Episode 27: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast#27 Healing Blueprint: Beyond the Prescription with The Holistic Rheumatologist Dr. Elizabeth VolkmannHost Emily Johnson welcomes Dr. Elizabeth Volkmann, The Holistic Rheumatologist, UCLA rheumatologist, and Director of the UCLA Scleroderma Programme.Dr. Volkmann researches how the gut microbiome, nutrition, and trauma shape autoimmune disease. With over 20 years of experience, she shares an evidence-based approach to integrating Eastern and Western medicine. Whether you live with arthritis, scleroderma, lupus, or any chronic inflammatory condition, this episode offers empowering strategies to create your own healing blueprint.Topics covered:Redefining RheumatologyWhole Human Treating the person, not simply the diseaseSupportive Tools Medication alongside nutrition and holistic therapiesRed Flags Spotting dangerous "cures"Gut–Autoimmune ConnectionLeaky Gut Science of intestinal permeabilityTruth on UPFs Findings from Dr. Volkmann's studyProbiotics Fermented foods vs supplementsStool-Tests Microbiome diet mythsWhole-Person ApproachTrauma Research How stress impacts autoimmunityBreathwork as Medicine A free daily gut health habitSelf-Care Diaries Tuning into your bodyCEO Mindset Be your own best advocateAbout the podcast:With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.Emily is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis.Episode Links:Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlistFREE Workbook: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/signup-free-downloadDr Elizabeth Volkmann @the_holistic_rheumatologistInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_holistic_rheumatologist/UCLA Scleroderma Program: https://www.uclahealth.org/Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodieFurther Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

Episode 26: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast#26 Immunity Within: How to Optimise Immune Health with Nutritionist Jenna HopeIn this episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes Jenna Hope (MSc, ANutr), registered nutritionist, founder of Jenna Hope Nutrition, and author of How to Stay Healthy: The Nutritionist's Guide to Optimising Your Immunity.Jenna has spent nearly 11 years helping individuals, leading brands, and corporate clients understand the powerful connection between food and health. In this conversation, she breaks down the science of immune optimisation, explaining why 'boosting' your immune system is not only misleading, but potentially harmful for those living with autoimmune conditions like arthritis, and offers a practical, no-pressure framework for building an anti-inflammatory lifestyle that actually lasts.Topics covered:Gut Health & ImmunityGut-Immune Connection: And why it mattersSugar Cycle: How blood sugar spikes cause inflammationOptimise, Don't BoostWhy Boosting Backfires: Why it can worsen symptomsThe Anti-Inflammatory Four: Vitamin C, magnesium, omega-3, and vitamin DDepleted Nutrients: How stress and inflammation impacts usReal Life NutritionA Day in Jenna's Kitchen: Easiest first steps for an anti-inflammatory dietMotherhood Chapter: Fertility, pregnancy, and postpartumCase Study: From exhausted and wired, to sleeping well and thrivingAbout the podcast:With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.Emily is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis.Episode Links:Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlistFREE Workbook: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/signup-free-downloadJenna Hope @jennahopenutritionInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennahopenutrition/Website: https://www.jennahopenutrition.com/Book: How to Stay HealthyEmily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodieFurther Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

Episode 25: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast#25 Behind Arthritis Foodie: Ali Interviews Emily on Her Journey, Her Health & Her WhyFor the first time in the show's history, host Emily Johnson is the one in the hot seat! Guest host Ali DiGiacomo(@anotherdaywithra) takes over the mic to interview Emily about her life behind the scenes, her 12-year journey with arthritis, and the secrets she’s never shared on the podcast.From the surprising truth about who Emily was before Arthritis Foodie existed, from being terrible at cooking the flare-up that birthed her platform, Emily holds nothing back. This episode is a rare window into the person behind the platform: the mini monthly meltdowns, the invisible pain, and the deep conviction that living with arthritis can be a source of power, not pity.Topics covered:Before Arthritis FoodieWho was Emily before the brand, and her family's reactionMatcha moment and the elbow flare that triggered @arthritisfoodieThe Realities of Chronic Illness & PainThe reality of annual appointments and why coaching fills the gapThat baseline of pain that 'looks fine' from the outsideManaging monthly hormone emotional shiftsMindset, Boundaries & Being OnlineWhy she hates multi-ingredient 'miracles'Emily’s controversial food opinionHer 'whimsical scientist' personalityRapid Fire Round (80/20 rule)Emily’s ultimate comfort mealThe one snack that never leaves her fridgeSuperfood she just can't get behindAbout the podcast:With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.Emily is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis.Episode Links:Live Well with Arthritis Spring Cohort: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlistFREE Workbook: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/signup-free-downloadAli DiGiacomo @AnotherDaywithRA:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anotherdaywithra/Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodieFurther Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

Episode 24: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast#24 Grit & Grace: Navigating Marriage, Motherhood, and RA with Renee AndersonAre you worried that your chronic illness might stop you from having a family? Or perhaps you're already struggling to balance the demands of parenthood with your condition?In this episode, Emily is joined by Renee Anderson, founder of The Rheumatoid Arthritis Mama, for a deeply honest conversation about the grit required to raise a family when living with arthritis. After a decade of mystery symptoms, Renee had to learn how to parent three young children with a new RA diagnosis. She candidly and kindly shares how she handles it all.Topics covered:How it All Began10-Year Mystery Navigating RA and the relief of a diagnosisMud Puddle Philosophy Allowing yourself to feel emotions before moving forwardResilience Seeing strength as the ability to pivotMotherhood & MarriageMum Guilt Reframing guilt with ‘connection over perfection’RA Mum Hacks Innovative tools to help children understandAdaptive Schooling Ways to manage morning stiffness and fatigueSupport & the CEO MindsetCommunication Why clear, actionable requests are vitalPower of No Setting firm boundaries to prevent flaresChoice to Make Advice for those worried about starting a familyAbout the podcast:With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.Emily is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis.Episode Links:Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlistFREE Workbook: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/signup-free-downloadRenee Anderson @RheumatoidArthritisMama:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheumatoidarthritismama/Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18fGZSdk1T/?mibextid=wwXIfrEmily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodieFurther Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

Episode 23: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast#23 From Victim to CEO: How Coaching Helps You Towards Remission with Stefanie RemsonIn this episode, host Emily Johnson is joined by Stefanie Remson (MSN, APRN, FNP-BC), the founder of RheumatoidArthritisCoach.com. As a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner of 20 years, as well as living with Rheumatoid Arthritis for 11 years, Stefanie has a unique perspective.After being misdiagnosed with before navigating those first years with RA, Stefanie realised that medicine only goes so far. Whilst it is the foundation, coaching is the roadmap to remission. Today, she discusses how she helps her clients move from 'Victim' to 'CEO' of their own health.Topics covered:Mindset ShiftNeutral Bridge: Using neutrality to get from victim to CEOStory Reframing: Changing your narrative to better handle life changes, and leading with wins rather than focusing on failuresRed Flags & the InfodemicNavigating Noise: Why social media prioritises engagement over truthLifelong Learners: Identifying scams and why real experts never claim to know it allNuanced Nutrition80/20 Rule: Rejecting food perfectionism and finding grace in survival mode with freezer foodsDeal-Breakers: Identifying foods that impact your joints without losing the joy of eatingThe Power of CoachingSpecialised Support: Why coaching is key to learning how to live alongside your condition and get to remissionAbout the podcast:With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.Emily is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis.Episode Links:Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlistFREE Workbook: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/signup-free-downloadStefanie Remson @RheumatoidArthritisCoachInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheumatoidarthritiscoach/Website: https://rheumatoidarthritiscoach.com/Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodieFurther Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

Episode 22: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast#22 From Pity to Power: Why Arthritis is Sexy and Needs a RebrandAre you tired of well-intentioned pity? This week, host Emily Johnson explores why it’s time to give arthritis a branding makeover and move from 'victim' to 'powerhouse.'Drawing on 12 years of lived experience, Emily reflects on the reality of living with a chronic condition, from compression socks and pill organisers, to the mental weight of masking pain. She shares candid anecdotes about dating, workplace advocacy, and the early days of Arthritis Foodie when she was too embarrassed to even show her face.This episode is a guide for anyone ready to reclaim their agency and remember their worth. Owning your truth is a physiological necessity, and honesty improves your health. Your strength and capability to live with arthritis is phenomenal, so it’s time to stop apologising for who you are.Topics covered:The Pity Trap Why pity is for the defeated, and why we deserve admiration for the 'daily marathon' we doThe Cost of Silence Exploring the biological inflammation that grows when we hide our true selves to please others5 Lessons in Authenticity Emily’s journey from hiding her methotrexate on dates to setting firm boundaries with friends and employersRebranding the ‘Unsexy’ Why self-advocacy, firm boundaries, and radical self-care are sexyThe Athlete Mentality: Shifting your perspective from 'suffering from' a condition to 'living well', as the master of your own bodySPRING COHORT UPDATE: Applications for the Live Well with Arthritis 12-week programme are closing! We have just 4 spaces left. If you are ready to move from pity to power with 1-to-1 coaching and expert guidance, apply now: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlistAbout the podcast:With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.Emily (Arthritis Foodie) is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis.Episode Links:Register for FREE Masterclass: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/mastering-inflammation-masterclass-registrationEmily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arthritisfoodieFurther Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

Episode 21: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast#21 Emily's Arthritis Bookshelf: Top 10 Must-Reads for Remissions & ReliefAre you feeling overwhelmed by conflicting health advice? One of the questions Emily gets asked most is: "Where do I start?" In this essential solo episode, Emily shares her 10 must-read books that have transformed her journey with arthritis.From the clinical science of the microbiome, to cutting-edge research on chronic pain, and the spiritual power of movement. This episode will help you to take control of your health, and feel empowered in your own body.Topics covered:Foundations of Food & Science: Dr. Rupy Aujla and Professor Tim Spector are the leaders in culinary medicine.Gut Health & Immunity: Exploring these with Giulia Enders and Dr. Jenna Macciochi. Plus, the fascinating physiological link between inflammation and mental health.Pain & Modern Science: How Dr. Deepak Ravindran and Dr. Dani Gordon help us reduce pain.Movement & Lived Experience: Modifying yoga for joint health with Dr. Steffany Moonaz and exercising without flares with Zoe McKenzie.The Emily Johnson Library: A look inside Emily Johnson’s bestselling books, Beat Arthritis Naturally and Eat Well with Arthritis.About the podcast:With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.Emily (Arthritis Foodie) is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis.Episode Links:Live Well with Arthritis: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlistResources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodieAuthors:@[email protected]@giulia_enders@dr_jenna_macciochi@drdeepakravindran@drdanigordon@yogaforarthritis@activelyautoimmune@arthritisfoodie

Episode 20: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast#20 Remission Roadmap: Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition with The Lupus Dietitian, Tanya FreirichIn this episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes Tanya Freirich (MS, RD, CDN, CDCES), a registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of The Lupus Dietitian.Tanya is both a clinical dietician and a patient who has lived with autoimmune disease for over 20 years. Maintaining her own remission for over a decade, she shares a science-backed roadmap to reducing inflammation Whether you are dealing with lupus, arthritis, or chronic inflammation, this episode offers practical strategies for recovery.Topics covered:Reality of LupusThe Great Imitator Why lupus symptoms are difficult to diagnoseBiological 'Freak Out' How the immune system loses the ability to recognise itselfFatigue of Autoimmunity Why healing chronic inflammation requires massive cellular energyAnti-Inflammatory FoundationsBuilding Blocks for Recovery How anti-inflammatory foods provide materials for new cellsAccessible Nutrition Debunking superfoods in exchange for staples like blueberries and broccoliFlare-Friendly Kitchen Tools for joint pain relief and low energy daysBeyond the PlateMedicinal Joy and Whimsy How laughter reduces cortisol levels by 37% and why we shouldn't 'save' our joyCase Study From being bed-bound to achieving remission and a healthy pregnancyAbout the podcast:With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.Emily is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis.Episode Links:Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlistFREE Workbook: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/signup-free-downloadTanya Freirich @thelupusdietitianInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelupusdietitian/Website: https://www.thelupusdietitian.com/Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodieFurther Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

Episode 19: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast#19 Mind Matters: Transformative Self-Care for the Nervous System with Suzy ReadingIn this deeply nurturing episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes chartered psychologist, leading self-care expert, coach and author Suzy Reading, to explore the vital connection between the mind and the body.Suzy shares her journey with arthritis and what led her to reclaiming the word 'selfish'. She also introduces her '7 Steps to Peace and Power' framework, and somatic practices designed to move the nervous system from a state of high alert, into one of safety and strength. Ever felt overwhelmed by your diagnosis, or completely depleted? This episode is for you.Topics covered:A Turning Point: Why admitting you can’t do it all isn’t a failure, but the beginning of life lived on your own termsPerimenopause & Arthritis: Suzy’s personal experience with arthritis, and chronic painMyth of Positivity: Why you shouldn't try to manipulate your thoughts, but focus on self-talk insteadPractical Somatic Tools: Grounding exercises including 'Shrug and Sigh' and 'Candle Breath' for stressful momentsNumbing vs. Feeling: Why we cannot numb difficult emotions without dampening joy7-Step Framework: For reclaiming your mind, body, and right to feelHealthy Selfishness: Why filling your cup is a prerequisite for being loving and presentPlus tips for your appointments (more here)About the podcast:With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.Emily is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis.Episode Links:Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlistSuzy Reading @SuzyReadingInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzyreading/Website: https://www.suzyreading.co.uk/Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodieFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie/Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

Episode 18: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast#18 Life on the Road: How @anotherdaywithra Navigates Travelling with ArthritisFor this conversational episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes back the incredible Ali DiGiacomo. Ali is a personal trainer, digital writer, and the voice behind @anotherdaywithra, known for her unfiltered and humorous take on life with Rheumatoid Arthritis.Ali opens up about her most ambitious year yet, moving into a 16-foot Airstream trailer and traveling across Europe. Ali shares the 'un-sugarcoated' truth and reality of travelling with arthritis, as well as her essential travel tips.Topics covered:Why Ali and her partner Travis chose a 16-foot home and the reality of living this wayHer recent trip to the Winter Olympics, and how she coped with flu and flaresHow scheduling a mandatory day of rest after travel is the key to surviving tripsAli’s emotional realisation about the guilt we feel about sickness, when we shouldn'tHealthcare on the move, navigating the logistical and administrative hurdlesMedicine shaming and why listening to your doctor is vital to your carePractical tips for handling rheumatology appointments when your mind goes blank (see Rheumatology Appointment Workbook)A 'Day in the Life Of' Ali, and how the slower pace of a nomadic lifestyle has helpedAbout the podcast:With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.Emily (Arthritis Foodie) is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis.Episode Links:Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlistAli DiGiacomo @AnotherDaywithRA:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anotherdaywithra/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anotherdaywithra?lang=enWebsite: https://www.anotherdaywithra.com/Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodieFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie/Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie