The Ch*ill* Chats

Let's chat all things MS! This episode was created with the intention to be a quick, easy, + shareable way to spread Multiple Sclerosis awareness. So share, share, share, and spread that awareness dust everywhere!In this episode, Ashleigh and Jenna are breaking down what Multiple Sclerosis is, the different types (spoiler: there are more than 4), reducing the stigma around invisible illness, the spoon theory, and so much more.They share key awareness dates, common symptoms, and simple ways you can show support as well as help others better understand the reality of living with MS.This episode is a reminder that knowledge is power and awareness truly makes a difference!If you’re living with MS, supporting someone who is, or want to learn something new, this one’s for YOU.

In this episode, Ashleigh and Jenna are discussing the importance of community (aka YOU, yes YOU) and why connection can be such a powerful lifeline when living with chronic illness.This conversation is all about finding support in spaces that make you feel seen and understood while navigating through some pretty isolating times.They share simple ways to connect with your own community. Reminding you to move at your own pace! You can get loud, be a fly on the wall, a silent supporter, a quiet contributor.. whatever floats your boat! As long as it feels right for YOU.If you’ve ever felt isolated in your journey or needed reassurance that people who get it are out there, this one’s for you!

HALF WAY THROUGH THE SZN! In this episode, Ashleigh and Jenna are discussing the tomfoolery that revolves around disclosing a diagnosis... who to tell, when to tell them, and the truth that you can't control anyone's reaction, but you can trust your gut instinct!From navigating the pressure of if and when you should disclose your dx, to learning that disclosure is a choice, not a moral obligation- this episode explores the realities of sharing your diagnosis at work and school, the pain of not being believed when you “don’t look sick,” and the fears that can come up in friendships, dating, and family relationships.This episode is a one giant reminder that the right people will stay + support you in the best (and worst) of times.If you’re wondering when to share your diagnosis or learning to set boundaries around your journey, this one’s for you!

In this episode, Jenna and Ashleigh are sharing the things they wish they'd known from the very beginning of their diagnosis journey. From giving yourself grace, navigating the waves of emotion (yes ALL the stages of grief), and the importance of reminding yourself that you did absolutely nothing wrong.They also get into details of finding your “why” on the hard days, choosing treatments, tracking symptoms, and the touching importance of community- whether you’re ready for it now or later.If you’re newly diagnosed or need a reminder that you’re not alone, this one’s for you!

In this episode, Jenna shares her diagnosis story... from unexplained vision changes in college, to five MRIs in one year, conflicting opinions from doctors, and finally receiving her official MS diagnosis at 21.She opens up about navigating her twenties with a life-altering diagnosis, dealing with confusing MyChart results, being told not to "Google MS", experiencing new lesions with every scan, and the emotional weight of living in the unknown.We talk about medical gaslighting, hurtful comments from those closest to us, choosing a treatment under pressure, and the moment she decided to find a doctor she truly trusted. Jenna's story is one that highlights uncertainty, resilience, and the importance of advocating for yourself when your body is telling you something isn’t right.If you’ve ever felt dismissed by your doctors, struggled to get answers, or questioned whether your symptoms were “real” this episode is for you.

In this episode, Ashleigh shares her full diagnosis story... the one she's never told from start to finish.From early symptoms she dismissed to sudden vision loss, medical gaslighting, and learning she had MS from a call from her local pharmacy.We talk about optic neuritis, firing doctors, the shift in relationship dynamics, navigating treatment options (Copaxone, Gilenya, Lemtrada, Ocrevus), developing Graves' disease, and finding the specialist who changed everything.If you’re in diagnostic limbo or learning how to advocate for yourself in the medical system, this episode is for you.You deserve compassion. You deserve answers. And you don’t have to settle.

In our VERY FIRST episode of The Ch*ill* Chats podcast, we introduce ourselves, share a bit about our lives with MS, and talk about why this space needed to exist.We open up about navigating unpredictable bodies, the power of community, and what we hope this podcast becomes for anyone living the chronic illness life while we do our very best to honor both the beauty and the struggle.If you’ve been craving a space where you don’t have to explain your exhaustion… welcome. We're happy you're here x