1KHO 822: How to Get Off the Hamster Wheel of Desperation | Amy Kurtz, But You Look Fine

1KHO 822: How to Get Off the Hamster Wheel of Desperation | Amy Kurtz, But You Look Fine

From The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast by 1000 Hours Outside

June 9, 2026 · 58 min

About this episode

Amy Kurtz discusses the challenges of chronic illness and the concept of Medical Trauma Brain in a conversation about healing beyond the physical.

There are millions of people walking around looking perfectly fine while fighting battles no one can see. In this deeply validating conversation, Amy Kurtz joins Ginny Yurich to talk about chronic illness, medical gaslighting, invisible suffering, and the surprising challenges that can remain even after your body starts to heal. After spending more than a decade searching for answers and eventually being diagnosed with late-stage neurological Lyme disease, Amy realized that recovery isn't always the end of the story. She shares the concept she coined Medical Trauma Brain and explains why so many people remain stuck in fear, hypervigilance, grief, and survival mode long after the crisis has passed. This episode is full of hope, practical tools, and powerful reminders that healing involves more than the body. If you've ever felt dismissed, misunderstood, or trapped on a hamster wheel of desperation, this conversation will make you feel seen. Links:Amy Kurtz: https://www.amykurtz.comBook: But You Look Fine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Ginny Yurich

Guest: Amy Kurtz

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Books & works: But You Look Fine

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