Shows
Chronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingChronic Illness Friendships, with a little reiki, herbs, and a lot of honesty, ft. Jess GardnerIn this episode of That Chronic Thing podcast, Cathy is joined by her friend Jess Gardner. Jess is Reiki certified, she’s a poodle mama, disability advocate for EDS. Noonan syndrome, ME/CFS, dysautonomia and SFN. In addition, she is the proprietor and herbalist behind Muddy Roots, her business, where she serves up fire cider and plant based skin care for those local in Boston. We chat about reiki, herbs, and wedding accommodations, and ultimately land in a discussion of chronic illness commonalities and the need for support.Fave Quotes➡️ "It’s [fatigue...
2025-10-3040 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingChronically Yours: ME/CFS Up Close, a personal story of chronic illness and resilienceIn this episode of Chronically Yours, a segment of That Chronic Thing podcast, Cathy reads a moving submission from JD Fraser, who lives with severe ME/CFS. JD shares the realities of life with a poorly understood chronic illness—housebound, isolated, and enduring years without meaningful medical treatment.Alongside her story, JD offers ways we can all help: learn about ME/CFS, show care through small acts of kindness, support research, and keep finding joy in life’s little things.💙 Watch Unrest on Netflix to learn more about ME/CFS💙 Support research: Open Medicine Foundation...
2025-10-0309 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingME/CFS is #notjustfatigue, featuring Founder Elizabeth Ansell"So you're basically tired all the time?" No, it's #notjustfatigue. In this episode of That Chronic Thing, Cathy chats with Elizabeth Ansell (Founder, Executive Director) of notjustfatigue.org, a site dedicated to the education and advocacy of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, or ME/CFS, an extremely debilitating illness. → 75% of those affected are unable to attend school or work (note: this includes your host and guest!)→ 25% are completely homebound or bedbound (note: this also includes your host and guest!)→ There are no FDA approved treatments, biomarkers, or diagnostic tests. → There are over 60 symptoms, it...
2025-09-2624 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingThe Price of Inclusion: Chronic Illness, Disability, & Accessibility FailsIn this episode of That Chronic Thing, Cathy dives into the high cost of “inclusion” at a WNBA playoff game — literally. From $2,000 ADA seats to arenas telling disabled fans to “just show up and hope,” this story highlights how broken accessibility systems still are, even decades after the ADA.Cathy shares her personal experience as a fan with chronic illness and disability, the barriers that kept her from attending, and why accessibility advocacy is everyone’s responsibility — not just the disabled community’s.If you’ve ever struggled with chronic illness, disability, or the endless hoops of so-called...
2025-09-1913 min
Girl, Choose Yourself!When Life Breaks the Plan: Choosing Yourself Through Chronic IllnessWhat happens when everything you’ve built—your career, your independence, your identity—starts to unravel at the hands of an illness you didn’t see coming?In this powerful episode, I’m joined by Cathy Beederman, former tech exec turned reluctant expert in resilience, who shares what it’s like to face life with ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis, also known as chronic fatigue syndrome). From navigating devastating diagnoses to redefining self-care in the smallest of rituals (hello, “coffee report”), Cathy brings raw honesty, sharp humor, and the kind of perspective that only comes from living a radically altere...
2025-05-0135 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingLiving in the Land of the Undiagnosed: My Chronic Illness StoryIt’s a solo episode! 🎙️ Today, we’re taking a trip back in time to January 2023, when I first shared my chronic illness story. So much has changed—my symptoms, my knowledge, even my podcasting style. But one thing remains the same: almost everyone with chronic illness starts in the Land of the Undiagnosed, not feeling well and searching for answers.In this episode, I’m revisiting my early experiences navigating doctor after doctor, seeking validation, and learning to advocate for myself. Whether you’re newly ill or years into your journey, I hope this story resonates. Let’s dive in!
2025-04-0219 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingNavigating Disability, Diagnosis, and Disney Magic with Kim GrantIn this episode of That Chronic Thing, I sit down with Kim to discuss her experiences navigating life with Cerebral Palsy, Celiac Disease, and Lupus. From the exhausting hoops disabled people have to jump through—like prioritizing health while risking financial aid—to the long and winding road of diagnosing chronic illness, Kim shares her journey with honesty and humor.But it’s not all medical talk! We also chat about her college experience at Disney, her adventures in live streaming, and the ways she finds joy in the midst of it all.Stay...
2025-03-2622 min
Chronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingChronically Yours: A New Podcast Segment Sharing Real Stories from the Chronic Illness CommunityIntroducing Chronically Yours, a new segment on That Chronic Thing podcast! This episode explores the power of sharing personal stories from the chronic illness community, ✨because every experience matters.✨Our first story comes from Carrie Ferguson, (fairycerguson on Instagram), who shares her journey of accepting an ME/CFS diagnosis and discovering the power of self-compassion. f you’d like to contribute your own real, raw, or even funny moments of life with chronic illness, DM me on Instagram or email me! Here is the contact info ⬇️💌 Stay in touch with me at @indoorcathy on Instagram...
2025-03-1906 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingBody Grief & Chronic Illness: Jayne Mattingly on Healing, Acceptance, and Her New BookIn this episode of That Chronic Thing, I talk with Jayne Mattingly about body grief—the losses we experience when our bodies change due to illness, disability, aging, or anything else life throws at us. Jayne shares how her own health journey led her to this work, how she chose the stories for her book, and why grief and hope aren’t opposites—they actually go hand in hand. We get personal, we get emotional, and we keep it real.→ Buy Jayne's Book, This is Body Grief (bookshop.org link)→ Stay in touch with Jayne on Instagr...
2025-03-1230 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingFrom Overwhelmed to Organized: Managing Chronic Illness with Guava HealthManaging chronic illness is already a full-time job, and keeping track of symptoms, medications, and doctor’s appointments can feel overwhelming. In this episode, I chat with Isabel from Guava Health about how their platform helps simplify the chaos. We talk about why symptom tracking actually matters, how to make medical records work foryou, and the importance of advocating for your own care. Isabel also shares how Guava was designed with chronic illness in mind—because we deserve tools that actually make life easier.Huge thanks to Isabel for such a thoughtful conversation! I loved getting into the...
2025-02-2629 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingBig Three, Little Three, and Chronic Tea: Chatting About Illness Life, ft. Clark from Chronically the Sickest PodcastIn this episode of That Chronic Thing, I chat with Clark from Chronically the Sickest Podcast, and we dive into her "big three" and "little three" diagnoses (yep, there’s a Percy Jackson connection). We talk about managing chronic pain, sorting through overlapping symptoms, and the joys of willow bark tea when you're sick of popping pills. Clark shares how she juggles her conditions, finds support, and makes her social media a sensory delight. There’s humor, there’s validation, and a little yoga chat (don’t worry, not that yoga). It’s a cozy, relatable conversation with a side of ad...
2025-02-2116 min
Beyond The Margins with Jen ChambersRest, Resilience & Resthinking Productivity: A Deep Dive with Cathy Beederman (Part 2)Send us a textIn this continuation of my conversation with Cathy Beederman, we explore the creative ways she tracks her chronic illness symptoms, the importance of community, and the role of social media in connection and support. Cathy shares her experiences using health-tracking apps like Visible and Guava, the challenges of data collection, and how small adaptations—like voice dictation—help her stay engaged with her health. We also discuss the evolution of online communities, the importance of joy in daily life, and how we each navigate living with chronic illness. One of the things I real...
2025-02-2041 min
Beyond The Margins with Jen ChambersNavigating Chronic Illness & Podcasting with Cathy BeedermanSend us a text Navigating Chronic Illness & Podcasting with Cathy BeedermanIn this episode of Resilient with Jen Chambers, I sit down with Cathy Beederman, host of That Chronic Thing podcast, to talk about the realities of living with chronic illness. I start you right in the middle of our conversation so you feel like you're right on our Zoom call. We start talking about our pets (her senior dog is the cutest) and then discuss everything from mobility aids and energy management to the unique challenges of dating while disabled. Ca...
2025-02-1333 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingWhen Support Shows Up: Stories of Unexpected KindnessThis short and sweet solo episode features a few stories from Cathy's Instagram community! I asked, tell me about a time that someone showed up for you unexpectedly and made a difference. Enjoy these stories and remind yourself: there are good, wonderful people in this world, and you are deserving of excellent care and support. Featuring submissions from Instagram friends:→ Misty @plantspetsandpics→ Liv @chronicpaininyour20s→ JD @
2025-02-0508 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingEmbracing Imperfection while Coping with Chronic Illness, ft. Dr. TaliaIn this episode of That Chronic Thing, host Cathy chats with Dr. Talia, an inspiring digital creator who shares her journey of coping with multiple chronic illnesses. Dr. Talia discusses her experiences with perfectionism, the impact of chronic illness on mental health, and the importance of self-acceptance. Recently achieving her Ph.D. in clinical psychology, Dr. Talia offers insights into how to balance striving for health and finding joy in the present. She also delves into her creative process for Instagram and Substack, how writing has become a therapeutic outlet, and the value of patience and kindness in battling...
2025-01-2930 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingInside the world of "Being (Sick) Enough," ft. Jessica GrahamIn this episode of That Chronic Thing, we welcome Jessica Graham, a trauma resolution guide, meditation teacher, author, and filmmaker. Celebrating the release of their latest book, Being (Sick) Enough, Jessica explores themes of invisible illness, chronic pain, childhood trauma, and resilience. They share their personal experiences with chronic illnesses and how it has influenced their life and work. ➡️ Get Being (Sick) Enough 📚Episode topics include:→ the impact of COVID and chronic illness on relationships of all kinds→ the challenges of managing day-to-day activities with limited energy, using Spoon Theory as a guideJes...
2025-01-2237 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingThe Chronic Chronicles: Turning Endometriosis Pain to Purpose, ft. Lexy HalloranIn this episode, we feature Lexy from the Chronic Chronicles podcast! 🎧 We chat about-- Lexy's personal journey with endometriosis and the challenges she faced in getting diagnosed and treated. The difficulties of managing chronic illness while pursuing a demanding career path The moment Lexy eventually accepting her condition.Experiences that led Lexy to start her podcast, focusing on community and valuable info for others in similar situations. Lexy's work in science, her small business, and the importance of following your passion despite chronic illness.Find Lexy at@chronicchroniclespod on InstagramThe Chronic Chronicles Podcast...
2025-01-1546 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingChicken Glimmers, Wheelchair Freedom, and Finding the Joy in Aging despite IllnessIn this episode, I’m talking with my friend Nic, all the way from New Zealand. We dive into the ups and downs of life with chronic illness, from finding freedom in her wheelchair to the small joys her animals bring. It’s a conversation full of real talk, relatable moments, and the kind of stories that stick with you. What’s in this episode:→ 🐔 A chicken named Lola, heartbreak, and the glimmer of hope that followed. → 🦽 How using a wheelchair became a symbol of freedom—and the struggles that come with it. → 🌱 The complicated mix of gri...
2025-01-0823 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingSpreading Joy: Bringing Light to Others While Navigating Chronic Illness, ft. Casey TatonIn this episode, we sit down with Casey, a chronic illness warrior whose journey with MALS and comorbidities began in 2016. Despite facing her own health struggles, Casey found purpose and healing through helping others. From hospital celebrations to community support, Casey shares how she balances her passion for creating joy with the realities of chronic illness.→ Casey shares how her health journey led her to create hospital celebrations that bring joy and comfort to kids and families fighting big battles.→ Balancing her passion with chronic illness: the importance of asking for help, relying on her team, and...
2024-12-1817 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingCathy’s Chronic Illness Journey with ME/CFS, Cannabis, and Connection, ft. Julie Jo HughesIn this special episode, Cathy is interviewed by her longtime friend, Julie Jo, for an honest and entertaining discussion about life, chronic illness, and the importance of connection.→ WHOOPS: I say that EBV was linked to MS in the past 5-10 years. I’m completely wrong. It was as early as the 1970s. → Early Signs of Chronic Illness: Cathy shares her struggles with undiagnosed IBS during college and how a severe case of mono in junior year set the stage for her ME/CFS and MS diagnoses.→ Navigating the Medical System: Insights into the chal...
2024-12-0543 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingSlushy Gratitude and Holiday Hacks: Surviving the Season with Chronic IllnessThe holidays are here, bringing cinnamon scents, cozy vibes—and a whole lot of challenges when chronic illness is in the mix. In this episode, we unpack the messy feelings around holiday gratitude, share real-life stories from our listeners, and explore how to celebrate without overextending. Plus, get inspired with simple, low-energy gift ideas to show your love without draining your spoons. Let’s navigate the season together—slush and all!💌 Stay in touch with me at @indoorcathy on Instagram. Make s...
2024-11-2716 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingA Light in the Darkness: Remembering Sammy LincroftIn this deeply heartfelt episode, we celebrate the life and legacy of Sammy Lincroft, a cherished member of the ME/CFS community whose advocacy, knowledge, and friendship impacted thousands. Sammy was a beacon of hope, sharing invaluable resources, navigating the complexities of chronic illness, and connecting with others in a way that made everyone feel seen and valued.I’ll begin by sharing my personal journey with Sammy—how her posts and friendship changed my life during some of my hardest days. Then, you’ll hear from others who were touched by her light, featuring contributions from our In...
2024-11-2228 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingHow to Be Seen and Heard After Illness: Lessons from Keeley ShantzIn this moving episode, I sit down with Keeley Shantz, a vibrant actor and storyteller who survived multiple strokes and turned her pain into a powerful mission. Keeley shares her journey from dancing in Iowa to pursuing acting in New York City, and how her life changed forever when she experienced a stroke while home alone.We talk about the raw, emotional details of that day—what it felt like to lose control of her body, her struggle to call for help, and her unexpected transformation into "The Lady in Red," a name given to her by ho...
2024-11-2034 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingCrummy Days, Cozy Reads, and My Cannabis Lifeline: Chronic Illness Real TalkHello my little ducklings! In this solo episode, I’m back after a few tough weeks, here to catch up and chat about life with ME/CFS, post-exertional malaise, and the ways I’ve been coping. From audiobooks (and my new “brain fog ratings” for each one) to podcasts that are giving me life, I’m sharing my latest finds and recommendations, including some great listens from Christina Applegate, Jamie Lynn Sigler, and Nora McInerney.On a more serious note, I’m navigating a big healthcare switch for 2025 and learning just how complicated finding continuity of care can be. I’m...
2024-11-1315 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingLove & Care: Strong Partnerships with Chronic Illness, ft. Whitney FoxIn this episode, Whitney Fox returns to discuss relationships with chronic illness and disability. Key takeaways include:→ Whitney’s story: How she and her husband, Andrew, create shared experiences despite the challenges of chronic illness.→ Partnership tips: Whitney provides insights on how couples can nurture connection, even when one partner is mostly homebound.→ Caretaking dynamics: Andrew’s approach to balancing the role of a partner and caretaker, both at home and when he’s away.→ Actionable advice: Whitney’s recommendations for how partners can support their chronically ill loved ones in meaningful ways.💌 Stay in touc...
2024-10-2325 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic Thing(Fixed) Long-Covid & ME/CFS: when post-viral meets post-viral - a conversation with WhitneyAudio problem? What audio problem? A replay of an interview with Whitney Fox from May 2023. Sadly, as relevant as-ever!We talk about our fear of COVID, with the context that we’re already ill. We chat about…→ Whitney’s arrest story?!→ What happens when you get COVID plus ME/CFS?→ Going out in a COVID world when you have ME/CFS…→ and more! 💌 Stay in touch with me at @indoorcathy on Instagram. Make sure you leave a rating and a review! Thanks a bunch.
2024-10-1619 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingBattery Alert: Surviving Festivals, Flare Ups, and Post Exertional MalaiseHello my chickadees! In this episode of That Chronic Thing, we dive into the internal battery metaphor, a common way to explain energy depletion in ME/CFS. I share my experience attending a festival with my faulty battery and the onset of post-exertional malaise (PEM) that followed. We’ll discuss what PEM is, strategies to avoid it, and how to manage when it hits. Plus, I’ll provide practical tips from personal experience and the Open Medicine Foundation’s PEM Avoidance Toolkit to help navigate daily life with ME/CFS.Mentioned:→ Life with a Low Battery: Living w...
2024-10-0912 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingWelcome to That Chronic Thing💌 Stay in touch with me at @indoorcathy on Instagram. Make sure you leave a rating and a review! Thanks a bunch.
2024-10-0800 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingRedefining Independence: Chronic Illness, Unexpected Adventures, and the PandemicHey honey grahams! Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s both tough and strangely beautiful—my journey of navigating independence with chronic illness. The pandemic gave me a unique cover while my world was quietly shifting: from canes to rollators to wheelchairs, and from managing everything solo to learning the art of leaning on loved ones. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s explore what independence looks like when life takes a turn!💌 Stay in touch with me at @indoorcathy on Instagram. Make sure you leave a rating and a review! Th...
2024-10-0213 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingSolo, Sick, and Swiping: The Realities of Online DatingHey my jelly bellies! It’s a dating 🚨episode! Single. Wheelchair. Sick. it’s just a different ball game. I want my profile to be honest, as I don’t want to do a bait and switch. I can’t hike, parasail— I can’t even go on the sand at the beach without assistance. And I’m getting zero matches on some of the apps and it’s deeeepressing. In this episode, I tell you all about my profiles (Hinge and Bumble!) so we can evaluate together. I share some tear-filled, vulnerable m...
2024-09-2516 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingME/CFS recovery seems like a myth— until you meet someone on that journey.Now let’s cross our fingers, knock on wood, hop on one leg and hold our breath, as we don’t want to do anything that could dispel this progress! Okay? Here is Alison’s story, where she suffers from significant ME/CFS symptoms, receives a diagnosis, but also is told she is likely in remission (by the time she has her evaluation). Her story is unusual, as it begins with a trauma, not a virus, and currently is in a recovery journey— something that so many ME/CFS patients dream of! Still, her illness is very real, and...
2024-09-1819 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingSick girl Entrepreneur, etc!hello hunny bunnies! Comfort Cards coming out September 13!→ Did you know about Havenroot?→ I give you the #behindthescenes journey of the Comfort Cards→ including a Illuminating Souls & Andrea Scher class. → I share some of my fave Comfort Cards on the pod! There are 31 cards in the deck, to support you throughout the deck. Includes a wooden display block! Being an entrepreneur makes me happy. But… → Podcast, Shop, Instagram! But being chronically ill, it’s hard!→ I have entrepreneurial crushes! But ultimately, have trouble relating due to my health. I’m a little tortois...
2024-09-1113 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic Thing"Unemployed Sick Girl" Rest DayToday we do a day-in-the-life for someone with chronic illness, although I combine a few days! Sometimes not a lot happens for someone with chronic illness, as we spend A LOT of time resting. My day as an “unemployed sick girl.”→ My Baby Skincare Routine→ Being scared of symptoms getting worse as I adjust to meds :( → On the IG, not wanting to be JUST a chronic illness influencer. But, what kind of life can I finally live WHEN THERE IS A CURE? Mention Open Med Foundation. → Sharing about “Radiant Mornings,” hosted by Laurel of Illumin...
2024-09-0416 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingWatching the OlympicsI'm back, baby! Part of the reason I publish so seldom, is that podcasting requires quite a bit of effort, and with my chronic illness I have very little capacity. Taking out the editing really helps. So hopefully, you like this unedited, unfiltered version of me! Today I don't share too much about chronic illness! I share my thoughts on watching the Olympics, from Ilona Maher to Noah Lyles, and learning to watch sports, in general. Like the episode? DM me your comments, questions, and love letters on Instagram. 💌 Stay in touch with me at...
2024-08-2811 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingHow Little Actions make Big DifferencesToday I would like to talk about Little Actions, and the big differences they can make in our lives. Sharing a short and sweet story from my life.Keeping it simple, no special links today! 💌 Stay in touch with me at @indoorcathy on Instagram. Make sure you leave a rating and a review! Thanks a bunch.
2024-01-0906 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic Thing5 Low Energy Ways to Make your Holidays SparkleSurprise! It's a Holiday Episode! ❄️ It can be hard to accept that chronic illness doesn’t take a break for the holidays. Let's chat about 5 Low Energy Ways to Make your Holidays Sparkle... Mentioned in this episode: Card Making App:→ Felt App, Apple App Store Link , https://www.feltapp.comMusic: → Barenaked for the Holidays; Link to Apple MusicBook: → The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer, Apple Books Link, Amazon Link Movies:→ Elf → It’s a Wonderful Life→ Spirited; Apple TV Link 💌 Stay in touc...
2023-12-2208 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingFave Tools for Managing your Chronic IllnessLife with chronic illness can be really tough. We have to figure out meds, go to the doc, cope with symptoms, rinse and repeat. So when we find tips and tricks, or what we often call hacks, to make things easier, it sometimes makes a world of a difference. So today we’re going to talk about some of our favorite tips, tricks, and hacks, that may better your life if you have chronic illness. I’ll share some of mine, and I’ll share some of yours. I asked for your favorite chronic illness support tools on Ins...
2023-07-2420 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingHow does Chronic Pain Fit into Life with Children's Author Erika Joy SneathErika Joy Sneath didn’t start out as a children’s book author, but decided to become one when she didn’t see representation of aunts and uncles and… chronic pain. I mean, think about it, you probably haven’t seen it either! Erika’s life started out a bit different, but as so many of us listening to this podcast, sometimes things take a turn. In Erika’s case, she ended up with a great deal of chronic pain, which has shaped not only her choice to be an author, but her physical and mental perspectives on life. In th...
2023-07-1732 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingHow Chronic Illness gets in the way of writing this Pod...The irony of having a podcast about chronic illness is that I think I would be much better at it if I didn’t have chronic illness. Having one really gets in the way of consistently writing content and getting this podcast out in the world! So for today, I’m going to give you some updates on what has been going on in my world. Here’s what’s up with me… → First up… I have depression. Here is a little story about seeing a psychiatrist. Warning: It doesn’t go well. → Next… I’m scanning photos and em...
2023-07-1013 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingPerspectives: Severe ME with Fran HaddockToday’s bonus episode features Fran Haddock, who lives with Severe ME/CFS. I’d like to give Fran a voice today, by, with her permission, sharing one of her recent Instagram posts. Just 3 min long.Follow Fran:→ Fran HaddockSupport ME/CFS organizations:→ #MEAction Maryland→ Solve M.E.→ The Bateman Horne Center 💌 Stay in touch with me at @indoorcathy on Instagram. Make sure you leave a rating and a review! Thanks a bunch.
2023-06-0503 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingWhat happens when someone with ME/CFS gets COVID?I’m back today with my friend Whitney, who just like me, has ME/CFS. Today we talk about our fear of COVID, with the context that we’re already ill. We chat about…→ Whitney’s arrest story?!→ What happens when you get COVID plus ME/CFS?→ Going out in a COVID world when you have ME/CFS…→ and more! Follow Whitney on Instagram! Mentioned Instagram accounts... → Fran Haddock→ The Physics Girl Check out these organizations...→ #MEAction Maryland→ Solve M.E.→ The Bateman Horne Center ...
2023-05-2820 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingTwo friends diagnosed with ME/CFS log into a Zoom...This week I have my friend Whitney Fox joining us! Just like me, Whitney has ME/CFS. That’s right folks — we’re continuing our discussion of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis in honor of ME/CFS Awareness month. We’ll start with a quick nod to our beloved chronic illness Instagram community, and then you’ll hear all about Whitney’s diagnosis journey. We talk all about patient-led research, including the founding of the Maryland chapter for MEAction. We chat about... → Our beloved chronic illness Instagram community→ Whitney's diagnosis journey: just like me, she started with mild ME, and spent ye...
2023-05-0924 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingHere's what you need to know about ME/CFS this awareness month.In this episode, I'm sharing a bit more about my story, along with some information about this debilitating, devastating disease. May is ME/CFS awareness month, and we have a ways to go in raising awareness and working towards a cure!→ Revisiting when I went out on my leave from work and saw my first ME/CFS specialist→ Discussing Post Exertional Malaise (PEM)... what is it? And why is it such a big deal?! → A bunch of important things to know about ME/CFS→ Ways you can help! Mentioned in the episode→ CD...
2023-05-0114 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingHow books and chronic illness give you a sense of community... and magical powers!Today we have Kristine Eckart joining us! Kristine is the host of the Chronicon book club, has a blog and book club called the Gilmore Book Club, and focuses on how books can help others transform their lives! We also talk about TV and movies, and how all media can help support those with chronic illness. Whether you read a page, listen to an audio book, or watch a movie, you have the opportunity to make connections and maybe even develop magical powers… We chat about...→ Kristine introduces herself and explains how she's always had...
2023-04-1722 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingHow art and journaling help soothe your symptoms!Today's guest is Stacey Ballard, the author of The Fine Art of Waiting. Stacey had chronic illness for the majority of her life, dealing with multiple illnesses and an organ transplant. Stacey uses art and creativity to help her deal with stress, loss, and changes that we experience, teaching people to bring more compassion to their experiences and themselves. The most beautiful takeaway I have from our discussion, is how Stacey wants to demystify art, itself, and journaling, so that it is accessible for others, as expressing creativity helps calm your nervous system, and that...
2023-04-0323 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingIf your chronic illness is an education, what are you learning?Recently someone pulled an oracle card for me that said "Education." Her goal with this card was to inspire me to tell a story. But what story should I tell about Education? I pondered multiple possibilities, and settled on the story that led to my career, abruptly ending with my chronic illness. So was my Education...1) the start of my career2) my career development, itself, or 3) the transition from my career to my new life as a full time patient? And if my chronic illness is an education, what am I learning...
2023-03-2011 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingAbout time for a no BS approach to Chronic Illness? Tune in now!Today’s guest is Sam, a No BS Chronic Illness Coach and Content Creator. I found Sam on Instagram and immediately fell in love with her content. Like she says, it is straight to the point with zero BS. In today’s episode, Sam is going to introduce herself and discuss her first relapse of MS symptoms. There she’ll dive into her tips for someone who is newly diagnosed. From there we discuss community, hobbies, high, lows, and of course, Girl Scout cookies! You ready? → Meet Sam, a No BS Chronic Illness Coach and Content...
2023-03-1324 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingMy 3 Daily Tasks for better Mental Health as a Chronically Ill PersonI developed these three easy tasks when I was in a horrible flare a couple months ago. They became My Three Things, which is now evolving into That Chronic Thing 3. This simple formula has greatly helped me end my day with reflection and positivity, as well as a look forward at things to come.Today’s episode covers… → Discussing Gratitude→ Discussing "Something for you," plus some items from my cheat sheet! → Discussing ConnectionGet your own template for the Chronic Thing 3 at either of the below Instagram accounts! ꜜꜜꜜ💌 Stay in touch with me at @ind...
2023-03-0611 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingLife Hacks: Chronic Illness Hair Edition!Life Hacks…. specifically for hair! Why? Because mine is currently a rats nest! Eek! It’s hard to take care of your care when you’re sick. If you’re sick, this may sound familiar to you. Today’s episode covers… → My daily fix… the messy top knot.→ My monthly-ish fix… The salon! *Budgeted, Self-Care*→ Grief, still. Thinking about my former life.→ Tips & Tricks for taking care of your hair when you’re chronically illFrom the Tips… (not affiliate links, just examples)→ Shower stool...
2023-02-2712 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingPART 2: How to be a good friend to someone who is Chronically IllContent Warning: Depression, Suicidal IdeationThis Part 2 episode (Part 1 was previous episode), features my close friend Alison, who I have known for over a decade! Like all friends, our friendship has changed quite a bit over this time... But with me becoming very sick a few years back, it has changed in some more serious and unexpected ways! Today we discuss: → Ask for Help with Tasks. Talking about perspective… what is a small effort for your friend, may be huge for you. So ask! Save your spoons! → Then… pay attention to who shows up. And… it...
2023-02-2019 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingPART 1: How to be a good friend to someone who is Chronically IllThis episode features my close friend Alison, who I have known for over a decade! Like all friends, our friendship has changed quite a bit over this time... But with me becoming very sick a few years back, it has changed in some more serious and unexpected ways! Today we discuss: → A quick intro to Alison! More specifically... How Alison’s brain helps out mine! Which includes some background on what makes her a great ally and friend.→ What was it like watching Cathy’s health change?→ What do you think friends of chronically ill individual...
2023-02-1320 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingChatting about Community and more, with Nitika Chopra!Welcome to our first guest, Nitika Chropra! Nitika is a chronic illness advocate and so much more… including the founder of Chronicon, my beloved platform and group of people coming together to discuss our chronic illnesses and support each other. Today we discuss: → All about Chronicon→ Coping with Grief→ Current fave books (see below!)→ Nitika’s new podcast!→ 3 Random Things… including a shout out for #animalrescue (how could I not?!)Mentioned: → Healing by David Elliott → The Rumi Prescription by Melody Moez...
2023-02-0618 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingAre you struggling with Grief? Listen to this!Grief and sadness. It comes with the territory of chronic illness. It’s not easy to talk about… but I realized, when you share about it, it makes others feel less alone. Today’s episode covers… → An update on my health and grief→ Some resources I found to make myself feel more supported→ A quote that has made me feel like there is some light at the end of the tunnel (hate that metaphor!)Mentioned:→ Option B, by Sheryl Sandberg, Adam Grant→ You Better Be Lightning by Andrea...
2023-01-3015 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingHas your world been turned upside down by chronic illness?Hi there, my name is Cathy and welcome to That Chronic Thing. I’m here to share my experiences living with chronic illness, including ME/CFS and MS, and offer support and advice for others dealing with similar struggles. This show is a resource for anyone looking for support, advice, and a sense of community as they navigate life with chronic illness. I know firsthand how hard it can be to adapt to a new way of life, managing symptoms, and finding a new rhythm, and doing this all while you’re going to a gazill...
2023-01-1313 minChronic Illness Support: That Chronic ThingHere's my story... Do you relate?Hi there, my name is Cathy and welcome to my podcast, That Chronic Thing. I’m here to share my experiences living with chronic illness, including ME/CFS and MS, and offer support and advice for others dealing with similar struggles. This show is a resource for anyone looking for support, advice, and a sense of community as they navigate life with chronic illness. I know firsthand how hard it can be to adapt to a new way of life, managing symptoms, and finding a new rhythm, and doing this all while you’re going to a g...
2023-01-1317 min