“You Look Fine”: Chronic Illness, Invisible Symptoms, and Rebuilding Self-Trust with Amy Kurtz | 418

Women are constantly told to trust their bodies… right up until their bodies start telling them something medicine can’t immediately explain. In this powerful and deeply validating conversation, Nicole sits down with Amy Kurtz — certified health coach, patient advocate, speaker, and author of But You Look Fine: Trapped in the Hell Between Sick and Well and How to Break Free — to unpack the emotional aftermath of chronic illness, medical gaslighting, invisible symptoms, and the complicated grief that comes from losing trust in your own body. Amy shares her experience navigating late-stage Lyme disease, seeing 36 doctors before getting answers, and what she calls “medical trauma brain” — the hypervigilance, anxiety, and identity loss that can remain long after physical symptoms improve. Together, Nicole and Amy explore why so many women feel dismissed in healthcare settings, how chronic illness reshapes relationships and self-trust, and why healing is about far more than just getting a diagnosis. This episode is for every woman who has ever walked out of a doctor’s office feeling unheard, minimized, or crazy — and for every person who’s ever been told, “But you look fine.” We explore: How chronic illness and invisible symptoms impact identity and self-trust The concept of “medical trauma brain” and illness after the illness Why healing isn’t linear — physically or emotionally Practical nervous system regulation tools for anxiety and hypervigilance How to support loved ones dealing with chronic illness or perimenopause The connection between women’s health, appearance, and societal expectations Why rebuilding agency over your body is essential to healing This conversation is equal parts rage, relief, validation, and empowerment — the kind that makes you feel less alone and more equipped to trust yourself again. Thank you to our sponsors! Become a Fora Advisor today at Foratravel.com/WOMAN - and make sure to tell them we sent you! Elevate your summer wardrobe: Go to Quince.com/tiww for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns! Visit Upwork.com right now and post your job for free! Families are better when they’re working together… go to myskylight.com/WOMANSWORK for $30 off your Skylight Calendar. Start your risk-free Greenlight trial today at Greenlight.com/TIWW. Don't wait to teach your kids real-world money skills! Connect with Amy: Book: https://www.amazon.com/But-You-Look-Fine-Trapped-ebook/dp/B0FPC9TV2P     Website: https://amykurtz.com/  IG: https://www.instagram.com/_amykurtz/  Publisher: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/amy-kurtz/but-you-look-fine/9781538775301/ Related Podcast Episodes The Biology Of Trauma - And How To Heal It with Dr. Aimie Apigian | 346 Don’t Let Your Doctor Kill You: The New Hormone Solution with Dr. Erika Schwartz | 305 ADHD in Women, Nervous System Regulation & Getting Out of Fight-or-Flight with Jenna Free | 396 Share the Love: If you found this episode insightful, please share it with a friend, tag us on social media, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform! 🔗 Subscribe & Review:Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices