Chronic Illness Support: That Chronic Thing

In this episode of That Chronic Thing, I chat with Clark from Chronically the Sickest Podcast, and we dive into her "big three" and "little three" diagnoses (yep, there’s a Percy Jackson connection). We talk about managing chronic pain, sorting through overlapping symptoms, and the joys of willow bark tea when you're sick of popping pills. Clark shares how she juggles her conditions, finds support, and makes her social media a sensory delight. There’s humor, there’s validation, and a little y...

In this episode of That Chronic Thing, host Cathy chats with Dr. Talia, an inspiring digital creator who shares her journey of coping with multiple chronic illnesses. Dr. Talia discusses her experiences with perfectionism, the impact of chronic illness on mental health, and the importance of self-acceptance. Recently achieving her Ph.D. in clinical psychology, Dr. Talia offers insights into how to balance striving for health and finding joy in the present. She also delves into her creative pr...

In this episode, we feature Lexy from the Chronic Chronicles podcast! 🎧 We chat about-- Lexy's personal journey with endometriosis and the challenges she faced in getting diagnosed and treated. The difficulties of managing chronic illness while pursuing a demanding career path The moment Lexy eventually accepting her condition.Experiences that led Lexy to start her podcast, focusing on community and valuable info for others in similar situations. Lexy's work in science, h...

In this episode, we sit down with Casey, a chronic illness warrior whose journey with MALS and comorbidities began in 2016. Despite facing her own health struggles, Casey found purpose and healing through helping others. From hospital celebrations to community support, Casey shares how she balances her passion for creating joy with the realities of chronic illness. → Casey shares how her health journey led her to create hospital celebrations that bring joy and comfort to kids and families fi...

The holidays are here, bringing cinnamon scents, cozy vibes—and a whole lot of challenges when chronic illness is in the mix. In this episode, we unpack the messy feelings around holiday gratitude, share real-life stories from our listeners, and explore how to celebrate without overextending. Plus, get inspired with simple, low-energy gift ideas to show your love without draining your spoons. Let’s navigate the season together—slush and all! 💌 Stay in touch with me at&nbs...

In this moving episode, I sit down with Keeley Shantz, a vibrant actor and storyteller who survived multiple strokes and turned her pain into a powerful mission. Keeley shares her journey from dancing in Iowa to pursuing acting in New York City, and how her life changed forever when she experienced a stroke while home alone. We talk about the raw, emotional details of that day—what it felt like to lose control of her body, her struggle to call for help, and her unexpected transformation into...

In this episode, Whitney Fox returns to discuss relationships with chronic illness and disability. Key takeaways include: → Whitney’s story: How she and her husband, Andrew, create shared experiences despite the challenges of chronic illness. → Partnership tips: Whitney provides insights on how couples can nurture connection, even when one partner is mostly homebound. → Caretaking dynamics: Andrew’s approach to balancing the role of a partner and caretaker, both at home and when he’s away. →...

Hello my chickadees! In this episode of That Chronic Thing, we dive into the internal battery metaphor, a common way to explain energy depletion in ME/CFS. I share my experience attending a festival with my faulty battery and the onset of post-exertional malaise (PEM) that followed. We’ll discuss what PEM is, strategies to avoid it, and how to manage when it hits. Plus, I’ll provide practical tips from personal experience and the Open Medicine Foundation’s PEM Avoidance Toolkit to help naviga...