Discomfort Zone
33 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 3 years ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsDiscomfort Zone features immersive stories on chronic illness and disability showcasing our vulnerability, wellness, and resilience. My guests and I find comfort by turning towards discomfort, welcoming it, and laughing at it.
I am an engineering graduate who reinvented himself as a podcaster and chronic illness/disability advocate after developing fibromyalgia, myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS).
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Episodes
Introducing: Humancare
December 17, 2020 19:16 - 1 hour - 49.4 MBThe Humancare Podcast features conversations with health entrepreneurs, care professionals, patient advocates, and industry change-makers all with the mission to humanize healthcare in common. In every episode we offer unique stories paired with education, actionable tips, tricks and takeaways all to help you better navigate healthcare and transform it into Humancare. This episode features Allyn Amerogen, a wellness coach who specializes in empowering women with chronic illnesses. Listen a...
10 - The Night of the Speech
October 15, 2020 09:00 - 30 minutes - 29.9 MBI was too sick to attend my sister’s wedding, so she wasn’t expecting me to deliver a speech. Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Check out our Official Invisible Not Broken Facebook group A transcript is available in the show notes. Read the definition of marriage on dictionary.com Written, Produced, and Sound Designed by: Jason Herterich Audio Engineering by: Justin Maradin Special thanks to: Gordo, Barry, my Mom, Luke, Emily, Hallie, and Lisa
Bonus Episode - Default
September 16, 2020 09:00 - 13 minutes - 16.1 MBMy gym teacher ridicules me in front of my peers, prompting the question: was my child-acting career a fluke? If so, what does that say about my legacy? What does free pizza have to do with any of this? Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter A transcript is available in the show notes. Written, Hosted, Produced, and Sound Designed by: Jason Herterich Audio Engineer: Justin Maradin
Caring in a Crisis Pt 4 - Unlocking Bryson's Brain: Keith McArthur
August 18, 2020 09:00 - 26 minutes - 18.2 MBAfter an 11-year search, Keith and his family’s lives changed forever when Bryson was diagnosed with GRIN-1 disorder. Since then, they have connected with GRIN families from around the world. Keith also co-leads an organization driving research into cures and therapies for GRIN disorders and hosts the CBC Podcast ‘Unlocking Bryson’s Brain.’ In part 2 of our interview, Keith talks about the motivation behind his podcast, the ethical considerations surrounding curing a disability, and the fut...
9 - Caring in a Crisis Pt 4 - Unlocking Bryson's Brain: Keith McArthur
August 18, 2020 09:00 - 26 minutes - 21.2 MBAbout Keith Keith McArthur is an author, speaker, kidney transplant survivor, and rare disease dad. He is the host of the CBC Podcast Unlocking Bryson’s Brain, an 8-part documentary-style podcast about his son Bryson, his rare disease, and his family’s search for a cure. Keith is also the CEO and Head of Science for CureGRIN, an organization dedicated to finding cures and therapies for people around the world suffering from GRIN disorders. Links Listen to Unlocking Bryson’s Brain on CBC ...
Caring in a Crisis Pt 3 - A Rare Disease Family: Keith McArthur
August 11, 2020 09:00 - 27 minutes - 18.6 MBKeith’s son Bryson is a charming and outgoing 13-year old who loves his family, friends, and school. But he faces tremendous challenges. He lives with a rare genetic disease that has his brain locked at the developmental level of a 1-year old. The closure of schools has been especially hard on Bryson as he no longer has access to many of the tools he uses for therapy. Keith, host of the CBC Podcast ‘Unlocking Bryson’s Brain’, talks about life as a rare disease dad, the impact COVID has had ...
8 - Caring in a Crisis Pt 3 - A Rare Disease Family: Keith McArthur
August 08, 2020 01:28 - 27 minutes - 22.9 MBKeith’s son Bryson is a charming and outgoing 13-year old who loves his family, friends, and school. But he faces tremendous challenges. He lives with a rare genetic disease that has his brain locked at the developmental level of a 1-year old. The closure of schools has been especially hard on Bryson as he no longer has access to many of the tools he uses for therapy. Keith, host of the CBC Podcast ‘Unlocking Bryson’s Brain’, talks about life as a rare disease dad, the impact COVID has had ...
7 - Caring in a Crisis Pt 2 - Firefighter Without a Hose: Lindsay Couture
August 04, 2020 09:00 - 22 minutes - 18.3 MBLindsay is no stranger to adversity. While most 11-year olds were out playing with their friends, she was at home caring for her mom. Now a front-line healthcare worker in the midst of a pandemic, she is faced with unprecedented challenges. Lindsay shares her insights on how the government could ensure the safety of personal support workers and their clients. About Lindsay Lindsay Couture has been a live-in caregiver for her mom since a young age. Supporting her through respiratory issues ...
Caring in a Crisis Pt 2 - Firefighter Without a Hose: Lindsay Couture
August 04, 2020 09:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MBLindsay is no stranger to adversity. While most 11-year olds were out playing with their friends, she was at home caring for her mom. Now a front-line healthcare worker in the midst of a pandemic, she is faced with unprecedented challenges. Lindsay shares her insights on how the government could ensure the safety of personal support workers and their clients. About Lindsay Lindsay Couture has been a live-in caregiver for her mom since a young age. Supporting her through respiratory issues...
Caring in a Crisis - Firefighter Without a Hose: Lindsay Couture
August 04, 2020 09:00 - 22 minutes - 15.8 MBLindsay is no stranger to adversity. While most 11-year olds were out playing with their friends, she was at home caring for her mom. Now a front-line healthcare worker in the midst of a pandemic, she is faced with unprecedented challenges. Lindsay shares her insights on how the government could ensure the safety of personal support workers and their clients. About Lindsay Lindsay Couture has been a live-in caregiver for her mom since a young age. Supporting her through respiratory issues...
6 - Caring in a Crisis Pt 1 - Echoes of a Community: Melissa Graham
July 28, 2020 12:10 - 22 minutes - 20 MBEarly in the pandemic, Melissa spent all day on the phone with disabled people living in fear of COVID-19. Their fears echoed many of her own. Melissa shares her recommendations on how the government can better meet the needs of the disability community. About Melissa Melissa Graham is an advocate for social justice, public speaker, writer, researcher, and community organizer. Melissa is also the founder of the Toronto Disability Pride March, an annual event that began during the Occupy mov...
Caring in a Crisis Pt 1 - Echoes of a Community: Melissa Graham
July 28, 2020 09:00 - 22 minutes - 15.3 MBEarly in the pandemic, Melissa spent all day on the phone with disabled people living in fear of COVID-19. Their fears echoed many of her own. Melissa shares her recommendations on how the government can better meet the needs of the disability community. About Melissa Melissa Graham is an advocate for social justice, public speaker, writer, researcher, and community organizer. Melissa is also the founder of the Toronto Disability Pride March, an annual event that began during the Occupy mov...
Bonus Episode - A Monastic Skunking
July 26, 2020 12:51 - 12 minutes - 14.8 MBMeditating at a jungle monastery in Thailand brought me inner stillness. Then Rob showed up. A full transcript with photos is available in the show notes Links: Short Video Documentary of Wat Tam Wua Wat Tam Wua Website Social Media Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Resources Substance Abuse and Suicide: A Guide to Understanding the Connection and Reducing Risk The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call 1-800-273-8255 (1800-273-TALK) The Crisis Text Line 7 Cups o...
5 - We Are Visible: Karina Sturm
July 24, 2020 07:21 - 17 minutes - 15.3 MBAward-winning filmmaker and journalist Karina Sturm joins the show to talk about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a rare connective tissue disorder she lives with. She opens up about the medical gaslighting she experienced during her long path to diagnosis and how she transitioned from laboratory technician to chronically ill patient to journalist and filmmaker. Karina then talks about her feature-length film, We Are Visible, the challenges she faced while making it, and the false ‘fabricated or indu...
4 - COVID-19 Has Arrived...In My House?
July 17, 2020 08:44 - 23 minutes - 18.8 MBMy parents returned from their vacation in Cuba on March 7th. A few days later, my dad developed a cough and fever. His symptoms rapidly progressed. Could it be COVID-19? A full transcript with photos is available in the show notes Links: Produced by: Jason Herterich Sound design by: Jason Herterich Audio Engineering by: Justin Maradin Social Media Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Links Boston Globe - How Accurate Are Coronavirus Tests?
Bonus - COVID Rap: Stay the F**k Home
July 07, 2020 22:54 - 1 minute - 2.2 MBChecking in from quarantine with a special message. This one is for you, Missy Elliot! YouTube Video Show Notes Produced by: Jason Herterich with help from Djevon Earle Audio engineering by: Justin Maradin Music: Streetwise by Vodovoz Music Productions
Big News for Discomfort Zone!
July 06, 2020 12:00 - 1 minute - 1.25 MBBig News for Discomfort Zone - I'm joining Invisible Not Broken Podcast Network! Podcasts Invisible Not Broken The Humancare Podcast Discomfort Zone Social Media Follow Invisible Not Broken on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Follow Wellacopia on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Follow Discomfort Zone on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Hello everyone, Jason here. I’ll be releasing 4 new episodes shortly. In the meantime, I want to fill you in on some big news. I am thrilled to let you kn...
Big News for Discomfort Zone
July 06, 2020 05:00 - 1 minute - 912 KBBig News for Discomfort Zone - I'm joining Invisible Not Broken Podcast Network! Podcasts Invisible Not Broken The Humancare Podcast Discomfort Zone Social Media Follow Invisible Not Broken on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Follow Wellacopia on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Follow Discomfort Zone on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Hello everyone, Jason here. I’ll be releasing 4 new episodes shortly. In the meantime, I want to fill you in on some big news. I am thrilled to let you k...
3 - Unconditional Support: Lisa
June 23, 2020 23:30 - 18 minutes - 18.6 MBChronic pain tore my life apart and brought me and my sister closer together. A full transcript with photos is available in the show notes Links: Lisa Purzner’s website Social media Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Depression resources The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call 1-800-273-8255 (1800-273-TALK) The Crisis Text Line 7 Cups of Tea An anonymous, 24-hour chat with trained professionals Produced by: Jason Herterich Sound design by: Jason Herterich Audi...
2 - Soap Addict
June 23, 2020 20:48 - 27 minutes - 34.1 MBI was getting better! I left the house to meet women. It didn’t go well. I was getting better! I left the house to meet women. It didn’t go well. A full transcript with photos is available in the show notes Produced by: Jason Herterich Sound design by: Jason Herterich Audio Engineering by: Justin Maradin External Consulting by: Dan Samosh Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter This podcast uses many sounds from freesound.org. For the full list, please see the show notes.
1 - Struggling to Stay Afloat
June 22, 2020 21:55 - 25 minutes - 31.5 MBI was in constant, excruciating pain and spent 22 hours a day in bed. I never could've imagined that someone else's life would fall into my hands. In the second half of the episode, my mom and dad talk about the struggles they've had as parents of a chronically ill son. A full transcript with photos is available in the show notes Social media Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Depression resources The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call 1-800-273-8255 (1800-273-TALK)...
Introducing Discomfort Zone
June 22, 2020 21:55 - 3 minutes - 8.29 MBIntroducing Discomfort Zone: immersive stories on chronic illness and disability that showcase our vulnerability, wellness, and resilience. My guests and I find comfort by turning towards discomfort, welcoming it, and laughing at it. A full transcript with photos is available in the show notes Social media Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Produced by: Jason Herterich with help from Justin Maradin, Igor Rakic, and Bonita Martens Sound design by: Jason Herterich
A Special Message - This One Is for You Missy Elliot!
May 11, 2020 16:55 - 1 minute - 1.22 MBChecking in from quarantine with a special message. This one is for you, Missy Elliot! YouTube Video Show Notes Produced by: Jason Herterich with help from Djevon Earle Audio engineering by: Justin Maradin Music: Streetwise by Vodovoz Music Productions
Bonus - COVID Rap: Stay The F**k Home
May 11, 2020 16:55 - 1 minute - 1.22 MBChecking in from quarantine with a special message. This one is for you, Missy Elliot! YouTube Video Show Notes Produced by: Jason Herterich with help from Djevon Earle Audio engineering by: Justin Maradin Music: Streetwise by Vodovoz Music Productions
Episode 05: Karina Sturm - Filmmaker of We Are Visible
May 06, 2020 09:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBAward-winning filmmaker and journalist Karina Sturm joins the show to talk about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a rare connective tissue disorder she lives with. She opens up about the medical gaslighting she experienced during her long path to diagnosis and how she transitioned from laboratory technician to chronically ill patient to journalist and filmmaker. Karina then talks about her feature-length film, We Are Visible, the challenges she faced while making it, and the false ‘fabricated or indu...
5 - Karina Sturm - Filmmaker of We Are Visible
May 06, 2020 09:00 - 17 minutes - 12.1 MBAward-winning filmmaker and journalist Karina Sturm joins the show to talk about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a rare connective tissue disorder she lives with. She opens up about the medical gaslighting she experienced during her long path to diagnosis and how she transitioned from laboratory technician to chronically ill patient to journalist and filmmaker. Karina then talks about her feature-length film, We Are Visible, the challenges she faced while making it, and the false ‘fabricated or indu...
4 - COVID-19 Has Arrived...In my House?
April 07, 2020 09:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBMy parents returned from their vacation in Cuba on March 7th. A few days later, my dad developed a cough and fever. His symptoms rapidly progressed. Could it be COVID-19? A full transcript with photos is available in the show notes Links: Produced by: Jason Herterich Sound design by: Jason Herterich Audio Engineering by: Justin Maradin Social Media Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Links Boston Globe - How Accurate Are Coronavirus Tests?
Episode 04: COVID-19 Has Arrived...In my House?
April 07, 2020 09:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MBMy parents returned from their vacation in Cuba on March 7th. A few days later, my dad developed a cough and fever. His symptoms rapidly progressed. Could it be COVID-19? A full transcript with photos is available in the show notes Links: Produced by: Jason Herterich Sound design by: Jason Herterich Audio Engineering by: Justin Maradin Social Media Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Links Boston Globe - How Accurate Are Coronavirus Tests?
Bonus Episode: A Monastic Skunking
December 11, 2019 08:30 - 12 minutes - 8.56 MBMeditating at a jungle monastery in Thailand brought me inner stillness. Then Rob showed up. A full transcript with photos is available in the show notes Links: Short Video Documentary of Wat Tam Wua Wat Tam Wua Website Social Media Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Resources Substance Abuse and Suicide: A Guide to Understanding the Connection and Reducing Risk The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call 1-800-273-8255 (1800-273-TALK) The Crisis Text Line 7 Cups o...
Episode 03: Lisa
November 04, 2019 10:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBChronic pain tore my life apart and brought me and my sister closer together. A full transcript with photos is available in the show notes Links: Lisa Purzner’s website Social media Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Depression resources The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call 1-800-273-8255 (1800-273-TALK) The Crisis Text Line 7 Cups of Tea An anonymous, 24-hour chat with trained professionals
3 - Lisa
November 04, 2019 10:00 - 18 minutes - 12.7 MBChronic pain tore my life apart and brought me and my sister closer together. A full transcript with photos is available in the show notes Links: Lisa Purzner’s website Social media Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Depression resources The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call 1-800-273-8255 (1800-273-TALK) The Crisis Text Line 7 Cups of Tea An anonymous, 24-hour chat with trained professionals
Episode 02: Soap Addict
October 17, 2019 09:00 - 27 minutes - 19.1 MBI was getting better! I left the house to meet women. It didn’t go well. A full transcript with photos is available in the show notes Produced by: Jason Herterich Sound design by: Jason Herterich Audio Engineering by: Justin Maradin External Consulting by: Dan Samosh Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter This podcast uses many sounds from freesound.org. For the full list, please see the show notes.
Episode 01: Struggling to Stay Afloat
October 10, 2019 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.9 MBI was in constant, excruciating pain and spent 22 hours a day in bed. I never could’ve imagined that someone else's life would fall into my hands. In the second half of the episode, My mom and dad talk about the struggles they have faced as parents of a chronically ill son. A full transcript with photos is available in the show notes Social media Follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Depression resources The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call 1-800-273-8255 (1800-273-T...