Beyond My Diagnosis with Michele Weston

Send us Fan MailIn this solo episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston explores the very real physical symptoms of depression—especially for those living with chronic autoimmune or neurological conditions like MS.This conversation goes beyond the common understanding of depression as sadness or hopelessness and dives into how depression can manifest physically through fatigue, pain, digestive issues, headaches, inflammation, and more.“The research shows that depression can manifest as physical pain too.”Michele shares insights from years of living with MS and explains why people with chronic conditions may experience depression differently—and why these symptoms are often overlooked.This episode is not about self-diagnosing.It’s about awareness, understanding, and recognizing when your body may be trying to tell you something.💡 Inside this episode, Michele discusses:Why depression is more than emotional sadnessThe connection between chronic illness, inflammation, and depressionHow fatigue and low energy can signal more than stressWhy depression may lower your pain toleranceThe link between depression and body aches, back pain, and headachesHow gut health and digestive issues may affect mental healthWhy depression can literally change how you see the worldThe relationship between stress, inflammation, and neurological healthWhy talking about mental health should not be tabooThe importance of seeking professional support and treatment🧠 Physical symptoms Michele explores include:Persistent fatigue or exhaustionMuscle aches and chronic painBack pain and headachesDigestive issues and stomach discomfortBrain fog and concentration issuesChanges in vision perception or “grayness”Increased inflammation responses“Pain is another way your brain communicates.”Michele also explains how emotional distress can show up physically in the body and why addressing mental health is just as important as addressing physical health.⚠️ An important reminderThis episode is informational and reflective—not medical advice.Michele encourages listeners to:Speak with their doctor or medical providerExplore psychotherapy or counseling if neededPay attention to patterns in both physical and emotional symptomsRemember that seeking help is not weakness“It’s never embarrassing to talk about depression.”🌿 What Michele wants listeners to rememberYou are not alone.Depression can happen alongside chronic illness, life stress, grief, burnout, hormonal changes, and inflammation.And support matters.Whether through therapy, medical care, lifestyle changes, mindfulness, or trusted conversations, healing starts with acknowledging what’s happening.🔗 Stay Connected with Michele Westonmicheleweston.substack.com

Send us Fan MailIf you’ve ever asked yourself that question—even quietly—you are not alone.In this solo episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston explores what ADHD really looks like in adults and why so many people go undiagnosed for years.ADHD is often associated with children.But that’s a misconception.“It is a misconception that ADHD doesn’t affect adults.”Michele shares her personal experience living with ADHD and walks through how it can show up differently in adulthood—especially when layered with chronic or neurological conditions like MS.This isn’t about labeling yourself.It’s about understanding your patterns.Because when you understand what’s going on, you can begin to work with your brain instead of against it.💡 Inside this episode, you’ll learn:Why ADHD doesn’t disappear in adulthood—it evolvesWhat “time blindness” is and how it impacts your daily lifeWhy you may procrastinate or struggle to get startedHow executive functioning affects planning, focus, and follow-throughThe difference between distraction and hyperfocus—and why both existHow emotional sensitivity and rejection show up in adultsWhy ADHD is often mistaken for laziness or lack of motivationHow it can impact work, finances, and relationshipsWhy proper diagnosis matters—and what ADHD can be confused with🧠 What’s really happeningADHD is not about willpower.It’s about how your brain processes time, attention, and behavior.“Executive functioning is the ability to plan, remember instructions, and carry out tasks to completion.”When that system is challenged, it can feel like you’re constantly behind, overwhelmed, or second-guessing yourself.⚠️ Important reminderThis episode is about awareness—not self-diagnosis.Many ADHD symptoms overlap with:AnxietyDepressionBurnoutOther neurological or developmental conditionsThat’s why it’s important to talk to a qualified professional if this resonates with you.🛠️ Practical ways to support yourselfMichele shares simple, realistic strategies you can start using:Use reminders, alarms, and digital tools to stay on trackBuild structure into your day to reduce overwhelmPractice mindfulness and self-awarenessWork with a coach, therapist, or ADHD specialistSupport your brain with sleep, movement, and nutritionHer message is clear:You are not lazy. You are not broken.You just need the right tools.🔗 Stay Connected with Michele Westonmicheleweston.substack.com

Send us Fan MailWhat does life really look like when you’re living with a chronic autoimmune condition in your 50s?In this deeply personal solo episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston opens up about her own journey living with multiple sclerosis for over 25 years—and what it actually means to navigate aging, identity, relationships, and health in midlife.This isn’t a clinical explanation.It’s real life.Michele breaks down what autoimmune diseases are, how they impact the body, and why women are disproportionately affected—while also sharing the emotional and social realities that often go unspoken.“Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells.”But this episode goes far beyond definitions.Michele talks about:The emotional impact of receiving a diagnosis and asking “why me?”How identity shifts over time, especially from your 30s into your 50sThe reality of managing symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and inflammationWhy autoimmune conditions are not a “death sentence,” but require lifestyle changesThe role of environmental triggers, stress, and hormonesWhat happens when support systems change over timeThe loneliness and isolation that can come with invisible illnessHow relationships, dating, and life plans may shift unexpectedlyWhy self-care, advocacy, and building the right medical team mattersThe importance of adapting your lifestyle instead of resisting itMichele also shares her own story—working intense 60+ hour weeks before her diagnosis, navigating uncertainty, and ultimately redefining her life, career, and priorities.“Who am I now? What does my life look like at 50, 60, 70?”This episode is about facing those questions honestly.It’s about recognizing that living with a chronic condition means adapting—not giving up.From navigating menopause and increased symptoms to managing flare-ups and redefining what’s possible, Michele offers both education and reassurance.You are not alone.And you are not your diagnosis.

Send us Fan MailWhat if imposter syndrome has nothing to do with confidence?In this powerful episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston sits down with licensed psychotherapist, certified hypnotherapist, and coach Shelley Martinez to unpack what’s really happening beneath the surface of imposter syndrome—especially for high-achieving women in midlife and those living with chronic or invisible conditions.This is not a surface-level conversation about “just believe in yourself.”Shelley brings nearly 30 years of experience to explain why imposter syndrome is rooted in identity, subconscious patterns, and nervous system conditioning—not a lack of capability.“It’s that sense of feeling like a fraud… and waiting for someone to find out you’re not as capable as they think.”Together, Michele and Shelley explore how brilliant, accomplished women can appear confident on the outside while internally struggling with self-doubt, overthinking, and the fear of being “found out.”Inside this episode, you’ll learn:Why imposter syndrome is not actually a confidence issueThe connection between high-functioning anxiety and self-doubtHow invisible illness can intensify identity strugglesWhy women discount their success and attribute it to luckHow early experiences shape lifelong patterns of self-perceptionThe role of the nervous system in keeping you in survival modeWhy perfectionism and “superwoman” expectations keep women stuckThe difference between coaching and therapy in addressing these patternsWhy group support can accelerate healing and awarenessA powerful 3-step framework: Reframe, Regulate, RewireShelley explains that imposter syndrome becomes a learned habit—a default mental pattern that keeps your brain scanning for mistakes and reinforcing self-doubt.“Whatever you do the most becomes your default. Imposter syndrome is a habit—and any habit can be changed.”Michele also shares her own experience navigating imposter syndrome in her career and how she consciously shifted her mindset to step into her expertise and own her success.This episode is a reminder that you are not broken.You’ve been conditioned.And you have the power to change that.🔗 Connect with Shelley Martinezhttps://www.shelleymartinez.com/Shelley Martinez is a licensed psychotherapist, certified hypnotherapist, and coach with nearly 30 years of experience. She combines neuroscience, subconscious tools, and practical techniques to help women create lasting change at the root, not just manage symptoms on the surface.Her work focuses on helping high-achieving midlife women, both corporate professionals and entrepreneurs, move from secretly feeling like a fraud to trusting their decisions, owning their voice, and showing up with confidence that feels real, not performed.

Send us Fan MailYou don’t need more health information. You need a way to actually follow through.In this episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston sits down with midlife consistency consultant Cara-Michele Nether to talk about the real reason so many women struggle with their health goals—and it’s not lack of knowledge.It’s consistency.Cara-Michele shares how busy, high-performing women often already know what to do when it comes to their health. The challenge is making those habits stick in real life, especially while balancing careers, family, and everything else life demands.This conversation dives into how to stop starting over, build sustainable self-care routines, and use consistency as a source of energy instead of pressure.Inside this episode, you’ll learn:Why motivation isn’t enough to sustain healthy habitsThe real reason women struggle with consistency in midlifeHow to make self-care work in a full, demanding scheduleSimple ways to follow through without overwhelmHow to turn self-care into an energy source instead of another taskWhy small, repeatable actions matter more than big changesHow to stop the cycle of starting and stoppingIf you’ve ever said, “I know what to do, I just don’t do it,” this episode is for you.🔗 Connect with Cara-Michele Netherhttps://strengthvitalitywellness.com/Cara-Michele Nether is a midlife consistency consultant, owner of Strength and Vitality Wellness, and founder of the Strength and Vitality Accelerator. For over 20 years, she has worked with midlife women who don’t need more information about health—they need a way to consistently follow through.She helps busy professional women turn self-care into a sustainable part of their lives so they can feel clear, capable, and confident. Cara-Michele is also the author of Fuel Your Engines and a sought-after podcast guest and speaker on midlife health and wellness.🔗 Stay Connected with Michele Westonmicheleweston.substack.com

Send us Fan MailWhat if improving your health didn’t require doing everything at once… but simply starting with one thing?In this episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston sits down with health and wellness coach Tess Cheng to explore how sustainable lifestyle changes can help you build energy, reduce stress, and feel better, especially when living with a chronic condition.This conversation goes beyond nutrition and dives into what holistic health really means. It’s not about dieting or perfection. It’s about understanding how sleep, stress, movement, and connection all work together to support your well-being.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to “fix” your health, this episode will help you simplify your approach and focus on what actually works in real life.Inside this episode, you’ll learn:Why nutrition alone isn’t enough for long-term healthThe difference between dieting and creating a sustainable food planHow to build habits that fit your schedule and lifestyleWhy doing one thing at a time leads to better resultsSimple ways to incorporate movement into your daily routineHow breathwork can reduce stress and improve focusThe role of mindset in creating lasting health changesWhy personalized wellness matters more than one-size-fits-all solutionsBeing certified holistic health and wellness coaches, Michele and Tess also share real-life strategies for managing busy schedules, reducing overwhelm, and creating habits that feel good instead of forced.“It’s not just one thing… sleep, stress, movement, and connection all work together.”This episode is your reminder that your health journey doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to be intentional.🔗 Connect with Tess Chenghttps://glowithtess.com/Tess Cheng is a certified health and wellness coach with over 13 years of experience helping ambitious women build sustainable energy, focus, and resilience. With a Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from NYU, she supports entrepreneurs and high-performing professionals in creating simple habits that prevent burnout and fit real life.She is also a contributing author to Confident You: The Raw Conversations, where her chapter focuses on sustainable habits for energy, focus, and health.🔗 Stay Connected with Michele Westonmicheleweston.substack.comInstagram @beyondmydiagnosis.podcast Threads @micheleadvocates4health

Send us Fan MailWhat does it really mean to live well after 50, especially with a chronic illness?In this heartfelt solo episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston reflects on aging, movement, nourishment, and finding joy in the journey, even when living with a condition like Multiple Sclerosis.This is an honest and empowering conversation about what it means to listen to your body, adapt to change, and embrace the life you have today.Michele shares her personal experiences with weight loss, MS, aging, and learning to take ownership of her health. She reminds us that while our bodies change, our ability to grow, move, and find joy does not disappear.As she shares, “healthy aging isn’t about slowing down to stop. It’s about choosing where your energy goes, nourishing your body, and moving because it feels good.”This episode is for any woman navigating midlife, chronic illness, or simply looking to reconnect with her body in a more compassionate and intentional way.What You’ll Learn in This Episode• Why movement becomes more important as we age • How to shift your mindset around aging and chronic illness • The importance of listening to your body and honoring change • How to create a new “recipe” for health and prevention • Why slowing down and eating mindfully matters • The role of gratitude in long-term wellness • How to stay strong, mobile, and independent as you age • Why joy, connection, and intention are essential for healthy living

Send us Fan MailWhat’s really causing inflammation, weight struggles, and chronic health issues?In this powerful episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston sits down with registered dietitian Nancy Lum, RD, LDN to unpack the truth about nutrition, processed foods, and the emotional patterns that shape how we eat.This conversation goes far beyond traditional diet advice. Nancy shares what she sees every day in her clinical work, helping patients navigate bariatric surgery, digestive issues, and long-standing eating habits that are difficult to break.Together, we explore how inflammation develops, why highly processed foods are at the root of so many chronic conditions, and how small, intentional changes can completely shift your health and energy.Nancy also explains the importance of understanding your body, slowing down while eating, and creating a balanced approach to food that is sustainable long-term.If you’ve ever struggled with emotional eating, weight management, or knowing what to eat for your health, this episode will give you clarity and practical tools you can start using immediately.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• The real difference between dietitians and nutritionists• How processed foods contribute to inflammation and chronic disease• Why emotional eating and habits are so hard to break• What bariatric patients need to know before and after surgery• How portion sizes and eating speed impact digestion and weight• Why the gut is considered the “second brain”• How to identify real food vs highly processed food• The correct order to eat foods for better digestion and satiety• Why slowing down while eating is critical for your healthAbout the GuestNancy Lum, RD, LDN is a licensed, registered dietitian specializing in GI health, bariatric nutrition, and weight loss. She is the founder of the GI & Bariatric Nutrition Center and has over 19 years of experience helping patients improve their health through sustainable nutrition strategies.Nancy has led bariatric nutrition programs at major hospitals and works with patients managing digestive disorders, emotional eating, and long-term weight challenges. She integrates clinical nutrition with behavioral strategies to help clients create lasting change.Learn More About the GI & Bariatric Nutrition Centerhttps://nutrition5.com/

Send us Fan MailWhat does it really look like to live well with Multiple Sclerosis?In this powerful and informative episode, we sit down with Dr. Deneb Bates, ND and Yadira LaMazza, MSW from the International Multiple Sclerosis Management Practice (IMSMP) to explore a holistic, compassionate, and community-driven approach to MS care.Dr. Bates shares how naturopathic medicine, nutrition, and botanical therapies can support people living with MS, emphasizing the concept of food as medicine and empowering patients to take an active role in their health.Yadira brings a deeply human perspective, sharing the impact of support groups and counseling in helping individuals navigate the emotional and social aspects of living with MS. From newly diagnosed patients to long-standing communities, her work highlights the importance of connection, identity, and belonging.Together, this conversation bridges science, support, and strategy to help individuals living with MS feel more informed, empowered, and supported.If you or someone you love is navigating Multiple Sclerosis, this episode offers both practical insight and hope.Learn more about IMSMP:https://imsmp.org/Meet the IMSMP Team:https://imsmp.org/our-team What You’ll Learn in This Episode:• What a holistic approach to Multiple Sclerosis care looks like• How nutrition and botanical medicine support MS wellness• The role of naturopathic medicine in chronic illness• Why emotional support and community are critical for MS patients• How support groups help people feel seen, heard, and understood• The importance of identity, connection, and mental health when living with MS• Practical ways to feel more empowered in your health journeyAbout the GuestsDr. Deneb Bates, NDDr. Bates is a Naturopathic Doctor at IMSMP specializing in holistic care for individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis. With a background in biochemistry, ethnobotany, and culinary medicine, she integrates nutrition, botanical medicine, and lifestyle strategies to support wellness. She is passionate about helping patients take an active role in their health through a comprehensive, whole-person approach.Yadira LaMazza, BA, MSWYadira is a clinical social worker who has been supporting the MS community for decades. She founded the Center’s first women’s MS support group in 2006, which continues to thrive today. She also leads groups for newly diagnosed individuals and gay men, providing compassionate guidance and support for navigating life with MS.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston sits down with sisters Amy and Nancy Harrington, co-founders of The Passionistas Project, to explore the powerful role that women’s circles and community play in healing, empowerment, and personal growth.Amy and Nancy left successful careers in Hollywood to create a platform dedicated to supporting women who often feel unseen or unheard. Their work centers around the belief that no woman should have to navigate life’s challenges alone.Through their podcast, global community, women’s summit, and bestselling anthology Awakening Your Power, they have created a movement that amplifies the voices of women from all walks of life, including women from marginalized communities and women living with chronic illness or disability.In this conversation, Michele, Amy, and Nancy explore the importance of community, storytelling, and the strength that comes from women supporting one another.They discuss why women’s circles can be transformative, especially when navigating life transitions, caregiving responsibilities, health challenges, and moments of uncertainty, and how community can become a powerful catalyst for change, resilience, and healing.This sense of connection is especially important for people navigating chronic illness or caregiving roles.Many health conditions are invisible, meaning others may not realize what someone is experiencing.In supportive communities, those stories can finally be heard and understood.Amy and Nancy emphasize that community is not just about receiving support. It is also about giving it.When someone asks for help, they are creating an opportunity for connection. They are allowing others to contribute their knowledge, experience, and compassion.Over time, these exchanges build trust and strengthen relationships.WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE• Why women’s circles and support networks are critical for emotional health• The role community plays in navigating chronic illness and life challenges• Why storytelling helps women reclaim their power and identity• How asking for help can strengthen relationships and trust• The importance of amplifying voices that have historically been overlooked• How women from marginalized communities benefit from supportive spaces• Why sisterhood can transform personal and professional growthABOUT THE GUESTSAmy and Nancy Harrington are sisters, entrepreneurs, and the co-founders of The Passionistas Project Sisterhood, a global community for passion-driven women.Before launching The Passionistas Project, Amy and Nancy built successful careers in Hollywood. Amy worked on major film franchises including Harry Potter and The Matrix, while Nancy led Academy Award campaigns for major studios.Today they dedicate their work to empowering women, especially those from marginalized communities, to find their voices and build meaningful connections.Through their podcast, annual Power of Passionistas Women’s Summit, writing mentorship program, global online sisterhood, and bestselling anthology Awakening Your Power, they provide platforms for women to share their stories and inspire change.Their mission is simple but powerful: create spaces where women feel seen, heard, and supported.LINKS AND RESOURCESWebsitehttps://www.thepassionistasproject.com/Passionistas Project Sisterhoodhttps://thepassionistasproject.circle.soFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/ThePassionistasProjectLinkedIn

Send us Fan MailThis week on Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele welcomes Greg Whitt, teaching artist, team builder, wellness facilitator, and founder of Drum for Change.If last week’s episode with Annelies Gentile explored leading change from the inside out, this week expands that conversation into rhythm, culture, music, and embodied leadership.Greg, Annelies’ husband and creative partner in life, brings a complementary lens to resilience. Where Annelies explores awareness and internal calm, Greg explores connection, rhythm, and community as tools for thriving.Greg facilitates workshops and retreats that connect people to one another and to the world around them. His work centers on ontological design, the idea that the culture we create shapes who we become.In this rich conversation, we explore:• Music as metaphor for leadership and life• Rhythm as regulation for the nervous system• Wellness drumming in healthcare settings• Building culture intentionally• Experiential education and embodied learning• Positive psychology and folk wisdom• Service as leadership• The power of story and shared rhythm• Community as protective factor in uncertain timesGreg’s diverse background includes eight years of service in the US Air Force, ten years in higher education, and decades of global study in folkloric music traditions from Cuba to Belize. He has led interactive rhythm experiences since 2002 and founded the Raleigh Drum Circle community group. His company, Drum for Change, has been full-time since 2009.Through music, storytelling, and experiential facilitation, Greg reminds us that leadership is not about volume. It is about harmony.And in times of change, rhythm helps regulate what chaos disrupts.ABOUT THE GUESTGreg Whitt is a Teaching Artist, Team Builder, and Wellness Facilitator who designs workshops and retreats that foster connection and community.He studied holistic lifestyle practices in graduate school with a focus on wisdom traditions for modern society. His work fuses positive psychology, applied philosophy, folk wisdom, and experiential music-based education.Greg served eight years as a non-commissioned officer in the US Air Force, worked ten years in higher education at NC State University, and has been leading facilitated rhythm experiences since 2002. He founded Raleigh Drum Circle and launched Drum for Change as a full-time business in 2009.Greg has studied folkloric music in Cuba and Garifuna drumming in Belize. He has received multiple professional development grants and has brought wellness drumming into healthcare environments.He serves on advisory and arts boards including the Drum Circle Facilitators Guild and the City of Raleigh Arts Commission.Greg believes culture creates us. Through rhythm and shared experience, he helps groups rediscover harmony, cooperation, and joy.Learn more at:https://www.drumforchange.com

Send us Fan MailReturning guest Annelies M. Gentile, MA, PCC joins Michele for a powerful follow-up conversation about leadership, burnout, grief, and cultivating calm in a world that feels anything but calm.In her previous appearance, Annelies introduced us to the idea that change is not just external. It is internal. She spoke about resilience, awareness, and tending the emotional landscape of uncertainty.In this episode, we go deeper.This conversation explores:• The hidden grief that accompanies change• Burnout as a signal, not a failure• Managing energy instead of managing time• Creative affluence and nurturing ideas• Leading from awareness rather than reaction• The role of mindfulness and creative process in leadership• Cultivating courage and grace in uncertain seasons• Why internal leadership shapes external outcomesAnnelies reminds us that resilience is not about pushing through. It is about sense, solace, and sanity in rapidly changing times.If you are navigating professional transition, personal loss, organizational change, or simply feeling stretched thin, this episode offers grounded wisdom and practical reflection.Because thriving begins on the inside.Connect with AnneliesWebsite: https://conduitforchange.comBook: https://conduitforchange.com/the-bookFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/conduitforchangeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/conduitforchangeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conduit-for-change-llc?trk=public_profile_topcard-current-company

Send us Fan MailWhat if chronic illness is not just something to manage, but something to better understand?In this episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele welcomes back Cindi Acree, RN, a lifelong nurse, educator, and integrative health advocate. With decades of experience in neonatal medicine and advanced nursing practice, Cindi has seen firsthand how Western medicine excels at acute care. But she also recognized its limitations when it comes to prevention, root cause healing, and long term vitality.After retiring from clinical practice, Cindi expanded her education into Applied Positive Psychology, Integrative and Functional Medicine, Yoga, and Ayurveda, the 5,000 year old sister science to yoga. She now blends biomedical knowledge with complementary and functional approaches to support sustainable health.This episode is a powerful reminder that doctors do medicine, but patients take care of patients.In this conversation, you will hear about:• The difference between biomedicine and integrative medicine • Ayurveda and the three doshas, vata, pitta, and kapha • Agni, the digestive fire, and why food combinations matter • Ama, toxins in food, water, air, and daily products • Ojas, vitality and resilience • Functional medicine pillars, sleep, hydration, stress, and movement • Why elimination diets can uncover hidden triggers • The dangers of unregulated supplements • Vitamin B12 excess and unintended consequences • The microbiome and antibiotic recovery • Forest bathing, grounding, and restorative movement • Appreciative inquiry and positive reframing • The power of coaching and asking better questionsCindi shares practical examples of root cause investigation, including cases where symptoms that looked like autoimmune disease were actually nutritional deficiencies or supplement overload.This episode is not about rejecting medicine. It is about expanding the lens. It is about asking better questions. It is about understanding your role in your own healing journey.Because it is your body.

Send us Fan MailBariatric surgery is a transformative experience, but it’s essential to understand that it’s just one part of the journey. In this week’s episode of *Beyond My Diagnosis*, I engage in a powerful conversation with Dawn O’Meally and Nancy Lum, the visionary creators of the Bariatric Life Empowerment Program. We explore what truly nurtures long-term success before and after bariatric surgery. The honesty and grounded perspective Dawn and Nancy bring to this discussion are truly refreshing. With over two decades of experience, they have been unwavering advocates for bariatric patients, guiding them through the intricate emotional, psychological, behavioral, and nutritional dimensions of weight loss. They see the profound impact when surgery is viewed as a tool, not a cure. In this episode, we discuss:• Why bariatric surgery is only a tool, not a cure• The psychological and emotional factors that drive eating behaviors• How cognitive behavioral therapy supports long-term success• Why food decisions are always preceded by thoughts• The connection between stress, serotonin, dopamine, and eating• Why nutrition education alone is not enough• The importance of self-awareness and mindfulness around food• How trauma and self-esteem impact weight and body image• Why community and group support change outcomes• Creating food plans and physical activity that are livable for lifeTogether, we confront the reality of obesity as a chronic, multifaceted condition and challenge the misconceptions surrounding shame, willpower, and restrictive diets—they simply do not lead to sustainable change. Dawn illustrates how our thoughts and emotions shape our eating habits, underscoring that awareness is the vital first step to healing. Nancy highlights that nutrition education alone often falls short and that realistic, flexible food plans are crucial for lifelong success. We also delve into the important roles of trauma, self-esteem, and identity, emphasizing how community support and continuous engagement can significantly elevate outcomes. This journey isn’t about perfection; it’s about embracing life with compassion and intention long after surgery. If you’re considering bariatric surgery, have already taken that step, or are supporting someone on this path, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and hope.  🎧 Listen to the full conversation here: [on Apple Podcast Platform   https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1845586791 OR On the Spotify.com  https://open.spotify.com/episode/0v22c1PeOmXH7T2iwLRfmu?si=es4CCBmUS6CJtJ_nzGLUxw ] To learn more about the Bariatric Life Empowerment Program, visit: https://mbsweightloss.com/bariatric-life-empowerment/ ABOUT THE GUESTSThe Bariatric Life Empowerment Program was created by Dawn O’Meally, LCSW-C, and Nancy Lum, RDN, two clinicians who have worked side by side for over 21 years supporting bariatric patients before and after surgery.Dawn O’Meally is a licensed clinical social worker and the founder and clinical director of The Counseling Center for Change. Her work focuses on the psychological, emotional, and behavioral components of obesity, including habit formation, self-esteem, trauma, and mindset. She conducts hundreds of bariatric psychological evaluations each year and specializes in helping patients build the awareness and skills needed for long-term success.Nancy Lum is a registered dietitian and the founder and clinical director of The GI and Bariatric Nutrition Center. She brings extensive expertise in bariatric nutrition and long-term weight loss support. Nancy emphasizes realistic, sustainable food plans and physical activity approaches that patients can live with for life, rather than rigid or restrictive diets.T

Send us Fan MailMovement, balance, and stability are not just about strength. They are about how the brain receives and processes sensory information.In this episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele sits down with Dr. Emily Splichal, functional podiatrist, human movement specialist, and founder of Naboso, to explore how sensory stimulation from the feet plays a critical role in balance, posture, walking speed, and long term mobility.Dr. Emily shares how her background in conventional podiatric medicine combined with movement science and sensory research led her to challenge traditional approaches to foot health. The conversation explores how improving sensory input can support people living with neurological conditions, chronic illness, and mobility challenges, as well as athletes and anyone focused on aging well.In this episode, we discuss:• What functional podiatry is and how it differs from traditional models• Why the feet are deeply connected to the nervous system• How sensory stimulation supports balance and postural control• The relationship between walking speed, step length, and longevity• Why single leg stability matters for everyday function• How textured sensory tools can support neuro rehabilitation• The role of curiosity and education in managing chronic conditions• How Michele uses sensory feedback tools to support movement with MSThis episode offers a hopeful and practical look at how small sensory inputs can create meaningful changes in how we move, feel, and engage with the world, beyond any diagnosis.Links mentioned in the episode:https://naboso.commicheleweston.substack.comABOUT THE GUESTDr. Emily Splichal is a functional podiatrist and human movement specialist known for her innovative work in barefoot science, sensory stimulation, and rehabilitation. She is the founder of Naboso, a company rooted in the belief that sensory input is essential to how the brain and body function together.With a conventional Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree and years of experience in human movement and sensory science, Dr. Emily has built a unique approach that challenges conformity in traditional foot health and rehabilitation models.Since 2012, she has traveled internationally sharing her work on foot function, sensory integration, and barefoot training. Dr. Emily has taught in more than 35 countries and educated over 25,000 professionals, making her a globally recognized leader in movement education and sensory based rehabilitation.Her work emphasizes how sensory stimulation influences posture, balance, cognition, and quality of life across the lifespan.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele welcomes back Simone Giangiordano, Compassion Based Business and Lifestyle Coach and Certified Compassion Cultivation Training instructor, for a deeper conversation on living well with chronic and invisible illness.When Simone first joined the show, she and Michele explored curiosity, acceptance, and learning to work with the body instead of fighting it. That conversation centered on how invisible illness reshapes identity, work, and self trust.This episode builds on that foundation and goes further.Together, Michele and Simone explore self compassion as a daily practice rather than a mindset slogan. They discuss how compassion influences decision making, boundaries, work, relationships, and quality of life when living with chronic illness. The conversation focuses on honoring limitations without being defined by them and letting go of outcomes in order to create space for resilience, creativity, and meaning.In this episode, we discuss:• Why self compassion is essential for invisible illness• How curiosity replaces self criticism• Letting go of outcomes to improve quality of life• Navigating work and career transitions with chronic illness• Asking for help without losing independence• The difference between compassion and pity• Building supportive healthcare partnerships• Reframing limitations into possibility• Why illness does not define worth or potentialThis episode offers grounded insight and lived wisdom for anyone navigating chronic illness, invisible conditions, or major life transitions.Simone Giangiordano is a Compassion Based Business and Lifestyle Coach who works with individuals navigating health challenges to build meaningful lives and businesses that support their wellbeing.She is the creator of the BalanceUP® Community and her signature program The Power of I Can’t®, which helps people find creative solutions around health limitations so they can transform their lives, work, and sense of possibility.Simone transitioned from a nearly two decade corporate career into entrepreneurship as a direct result of her own health challenges. With more than 18 years of entrepreneurial experience, she brings both professional expertise and lived experience to her work.She is a Certified Compassion Cultivation Training instructor through The Compassion Institute, with training rooted in neuroscience, psychology, contemplative practice, and clinical medicine. Her work emphasizes self awareness, values alignment, and compassionate decision making as tools for long term wellbeing.About Simone:Simone Giangiordano is a CCT Certified Instructor, chronic illness advocate, and the founder of the BalanceUP® Community. She teaches individuals how to build meaningful, sustainable lives and businesses that honor their health. Her signature program, The Power of I Can’t®, empowers people to find creative pathways around health limitations so they can flourish.Simone’s Links:🌐 Website: https://www.simoneg.net📄 Full Bio: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ck56wNRTAbFgjzVWdaLzzaVXDJ4OMMwj/view

Send us Fan MailIn this returning episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele welcomes back Carolee Horner, functional nutritionist and health coach who specializes in working with people living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners.When Carolee first joined the show, the conversation focused on Parkinson’s as a whole body condition, the importance of gut and brain health, and why caregivers and care partners are essential to quality of life. This episode builds on that foundation and goes deeper into what it truly means to live well with Parkinson’s over the long term.Having been peers and graduates in the Health, Wellness and Wellbeing Coaching Program from the School of Integrative Health|Notre Dame University of Maryland  (NDMU/SOIH formerly MUIH) Michele and Carolee have a conversation to explore how Parkinson’s is not a single disease with a single solution, but a highly individual condition that requires curiosity, experimentation, and ongoing self advocacy. They discuss why medication alone is not enough, how environmental toxins play a role, and why lifestyle choices can dramatically influence progression and symptom burden.In this episode, we discuss:• Why Parkinson’s presents differently in every person• The role of environmental toxins and gut health• Why exercise is the most effective treatment for Parkinson’s• How movement supports brain and body connection• Why caregivers are better described as care partners• How nutrition impacts fatigue, anxiety, constipation, and brain fog• The importance of stress reduction and sleep in neurological health• Why small changes lead to meaningful progress• How coaching helps people implement changes that stick• Why a diagnosis is not a death sentence, but a wake up callThis conversation is practical, hopeful, and deeply empowering for anyone living with Parkinson’s, supporting someone who is, or navigating any chronic neurological condition.About Carolee:Carolee Horner is a functional nutritionist and board-certified health and wellness coach who works with people living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners. She focuses on gut and brain health strategies that support the whole family and help slow symptom progression using integrative, realistic approaches.Carolee’s Links: 🌐 http://www.nutritionforpd.com📘 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095318119061

Send us Fan MailIn this returning episode of Beyond the Diagnosis, Michele welcomes back Loretta Donovan, leadership coach and healthcare strategist, for a deeper conversation on physical therapy as a powerful and often underutilized tool for chronic wellness.In her previous appearance, Loretta and Michele explored the role mindset, personal responsibility, and proactive engagement play in shaping health outcomes. That conversation centered on the idea that while doctors treat disease, patients must actively participate in their own well-being. This episode builds directly on that foundation.Together, they focus on physical therapy not just as a short term solution after injury or surgery, but as a long term strategy for maintaining strength, mobility, independence, and quality of life, especially for people living with chronic conditions.In this conversation, Michele and Loretta discuss:Why physical therapy is valuable even without a recent injuryHow aging naturally changes muscle tone, balance, and mobilityThe role of physical therapy in managing chronic illnessHow surgery, accidents, and long term conditions affect the body over timeWhy home based exercises are just as important as clinical sessionsThe emotional and mental health benefits of staying physically activeHow physical therapy supports independence, dignity, and daily functionWhy patients must take an active role in their care to improve outcomesThis episode offers practical insight, relatable examples, and empowering reminders that movement, strength, and intentional self care are essential at every stage of life. Whether you are navigating chronic illness, recovering from surgery, or simply aging, this conversation reframes physical therapy as a foundational wellness practice rather than a last resort.About Loretta: Loretta Donovan is the President of iAttain and a Professional Fellow with the Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School. She is a former Chief Learning Officer in healthcare and an educator who has guided leaders and clinicians for more than a decade. As a patient, mother, caregiver, and lifelong learner, Loretta brings deep empathy and perspective to conversations about healing, mindset, and resilience.Loretta’s Links: 🌐 iAttain: https://about.me/iAttain 🌐 Appreciative Inquiry Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/48345/ 🌐 ReInvive Coaching & Leadership: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13322073/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, I’m joined by Emily Terrani, Director of Membership and Community Engagement at the Institute of Coaching and founder of Mind Growth Lab, for an honest conversation about living with an invisible chronic condition and building a life that supports well being.Emily shares her experience being diagnosed with scoliosis at a young age and how chronic pain has shaped her approach to wellness, movement, and emotional health. We talk about the realities of managing pain that others cannot see, the emotional toll of long term discomfort, and why listening to your body matters more than following rigid rules.This conversation also explores burnout, resilience, and how coaching tools can help people tolerate discomfort, make intentional choices, and care for their future selves.In this episode, you will learn:• What it is like to live with scoliosis and chronic pain from childhood• Why invisible conditions are often misunderstood• How stress and emotions can amplify physical pain• Why consistency matters more than perfection in self care• How small, sustainable habits support long term wellness• The connection between mental health, physical pain, and burnout• How coaching helps people tolerate discomfort and make change• Why honoring your body is not the same as giving upAbout Emily:Emily Terrani is a coaching leader, researcher, and founder of Mind Growth Lab. Her work focuses on burnout, resilience, and helping people build well being across mental, emotional, and physical domains. She brings both professional expertise and lived experience to conversations about chronic conditions and quality of life.Emily’s Links:https://www.mind-growth-lab.com/https://www.facebook.com/people/Mind-Growth-Lab/100095793840827/https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-terrani-b8334034/https://www.instagram.com/mind_growth_lab/reel/DDujneipUQQ/https://www.tiktok.com/@mind_growth_labhttps://www.youtube.com/@Mind_Growth_Lab

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, I sit down with Dr. Frank Lalezar, a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in post-bariatric reconstructive surgery for people who have lost a significant amount of weight.We talk openly about what happens after the scale stops moving, when excess skin, discomfort, rashes, and mobility issues remain despite incredible health improvements. Dr. Lalezar explains why reconstructive surgery is not about vanity, but about quality of life, function, confidence, and completing the journey people begin when they commit to bariatric surgery.Drawing from my own experience losing 140 pounds, we discuss the emotional side of letting go of the body you once had, the importance of trust between patient and surgeon, and why this phase of care deserves just as much thought and intention as weight loss itself.In this episode, you will learn:• Why post-bariatric reconstruction is considered reconstructive, not cosmetic• What a panniculectomy is and why it is often the first procedure patients choose• How excess skin contributes to pain, rashes, infections, and mobility issues• Why proportion and balance matter more than size• The difference between lifts, reductions, and body contouring procedures• How muscle repair and core strengthening factor into surgical outcomes• Why compression garments are essential for healing and pain reduction• How lifestyle habits affect long-term surgical results• Why insurance may cover post-bariatric reconstructive surgery• How to choose a surgeon you trust for such an intimate processAbout Dr. Lalezar:Dr. Frank Lalezar is a board-certified plastic surgeon in New York City who focuses on post-bariatric body contouring and breast reduction surgery, including procedures performed through insurance. His work helps patients complete their transformation after massive weight loss by restoring comfort, function, and confidence.Learn more about Dr. Lalezar:http://www.drlalezar.comhttps://www.nybreastreduction.comInstagram: @drfranklalezarInstagram: @NYBreastReduction

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, I sit down with Catherine Chadwick, registered nurse, transformational life coach, and creator of The Art of Self Craftsmanship, for a deeply thoughtful conversation about responsibility, language, emotional intelligence, and what it truly means to live well with a chronic condition.Catherine and I explore the idea that doctors treat medicine, but you are responsible for your life. We talk about how language shapes identity, why emotional awareness matters, and how curiosity can replace judgment when navigating health challenges.This episode is an invitation to become a collaborative partner in your care, rather than handing your power away.In this episode, you will learn:• Why your life is your responsibility, even when managing illness• How language impacts self-confidence and healing• The difference between problems and challenges• Why emotional intelligence matters in healthcare and leadership• How curiosity helps interrupt negative thought loops• What presence really means in daily life• Why neuroplasticity gives hope at any age• How to reframe limitations without denying realityAbout Catherine:Catherine Chadwick, BSN, RN, CLNC, NYCAPP, CLMC is a registered nurse, life mastery consultant, and applied positive psychology practitioner. She teaches people how to become more self-aware, emotionally intelligent, and empowered through predictable, repeatable systems for success and well-being.Learn more about Catherine’s work here:https://theartofselfcraftsmanship.org/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, I welcome back Carolee Horner, functional nutritionist and health coach, to talk about Parkinson’s disease, gut health, inflammation, and how small, realistic nutrition changes can dramatically improve quality of life for both patients and caregivers.Carolee shares why Parkinson’s found her, not the other way around, and how working with the Parkinson’s community shifted her perspective on neurological conditions, nutrition, and healing. We explore the powerful connection between the gut and the brain, why constipation is often an early symptom of Parkinson’s, and how food can either support or challenge the nervous system.This conversation is practical, compassionate, and empowering, especially for anyone feeling overwhelmed by a diagnosis or unsure where to begin.In this episode, you will learn: • Why nutrition plays a critical role in Parkinson’s disease management • How gut health and brain health are deeply connected • What inflammation and oxidative stress mean for neurological conditions • Why constipation is one of the most overlooked Parkinson’s symptoms • How processed foods impact the nervous system • The truth about protein, levodopa, and common nutrition myths • Why small, sustainable changes work better than strict diets • How caregivers and families can eat together without isolationAbout Carolee: Carolee Horner is a functional nutritionist and board-certified health and wellness coach who works with people living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners. She focuses on gut and brain health strategies that support the whole family and help slow symptom progression using integrative, realistic approaches.Carolee’s Links: 🌐 http://www.nutritionforpd.com 📘 https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095318119061

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, I sit down with Susan York, a seasoned healthcare and automotive consultant whose decades of experience inform her life’s newest chapter: supporting women leaders in discovering their voice, clarifying their vision, and translating intention into action.Susan shares her journey through leadership, caregiving, reinvention, and the emotional and spiritual work of choosing a future aligned with personal truth. We explore the role of intuition, healing, resilience, and what it means to pivot later in life with courage and clarity.Our conversation is thoughtful, tender, and rich with insight about the inner work required when healing intersects with personal growth.In this episode, you will learn: • How Susan shifted from decades of consulting to guiding women toward their personal vision • Why alignment matters more than achievement in the next chapter of life • How caregiving and life disruptions reshape identity and intention • What it means to listen to your inner knowing when navigating transition • Why women often silence their desires and how to reclaim them • How quarterly women’s workshops help participants turn intention into real change • The importance of community when rewriting your storyAbout Susan: With more than three decades of consulting across healthcare, dentistry, and automotive leadership, Susan York now focuses on empowering women to move from intention to inspired action. She leads FutureWalk Network, a platform dedicated to vision-based workshops for women seeking clarity and momentum in their personal and professional lives.Susan’s Link: 🔗 http://futurewalknetwork.com

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, I sit down with Anne M. Llewellyn, nurse leader, patient advocate, writer, and creator of Nurse Advocate. Anne brings more than forty years of clinical experience and a deeply personal journey through central nervous system lymphoma, brain tumor treatment, and rehabilitation.We talk about the emotional shock of hearing “you have a brain tumor,” the critical role advocates play when patients cannot think clearly, and the importance of strong communication inside a healthcare system that is often chaotic and overwhelming. Anne generously shares what she learned working as a risk manager, why hospitals can be dangerous without proper oversight, and how patients and families can stay safer by asking questions, documenting care, and understanding care transitions.This conversation is honest, powerful, and grounded in both professional expertise and lived experience.In this episode, you will learn: • How to advocate for yourself or a loved one when facing a serious diagnosis • Why hospitals can be high-risk systems without informed patients and caregivers • What Anne learned as a risk manager reviewing medical errors • How she survived a central nervous system lymphoma diagnosis • Why caregivers are essential when patients cannot comprehend care plans • The importance of community, documentation, and speaking up • What patients need most but rarely receiveAbout Anne: Anne Llewellyn is a registered nurse, case manager, educator, and patient advocate. She is the founder of Nurse Advocate, where she supports patients and caregivers with education, resources, and insights learned from both her clinical and personal experiences. She lives in South Florida and continues to write, speak, and educate about patient safety, advocacy, and healthcare navigation.Anne’s Links: 🌐 Website: https://nursesadvocates.com/ 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nursingadvocates/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, I talk with Simone Giangiordano, Compassion-Based Business and Lifestyle Coach and creator of the BalanceUP® Community. Simone joins me to explore the real, daily experience of living with chronic illness, and why mindfulness, mini-meditations, and self-compassion can change not only how we cope, but how we live.We talk about fatigue, fear, stigma, neuroplasticity, and the emotional layers of managing chronic illness in a world that doesn't slow down. Simone shares how contemplative practice helped her heal, how compassion reduces second-level suffering, and why mindfulness is not about perfection, but presence.In this episode, you will learn: • How mindfulness and mini-meditations help calm the nervous system • Why self-compassion is essential for anyone living with chronic illness • How neuroplasticity allows the brain to rewire emotional patterns • Why mindfulness reduces stress, stigma, and emotional overwhelm • Small, simple ways to bring awareness into daily tasks like walking, dishes, or brushing your teeth • How to use breath, intention, and presence to navigate pain and fatigueAbout Simone: Simone Giangiordano is a CCT Certified Instructor, chronic illness advocate, and the founder of the BalanceUP® Community. She teaches individuals how to build meaningful, sustainable lives and businesses that honor their health. Her signature program, The Power of I Can’t®, empowers people to find creative pathways around health limitations so they can flourish.Simone’s Links: 🌐 Website: https://www.simoneg.net 📄 Full Bio: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ck56wNRTAbFgjzVWdaLzzaVXDJ4OMMwj/view

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, I talk with Loretta Donovan, a coach, educator, and healthcare leader who brings wisdom from both her professional and personal experiences navigating illness. Together, we explore how curiosity can steady us in moments of fear, how language shapes our emotional responses to illness, and why mindset becomes an anchor when life feels unpredictable. Loretta’s insight is grounded, compassionate, and full of lived truth.In this conversation, you will learn: • How curiosity and inquiry-based thinking help us face overwhelming diagnoses • What clinicians and patients both need in order to communicate compassionately • How Loretta navigated breast cancer while supporting a daughter with metastatic disease • Why mindset, language, and reframing change the emotional landscape of illness • How to stay grounded and purposeful even when life feels unpredictableAbout Loretta: Loretta Donovan is the President of iAttain and a Professional Fellow with the Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital, Harvard Medical School. She is a former Chief Learning Officer in healthcare and an educator who has guided leaders and clinicians for more than a decade. As a patient, mother, caregiver, and lifelong learner, Loretta brings deep empathy and perspective to conversations about healing, mindset, and resilience.Loretta’s Links: 🌐 iAttain: https://about.me/iAttain 🌐 Appreciative Inquiry Consulting: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/48345/ 🌐 ReInvive Coaching & Leadership: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13322073/

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, I talk with Lisa Berry Blackstock, Independent Patient Advocate, educator, and founder of Soul Sherpa Healthcare Advocacy Services. Lisa has dedicated her career to helping patients and families make sense of complicated medical systems while maintaining compassion, dignity, and choice.We talk about why patient advocacy is vital in today’s healthcare landscape, how trust and communication can transform outcomes, and what it really means to put patients first. Lisa shares her insights from decades of navigating hospitals, insurance systems, and end-of-life care while teaching others how to speak up and stay informed.You will learn how to: • Recognize when and how to bring a patient advocate into your healthcare journey • Ask the right questions to build confidence with your care team • Navigate the healthcare system with clarity and compassion • Understand end-of-life options and palliative care from a patient-first perspective • Access trusted tools like Lisa’s educational program Patients FirstLisa Berry Blackstock is an Independent Patient Advocate, author, and educator with more than three decades of experience guiding individuals and families through complex healthcare systems. She is the founder and owner of Soul Sherpa Healthcare Advocacy Services, established in 2008, which has grown into an international practice known for its compassion, integrity, and results-driven guidance.Lisa is a certified hospice and palliative care counselor and an author featured in The Caregivers Advocate, Volume 2. She also created Patients First: Navigating Healthcare in America, an online educational program designed to help patients, caregivers, and advocates gain confidence and control in medical environments.Through her company, Soul Sherpa, Lisa provides clarity and comfort to those navigating serious illness, end-of-life care, or medical uncertainty. Her mission is to empower people to be informed, proactive, and supported at every stage of their healthcare journey.🌐 soulsherpasolutions.com 🌐 soulsherpa.com 🔗 LinkedIn: Lisa Berry Blackstock 🎓 Patients First Program

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, I sit down with Joyce Gerber, a lawyer, advocate, and caregiver who has become a leading voice in cannabis education and women’s wellness. and helping to reshape how women talk about health, caregiving, and healing.We discuss what it takes to challenge long-held stigmas, balance self-care with caregiving, and understand the role of curiosity in personal transformation. Joyce shares her journey from the courtroom to advocacy and how her passion for cannabis education grew out of her experiences caring for others and watching how traditional medicine sometimes falls short.You will learn how to: • Reframe caregiving as both compassion and leadership • Explore how cannabis and plant-based wellness can support stress relief and healing • Understand the role of curiosity and education in breaking stigma • Recognize caregiving as advocacy, both for others and for yourself • Balance humor, honesty, and humanity in your own healing journeyJoyce Gerber is a lawyer, advocate, and caregiver who has become a leading voice in cannabis education and women’s wellness. Drawing from her background in law, caregiving, and communication, Joyce helps bridge the gap between stigma and science, policy and people.Through her writing, speaking, and community work, she shines light on how cannabis can play a role in compassionate care, stress management, and holistic healing. Joyce’s humor, heart, and honesty invite people to rethink what health looks like and to see caregiving and self-advocacy as acts of empowerment.

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, I sit down with Jeannie Taylor. We went to undergraduate university together in Kalamazoo, Michigan and now she is here with me having a conversation on 'Beyond my Diagnosis'. Jeannie is an actor, educator and artist living with a rare condition called solar urticaria—a severe allergic reaction to sunlight. Jeannie opens up about her years-long journey to diagnosis, the emotional and physical toll of living in partial darkness, and the creative ways she continues to find joy and meaning.We talk about identity, self-advocacy, and how art became both a refuge and a form of resistance. Jeannie reminds us that healing isn’t always about “fixing” what’s broken—it’s about embracing what still shines.You’ll learn how to: • Understand the emotional weight of invisible illness • Navigate medical systems when answers are hard to find • Build a support network rooted in empathy and shared experience • Reclaim joy and self-expression even in the face of limitations • Transform adversity into art, advocacy, and acceptance

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, I sit down with Lorie Gardner, a nurse, certified patient advocate, and wellness coach whose story embodies resilience and reinvention. After facing a major health crisis that led to a complex Whipple surgery, Lorie turned her recovery into a calling—helping others navigate the healthcare system with strength and purpose. Together, we talk about what it means to take control of your health, why self-advocacy saves lives, and how women can embrace midlife with clarity, confidence, and compassion.You’ll learn how to: • Discover how mindset and self-talk can change the outcome of recovery • Learn why having an advocate beside you can make all the difference • Understand how strength training supports healing after major surgery • Explore how to navigate hospitals and healthcare systems with confidence • Find inspiration to reinvent wellness and purpose in midlifeLorie’s Resources:Patient Advocacy Website: 🔗 https://www.healthlinkadvocates.com → Focused on helping clients navigate complex healthcare systems and become empowered patients.Women’s Wellness & Coaching Platform: 🔗 https://healthlinkadvocates.mykajabi.com → Dedicated to women’s wellness, strength training, and mindset programs for midlife vitality.Podcast: 🎙️ Don’t Let the Old Lady In → A show dedicated to helping women stay vibrant, strong, and connected to their mind-body-spirit health.

Send us Fan MailWhat happens when the healthcare system runs out of answers, In this episode of Beyond the Diagnosis, I sit down with Dr. Sima Kahn, a former OB GYN turned independent patient advocate who helps people unravel complex, often mysterious medical cases. After decades in clinical practice, Dr. Kahn realized that patients were falling through the cracks, not because doctors did not care, but because they did not have the time or systems to look at the full picture. Together we explore how medical advocacy fills the gap between overwhelmed patients and overworked clinicians, the difference between routine and complex cases and how to know when you need help, what it takes to investigate rare and misdiagnosed conditions, and how communication, narrative medicine, and persistence lead to breakthroughs. Dr. Kahn’s story reminds us that curiosity saves lives, and that being heard can be as healing as any prescription.Explore what independent patient advocates do and how they helpUnderstand when to seek advocacy support for complex or confusing casesLearn how persistence and clear communication reveal hidden answersDiscover why narrative medicine and whole person listening matterFind empowerment in asking better questions and documenting your journeyDr. Sima Kahn, MD, is a board certified OB GYN who became an independent patient advocate after more than 25 years in clinical practice. She founded Healthcare Advocacy Partners in Seattle, helping individuals and families navigate complex diagnoses, second opinions, and care coordination. She is a founding member of the National Association of Healthcare Advocacy and is listed in the Greater National Advocates directory.

Send us Fan MailWhat does it really take to cultivate calm in the middle of life’s storms, In this episode of Beyond the Diagnosis, I sit down with Annelies Gentile, an integrative life and leadership coach, artist, and author of From Chaos to Calm, Leading Change from the Inside Out. Together we explore how creativity, awareness, and self compassion can become powerful healing tools for those of us living with chronic conditions. Annelies shares her philosophy of seeing life as an experiment, inviting curiosity instead of judgment, and explains how positive psychology and creative expression help us move from stuck to self aware. We also talk about resilience, labels, and how to get out of our own way when we face illness or uncertainty. This is a conversation about reclaiming agency, rewriting your story, and realizing that calm is not the absence of chaos, it is learning to move with it.Learn how curiosity dissolves fear and invites adaptabilityUnderstand creativity as a daily practice for resilienceDiscover how to treat setbacks as experiments, not failuresExplore ways to align self compassion with forward motionFind calm through awareness and choice, not controlAnnelies Gentile, MA, PCC, is a professional certified integrative life and leadership coach, artist, and author. She founded Conduit for Change and helps people navigate transitions, grief, and uncertainty with creativity and compassion. She holds a master’s degree in Health and Wellness Coaching from Maryland University of Integrative Health and is the author of From Chaos to Calm, Leading Change from the Inside Out.

Send us Fan MailIn this powerful conversation with Herb Karpatkin, PT, DSc, we dig deep into the role of movement, fatigue, and rehabilitation in navigating life with Multiple Sclerosis. Herb brings over four decades of clinical and research experience in neurologic physical therapy, specializing in MS, and he shares how he crafts individualized exercise programs that not only counter deconditioning but transform quality of life. Together we explore why fatigue in MS is more than feeling tired and how it sabotages function, how targeted, progressive movement can slow disability and improve balance, the art of listening to the body, and real world recommendations for safe strength, interval training, and mobility work, along with how mindset and consistency become anchors in chronic illness.Understand why MS fatigue differs from typical tirednessExplore how progressive movement reverses deconditioning and improves balanceDiscover practical ways to pace, cool, and protect energy during daily activitiesLearn simple strength and interval ideas you can tailor to your needsFind motivation to build consistency and confidence over timeDr. Herbert Karpatkin, PT, DSc, NCS, GCS, MSCS, is a board certified specialist in neurology and geriatrics, and a Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist. He teaches in the Department of Physical Therapy at Hunter College and runs a private practice in New York that focuses on neurologic conditions including MS. His research centers on fatigue, balance, walking endurance, and individualized rehabilitation for people living with chronic illness.

Send us Fan MailWelcome to Beyond My Diagnosis, the podcast that brings real conversations, real stories, and real breakthroughs in health, healing, and hope. I’m your host, Michele Weston—Holistic Health and Wellbeing Coach—and I'm here to help you look past the symptoms and into the deeper story of living with your chronic condition.Each week, we go beyond the chart and challenge the status quo of conventional care. From powerful patient journeys to expert insights in functional medicine and integrative practitioners, using mindset and lifestyle medicine, you’ll get the tools and inspiration to become the most informed, empowered version of yourself.This is not just about managing illness—it’s about reclaiming your health, your voice, and your life.Let’s get curious. Let’s get courageous. And let’s go Beyond My Diagnosis.