just about enduring a rare disease; it's about the...

Discover how former Harlem Globetrotters athletic trainer turned business coach, Michael Dickey, unravels his personal journey with ADHD—a revelation sparked by his son's experiences. Despite initial pushbacks from healthcare professionals, Michael sought a diagnosis that ultimately shed light on the struggles he faced throughout his career and life. His story is both enlightening and empowering as we uncover how recognizing a...