SpoonFull of Strength: A Chronic Illness Podcast
SpoonFull of Strength is a podcast dedicated to the resilience, struggles, and triumphs of life with chronic illness. Hosted by sisters-in-law Rachel (a Type 1 Diabetic living with Multiple Sclerosis) and Tina (a Fibromyalgia warrior and Stage 4 Cancer survivor), this show dives into real conversations with fellow warriors, advocates, and experts who share their journeys through diagnosis, treatment, and everyday life. We cover the raw, the real, and the inspiring. Because together, we can carry the weight—one spoonful at a time.
Episodes
In this episode, Rachel and Tina dig into the world of clinical trials—what they are, how they work, and why they matter—especially in the rare disease and chronic illness space. To help us separate fact from fiction, we’re joined by two incredible experts who bring decades of experience to the table.
Kerry Biron is a clinical development leader with over 25 years of experience in global clinical operations. She’s helped bring multi...
In Part 1 of this episode, Rachel and Tina dive into a topic that doesn’t get talked about enough: toxic positivity. What happens when you're constantly trying to “stay strong” or “look on the bright side”—even to your own detriment? Rachel opens up about how she sometimes turns toxic positivity inward, and together they explore how this mindset can unintentionally delay healing and affect mental health in the chronic illness c...
Bonus Episode: The Diagnosis Struggle – Medical Gaslighting & Patient Power
Between Season 3 and 4, we're bringing you a powerful bonus two-part episode that dives deep into the real-life chaos of the diagnostic journey.
In Part 1, Rachel and Tina get real about medical gaslighting—the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways patients are dismissed, misheard, or told "it's all in your head." From endless referrals to th...
Season 3 Finale: Reflecting, Re-Capping, and Soul Healing
In the first half of our Season 3 finale, Rachel and Tina celebrate their first full year of the SpoonFull of Strength podcast! We look back at some of our favorite moments, highlight a few unforgettable Spoonies we've had the honor to meet, and share the biggest lessons we've learned over the past year. Plus, we re-cap the Top 5 most popular episodes from our very fi...
In this powerful two-part series of SpoonFull of Strength, we explore the heart of communication, resilience, and perspective through the lens of chronic illness.
Part 1 features Rachel and Tina as we dive into the often challenging—but incredibly important—topic of talking to children about chronic illness. We break down communication tips based on age, share helpful books that can support these conversations, and discuss how to ge...
In this two-part episode of SpoonFull of Strength, we dive into the world of physical therapy and the patient experience.
In Part 1, Rachel and Tina sit down with physical therapists Kyle (a general and sports PT) and Jessica (a neuro specialist) to talk about the unique challenges Spoonies face in physical therapy. From the importance of pacing to the need for personalized care, Kyle and Jessica offer valuable insight—and practical...
In this two-part episode of SpoonFull of Strength, we explore alternative therapies that go beyond traditional medicine to help manage chronic illness.
In Part 1, Rachel and Tina open up about their personal experiences with therapies like acupuncture, cupping, massage, and vitamin supplementation. They share how each approach has (or hasn’t) helped them manage symptoms like fatigue, inflammation, and pain—and why being open to non-...
Romantic relationships can be challenging, but adding a chronic illness into the mix brings a whole new layer of complexity. In this two-part episode, we explore how chronic illness impacts relationships—communication struggles, feelings of guilt, intimacy challenges, and the importance of support.
In Part 2, we talk with Jessica Krauser, a dedicated advocate for the Parkinson’s community, wife, and mother of twins, who was diagnose...
In this two-part episode, we explore the healing power of writing and journaling with chronic illness. In Part 1, we dive into how putting pen to paper can help process emotions, reduce stress, and improve mental health while navigating life with chronic illness.
In Part 2, we welcome our Spoonie guest, Rebecca, a former nurse who was diagnosed with Hypermobile Spectrum Disorder and POTS after her second pregnancy. On New Year’s Day...
Self-esteem can take a major hit when living with a chronic illness. In part one of this episode, Rachel and Tina open up about the emotional challenges of maintaining confidence while managing unpredictable symptoms. They discuss the mental weight of chronic illness, balancing self-esteem struggles while facing weight changes, and learning to cope with a body that no longer feels like their own.
In part two, we welcome Nicole, a ga...
🎶 New 2-Part Podcast Episode: Music as Medicine! 🎶
In Part 1, we sit down with Rachel and Tina to explore the incredible power of music as a form of healing. Whether it’s finding comfort in lyrics, using music to regulate emotions, or discovering new ways to cope with chronic illness, they share their personal experiences with music as medicine. 🎵💙
In Part 2, we welcome Cerys, a podcast host and producer from Cardiff, Wales!✨...
We want to acknowledge that addiction can be difficult for some listeners. If you find it triggering, feel free to skip ahead to 41:30 to hear our Spoonie story of the episode—Lauren’s journey with Conradi-Hünermann Syndrome.
In this powerful two-part episode, we welcome back Bill from Episode 35 to dive into an important conversation about addiction. Bill opens up about his personal journey, the struggles he faced, and the hard-wo...
In this two-part episode, we dive into the emotional journey of grieving your old self when chronic illness or sudden health changes turn life upside down.
InPart 1, Rachel and Tina open up about the rollercoaster of emotions that come with physical progression or receiving a new diagnosis. They share their personal experiences, the challenges of adjusting to a new reality, and the ways they’ve learned to navigate loss while finding...
In this two-part episode ofSpoonFull of Strength, we take a deep dive into the portrayal of chronic illness in Hollywood. In Part 1, we explore how TV shows and films depict chronic illness—what they get right, what they get wrong, and the impact of these portrayals on public perception. We also highlight celebrities who use their platform to raise awareness and advocate for those with chronic conditions. Plus, stick around for a l...
In this special two-part episode, we dive into the crucial role of nutrition for the chronic illness community.
🌿 Part 1: Rachel and Tina explore the impact of nutrition on managing chronic conditions, sharing their personal experiences and insights on how food choices can support overall well-being.
🧘♀️ Part 2: We welcome Roxanne, a certified yoga teacher and holistic nutrition health coach who has been living with lupus for ...
🎙 Season 3 of SpoonFull of Strength is almost here! 🌟 Premiering February 4, 2025, this season dives deeper into the challenges, triumphs, and untold stories of life with chronic illness. This season, we’re bringing you real conversations and expert insights.
This season, you’ll meet incredible guests who'll share their journeys with resilience and humor. Plus, we’re tackling topics like romantic relationships, addiction, nutri...
In the final episode of Season 2 and 2024, we wrap up the year with laughter and resilience. In Part 1, Rachel and Tina share how humor can bring light to the challenges of living with chronic illness. From embarrassing moments to laugh-out-loud jokes, we explore the healing power of laughter. In
Part 2, we talk with Christie, a resilient warrior who faced a breast cancer diagnosis while navigating life with multiple sclerosis. C...
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