Long Covid Podcast

We hear Lalita’s Long Covid recovery story, from tachycardia and air hunger to a steady return to health by focusing on nervous system safety. We share practical tools for regulating symptoms in the moment, plus the mindset shifts that make self-compassion possible when you’ve been dismissed or frightened. • Early signs after COVID including raised blood pressure, numb lips and fatigue • Second infection followed by tachycardia, dizziness, vertigo, chest tightness, brain fog and air hunger • Repeated emergency visits and the impact of being told it is anxiety • Understanding Dysautonomia and the autonomic nervous system as a unifying explanation • Combining nervous system work with naturopath-guided supplements and gut support • Using Bowen therapy, Craniosacral work and sleep practices such as yoga nidra • What bioresonance is and why some people use it to check for layers of stressors • Breathwork as the main anchor, including longer exhales and quick calming techniques • Stacking breath with tapping, somatic tracking and reassuring self-talk to build “proof of safety” • Emotional processing with body scans and EAET-style exploration of deeper patterns • A client case study showing how addressing stress and trauma can reduce symptoms fastLinks:Lalita's Website: www.stressfreefast.com.auMessage me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

I'm joined by Pierre Brunschwig & Margaret Hampton as we explore how Chinese medicine and conventional western medicine can work together to treat Long Covid, where symptoms are complex and constantly shifting. We focus on subtypes, nervous system safety, immune recovery and the practical foundations that help people feel like themselves again.• Why combining medical “languages” can fill treatment gaps• Subtyping Long Covid and treating the person rather than the label• The five foundations: sleep, diet, inner life, outer life and movement• Acupuncture as a way to calm the nervous system and restore hope• Adrenaline versus oxytocin and why safety enables healing• Trauma, adverse childhood events and the role of somatic therapy• Vagus nerve practices including breathwork, humming and self-soothing pressure• Latent virus reactivation plus T cell exhaustion• Rebuilding immune competence alongside antivirals and targeted therapies• Building nutrient-rich blood, protein needs and why cooked food can help digestion• Gut health basics including stomach acid support, H. pylori and probiotics• Creating a care team that listens, pivots and fits your real lifeLinks: More about Margaret & Pierre and their work: http://www.heliosintegratedmedicine.comMessage me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

We talk about how internalised pressure can keep the nervous system in threat mode and make recovery from Long Covid, ME/CFS and other health challenges harder, even when we are doing “all the right things”. We explore perfectionism, shame, and control, then land on practical ways to create space and choose small steps that help us feel a bit more okay. • what internalised pressure means and why it matters for nervous system regulation • why stress responses are meant to be short bursts, not a constant state • how external pressures differ from unconscious inner demands • perfectionism in recovery and how helpful practices become overscheduled • self-criticism, shame spirals and the idea of mental self-harm • stepping out of comparison culture and fear-driven fixing • learning to tolerate not knowing and loosening the need for control • using tiny actions and body-based cues to reduce overwhelm Links:Connect with Amy: https://amydavies.co.uk/Message me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Nora shares her journey from years of back pain, gut troubles, and crushing insomnia to a calm, steady baseline by retraining a sensitised nervous system. Her story blends science, practical tools, and honest moments of fear, relapse, and quiet wins.• linking pain, GI symptoms and insomnia through fear-based conditioning• what "psychophysiologic symptom relief therapy" taught her• outcome independence and reducing sleep pressure• practical insomnia steps using soothing phrases and data• gentle exposure to feared foods and spotting inconsistent triggers• expressive writing and creative outlets to access emotion• personalising tools rather than copying blueprints• measuring progress by life, not daily symptom scores• maintenance habits to stay well and handle flares• redefining success as wise interpretation of body signalsLinks:Nervana app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/nervana-chronic-symptom-coach/id6754898332 Back pain study (2021): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34589642/Books mentioned: Scarcity Brain by Michael Easter & The F*ck It Diet by Caroline DoonerMessage me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

I talk with board-certified homeopath Roddy Schrock about what homeopathy is and why it can appeal to people recovery from Long Covid, ME/CFS and other complex, hard-to-explain symptoms. We dig into symptoms as messages, the power of deep listening, and how homeopathy can sit alongside Western medicine as one piece of a bigger recovery puzzle. • Roddy’s path from chronic pain and insomnia to studying classical homeopathy • Homeopathy as an energetic intervention and why the full symptom picture matters • Dilution and succussion and what “gentle” treatment means in practice • Using how you feel as a primary marker of progress • Creating space to be heard as part of healing • Working alongside GPs and specialists rather than replacing them • A real-world case example with fatigue, migraines, cycle disruption and inflammation markers • Avoiding protocol-driven Facebook advice and choosing a trained practitioner • First steps including research and trusted sources like the Homeopathic Research Institute Links:Homeopathy Research Institute: https://www.hri-research.orgFind Roddy's website at: ultradilute.comAnd his substack at: https://ultradilute.substack.comMessage me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

In this solo episode, Jackie Baxter unpacks what rest really is during long covid and MECFS recovery—and why simply lying down often doesn’t feel restorative. She reframes the struggle to rest as your body’s way of protecting you, not failing you, and introduces the idea of “banking energy for healing”.Jackie explores the different types of rest we need—physical, mental, sensory, emotional, social, creative, and nervous system rest—and how safety cues and nervous system regulation make deeper rest possible. She shares practical tools like soft exhales, visual anchors, contact points, sound cues, micro rests, pre-emptive rest, and co-regulation with supportive people or pets.The episode closes with a gentle grounding and rest practice and affirmations to help you feel just a little softer, safer, and more present—one small step at a time. LINKS:- Yoga Nidra (voice only): https://insig.ht/p11in6GLO1b- Yoga Nidra (with music): https://insig.ht/ryTWpwOLO1b - Yoga Nidra (nature sounds): https://insig.ht/qGIWLqKLO1b- Opal app for screen time: https://www.opal.so/- Work with me page: https://www.longcovidpodcast.com/workwithme- The 2 practises in this episode can be found with background music on Insight Timer:- 2 Minute Safety Cue (with music): https://insig.ht/DO2f3U7LO1b- Rest without Guilt - A Compassionate Pause (with music): https://insig.ht/LkTy9ifMO1bMessage me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Clare shares how her son went from a viral crash at thirteen to full, active living through pacing, autonomic nervous system retraining, and Mickel Therapy. We trace the medical dead ends, the messy middle, and the simple joy‑based habits that tipped him into lasting recovery.• early sensitivity shaped by stress and frequent infections• onset at secondary school, loss of attendance and friends• visible and invisible symptoms including brain fog and dizziness• NHS pathway, helpful GP, limits of NICE‑aligned care• colour‑coded pacing and activity management to 40 percent• ANS Rewire lifting function to about 80 percent• relapse at university, boundaries and motivation to recover• Mickel Therapy linking emotions, boundaries and symptoms• play, novelty and joy as daily nervous system tools• caregiver strain, what to skip, what to double down on• life beyond illness with work, travel and climbingClare's Facebook Group for parents of children with Long Covid, ME/CFS: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1Ch4nxkujg/?mibextid=wwXIfrMessage me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

We explore a mechanism-first approach to Long Covid & ME/CFS, shifting from labels to measurable neural and vascular bottlenecks that can be retrained. We share how to use dose, recovery, and sleep consolidation to build capacity through precise, small inputs that compound over time.• reframing diagnosis as a map to mechanisms, not a label• why cerebral perfusion and autoregulation drive symptoms• concussion lessons that translate to Long Covid recovery• structural vascular traps and simple tests that reveal them• pacing versus targeted micro dosing for plasticity• using DIY tools as experiments with clear signals• breathing, CO2 balance, and baroreflex sensitivity• reading feedback, spotting plateaus, shifting bottlenecks• linking progress to recovery capacity rather than feelingsLinks:www.keiserclinic.com https://www.youtube.com/@dockeiserMessage me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

We share Ashley’s journey from bedbound to rebuilding a joyful life, showing how belief, somatic work, and gentle pacing opened a path out of long COVID. The body is not the enemy; safety, connection, and consistent practice turn symptoms from threat to guidance.• fast pre‑illness life and early warning signs• collapse after pushing through infection and isolation• lack of medical answers and disbelief from clinicians• finding recovery stories and protecting hope• moving from trigger‑hunting to nervous system healing• brain retraining, visualisations, somatic practices and EFT• pacing within a true window of tolerance• progress through consistency and self‑compassion• redefining recovery, processing trauma and shifting limits• life rebuilt with nature, community, creativity and workLinks:Connect with Ashley: www.embodimentwithashley.co.ukMessage me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

We look squarely at the invisible load of caring for people with Long Covid and ME/CFS, why carers’ nervous systems shape recovery, and how boundaries and communication protect both sides. We share clear, humane steps that reduce burnout and build co‑regulation at home.• Defining the carer role across partners, parents and adult children• Why caring is invisible, isolating and exhausting• Boundaries that prevent “fixing” and conflict• Fluctuating illness, hypervigilance and control• Co‑regulation and why a calm carer accelerates recovery• Practical resets that aren’t a self‑care to‑do list• Sharing the care, advocacy and admin load• Vicarious trauma in carers and how to spot it• Simple communication that honours both sets of needs• Giving and receiving grace while recovery unfoldsLinks: Connect with Nadyne: https://nadynemckie.co.uk/how-I-can-help-you Our previous episodes: "Embracing Kindness" https://www.buzzsprout.com/1835170/episodes/15968082"Empowering through Compassion & Play" https://www.buzzsprout.com/1835170/episodes/16104655Message me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

I talk with author Simon Harrison about losing an active life to ME, finding a diagnosis, and rebuilding health through pacing, meditation, and a bold year seeking light in Portugal. The story is honest about setbacks and fierce about hope, with practical lessons you can apply today.• early denial and sudden onset symptoms • shrinking life, sensory overload, fear • self-experimentation with meditation, breathwork, gentle movement • diagnosis of ME/CFS and reframing recovery • pacing, window of tolerance, damage limitation • why more light and a change of scene helped • recalibrating normal tiredness vs post-exertional malaise • progress through small wins, mistakes, and self-kindness • support from family and the cost of care • hope as a practice and incremental gainsConnect with Simon at https://thrivemindfulness.co.uk/ where he also works with those with fatigue-related conditions. "Leaving ME Behind" can be found hereMessage me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

We explore how the vagus nerve shapes recovery from Long Covid and chronic fatigue, and why building parasympathetic tone changes sleep, digestion, pain, and mood. Carissa Conrad shares clear guidance on non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation, safe pacing, and common mistakes to avoid.• what the vagus nerve does across heart, gut, immune and inflammation• why sympathetic overdrive feels normal and how to spot it• paced breathing, humming and gentle tools to build vagal tone• what vagus nerve stimulation means and how it works• TENS versus ultrasound, ear and neck targets, parameter basics• passive stimulation to support busy days and low energy• go slow: dosage, safety, and early warning signs• using polyvagal maps to time stimulation and pacing• avoiding boom‑and‑bust while expanding activity• cost‑effective access, kits, and practical set‑up• the mindset shift: nervous system literacy for lifeLinks:Carissa's website: carissaconraddpt.com YouTube: @theVagusnervePTMessage me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

We map a clear path from medical leave to meaningful work, sharing the five-stage Career and Chronic framework and the skills that turn lived experience into authentic leadership. Practical scripts, capacity tools, and boundary strategies make work humane and sustainable.• What career means when health reshapes life• The five stages: off-ramp, on-ramp, the new, test and redesign, authentic leadership• Emotional skills for the bed-based phase• Boundaries without apology or battle• Baseline versus optimal capacity and how to communicate both• Reducing emotional labour at work and home• Why these skills create trusted, empathetic leaders• The chronic economy and the future of human capacity at workLinks:Our previous episode - the emotional map: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1835170/episodes/13541520Connect with Michelle:http://careerandchronicillness.com/ https://www.chronicillnessatwork.com/Career and Chronic Map: https://www.careerandchronic.com/career-mapThe Cocoon (when not working): https://www.careerandchronic.com/the-cocoonWork & Leadership Series  https://www.careerandchronic.com/chronicleadership (Feb 2026)Ambition Program (discussed in episode) https://www.careerandchronic.com/ambitionMessage me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

I sit down with Lily Spechler, a registered dietitian and long hauler, to unpack why weight change in Long Covid is a metabolic story, not a willpower issue. We map a safer path: fuel first, stabilise blood sugar and blood flow, then make tiny adjustments that your body can tolerate.• Adding 10–15% above BMR to halt weight gain and calm stress signals• Glucose spikes from standing and why compression and electrolytes help• Why cutting calories can worsen dysautonomia and fatigue• Protein-forward plates with modest carbs to flatten swings• When weight loss is medically useful in MCAS, hypermobility and sleep apnoea• Stabilise first, then small deficits from added calories• Safe strategies for unintentional weight loss using high calorie, low volume foods• Using CGMs to link symptoms to glucose patterns• Practical supports: salt, fluids, compression, pacing and low histamine choicesLinks: Connect with Lily: https://www.longcoviddietitian.com/services-5Our previous episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1835170/episodes/14847447Message me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Welcome to a milestone episode! In the 200th episode of the Long Covid Podcast, Jackie Baxter rings in 2026 by sharing personal reflections on the journey so far and the evolution of the podcast from its origins during her own recovery from Long Covid.Jackie explores:Lessons learned from recovery, including resilience, adapting to life’s unpredictability, and the importance of grace in setbacks.The difference between goals and intentions, with practical, science-backed advice on setting gentle, adaptable intentions to support healing and emotional well-being.A guided exercise to help you set your own intention for the day, with tips on grounding your intention and celebrating even small shifts.Gratitude for the vibrant community of listeners, guests, and supporters who have accompanied the podcast on this journey.Plus:Jackie discusses the science behind intentions—how they can help filter what matters, regulate emotions, and encourage sustainable habits.She encourages listeners to reflect on and share their own intentions for the new year.Action Items:Be sure to check the links below for free Insight Timer tracks for intention setting.Stay tuned for more inspiring guests and stories in upcoming episodes.Thank you for being part of this journey! I wish you all a gentle January and a joyful 2026.Connect:Share your intentions or feedback by commenting on social media, sending fan mail, or emailing via the links below.Links:Setting an Intention for Healing (nature sounds): https://insig.ht/HtxqFUsWTZbSetting an Intention for Healing - shorter version with music): https://insig.ht/fcqF48xWTZbQuick intention setting (with gentle music): https://insig.ht/dPxkBUlWTZb Subscribe for weekly episodes and join our community of support, learning, and shared humanity.Message me! (I can't reply to these messages) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Creativity doesn’t just reflect our lives; it reshapes them when everything else feels fixed. I close the year by handing the mic to artists, writers, and makers whose work was forged in the long shadow of Long Covid & ME/CFS —and whose voices light the way forward. If you’ve been searching for proof that small creative acts matter, this collection is your sign. If a line, chord, or colour stayed with you, let me know which moment moved you most. If you'd like to be part of next year's episode, get in touch!Links: Website Creativity Page Join "Long Covid & ME/CFS Healing through Creativity" FB groupKirsten Mallyon Website Substack Insta & FB Fiona Lehn WebsiteMateo - "Covid is Stoopid" Long Covid Kids Choir Rollercoaster videoPaula InstaJasmine Laws Portfolio & Opening ExtractGerben's documentary about grief & song video  Message me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

We go from theory to practice on beliefs and recovery, building a daily framework that protects mindset, reduces flare spirals, and turns small wins into lasting change. Practical tools include proof journaling, identity shifts, nervous system regulation, and curating what you let in.• building a symptom and activity proof journal• reframing setbacks as feedback not failure• identity-based habits to support healing• managing physiology first with breath• countering nocebo and fear narratives• curating social media and inputs• progress not perfection through tiny choices• making recovery actions feel good to repeat• faster bouncebacks and long-term resiliencePart 1 of this discussion is HERELinks: CFS Recovery Stories: https://cfsunravelled.com/me-cfs-recovery-stories-patient-me-cfs-stories-with-a-difference/      ANS REWIRE Free Lessons:  https://ansrewire.com/info-request/Message me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

We explore how belief shapes behaviour, attention, and recovery in Long Covid and ME/CFS, separating grounded acceptance from resignation and linking science to daily choices. Stories, evidence, and small wins show why consistency and self‑compassion matter more than intensity.• defining belief as evidence‑based stance that drives action• antibiotics, diabetes, and stroke rehab as clear analogies• neuroplasticity explained in plain terms• acceptance for now versus resignation forever• how negative narratives limit progress• three layers of proof: rational, social, personal• noticing micro‑wins via the brain’s filtering• consistency over intensity in daily practices• self‑compassion for missed days and resets• teaser for part two on practical belief‑buildingListen to part 2 of this discussion HERELinks: CFS Recovery Stories: https://cfsunravelled.com/me-cfs-recovery-stories-patient-me-cfs-stories-with-a-difference/      ANS REWIRE Free Lessons:  https://ansrewire.com/info-request/Message me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

I'm joined today by Edmarie Guzman-Velez & Rudy Tanzi as we dig into a clinical trial of nicotinamide riboside for Long Covid, why NAD matters for cellular energy, and where the results show promise for fatigue, sleep, mood, and executive function. We share what worked, what did not, and the next steps.• Overview of NAD, mitochondria, and energy in brain and immune cells• Why Covid may deplete NAD and how NR restores it• Trial design using intra-individual crossover with placebo run-in• Dosing at 2,000 mg NR daily under IRB oversight• Serial NAD blood measurements confirming a threefold rise• Outcomes on fatigue, sleep quality, depressive symptoms, executive function• Limits of small samples and reinfection attrition• Safety, label guidance, and medical supervision for supplements• Plans for biomarkers of inflammation and activity data from wearables• Future research on symptom clusters, sex differences, and combinationsLinks:Full paper available HEREMore about Niagen Bioscience Dr. Tanzi is paid consultant for, and equity holder in Niagen Biosciences.Message me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

I am joined by Katie Brennan & Andrea Henkel Burke to share Katie’s Long Covid recovery, how nervous system work unlocked capacity, and why an Olympian’s playbook of pacing, breath, joint maps and cognitive drills can fit chronic illness. The theme is small, smart inputs that prevent crashes and build a stronger baseline.• early symptoms, second infection and severe brain fog• switching from push-through to deliberate pacing• vagus nerve, breath and eye movement drills• athlete mindset applied to recovery• gentle mobility plus cognitive tasks for safer gains• stacking tiny wins to raise baseline capacity• diet shifts for gut health and lower inflammation• redefining recovery through daily function and humour• practical advice to start small and self-assessConnect with Katie & Andrea: ThriveNinety Website: www.thriveninety.com Recovery Kitchen Essentials book: https://www.thriveninety.com/recovery-kitchen Message me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

We trace Ivor Clark’s Long Covid recovery from a 2023 infection and UTI to a careful return to work, highlighting the routines and supports that made progress possible. Pacing, breathwork, oxygen therapy, and a rare GP who listened shaped a steady path back to confidence.• athletic past, late-pandemic infection, UTI and antibiotics complicating onset• post-exertional malaise, normal test results, delayed Long Covid recognition• limits of early medical support, value of an advocate and listening GP• pacing by heart rate, non-sleep deep rest, reducing stimulants and sensory load• hyperbaric oxygen therapy via charity, structured protocols and consistent care• workplace adjustments, graded return, boundaries and restorative breaks• targeted tools later: diet cleanup, selective supplements, peptides • mindset shift from ill to deconditioned, micro-strength and balance rebuilds• fewer crashes, rebuilding trust, gradual confidence in everyday capacityConnect with Ivor: https://www.facebook.com/ProgressiveWellbeingIvor's book "In it for the long haul": https://amzn.eu/d/0zfjQ6nMessage me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

In this gentle solo episode, I invite you to explore a powerful reframe: what if your recovery journey isn’t something happening to you, but something you’re quietly guiding? Through metaphors, practical support & ideas, and  reflections, I explore how to reclaim agency in healing — even when the skies feel foggy.You’ll learn how to:Shift from passive to intentional with micro-agency and sensory groundingReframe inner narratives with soft, empowering languageUse breath and boundaries as navigation toolsGently return to your pilot seat when setbacks ariseWhether you’re navigating Long Covid, ME/CFS, or simply seeking a more compassionate way to relate to your body, this episode offers hope, validation, and a reminder: you are not alone in the cockpit.Links: James Nestor - "Breath"54321 - A Grounding PractiseEpisode 180 - Jules Rogers: The Art of Saying NoWork with meMessage me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

I talk with Kelly George about losing and rebuilding identity through Long Covid: the crashes that forced pacing, the relief of being believed, and the slow return of capacity that now lets her design a life she actually wants. Hope here isn’t vague—it’s built from activity management, nervous system care, and community that shows the way.• life before illness as active mum and professor • infection after mandates lifted and symptom escalation • debilitating fatigue, brain fog and loss of identity • isolation within relationships and shared loss framing • early support surge then fade and asking for help • being listened to as regulation and relief • pacing, baseline setting and crash prevention • links with ME/CFS knowledge and specialists • nervous system regulation through rest and small practices • community and CFS Health programme benefits and limits • mindset without blame, celebrating tiny wins • defining recovery, cautious cardio and rebuilding work • coaching mums, caregivers and higher-ed professionals Connect with Kelly: https://kellygeorgecoaching.com/baseline-101 Message me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

This episode welcomes Dr. Leo Galland, Internal Medicine Specialist with over 40 years of experience working with complex conditions, which now includes Long Covid and of course ME/CFS. In this episode:Comprehensive exploration of Long Covid's complex natureIntroduction to the "Web of Long Covid" conceptInsights into post-viral illness from a 40-year medical perspectiveLong covid follows patterns of previous post-viral illnesses & similarities with chronic fatigue syndrome and post-infectious disordersSome unique characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 virus impactThe Web of Long Covid - 10 interconnected strands explaining illness mechanismsCentral components: ACE2 enzyme damage and mitochondrial dysfunctionTreatment Approach, importance of individualized, multi-step treatment protocols and the importance of understanding individual health historyLinks:Dr. Galland's "Long COVID Prevention and Treatment" document, available on website: https://www.drgalland.com/Message me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Technology offers unprecedented access to health information, but navigating it effectively requires understanding which tools serve our recovery and when to step away from screens. Jess from TurnTo shares insights on using AI and technology tools to support recovery from conditions like Long Covid and ME/CFS.• Different technology platforms have different agendas - social media optimizes for view time, search engines for quick clicks• Approximately 10,000 new updates emerge weekly about Long Covid and ME/CFS across research, expert interviews, and patient discussions• AI tools like ChatGPT can provide referenced health information when asked properly, often delivering more comprehensive answers than time-limited doctor appointments• Patient experiences remain undervalued as "weak data" despite containing rich insights that often precede formal research findings• TurnTo's new Personal Health Sidekick feature reads approximately one million words weekly, filtering information based on individual health concerns• AI works best for information gathering and making connections between disparate data points• Balance technology use with offline activities that support recovery - nature, human connection, and reducing nervous system activation• When using AI for health questions, always request references and specify what type of information you're seeking• Technology cannot replace human connection, empathy, and the physical examination healthcare professionals provideLearn more about TurnTo and their Personal Health Sidekick feature in the links below: Check out Turny here (use code "Jackie" for 10% off)Listen to our previous episode HERE Message me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Natalie Gould shares her journey from severe Long Covid to full recovery, revealing how nervous system regulation transformed not only her Long Covid symptoms but also pre-existing chronic conditions like psoriatic arthritis and migraines.• Life before illness included working as a CFO and living on a small farm• Initial Covid infection in July 2021 was mild but led to severe post-viral symptoms• Main symptoms included PoTS, tachycardia, severe insomnia, cognitive impairment and sound sensitivity• Within six months, she was essentially bedbound but continued working remotely• Stabilized symptoms through extreme pacing but remained severely ill for over a year• Found hope after hearing recovery stories and trying the ANS Rewire program• Leaving her stressful job was a turning point in her recovery journey• Used play and creativity as powerful tools for nervous system regulation• Created characters to personify stress patterns and developed dialogues with them• Recovery process led to healing of multiple pre-existing conditions• Now enjoys swing dancing and a fuller life than before illness• Continues nervous system regulation practices not out of necessity but enjoymentCheck out "Farm Stories" for more insights on recovery techniques & nervous system regulation.Links:https://www.sparrowcrowfarm.com/ https://sparrowcrowfarm.substack.com/ - Farm Storieshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M2pSH8og5Ho&t=1981s - self recorded recovery videoMessage me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Recovery from Long Covid & ME/CFS involves exploring ways to move forward when you're nearly there or making progress but unsure how to reach the next level. Finding your own path is essential as there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach to healing.• Jackie's recovery had 3 phases: denial & pushing through, education & strategy-building, and gentle building• Healing isn't a destination but a soft place to land—embracing the journey puts less pressure on your nervous system• Consistent practices that show your body it's safe build confidence & trust• The liminal space between illness & wellness allows for exploration without pressure• Recognizing small signs of recovery counteracts negativity bias• Celebrating small wins & bringing play into activities helps maintain regulation• Reclaiming identity is challenging• Getting unstuck from "80% recovered" place often requires gently challenging yourself• Re-engaging with life in small ways demonstrates to your body that it's safe• Recovery is built on small, consistent practices rather than dramatic interventionsLinks: "Setting an Intention for Healing" track on Insight TimerSafety in movement/activity track Suzy's Fern program#77 "Managing the fear of reinfection" episode#94 Jackie's recovery story#100 Michelle Irving episode #169 Recovery ThemesWork with Jackie Message me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Dr. Robert Groysman returns to discuss the mechanisms behind Long Covid, focusing on mitochondrial dysfunction and its role in symptoms like fatigue and brain fog.• Dr. Groysman identifies six major mechanisms in Long Covid: dysautonomia, mitochondrial dysfunction, gut dysbiosis, endothelial dysfunction, mast cell activation syndrome, and hormone imbalance• Most Long Covid patients experience multiple mechanisms simultaneously, requiring comprehensive treatment• Mitochondria are cellular organelles responsible for energy production, with different cell types having varying densities based on energy needs• COVID-19 not only damages mitochondria but uniquely impairs the body's ability to repair and replace them• Post-exertional malaise occurs when damaged mitochondria burst during overexertion, triggering inflammatory processes• Recovery requires gentle, patient approaches rather than aggressive interventions that can cause setbacks• Dr. Groysman's two-step protocol involves daily antioxidant support followed by seven days per month of carefully managed mitophagy• Complete recovery typically takes 3-12 months and cannot be rushed without risking relapses• Dysautonomia often needs treatment before other mechanisms can be successfully addressed• Pacing is critical to avoid crashes that cause additional mitochondrial damageCheck out my previous episodes with Dr. Groysman to learn more about the Stellate Ganglion block and other treatment approaches for Long Covid.Links:https://www.facebook.com/groups/longcovidsgb      https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553548547314   https://www.longcovidfamily.com/Message me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

**Content warning for discussion of suicidal thoughts from around 8:45 for 2 minutes**Jamie shares her powerful journey from being bedbound with Long Covid to full recovery, offering hope and practical insights into the healing process.• Initially experiencing tachycardia, PoTS, extreme fatigue, and sensitivities to light and sound• Deteriorating to the point of being bedbound and unable to care for herself• Reaching a mental health crisis point that became a surprising turning point• Discovering the concept that Long Covid could be a hypersensitive nervous system stuck in fight-or-flight• Using brain retraining techniques to gradually rebuild activity levels and trust in her body• Finding support through group coaching where achievements were celebrated• Completing the Lightning Process to bridge the final gap to complete recovery• Returning to full-time work as the milestone that marked complete recovery• Learning to distinguish between normal tiredness and illness-related symptoms• Finding a new identity and priorities after recovery, focusing on health and familyIf you're struggling with Long Covid, remember that recovery is possible. Jamie's journey shows that understanding your nervous system and taking small, consistent steps forward can lead to healing, even from the most severe symptoms.Message me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Dr. Kendal Stewart shares his unique perspective on Long Covid through his background as a surgeon with training in functional medicine, neurosurgery, and cell biology. His approach examines the body as an integrated system rather than separating it into isolated specialties.• Complex conditions like Long Covid require a holistic view of the body as an interconnected system• Western medicine often silos patients into specialties based on symptoms, missing the bigger picture• T-cell weakness and microglial activation are key factors in Long Covid symptoms• The body's inflammation is doing exactly what it's programmed to do—it's not broken• Northern Europeans have particularly aggressive genetics for inflammation (76%) and often have broken "off switches"• Peptides like thymusin alpha-1 can help recover exhausted T-cells• Creating an environment favorable for healing is more effective than treating individual symptoms• Genetic testing provides a personalized "map" for treatment, focusing only on what's missing• Many people who recover become healthier than they were before getting sickLinks: Dr Stewart's YoutubeDr Stewart's InstagramDr Stewart's websiteMessage me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Dr. Henry Mahncke and Dr. Gitendra Uswatte share groundbreaking research on using brain plasticity principles to treat Long Covid brain fog through a comprehensive approach combining cognitive processing speed training, real-world skill practice, and personalized cognitive rehabilitation strategies.• Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to change its structure and function through learning and experience• Brain HQ training targets cognitive processing speed to improve overall brain function across multiple domains• Long Covid causes real biological changes to the brain, including vascular damage and inflammation• CI Cognitive Therapy combines three components: brain training, everyday task practice, and transfer techniques• 80% of participants in the small initial study returned to work compared to none in the usual care group• Brain health bridges physical and mental health, challenging the "it's all in your head" dismissal• The intervention works by repurposing and growing healthy brain tissue rather than healing damaged tissue• Approaches vary from "bottom-up" (basic processing) to "top-down" (real-world skills) to meaningful goal setting• Brain HQ is currently available worldwide, with ongoing research to develop telehealth versions of the full interventionThe University of Alabama Birmingham is currently enrolling participants for their Long Covid cognitive rehabilitation study. Interested individuals can call 205-934-9768 or search "Uswatte Long Covid Cognitive Rehabilitation" online.Links:Brain HQ: brainhq.comInformation about enrolling in the current study: https://sites.uab.edu/longcovidbraintraining/Research paper: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.07.04.24309908v1Message me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

In this episode, Jackie is joined by Theresa Aristarco who shares her Long Covid recovery story. Theresa's journey from an active software engineer to battling long-haul COVIDNavigating complex medical challenges and invisible symptomsThe critical role of mental health in recoveryOvercoming vestibular issues and physical limitationsFinding hope and healing through physical therapy, medication, and supportEpisode Themes:Long COVID recoveryMental health and healingThe importance of community and vulnerabilityNon-linear recovery processMemorable Quotes:"I was never going to get better alone""Progress isn't linear, recovery isn't linear""I'm only recently starting to say I'm not sick anymore"Links:Theresa's website: theresaaristarco.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/theresaaristarcoSubstack: theresaaristarco.substack.comMessage me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Karen Wright from Sage Health and Wellness shares her powerful recovery story from Long COVID, offering hope and practical wisdom for those still struggling with chronic illness.• Karen was a busy NHS physiotherapist involved in developing Long COVID services before becoming ill herself in autumn 2021• Her severe case left her unable to speak at times, care for her children, or maintain basic daily activities• Understanding and accepting true rest became fundamental to her recovery journey• Finding her energy baseline through careful observation of triggers like food, light sensitivity and conversation was crucial• Small, consistent actions over time led to gradual improvement including nutrition changes and gentle movement• An unexpected thyroid cancer diagnosis revealed how some of her persistent symptoms may have been related to cancer rather than Long COVID• Karen's recovery insights led her to launch Sage Health and Wellness to support others through education programs• Self-acceptance emerges as a core message: "You're valuable as you are, whatever your productivity looks like" Links:Connect with Karen at Sage Health & Wellness: www.sagehealthandwellness.co.ukMessage me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Dr. David Putrino shares his expertise on Long Covid, approaching it through the lens of comprehensive rehabilitation and personalized medicine rather than one-size-fits-all treatments. He explains how identifying the specific drivers behind common symptoms leads to more effective intervention strategies.• Rehabilitation medicine encompasses far more than exercise recovery, including energy conservation strategies, mobility aids, and psychological support• Different symptoms like fatigue can have various causes (sleep disruption, autonomic dysfunction) requiring distinct treatment approaches• Techniques used for elite athletes to optimize mitochondrial function may benefit Long Covid patients through similar biological pathways• Stabilizing symptoms through pacing apps and basic interventions creates a foundation for more targeted treatments• Gender differences in Long Covid prevalence (65-70% women) may relate to protective effects of testosterone• Treatments must be personalized based on precise understanding of underlying mechanisms rather than symptom categories alone• Research is uncovering multiple drivers including persistent pathogens, autoimmunity, reactivated infections, and DysautonomiaFor those experiencing Long Covid symptoms, finding clinicians who understand these complex mechanisms and can identify your specific drivers is critical to receiving effective treatment.Links: https://icahn.mssm.edu/research/cohenhttps://longcovid.physio/https://www.youtube.com/@CoRESinaiMessage me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Jules Rogers returns to the podcast to discuss the essential role of boundaries in chronic illness recovery and everyday wellbeing, sharing how learning to protect our energy can be transformative.• Boundaries are conscious protections we put in place to maintain our energy and ensure we're not giving beyond what feels right• Different types include physical, emotional, material, mental, and time boundaries• Setting boundaries becomes crucial when dealing with chronic illness as a way to preserve energy for healing• The biggest barriers to maintaining boundaries are guilt, discomfort, and the belief that putting yourself first is selfish• Jules created a powerful recovery mantra: "Is this going to help me heal?" as a guiding decision-making tool• Even small boundaries can be beneficial - consistency matters more than size• Boundaries naturally evolve throughout recovery and life as our needs and capacities change• Starting with boundaries around the most energy-depleting activities provides the greatest benefit• Learning to say no without over-explaining ("That doesn't work for me") can be more effective• The skill of setting boundaries learned during illness becomes a valuable tool for living well after recoveryJules' blog on boundaries: https://www.julesrogerslifecoach.com/post/10-boundaries-i-ve-put-in-place-so-i-can-live-a-balanced-healthy-and-joyful-lifeJules recovery story: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1835170/episodes/15344396Message me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Dr. David Clarke shares his 40-year journey as a medical consultant specializing in neuroplastic conditions—real physical symptoms generated by the brain in response to stress, trauma, or emotional challenges. He explains how these conditions affect 20% of adults and 40% of doctor visits, yet remain frequently misdiagnosed despite being highly treatable.• Neuroplastic symptoms are physical manifestations created by the brain in response to stress or trauma• These conditions affect strong individuals carrying burdens they've normalized, not "weak" or "neurotic" people• Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can create lasting impacts through stressful personality traits, triggers, and unrecognized emotions• Brain circuits physically change with chronic stress and can change back with appropriate treatment• The brain creates all sensations—even with physical injuries, pain signals originate in the brain• Long Covid and similar conditions may involve neuroplastic mechanisms that maintain symptoms after initial triggers• Recovery includes reframing self-perception from weakness to strength, setting boundaries, and processing emotions• Transformation extends beyond symptom relief to improved relationships and becoming "who you were meant to be"Visit Symptomatic Me to take a 12-item questionnaire assessing for neuroplastic symptoms, and check out "The Story Behind the Symptoms" podcast where Dr. Clarke interviews patients about their recovery journeys.Symptomatic.MeMessage me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Alishia shares her powerful Long Covid recovery journey—from a highly active farm worker to being couch-bound for over a year, and ultimately back to health through finding safety in her body.• Worked long weeks in manual farm labour & enjoyed being active before catching Covid in 2020• Experienced extreme anxiety, heart palpitations, shortness of breath after first infection• Second COVID infection in 2021 led to complete debilitation with 15+ symptoms• Functional medicine doctors provided multiple diagnoses & supplement protocols without improvement• Discovered mind-body work through Dan Buglio and Dr. Sarno• Somatic tracking meditation, self-Reiki, creating feelings of safety helped• Learned to set boundaries, let go of perfectionism, & practice self-compassion• Gradually reintroduced short walks & yoga sessions, surrounding them with joy• Session with coach Rob Ensor helped eliminate remaining symptoms• Now works as a mind-body coach & works part-time in farming• Maintains balance between activity & rest, continuing to practice boundaries & self-careIf you're struggling with Long Covid or ME/CFS, remember that wherever you are in this moment, you are completely lovable right now—your worth isn't tied to your productivity or ability to function.Links: Alisha website Dan Buglio - 24 ways to feel safeRob EnsorDr SarnoMessage me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Rachel Rock shares her powerful Long Covid recovery story, detailing her journey from initial illness to healing through understanding and supporting her autonomic nervous system.• Contracted COVID in May 2022 & developed long COVID whilst attempting to train for a cycling event• Discovered she was experiencing Dysautonomia & significant blood pressure regulation issues• Used tracking tools including Welltory app to gather data about HRV & autonomic nervous system function• Built recovery on four pillars: autonomic nervous system regulation, functional medicine, dietary changes & trauma processing• Worked with practitioners including Dr. Lydia Knutson who combines chiropractic medicine with energy healing techniques• Addressed previously unresolved childhood trauma through EMDR therapy & made profound connections to physical symptoms• Successfully completed bike ride by consciously downregulating instead of pushing through physical challenges• Learned to recognize bodily signals that indicate nervous system dysregulation• Found community connections with fellow long COVID sufferers around the world through online classes & support groups• Continues daily practices to maintain ANS health even after recoveryLinks:Rachel's websiteRachel's LinkedInLydia Knutson episodeLong Covid Breathing courseWork with JackieEd YongRecovery themes episodeJames Nestor "Breath"Message me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Karl Robottom shares his remarkable journey from Long Covid symptoms to running marathons, offering hope and practical insights for those still struggling with the condition.• Former PE teacher whose active lifestyle was completely derailed by Long Covid despite having only mild initial Covid symptoms• Experienced breathlessness, severe fatigue, significant weight gain, dysautonomia, and cognitive difficulties that placed him in the bottom 7% nationally on tests• Endured 18 months of inconclusive medical testing before being referred to a Long Covid clinic• Found relief through cold water immersion, beginning with morning swims in a natural seawater pool in Devon• Developed a comprehensive recovery protocol including breathing techniques, yoga nidra, electrolytes, and fasting• Breakthrough came through participating in a clinical trial using Simproof, which he later supplemented with homemade kefir• Gradually returned to exercise through careful listening to his body, eventually completing his first marathon• Now training for a 45-mile challenge around Bristol, marking the complete circle of his recoveryIf you've found hope or inspiration from Karl's story, please consider sharing this episode with someone who might be struggling with Long COVID. Your support helps us reach more people who need to hear these recovery stories.More info & support Karl on the Green Man Ultra Marathon Bristol - 45 miles - week beginning 26/5/25:https://www.justgiving.com/page/k-robottom-1717842870657?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CLMessage me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Cold water immersion - friend or foe?One of the things that helped Jackie the most in her recovery - cold water immersion - and one of the most commonly asked questions from listeners.But it doesn't work well for everyone. In this episode, Jackie dives into the science behind the power of cold water, as well as discussing her own expertise and her own journey - why did it work for her? And how could you make it work for you?As always - this isn't medical advice - always speak to a trusted medical professional before considering cold water, or indeed any new treatment.Links:Join breathing courses: www.LongCovidBreathing.comWork with me options: https://www.longcovidpodcast.com/workwithmeMy Insight Timer profile (free): www.Insighttimer.com/longcovidpod Message me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Uroš shares his inspiring recovery journey from long COVID, revealing how addressing hidden emotional patterns and learning self-compassion transformed not only his health but his entire approach to life.• Prior to illness, Uroš appeared to be living his best life following a 15-month sabbatical, with a fitness routine and new career mentoring entrepreneurs• After contracting COVID for the second time, Uros experienced severe post-exertional malaise, brain fog, and eventually became bed-bound• Finding online recovery stories provided the first ray of hope during a period of despair and medical uncertainty• Breathing techniques helped regulate his nervous system, with yoga nidra becoming a daily practice that brought surprising mental peace• Discovery of his unhealthy relationship with emotions became a turning point – Uroš had been "putting poisonous snakes in a bag" for decades• Self-compassion meditation triggered unexpected emotional release, allowing him to process suppressed feelings• Identifying limiting core beliefs about always needing to "give everything" transformed his relationship with himself and his family• Recovery progressed from bed-bound to house-bound to gradually increasing physical activity over approximately 6 months• Rather than returning to his previous life, Uros is now focused on creating "Uroš 2.0" – integrating recovery lessons into building a more authentic life centered on passion• The recovery journey revealed five phases: calming the nervous system, removing stressors, gradual reexposure to life, leaving the sick mindset behind, and integrating the lessons learnedLinks:Long Covid Breathing Courses: www.LongCovidBreathing.comDr Becca Kennedy: https://resilience-healthcare.com/Dr Becca Kennedy on the Long Covid Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1835170/episodes/14977306 Message me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Dr. Diana Driscoll shares her remarkable journey from bedridden POTS patient to pioneering medical researcher developing treatments for autonomic dysfunction. Motivated by her own ten-year battle with post-viral dysautonomia and her children's similar struggles, she created patented solutions when conventional medicine offered no answers.• POTS is not a disease but a presentation of symptoms related to inflammation affecting the cardiovascular system• Dr. Driscoll's "Driscoll Theory" identifies high intracranial pressure as a common factor in POTS and dysautonomia• Her research uncovered neurotransmitter deficiencies, particularly acetylcholine, leading to the development of Parasym Plus• Inflammation creates oxidative damage, worsening symptoms and creating a vicious cycle that must be broken• Many POTS patients show signs of blood vessel leakage and blood-brain barrier disruption• Female patients often face additional challenges due to hormonal fluctuations increasing inflammatory responses• Recovery requires consistency and understanding your personal inflammatory triggers• Patients can maintain recovery by being proactive about their health and recognizing early warning signs• Genetic factors influence inflammatory responses and understanding these can prevent relapseParasym Plus Infowww.drdianadriscoll.comwww.potscare.comwww.vagusnervesupport.comMessage me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Recovery doesn't have to be perfect to be effective, and sometimes the very quest for perfect recovery can keep us stuck in our healing journey. Jo Thomas shares her personal experience with overcoming POTS and chronic fatigue, highlighting how shifting mindsets and letting go of perfectionism accelerated her healing process.• Jo's recovery journey came in layers—medical management first, followed by lifestyle changes and nervous system regulation• Perfectionism, people-pleasing, and overachieving often contribute to chronic fatigue and can hinder recovery• Focus on responding appropriately to your body rather than pushing for linear progress• Your responsibility is to take appropriate recovery actions, not to control how your body responds• What feels like a setback might actually be a normal bodily response to increased activity• Recovery often means living life differently than before—usually in better alignment with your values• Becoming overly focused on achieving "full recovery" can create pressure that impedes progress• Our bodies communicate through symptoms—learning to interpret them rather than fear them is key• Many people discover that post-recovery life is actually better than pre-illness life• "Keeping yourself in wellness" becomes a lifelong practice rather than reaching a finish lineLinks:Jo's website: https://jothomascoaching.com/Message me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Aaron West shares his remarkable two-and-a-half-year journey with Long COVID and his unexpected path to recovery. From being a highly athletic cyclist who once rode across South Carolina in a single day to becoming bedbound with debilitating symptoms, his story demonstrates that recovery is possible—sometimes in the most unexpected ways.• Previously an avid athlete who competed in triathlons and rode 237 miles across South Carolina in one day• Contracted COVID in Fall 2021 during the Delta wave• Developed severe symptoms including persistent cough (500-1,000 times daily), neurological issues, and "electromagnetic pulse" sensations• Forced to go on disability due to inability to work while coughing• Found some relief through antihistamines (Zyrtec, Pepcid) and beta blockers• Practiced pacing using "spoon theory" and heart rate monitoring to manage symptoms• Experienced a "light switch" recovery after contracting Omicron variant in January 2024• Post-recovery, rediscovered creative abilities and is now writing a book and running a business• Emphasizes the importance of community support during illness and recovery• Doctor described him as someone who came back after being "far gone"For those still suffering with Long COVID—there is hope. While everyone's recovery journey is different, healing is possible, and sometimes it comes in unexpected ways.Links:Aaron's website: https://www.cinejourneys.comFollow Aaron on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/awest505.bsky.socialMessage me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Amy Mooney shares her unique perspective as both an occupational therapist and caregiver to her daughter with ME-CFS, revealing essential insights about rest, recovery, and meaningful approaches to chronic illness management.• 25 years of occupational therapy experience transformed by caring for her daughter with ME-CFS for the past decade• Learning to see "beyond the iceberg" - what practitioners miss when they only observe patients during clinical visits• The concept of "aggressive rest" as an active strategy rather than simply doing nothing• Understanding different forms of exertion: physical, cognitive, emotional, and sensory• How each person has different "buckets" for various types of exertion and unique symptom patterns• The importance of preemptive rest before activities and recuperative rest afterward• Creating personalized support systems that address individual symptoms and priorities• Safely testing boundaries rather than pushing through prescribed exercise protocols• Why prioritizing activities that bring joy and meaning is crucial for quality of life• Being cautious about delayed responses to increased activity - sometimes PEM hits 3 days laterAmy has been working with Bateman Horne Center to provide education and resources to medical providers, helping ensure patients receive appropriate care focused on true rest rather than harmful exercise regimens.Links:Amy's private practice: www.OT4ME.comBateman Horne Center's rehabilitation professional resources and videos: https://batemanhornecenter.org/providers/mecfs/diagnosing-managing/rehab-professionals/Peer-to-peer Facebook group (for therapists only) - PT, OT & SLP Resources for Treating ME/CFS: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1EEnAJvf6v/Message me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Jackie explores recovery themes in today's episode, as she identifies five key themes that emerge across different healing journeys: consistency in daily practices, mindset that fosters healing, understanding what's happening in your body, building personal strategies, and creating a healing environment.• Consistency means showing up daily for practices that help, even when progress feels invisible• Mindset isn't about toxic positivity but creating biochemical conditions for healing through belief in improvement• Understanding your body's responses and triggers makes interventions more effective and reduces fear• Building strategies involves creating a personalized toolkit of what actually works for your unique body• Creating a healing environment means being mindful about what you consume—food, media, thoughts• Mental health support is crucial, not because illness is psychological but because chronic illness affects mental wellbeing• Small 1% improvements compound over time into significant progress• Recovery isn't about finding one miracle cure but assembling your own unique puzzle piecesHave questions? Contact me through the fan mail function in show notes, social media, email or visit longcovidpodcast.com. Your feedback helps shape future episodes!Links:Podcast feedback form: www.tinyurl.com/LCpodcastfeedbackDr Sarah episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1835170/episodes/15544786Dr Sanjay Gupta (the PoTS specialist) episode: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1835170/episodes/11374770My recovery story: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1835170/episodes/13235996Work with me page: https://www.longcovidpodcast.com/services-1Curable app: https://www.curablehealth.com/Message me! (I can't reply to these messages) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Rachael's inspiring journey through long COVID showcases the resilience of the human spirit in the face of ongoing symptoms and challenges. The episode delves into her unique recovery strategies, including her tailored exercise protocols designed specifically for individuals battling long COVID, emphasising the importance of consistency, adaptability, and trust in one's body.• Rachael redefines recovery as a journey, not solely symptom-free living • Importance of building confidence through gradual, consistent movement • Development and success of the "90-Day Rebound Method" • Emphasis on mindset: focusing on consistency over progression • Insights on dosage, effort, and individualised exercise approaches • Real-life success stories from Rachael's coaching • Flexibility in training to accommodate fluctuating symptoms • Encouragement for listeners to seek supportive communities in their recovery processLinks: Our previous episode (Rachael's recovery story):https://www.buzzsprout.com/1835170/episodes/14084650 Rachael's Website: www.rebound-athletic.comRachael's Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/rebound.athletic/ Message me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

We explore the complexities of long COVID and the energy crisis it creates in the body, with Dr Jacob Teitelbaum sharing insights from his own struggles and professional experience. Listeners will find practical advice on mindset, nutrition, and treatment options essential for recovery.• Discussion on the energy crisis and its impact on health • Overview of the SHINE protocol for treating long COVID • The link between long COVID and ME/CFS • Variability of symptoms in individuals with long COVID • Importance of mindset in the recovery process • Practical advice on supplements, nutrition, and lifestyle changes • Strategies for pain management and hormonal balance • Encouragement for individuals feeling isolated and frustrated • Final thoughts on reclaiming your health and setting boundariesLinks:Our previous episode:https://www.buzzsprout.com/1835170/episodes/11358909 https://www.energyanalysisprogram.com/Learn more at www.Vitality101.comDr T website for supplements: www.EndFatigue.com In Europe: www.iherb.com Email [email protected] for info sheets mentioned.Europe and Canada, the Recovery Factors is available from www.recoveryfactors.comMessage me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Rebecca Tolin shares her transformative journey from chronic illness to recovery and self-discovery. Her insights into the mind-body connection, the impact of trauma on health, and the importance of self-compassion offer listeners a path toward healing.• Introduction to Rebecca's journey with ME/CFS • The effect trauma has on physical health • Searching for answers and the limitations of traditional medicine • The role of mindfulness and somatic awareness in recovery • Embracing self-compassion and its benefits in the healing process • The shift in identity away from being defined by illness • Finding hope and possibility in the face of struggle • The importance of connection with oneself Rebecca encourages you to embrace self-compassion and kindness towards yourself on your healing journey. Links:Rebecca's Website: https://www.rebeccatolin.com/jackie (this includes info about her "Be your own medicine" course) Info about next "Be your own medicine" course: https://courses.rebeccatolin.com/courses/be-your-own-medicine-spring-2025?ref=ec478fFree Meditation: https://www.rebeccatolin.com/newsletter YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7gpLhnQU8NaC9fzlEmxIVwMessage me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Lizzie shares her heartfelt journey through Long COVID, detailing the challenges she faced as well as the strategies that eventually led her to recovery. By embracing the importance of rest, celebrating small victories, and gaining knowledge about her condition, she transformed her approach to health and wellness.• Lizzie's active life before contracting COVID • Initial mild symptoms promptly deteriorating into fatigue and brain fog • The cycle of boom and bust many long COVID patients experience • Importance of learning to properly rest and embrace downtime • Insights gained from Jan Rothney's book on recovery • The challenge of online support groups and potential negative impacts • Emphasising the power of language in shaping recovery experiences • Celebrating small victories as a key strategy for motivation • The journey towards emotional and psychological healing • Long COVID as a catalyst for personal growth and renewed appreciation for healthLink to Nurosym:https://nurosym.comBreaking free from Chronic Fatigue by Jan Rothney:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Breaking-Chronic-Fatigue-Covid-Symptoms-ebook/dp/B09ZT6PJC9Message me! (I can't reply to these messages) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herewww.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook Instagram  Twitter Facebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listI love to hear from you, via socials or [email protected]**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**