PODCAST · health
That's So Chronic
by Jess Brien
Sharing patient stories and discussions while having a laugh and keeping it real. New episodes back early 2025! A weekly podcast where performer, creator, and MS-er Jess Brien interviews people from around the world that are thriving - and sometimes only just surviving - with chronic illnesses, life changing injuries and potentially disastrous diagnoses. @thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #ThatsSoChronic Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others. Hosted on Acast. See
Episodes
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Multiple Sclerosis research updates
The final episode! Thanks for listening and sharing. Today, in episode five of five, we're discussing recent research updates. ** Please note: Brett talks about the upcoming ECTRIMS/ACTRIMS conference in this episode, which has since passed. Find out information about the 2027 event in Toronto...
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Parenthood and Multiple Sclerosis
Welcome back to episode four of five of this series in collaboration with Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand. It's recently been World MS Day (30 May) so I wanted to share 5 part series here as well. Today, it's all about parenthood. Guests: Jamie, Chris, Fiona D’Young (MS nurse specialist), Mandy…
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Travelling the world with Multiple Sclerosis
In celebration of World MS Day (30 May), I'm releasing the 5 part series I created for Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand here! This is episode three of five, and it's all about travel. -- Welcome to Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand’s 5 part series for MS Awareness Week 2025. This week, host Jess Brien...
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Treatment options for Multiple Sclerosis in Aotearoa New Zealand
Yesterday was World MS Day (30 May), so to celebrate, I wanted to share this 5 part series I created for Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand for MS Awareness Week. In episode two of five, we are discussing the different treatment options available in Aotearoa New Zealand for multiple sclerosis…
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Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis... what does that mean?
Today is World MS Day (30 May) and to celebrate, I wanted to share this special 5 part series I created with Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand for MS Awareness Week. Here's episode one of five. It's all about diagnosis. -- This week, host Jess Brien will be chatting with people who are living with…
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TRAILER: That's So Multiple Sclerosis
It's World Multiple Sclerosis Day today (30 May) so I wanted to share with you all a project I created for Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand for MS Awareness Week. I'm really proud of how this series came together, and am so grateful for everyone who shared their time and thoughts with me. Over the...
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Um, hello! An update from Jess!
Um, hiiii! Firstly, I want to say a huge sorry for leaving you all in the lurch here on the That’s So Chronic podcast feed! Like I explain in this update episode, I really did not anticipate this big of a break between new episodes, hence why I didn’t let you know ahead of time! In this episode I...
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That's So: Designer $hit documentary (an interview with director Saffron Cassaday)
It’s the final Tuesday of the month which means it’s time for a That’s So episode! A chance to chat about a piece of content that’s in our That’s So Chronic world. Today, we’re chatting about the feature documentary Designer $hit directed by Saffron Cassaday. In Designer $hit, director Saffron...
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Miranda Allen & Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
Happy Tuesday! When I was passing through London, UK in July I was able to sit down and chat with Miranda Allen about her diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) In this episode, Miranda looks back with hindsight and explains where it’s possible her symptoms…
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Markus Birdman & 2 Strokes and Homonymous Hemianopia
Welcome back to That’s So Chronic! Today - in the middle of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe - I was able to sit down with comedian Markus Birdman, to chat about his experience of having two strokes, as well as living with a diagnosis of homonymous hemianopia. In this episode Markus explains how it…
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That's So: The Surgeons' Hall Museums (and the Blood & Guts Walking Tour)
Welcome back to That’s So Chronic! It’s the final Tuesday of the month which means it’s time for a That’s So episode, where we chat about something that’s in our That’s So Chronic world. Today, we’re chatting about The Surgeons’ Hall Museums and the Blood & Guts: The Twists and Turns of…
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Jo Prendergast & Breast Cancer
Welcome to That’s So Chronic!. Today I am chatting to psychiatrist, comedian, and author Dr Jo Prendergast about her diagnosis of breast cancer, as well as her latest book When Life Sucks. In this episode, Jo talks us through her breast cancer diagnosis and what happened next. We chat about the...
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Dr Saimun Singla & Rheumatoid Arthritis
Welcome back to That's So Chronic! Today I am joined by Dr Saimun Singla and we are discussing her diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis as well as her work as a paediatric rheumatologist and integrative medicine physician. In this episode, Dr Saimun shares her story of working for years in...
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That's So: The D*List (with editor Olivia Shivas)
Welcome to That's So Chronic. It’s the final Tuesday of the month, which means it’s time for another That’s So episode. Today I am chatting to Olivia Shivas, the editor of The D*List - the home of disability culture in Aotearoa. The D*List is an online culture magazine that creates space for...
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Nick Allen & Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and Fibromyalgia
Today I am chatting to Nick Allen who is living with a diagnosis of functional neurological disorder (FND) and fibromyalgia. However, this was not always the case… In this episode Nick talks us through the long process of initially being diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis, and...
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Audrey Zannese & Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
It’s my favourite day of the week again! Welcome back to That’s So Chronic! Today’s episode is with Audrey Zannese and we are discussing her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). In this episode Audrey opens up about how in denial she was when she first heard that her symptoms might be MS, and…
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Sophie Ricketts & Hymenectomy Surgery
Welcome to That’s So Chronic! Today I am chatting to Sophie Ricketts, and she talks us through a hymenectomy surgery that she had while she was at drama school. In this episode Sophie explains the process of discovering that she had a thick hymen, which involves several people telling her “she...
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Dr Kara Wada, MD & Sjorgren's Syndrome
Welcome back to That’s So Chronic! Today’s episode is with Dr Kara Wada, MD, and we are discussing her diagnosis of Sjogren’s syndrome and her work as an allergist, immunologist, and lifestyle medicine physician. In this episode Dr Kara shares her diagnosis story, as well as the symptoms that -...
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Spotlight On: Dr Hayley Leake (pain researcher & winner of Survivor Australia)
Welcome back to That’s So Chronic. It's the final Tuesday of the month, so we take a break from regular interviews. For today’s Spotlight On episode, I’m chatting to pain researcher and sole Survivor, Dr Hayley Leake. In this episode Hayley chats about the pain research work that she is working…
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Elizabeth & Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Welcome back to That’s So Chronic! Today’s episode is with Elizabeth, and we are chatting about her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). In this episode Elizabeth shares the diagnosis process that eventuated after a bout of optic neuritis, how she felt when her symptoms had a name, her…
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Ruby Quinn & ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), Endometriosis, & ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Yay! It’s Tuesday! Which means a brand new episode of That’s So Chronic! Today’s episode is with Ruby Quinn, and we are chatting about her diagnosis of ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome), endometriosis, and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). In this episode,...
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Allie Sharples & Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) and Cleft Lip & Palate
Ahhhh!!!! WE’RE BACK! BRAND NEW EPISODES! Sorry for shouting but I’m SO EXCITED! Welcome back! Today’s episode is with Allie Sharples, and we are chatting about her diagnosis of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), as well as being born with a cleft lip and palate. In this...
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If you're new to That's So Chronic... START HERE (Trailer)
Welcome to That's So Chronic (or if you're a long time listener, welcome back!) a weekly podcast where Jess Brien (@jessssbrien) interviews people from around the world who are thriving - and sometimes only just surviving - with chronic illnesses, life changing injuries, and potentially…
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That's So: Why Does It Still Hurt? by Dr Paul Biegler (an interview with Paul!)
It’s the final Tuesday of the month which means a That’s So episode! Today I am chatting about Dr Paul Biegler’s latest book Why Does It Still Hurt? Throughout the book Paul begins to unpack the reasons behind why it might still be hurting, using his own chronic pain journey, as well as other...
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Annie Vander & Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Welcome back to That’s So Chronic! Today, after a couple of technical difficulties, I’m joined by singer songwriter Annie Vander, and we’re talking all about her diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) In this episode Annie shares the accident that subsequently changed the course of…
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Natasha Godetz & Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and a double hip replacement at 32
Welcome to That’s So Chronic! Today’s episode is with Natasha Godetz, and we are chatting about her diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis and the journey that led her to a double hip replacement. In this episode, Natasha explains what it was like receiving a diagnosis when she was 10 years...
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Shana Pereira & a heart and kidney transplant
YAY! We’re BACK! Thank you for being so patient while I took a break for the summer holidays here in NZ! Today’s episode is with Shana Pereira, and we are discussing her heart and kidney transplant, and honestly, at times you will think it is actually the plot of a movie... But more on that…
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2022 That's So Chronic wrapped!
Hello! Here is a sneaky lil bonus episode to finish the year! A 2022 That’s So Chronic wrapped episode, if you will! I thought why not lean into the end of year vibes, and share 22 moments that have made up my (and the pod’s!) 2022. These are mostly highlights and achievements that feel fun to...
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That's So: The Good Nurse & Capturing The Killer Nurse (Charles Cullen)
It’s the final (regular) That’s So Chronic episode of the year! How is that even possible!? Seeing as it’s the final Tuesday of the month it’s a That’s So episode. Today we are chatting about the two latest films to be released on Netflix all about serial killer Charles Cullen. It is of course…
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Olivia & ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
Happy Tuesday! Welcome to That’s So Chronic. Today’s episode is with Olivia, who shares her journey navigating symptoms and trying to find a diagnosis. Olivia has been diagnosed with ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) but refers to that as a blanket diagnosis that doesn’t...
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Monica Foster & Cushing's Disease (Hypercortisolism)
Welcome back to That’s So Chronic! Today’s episode is with Monica Foster, and we are talking about her diagnosis of cushing’s disease (hypercortisolism). In this episode Monica shares her diagnosis journey, the ups and downs that came with countless tests from various different medical...
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Natalie Meyers & Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus & Pericarditis (with her mom Dr. Laurie!)
Yay! Happy Tuesday! Today’s episode of That’s So Chronic is with Natalie Meyers and her mom Dr. Laurie, and we’re chatting about Natalie’s diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and pericarditis. ** We had a couple of technical difficulties getting this video call to work, so thanks in advance...
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Chelsea Haughton & Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder & Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
Today’s episode of That’s So Chronic is with Chelsea Haughton and we are talking about her diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and hypermobile ehlers danlos syndrome (hEDS). In this episode, Chelsea shares her experiences of seeking a diagnosis...
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Spotlight On: Hear Your Song
Welcome to That's So Chronic! Today we are shining a spotlight on Hear Your Song, a non-profit organisation that is empowering children and teens with serious illnesses and complex health needs to make their voices heard through collaborative songwriting. If you know a bit about me, you’ll know...
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Finn Iles/Violet Tendencies & Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)
Happy Tuesday! Today I am chatting to Finn Iles/Violet Tendencies all about her diagnosis of hypermobile ehlers danlos syndrome (hEDS), as well as a variety of comorbidities that come along with this. In this episode, Finn explains the journey to get to a diagnosis (which is still continuing!),...
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BONUS: Jess Brien & Gluten Intolerance
Hi! Today’s episode is a little bit different. If you’re not following That’s So Chronic over on instagram you might have missed that recently I was a guest on Ben Hampton’s podcast A Gluten Free Podcast. You might remember Ben from his interview episode here on That’s So Chronic where he shared...
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That's So: The Certainty Myth by Dr Toni Lindsay (an interview with Toni!)
How is it the end of September already?! I’m excited to share this months That’s So episode, because today we’re chatting about The Certainty Myth by Dr Toni Lindsay. ** a content warning: while we share a lot of laughs, we do touch on the subject of death, so please take care while listening **…
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Maria Williams & ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Today’s episode is with comedian Maria Williams, and I must admit, I did have a moment where I cried with laughter while editing this episode! Maria is also a teacher, and lives with a diagnosis of ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In this episode, Maria shares the journey of her...
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Caitlyn McMillan & Achalasia
It’s Tuesday! Which means another episode of That’s So Chronic! Today is the first in person interview for a little while (thanks to you know what) and I’m chatting to Caitlyn McMillan about her diagnosis of achalasia. In this episode, Caitlyn shares her diagnosis story, the symptoms she...
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That's So: The Chronic Pain Couple by Karra Eloff (an interview with Karra!)
How is it the end of August already?! Today we are taking a break from regular interview episodes to share another That's So episode. That's So is a monthly series where we dive deeper into a piece of content - be that a book, film, tv series, interview, literally anything! - that's in our That's...
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Sean Prenter & Traumatic Brain Injury
Welcome to That’s So Chronic! Today’s interview is with Sean Prenter, and we’re talk about his experience living life after sustaining a traumatic brain injury. In this episode, Sean talks us through the moment when he fell off a balcony, the recovery process, as well as how recovery looks when...
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Rosie Wilson & Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Coeliac Disease
Yay! It’s Tuesday! Which means another interview here at That’s So Chronic. Today we are heading to the UK, and hearing from Rosie Wilson. Rosie is living with a diagnosis of coeliac disease and multiple sclerosis (MS) which is what we are chatting about today. In this episode, Rosie takes us...
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Amber Tresca & Ulcerative Colitis
Welcome back to That’s So Chronic! Today I was able to sit down with Amber Tresca from the AboutIBD podcast to talk about her diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. In this episode Amber talks us through her diagnosis of UC, the effects not having insurance had on her level of care, the decision to go...
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Ben Hampton & Coeliac Disease (from A Gluten Free podcast)
Happy Tuesday! Welcome back to That’s So Chronic! Today I was able to sit down with Ben Hampton from A Gluten Free Podcast to talk about his diagnosis of coeliac disease. In this episode Ben runs us through his journey to a diagnosis, what coeliac disease even is, the somewhat silver lining of...
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Spotlight On: Exsurgo
Happy Tuesday friends! For today’s Spotlight On episode, I’m chatting to Richard Little from Exsurgo - A company that combines neuroscience, engineering and data analysis to help treat a range of neurological conditions without the use of pharmaceuticals. In this episode we’re talking about what...
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Cheyenne Welham & Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome
We made it! It’s Tuesday! Another That’s So Chronic episode! Today we are hearing from Cheyenne Welham, and we are talking about her diagnosis of hypermobile ehlers danlos syndrome (hEDS) and living life with an ostomy bag. In this episode Cheyenne explains what EDS is, the 10 year journey to her...
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Megan & Vulvodynia, Endometriosis & Adenoyosis
Happy Tuesday! Welcome to That’s So Chronic! Today I was able to catch up with Megan, to talk about her diagnosis of vulvodynia, endometriosis and adenomyosis. In this episode Megan talks us through her diagnosis story, what it was like being a part of the PIPI programme at Burwood Hospital, the...
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Logan Donnelly & Secondary Hypogonadism
YAY! WE’RE BACK! Today’s episode is with Logan Donnelly (@_kiwidad) and we are chatting about his diagnosis of secondary hypogonadism, and what that means for his fertility. In this episode Logan talks about his diagnosis, the decisions he made in regards to treatment, how wildly different...
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A quick little update...
Happy Tuesday friends! Yep, another PSA… Interviews are going on a little break while I get caught up again! Thanks for being so understanding. I hope you don't forget about me and That's So Chronic! But, this reminds me… Here’s the application form to share your story:...
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That's So: The Invisible Kingdom by Meghan O'Rourke (an interview with Meghan!)
Happy Tuesday! Welcome back to That’s So, a monthly series here at That’s So Chronic where we get to chat a little bit deeper on a piece of content (book, film, interview, etc!) that’s in our That’s So Chronic world. Today… The Invisible Kingdom by Meghan O’Rourke. The Invisible Kingdom -...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Sharing patient stories and discussions while having a laugh and keeping it real.
New episodes back early 2025!
A weekly podcast where performer, creator, and MS-er Jess Brien interviews people from around the world that are thriving - and sometimes only just surviving - with chronic illnesses, life changing injuries and potentially disastrous diagnoses.
@thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #ThatsSoChronic
Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.
Hosted on Acast. See
HOSTED BY
Jess Brien
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does That's So Chronic have?
That's So Chronic currently has 116 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is That's So Chronic about?
Sharing patient stories and discussions while having a laugh and keeping it real. New episodes back early 2025! A weekly podcast where performer, creator, and MS-er Jess Brien interviews people from around the world that are thriving - and sometimes only just surviving - with chronic illnesses,...
How often does That's So Chronic release new episodes?
That's So Chronic publishes regularly with 116 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to That's So Chronic?
You can listen to That's So Chronic on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts That's So Chronic?
That's So Chronic is created and hosted by Jess Brien.
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