Shows
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS3E3 Crashing Into a Diagnosis: Meg’s StoryLeave a review!In this raw and deeply moving episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, we meet Meg—a 36-year-old adoptee, student, and mental health advocate navigating life with narcolepsy type 1, CBID, Behçet’s syndrome, and bipolar disorder. Meg shares the emotional rollercoaster that led to her diagnosis after a devastating car crash, including the haunting vivid dreams, overwhelming fatigue, and misunderstood cataplexy that shaped her early adulthood.From managing multiple chronic conditions to challenging cultural expectations as a Korean-American adoptee raised in a "tiger mom" household, Meg reflects on identity, resilience, and finding connection through vulne...2025-05-0658 min
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS3E2 Cooking, Collapsing, and Cristina’s Cataplexy LifeLeave a review!🎙️ Ever dropped mid-conversation and had to explain it wasn’t drugs?In this deeply personal and unexpectedly hilarious episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, we sit down with Cristina, the creator of Gourmet Recovery, to explore how she navigates life with Narcolepsy Type 1, cataplexy, and a solid sense of humor.Cristina opens up about the frustrating path to diagnosis, being dismissed with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, and how her sleep attacks affected school, work, relationships—and even public spaces. From falling asleep in church to halluc...2025-04-2550 min
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastMedical Series S1E1: Let’s Face It: Emma’s Truth About Sleep ApneaLeave a review! What happens when exhaustion is brushed off as “just stress” or “just pregnancy”?In this moving episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, Emma Cooksey—host, author, and now Sleep Apnea Program Manager at Project Sleep—shares her long, harrowing journey with undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). After years of misdiagnosis, Emma’s wake-up call came behind the wheel—when she fell asleep while driving pregnant.Emma dives into her diagnosis story, the daily challenges of adapting to CPAP therapy, and her mission to reshape how sleep apnea is seen and treated—especially for women, younger...2025-04-1837 min
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS3E1 Sarah: Owning Narcolepsy - The Power of Laughing BackLeave a review! In this unmissable Season 3 premiere of Narcolepsy Navigators, we curl up for a heartfelt and hilarious deep dive with comedian and podcaster Sarah Albritton, who opens up about living with narcolepsy type 1 and cataplexy—plus a rare twist: sexsomnia.From being misdiagnosed as a teenager in Kentucky to becoming an advocate on stage and behind the mic, Sarah’s journey is one of resilience, radical acceptance, and redefining what thriving looks like. She breaks down everything from navigating sleep paralysis and medication barriers to the emotional weight of invisible illnesses—and how comedy...2025-04-071h 10
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS2E12 Jacquie & IH: The Reality Beyond Just ‘Tired’Leave a review! Summary️ What if it took a decade to get answers?In this episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, we sit down with Jacquie, a 25-year-old scientist from Texas, to discuss her journey with Idiopathic Hypersomnia (IH)—a sleep disorder that took 10 years to diagnose. From struggling through high school exhaustion to navigating university, lab work, and daily life, Jacquie shares how she advocates for herself and others while juggling a demanding scientific career.Key Takeaways: ✔️ The challenges of getting diagnosed with a rare sleep disorder ✔️ What it’s like managing...2025-03-2047 min
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS2E11 Narcolepsy, Mental Health, and Self-Love: A Conversation with DawnLeave a review! SummaryWhat does it mean to truly thrive with narcolepsy?In this powerful episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, we sit down with Dawn Super, a passionate advocate who has lived with Narcolepsy Type 1 for over 40 years. From childhood isolation to self-acceptance, Dawn takes us through the challenges of growing up misunderstood, learning to manage symptoms, and the mental health struggles that come with living with a chronic illness.Dawn shares hard-earned wisdom on resilience, self-love, and why finding community is crucial for people with narcolepsy. She also discusses how...2025-03-1042 min
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS2E10 Storytelling with a Purpose: How Tre Burge is Making WavesLeave a review! Summary️ What if the world saw narcolepsy for what it truly is?Meet Tre Burge, an educator, designer, and fierce narcolepsy advocate, as he takes us through his journey of living with Narcolepsy Type 1. Diagnosed at 18, Tre quickly realized the lack of awareness, representation, and resources surrounding sleep disorders—especially in Black and Brown communities.In this episode, Tre shares how he turned his experience into a mission: from launching Wake Up Entertainment, a creative hub for sleep disorder advocacy, to using social media, fashion, and media storytelling to r...2025-02-2741 min
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS2E9 Jamie Nicole: Turning Diagnosis into PurposeLeave a review! In this inspiring episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, we meet Jamie Nicole, a certified Holistic Health Coach, Autoimmune Strategist, and unstoppable advocate. Diagnosed with narcolepsy type 2 at 39, Jamie shares her journey of battling years of exhaustion, misdiagnoses, and systemic barriers—all while juggling life as a student, mother, and professional.Jamie dives deep into her experience with autoimmune diseases, the emotional toll of undiagnosed narcolepsy, and how holistic health practices helped her regain control. From reversing Hashimoto's symptoms to managing narcolepsy through nutrition, movement, and mindset shifts, Jamie’s story is a masterclass in r...2025-02-1358 min
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS2E8 Sleeping for Weeks: Imaarl’s Story with KLSLeave a review! London’s rush never stops—but for Imaarl Duprey, time did.At 18, what should have been a typical New Year’s Eve turned into the beginning of a mystery illness that would steal weeks, even months, of her life at a time. Diagnosed with Kleine-Levin Syndrome (KLS), or Sleeping Beauty Syndrome, Imaarl found herself trapped in a cycle of disbelief, misdiagnosis, and isolation, waking up to a world that had moved on without her.In this episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, Imaarl shares what it’s like to lose time, battle stigma...2025-02-0456 min
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS2E7 Dreams, Hallucinations, and Chloe's Life with NarcolepsyLeave a review! In this episode, we are joined by Chloe, who shares her compelling journey of balancing narcolepsy type 1 and obstructive sleep apnea while pursuing a career in optometry. From the thrill of quad biking to the challenges of everyday tasks like getting a haircut, this episode uncovers the rollercoaster ride of managing sleep disorders. From the comical to the challenging, we explore how everyday tasks like getting a haircut can become monumental experiences.Our conversation ventures into the nuanced aspects of narcolepsy, such as vivid dreams, hallucinations, and the comforting role pets can...2025-01-121h 01
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS2E6 20 Years to Clarity: Glenn's Narcolepsy ExperienceLeave a review! SummaryGlenn takes us through his remarkable journey to a proper diagnosis of narcolepsy type 2 after 20 long years, sharing how his life and career in local government have been influenced by his symptoms and the critical importance of workplace understanding and accommodation.The episode sheds light on many struggles faced by those with undiagnosed narcolepsy, like Glenn, whose excessive yawning and unintended naps were often misinterpreted. We talk about the broader challenges of receiving proper medical guidance, initial misdiagnosis, and how additional health issues like osteoporosis and vertigo complicate the...2024-12-3157 min
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS2E5 Rachel’s Superpower: Advocacy Through Sleep and SongLeave a review! SummaryIn this episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, Rachel Nesmith, also known as Sleepy American, shares her personal journey with narcolepsy, the challenges of motherhood, and how she uses music as a platform for advocacy. Rachel discusses her diagnosis, the impact of narcolepsy on her life and family, and the importance of community support. She emphasizes the need to change public perceptions of narcolepsy through her music, aiming to raise awareness and provide relatable content for others facing similar challenges. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the critical importance of advocacy...2024-12-231h 05
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS2E4 Redefining Rest: Haley’s Resilience with IH and Chronic IllnessesLeave a review! Years ago, Hayley Wall made the bold decision to transition from a demanding hospital role to a flexible occupational therapy position in pediatric home health. This change not only suited her professional skills but also provided the adaptability needed to manage her idiopathic hypersomnia (IH). In this episode, Hayley opens up about how this career shift has empowered her to effectively balance her health with her work and personal life. We also hear from our co-host Liz, who shares her anticipation of an upcoming family event and reflects on her own journey living with...2024-12-0350 min
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS2E3 Living with Narcolepsy & Autism: Rahmat's PathLeave a review! Rahmat Farina's journey with narcolepsy began at the age of 20, and it has been marked by resilience and introspection. Imagine trying to maintain your education and daily life while being suddenly overtaken by sleep attacks and sleep paralysis—this was Rahmat's reality. His initial struggles were compounded by disbelief from his family, but understanding grew as his condition became more visible to those around him. With a background in psychology, Rahmat was well-equipped to seek the right medical guidance, shedding light on the perseverance required to navigate the unknown and find answers. His story is...2024-11-2939 min
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastNarcolepsy's Brother :Kleine–LevinLeave a review! Hello Everyone, We are so excited to be back for Season 2 of Narcolepsy Navigators Podcasts. Here is a brief announcement thanking all of our wonderful listeners from around the world.Welcome To Season 2. We look forward to hearing your stories. Follow and support Narcolepsy Navigators:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/narcolepsynavigatorspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Narcolepsy-Navigators/61558638497300/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/narcolepsy-navigators-podcast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@narcolepsynavigators Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NarcolepsyNavigatorsPodcast NEW WEBSITE GUYS>>>>>>> https://napsforlife.wixsite.co...2024-11-2001 min
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS2E2 Awake in Colour: Angela’s Creative Outlet for NarcolepsyLeave a review! In this compelling episode of Narcolepsy Navigators, we meet Angela, an inspiring artist living with narcolepsy and cataplexy. Through her candid storytelling, Angela reveals how creativity and support systems have become her sanctuary amidst the challenges of living with unpredictable sleep disorders.What You’ll Learn:How Angela uses bead art as a therapeutic escape from medical trauma and daily challenges.The role of emotional support animals, including Angela’s beloved rat, Didamus, in fostering mental well-being.The complexities of living with cataplexy, including sudden muscle weakness, public misconceptions, and the proa...2024-11-1746 min
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS2E1 Narcolepsy’s Hidden Toll: Tamby’s JourneyLeave a review! Welcome back to Narcolepsy Navigators for an eye-opening Season Two episode that dives into Tamby's journey with narcolepsy. In this heartfelt conversation, Tamby shares the raw reality of living with a misunderstood condition, navigating cultural misconceptions, and dealing with a whirlwind of challenges, from hallucinations to unexpected cataplexy attacks. She recounts memorable moments, like when family members tried to ward off “evil spirits” by breaking eggs over her head, and reveals how even a Seventh-day Adventist boarding school, where she hoped for understanding, fell short.This episode goes deeper, uncovering the well-intentioned, if u...2024-10-281h 00
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS1E12 Mathilda: Thriving with Narcolepsy from Age ThreeLeave a review! Imagine being the youngest person ever diagnosed with narcolepsy at just three years old. Today, we're honoured to share the extraordinary journey of Mathilda, who has spent her life battling and thriving despite this complex condition. Joined by our Marketing Manager Iris, also living with narcolepsy type 1, we dive into Mathilda's world—from her early diagnosis to the release of her mother Claire's heartfelt memoir, "Waking Mathilda."In this deeply personal episode, Mathilda opens up about the emotional challenge of reading her own story through her mother's eyes and the resilience it ta...2024-09-2252 min
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS1E11 Raising a Narcoleptic Dog: Toast’s StoryLeave a review! Join us on this heartwarming episode of Narcolepsy Navigators as we welcome our special guests Laura, an experienced animal foster parent from Illinois, and her narcoleptic dog, Toast. From being a breeder dump to becoming a beloved family member, Laura's journey is filled with challenges, adaptations, and the joy of raising a special needs pet. Laura recounts her initial struggles with understanding Toast's condition, the unique measures taken to manage his narcolepsy, and the joyous connections he's fostered within their community.Laura provides valuable insights into daily routines designed to m...2024-09-201h 19
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS1E10 Sara: Dreams InterruptedLeave a review! Experience the raw and transformative journey of Sara Duncan, a courageous 29-year-old from Oregon, as she navigates the complexities of life with narcolepsy. From her pre-med college days filled with relentless fatigue to the frustrating misdiagnoses that dismissed her symptoms as mere anxiety and depression, Sarah's story highlights the often-overlooked struggles of those living with this condition. This episode of Narcolepsy Navigators sheds light on the emotional and physical challenges Sarah faced, emphasizing the critical role of self-advocacy in the pursuit of proper medical recognition and treatment.Discover the profound impact of...2024-08-281h 02
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS1E9 Christine's Journey: Mental Health and Work LifeLeave a review! Can navigating life with narcolepsy impact your mental health and career? Join us on Narcolepsy Navigators as we explore these pressing questions with our special guest, Christine from Northern Ireland. You'll hear firsthand about her journey with narcolepsy type 1 and cataplexy, and how symptoms manifest uniquely in her jaw. We share our personal struggles with exhaustion and anxiety, emphasizing the critical need for balance to avoid burnout. This episode sheds light on the emotional toll and personal growth that come from managing a misunderstood condition.We also address the often-overlooked challenge of...2024-08-131h 06
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS1E8 Katy: Parenting Through the Fog of IHLeave a review! Can you imagine trying to balance parenting, a creative passion, and a chronic sleep disorder? Join us on Narcolepsy Navigators as we explore this challenging reality through the inspiring life of Katie, a 30-year-old mom from South Dakota. Diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia (IH) in early 2022, Katie shares her journey of self-discovery and the long path to understanding her incessant sleepiness. She opens up about how her daily interactions were impacted and the adjustments she made to manage her condition while raising a young child and nurturing her love for sewing and quilting....2024-07-0650 min
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS1E7 Henry's Narcolepsy Journey: A 13-year BattleLeave a review! What if a sleep study could be the key to unlocking a 13-year mystery? Join us as we sit down with Henry from Queens, New York, who shares his deeply personal journey from experiencing his first symptoms of narcolepsy type 2 in 1996 to finally receiving a diagnosis in 2009. In this episode, Henry opens up about his trial-and-error process with medications, to experiencing the highs and lows of finding the right combination, including his experiences with Xyrem. Learn how narcolepsy impacted his work life, requiring adaptable environments and a supportive network to help him m...2024-05-2335 min
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS1E6 Adapting to the Unpredictable: Natalie's NarrativeLeave a review! Nobody wants to embark on a journey across the turbulent seas of narcolepsy, but Natalie, a German mother and teacher, offers her moving story of doing just that. In her world, the emergence of narcolepsy in her late twenties was only the start of a journey marked by delayed diagnosis, developing cataplexy, and the struggle with ineffective sleep apnea therapies. This episode gives us access to her universe. Her narrative is not limited to the difficulties she faced; it also explores the resiliency needed to balance her rigorous professional obligations with the subtleties of...2024-04-2942 min
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS1E5 When Sleep Interrupts Life - Sakhara's StoryLeave a review! Discover the untold stories of life with narcolepsy as Sakhara Johnson joins us for an intimate conversation about her journey. We peel back the curtain on her day-to-day battles, from the initial misdiagnoses and the arduous path to discovering she had severe narcolepsy, to the ongoing struggles with treatments and their impact on her personal life. Sakhara doesn't hold back in sharing the gritty details of using a CPAP machine, undergoing surgeries, and the toll these take on her academic and social experiences. Her resilience in the face of such trials is nothing short...2024-04-0746 min
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS1E4 A Deep Dive Into Idiopathic Hypersomnia with RossLeave a review! This has been a highly anticipated episode for us here on the Narcolepsy Navigators podcast. Our hosts Kerly and Liz, are both taking on an incredibly deep and detailed dive into what living with Idiopathic Hypersomnia is really like and what is actually the difference between narcolepsy and IH?Chapters(01:57 - 05:22) Living With Idiopathic Hypersomnia in UK (05:19 - 05:37) Unusual Problem With Unknown Cause (07:20 - 09:38) Sleep Patterns in Idiopathic Hypersomnia (14:14 - 18:47) Struggles With Medication Effectiveness (21:23 - 22:41) Hallucinations in Narcolepsy and IH (40:02 - 41:50) Struggling With Unpredictable Sleep Attac...2024-02-271h 07
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS1E3 Navigating the World with Narcolepsy: Liz's Travel TalesLeave a review! In this engaging episode, host Kerly Bwoga chats with Liz, who shares her experiences of traveling with narcolepsy. Diagnosed at 18, Liz offers a candid look into the highs and lows of her travel adventures, providing valuable insights for anyone facing similar challenges.Chapters:Welcoming Liz and Introduction [0:00]Liz's Narcolepsy Diagnosis and Background [2:15]The Realities of Traveling with Narcolepsy [5:30]Joyful Experiences in Liz's Travels [10:45]Confronting Travel Challenges [15:20]Liz's Tips for Traveling with Narcolepsy [20:35]Subscribe for more inspiring episodes, share to raise narcolepsy awareness, and join the conversation by sharing your experiences.2024-01-3056 min
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS1E2 Meet The Host: Kerly's Narcolepsy JourneyLeave a review! In this episode, host Kerly opens up about her narcolepsy journey. She discusses the early signs, the path to a proper diagnosis, the challenges she faced in her education, and her reasons for founding 'Narcolepsy Navigators' and 'Naps for Life'."Key Topics:Kerly's Experience with Narcolepsy and Cataplexy during Festive Seasons [0:00]The Road to Narcolepsy Diagnosis: Early Signs and Misdiagnoses [3:00]Overcoming Academic Challenges with Narcolepsy [8:00]The Crucial Steps to a Correct Narcolepsy Diagnosis [15:00]Coping Mechanisms and Medication Management [20:00]The Inspiration Behind "Narcolepsy Navigators" and "Naps for Life" [25:00]Support narcolepsy awareness...2024-01-2943 min
Narcolepsy Navigators PodcastS1E1 Understanding Narcolepsy and Idiopathic Hypersomnia: A Deep Dive with Kerly BwogaLeave a review! In this episode, our host Kerly Bwoga founder of Naps for Life Narcolepsy, delves into the complexities of narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia. She discusses the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for these sleep disorders, and highlights their impact on daily life.Key TopicsIntroduction to Narcolepsy Navigators [0:10]What is Narcolepsy? Understanding the Disorder [1:50]The Journey to Diagnosis [3:33]Exploring Narcolepsy Symptoms [5:11]Navigating Treatment Options [8:57]The Daily Reality of Living with Narcolepsy [11:22]Share this episode to help spread awareness and follow us on all platforms for more insightful stories.Follow...2023-12-1011 min