Shows
SenselessBeing SeenSherry and Melissa wrap up the first season of Senseless with this episode talking about the book Being Seen by DeafBlind author Elsa Sjunneson. The hosts talk about the book’s examination of ableism in the media and in the author’s own life and how it applies to their personal experiences. This podcast is not psychotherapy and does not contain medical advice, but is simply a recording of two friends talking.Links:Email questions or feedback to Sherlynn53@cox.net2022-04-2838 minSenselessTruthSherry and Melissa are delighted to reconnect with their listeners after a long hiatus! This episode combines segments of two different attempts at recording. Sherry and Melissa’s first attempt contained a lot of laughter and upon listening to it, the hosts noticed that maybe they were laughing a bit too much through the hard stuff. The second recording is Sherry’s fullest truth-telling about what it is like for her to live with chronic illness, while Melissa listens. The final version you are listening to starts with a funny story by Melissa from the first recording and then, afte...2022-03-0941 minSenselessBREATHEMelissa and Sherry are back for a refreshingly honest and powerful conversation about breath, breathing, and being grounded while living with sensory loss and chronic illness. They begin with a brief update on Sherry’s immunoglobulin intravenous treatment, Melissa’s update on her experience learning ASL, and an explanation as to why it’s so crucial for ASL instructors to be part of the Deaf community themselves. They go on to share their thoughts on Facebook potentially becoming a virtual reality community, and acknowledge that, while technology has offered us many incredible advantages - particularly for those living with sensor...2021-12-0844 minSenselessEverything is Magic/F*** the WorldSherry and Melissa begin today’s episode by checking in about their recent health challenges and flare-ups. They chat about the brain fatigue and exhaustion that often comes with sensory loss, and Melissa explains how she overflowed her “inflammation bucket”. They chat about the personal sacrifice it takes to live with chronic illness, the importance of meeting mental health needs for fun and connection, and having balance in their pursuit to eat a clean, anti-inflammatory diet. Sherry also describes how a sandwich led to a spiritual revelation with her therapist, and how her sense of “gallows humor” has helped her get th...2021-09-2949 minSenselessIt’s What’s HappeningWhen it comes to progressive sensory loss or any kind of degenerative health condition, it’s easy to feel like you’re losing something. But on today’s episode, Melissa and Sherry talk about reframing this as a healing process, and embracing the spiritual evolution that can come with it. Whether you’re connecting with your higher self, the universe, or divinity, it’s all about respecting the process and accepting that it’s what’s happening. While you may not be able to control what’s happening with your body, you can control your perspective and choose to look at this exp...2021-09-1542 minSenselessLonelinessSherry begins today’s episode with an update on her recent diagnosis regarding the uncomfortable numbness in her hands, and her next steps for treatment. Melissa and Sherry revisit their conversation about dream work, and discuss how liberating it can be to speak upsetting thoughts or feelings out loud to another person, as holding them in can make them turn darker. Next they talk about loneliness and isolation, both during the pandemic, and also the deeper sense of “soul loneliness” that often accompanies chronic health issues or sensory loss. They discuss the shame attached to loneliness, their preference for one-on...2021-09-0143 minSenselessDream OnOn this episode of Senseless, Sherry and Melissa begin with a health update and talk about the peace that comes with acceptance and being gentle on yourself. They discuss the power of positive self-talk and self-compassion, especially in times of flare-ups, and they share their experiences of coping with anxiety and depression during their darkest periods. Sherry and Melissa also touch on feelings of isolation when their physical symptoms become too much, and explain how they look inward to soothe the part of themselves that’s overwhelmed by pain and discomfort.Next, our hosts chat about whether th...2021-08-1844 minSenselessNon-Compliant!Today on Senseless, Melissa and Sherry discuss the idea of being labeled “non-compliant” as individuals with sensory loss, and taking their power back by wearing this distinction with pride. They talk about the importance of trusting your intuition, listening to your body when something feels off, and advocating for yourself even when doctors are unwilling to listen. They share a laugh as Sherry recounts the story of finding her medical file stamped with a giant, red “Non-Compliant” at her doctor’s office, and Melissa points out that people are often labeled this way if they don’t fit into the mainstre...2021-08-0444 minSenselessThe Struggle BusOn today’s episode, Sherry tells Melissa about her latest experience with severe fatigue and numbness in her right arm, and how her new doctor’s determination to help eliminate underlying viruses and Lyme “critters” has reinvigorated her positive outlook. Sherry also talks about having 28 vials of blood drawn recently and not being able to write or type, yet still having love and empathy for the medical workers who take care of her. Sherry offers her perspective on accepting that this is her body’s journey, and that she is here to support it as a spirit guide. You’ll also hear...2021-07-2141 minSenselessWelcome To SenselessContact: sherlynn53@cox.netMelissa and Sherry are so excited to welcome you to the very first episode of Senseless, a podcast that explores chronic health conditions, vision loss, and hearing loss with humor, wisdom, and friendship. They begin by telling the story of how their friendship began, how they bonded over their respective sensory loss experiences, and their individual journeys with chronic health conditions. Melissa shares her experience of progressive hearing loss beginning with an incident after a loud party at age 21, and the simultaneous devastation and relief she felt after being diagnosed with only 50% of...2021-07-0739 minSenselessTrailerLiving with chronic health conditions is not easy. Join us, Sherry and Melissa, as we navigate the ins and outs and ups and downs of making sense of a senseless world. In each episode, we talk about our chronic illness, vision loss, and hearing loss with humor, wisdom, and friendship.2021-06-0800 min
This Is Not What I Ordered: conversations on chronic illness, loss + change64: Enjoying the Non-Sense with Sherry Espinosa + Melissa PlattWe’ve had couples on the podcast, we’ve had reunions, we’ve had “quarantine chats.” This week, I’m bringing you a friendship “roundtable” with the lovely Sherry Espinoza and Melissa Platt. You may recognize those names because they’ve both been on the podcast before — but not like this. This episode is a lighthearted and sweet chat amongst friends. Sherry and Melissa, who met in the Shine Your Light Mastermind, have become fast friends, and I loved digging into their connection during our chat. We talked about our symptoms, shelter-in-place, cacti, and cats, as well as the mytho...2020-05-1954 min