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That's So Chronic

121 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago - ★★★★★ - 8 ratings

Sharing patient stories and discussions while having a laugh and keeping it real.


A weekly podcast where performer, creator, and MS-er Jess Brien interviews people from around the world that are thriving - and sometimes only just surviving - with chronic illnesses, life changing injuries and potentially disastrous diagnoses.


@thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #ThatsSoChronic


Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.


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Health & Fitness Society & Culture chronic chronic illness diagnosis health wellbeing multiple sclerosis diabetes crohns disease personal stories auto immune
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Episodes

That's So: Designer $hit documentary (an interview with director Saffron Cassaday)

October 30, 2023 17:00 - 25 minutes - 22.9 MB

It’s the final Tuesday of the month which means it’s time for a That’s So episode! A chance to chat about a piece of content that’s in our That’s So Chronic world. Today, we’re chatting about the feature documentary Designer $hit directed by Saffron Cassaday.  In Designer $hit, director Saffron Cassaday, who has suffered from ulcerative colitis for nearly a decade, sets off on a journey to determine whether FMT (or fecal microbiota transplant) could potentially cure her of this disease. It...

Miranda Allen & Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)

October 09, 2023 17:00 - 1 hour - 55 MB

Happy Tuesday! When I was passing through London, UK in July I was able to sit down and chat with Miranda Allen about her diagnosis of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS)  In this episode, Miranda looks back with hindsight and explains where it’s possible her symptoms began, the years of not really knowing what was going on, how she got a diagnosis, what on earth ME even is, her day to day symptoms, how she manages them and her latest creative endeavours. Some of ...

Markus Birdman & 2 Strokes and Homonymous Hemianopia

October 02, 2023 17:00 - 44 minutes - 41.6 MB

Welcome back to That’s So Chronic! Today - in the middle of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe - I was able to sit down with comedian Markus Birdman, to chat about his experience of having two strokes, as well as living with a diagnosis of homonymous hemianopia. In this episode Markus explains how it it felt for him going through stroke number one and then stroke number two ten years later, what happens after you arrive at the hospital, how he navigates living with 50% eyesight, and the feeling...

That's So: The Surgeons' Hall Museums (and the Blood & Guts Walking Tour)

September 25, 2023 17:00 - 17 minutes - 15.8 MB

Welcome back to That’s So Chronic! It’s the final Tuesday of the month which means it’s time for a That’s So episode, where we chat about something that’s in our That’s So Chronic world.  Today, we’re chatting about The Surgeons’ Hall Museums and the Blood & Guts: The Twists and Turns of Edinburgh’s Medical History Walking Tour that I was able to check out while I was in Edinburgh, Scotland during August.  Here are all of the links… MedCrimes podcast episode: S1Ep24: Burke and Hare ...

Jo Prendergast & Breast Cancer

September 11, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 68.4 MB

Welcome to That’s So Chronic!. Today I am chatting to psychiatrist, comedian, and author Dr Jo Prendergast about her diagnosis of breast cancer, as well as her latest book When Life Sucks.  In this episode, Jo talks us through her breast cancer diagnosis and what happened next. We chat about the amount of decisions you have to make after a diagnosis, the stark differences between public vs private health care here in New Zealand, and I have a revelation about life insurance. We also discus...

Dr Saimun Singla & Rheumatoid Arthritis

September 04, 2023 18:00 - 42 minutes - 38 MB

Welcome back to That's So Chronic! Today I am joined by Dr Saimun Singla and we are discussing her diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis as well as her work as a paediatric rheumatologist and integrative medicine physician.  In this episode, Dr Saimun shares her story of working for years in rheumatology and then going through her own rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis process. We chat about how she felt suddenly becoming a patient of her own expertise, how she manages her symptoms, the art of say...

That's So: The D*List (with editor Olivia Shivas)

August 30, 2023 15:42 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MB

Welcome to That's So Chronic. It’s the final Tuesday of the month, which means it’s time for another That’s So episode. Today I am chatting to Olivia Shivas, the editor of The D*List - the home of disability culture in Aotearoa. The D*List is an online culture magazine that creates space for disabled people to tell their own stories through features, columns and news reporting. It’s quickly becoming one of my favourite places on the internet… so I was very excited to chat to Olivia!  In ...

Nick Allen & Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and Fibromyalgia

August 21, 2023 18:00 - 42 minutes - 38.8 MB

Today I am chatting to Nick Allen who is living with a diagnosis of functional neurological disorder (FND) and fibromyalgia. However, this was not always the case… In this episode Nick talks us through the long process of initially being diagnosed with primary progressive multiple sclerosis, and the lifestyle changes that he implemented to manage his condition (one of these being the overcoming MS lifestyle). Nick then explains the adventure he eventually embarks on in the Himalayas, which...

Audrey Zannese & Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

August 14, 2023 18:00 - 45 minutes - 40.1 MB

It’s my favourite day of the week again! Welcome back to That’s So Chronic! Today’s episode is with Audrey Zannese and we are discussing her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). In this episode Audrey opens up about how in denial she was when she first heard that her symptoms might be MS, and then the journey it took for her to make the decision to begin treatment. She also talks us through the practice of sophrology - a mind body practice that is extremely popular in France and other Eur...

Sophie Ricketts & Hymenectomy Surgery

August 07, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 55 MB

Welcome to That’s So Chronic! Today I am chatting to Sophie Ricketts, and she talks us through a hymenectomy surgery that she had while she was at drama school. In this episode Sophie explains the process of discovering that she had a thick hymen, which involves several people telling her “she wasn’t ready” for sex, a gut feeling that wasn’t initially followed through, and a gynaecologist drawing a picture. This diagnosis resulted in a hymenectomy, a surgery that removes a part of the hyme...

Dr Kara Wada, MD & Sjorgren's Syndrome

July 31, 2023 18:00 - 52 minutes - 46.5 MB

Welcome back to That’s So Chronic! Today’s episode is with Dr Kara Wada, MD, and we are discussing her diagnosis of Sjogren’s syndrome and her work as an allergist, immunologist, and lifestyle medicine physician.  In this episode Dr Kara shares her diagnosis story, as well as the symptoms that - with hindsight - are also pieces of the Sjogren's puzzle. She explains what Sjogren’s is (spoiler: it isn’t the name of a table at IKEA), her symptoms, and how she manages them. This leads us nicel...

Spotlight On: Dr Hayley Leake (pain researcher & winner of Survivor Australia)

July 24, 2023 18:00 - 24 minutes - 19.9 MB

Welcome back to That’s So Chronic. It's the final Tuesday of the month, so we take a break from regular interviews. For today’s Spotlight On episode, I’m chatting to pain researcher and sole Survivor, Dr Hayley Leake. In this episode Hayley chats about the pain research work that she is working on, her PhD, what excites her about the future of pain research, and of course, we chat about how she was able to incorporate her knowledge in pain science to play (and ultimately win!) Survivor Aus...

Elizabeth & Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

July 17, 2023 18:00 - 40 minutes - 33.1 MB

Welcome back to That’s So Chronic! Today’s episode is with Elizabeth, and we are chatting about her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS).  In this episode Elizabeth shares the diagnosis process that eventuated after a bout of optic neuritis, how she felt when her symptoms had a name, her management plan including diet and Natalizumab/Tysabri infusions, and why she felt inspired to share her story today.  This episode feels extra special, because what you will soon learn throughout the in...

Ruby Quinn & ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), Endometriosis, & ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

July 10, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 58.1 MB

Yay! It’s Tuesday! Which means a brand new episode of That’s So Chronic! Today’s episode is with Ruby Quinn, and we are chatting about her diagnosis of ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome), endometriosis, and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).  In this episode, Ruby starts by sharing her story of her ME/CFS diagnosis, and takes us through how she got a diagnosis amongst lockdowns, she describes her symptoms and how she manages them, as well as explain...

Allie Sharples & Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) and Cleft Lip & Palate

July 03, 2023 18:00 - 49 minutes - 43.4 MB

Ahhhh!!!! WE’RE BACK! BRAND NEW EPISODES! Sorry for shouting but I’m SO EXCITED! Welcome back! Today’s episode is with Allie Sharples, and we are chatting about her diagnosis of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP), as well as being born with a cleft lip and palate.  In this episode, Allie takes us all the way back to the beginning and explains the countless surgeries that she went through up until the age of 19. She then talks us through how even though she swore tha...

If you're new to That's So Chronic... START HERE (Trailer)

June 26, 2023 18:00 - 3 minutes - 3.77 MB

Welcome to That's So Chronic (or if you're a long time listener, welcome back!) a weekly podcast where Jess Brien (@jessssbrien) interviews people from around the world who are thriving - and sometimes only just surviving - with chronic illnesses, life changing injuries, and potentially disastrous diagnoses... all while having a laugh along the way. You can expect new patient stories every Tuesday, and on the final Tuesday of the month, we chat about anything and everything that's in our T...

That's So: Why Does It Still Hurt? by Dr Paul Biegler (an interview with Paul!)

March 27, 2023 17:00 - 39 minutes - 34.4 MB

It’s the final Tuesday of the month which means a That’s So episode! Today I am chatting about Dr Paul Biegler’s latest book Why Does It Still Hurt? Throughout the book Paul begins to unpack the reasons behind why it might still be hurting, using his own chronic pain journey, as well as other patients’ stories, and interviews with some of the top pain researchers, scientists and doctors in the world. In this episode, I sit down with Paul, and we talk about his process of creating the boo...

Annie Vander & Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

March 20, 2023 19:30 - 37 minutes - 32.9 MB

Welcome back to That’s So Chronic! Today, after a couple of technical difficulties, I’m joined by singer songwriter Annie Vander, and we’re talking all about her diagnosis of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) In this episode Annie shares the accident that subsequently changed the course of her career, the diagnosis process, her definition of CRPS, how she manages her symptoms, the inspiration behind her latest single Falling Into Nashville and I learn about an amazing therapy technique...

Natasha Godetz & Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis and a double hip replacement at 32

March 13, 2023 19:30 - 1 hour - 55.1 MB

Welcome to That’s So Chronic! Today’s episode is with Natasha Godetz, and we are chatting about her diagnosis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis and the journey that led her to a double hip replacement.  In this episode, Natasha explains what it was like receiving a diagnosis when she was 10 years old, the effects university had on her health, the ups and downs of moving overseas and exploring the world on immunosuppressants (which side note does involve shingles, strep throat, a parasite, a...

Shana Pereira & a heart and kidney transplant

March 06, 2023 19:30 - 48 minutes - 37.1 MB

YAY! We’re BACK! Thank you for being so patient while I took a break for the summer holidays here in NZ!  Today’s episode is with Shana Pereira, and we are discussing her heart and kidney transplant, and honestly, at times you will think it is actually the plot of a movie... But more on that towards the end of the episode! In this episode Shana talks us through her story that starts on Christmas eve 2015, how she felt when she discovered that her kidneys were failing, how the organ trans...

2022 That's So Chronic wrapped!

December 19, 2022 17:00 - 8 minutes - 8.18 MB

Hello! Here is a sneaky lil bonus episode to finish the year! A 2022 That’s So Chronic wrapped episode, if you will!  I thought why not lean into the end of year vibes, and share 22 moments that have made up my (and the pod’s!) 2022. These are mostly highlights and achievements that feel fun to celebrate, with some challenging aspects thrown in too. If you would like to support the work I do here at That’s So Chronic by “shouting a coffee” you can do that here: www.jessbrien.com/shoutaco...

That's So: The Good Nurse & Capturing The Killer Nurse (Charles Cullen)

November 28, 2022 17:00 - 22 minutes - 20.6 MB

It’s the final (regular) That’s So Chronic episode of the year! How is that even possible!? Seeing as it’s the final Tuesday of the month it’s a That’s So episode. Today we are chatting about the two latest films to be released on Netflix all about serial killer Charles Cullen. It is of course The Good Nurse and Capturing The Killer Nurse   …and I have got a lot of fun facts to share with you all!!! The Good Nurse is directed by Tobias Lindholm and stars Jessica Chastain and Eddie Redm...

Olivia & ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)

November 21, 2022 17:00 - 34 minutes - 31.3 MB

Happy Tuesday! Welcome to That’s So Chronic. Today’s episode is with Olivia, who shares her journey navigating symptoms and trying to find a diagnosis. Olivia has been diagnosed with ME/CFS (myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome) but refers to that as a blanket diagnosis that doesn’t really explain the full picture. In this episode Olivia talks us through her symptoms that started about a year ago, how her medical team arrived at the diagnosis of ME/CFS, how she feels when she...

Monica Foster & Cushing's Disease (Hypercortisolism)

November 14, 2022 17:00 - 32 minutes - 30.1 MB

Welcome back to That’s So Chronic! Today’s episode is with Monica Foster, and we are talking about her diagnosis of cushing’s disease (hypercortisolism).  In this episode Monica shares her diagnosis journey, the ups and downs that came with countless tests from various different medical professionals, the decision to go through with brain surgery for the tumours on her pituitary gland, an expensive medication, travelling to different places for these treatments, and how she’s feeling after...

Natalie Meyers & Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus & Pericarditis (with her mom Dr. Laurie!)

November 07, 2022 17:00 - 57 minutes - 42.6 MB

Yay! Happy Tuesday! Today’s episode of That’s So Chronic is with Natalie Meyers and her mom Dr. Laurie, and we’re chatting about Natalie’s diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and pericarditis.  ** We had a couple of technical difficulties getting this video call to work, so thanks in advance for being understanding about the sound quality! **   In this episode, we basically talk about everything! Natalie and Dr Laurie take us through Natalie’s diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis whe...

Chelsea Haughton & Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder & Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

October 31, 2022 17:00 - 38 minutes - 29.7 MB

Today’s episode of That’s So Chronic is with Chelsea Haughton and we are talking about her diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and hypermobile ehlers danlos syndrome (hEDS). In this episode, Chelsea shares her experiences of seeking a diagnosis which includes flying to a different city for an appointment, how each of these conditions affect her, the importance of talking about periods, and how validating it can be talking to someone who ...

Spotlight On: Hear Your Song

October 24, 2022 17:00 - 39 minutes - 36.5 MB

Welcome to That's So Chronic! Today we are shining a spotlight on Hear Your Song, a non-profit organisation that is empowering children and teens with serious illnesses and complex health needs to make their voices heard through collaborative songwriting. If you know a bit about me, you’ll know that this is my cup of tea, so I was very excited to learn more and help share their story today! In this episode I’m chatting to co-founder and executive director Dan Rubins, as well as music direc...

Finn Iles/Violet Tendencies & Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS)

October 10, 2022 17:00 - 56 minutes - 49.9 MB

Happy Tuesday! Today I am chatting to Finn Iles/Violet Tendencies all about her diagnosis of hypermobile ehlers danlos syndrome (hEDS), as well as a variety of comorbidities that come along with this.  In this episode, Finn explains the journey to get to a diagnosis (which is still continuing!), what on earth EDS is, and how medicinal cannabis has helped her symptoms. Finn also takes us through the amount of advocacy work, research, and time they have had to do in order to get to where the...

BONUS: Jess Brien & Gluten Intolerance

October 03, 2022 17:00 - 46 minutes - 38.1 MB

Hi! Today’s episode is a little bit different. If you’re not following That’s So Chronic over on instagram you might have missed that recently I was a guest on Ben Hampton’s podcast A Gluten Free Podcast. You might remember Ben from his interview episode here on That’s So Chronic where he shared his story of being diagnosed with coeliac disease.  I really enjoyed getting to chat to Ben all about my gluten intolerance diagnosis. It’s something that I haven’t really talked about before on mi...

That's So: The Certainty Myth by Dr Toni Lindsay (an interview with Toni!)

September 26, 2022 17:00 - 33 minutes - 29 MB

How is it the end of September already?! I’m excited to share this months That’s So episode, because today we’re chatting about The Certainty Myth by Dr Toni Lindsay.  ** a content warning: while we share a lot of laughs, we do touch on the subject of death, so please take care while listening ** Dr Toni Lindsay is a clinical and health psychologist who has been working with both adults and adolescents for over 10 years. Currently she is working at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse in the oncology...

Maria Williams & ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)

September 19, 2022 18:00 - 53 minutes - 48.1 MB

Today’s episode is with comedian Maria Williams, and I must admit, I did have a moment where I cried with laughter while editing this episode! Maria is also a teacher, and lives with a diagnosis of ADHD, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.  In this episode, Maria shares the journey of her ADHD diagnosis, from a diagnosis in Hawai’i that she was convinced was a misdiagnosis to an eventual diagnosis at age 32. She also shares her symptoms and how she manages them, her frustrations i...

Caitlyn McMillan & Achalasia

September 12, 2022 18:00 - 33 minutes - 29.5 MB

It’s Tuesday! Which means another episode of That’s So Chronic! Today is the first in person interview for a little while (thanks to you know what) and I’m chatting to Caitlyn McMillan about her diagnosis of achalasia. In this episode, Caitlyn shares her diagnosis story, the symptoms she experiences, the decision to go through with surgery to her oesophagus and stomach, how she managed uni and her mental health throughout all of this, and why she was inspired to share her story with me tod...

That's So: The Chronic Pain Couple by Karra Eloff (an interview with Karra!)

August 29, 2022 18:00 - 32 minutes - 26.7 MB

How is it the end of August already?! Today we are taking a break from regular interview episodes to share another That's So episode. That's So is a monthly series where we dive deeper into a piece of content - be that a book, film, tv series, interview, literally anything! - that's in our That's So Chronic world. Today I am talking to Karra Eloff about her book titled The Chronic Pain Couple.  The Chronic Pain Couple is a book for all of those living with chronic pain who wants to have a ...

Sean Prenter & Traumatic Brain Injury

August 22, 2022 18:00 - 40 minutes - 38.5 MB

Welcome to That’s So Chronic! Today’s interview is with Sean Prenter, and we’re talk about his experience living life after sustaining a traumatic brain injury. In this episode, Sean talks us through the moment when he fell off a balcony, the recovery process, as well as how recovery looks when you’re a student, how he managed to complete a goal by being able to ski again, and why he wants to share his story.  Sean is also a co-founder of the Otago Disabled Students’ Association (@otagod...

Rosie Wilson & Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Coeliac Disease

August 15, 2022 18:00 - 39 minutes - 34.2 MB

Yay! It’s Tuesday! Which means another interview here at That’s So Chronic. Today we are heading to the UK, and hearing from Rosie Wilson. Rosie is living with a diagnosis of coeliac disease and multiple sclerosis (MS) which is what we are chatting about today. In this episode, Rosie takes us through her coeliac diagnosis (as well the important questions like what her final meal would be if suddenly the world ended in the next five minutes) before getting to the big one: when she started e...

Amber Tresca & Ulcerative Colitis

August 08, 2022 18:00 - 45 minutes - 39.5 MB

Welcome back to That’s So Chronic! Today I was able to sit down with Amber Tresca from the AboutIBD podcast to talk about her diagnosis of ulcerative colitis. In this episode Amber talks us through her diagnosis of UC, the effects not having insurance had on her level of care, the decision to go through with J-pouch surgery, why she does the work that she does, and some excellent advice for anyone out there who has just been diagnosed with a chronic illness.  If you want more of Amber (d...

Ben Hampton & Coeliac Disease (from A Gluten Free podcast)

August 01, 2022 18:00 - 34 minutes - 31.1 MB

Happy Tuesday! Welcome back to That’s So Chronic! Today I was able to sit down with Ben Hampton from A Gluten Free Podcast to talk about his diagnosis of coeliac disease. In this episode Ben runs us through his journey to a diagnosis, what coeliac disease even is, the somewhat silver lining of being diagnosed in the middle of a global pandemic, what he’s found the most difficult, and the importance of finding a community.   You can listen to Ben over on A Gluten Free Podcast wherever y...

Spotlight On: Exsurgo

July 25, 2022 18:00 - 31 minutes - 27 MB

Happy Tuesday friends! For today’s Spotlight On episode, I’m chatting to Richard Little from Exsurgo - A company that combines neuroscience, engineering and data analysis to help treat a range of neurological conditions without the use of pharmaceuticals. In this episode we’re talking about what inspired Richard to begin working in this space, his definition of chronic pain, what the latest piece of technology Axon is all about, and some advice for anyone out there with an idea to make a c...

Cheyenne Welham & Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome

July 18, 2022 18:00 - 45 minutes - 40.6 MB

We made it! It’s Tuesday! Another That’s So Chronic episode! Today we are hearing from Cheyenne Welham, and we are talking about her diagnosis of hypermobile ehlers danlos syndrome (hEDS) and living life with an ostomy bag. In this episode Cheyenne explains what EDS is, the 10 year journey to her getting a diagnosis, the life changing decision to go through ileostomy surgery, the toll this has had an her mental health, and why she’s dedicated to sharing her story.    If you would like ...

Megan & Vulvodynia, Endometriosis & Adenoyosis

July 11, 2022 18:00 - 38 minutes - 33.8 MB

Happy Tuesday! Welcome to That’s So Chronic! Today I was able to catch up with Megan, to talk about her diagnosis of vulvodynia, endometriosis and adenomyosis. In this episode Megan talks us through her diagnosis story, what it was like being a part of the PIPI programme at Burwood Hospital, the importance of finding a good GP, her experience navigating the private v public aspect of the NZ health system, and everything in between!    Megan shares her story so openly, and I’m grateful ...

Logan Donnelly & Secondary Hypogonadism

July 04, 2022 18:00 - 56 minutes - 37.3 MB

YAY! WE’RE BACK! Today’s episode is with Logan Donnelly (@_kiwidad) and we are chatting about his diagnosis of secondary hypogonadism, and what that means for his fertility.  In this episode Logan talks about his diagnosis, the decisions he made in regards to treatment, how wildly different specialists’ opinions can be, why he poured so much time and energy into becoming an expert on his own condition, and what motivated him to keep trying even though a lot of people were saying it wouldn’...

A quick little update...

June 06, 2022 18:00 - 6 minutes - 5.97 MB

Happy Tuesday friends! Yep, another PSA… Interviews are going on a little break while I get caught up again! Thanks for being so understanding. I hope you don't forget about me and That's So Chronic!  But, this reminds me… Here’s the application form to share your story: https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9    Don’t forget to sign up to the free monthly newsletter: thatssochronic.substack.com Aaaaand follow That’s So Chronic on instagram & tiktok: @thatssochronic Miss you already! S...

That's So: The Invisible Kingdom by Meghan O'Rourke (an interview with Meghan!)

May 30, 2022 18:00 - 28 minutes - 22.3 MB

Happy Tuesday! Welcome back to That’s So, a monthly series here at That’s So Chronic where we get to chat a little bit deeper on a piece of content (book, film, interview, etc!) that’s in our That’s So Chronic world. Today… The Invisible Kingdom by Meghan O’Rourke. The Invisible Kingdom - Reimagining Chronic Illness, blends New York Times best seller Meghan O’Rourke’s own experiences of searching for answers/a diagnosis, as well as interviews between health professionals, patients, researc...

Sarah Cahill & Chronic Migraine

May 23, 2022 18:00 - 41 minutes - 36.7 MB

Happy Tuesday! As always it’s such a treat to have you here. Today I am sitting down with Sarah Cahill to talk about all things chronic migraine. In this episode Sarah explains what chronic migraine is (spoiler alert… it’s not *just* a headache!), what inspired her to start sharing her story on her blog www.migrainedownunder.com, how she manages migraine attacks, what treatments are out there (and whether they’re available in New Zealand…) and then we get to hear all about the work she’s d...

Christina DeSerio & Fibromyalgia and Chronic Migraine

May 16, 2022 18:00 - 26 minutes - 22.9 MB

Welcome back to That’s So Chronic! Today I am chatting to the CEO of AEPIOS - a free and secure online platform that helps connect people with a shared diagnosis to one another. But what people might not know is that Christina is living with fibromyalgia and chronic migraine herself, and that’s what we’re chatting about today. In this episode Christina talks us through getting a diagnosis, how she managed her symptoms while studying in a double PhD programme, the challenges moving states h...

Dr Kevin J. Payne & Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

May 09, 2022 18:00 - 47 minutes - 32 MB

Well hello! Welcome back to That’s So Chronic. Today you are in for a treat as we get to know Dr Kevin J. Payne, and he talks us through his diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, or more commonly known as, MS.  In this episode Dr Payne talks about the journey of finally getting a diagnosis (and a name!) for his symptoms, how he manages these symptoms, what has inspired his work at yourlifelivedwell.co (including writing his book), he teaches me some new information about stress, and then we get...

Emma Maguire & Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)

May 02, 2022 18:00 - 40 minutes - 37.1 MB

Hello favourite people! Welcome to That’s So Chronic! Today we’re chatting about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) with Emma Maguire.   In this episode Emma shares the road to getting these diagnoses, how sometimes implementing an immediate management strategy like a FODMAP diet is just a little bit unsustainable, what it’s like living, performing and working with multiple chronic illnesses, and some advice for p...

That's So: the Unrest documentary & ME/CFS (with Miranda Allen)

April 25, 2022 18:00 - 44 minutes - 40.2 MB

It’s the final Tuesday of the month which means a That’s So: episode! Today I’m chatting with Miranda Allen and we are talking about the award winning documentary Unrest and all things myalgic encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS) Unrest was created by Jennifer Brae who is an independent documentary filmmaker based in LA. Jennifer was studying towards her PhD at Harvard, when suddenly a mysterious illness left her bedridden. She decided to turn the camera on herself, and document the process. What un...

Rosie Roulette & Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), a rare form of brain tumor (Colloid Cyst), Fibromyalgia, & Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS)

April 18, 2022 18:00 - 41 minutes - 27.7 MB

Happy Tuesday! Welcome back to That’s So Chronic! Today’s episode is with Rosie Roulette, and we are chatting about hypermobile ehlers danlos syndrome (hEDS), fibromyalgia, suspected postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a little bit of endometriosis, and the moment when Rosie discovered they had a rare form of brain tumor (colloid cyst). In this episode Rosie talks about how these diagnoses can to be, as well as how they have shaped their creative practice, what inspires them ...

Eh-den Perlove & Scleroderma

April 11, 2022 18:00 - 45 minutes - 37.3 MB

Hello favourite people! Welcome back to That’s So Chronic! Today we are heading all the way over to New York and hearing from Eh-den Perlove! Eh-den is living with a diagnosis of the rare autoimmune condition scleroderma, which affects the connective tissues in the body, so aka, almost everything. In this episode Eh-den takes us through the journey of actually getting a diagnosis, how scleroderma affects her and how she has had to accommodate, she also gives us a run down of the 12 speci...

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