Autoimmune Adventures

If you live with chronic illness, you've probably been told to “manage your stress.” But what does that actually mean when you're already exhausted, overwhelmed, and managing a body with limited bandwidth? In this episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we sit down with stress management and resilience coach Melissa Lewis-Duarte, PhD, NBC-HWC, to talk about realistic nervous system regulation—and why taking care of yourself shouldn't become one more impossible task on your to-do list. Melissa brings both professional expertise and deeply personal experience to this conversation. After a traumatic birth and six months with her third child in the NICU, chronic stress began taking a significant toll on her own health. When doctors told her to manage her stress without giving her realistic strategies for doing it, she began searching for practices that could actually fit into a demanding life. That journey eventually helped shape her approach to stress management: small, sustainable practices rather than complicated wellness routines. In our conversation, we explore: • What emotional regulation actually means • Melissa's “Name, Notice, Nurture” practice • Why identifying the specific emotion you're experiencing matters • How emotions can show up physically in the body • Using expressive writing when you feel emotionally stuck • Why “just take a deep breath” can feel so dismissive • How changing your breathing can change the signal you're sending your brain • What to try when breathwork isn't helpful for you • Simple regulation strategies for low-energy days • Why five minutes can still matter • Making stress management fit the life you already have • The concept of your “body budget” • How sleep, physical depletion, and hormonal changes can influence emotions • Why stress management should never become another standard you feel you're failing to meet This conversation is especially for anyone who has ever thought: “I know I'm supposed to take better care of myself. I just don't have anything left.” You don't need a perfect routine. You need tools that meet you where you are. Subscribe to Autoimmune Adventures for honest conversations, practical tools, expert insight, and lived experience for navigating autoimmune disease and chronic illness. You are worthy of joy. Disease does not define your life.   #AutoimmuneAdventures #ChronicIllness #NervousSystemRegulation #StressManagement #ChronicStress #AutoimmuneDisease #EmotionalRegulation #Burnout #ChronicIllnessSupport #Resilience #InvisibleIllness #NervousSystem #SelfAdvocacy You do!

What happens to your identity when chronic illness changes the life you thought you were going to have? And how do you grieve who you were without giving up on who you can still become? In this powerful episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we sit down with mental health specialist, author, poet, and chronic illness patient Dr. Jeffrey Bone for an honest conversation about the emotional reality of living in a body you can no longer predict. Jeff brings a rare perspective to this conversation: he has spent more than two decades helping people navigate chronic pain and illness while also experiencing chronic illness himself. Together, we explore the pieces of chronic illness that don't always make it into the exam room—the loneliness of experiencing pain another person cannot truly feel, the disappointment of leaving another doctor's appointment without answers, the recurring grief of losing parts of your former life, and the challenge of rebuilding identity when your capacity changes. We also talk about solidarity and why finding people who understand matters. And then we go somewhere unexpected: creativity. Jeff shares how poetry, writing, guided meditation, and other forms of artistic expression can create agency when illness has taken away so many of our choices. Creativity doesn't need to become productive. It doesn't need to become a side hustle. It doesn't even need to be “good.” Sometimes the power is simply in choosing what happens next. In this episode: • Why chronic illness can feel profoundly isolating • The invisible realities healthy people often don't see • The grief of repeatedly seeking medical answers • Why chronic illness grief can return again and again • Identity after illness changes your capacity • What true solidarity can look like • Creativity as a way to reclaim agency • Why your old potential may change without disappearing • Building meaning without pretending illness is a gift • Recognizing that your story is still unfolding If chronic illness has ever left you wondering, “Who am I now?” this conversation is for you. Subscribe to Autoimmune Adventures for honest conversations, lived experience, expert insight, and practical tools for navigating life with chronic illness. You are worthy of joy. Disease does not define your life. You do!   #DrJeffreyBone #ChronicIllness #ChronicIllnessGrief #AutoimmuneDisease #InvisibleIllness #ChronicIllnessMentalHealth #AutoimmuneAdventures

Could your subconscious mind be influencing your chronic illness? If you've ever wondered why stress can trigger flare-ups, why chronic pain sometimes persists, or why your body feels stuck in survival mode, this conversation may completely change the way you think about healing. In this episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we sit down with Craig Meriwether, Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Medical Hypnosis Specialist, to explore the fascinating connection between the subconscious mind, the nervous system, and chronic illness. Together we discuss how subconscious patterns are formed, why anxiety and trauma can influence physical symptoms, and how hypnotherapy may help people reduce resistance, calm the nervous system, and create healthier patterns. This conversation is not about replacing medical care—it's about understanding another important piece of the healing puzzle. In this episode you'll learn: ✔ What hypnotherapy really is (and what it isn't) ✔ How the subconscious mind influences chronic stress and anxiety ✔ The connection between stress, inflammation, and chronic pain ✔ Why your nervous system can become "stuck" in survival mode ✔ How subconscious patterns are created ✔ Practical techniques for calming your nervous system ✔ Common myths about hypnosis ✔ Why healing often begins with changing patterns instead of fighting symptoms Whether you're living with lupus, Hashimoto's, Sjögren's, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, or another chronic illness, this episode offers practical insights into supporting your health from the inside out. 🎙 About Our Guest Craig Meriwether is a Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist and Medical Hypnosis Specialist who helps people overcome anxiety, trauma, chronic stress, and emotionally rooted physical symptoms by working with the subconscious mind. 🌄 About Autoimmune Adventures Autoimmune Adventures exists to educate, encourage, and empower those navigating chronic illness through expert interviews, practical strategies, and honest conversations. Remember... You are worthy of joy. Disease does not define your life, you do. 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and Share to help us reach more people living with chronic illness. #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #Hypnotherapy #MindBodyConnection #ChronicPain #Anxiety #StressRelief #NervousSystem #HealingJourney #AutoimmuneAdventures

Could your nervous system be keeping your body stuck in survival mode? For people living with autoimmune disease, chronic illness, chronic pain, or burnout, stress isn't just emotional—it can have real physical effects throughout the body. In this episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we sit down with Dr. Danielle Griffin, TEDx speaker, Doctor of Organizational Leadership, Certified Hypnotherapist, and somatic healing expert, to explore how chronic stress impacts the nervous system and why learning to regulate it may be an important part of supporting long-term health. Together we discuss: ✔ What survival mode really looks like ✔ Hidden physical signs of unresolved stress ✔ The connection between stress, inflammation, and chronic illness ✔ How somatic practices help build body awareness ✔ What hypnotherapy actually is—and what it isn't ✔ Simple breathing exercises to help calm an overwhelmed nervous system Whether you're navigating lupus, Hashimoto's, Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, or another chronic illness, this conversation offers practical insights to help you better understand the connection between your body and your nervous system. 💜 Remember: You are worthy of joy. Disease does not define your life. You do. 👇 Tell us in the comments: Have you ever realized your body was stuck in survival mode? Subscribe for new conversations every Tuesday featuring experts and inspiring stories that help you advocate for your health with confidence. #AutoimmuneAdventures #ChronicIllness #SurvivalMode #NervousSystem #NervousSystemRegulation #Somatics #SomaticHealing #ChronicStress #BurnoutRecovery #MindBodyConnection #StressManagement #Hypnotherapy #Inflammation #ChronicPain #HealingJourney  

Have you ever wondered if stress, trauma, or past experiences could influence the way your body responds to chronic illness? In this episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we sit down with Cindy Costley to explore her personal journey through trauma, chronic symptoms, nervous system healing, and learning to listen to her body in a completely different way. Cindy shares how medical gaslighting, stored emotional experiences, and years of feeling misunderstood shaped her health journey—and why healing, for her, meant addressing more than physical symptoms alone. Together we discuss: ✔ Big T vs. little t trauma ✔ Why toxic positivity isn't always helpful ✔ Learning to view symptoms differently ✔ Nervous system regulation ✔ Emotional healing and resilience ✔ Why affirmations sometimes don't work ✔ Finding hope after years of chronic illness Whether Cindy's story reflects your own experiences or offers a new perspective, we hope this conversation encourages you to continue asking questions, advocating for yourself, and discovering what healing can look like for you. Remember... You are worthy of joy. Disease does not define your life. You do. 🌄 Visit us: https://autoimmuneadventures.com Subscribe for new episodes every Tuesday featuring leading experts, inspiring patients, and practical strategies for living well with chronic illness.   #AutoimmuneAdventures #ChronicIllness #TraumaHealing #AutoimmuneDisease #NervousSystem #InvisibleIllness #MedicalGaslighting #HealingJourney #PatientAdvocacy #MindBodyConnection

Why Am I Still Sick? Melissa Rose on Root Causes, Autoimmune Disease & Terrain Medicine Have you ever been told your blood work looks "normal," but you still don't feel like yourself? You're not alone. In this episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we sit down with Melissa Rose, founder of Sagebrush Wellness, functional medicine practitioner, educator, and author of Reversing Your Autoimmune Story, to explore why so many people with autoimmune disease and chronic illness continue searching for answers long after receiving a diagnosis. Melissa shares how her own recovery from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) inspired her to develop a terrain-based approach to healing—one that goes beyond simply identifying root causes to understanding why those root causes developed in the first place. Together we discuss: ✔️ Why "normal" blood work doesn't always mean you're healthy ✔️ The difference between functional medicine and terrain medicine ✔️ Root causes of autoimmune disease ✔️ Gut health, food sensitivities, and chronic inflammation ✔️ Why personalized care matters ✔️ Childhood stress, trauma, and long-term health ✔️ Taking ownership of your healing journey ✔️ Why your diagnosis doesn't have to define your future Whether you're living with lupus, Hashimoto's, MS, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, celiac disease, chronic fatigue, or another autoimmune condition, this conversation offers practical insights and hope for understanding your body more deeply. 🌿 Learn more about Melissa Rose and Sagebrush Wellness: https://sagebrushwellness.com 🌿 Melissa's Free Terrain Assessment: https://start.sagebrushwellness.com ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🎙 About Autoimmune Adventures Autoimmune Adventures is a podcast dedicated to helping people living with autoimmune disease and chronic illness navigate life with more knowledge, confidence, and hope. Every week, Stacy Griffin, Becky Miller, and Alysia Thomas bring you conversations with physicians, researchers, advocates, and fellow adventurers who are helping redefine what it means to live well with chronic illness. 🌿 Website: https://autoimmuneadventures.com 📬 Subscribe to our free Scenic Route Newsletter for encouragement, resources, and practical tips delivered along your journey.

What happens when a doctor becomes the chronic illness patient—and suddenly discovers the healthcare system doesn't have answers for her either? Dr. Zeest Khan spent years caring for critically ill patients, managing cardiac surgery, and running her own medical practice. Then Long COVID changed everything. She went from leading her life and caring for others to depending on people just to help her get out of bed. And when she turned to medicine for help, she experienced something millions of chronic illness patients already know: dismissal, uncertainty, and doctors who simply didn't know what to do next. In this powerful episode of Autoimmune Adventures, Dr. Zeest Khan joins Stacy, Becky, and Alysia to talk about medical gaslighting from a physician's perspective, why doctors struggle to admit when they don't have an answer, and what happens when burnout, medical trauma, and fear collide inside the exam room. We also talk about Long COVID symptoms, navigating medical uncertainty, the difference between genuine hope and toxic positivity, grieving the life you had before chronic illness, and why community can become a lifeline when illness leaves you feeling completely alone. If you have ever left a doctor's appointment feeling dismissed, unheard, or wondering whether you were somehow asking for too much, this conversation is for you. 🎙️ In this episode: • Why chronic illness patients are so often dismissed or gaslit • What medical training teaches doctors about saying “I don't know” • How Dr. Zeest Khan's perspective changed when she became the patient • What Long COVID symptoms can actually look like • Why collaboration matters in the doctor-patient relationship • How to navigate healthcare when there is no perfect answer • Hope vs. toxic positivity in chronic illness • The grief and identity changes that come with becoming chronically ill • Why chronic illness community and connection matter 💛 Subscribe to Autoimmune Adventures for honest conversations about autoimmune disease, chronic illness, self-advocacy, and building a life that still belongs to you. Remember: You are worthy of joy. Your disease does not define your life. You do. #MedicalGaslighting #ChronicIllness #LongCOVID #PatientAdvocacy #DrZeestKhan #InvisibleIllness #ChronicIllnessCommunity #Healthcare #SelfAdvocacy #AutoimmuneAdventures

Can peace be cultivated—even during life's most difficult seasons? In this episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we welcome author, educator, and speaker Dr. Will Tuttle to discuss the powerful principles from his book The World Peace Way. Many people think peace depends on circumstances, relationships, or the world around them. Dr. Tuttle offers a different perspective. He shares six foundational tenets that can help us create greater peace, resilience, purpose, and harmony from the inside out. Together, we explore: ✅ What inner peace really means ✅ Why joy may already exist within us ✅ How discipline can become a pathway to freedom and happiness ✅ Why challenges can help us grow stronger ✅ The connection between peace, relationships, and well-being ✅ The six tenets from The World Peace Way ✅ Practical ways to cultivate more purpose and meaning in everyday life For those living with chronic illness, autoimmune disease, stress, uncertainty, or simply the challenges of modern life, this conversation offers thoughtful insights and practical wisdom for creating more peace—one day at a time. About Dr. Will Tuttle Dr. Will Tuttle is an internationally recognized speaker, educator, musician, and author. He is the author of The World Peace Way, a guide to cultivating personal peace and creating a more harmonious world through conscious living, healthy relationships, mindfulness, purpose, and connection. 🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations about chronic illness, healing, self-advocacy, resilience, and living well. 🌐 Website: autoimmuneadventures.com 📸 Instagram: @theautoimmuneadventures 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts #DrWillTuttle #WorldPeaceWay #InnerPeace #Mindfulness #PersonalGrowth #SelfDevelopment #PurposeDrivenLife #HealingJourney #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneAdventures #MentalWellness #EmotionalWellness #StressManagement #HealthyRelationships #PeacefulLiving  

The fertility journey can be filled with questions, frustration, and uncertainty—especially when you've been told everything looks "normal." In this episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we sit down with fertility specialist Grace Charles to discuss the root causes of infertility that are often overlooked. From autoimmune disease and hormone imbalances to environmental toxins, male fertility factors, and the myth of "unexplained infertility," Grace shares a different approach to understanding fertility challenges. Whether you're trying to conceive, navigating infertility, managing an autoimmune condition, or simply wanting to better understand your health, this conversation offers practical insights and hope. In This Episode: ✔ Why Grace doesn't believe in "unexplained infertility" ✔ How autoimmune disease can affect fertility and miscarriage risk ✔ Why male fertility matters more than most people realize ✔ Environmental toxins that may impact reproductive health ✔ The importance of cycle tracking and hormone awareness ✔ The Root Cause Fertility Formula Connect with Grace Charles: https://drgracecharles.com/ Follow Autoimmune Adventures: Website: www.AutoimmuneAdventures.com Instagram: @theautoimmuneadventures YouTube: @AutoimmuneAdventures Remember: You are worthy of joy. Disease does not define your life. You do. #AutoimmuneAdventures #Fertility #Infertility #TryingToConceive #AutoimmuneDisease #Hashimotos #WomensHealth #HormoneHealth #MiscarriageAwareness #FertilitySupport #GraceCharles

What if the exhaustion you're feeling isn't a lack of motivation? What if your body has been stuck in survival mode for so long that it no longer knows how to rest? In this episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we sit down with Hailey Coleman to explore the powerful connection between chronic stress, trauma, burnout, and nervous system regulation. Together, we discuss why so many people living with chronic illness feel overwhelmed, disconnected from themselves, and trapped in cycles of exhaustion—and what they can do to begin finding their way back. Hailey shares practical tools for calming the nervous system, rebuilding self-trust after years of doubt, recognizing the hidden signs of survival mode, and understanding how chronic stress impacts both physical and emotional health. Whether you're navigating autoimmune disease, chronic illness, burnout, anxiety, or simply carrying more stress than your body was ever designed to hold, this conversation offers hope, validation, and actionable strategies you can begin using today. In This Episode: ✔ Understanding survival mode and nervous system dysregulation ✔ Why burnout happens—even to self-aware people ✔ The connection between chronic stress and chronic illness ✔ Rebuilding trust in yourself after medical gaslighting or self-doubt ✔ Practical grounding and regulation tools ✔ The "Bathroom Effect" nervous system reset ✔ How affirmations and self-talk influence healing ✔ Creating boundaries that strengthen self-trust Connect with Autoimmune Adventures 🌐 Website: www.AutoimmuneAdventures.com 📬 Sign up for our Scenic Route newsletter for encouragement, insights, advocacy tools, and resources for navigating chronic illness. 📺 Subscribe for weekly conversations about chronic illness, autoimmune disease, healing, advocacy, resilience, and finding joy along the journey. Connect with Hailey Coleman 🌐 Website: https://hailey-coleman.com/ At Autoimmune Adventures, we believe healing is about more than managing symptoms. It's about learning to navigate the mountain you're climbing with courage, compassion, and community. Remember: You are worthy of joy. Disease does not define your life. You do. #AutoimmuneAdventures #HaileyColeman #ChronicStress #BurnoutRecovery #NervousSystemHealing #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicIllness #MedicalGaslighting #TraumaHealing #InvisibleIllness #MindBodyConnection #PatientAdvocacy #StressManagement #HealingJourney #Lupus #Hashimotos #Sjogrens #ChronicFatigue #WomenWithChronicIllness

When you live with chronic illness, it's easy to feel like you're stuck between two impossible choices: push through the pain or stop moving altogether. But what if there was another way? In this episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we sit down with David Jeter, PT, to explore the role physical therapy can play in helping people with autoimmune disease, chronic pain, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), Ankylosing Spondylitis, and other conditions improve mobility, build confidence, and redefine what progress really looks like. David shares practical insights on movement, strength, endurance, flexibility, pain management, and why success is about far more than simply reducing pain. We discuss how to work within your body's current capacity, why "doing what you can do" is often the right answer, and how physical therapy can help you reclaim function and quality of life—even when symptoms don't disappear completely. If you've ever felt frustrated by setbacks, discouraged by limitations, or unsure how to move forward safely, this conversation is for you. In This Episode ✔ How physical therapy can help people living with autoimmune disease ✔ Ankylosing Spondylitis, EDS, and movement limitations ✔ Why doing more isn't always the answer ✔ Building strength, endurance, and mobility safely ✔ The biggest misconceptions about chronic pain ✔ Why pain isn't the only measure of success ✔ Understanding musculoskeletal health ✔ Creating realistic expectations for healing and progress ✔ Finding movement that works for your body ✔ How small improvements can create meaningful change About David Jeter, PT David Jeter is a licensed physical therapist dedicated to helping people improve movement, function, and quality of life. His work focuses on practical, individualized approaches to physical therapy that help patients build strength, increase mobility, improve endurance, and work toward their personal goals while respecting the realities of chronic illness and chronic pain.

Why are so many women doing everything “right” and still feeling exhausted, inflamed, burned out, and disconnected from their bodies? In this powerful episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we sit down with Erica Ballard to unpack why traditional wellness advice often fails women—and what real, biology-based healing can actually look like. We talk about nervous system regulation, chronic stress, cortisol, metabolism, perfectionism, burnout, inflammation, hormones, recovery, and the pressure women feel to constantly push harder. Erica shares practical insight on learning to work with your body instead of against it—especially for women navigating chronic illness, autoimmune disease, perimenopause, and high stress lifestyles. This conversation is honest, compassionate, science-informed, and deeply validating for women who are tired of feeling like their body is the enemy. 🌿 Subscribe through our website: Autoimmune Adventures 🌿 Sign up for The Scenic Route newsletter for encouragement, support, and resources for life with chronic illness. ✨ Remember: You are worthy of joy. Disease does not define your life, you do. #AutoimmuneAdventures #WomensHealth #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicIllness #Perimenopause #NervousSystemHealing #StressManagement #HormoneHealth #BurnoutRecovery #MindBodyConnection

What happens when the world teaches us to ignore our bodies? In this deeply thoughtful episode of Autoimmune Adventures, Zoa Conner joins us for an honest conversation about chronic illness, burnout, nervous system healing, self-care, and the pressure so many people feel to constantly push through exhaustion. Together, we explore: • burnout and survival mode • why “normal” is not always healthy • nervous system regulation • chronic illness and emotional healing • true self-care vs performative wellness • listening to your body • sustainable healing and recovery This episode is compassionate, grounding, validating, and full of reminders that healing is not one-size-fits-all. If you’ve been feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, disconnected from yourself, or stuck in survival mode, this conversation is for you. ✨ Remember you are worthy of joy. Disease does not define your life, you do. #AutoimmuneAdventures #ZoaConner #ChronicIllness #BurnoutRecovery #NervousSystemHealing #InvisibleIllness #HealingJourney #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicIllnessSupport #Burnout #Healing #SelfCare #WomenHealth #RestIsHealing #WellnessPodcast

Living with chronic illness can make people feel unseen, unheard, and disconnected from themselves. In this profound episode of Autoimmune Adventures, Dr. Fred Moss joins Stacy, Becky, and Alysia for a powerful conversation about mental health, emotional healing, authenticity, communication, trauma, and the connection between emotional and physical wellness. Together, they explore: ✨ The mind-body connection ✨ Why feeling heard matters deeply to healing ✨ The hidden cost of masking authenticity ✨ Mental health labels and identity ✨ Emotional suppression and chronic illness ✨ Patient advocacy and reclaiming your voice ✨ What “normal” mental health even means Dr. Moss challenges the belief that people are fundamentally broken and offers a deeply human perspective on healing, communication, and self-understanding. If you’ve ever struggled to explain your pain, felt dismissed in healthcare spaces, or questioned your worth because of illness, this conversation will resonate deeply. 🎙️ About Dr. Fred Moss Dr. Fred Moss is a psychiatrist, speaker, mental health advocate, and creator of Welcome to Humanity. He is known for challenging traditional narratives around mental health and helping people reconnect with their authentic voice and human connection. ⛰️ Subscribe for more conversations about chronic illness, autoimmune disease, healing, advocacy, resilience, and finding joy along the scenic route. #DrFredMoss #AutoimmuneAdventures #ChronicIllness #MentalHealthAwareness #MindBodyConnection #HealingJourney #PatientAdvocacy #Authenticity #EmotionalHealing #AutoimmuneDisease #TraumaHealing #InvisibleIllness #FunctionalMedicine #MentalWellness #HealthPodcast

What if your DNA could help explain your autoimmune disease, inflammation, fatigue, brain fog, or even why certain treatments work for some people but not others? In this episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we sit down with genetics expert and EndoDNA CEO Len May to explore the powerful connection between DNA, epigenetics, personalized medicine, and chronic illness. Len explains why your genetics are not a life sentence—but instead a roadmap that can help you better understand your body, reduce triggers, and make more informed decisions about your health. We also discuss: 🧬 Genetics and autoimmune disease 🔥 Inflammation and epigenetics 🧠 ADHD, dopamine, and brain wiring 💡 Personalized wellness strategies ❤️ Self-advocacy in chronic illness 🌱 Why understanding your biology can be empowering This conversation is hopeful, practical, and deeply validating for anyone navigating autoimmune disease, chronic illness, ADHD, or invisible illness. Because your biology isn’t broken. It’s wired differently. 🎧 Subscribe to Autoimmune Adventures for more conversations about chronic illness, resilience, self-advocacy, and finding hope along the scenic route. #AutoimmuneDisease #Genetics #PersonalizedMedicine #Epigenetics #ChronicIllness #AutoimmunePodcast #DNAHealth #Inflammation #SelfAdvocacy #AutoimmuneAdventures  

You’re not imagining it—and you’re not alone. If you’re still dealing with fatigue, brain fog, or autoimmune flares after COVID, this conversation with Jess Armine will help you understand why. In this episode of Autoimmune Adventures, Dr. Jess Armine breaks down what’s actually happening in the body with Long COVID—and why so many people aren’t recovering with traditional approaches. From mitochondrial dysfunction to immune dysregulation and nervous system overload, this episode connects the dots between Long COVID and autoimmune disease in a way that finally makes sense. If your health changed after COVID—or you feel like your body hasn’t been the same since—this episode is for you. In This Episode: Dr. Jess Armine explains what Long COVID really is Why autoimmune symptoms worsen after viral infections The mitochondrial connection to fatigue and burnout How nervous system dysregulation impacts healing Why symptoms vary so widely Common mistakes people make when trying to recover What a systems-based approach to healing looks like The Scenic Route Newsletter Healing isn’t linear—and neither is life with chronic illness. Join our weekly newsletter The Scenic Route for encouragement, insights, and real support along the way. 🤍 About Autoimmune Adventures We’re Stacy, Becky, and Alysia—three sisters navigating autoimmune disease and chronic illness, creating space for honest conversations and real support. If This Helped You Like, subscribe, and share this with someone who needs it. #DrJessArmine #LongCOVID #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicIllness #BrainFog #ChronicFatigue #InvisibleIllness #FunctionalMedicine #WomensHealth #AutoimmuneWarrior #NervousSystemHealing #Inflammation #HealingJourney #HealthPodcast

What if your body isn’t working against you… but doing everything it can to heal you? In this powerful episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we sit down with Michael J. Dorfman, Health & Nutrition Life Coach, author, and longevity advocate, to explore what it really means to support the body instead of fighting it. At 84, Michael isn’t just talking about vibrant aging—he’s living it. With nearly 50 years of experience in nutrition and wellness, he shares a grounded, practical, and deeply hopeful perspective on how food, mindset, and daily habits can transform your health at any stage of life—even into what he calls the 5th Stage of Life (80–100+). 🌿 In this episode, we explore: Why the body is designed to heal—and how we often get in the way The connection between food, energy, and the body’s ability to repair The difference between vegan, vegetarian, and whole-food plant-based living How to move from fear → trust in your body Longevity lessons from the world’s healthiest populations (Blue Zones) The role of mindset, resilience, and eustress in healing Why it’s never too late to reclaim your health and vitality 🌟 This episode is for you if: You feel like your body is working against you You’re navigating chronic illness or low energy You’re overwhelmed by conflicting health advice You want a simpler, more intuitive approach to healing You’re ready to see your body differently 📚 About Michael J. Dorfman: Author of The Thriving Vegan Author of The Longevity Wellness Revolution Certified in Plant-Based Nutrition (Cornell University) Certified Health & Nutrition Life Coach Advocate for thriving beyond 80 Your body is not broken. It is intelligent. It is resilient. It is always working to protect, repair, and restore you. The shift isn’t in forcing healing… it’s in learning how to support what’s already happening. 🎧 Listen now and begin seeing your body—and your healing—in a whole new way. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations on healing, mindset, and living fully with chronic illness.

This episode of Autoimmune Adventures is one you don’t just listen to—you feel it. Brent Butler is a speaker, trainer, and patient advocate living with end-stage renal disease. After more than 15 major surgeries, a failed kidney transplant, and over 15 years on dialysis, Brent shares the reality of chronic illness in a way most people never hear. In this conversation, we go beyond the surface to talk about what trauma actually looks like in dialysis patients—the emotional shutdown, the quiet withdrawal, the weight of returning to treatment after hope was lost. Brent opens up about the small daily decisions that build resilience over time, and what it means to keep showing up when everything in you wants to shut down. We also step into something deeper—what happens when chronic illness creates a crisis of faith. Brent offers a powerful perspective: “Chronic illness just means that Christ is chronically present.” This episode is for patients, caregivers, and anyone who wants to better understand the human experience behind chronic illness. You are not alone in this. 🎧 Listen now: www.autoimmuneadventures.com #ChronicIllness #DialysisLife #PatientAdvocate #TraumaInformedCare #FaithAndHealing #InvisibleIllness #Resilience #AutoimmuneAdventures

🎧 New Episode Released April 14 | Featuring Antoinette Lee What happens when your life completely falls apart—and you have to rebuild it from nothing? In this powerful episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we sit down with Antoinette Lee, a resilience coach, speaker, and advocate who transformed her life after traumatic brain injury, severe PTSD, and life-threatening illness. At her lowest point, Antoinette was unable to eat or drink, relying on a walker, a service dog, and full-time care—preparing for what she believed would be the end. Today, she’s living a bold, expansive life—proving that a “new normal” doesn’t have to mean a smaller life. In this episode, we explore: ✨ How to advocate for yourself in a healthcare system that doesn’t always listen ✨ The moment she stopped trusting everyone else—and started trusting her body ✨ Why nature is one of the most powerful (and overlooked) healing tools ✨ How to prepare for emergencies when you live with chronic illness ✨ The mindset shift from “my body betrayed me” to “my body is communicating” ✨ Why waiting to feel ready is what keeps most people stuck Her message is simple—but life-changing: You don’t need to be extraordinary to live a big life. You just need the right steps—and the belief that it’s possible. And the truth most people don’t want to hear: “You’re actually never going to feel ready, so if you wait for that moment, it’s just not going to happen.” 🎧 Listen now and take your next step—ready or not: 🔗 www.autoimmuneadventures.com 💬 If this episode resonates, share it with someone who needs to hear it—and let us know in the comments: 👉 What is one step you’ve been waiting to feel “ready” for?    #AutoimmuneAdventures #AntoinetteLee #ChronicIllness #PatientAdvocacy #HealingJourney #Resilience #TrustYourBody #MindBodyConnection #ChronicIllnessRecovery #HealthEmpowerment 

Living with chronic illness isn’t just about managing symptoms—it’s about managing an entire system that was never designed to work seamlessly together. Appointments. Labs. Medications. Specialists. And the constant pressure to remember everything, track everything, and somehow make sense of it all. In this episode of Autoimmune Adventures, George and Mara Saldana share the deeply personal story behind Ethia.io—a platform born out of real struggle, real frustration, and a powerful question: 👉 What if managing your health didn’t have to feel like chaos? As Mara navigated Crohn’s disease and the overwhelming complexity of her care, George saw firsthand how broken and fragmented the system can feel for patients. Instead of accepting it, he built something different. Ethia.io is designed to help patients: ✔ Track and organize their health data ✔ Recognize patterns over time ✔ Communicate more clearly with providers ✔ Protect their privacy through secure, anonymized systems But this episode is about more than technology. It’s about: ✨ The hidden workload of chronic illness ✨ The gaps in doctor-patient communication ✨ The limits of memory in a system that relies on it ✨ The future of personalized, patient-centered care ✨ And the power of advocacy when patients are given the right tools If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to manage your health… If you’ve ever left an appointment with more questions than answers… If you’ve ever thought, there has to be a better way— This conversation is for you. 🎧 Listen now and discover how Ethia.io is changing the way patients navigate chronic illness. 🔗Sign up for Ethia with code ADVOCATE for 30 days of free Pro access. Track your health data and prepare for appointments: ethia.io/register #AutoimmuneAdventures #ChronicIllness #CrohnsDisease #Hashimotos #PatientAdvocacy #HealthTech #DigitalHealth #SpoonieLife #MedicalInnovation

Perimenopause. Autoimmune disease. Chronic illness. What happens when all three collide? In this powerful episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we sit down with Simla Somturk, MBA, CNC, CHHC—functional nutritionist, holistic health coach, and founder of HealthCraft—to unpack what so many women are experiencing but don’t always have words for. This conversation goes beyond surface-level symptoms and into the real connection between hormones, the immune system, and whole-body health. Because during perimenopause, shifting levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone don’t just affect your cycle—they impact: ✔ Immune function ✔ Energy and fatigue ✔ Brain function and focus ✔ Sleep patterns ✔ Mood and emotional regulation ✔ Gut health and inflammation For women navigating autoimmune disease or chronic illness, this can create a perfect storm of overlapping and compounding symptoms. In this episode, we explore: ✨ How perimenopause may trigger or worsen autoimmune conditions ✨ Why symptoms can feel chaotic or confusing ✨ The connection between hormones, the nervous system, and inflammation ✨ Practical ways to begin supporting your body again ✨ Where you still have control—even when things feel overwhelming This is an honest, grounding, and deeply empowering conversation for any woman who has felt like her body is changing faster than she can keep up with. 🌿 Connect with Simla Somturk Learn more about Simla’s work, resources, and programs here: 👉 http://www.healthcraftwithsimla.com/ 🎙️ About Autoimmune Adventures Autoimmune Adventures is a podcast dedicated to helping those living with autoimmune disease and chronic illness create lives filled with clarity, empowerment, and possibility. Through real conversations, expert insights, and lived experience, we explore what it truly means to heal, adapt, and rise. 🔔 Don’t forget to: ✔ Subscribe for more conversations on autoimmune health and healing ✔ Like & share with someone who needs this ✔ Comment what resonated most with you #Perimenopause #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicIllness #HormoneHealth #AutoimmuneSupport #WomensHealth #HormoneBalance #FunctionalNutrition #ChronicFatigue #InvisibleIllness #HealingJourney #GutHealth #NervousSystem #HealthPodcast #WellnessPodcast #AutoimmuneAdventures #WomenOver40 #PerimenopauseSupport #HolisticHealth #RootCauseHealing

Sleep apnea is one of the most common — and most overlooked — health #SleepApnea #SleepHealth #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicIllness #FunctionalMedicine #HormoneHealth #ImmuneHealth #ChronicFatigue #BrainFog #HealingJourney #HealthEducation #WellnessPodcast #AutoimmuneSupport #BetterSleep #MindBodyConnection

What if healing from autoimmune disease involves more than just treating the physical body? In this episode of Autoimmune Adventures, Stacy and Becky sit down with Dayna Wylder for a powerful conversation about the deeper layers of healing — including the mind, emotions, nervous system, and the beliefs that shape how our bodies respond to stress. After receiving a difficult prognosis, Dayna began a personal journey that challenged everything she thought she knew about health. What she discovered changed the way she understands fatigue, symptoms, and the body’s ability to heal. In this episode, we explore: 🔥 Why fatigue can persist even when you're doing everything “right” 🧠 How beliefs and stress affect the nervous system and immune function 💡 Why symptoms might be signals instead of just problems to suppress 🌿 Simple ways to support nervous system regulation and restore balance 💬 How learning to listen to the body can transform the healing journey If you're living with autoimmune disease, chronic illness, or unexplained fatigue, this conversation may change how you think about healing. 🎧 Episode releases March 17 Follow & connect with Dayna Wylder:  https://energyovermatter.com/ Subscribe to Autoimmune Adventures for conversations about chronic illness, healing, resilience, and living fully — even when life takes unexpected turns.  AutoimmuneAdventures.com 

What happens when chronic illness forces you to rethink your career, identity, and the life you thought you would have? In this episode of Autoimmune Adventures, Bolty shares her journey living with Myasthenia Gravis (MG) — a rare autoimmune neuromuscular disease that causes muscle weakness and fatigue. After a long path to diagnosis, Bolty faced a reality many people with chronic illness encounter: letting go of the life they expected and learning how to build something new. In this honest and empowering conversation, we talk about: • The relief of finally receiving a diagnosis • Living with Myasthenia Gravis • The grief that comes with chronic illness • Losing and redefining identity after leaving a career • Why we are more than our productivity or job titles • Designing a life that works with your body • Finding empowerment and purpose after diagnosis For anyone living with autoimmune disease, rare disease, or invisible illness, this conversation offers validation, insight, and encouragement. 🎙️ Guest: Bolty 🎧 Podcast: Autoimmune Adventures 📅 Episode Release: March 10 Subscribe to Autoimmune Adventures for conversations about chronic illness, resilience, mindset, and support systems for people navigating autoimmune disease. #AutoimmuneAdventures #MyastheniaGravis #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #InvisibleIllness #RareDisease #ChronicIllnessJourney #LifeAfterDiagnosis #HealthPodcast

If you’ve ever felt dismissed, doubted, or told “everything looks normal” while living with chronic illness — this episode is for you. In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Cyndii Sinex, MPH — public health practitioner and founder of the Chronic Illness Hotline — to talk about: ✔️ Navigating over a decade of misdiagnoses ✔️ Medical gaslighting and rebuilding self-trust ✔️ Why “worry” can actually be self-advocacy ✔️ Supporting people with chronic illness, pain, injury, or neurodivergence ✔️ Creating a confidential, compassionate 24/7 support space The Chronic Illness Hotline is launching to ensure that no one has to process health fears alone — diagnosis or not. If you would like to support the launch of this nonprofit initiative, you can donate here: https://chronicillnesshotline.org/support/ Subscribe to Autoimmune Adventures for more conversations about chronic illness, resilience, advocacy, and living boldly with autoimmune disease. You are worthy of joy. Disease does not define your life — you do. #ChronicIllness #MedicalGaslighting #AutoimmuneDisease #PatientAdvocacy #InvisibleIllness #ChronicPainSupport #Neurodivergence #HealthcareEquity

If you are living with autoimmune disease, chronic inflammation, hormone imbalance, or fatigue, what you eat matters more than you may realize. In this episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we sit down with clinical nutritionist Beverly Meyer to discuss the principles behind a primal or ancestral diet and how it supports autoimmune healing. Beverly explains: What a primal diet actually is Why insulin is considered the “master hormone” How blood sugar imbalance affects inflammation and immune function A simple plate template for nourishing your body Why ancestral nutrition and modern healthcare can work together How eating in alignment with your biology supports digestion, hormones, and energy This conversation is not about rejecting modern medicine. It’s about understanding how food, metabolism, and insulin regulation impact autoimmune disease and chronic illness — and how to use both nutrition and modern healthcare wisely. If you’ve ever asked: What is the best diet for autoimmune disease? Does a primal or paleo diet reduce inflammation? How does insulin affect autoimmune conditions? What should I put on my plate for healing? This episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and subscribe to Autoimmune Adventures for weekly conversations on chronic illness, functional health, and empowered living. You are worthy of joy. Disease does not define your life — you do. #AutoimmuneAdventures #PrimalDiet #AutoimmuneHealing #FunctionalNutrition #InsulinResistance #InflammationRelief #RootCauseHealth #ChronicIllnessSupport #PaleoDiet #MetabolicHealth

What does it really mean to live beyond the diagnosis? In this episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we sit down with award-winning filmmaker Rebecca Hodges, director of the powerful documentary Beyond the Diagnosis, to explore the real story of Type 1 diabetes — an autoimmune disease that is often misunderstood. Type 1 diabetes is not a lifestyle condition. It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the beta cells in the pancreas, leaving the body unable to produce insulin — a hormone essential for survival. Managing it requires constant monitoring, daily insulin administration, and an enormous mental and emotional load that most people never see. In this conversation, we discuss: • What Type 1 diabetes actually is • The stigma and misconceptions surrounding invisible illness • The constant mental weight carried by those living with chronic disease • Why listening to patient stories changes everything • How identity is bigger than any diagnosis • The power of community, resilience, and representation Rebecca shares what inspired Beyond the Diagnosis, how her decade-long collaboration with Elizabeth Forrest and Touched by Type 1 shaped the film, and why storytelling is essential in shifting perception and increasing compassion. Whether you live with Type 1 diabetes, love someone who does, or want to better understand autoimmune and invisible illnesses — this episode is for you. 🎬 Learn more about the documentary:  https://www.beyondthediagnosisfilm.com/ Support the Film 🎙️ Listen to Autoimmune Adventures wherever you get your podcasts. 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations about chronic illness, resilience, and advocacy. You are worthy of joy. Disease does not define your life. You do. #Type1Diabetes #T1DCommunity #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicIllnessAwareness #BeyondTheDiagnosis #HealthAdvocacy #PatientStories #DocumentaryFilm #AutoimmuneAdventures

💘 Valentine’s Day Special Episode Valentine’s Day often focuses on romance — but when chronic illness enters a relationship, love takes on deeper, more complex layers. In this special Valentine’s episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we sit down with Dr. Lisa Gray to explore how chronic illness reshapes relationships, intimacy, communication, and emotional connection — for both partners. Chronic illness doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed. It introduces grief, loss, and adjustment for their partner as well. Together, couples must learn how to navigate disappointment, redefine intimacy, and repair emotional ruptures when fatigue, pain, and uncertainty become part of daily life. In this episode, we discuss: How shared grief shows up differently for each partner Why planning intimacy can actually increase connection and desire The role of repair in long-term, resilient relationships How couples can grow closer instead of drifting apart after diagnosis This conversation is honest, compassionate, and deeply validating — whether you’re living with chronic illness, loving someone who is, or both. 💝 Because real love isn’t about perfection — it’s about repair, care, and choosing each other again and again.

Healing doesn’t have to be extreme to be effective. In this episode of Autoimmune Adventures, hosts Stacy and Becky are joined by Kellie Lupsha, who shares an encouraging, science-backed perspective on supporting the body through nervous system regulation, detoxification, and small daily habits that compound over time. We dive into the NRF2 pathway, a powerful internal system often described as a “genetic thermostat” that helps regulate inflammation, detoxification, and cellular resilience. Kellie breaks down complex science into relatable, real-world examples—like tuning a piano that’s been sitting untouched for years—and explains why supporting this pathway can be transformative for overall health. This conversation also tackles: Why massive detoxes can backfire—and what to do instead How your body is already designed to detox daily The connection between toxins, brain fog, weight changes, and metabolic health Simple habit-stacking strategies that don’t add stress to your life Why mindset, hydration, and gentle movement matter more than perfection Most importantly, this episode is a reminder that healing isn’t about fixing yourself—it’s about supporting your body in ways that feel doable, compassionate, and sustainable. Whether you’re navigating autoimmune disease, chronic illness, or simply trying to feel better in your body, this episode offers clarity, encouragement, and hope.

In this powerful episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we sit down with Simon Lüthi, also known as the Rocket Shaman, to explore the science, mindset shifts, and lived experience behind mind-body healing. Simon shares how emotional states, stress chemistry, nervous system regulation, and self-connection play a critical role in chronic illness and autoimmune healing. This conversation goes far beyond toxic positivity. Together, we unpack how learning to pause instead of react, cultivating awareness, and practicing self-compassion can create real, measurable changes in the body. Simon also reflects on dreaming beyond diagnosis, listening to the body’s early signals, and reclaiming agency in the healing journey. If you’re navigating autoimmune disease, chronic illness, burnout, or a mystery diagnosis — or if you’re curious about integrative and whole-person approaches to healing — this episode invites you to rethink what’s possible. 🎙 Episode releases January 27 🔔 Subscribe to Autoimmune Adventures for more conversations on mind-body health, chronic illness support, and sustainable healing.   #RocketShaman #SimonLuthi #AutoimmuneAdventures #MindBodyMedicine #MindBodyConnection #AutoimmuneHealing #ChronicIllnessRecovery #SelfHealing #NervousSystemRegulation #IntegrativeHealth #WholePersonHealing #HealingJourney #ChronicIllnessSupport #HealthEmpowerment #Neuroplasticity #HealingIsPossible

Episode releases January 20th What if autoimmune healing isn’t about fighting your body—but learning how to support it? In this episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we’re joined by Véronique Ory, an expert in nervous system education, yoga therapy, and embodied resilience, for a powerful conversation about healing chronic illness at the root. We explore why so many people with autoimmune disease are treated for symptoms instead of causes—and why that approach often leads to frustration, burnout, and stagnation. Véronique explains how chronic stress, nervous system dysregulation, and unresolved patterns in the body can drive autoimmune symptoms, and what it really means to “turn off the faucet” instead of endlessly mopping up the mess. This episode also dives into: • Yoga as purposeful stress and how it builds real-life resilience • Nervous system regulation and its role in autoimmune disease • Why rest is essential for healing—not optional • Insights from Véronique’s year traveling to the world’s Blue Zones, where people live longer, stronger, and with more vitality • How longevity, purpose, connection, and daily movement fortify health over time This is a grounded, empowering conversation about whole-person healing, nervous system health, and reclaiming vitality beyond survival. 🎧 New episode of Autoimmune Adventures — January 20th 👇 Subscribe, like, and share with someone navigating chronic or autoimmune illness.   #AutoimmuneHealing #ChronicIllnessSupport #NervousSystemHealth #NervousSystemRegulation #RootCauseHealing #YogaForHealing #EmbodiedHealing #TraumaInformedCare #MindBodyConnection #BlueZones #LongevityLifestyle #WholePersonHealing #AutoimmuneAwareness #ChronicIllnessPodcast #HealingBeyondSymptoms #AutoimmuneCommunity

Are we defined by our genes—or are we more than what we inherit? In this episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we sit down with Amber Sher, certified genetic counselor and host of the podcast Gods and Genes, to explore the role genetics play in autoimmune disease and comorbidities—without fear, shame, or oversimplification. We talk about: What genetic susceptibility really means (and why it’s not inevitability) Why autoimmune diseases often cluster in families How healthcare providers can compassionately address parent guilt around genetics Why we are more than our DNA—and how understanding genetics can be empowering, not paralyzing Amber brings clarity, compassion, and hope to conversations that are often filled with confusion or fear, reminding us that genetics may shape the hand we’re dealt—but they don’t determine how we play the game. 🎙️ Episode release date: January 13 🔗 You can find more from Gods and Genes at godsandgenes.podbean.com or wherever you listen to podcasts. Check out episode 3 on her podcast where Amber interviews us! Gods and Genes is a proud member of Gene Pool Media Network. 📌 Subscribe to Autoimmune Adventures for more conversations about living boldly and well with chronic illness and autoimmunity. #AutoimmuneAdventures #AutoimmuneDisease #Genetics #ChronicIllness #GodsAndGenes #GeneticCounseling #LupusAwareness #ChronicIllnessCommunity #HealthcareCompassion #MoreThanOurGenes

We’re kicking off the new year with an inspiring and educational conversation with Phylicia Harris on Autoimmune Adventures! 🎉   In this episode, we explore: What functional medicine really is and how it differs from conventional care Root causes of autoimmune disease and what may be driving symptoms beneath the surface How habit stacking can support medical treatments and long-term healing Whether you’re living with autoimmune conditions, supporting someone who is, or just curious about holistic health, this episode is packed with insights to help you understand your body, make informed choices, and embrace hope in your healing journey. 💛 📅 Episode Release Date: January 6, 2026 — the first episode of the year! 🔗 Resources & Links: Visit our website: www.AutoimmuneAdventures.com Follow Phylicia Harris: https://functionallybalancedhealth.com/about-us Don’t forget to subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss an episode! #AutoimmuneAdventures #FunctionalMedicine #AutoimmuneSupport #RootCauseHealing #ChronicIllnessEducation #HabitStacking #HealingJourney #AutoimmuneAwareness #HolisticHealth #FirstEpisodeOfTheYear #January6Release

As we wrap up the year, Autoimmune Adventures welcomes Christine Ruch for a reflective and compassionate conversation about living with chronic illness, honoring your needs, and moving into the new year with grace instead of pressure. This episode is especially for those navigating autoimmunity, chronic conditions, or burnout—and anyone looking for a gentler way to reflect and reset. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and step into the new year supported. Learn more from Christine @ www.ChristineRuch.com #AutoimmuneAdventures #ChronicIllnessPodcast #AutoimmuneCommunity #EndOfYearReflection #LivingWithChronicIllness #HealthJourney #PodcastEpisode

Holiday music has a unique way of bringing people together, sparking joy, and creating meaningful connections—especially during a season that can be both beautiful and emotionally complex. In this final holiday episode of the season, the hosts of Autoimmune Adventures explore the powerful role holiday music plays in helping us feel connected, comforted, and more present during the holidays. We talk about why music matters, how seasonal songs can lift our mood, calm our nervous system, and help us feel less alone—particularly for those living with chronic illness, autoimmune disease, or holiday stress. Music can become a form of support, a grounding tool, and even a bridge between people when words fall short. ✨ What you’ll hear in this episode: How holiday music helps create joy and emotional connection Why music can be a powerful tool during the holidays—especially during hard seasons A curated list of many of our favorite holiday songs that bring comfort, joy, and meaning A special return from Annie Toro Lopez, who joins us again to share how music has shaped her holiday season and helped her find moments of joy and connection Reflections on using music intentionally to support mental health and emotional well-being during the holidays Whether you love classic holiday songs, modern seasonal favorites, or instrumental music that soothes the soul, this episode invites you to think about how holiday music can become part of your own support system. 🎧 Listen, reflect, and maybe even build your own holiday playlist along the way. 📅 Episode Release Date: December 23 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who could use a little extra joy this season.   #HolidayMusic #JoyOfMusic #HolidaySeason #FindingJoy #MusicAndConnection #ChronicIllnessSupport #AutoimmuneCommunity #MentalHealthDuringHolidays #HolidayWellness #SeasonalJoy #AutoimmuneAdventures #MusicHeals

Not everyone experiences the holidays as happy — and that deserves to be said out loud. The holidays can be joyful — and they can also be overwhelming, emotional, and physically draining, especially for those living with chronic illness or autoimmune disease. In this episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we’re having an honest, compassionate conversation about navigating the holiday season in a way that protects your mental health, honors your body, and supports your emotional well-being. We talk about recognizing small moments of joy, acknowledging grief and loss that often surface during the holidays, setting boundaries without guilt, and choosing peace over pressure. We also discuss the importance of creating a mental health toolkit before the holiday season begins — so you’re not scrambling for support when stress, fatigue, or emotional overload hits. This episode is for anyone who feels like the traditional holiday narrative doesn’t fit their reality. Whether you’re managing chronic illness, autoimmune disease, burnout, or grief, this conversation offers validation, practical tools, and gentle reminders that your needs matter — especially during the holidays. 🎄 Holiday Episode #4 📅 Released December 16 🎧 Hosted by Stacy, Becky, and Alysia If this episode resonates, consider liking, subscribing, and sharing it with someone who could use a little extra compassion this season.  #AutoimmuneAdventures #HolidayMentalHealth #ChronicIllnessSupport #AutoimmuneDisease #MentalHealthAwareness #HolidayBoundaries #ChronicIllnessLife #GentleHolidays #MentalHealthToolkit #LivingWithChronicIllness #NervousSystemCare #SelfCompassion #InvisibleIllness

Releasing December 9 — Holiday Episode 3 of Autoimmune Adventures The holidays can be magical… and overwhelming. In this week’s episode of Autoimmune Adventures, Stacy, Becky, and Alysia dive into the traditions that shape our season — the ones we keep, the ones we change, and the ones that help us feel connected when living with chronic illness or autoimmunity. We explore: 🎄 The power of simple rituals during high-stress seasons 🕯️ How traditions evolve as our health changes 💛 Why honoring your energy is an act of self-love 🎁 Ways to create meaningful moments without burnout ✨ Listener stories + our own family traditions Whether you’re navigating chronic illness, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking a more intentional holiday season, this episode will bring warmth, validation, and a few laughs along the way. 💬 Drop a comment: What traditions bring YOU the most joy — or peace — this time of year? #AutoimmuneAdventures #HolidayEpisode3 #HolidayTraditions #ChronicIllnessCommunity #SpoonieLife #AutoimmuneWellness #MindfulHolidays #HolidayRituals #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessWarrior #AutoimmuneJourney #HolidaySeason2025 #PacingDuringHolidays #SisterhoodAndSupport

Welcome back to Autoimmune Adventures! Our second holiday episode, releasing December 2nd, is all about creating vibrant, flavorful holiday plates without relying on artificial dyes—because those colors shouldn’t come at the cost of your health. Join Stacy, Becky, and Alysia as we explore: ✨ How artificial dyes can impact people with autoimmune and chronic illness ✨ Easy natural swaps to keep your favorite holiday dishes festive ✨ “Eat the rainbow” inspiration—from produce to pantry staples ✨ Family-friendly tips, recipe ideas, and real-life kitchen tricks Whether you’re baking cookies, hosting a holiday meal, or planning dye-free treats for the kids, this episode is packed with empowering tools to help you enjoy the season naturally and deliciously. 🎧 Subscribe for more holiday episodes all December long! #AutoimmuneAdventures #HolidayEating #DyeFreeHolidays #NaturalRecipes #ChronicIllnessSupport #CleanEating #AutoimmuneFriendly #HealthyHolidays #FoodTriggers #NaturalFoodColoring #HolidayCooking #AutoimmuneWellness

Welcome to the FIRST episode of our 2025 Holiday Series! Releasing just in time for Thanksgiving and the start of the holiday rush, this episode of Autoimmune Adventures dives deep into how to travel during the holidays with chronic illness or autoimmune disease—without losing your sanity, your health, or your joy. In this conversation, Stacy and Becky sit down with guests Anthony Heard and Chelsea Streit to explore realistic, compassionate strategies for navigating the busiest travel season of the year. Whether you're traveling across the country or just across town, this episode will help you feel more prepared, more confident, and more supported. In This Episode, We Cover: ✈️ Why traveling still matters, even when it requires extra preparation 🌻 How the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard can make airports and transit smoother 🍽️ Avoiding holiday diet pitfalls and staying true to your personal “rulebook of life” 🧭 Creating a travel routine that works for YOU (not someone else!) 😰 Navigating travel stress, crowds, expectations, and boundaries 🎒 What to put in your holiday travel kit for safer, smoother trips This episode is packed with real talk, practical tools, and the encouragement you need to travel with confidence this season. If you live with an autoimmune condition, chronic illness, or invisible disability—this holiday travel guide is for you. 👉 Episode Release Date: November 23, 2025 — perfectly timed for Thanksgiving and the start of holiday travel chaos. 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on: Autoimmune health • Chronic illness support • Mental wellness • Diet + lifestyle tools • Boundaries • Stress management • Invisible disability advocacy • Joy-filled living #AutoimmuneAdventures #HolidayTravel #ChronicIllnessTravel #InvisibleDisability #SunflowerLanyard #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicIllnessTips #HolidayWellness #TravelWithChronicIllness #ThanksgivingTravel #StressFreeTravel #HolidaySeason2025 #ChronicIllnessSupport

In this empowering episode of Autoimmune Adventures, Stacy and Alysia sit down with Sharon Jones — speaker, advocate, and chronic illness warrior — to talk about what it really means to rebuild your strength while living with autoimmune disease. Sharon opens up about her personal journey, the mindset shifts that changed everything, and the practical strategies she uses to navigate daily life with purpose and resilience. If you're looking for inspiration, validation, or tools to help you keep going on your autoimmune or chronic illness journey, this conversation is for you. 🌟 In this episode, we talk about: What resilience really looks like during chronic illness Sharon’s powerful story of rebuilding strength How mindset, community, and self-compassion shape healing Practical tips for navigating autoimmune challenges Why owning your story can transform your life 🎙️ Autoimmune Adventures is a podcast created for anyone living with autoimmunity, chronic illness, or invisible disabilities. We bring honest conversations, expert voices, and real-life strategies to help you live boldly, advocate for yourself, and find joy in the middle of it all. 🔔 New episodes every Tuesday! Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share to support our mission of helping autoimmune warriors thrive.   To contact Sharon:  https://linktr.ee/SharonJonesCoaching #AutoimmuneAdventures #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #Resilience #SharonJones #InvisibleIllness #ChronicIllnessCommunity #HealingJourney #MindsetMatters #SpoonieLife

In this inspiring episode of Autoimmune Adventures, hosts Stacy, Becky, and Alysia sit down with Chelsea Streit, a passionate rare disease advocate living with Cowden Syndrome and Sjögren’s Syndrome. Chelsea shares her powerful story of navigating chronic illness, emotional healing, and the small victories that make each day meaningful. From the heartbreak of diagnosis to finding love, purpose, and advocacy, Chelsea’s journey shines a light on the resilience and courage of the chronic illness community. She opens up about how she manages flare days, balances rest with productivity, and uses creative hobbies and practical tools to find hope and healing. 💬 In this episode, we discuss: How small victories can transform your chronic illness mindset Emotional healing and stress management for autoimmune and rare diseases Tools, hobbies, and routines that make hard days easier The power of self-advocacy and community support How Chelsea turned pain into purpose and found connection through advocacy If you’re living with autoimmune disease, chronic illness, or a rare condition, this conversation will remind you that healing is not about perfection — it’s about persistence, purpose, and grace. Subscribe to Autoimmune Adventures for more real stories of resilience, advocacy, and living well with chronic illness. #AutoimmuneAdventures #ChelseaStreit #CowdenSyndrome #SjogrensSyndrome #RareDiseaseAdvocacy #ChronicIllnessWarrior #AutoimmuneAwareness #PatientAdvocacy #ChronicIllnessSupport #HealingJourney #SelfCare #RestAndRecovery #InvisibleIllness #MentalHealthAndChronicIllness #ResilienceAndHope

Meet Stacy Griffin, co-host of Autoimmune Adventures — a Mind Mastery Coach, speaker, and autoimmune adventurer who turned her journey of loss, resilience, and renewal into a mission to help others thrive. After autoimmune disease forced her to completely rebuild her life, Stacy discovered the power of mindset, self-compassion, and intentional living. In this inspiring episode, she opens up about what it really means to start over — not just surviving chronic illness, but growing through it. 💬 “Happiness doesn’t disappear when life changes. It just asks to be found in new ways.” Join us as Stacy shares how NeuroGrowth principles helped her navigate identity shifts, embrace change, and create space for joy, purpose, and healing — even when the road looked nothing like she planned. Connect with Stacy at stacyannegriffin.com or drop her an email at [email protected]   #AutoimmuneAdventures #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneWarrior #StacyAnneGriffin #TheLuminarium #NeurogrowthTeen Coach #ParentingCoach #TraumaInformedCoach #ChronicIllnessJourney #AutoimmuneDisease #HealingThroughMindset #Resilience #AutoimmuneSupport #SelfGrowth #ChronicIllnessCommunity #Empowerment #MindsetMatters #AutoimmuneAwareness #WellnessPodcast

In this heartfelt episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we sit down with Hana Birch, an author, advocate, and lifelong rheumatoid arthritis warrior who has lived with the condition for more than 50 years. Hana shares how she’s learned to find hope, humor, and strength through the hardest seasons of chronic illness—and why she believes we must never give up, because doing so means we’ll miss the light of all the good things still to come. She also opens up about her book, Hana’s Hope, a beautiful collection of poetry offering encouragement to anyone walking the path of autoimmunity, pain, or healing. In this episode, you’ll hear about: Finding purpose and laughter in the face of illness The power of gentle movement and mindset shifts Turning life’s struggles into meaningful adventures The inspiration behind Hana’s Hope   🎧 Tune in to discover how Hana’s story reminds us all that even in our hardest moments, there is still light, love, and hope ahead.   Link to buy Hana's Hope: Sharing Hope and Faith by H.J. Birch - https://amzn.to/4oev5Px *The Amazon link above is an affiliate link. Using this link will not cost you anything extra, but as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.   Hana Birch, Hana’s Hope, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic illness journey, autoimmune disease, hope and healing, chronic illness inspiration, resilience, Autoimmune Adventures podcast #AutoimmuneAdventures #HanaBirch #HanasHope #RheumatoidArthritis #ChronicIllnessJourney #HopeAndHealing #Resilience #AutoimmuneWarrior #ChronicIllnessCommunity #NeverGiveUp

What happens when your child is born with a rare condition that most doctors have never seen? When Amy Schefer's daughter, Lazer, was born missing nearly a third of her jaw, Amy was thrust into a world of medical uncertainty, complex healthcare systems, and constant advocacy. What began as a mother's fight to get her daughter the care she needed became a lifelong mission to help other families navigate the challenges of rare disease. Today, Amy is the founder of AdvocateAngel, a platform dedicated to helping patients, caregivers, and healthcare teams communicate more effectively, reduce overwhelm, and improve outcomes. She is also the creator of the Rare Aware Scorecard, a practical tool designed to help families identify strengths and gaps in their healthcare journey before those gaps become barriers to care. In this powerful conversation, Amy shares: ✨ What it was like raising a child with a rare craniofacial condition ✨ The hidden challenges families face in the healthcare system ✨ How nervous system regulation impacts medical appointments and decision-making ✨ Why advocacy is a skill anyone can learn ✨ Practical tools to help patients, caregivers, and providers work together more effectively ✨ What healthcare professionals can do to better support rare disease families Whether you're living with a rare disease, caring for someone who is, navigating a complex diagnosis, or simply trying to become a stronger advocate for your own health, this episode is packed with insight, wisdom, and hope. 🎙️ Autoimmune Adventures is a podcast dedicated to helping people with chronic illness feel seen, supported, and empowered to advocate for themselves. 🌐 Learn more about Amy and AdvocateAngel: https://advocateangel.com 💙 Remember: You are worthy of joy. Your disease does not define your life. You do. #RareDisease #PatientAdvocacy #RareDiseaseAwareness #CaregiverSupport #HealthcareAdvocacy #ChronicIllness #MedicalAdvocacy #AdvocateAngel #PolyvagalTheory #NervousSystemRegulation #RareDiseaseParent #HealthcareNavigation #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneAdventures #PatientEmpowerment  

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Annie Toro Lopez — cookbook author, chronic illness advocate, and autoimmune warrior — as she shares her remarkable journey of healing through food, therapy, and deep self-discovery. After facing lupus, celiac disease, and profound personal loss, Annie transformed her pain into purpose, using the power of nourishment, mindset, and emotional healing to rebuild her health and her life. In this heartfelt episode, Annie opens up about: 🍲 How cooking became her therapy and her medicine 🧠 The role of the mind-body connection in healing chronic illness 💜 Turning grief into growth through self-compassion and resilience 🌿 Practical tips for nourishing your body and soul on your own autoimmune journey You won’t want to miss this uplifting and powerful episode filled with hope, heart, and healing wisdom. Grab Annies Cookbook @ https://amzn.to/4oOu5CV 🎧 Watch or listen now on Autoimmune Adventures — where real people share real stories of courage and chronic illness. 🔗 Listen on all major podcast platforms 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@AutoimmuneAdventures 🌐 Visit us at: www.autoimmuneadventures.com 💬 Let’s stay connected! #AutoimmuneAdventures #AnnieToroLopez #HealingThroughFood #MindBodyConnection #ChronicIllnessWarrior #AutoimmuneHealing #LupusAwareness #CeliacDisease #FoodIsMedicine #TherapyAndHealing #CookingForHealth #ChronicIllnessCommunity

Join the hosts of Autoimmune Adventures—Becky, Alysia, and Stacy—for an honest, insightful, and laughter-filled roundtable all about celiac disease. In this special episode, the sisters pull back the curtain on what it really means to live with celiac—from the everyday challenges and hidden pitfalls to the empowering strategies that make thriving possible. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting someone with celiac, or just curious about what life looks like gluten-free, this candid conversation will give you the skinny on celiac—the traps to avoid, the lessons learned, and the joy that comes from finding your flow (and your favorite safe snacks!). Tune in and learn how to make it all work so you can live your most glorious gluten-free life.

In this special Alopecia Awareness Month episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we sit down with Kellie Rhymes — advocate, coach, and host of the Bougie Baldie Podcast. Kellie shares her journey with alopecia and how it inspired her to help others navigate hair loss with strength and clarity. From finding the right dermatologist, to building a support system, to embracing confidence with a wig, head wrap, or nothing at all — her advocacy coaching offers practical tools and powerful encouragement. She also brings her signature Limitless Mindset, teaching us how to: ✨ Believe in ourselves fully ✨ Conquer fear ✨ Open our hearts and minds to receive more out of life Whether you’re living with alopecia, another autoimmune condition, or simply searching for confidence on your journey, Kellie’s story is a reminder that we don’t have to hide who we are — we can live boldly and authentically. 📅 Released September 30th during Alopecia Awareness Month. 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe to Autoimmune Adventures for more inspiring conversations! Kellie's website with information on her coaching, the Bougie Baldie Podcast, and her show: ⁠limitlessmindsetcoach.com⁠ Scarring Alopecia Foundation: ⁠scarringalopecia.org⁠ Information on the the Bald and Beautiful Pageant:  ⁠baldandbeautifulpageant.com⁠ 

What does it mean to truly find your authentic voice—and why might it matter for healing? In Part Two of our conversation with transformational artist, sound healer, and author Helen Sheppard, we explore the deeper connections between identity, self-expression, consciousness, and well-being. Helen shares fascinating insights into how different parts of the brain are reflected in world religions, ideas that helped inspire her book, It's Time to Wake Up the Trees. We also discuss what it means to reclaim your authentic voice—not just as a singer or speaker, but as a human being. For many living with chronic illness, trauma, or major life challenges, learning to trust and express ourselves can be an important part of the healing journey. Whether you're searching for greater self-understanding, looking to reconnect with who you are, or simply curious about the intersection of sound, consciousness, and personal growth, this conversation offers thought-provoking perspectives and practical wisdom. In This Episode: ✨ The inspiration behind It's Time to Wake Up the Trees ✨ How brain function connects to human belief systems ✨ Why finding your authentic voice matters ✨ The relationship between self-expression and healing ✨ Overcoming fear, conditioning, and self-doubt ✨ Living more fully as your true self About Helen Sheppard Helen Sheppard is a transformational artist, sound healer, visionary voice mentor, and founder of Sound Medicine Hub. With more than 25 years of experience spanning music, therapeutic sound, and consciousness studies, she helps people reconnect with their authentic voice and unlock their potential for growth and transformation. Connect with Helen Sheppard Website: https://soundmedicinehub.com/ Book: It's Time to Wake Up the Trees by Andromeda Lightfoot: https://amzn.to/4osXCln Connect with Autoimmune Adventures 🌄 Website: AutoimmuneAdventures.com 🎥 YouTube: @AutoimmuneAdventures 📧 Email: [email protected] If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who may need to hear it. Remember: You are worthy of joy. Your disease does not define your life. YOU do. #AutoimmuneAdventures #HelenSheppard #AuthenticVoice #HealingJourney #ChronicIllness #PersonalGrowth #SelfDiscovery #MindBodyConnection #SoundHealing #WellnessPodcast  

What if your voice is more powerful than you realize? In this episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we sit down with transformational artist, sound healer, and visionary voice mentor Helen Sheppard to explore the fascinating connection between sound, healing, and personal transformation. With more than 25 years of experience spanning the music industry, therapeutic sound, and consciousness studies, Helen shares how sound influences our emotions, beliefs, nervous systems, and even the way we experience the world around us. Together, we discuss the concept of "voice as medicine," the healing potential of sound, and how intentional use of our own voices can support emotional well-being, self-expression, and resilience. Helen also explains how frequency-based vocal work can help people reconnect with themselves and reclaim their authentic voice. Whether you're living with chronic illness, navigating stress, or simply curious about the power of sound, this conversation offers a unique perspective on healing and self-discovery. In This Episode: ✔️ What "voice as medicine" really means ✔️ How sound influences our emotions and beliefs ✔️ The connection between voice, frequency, and healing ✔️ Reclaiming your authentic voice ✔️ Practical ways to begin exploring sound as a wellness tool ✔️ Why the sounds we create matter more than we think Connect with Helen Sheppard Website: https://soundmedicinehub.com/ Book: It's Time to Wake Up the Trees by Andromeda Lightfoot: https://amzn.to/4osXCln Connect with Autoimmune Adventures 🌄 Website: AutoimmuneAdventures.com 🎥 YouTube: @AutoimmuneAdventures 📧 Email: [email protected] If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who could use a reminder that healing can take many forms. Remember: You are worthy of joy. Your disease does not define your life. YOU do. #SoundHealing #VoiceAsMedicine #HelenSheppard #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #HealingJourney #MindBodyConnection #FrequencyHealing #WellnessPodcast #AutoimmuneAdventures

Living with chronic illness can feel isolating—but it doesn’t have to. On Autoimmune Adventures, psychotherapist Deborah Sharp shares why bringing your partner in as a teammate—not just a spectator—can make all the difference. Deborah specializes in a cultural relational model of psychotherapy, honoring the impact of culture, identity, and lived experience. With deep expertise in supporting couples navigating chronic and catastrophic illness, she offers powerful insight into how relationships and community can become sources of strength, connection, and resilience. 🎙️ Don’t miss this meaningful conversation! #AutoimmuneAdventures #DeborahSharp #ChronicIllnessSupport #RelationshipHealth #HealingJourney #PodcastRelease