In today's podcast, we delve into the topic of mindfulness with our guest Stephen Schettini. Stephen, AKA the inner monk, shares his experiences as a mindfulness coach and as a former Tibetan monk. In our episode, he shares how mindfulness: Differs from meditation Creates self-awareness  Is bypassed by habitual behaviours  Draws us into authenticity Allows us to feel the full spectrum of emotions Helps those with a chronic illness Provides realistic hope Makes us aware of negative thinking patterns Works best within a community Becomes part of your daily rhythm Visit schettini.com to learn more about Stephen Schettini and his work.

Today's topic uncovers an emotional aspect of my healing journey and I'm grateful to share my experiences with gut health coach, William Dickinson. William will help unpack disordered eating, restrictive diets and why your gut health may be the issue, not the food you're eating. In today's episode, we will also discuss: The connection between chronic illness and digestive function How compromised gut health intensifies the toxic effects of mercury and similar substances The five primary functions of the gut ARFID and fear-based eating habits How restrictive diets can lead to nutritional deficiencies and isolation How food can be a "moral" choice The intersection of physiological and psychological symptoms The stigma of a psychosomatic diagnosis How healing can turn the world from black and white into color The need for self-awareness and flexibility with food choices Podcast Links for William Dickinson Book a 1:1 consult Take the Gut Health quizWebsiteYouTube Get connected with The MS Gym

Join us for a special podcast episode with the CEO of The MS Gym, Ken Allen. In today’s interview we’ll learn about: Ken and his career before The MS Gym  How he met founder Trevor Wicken The MS Gym’s evolution and ethos The The MS Gym product offerings Its online growth and social media outreach Who’s not a good fit for The MS Gym Ken’s views about partnership and affiliates The MS Gym’s program updates Plans for MS Gym community events

In today's episode, Jodi and I get to check in with Ardra Shephard about the engaging complexities of her intriguing new book, aptly titled, Fall-osophy, My Trip through Life with MS. You may think you already know Ardra from her award-winning blog, Tripping on Air, her social media content, or her popular podcast, but, trust us, if you REALLY want to know her, you need to place this revealing page-turner of a memoir on your shopping list. Until then Jodi, Ardra and I are going to give you a glimpse of what you can expect.  EPISODE NOTES: Her personal journey on her blog and social media being only a fraction of what is captured in her book The book making Ardra more 3D Both newbies and veterans of MS will resonate with the content This book is about way more than just a woman with MS A movie in the making  Her goal with the book Deciding what's humiliating When her condition is finally given a label  The worst symptom of MS…fear or guilt Looking cool while using mobility aids Her first MS DMD Dr. Muppet. What was he thinking? Ardra's HSCT saga Relief when your MS symptoms become visible  When co-workers question the validity of your condition The “C” word. It's not what you think. Reminding ourselves of our value Being recognized for our contribution to relationships Disability decor Serenity is for quitters  On dating Passing muster with potential in-laws Instilling self worth in a loved one Raising the bar for other MS advocates The love story woven throughout the book  The unveiling of “The Banker” Inspiring others to write their story Giving the chronic illness community a voice LINKS: Video version of this interview on YouTube Ardra's new book - FALL-OSOPHY, My Trip through Life with MS Ardra on Instagram Ardra's Blog, Tripping on Air The Tripping on Air Podcast on YouTube The MS Gym

Take a journey overseas as we address the rarely discussed topic of mental health in the chronic illness community. Join our podcast guest Lynn as she shares about her: Early childhood symptoms Symptoms dismissed as anxiety Numerous doctors appointments but yielding no results Medical team delaying a diagnosis out of fear of legal action Physiotherapist (sister) "diagnosing" her with MS Mother's catastrophic reaction to diagnosis Various MS medications Struggle with mental illness and isolation Loss of friends due to disease progression New found love of baking Story with The MS Gym Numerous setbacks caused by infections Travel plans with her family "Why" MS GYM LINKS: THE MS GYM Motivational Monday - Reconnecting with your WHY

Today's podcast guest, Danielle, shares about the challenges of balancing family, work and chronic illness. Danielle shares with us her: First symptoms at 16 years old Lack of diagnosis due to technology limitations Symptom remission because of positive lifestyle changes Being shuffled between medical professionals Official diagnoses 11 years after initial symptoms Choice of MS medications Education and career Journey through pregnancy  Favorite resource for mom's with young kids Supportive church community  Work accommodations Discovery of The MS Gym Incorporation of "neural edge" into daily life Mobility aids Advice for the newly diagnosed and those in "limbo" Goals for the future Future family plans MS GYM LINKS: The MS Gym Education - Threat Bucket Book - "Some Days we.." by Julie A Stamm

In today's podcast, we meet Michelle and explore her passion for advocacy, while she navigates her own health challenges.Michelle will share about her: Sudden, troublesome symptoms Numerous diagnostic tests Official MS diagnosis Family history with MS Post-secondary education and career Passion to help vulnerable groups Rollercoaster ride with different DMTs Discovery of The MS Gym Dedication to exercise Volunteer opportunities Ability to advocate for herself and others Goals and achievements THE MS GYM LINKS: THE MS GYM

Today's podcast guest, Missy, will inspire you, as she shares about her: Troubling health concerns Diagnosis with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Complications from RA medications Unusual symptoms and MRI findings Difficulty coping with life challenges Walking struggles and MS diagnosis Career and work accommodations Difficult decision to "medically" retire Support from family and church Travel adventures with mobility aids Journey to finding her new identity Advice for living a healing lifestyle Exciting upcoming family events MS GYM LINKS: THE MS Gym Motivation Monday - Chemistry, butterflies and a rock Motivation Monday - Overcoming your Crisis of belief - "I Won't" Motivation Monday - Imperfect Action vs Perfect Inaction

Let's travel down under to chat with Australian MS Gym member Kerry. Learn about her rare disease and journey of: Being diagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) Battling muscle atrophy Living with a disease that has no treatment options Embracing the Wahls protocol and experiencing symptom relief Finding The MS Gym Using her research skills to learn more about her disease Traveling to the U.S. to attend the Wahls coaching program Joining an international MS Gym Buddy Group to find community Refocusing her schedule to manage family priorities Training like an "athlete" Planning goals and future travel plans Self-care

Join us as we travel to the rainy lands of the UK to chat with our latest podcast guest, Sarah. We'll learn more about Sarah's journey with MS as she shares about her: Early symptoms in childhood Post-secondary education in Germany Adventurous travel expeditions and volunteer work Marriage and difficulties finding work Catering business partnership with her parents Flare of symptoms and ensuing diagnosis Relatives with a previous MS diagnosis Choice of DMT Decision to travel to Mexico for HSCT Improvements seen since the treatment Signing up for The MS Gym Mollii suit and reduction in MS symptoms Support system and leisure activities Determination Future travel plans Love for the outdoors and her dogs Desire to live life to the fullest The MS Gym Links The MS Gym