Every Body (With Kristen Erekson)

Postpartum depression (PPD) is a condition many women experience, yet the stigma surrounding maternal mental health often causes women to suffer in isolation. In this episode, Whitney Bassett courageously and candidly shares her experience with PPD following the birth of her second child.Whitney’s journey took her through a deep depression that required hospitalization and intensive medical intervention. By sharing the intimate details of her recovery, she offers a bridge of understanding for those who may be navigating similar paths.Highlights:​ The Clinical Reality: Understanding severe PPD and the necessity of professional intervention.​ The Path to Healing: An inside look at the recovery process through therapy, hospitalization, and pharmacological treatment.​ Mental & Spiritual Intersection: How Whitney navigated her spiritual well-being while managing a mental health crisis.​ Advocacy through Vulnerability: Why sharing these stories is essential to de-stigmatizing mental health.Whitney’s perspective is a powerful testament to resilience, reminding us that seeking help is a sign of strength, not a failure of character.

What happens when your world suddenly loses its light? In this episode, Rock Erekson recounts his harrowing experience with temporary vision loss caused by retinal tears. Beyond the clinical reality, Rock relates how this brief season of darkness deepened his appreciation for the daily miracle of sight. He also shares his profound hope in Christ for ultimate restoration and his practical wisdom for the "now"—not fearing the future but simply facing today’s realities.

In this episode, Anisa Guy shares her journey from the first signs of tinnitus to a life-changing diagnosis of a vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma, or a benign tumor of the hearing nerve). As a professional trained in American Sign Language interpretation, Anisa offers a unique, full-circle perspective on hearing loss. Join us for an inspiring conversation on advocating for your health and finding deep appreciation for the sense of hearing.

In 2022, Stephanie Ollerton experienced a dramatic and painful medical emergency which was later diagnosed as a perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrhage (brain bleed). In this episode Stephanie shares insights she has gained from this experience, including an increased love and appreciation for her body.

In this episode, Annette Perkins vulnerably shares her journey with eating disorders and disordered eating. She describes her internal transformation—from feeling pressured to earn her worth through performance and achievement to experiencing a deep sense of being loved, accepted, and inherently valuable simply for existing. Annette also reflects on how her relationship with food and exercise has shifted—from using physical activity as punishment for eating to discovering the joy of embodied movement, and from struggling with food to recognizing it as essential fuel. She now works as a fitness trainer and hopes to help others feel loved, empowered, and both physically and emotionally strong.

In this episode, Zachary Lifferth shares about his journey with polymyositis—a rare autoimmune disease that causes muscle inflammation and weakness. He recounts the relatively long path to diagnosis and discusses some of the physical challenges he has learned to navigate. He also reflects on some of the meaningful insights he’s gained along the way.

In this episode, Kristin Sokol shares her journey with Celiac Disease and the profound impact it had on her daily life. She talks about the initial diagnosis, the challenges of adapting to a gluten-free lifestyle, and some of the hurdles in managing the disease. Kristin also relates the unexpected toll it took on her mental health. She vulnerably reflects on the darkest moments of her journey—and how she has found healing and also discovered resilience, purpose, and the ability to support others facing similar struggles.

In this episode, Bethany and Jojo share their experience navigating Legg-Calve-Perthes, an orthopedic condition that causes avascular necrosis of the hip. Their faith has been a guiding influence throughout the process, reinforcing their beliefs and making them stronger individuals.

In this episode, Alicia shares some of the experiences she and her husband have had navigating their children’s food allergies, relating some intense and frightening moments along the way. She emphasizes the importance of doing our best while trusting God for guidance, extending grace to one another, and finding gratitude.

In this episode, Matt Anderson shares the deeply personal story of losing their son Hyrum in a tragic drowning accident. He also offers profoundly moving insights about grief, longing, love, faith, and our Heavenly Father.***Links from the Interview: Life After Loss Conference , 2025 ConferenceLament: A Faithful Complaint to God- Michael HustonTragedy or Destiny by President Spencer W Kimball1 Nephi 1:20, Moroni 10:3

This episode features an interview with Kylie Webster, who was diagnosed at a young age with Leigh’s disease (Leigh syndrome), a genetic metabolic disorder affecting the central nervous system. Kylie shares how she has learned to live fully, embrace life’s challenges, and find purpose and meaning through her work, her faith in Christ, and the influence of family and friends.

In this episode, Lara Erekson shares the health journey of her daughter Whitney. It was only after many years of symptoms and distressing experiences and procedures and testing that she finally received the diagnosis: a rare genetic condition known as KDM5C. Their story sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with this condition, as well as the emotional and practical difficulties parents experience while seeking answers and care.Information about the KARES foundation: https://kares.foundation

Katie Willis endured a series of aggravating symptoms and underwent a variety of treatments before ultimately discovering she had a meningioma—a tumor growing in the brain’s meninges. In this episode, she shares her journey with this diagnosis, along with deeply personal experiences she and her family have encountered while navigating complexities (including trauma and tragedy) related to mental health. Katie also offers profound insights on viewing the body as an instrument rather than an ornament, and on embracing its shifting phases and capabilities. Her reflections are insightful and impactful.

In this episode, Wes Rasmussen shares his experience living with MCTD (Mixed Connective Tissue Disease), describing it as a constant presence, like a shadow (as Aimee Mullins has discussed*). Mountain biking has been a therapeutic intervention for Wes, and has also taught him about the and body’s strength and resilience even in the face of a chronic medical condition. He reflects on the stunning vistas from tough rides and the personal growth gained through challenges, echoing Thich Nhat Hanh's** idea that you can’t have the lotus flower without the mud. Tune in to hear Wes's journey and find inspiration for your own challenges. *Ted Talk by Aimee Mullins- the Opportunity of Adversity **Podcast Interview with Vietnamese Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh

In this episode, Emily shares about her experience with breast cancer. She highlights some of the complexity of making medical decisions, the peace from trusting in God’s greater design when things don’t play out the way we hoped, the comfort of having a divine identity when we have a loss of attributes that used to define us, learning to give ourselves and others grace and understanding, and more. Her story and perspectives will inspire listeners.

Camille Moffat has such a vivacious personality and approach to life, which is remarkable considering the struggles she faces daily after a life-altering motor vehicle collision caused by a drunk driver. In this episode, Camille shares her story and discusses how her faith in God grew through this experience. She also has channeled her mental and emotional energy towards living and healing instead of succumbing to bitterness and resentment. Take a listen and find what from her journey offers insights about facing the challenges of healing and forgiveness in your own life.

Tatha Enz's youngest child, Conner, was born with Trisomy 21/Down Syndrome. In this episode, Tatha shares some of her experiences related to her son, including both challenges and joys. She offers perspectives and advice for other parents, family members, and friends who have a loved one with special needs. Through Tatha's insights, the hope is that you can gain perspective on how to confront your own challenges and feel God's awareness of you.

In this episode, Cam Earl shares his experience with Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD). He discusses his proactive approach to this life challenge, including selecting his medical team and maintaining a positive mental attitude. He also provides touching insights into the spiritual lessons he learned from receiving a kidney donation from his brother. By listening to this episode, the hope is that you will learn something about polycystic kidney disease and also take away something that will help you face your own challenges.

Leticia was diagnosed as a young adult with Type I diabetes. In this episode, she shares her experience with receiving the diagnosis and learning to manage this condition. She also shares insightful reflections about her mental and emotional journey. She highlights the mental and emotional load as well as the grieving process that can be part of a chronic health condition.

In this interview, Jimy shares his unfolding health journey with sickle cell trait and what it’s like to be in the messy middle of finding a diagnosis. For years, he had symptoms he could not explain. After many tests and conflicting diagnoses, they have ultimately concluded that he is likely experiencing symptoms associated with sickle cell trait. While sickle cell disease is known to cause symptoms, is is rare to experience symptoms with the trait. He shares his gratitude for having family support through the unfolding story and the painful episodes and also the importance of being patient with ourselves.

Corinna Trujillo Tanner started noticing vision loss as a teenager and was diagnosed with Stargardt disease, a rare genetic eye disease. Corinna shares her experiences with blindness and important lessons she has learned, including a perspective on post-traumatic growth and how persons facing health challenges or other difficulties can not only endure but also thrive. She has been able to do remarkable things and encourages others with vision loss to try to do anything that they want to do.

Kimberly May was feeling quite healthy one day and the next day she found herself seeking emergency care and was diagnosed with a heart attack (more specifically a Spontaneous Coronary Artery Dissection—SCAD). In this episode, Kimberly recounts her experience and shares her appreciation for miracles and something as simple as a breath. She shares how this experience has forced her to slow down and also gives insights into the complexity of her healing journey.

In this episode, Hunter Montgomery shares his experience with hemophilia. What is hemophilia? If you have it, will you bleed from a paper cut? Hunter answers these questions along with some insights and how this health challenge has become a net positive in his life. (Note: I have no financial disclosures to report and no ties to any medication(s) mentioned in the podcast.)

Madie Gines is a young adult who was diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) shortly after her mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. This condition is a neurodegenerative disease that causes progressive muscle weakness. Even though it is difficult for her to speak, she was able to share her story with her own voice. While many of her friends are moving forward with their life plans, Madie is recalibrating and now bravely facing a new version of her life. The spiritual strength she felt during her mission, love from her family and friends, and support from the ALS Association have all helped her deal with this very difficult diagnosis.

In this episode, Ryan Griffin shares about an accident that left him with quadriplegia and some insights he has gained. He has faced this difficult situation with bravery and he has continued to be hard-working, kind, and dedicated to God.

Ben Schilaty shares about his Mom’s journey with Alzheimer’s. He shares poignant and beautiful insights, including the concept of ambiguous loss, the importance of loving and living in the present, and a perspective about having God in our life and still experiencing hard things.

In this episode, we hear from Millie Carlson, who shares her journey with narcolepsy. She suffered extreme sleepiness and fatigue while trying to find clarity on her diagnosis and has since learned to adapt to a new pace of life. In the process, she has learned more about what it means to “Be Still, and Know that I am God.” (Note: There are no disclosures to share and I do not promote or endorse any of the medications mentioned in this episode.)

Crohn's awareness idea

Emily Deardeuff was diagnosed with Crohn's disease as a teenager. Crohn's is a inflammatory bowl disease that causes chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal system. In this episode she shares a little about her experience and some of the insights she has gained.