Living Well with Multiple Sclerosis

What does your gut have to do with your immune system, your brain and the way you feel day to day with MS? In this episode of Living Well with MS, host Geoff Allix speaks with Kim Venter about gut health, the microbiome and why food may play an important role in supporting overall wellbeing with multiple sclerosis. Kim, who lives with MS herself, is a trained teacher, professional psychological counsellor and nutritional consultant. She shares how certain foods have affected her digestion, energy and symptoms, and why gut health has become central to her approach to living well. The conversation explores what the gut microbiome is, how diet can affect the immune system, and why people with MS may want to pay attention to digestion, food sensitivities and overall gut health. Kim also discusses practical ways to support the microbiome, from eating a wide variety of plant-based foods to trying fermented foods, prebiotics and probiotics. Originally broadcast in 2020, this episode has been edited to remove out-of-date content and reuploaded in 2026 to ensure it remains relevant and useful. 01:53 What is the gut microbiome and why is it so important? 03:15 How does what we eat affect our immune system? 09:01 Is it worth keeping a food diary if you’re having GI symptoms? 10:15 What is the low FODMAPs diet? 11:53 What is Leaky Gut Syndrome and how does it effect people with MS? 19:00 The gut–brain axis: does the blood-brain barrier stop foreign substances from injuring the brain? 22:12 For people living with MS, what can be done to help the gut and keep it healthy? 22:51 What are probiotics and prebiotics? 27:02 What can we to increase both probiotics and prebiotics? 30:50 How does gut health or lack thereof impact MS? 39:01 How does intermittent fasting affect gut health? FODMAP Food Database App New to Overcoming MS? Visit our introductory page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS.

How can movement support you to live well with MS, especially when symptoms like fatigue, pain or balance changes get in the way? Physiotherapist Jody Barber joins Vickie Hadge and Gina Beach to answer community questions on movement, exercise and living well with multiple sclerosis. Drawing on more than 30 years’ experience supporting people with neurological conditions, Jody explores how physiotherapy can help with fatigue, pain, balance, spasticity, mobility and confidence. The conversation covers practical ways to adapt movement as symptoms change, why all movement can count, how exercise may support cognition, and when to seek specialist advice. Jody also discusses complementary approaches such as massage, acupuncture, water-based exercise, yoga and relaxation, while emphasising the importance of finding movement that feels enjoyable, manageable and meaningful. This episode is a webinar highlights special – originally recorded as a live Overcoming MS webinar and now edited for the podcast to bring you the key insights, questions and takeaways in one place. Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio. Watch the original webinar here: https://overcomingms.org/live-well/resources/past-webinars/ask-the-expert-live-with-jody-barber 02:06 Jody’s experience supporting people with MS05:00 Understanding muscle fatigue and adapting exercise08:55 Complementary therapies for stiffness, soreness and pain11:31 Rebuilding core strength with functional movement14:36 Finding MS-friendly yoga and movement classes16:14 Adapting exercise as mobility needs change19:07 Managing pain, anxiety and fear of movement23:59 Sleep difficulties, symptoms and practical routines29:04 Explaining invisible MS symptoms to others31:39 Choosing the right physiotherapist for MS care33:26 Why exercise matters for brain health34:47 Nerve pain, breathing and gentle movement37:02 Spasticity, weight bearing and relaxation strategies39:09 Vestibular symptoms, dizziness and balance support42:21 Exercise, cognition and brain fog in MS43:52 Foot drop, mirror therapy and foot mobility46:20 Simple home exercises using body weight47:07 Electrical muscle stimulation and foot drop support New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

What’s the best way to approach exercise with multiple sclerosis? In this bonus from the archive episode of Living Well with MS, Trevor Wicken explores neuroplasticity, “neural edge” and how to find a movement routine that works for you. Trevor Wicken is the founder of The MS Gym and a neuromuscular movement specialist who supports people with MS through brain-based movement, mindset, education and community. In this episode, he explores how movement can support confidence, resilience and day-to-day wellbeing, and why progress with MS is often about recognising small victories along the way. Whether you’re just starting to explore movement with MS or looking for renewed motivation, this episode is a reminder that exercise is not about doing everything perfectly, it’s about finding what works for you. Originally broadcast in 2020, this episode has been edited to remove out-of-date content and reuploaded in 2026 to ensure it remains relevant and useful. 01:28 What is The MS Gym? 04:45 Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, where you’re from, and the journey that brought you to launching The MS Gym? 13:45 How is your fitness philosophy particularly tailored to people with MS? 18:53 Is it worth getting an MS specialist approach rather than just a normal physical training instructor? 21:10 What are the biggest obstacles to getting people – with or without MS – to adopt a regular exercise regimen? 28:39 For the people you serve under The MS Gym umbrella, how do you measure their success or progress? 44:06 If you could articulate one specific outcome you can say you really nailed in your work through The MS Gym, what would that be and why? 54:53 What motivates or inspires you as a human being?

Navigating disability benefits with multiple sclerosis can feel overwhelming – especially when symptoms are invisible, fluctuating and difficult to measure. In this episode, Social Security disability attorney Nancy Cavey speaks to Overcoming MS Program Facilitator Vickie Hadge to explore how MS is assessed in disability claims, when to consider applying, and what steps you can take early to strengthen your case. From documenting symptoms and functional impact to understanding how work, fatigue and cognitive changes are evaluated, this conversation offers practical guidance grounded in real-world experience. You’ll also learn what to expect from the application process, common mistakes to avoid, and why planning ahead – financially and medically – can make a significant difference. This episode focuses on the US disability benefits system, but many of the insights around documenting symptoms, planning ahead and advocating for support may still be helpful wherever you live. Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio. 02:11 Nancy’s story – why she specializes in disability law 03:20 When MS symptoms start affecting your ability to work 04:12 How to document MS symptoms for stronger evidence 07:35 How MS disability claims are assessed step by step 10:52 What happens after a disability claim is denied 11:40 Proving fatigue and cognitive symptoms in MS claims 13:09 Can you work part-time and still claim benefits? 16:43 How mental health symptoms are considered in MS cases 19:08 Common mistakes people make when applying for disability 20:38 Workplace benefits vs government disability support explained 23:24 Financial planning for a long disability application process 24:04 Early steps to protect your future disability claim 26:18 Why your doctor’s support can make or break a claim Visit Nancy’s Website Follow Nancy on YouTube Listen to Nancy’s Podcast New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

What does it really mean to live well with multiple sclerosis over the long term? In this episode, we’re joined by writer, podcaster and MS advocate Ardra Shephard, creator of Tripping On Air and author of Fallosophy: My Trip Through Life with MS. Ardra shares her journey from diagnosis in her early twenties to becoming a powerful voice in the MS community. Together, we explore the realities of visible symptoms, stigma and learning to adapt when life doesn’t go to plan. Ardra reflects on why she chose to share her story publicly, the role of humour in coping with chronic illness, and how her memoir brings honesty and vulnerability to the MS experience. She also discusses identity, relationships, and the importance of representation through her work in podcasting and adaptive fashion. This conversation is a reminder that while MS can be challenging, it’s still possible to build a meaningful, joyful life. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways and Ardra’s bio. 00:00 Introduction to Ardra and her MS journey02:55 Why she shared her MS story publicly06:00 Using humour to cope with chronic illness realities09:08 Podcasting, relationships and the wider impact of MS11:55 Changing representation through adaptive fashion and media14:54 Key lesson: creating joy while living with MS Connect with Ardra: trippingonair.com com/ms_trippingonair/ facebook.com/trippingonair/ New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

What role can diet play in autoimmune health, and what does the science say about plant-based eating and multiple sclerosis? In this episode of Living Well with MS, we speak with Dr Elizabeth George, a board-certified family physician and co-founder of the Healthy Eating Adventure programme. With more than 40 years of experience in preventive care, she shares why she began exploring the impact of diet on chronic disease and autoimmune conditions. The conversation explores the growing research linking whole-food plant-based diets, inflammation and the gut microbiome. Dr George explains how fibre-rich plant foods support beneficial gut bacteria, which produce compounds that help maintain gut health and influence immune function. We also discuss practical ways people can start eating more plant-based foods, the importance of community support when making lifestyle changes, and how to have constructive conversations about diet with healthcare professionals. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways and Dr George’s bio. 02:38 – Why a family physician turned to plant-based medicine05:22 – The community experiment that launched a 28-day plant-based programme09:53 – Can plant-based diets influence autoimmune conditions like MS?11:42 – Gut microbiome, fibre and the link to inflammation14:26 – Why most doctors receive little nutrition education in training16:08 – Real patient stories of lifestyle change and chronic disease improvement18:37 – Simple ways to start eating more whole plant foods20:45 – How community groups help people sustain lasting lifestyle changes24:38 – Talking to your doctor about diet and lifestyle choices27:48 – Making plant-based cooking easy, enjoyable and family-friendly Connect with Dr Elizabeth George Follow Dr George on Facebook New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

How do you build a sustainable career with multiple sclerosis? In this episode of Living Well with MS, Heather Carrasco shares how her diagnosis reshaped her relationship with work, rest and self-advocacy. Diagnosed with relapsing remitting MS in 2023 – though her symptoms likely began years earlier – Heather reflects on navigating the US healthcare system, learning to manage fatigue at work, and deciding whether to disclose her diagnosis professionally. She also shares how discovering the Overcoming MS Program and finding community helped her move beyond denial and make sustainable lifestyle changes. This episode will resonate with anyone adjusting to life after an MS diagnosis, managing invisible symptoms like fatigue, or trying to create a healthier balance between career and wellbeing. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways and Heather’s bio. 02:12 Early symptoms, delayed diagnosis and navigating healthcare in the US06:18 Explaining MS to others – invisible symptoms and describing fatigue08:28 Discovering Overcoming MS and deciding to attend a retreat09:51 The Overcoming MS retreat experience and finding community12:02 Work–life balance, rest and putting yourself first15:13 Diet, sustainable change and mindset shifts16:28 Mental health, therapy and mindfulness17:57 Support systems, disclosure at work and psychological safety21:59 Advice for the newly diagnosed Register your interest in an Overcoming MS retreat New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website

What does it really mean to parent with multiple sclerosis, and how do you talk to your children about something so unpredictable? In this episode of Living Well with MS, we’re joined by Julie Stamm – MS advocate, author and mother – for an honest and uplifting conversation about raising a child while living with MS. Diagnosed in 2007, Julie turned her experience into advocacy, determined to be open with her son about her condition in ways that are truthful but age-appropriate. She shares how parenting reshaped her perspective on resilience, how listening to children can ease the guilt many parents carry, and why adapting as a family is a sign of strength, not failure. We explore storytelling as a tool for empowerment, the importance of peer support and community, and why the outlook for people newly diagnosed today is more hopeful than ever. Julie also reflects on her children’s book Some Days and her work to promote inclusion and diverse abilities through advocacy and education. This episode will resonate with anyone parenting with MS, considering starting a family, supporting a loved one with MS, or looking to turn lived experience into meaningful advocacy. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways and Julie’s bio. 00:00 Introduction and Julie’s diagnosis journey01:23 Why honesty with children matters02:26 Sharing your story and the power of lived experience03:37 Parenting guilt, resilience and writing Some Days04:42 How MS affects the whole family06:40 Adjusting to change and adapting over time08:39 Becoming an MS advocate and finding your niche10:02 Gratitude, grief and staying hopeful11:23 The importance of peer support and community13:52 Research advances and hope for the future14:58 Advice for newly diagnosed parents Learn more at Julie’s website www.iamstamm.com Follow Julie on Instagram at @iamstamm New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

How can mental health support be better tailored to the real, lived experiences of people with MS? In this episode of Living Well with MS, we’re joined by Dr Eva Fragkiadaki, counselling psychologist and Senior Lecturer in Counselling Psychology at the University of the West of England. Her whose work focuses on developing personalised, evidence-based mental health interventions for people living with MS. Eva shares insights from her research into group-based psychological support, including her co-designed MyMS-Ally intervention. Together, we explore why traditional mental health approaches don’t always work for people with MS, the power of peer connection, and how concepts like identity, self-compassion and visibility of disability shape emotional wellbeing. This conversation will be especially valuable for anyone living with MS, supporting someone with MS, or interested in how mental health care can become more person-centred, inclusive and accessible. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways and Eva’s bio. 00:00 Introducing psychosocial interventions for MS 03:38 Researching group therapy and therapeutic change 06:07 Gender, representation and inclusion in MS research 08:19 What kinds of mental health support help in MS? 10:30 Why group interventions matter 12:47 Peer support, safety and community connection 15:10 Integrative and personalised therapy approaches 17:29 Visible and invisible disability in MS 20:15 Self-compassion and identity 22:23 Future directions for mental health care in MS Learn more about Eva and her work Learn more about Eva’s research on mental health and MS New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

How does gut health affect MS – and what role can diet really play in supporting the immune system? In this episode of Living Well with MS, Geoff is joined by Overcoming MS Program Facilitator Karen Lee – retired intensive care nurse, nutritionist, author and recipe developer. Karen shares her MS journey and explains, in clear and accessible terms, how gut health, inflammation and diet are connected in autoimmune conditions such as MS. They explore dysbiosis and “leaky gut”, why fibre and the microbiome matter, and how whole-food plant-based eating fits within the Overcoming MS dietary recommendations. Karen also talks about her new book Healing from the Inside Out and shares practical, fatigue-friendly tips for eating more plants – without overwhelm. Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio. 00:56 Welcome and introduction to Karen 01:49 Karen’s MS journey: diagnosis, optic neuritis and early changes 04:46 From intensive care nursing to nutrition, writing and teaching 09:32 Understanding the Overcoming MS diet recommendations 10:36 Why diet matters for immune health: nutrients, fats, fibre and the microbiome 17:57 Dysbiosis explained – and how it relates to autoimmunity and MS 22:02 “Leaky gut”: what it means and why inflammation matters 23:16 Inside Karen’s new book Healing from the Inside Out 26:46 How whole plant foods support overall health 29:50 Protein and plant-based diets: common concerns addressed 31:39 Practical tips for eating more plants and increasing variety 37:58 Favourite recipes, sauces and simple ways to add flavour 39:41 Batch cooking and freezing for low-energy days 41:26 Running the Taunton Half Marathon and fundraising for Overcoming MS Order Karen’s latest book Healing from the Inside Out: Managing Autoimmunity with a Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet Support Karen’s fundraiser for Overcoming MS Learn more about Karen’s work New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review

In this episode of Living Well with MS, Alex Holden (Chief Executive of Overcoming MS) is joined by Rachel Johnson, Overcoming MS’s Information and Research Manager, and Dr Jonathan White, the charity’s Medical Advisor and Program Facilitator. Together they explore what the latest evidence says about lifestyle and self-management in MS – and why it’s an increasingly exciting time for MS research and treatment. They also share what Overcoming MS is working on in 2026, including improved evaluation of our programmes, new symptom-focused resources, and progress towards achieving the PIF TICK quality mark for trusted health information. Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio. 01:56 Meet Rachel Johnson: background in psychology, research methods and why she joined Overcoming MS 04:04 Jonny’s role and why sharing research clearly (and credibly) matters 05:33 Rachel’s priorities: improving information quality and evaluating impact 07:16 Supporting healthcare professionals to signpost trusted lifestyle resources 09:06 What’s coming up in 2026: evaluation findings, information strategy and symptom-based resources 11:05 Jonny’s 2026 highlights: Pathways, retreats and the BSLM lifestyle medicine module 14:24 How the Overcoming MS programme aligns with the latest lifestyle research 16:57 Making the programme practical: diet quality, Mediterranean-style eating and “big picture” habits 18:54 Talking to your MS team about lifestyle: confidence, language, and keeping your agenda clear 23:05 Why robust evaluation matters: pre-post surveys, validated measures and long-term follow-up 27:31 Getting involved in research: MS Register, university studies and opportunities shared via the Hub 31:41 What is PIF TICK and why it matters for trustworthy MS lifestyle information 36:04 What’s exciting in MS research right now: treatments, progressive MS, and novel therapies 40:13 Why credibility and clear communication are key to shifting the “no evidence” narrative More info and links: Listen to the Talking with Skeptics webinar with Jonny and Yasmin Neves Tell your health team about Overcoming MS resources for healthcare professionals Sign up for the next free Pathway to Overcoming MS course Join the MS Register in the UK New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

In this episode of Living Well with MS, we’re sharing highlights from our Ask Aaron webinar – originally recorded as a live Overcoming MS webinar and now edited for the podcast to bring you the key insights, questions and takeaways in one place. Our guest is the dynamic and much-loved Dr Aaron Boster, a board-certified neurologist specialising in multiple sclerosis. Dr Boster answers a wide range of thoughtful, practical questions from the OvercomingMS community. From medications and MRI contrast scans to foot drop, vision changes, supplements and the latest research developments, he brings clarity, warmth and energy to every topic. If you’ve ever wished you could sit down with a neurologist who truly understands MS, this episode is for you. Watch this episode on YouTube. Topics and timestamps 05:08 Exciting developments in MS research 10:54 Subcutaneous injections of Ocrevus 14:27 Remyelination drug trials 22:02 Addressing fatigue in MS patients 30:14 Managing fatigue: strategies and treatments 31:04 Navigating disease-modifying therapies 31:04 Supporting loved ones with MS 35:09 Understanding MRI and gadolinium contrast 38:21 B-Cell depletion therapies and MS progression 40:42 Exploring functional mushrooms and supplements 44:35 The importance of vitamins and nutrition 52:15 Understanding neurofilament light chain 58:28 Foot drop solutions 59:29 Finding the right doctor 01:00:29 Hope for the future of MS More info and links Listen to other episodes featuring Dr Boster Check out Dr Boster’s popular YouTube channel covering all aspects of MS New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS – begin your journey at our ‘Get started’ page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

In this episode of Living Well with MS, we meet adaptive world champion athlete Francis Loye, a Northern Ireland-based father of three who lives with MS. Francis was diagnosed in 2021 after experiencing symptoms on a cycling holiday. Since then, he has transformed his life: following the Overcoming MS program, connecting deeply with community, and competing at the very highest level in hybrid and adaptive sport. From the Hyrox World Championships to the gruelling Mallorca 312 endurance race, Francis has shown what’s possible when determination meets lifestyle-led wellness. This conversation is full of honesty and inspiration – whether you’re newly diagnosed, returning to exercise, or curious about what adaptive sport looks like in practice. Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics and timestamps. Topics and timestamps 00:43 Francis’s MS journey: diagnosis, fear, acceptance and choosing empowerment 04:17 Discovering Overcoming MS: a lifeline of hope 06:23 Discovering the power of community 07:59 Adapting lifestyle: challenges and triumphs 11:04 Family health: balancing MS and parenting 13:40 The Retreat experience: vulnerability and connection 16:32 Understanding hybrid and adaptive athletics 20:01 Training regimen: balancing endurance and strength 25:29 Winning the Hyrox World Championships 29:19 Diet and nutrition: balancing performance and health 31:38 Advice for the newly diagnosed: finding peace and community More info and links Connect with Francis on Instagram Francis was on the Overcoming MS Webinar Physical Activity and MS Learn more about Joe Dispenza’s work Check out the Hyrox adaptive divisions New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS – begin your journey at our ‘Get started’ page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.