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Showing episodes and shows of
April Aramanda
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The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
037 The End-of-Year Energy Check-In — Reflect, Release, and Realign
This year may not have gone to plan, but you grew through it. Here’s a gentle reflection to help you rest, release, and refocus before the new year. What You’ll Learn How to reflect on your year with honesty and grace Ways to recognize growth that doesn’t look like achievement Reflection prompts around energy, joy, and compassion How to release guilt and carry peace into the new year Memorable Quotes “You don’t have to pretend this year was easy — you just have to acknowledge that you kept showing up.” “Growth isn’t always visible. Sometimes it looks like resting...
2025-12-23
04 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
036 Holiday Survival Mode: How to Set Boundaries and Still Feel Loved
Holiday gatherings don’t have to drain you. Here’s how to protect your energy, say no with grace, and still feel connected. What You’ll Learn Why guilt creeps in when you set limits How to communicate your boundaries clearly and kindly Simple scripts for saying no or leaving early How to let go of pressure and find joy in quieter moments Memorable Quotes “You don’t owe anyone a detailed medical update over mashed potatoes.” “Guilt is often just grief in disguise.” “You can love your people deeply and honor your limits at the same time.” “You don’t have to earn...
2025-12-16
05 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
035 When Gratitude Feels Forced: Finding Thanks in the Mess
When life feels heavy, gratitude can feel fake. Let’s talk about finding real, grounded thankfulness in the middle of the mess. What You’ll Learn Why “toxic gratitude” makes hard days harder The difference between pretending and practicing gratitude Gentle journal prompts for finding small joys How faith helps you hold gratitude and pain at the same time Memorable Quotes “Gratitude doesn’t erase pain — it makes room for hope.” “It’s not about being thankful for the pain. It’s about noticing what still holds.” “You can be angry, tired, and grateful all at once.” “Gratitude doesn’t have to be loud — sometimes it’s...
2025-12-09
04 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
034 The Crash After the Feast — How to Rest Without Guilt
After the holidays, your body crashes and your guilt kicks in. Here’s how to rest without apology — because recovery is sacred work. What You’ll Learn Why your post-holiday crash isn’t weakness How to identify guilt-driven thoughts about rest Real-life examples of what true rest looks like Mindset shifts to help you rest without apology Memorable Quotes “Recovery isn’t laziness. It’s the part your body’s been waiting for.” “Your body doesn’t keep score — it keeps memory.” “Rest was never meant to be earned. It’s meant to be part of the rhythm.” “You don’t have to bounce back. You...
2025-12-02
05 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
033 Thank You From My Heart to Yours
Hey friend. This one’s simple — no lessons or bullet points today. I just wanted to take a breath with you and say thank you. For real. For showing up, for listening, for being part of this messy, beautiful space we’ve built together. When I started The Invisible Illness Club, I hoped it would help women feel seen. What’s happened has been so much more. Every message you’ve sent, every episode you’ve shared, every quiet moment you’ve listened while folding laundry or driving home — it all matters. You’ve turned this podcast into more than a project. It...
2025-11-25
03 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
032 Why Asking for Help Feels So Dang Hard
Asking for help shouldn’t feel like failure — but for so many of us living with chronic illness, it does. In this episode, April gets real about the guilt, pride, and fear that make it so hard to ask for help, even when we desperately need it. From a moment of vulnerability in the shower to redefining what strength really means, this honest conversation invites you to see help not as weakness, but as connection. 🪞 What You’ll Hear Why asking for help feels so heavy (and what’s really underneath it) The difference between weakness and honesty How guilt a...
2025-11-18
06 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
031 Boundaries, MS & Building a Business on Your Terms (with Stephanie Boyle)
Virtual assistant agency owner Stephanie Boyle shares how living with multiple sclerosis reshaped her work, motherhood, and mindset. We dig into boundaries without guilt, pacing work with alarms and self-check questions, co-parenting through flares, and starting a business small (on your body’s timeline). This one’s a masterclass in honoring limits without losing your ambition. Key Topics The schedule that listens: using alarms and self-check prompts to pace work with MS Boundaries that stick (and why “no” often becomes a better “yes” later) Recovering people-pleasing: serving well without self-abandonment Parenting in a flare: resilience, honest language with kids, and as...
2025-11-11
31 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
030 What I Wish Doctors Knew About People Like Me
In this heartfelt open letter, April shares what she wishes every doctor, nurse, and medical professional understood about life with chronic illness. This isn’t a rant — it’s a reminder that compassion and curiosity are just as vital as prescriptions. From the frustration of being dismissed to the healing power of the words “I believe you,” this episode invites providers — and patients — to reimagine what true care looks like. 🩵 In This Episode, You’ll Hear: What patients with chronic illness wish their doctors truly understood How years of being dismissed or doubted impact trust and mental health What compassionate...
2025-11-04
05 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
029 Supporting Your Spouse Through Chronic Illness with Matt and Latricia Davis
This episode dives into what it really looks like to support a spouse living with chronic illness. Matt shares the long, emotional journey to his MCTD diagnosis — from years of pain and self-doubt to finally finding answers. Latricia offers honest insight into the emotional weight of watching someone you love struggle and how she’s learned to listen, show up, and advocate without losing herself in the process. Together, they talk about the hard days, the moments of laughter that keep them grounded, and what love looks like when life doesn’t go as planned. Whether you’re the one who’...
2025-10-28
35 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
028 Building a Business That Works With Your Body (Not Against It)
Entrepreneurship is often painted as hustle, consistency, and 5 a.m. mornings. But when you live with chronic illness, that version of productivity just doesn’t fit. In this episode, I pull back the curtain on what it really looks like to run a business when your body has other plans. From working in bed with a laptop tray to building flexible schedules that honor your energy, I’ll share the practices and mindset shifts that keep me moving forward—slowly, but steadily. You’ll learn how to theme your days, use brain dumps to clear mental clutter, set flexible prioriti...
2025-10-21
11 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
027 Victory in the Valley: Tina Medlin on Crohn’s, Faith, and Building Community
In this conversation, Tina Marie Medlin opens up about 30+ years with Crohn’s disease, drug reactions, major surgeries (including an ostomy), and the spiritual warfare of not giving up—like enduring six days with an NG tube and a terrifying arterial bleed she faced fully awake. Through it all, Tina discovered a calling: Warrior Braids Ministry, personalized “Warrior Boxes,” and a monthly faith-based support group that makes sure no one walks the chronic-illness road alone. We talk about pacing life with limited energy, the sting of “you look good,” why transparency matters, and how community becomes a vessel for hope. If you...
2025-10-10
43 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
026 When Healing Doesn’t Come: Acute vs. Chronic Illness and What It Really Means
In this solo episode of The Invisible Illness Club Podcast, April breaks down the difference between acute and chronic illness with everyday examples and relatable metaphors. She explains why society easily rallies around a broken bone but struggles to grasp the lifelong challenges of chronic conditions. April also reflects on how chronic illness shapes relationships and stretches faith in ways acute illness rarely does. This conversation is for anyone living with a chronic condition—or anyone who loves and supports someone who is—offering clarity, validation, and hope. 💬 Memorable Quotes: “Acute illness is like a thunderstorm—it blows through. Ch...
2025-10-07
11 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
025 Normal Labs, Real Symptoms: Patient Advocacy & Hope with Rheumatologist Dr. Reeti Joshi
When your labs say “normal” but your body says otherwise—Dr. Reeti Joshi shares advocacy tools, faith, and hope for chronic illness. What You’ll Learn Why “normal” labs can still miss real disease activity—and how doctors actually interpret results in context of your story Concrete ways to self-advocate (questions to ask, when to seek a second opinion, and how to communicate across specialties) How a physician with her own autoimmune disease builds trust, listens, and practices shared decision-making Why second and third visits often unlock key history—and how to prepare for them “Never give up”: practical encouragem...
2025-09-30
35 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
024 How Do We Respond as Christians When the World Feels Heavy?
This week’s episode is different. April shares from a place of grief, prayer, and reflection after the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, the murder of a young woman on a train, ongoing school shootings, and other tragedies shaking our nation. Rather than diving into politics, this is a conversation about how Christians can process these events through the lens of faith. April talks about the weight of constant news, why our spirits were never meant to carry it all, and the importance of stepping back to listen for what God is calling us to do in these times. Wh...
2025-09-23
09 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
023 When Mold, Motherhood, and Faith Collide: Aubree Felderhoff on CIRS, Starting Over, and Finding Intentional Motherhood
This conversation follows Aubree’s seven-year search for a diagnosis, the emotional toll of not being believed, and the day-after prayer moment that led—miraculously—to answers. She explains CIRS in plain language, why her family had to walk away from their home and most possessions, and what rebuilding practically and spiritually looked like in the middle of a pandemic. We explore DNRS brain rewiring, reframing guilt, and holding both hope and reality with chronic illness. Aubree also shares how Mom Intentional was born: from the gap between “getting better” and having the skills and systems to actually live well. If you’...
2025-09-16
40 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
022 You’re Not Lazy: The Truth About Chronic Illness and Invisible Effort
This episode dives into the shame so many of us carry when we’re living with chronic illness and can’t do what others expect—or what we expect of ourselves. From the outside, it might look like we’re resting too much, avoiding responsibilities, or being inconsistent. But the truth? We’re fighting invisible battles every single day. April shares a personal story of internalized guilt, how she learned to reframe the idea of “laziness,” and what it means to offer ourselves grace on the hardest days. If you’ve ever felt like you had to explain or justify your res...
2025-09-09
04 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
021 Faith, Chronic Illness, and Motherhood with Keyundra Thompson
What does it look like to navigate lupus, POTS, and motherhood—all while raising a medically complex child and building a platform to support others? In this conversation, I’m joined by Keyundra Thompson, author, advocate, and founder of Secrets to Serenity. Keyundra shares her powerful story of growing up with undiagnosed symptoms, walking through a difficult pregnancy, and eventually receiving her chronic illness diagnoses. Through her journey, she’s learned how to balance caring for her children, managing her own health, and leaning on her faith to carry her through. She’s also created a space for author...
2025-09-02
34 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
020 When God Doesn’t Heal: Holding on to Faith with Chronic Illness
This episode is for the ones holding faith in one hand and pain in the other. I share my honest journey of praying, believing, and still living with chronic illness—and the quiet shame, grief, and questions that come with it. Together, we’ll unpack the wrestle of faith when healing doesn’t come, the ways God still shows up in the waiting, and how to redefine miracles beyond physical healing. Whether you’re in a flare, walking through a diagnosis, or simply feeling forgotten, this conversation is an open door to breathe, to grieve, and to believe again—right here...
2025-08-26
03 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
019 Faith, Planning, and Living Fully with Lupus: A Conversation with Shedrica Holmes of Chronically Planned
In this candid conversation, Shedrica opens up about her lupus diagnosis journey, the mental and emotional battles of living with an invisible illness, and how faith has been her foundation. She shares how using a physical planner transformed her daily life—helping her track symptoms, manage her household, and create space for both rest and joy. We talk about the importance of planning around your body instead of against it, using creativity as a source of healing, and finding hope when life looks different than you expected. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into your chronic illness journey, this...
2025-08-19
32 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
018 RV Life, Illness, and Getting Rid of the Crap That Weighs You Down
This episode dives into the hidden emotional weight of starting over with chronic illness. What happens when you’ve finally made the leap—downsizing your home, embracing a new lifestyle—only to find that your body and heart haven’t caught up? I’m opening up about the day I broke down in our RV, what no one saw beneath the surface, and how guilt and grief can sneak into even the most “exciting” seasons. Whether you’re in a season of transition, feeling stuck between who you were and who you’re becoming, or simply tired of pushing through—it’s okay to not hav...
2025-08-12
05 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
017 Helping Someone End Well: Faith, Caregiving, and Letting Go with Rachel K. Schneider
This episode dives into Rachel’s story of loving and losing her husband to ALS and how she helped him “end well” with dignity, faith, and joy. We talk about invisible illness, caregiving, grief, honoring someone’s choices in their final days, and what it really means to live abundantly even when life hurts. Rachel also opens up about her ministry, Spirited Prosperity, and her mission to help women over 45 reclaim their stories and connect with the Holy Spirit. Whether you’re a caregiver, someone who’s grieving, or a woman wrestling with what’s next—this one will speak to you rig...
2025-08-05
31 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
016 I'm too young for mobility aids
If you’ve ever felt embarrassed to use a cane, walker, or scooter because of your age or how “healthy” you look—you are not alone. This week, we’re breaking down the shame, judgment, and internalized ableism around mobility aids. I share my own experience using a rollator for the first time, plus tips and encouragement for anyone on the edge of making that decision. Because choosing support isn’t giving up—it’s choosing more life. Memorable Quotes: "Would you rather suffer in silence—or show up for your life?” “You are allowed to prioritize your joy, e...
2025-07-29
06 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
015 Finding Purpose Through Pain: Melissa Smith on Chronic Illness, Faith, and Supporting Women
⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of medical trauma, near-death experiences, and infertility Summary Melissa Smith was born with cerebral palsy, lives with multiple chronic conditions, and has survived a life-threatening surgery. But her story isn’t about staying stuck in the pain—it’s about how she turned that pain into purpose. In this episode, Melissa shares the heart behind her business, Grace and Glory Virtual Services, and how God used her hardest moments to equip her to serve other women. We talk about grief, burnout, spiritual dry spells, and the importance of community. She also op...
2025-07-22
45 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
014 What Chronic Illness Is Teaching Me About God
Faith isn’t always easy when your body won’t cooperate and your plans constantly fall apart. In this raw and personal episode, I’m sharing how chronic illness is teaching me to stop performing and start trusting. From years of self-reliance to finally learning how to rest in God’s strength, this is for anyone who’s ever whispered, “God, I can’t do this.” Spoiler: You don’t have to do it alone. Memorable Quotes: “I’ve known God since I was ten—but chronic illness is teaching me how to actually trust Him.” “God isn’t waiting for you to...
2025-07-15
07 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
013 High-Functioning Depression, Motherhood, and Mental Health with Kristen Van Horn
What does depression really look like? For Kristen Van Horn, it didn’t mean crying in bed or skipping daily routines—it meant anger, irritability, and feeling disconnected from a life that “should” have made her happy. In this honest conversation, Kristen shares how she finally got the support she needed, what it looks like to maintain her mental health 10 years later, and why rest is actually productive. Whether you’re in the thick of it or figuring out what healing looks like, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone—and it can get better. Memorable Qu...
2025-07-08
41 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
012 Is Traveling Off the Table Now? (Traveling with Chronic Illness Doesn’t Have to Mean Giving Up)
Thinking of canceling travel plans because of chronic illness? In this episode, we talk about how travel can still be possible—just differently. From pacing tools to packing smart, this one’s full of real talk, tips, and encouragement to help you see the world again—on your terms. Memorable Quotes: “You’re not broken. You’re just navigating life with a different map. And that map still leads to beautiful places.” “Travel isn’t off the table. It just might look different now. And that’s okay.” “Comfort is queen—so it’s all about soft clothes, supportive sho...
2025-07-01
05 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
011 Grieving the Life You Thought You’d Have (with JoBeth Polley)
I’m joined by JoBeth Polley, a certified grief recovery specialist who shares her own heartbreaking story and offers hope and healing for those grieving lives they didn’t choose. ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of terminal illness, infertility, and grief. In this raw and deeply moving episode, JoBeth Polley and I talk about the kind of grief no one prepares you for—the grief that comes with chronic illness, infertility, and lost futures. JoBeth shares her personal story of losing her husband to brain cancer and how it led her to help others thr...
2025-06-24
55 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
010 What to Do When You’re Sick on Top of a Chronic Illness
In this episode of The Invisible Illness Club, we’re talking about the absolute worst combo—getting sick on top of your chronic illness. I’m sharing what it felt like when I got COVID this past February (spoiler: it was brutal), why being “extra sick” hits so much harder when you already live with limited energy, and what to actually do when you’re stuck in survival mode. We’re talking real rest, low-energy self-care, and the emotional toll no one talks about. Plus, I’m pointing you to my free Self-Care Toolkit—because sometimes brushing your teeth is the win.
2025-06-17
08 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
009 Pilates for Chronic Pain and Recovery: Jessica McGarvey’s Journey from Injury to Empowerment
What happens when the body you’ve always relied on breaks down? Jessica McGarvey knows this journey intimately. A former professional dancer turned Pilates instructor, Jessica opens up about her herniated disc injury, the long road to recovery, and how that season deepened her empathy for clients navigating invisible illness and postpartum healing. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or struggling to find a movement practice that feels safe, this episode is packed with grace-filled wisdom, practical encouragement, and hope that healing is possible—even if it looks different than you planned. Memorable Quotes: I...
2025-06-10
26 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
008 Chronic Illness is a Full-Time Job (And That’s Why I Said No)
If you’ve ever felt guilty for saying no, this one’s for you. Let’s talk about why living with chronic illness is a full-time job—and how setting boundaries can save your energy (and your sanity). Plus, I’ve got a brand-new resource to help: The Boundaries Reset Workbook. Memorable Quotes: “Chronic illness is a full-time job—with no PTO, no weekends, and no cupcakes in the break room.” “You don’t need to justify your no. Protecting your energy is reason enough.” “Your boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re survival. Especially when your body is already doing the most...
2025-06-03
05 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
007 Reclaiming Joy with Chronic Illness: Nicole Roth on Healing Hashimoto’s, Setting Boundaries, and Restoring Your Health
In this episode, I’m joined by Nicole Roth—a Health Restoration & Joy Coach and longtime autoimmune warrior—who shares how she reclaimed her health and joy after years of living with Hashimoto’s. We talk about the power of mindset, the role of boundaries in healing, and how faith and nervous system regulation helped her shift from seeing herself as “sick” to stepping into her God-given purpose. This conversation is honest, hopeful, and filled with practical wisdom for anyone navigating life with chronic illness. Memorable Quotes: It seems so simple, but moving my body was one of the m...
2025-05-27
34 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
006 Running a Business from Bed with Chronic illness
Let’s get real: not all entrepreneurs start their day with a latte and a color-coded calendar. Some of us start it from bed—with heating pads, pill bottles, and a to-do list that flexes with our energy. In this episode, I’m sharing how I run a business while managing chronic illness, why “business as usual” doesn’t work for spoonies, and how to create a work rhythm that honors your body. If you’ve ever felt like you can’t be both sick and successful, this episode will remind you—you absolutely can. Memorable Quotes: “My bank doesn...
2025-05-20
05 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
005 When Your Labs Scare You: Navigating Kidney Issues with Chronic Illness
I know this wasn’t the most uplifting episode—but I also know how lonely it feels to sit with scary lab results, unanswered questions, and a body that’s just not cooperating. So if you’re there right now too, please know: I see you. You’re not broken. You’re not failing. And you don’t have to face the unknown alone. Whether your kidneys are flaring, your labs are off, or your energy is hanging by a thread—you still belong here. You’re still worthy of rest, support, and softness. Memorable Quotes: I don’t have a...
2025-05-13
04 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
004 Grieving the Life You Had
Today’s episode is for the ones who miss their old selves—the energetic version who stayed out late, made spontaneous plans, and didn’t have to count spoons just to take a shower. Chronic illness brings a grief that no one prepares you for. It’s not linear, it’s not loud—but it’s real. We talk about what this grief looks like, why it comes in waves, and how to cope with a life that looks nothing like you imagined. You are not failing—you’re adapting. And that’s powerful. Memorable Quotes: “You don’t have to be i...
2025-05-06
05 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
003 Lonely but Not Alone: The Hidden Isolation of Chronic Illness
Ever felt completely alone, even in a room full of people? This episode is all about that invisible ache—loneliness that isn’t about being physically alone, but about not feeling understood. When you’re living with a chronic illness, especially one others can’t see, that kind of isolation can run deep. I’m sharing a personal story that hit me hard and offering a few gentle, real-life ways to cope when you feel unseen. You are not too sensitive. You’re not dramatic. You’re human—and you deserve real connection. Memorable Quotes: “Loneliness isn’t always about...
2025-04-29
05 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
001 Living with Chronic Illness: My Story & Why I Started This Podcast
In this first episode, I share my journey to getting diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Fibromyalgia after years of being dismissed. I also talk about why I started The Invisible Illness Club Podcast and what you can expect—real, honest conversations about chronic illness, faith, and finding joy in the hard moments. You’re not alone here! Memorable Quotes: Finally! Someone was taking me seriously and it wasn't even at my own appointment! We’re in this together, and I can’t wait to walk this journey with you. Links: Join The Unseen Sisterho...
2025-04-22
08 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
002 Finding Joy Through Gratitude
In this episode, we’re talking about the power of gratitude—not as toxic positivity, but as a tool to find hope and joy even on the hardest days. You’ll learn how gratitude rewires your brain, helps shift your focus, and creates space for both the pain and the good. 💛 Memorable Quotes: “Hope and joy feel so out of reach sometimes. But gratitude doesn’t mean pretending everything’s fine or ignoring your pain. It can be both/and.” “Your brain already has a VIP list of everything that sucks. Gratitude reminds it, ‘Hey, there’s still some beauty her...
2025-04-22
05 min
The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
Welcome to the Invisible Illness Podcast
Are you feeling overwhelmed, unseen, or just plain exhausted from navigating life with a chronic illness? You’re not alone, and this podcast is here to remind you of that. Welcome to The Invisible Illness Club Podcast, a space where your struggles are acknowledged, your wins (big or small) are celebrated, and real-life solutions meet hope and encouragement. In this first episode, I’m sharing what you can expect from the podcast, a little of my own journey with chronic illness, and how faith, boundaries, and a little bit of humor have helped me find joy along the...
2025-02-17
01 min
The Confident Mompreneur Podcast
#7 Pinterest and You with Amanda Aramanda
In this episode we talk about confidently starting and growing your business through the use of pinterest! If you are a business owner and not yet on pinterest you could be missing out! Check this out! Find April: @aprilaramanda or riseandgrindpintrest.com Find Kyrie: the_confident_mompreneur and theconfidentmompreneur.com
2021-08-26
18 min