A Friend for the Long Haul

In this episode of A Friend for the Long Haul – A Long COVID Podcast, we dive into love, relationships, and resilience in the face of chronic illness. I sit down with Chimére Sweeney, a Long COVID activist, writer, and retired educator, alongside her husband, Tory Sweeney, to discuss their relationship and journey together.Chimére founded The Black Long COVID Experience, an initiative dedicated to amplifying Black Long COVID stories, advocating for equitable healthcare, and supporting disability access in Black communities. She and Tory met in college and reconnected after Chimére became ill, and their story sheds light on the emotional, social, and practical realities of navigating love and disability.We explore:

Welcome to Season 3 of A Friend for the Long Haul! This podcast amplifies the voices of those impacted by Long Covid, including patients, caregivers, allies, and the broader Covid Conscious community.In this episode, host Beth sits down with Caryn Zaner, PsyD, a Clinical Psychologist based in Oregon specializing in anxiety, identity development, values work, and interpersonal group therapy. Caryn (they/none) provides tele-therapy for adults 18+ and shares their personal experience navigating Long Covid.Topics covered include:✅ Caryn's journey with Long Covid and the support group they founded✅ People-pleasing, grief, coping mechanisms, and emotions✅ Perfectionism, social media pressures, and self-trust✅ Listening to your body and intuition when it feels unfamiliar✅ Comorbidities, chronic illness, and shared experiences

Hi! I remain alive! Here's a special announcement for season 3 (!) of A Friend for the Long Haul!

Welcome to the 1st Annual Long Covid Sickstravaganza Holiday Episode! This episode features contributions from a few different lovely folks: Segment 1 features my 7 year old. We discuss what he really wants for the holidays - which is apparently for me to stop being so hard on myself. Oof. For Segment 2, The Long Covid Choir kindly shared a recording of a holiday song with us, called Alles Schweiget! Included is an introduction from choir director Merel van der Knoop. You can watch a video the choir put together on YouTube. Here are the lyrics in German and English: Alles schweiget, Nachtigallen locken mit süßen Melodien Tränen ins Auge, Schwermut ins Herz. All is Silent All is silent nightingales draw with sweet melodies tears in the eye heaviness in the heart. Music attrib. Haydn/Mozart Photography: Janne Cecilie Bjerkeland Produced: Merel van der Knoop In Segment 3, I have a nice long chat with Lior Ocean about what a crock new year's resolutions are, and we discuss self compassion and showing ourselves loving kindness in 2025 Segment 4 features Joe Glasgow, who contributed a story called If These Pillows Could Talk Nina Storey kicked my ass with shares a demo of a new song called Shadows Fall (Love Myself). Nina said: "Let your audience know you inspired me after we spoke after your iron infusion, and every person dealing with a chronic illness and chronic pain or disability inspires this song too.  We are all warriors." Lyrics: Shadows Fall (Love Myself) Written by Nina Storey  Verse I so long alone  surrounded by the noise  still on my own scattered through an empty void but get up and I show up cause I've grown up in the dark and I'm bleeding but I'm breathing and I know I'm come so far Chorus shadows fall from yesterday what I've lost is far away where to go when all the love is gone when everyone has walked away  and I alone have got to stay  I learn to love myself and carry on Verse II take my life in minutes count them each a win when I reach the end of one, then I start to count again so I'll fake it, 'till I make it cause most don't seem to care but I'm ready and I'm clawing my way back for every breath of air Bridge I survived a stormy ride across my soul you can't break me iron veins have made me whole Chorus shadows fall from yesterday what I've lost is far away where to go when all the love is gone when everyone has walked away  I alone have got to stay learn to love myself and carry on  Thank you all for contributing, and thank you listeners for supporting this endeavor this year! I hope you have a lovely holiday season! To further spread some joy, there's a pretty decent giveaway happening for this special episode! Prizes are: a free month of the Calm app (not sponsored!), two free virtual dog training Sessions from Ray of Lighthouse Dog Training, a copy of Joe Glasgow's new book - Be a Hero, a signed copy of The Five Gifts: Discovering Hope, Healing and Strength when Disaster Strikes from Dr. Laurie Nadel, and a full copy of Chef Taryn of Bloom19's new Spoonie Cookbook! Chef Taryn also created a special holiday recipe for this episode, peppermint patties that are dairy free, gluten free, egg free, and refined sugar free! To enter, comment anything on this episode - also, tell me if you have a dog - or go to the giveaway post on my Instagram and comment, like, share, and tag friends for additional entries. Winners will be drawn on 12/29/2024. Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow, and share A Friend for the Long Haul if you can. And if you're feeling extra generous, leave a review. Your support helps get this in front of more earballs and helps me bring more episodes. You can listen to the A Friend for the Long Haul Long Covid Theme Songs playlist on Spotify. If you'd like to support this low budget/high love podcast, you can check out my Bonfire shop for silly long covid apparel or my Amazon wishlist,

Welcome to season 2 episode 12 of A Friend for the Long Haul - A Long COVID Podcast! This week's guest is Katie Drackert, who most of you will know as @kd_kinetic. Katie is the founder of Clear the Air ATX, a volunteer-led, community resource library that lends out air purifiers and other COVID mitigation tools for free to artists, musicians, and independent event producers in Austin, Texas - where I lived for many years and sadly had to leave due to my COVID experience. In the pre-rona days, Katie primarily worked full time as a performance artist. When Omicron hit, things changed. In this episode, we discuss our personal experiences with chronic health issues, including long COVID, and the challenges we face managing our symptoms while advocating for ourselves and others. We share our experiences with medical treatments, their emotional impacts, and the importance of community support and self-care. The conversation also touches on our backgrounds - which are really similar despite our age difference (I am an old) as well as our many shared interests, and future plans for advocacy work and creative projects that we are both plotting. By the end of this episode, I became fully obsessed with Katie, and I think you will, too! You can find out more about Katie's advocacy work in so many places! Check out: Co-created a Zine with The Sick Times, Featured in  BioWorld Med Tech, Teen Vogue, CBS Austin - Mask Bans, CBS Austin - Homeless Camping Ban, Texas Observer, Spectrum Local News, YES! Magazine, 48 Hills, KUT Austin, and Austin American Statesman. Follow Katie on Instagram Follow Clear the Air ATX on Instagram Clear the Air ATX's Linktree is full of so many resources and ways you can donate and support the org! Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow, and share A Friend for the Long Haul if you can. And if you're feeling extra generous, leave a review. Your support helps get this in front of more earballs and helps me bring more episodes.You can listen to the A Friend for the Long Haul Long Covid Theme Songs playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=7948dbf2222c4392 If you'd like to support this low budget/high love podcast, you can check out my Bonfire shirt for silly long covid apparel: https://www.bonfire.com/store/a-friend-for-the-long-haul/ or my Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3MYBB5G0P7YUD?ref_=wl_share

Hello, and welcome to another episode of A Friend for the Long Haul - A Long Covid Podcast! This week's guest is Ray, who most long haulers will know from TikTok and Instagram as @rayandstormi. Ray was one of the first long haulers I met when I made my original account back in Sept 2020. We've stayed in touch ever since, and I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to chat with her. Ray is a registered nurse and a dog trainer. In our conversation, we discuss her experience, including getting diagnosed with Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic pain disorder that causes sudden, severe facial pain. It's also known as tic douloureux, Fothergill disease, or trifacial neuralgia.TN is a type of neuropathic pain that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for feeling and movement in the face, and is widely known to be one of the most painful conditions you can get. Ray shares the story of her brain surgery to help with TN, her long covid story, and we chat about being bendy friends (hypermobile/EDS). Since this episode was recorded, Ray has been hit by a number of setbacks - the most difficult being when her landlord decided to sell the townhouse she's been renting for almost a decade. Ray has been a pivotal member of the long covid community from the start, so I really want to bring awareness to the gofundme she created to help her while she faces housing insecurity after her brain surgery: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-ray-overcome-health-and-housing-crisis?attribution_id=sl:a483392d-3284-4f33-aa3e-22897038ef47&utm_campaign=man_ss_icons&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link If you'd rather provide mutual aid to Ray directly, here is her Venmo information: https://venmo.com/u/Rayandstormi I'm also selling a series of holiday tshirts on my Bonfire shop in honor of Ray, and proceeds will be shared with her: “Happy Paw-lidays! Cure long covid” features a brown poodle, like the service dog Ray is training, Goose. The pup is wearing a red scarf and earmuffs. All I Want for Christmas is a Cure for Long Covid design 1 features Santa's sleigh and reindeer All I want for Christmas is a Cure for Long Covid design 2 features a cute sloth wearing a red hat and sweater, asleep on a branch adorned with holiday lights: “I survived another year - that's your present” features a sausage dog with pink presents and a pink hat Ray also inspired the design of a shirt that says “Yes, I've tried yoga,” that has a flower on it flipping the peace sign.  All shirts are available in long and short sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, and hoodies. You can find Ray on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/rayandstormi/ And on TikTok here: https://www.tiktok.com/@rayandstormi  This video helps tell Ray's covid story: https://www.tiktok.com/@rayandstormi/video/7144530664161889578  Please share this episode, or Ray's gofundme, if you can. And if you can donate, I know that it will be greatly appreciated. Thanks for joining me for this chat, Ray - we need to arrange more of them! Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow, and share A Friend for the Long Haul if you can. And if you're feeling extra generous, leave a review. Your support helps get this in front of more earballs and helps me bring more episodes.You can listen to the A Friend for the Long Haul Long Covid Theme Songs playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=7948dbf2222c4392 If you'd like to support this low budget/high love podcast, you can check out my Bonfire shirt for silly long covid apparel: https://www.bonfire.com/store/a-friend-for-the-long-haul/ or my Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3MYBB5G0P7YUD?ref_=wl_share

Welcome to a special pre-holidays ep of A Friend for the Long Haul! This is just shy of 2.5 hours but full of good chats. Here's the guest list! Caryn Zaner (0:01:01) is a clinical psychologist specializing in helping folks with identity & values alignment, anxiety, & group therapy. Find their professional Instagram account here. My obsession with Caryn started with this post on still Coviding and attachment theory. We discuss the stinky onion of grief, lost friendships, & values alignment. We get into setting boundaries - are we asking permission instead of actually setting them? Is it effective to appeal to empathy to “make your case” & or is it a waste of spoons? We dive into how difficult it is to make friends as adults. Caryn talks about the Wednesday night peer support group they facilitate & sends out a call to join a cross-generational queer group they want to start! Wanda Belisle (0:26:23) is a registered health coach, dealing with ME/CFS for several years & shares her experience to help people with ME & Long Covid pace. I'm not a client of Wanda's, but I find her posts helpful, & it's refreshing that when she's in a flare or crash, she shares it . In the ‘wellness' space that is rare for fear of diminishing returns on a ‘product.' We discuss pacing during the holidays. The focus is on parenting, but is relevant to all . Wanda explains how she's saved spoons by asking herself how she wants to feel, talking as a family about what's important , & how she reviews that. She offers tips on asking for help, delegating, being your own “Santa” & explaining pacing to family. As a gift, Wanda is sharing a pdf guide: Thriving this Season with ME/CFS and Long Covid for free. You can download it here.  Chimére & Tory Sweeney (0:57:54) joined me for a full-length episode, coming out soon. In this excerpt, we discuss what they have planned for the holidays - or - what they DO NOT have planned.  Kathleen Banks (1:02:35) has been working in public health for about 20 years & while we were having a casual conversation about grief (as you do) she mentioned the concentric circles of grief. We about it & it really helped me understand why I get so annoyed when other people put their grief about my illness back on me. We discuss appealing to empathy again, self-compassion (hello Kristen Neff), & touch on identifying your needs - something we'll talk about in an episode soon. Notes & links from Kathleen: My recent commentary on research priorities for Long COVID, *note for podcast that all my opinions expressed during our interview are mine & do not represent those of any of my affiliations, organizations or co-authors. “How not to say the wrong thing,” LA Times article on Ring Theory. Mara Glatzel's work. Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice by Leah Lakshmi Piepnza-Samarasinha.  Jillian & Natalie ( 1:30:09) are my local long hauler bffs. We discuss how this illness has affected our relationships with family & friends, being a lifeline for each other, our “words” for 2024, spending time together over the holidays, & friends who “get it.”  Lesa Schultz ( 1:52:52) was my first ever podcast guest & is one of my dearest long hauler friends. Lesa has an invitation to everyone to join a Sunday night long covid support group she facilitates, & has an update on what it's been like moving across the country to be closer to family while still upholding Covid boundaries.  The end (2:08:48) is a gift from Dr. Laurie Nadel, who has been on the podcast. Dr. Nadel is a psychotherapist. She & Lesa have been building a YouTube channel of meditations, & we have an exclusive for your holiday szn. It is 18 minutes long. Like, subscribe, share episodes pls! If you can, leave a review to help get it in more earballs. Listen to the podcast's Long Covid Theme Songs playlist on Spotify. To support this low budget/high love pod, check out my Bonfire shop for LC apparel or my Amazon wishlist. Thank you!

Welcome to season 2 episode 9 of A Friend for the Long Haul - A Long Covid Podcast! This week's guest is Dr. David Putrino, Professor of Rehabilitation and Human Performance at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Director of Rehabilitation Innovation for the Mount Sinai Health System was appointed the Nash Family Director of the CoRE - and so many other things. Dr. Putrino and I discussed the onset of the pandemic, its impacts on him and his team (we feel like we've aged about 10 years since March 2020), and how the work they did early on influenced their response when patients weren't getting better. We also talked about how he and his team care for their own mental health, impediments to research, upcoming studies they have planned, and he answered listener questions like “will you adopt me” and my question which was, “how do I set up a PO Box in New York so I can come to the clinic?”

Welcome to season 2 episode 8 of A Friend for the Long Haul - A Long Covid Podcast! This week I chat with Jaydo, who you probably know from TikTok and Instagram. Jaydo creates videos focused on "Things You Should Know About Covid," and they've been incredibly successful. In this episode we discuss: The Power of Community: Learn how Jaydo's COVID-conscious community is making a difference, including more about the CC Circle, his 0% lending circle for expensive Covid safety gear The Unexpected Influencer: what it's like to become a source of news for thousands Navigating a Divided World: We explore the challenges of being COVID-conscious in a society that often dismisses safety measures - including what it's like to date Listener-submitted questions: Jaydo and I answer questions about to handle difficult social situations, finding love while being cautious, and raising COVID-conscious kids (special mentions to @decolonize__ https://www.instagram.com/decolonize__/ and ShiShi Rose https://www.instagram.com/shishi.rose/ who both post wonderful round-ups of books and resources for children) A Deeper Dive: Delve into the socio-political implications of the pandemic and the importance of critical thinking A friendly reminder: This episode is a bit longer than usual at about an hour and a half. Feel free to listen in chunks to preserve your spoons. You can find Jaydo on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@JaydoCovid and on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/jaydocovid/ Here is his linktree and his YouTube channels: https://www.youtube.com/@JaydoCovid https://www.youtube.com/@jaydomusic Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow, and share A Friend for the Long Haul if you can. And if you're feeling extra generous, leave a review. Your support helps get this in front of more earballs and helps me bring more episodes. You can listen to the A Friend for the Long Haul Long Covid Theme Songs playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=7948dbf2222c4392 If you'd like to support this low budget/high love podcast, you can check out my Bonfire shirt for silly long covid apparel: https://www.bonfire.com/store/a-friend-for-the-long-haul/ or my Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3MYBB5G0P7YUD?ref_=wl_share Thanks again for listening!

Welcome to season 2 episode 6 of A Friend for the Long Haul - A Long Covid Podcast! This episode features my friend, Laura Thomas. Laura and I met in an Austin, Texas-based long covid support group, and started talking when she found out that I had moved from Texas because I discovered that my MCAS symptoms improved out of state. Laura hosts a podcast called Rescued By A Dog, which features stories of dogs saving their people. In this episode, Laura and I discuss: How we met and our long covid experiences Moving out of state in an attempt to see any improvement in our symptoms Acknowledging the privilege we both had to be able to move Low dose Naltrexone, Paxlovid, anesthesia, and ketamine therapy (none of this is medical advice!) What we call "zero dignity moments" with chronic illness EMDR, brain retraining, staying present "Resentment rebellion" Lymphatic massage The story behind Rescued by a Dog Find Rescued by a Dog on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0t6XikdERybsS3wwwaJb6j?si=c1654161e4504d1e And Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rescued-by-a-dog/id1648960693 Support the podcast via Laura's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RescuedbyaDogPodcast Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow, and share A Friend for the Long Haul if you can. And if you're feeling extra generous, leave a review. Your support helps get this in front of more earballs and helps me bring more episodes. You can listen to the A Friend for the Long Haul Long Covid Theme Songs playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=7948dbf2222c4392 If you'd like to support this low budget/high love podcast, you can check out my Bonfire shirt for silly long covid apparel where I'm raising money for a pro license of Zoom (as of right now, I can only record 30-40 minutes at a time and then we have to hang up and come back. Not great for conversational flow!): https://www.bonfire.com/store/a-friend-for-the-long-haul/ or my Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3MYBB5G0P7YUD?ref_=wl_share Thanks again for listening!

Welcome to season 2 episode 5 of A Friend for the Long Haul - A Long Covid Podcast. This episode features Lola Germs, a self-described "pandemic communicator + disabled guy w AuDHD + a funky rare genetic disease." We met on Instagram and once we got to talking we realized we share a lot of weird funky health stuff and our life and work trajectories have been similar in a lot of ways. Lola shares information about the pandemic in a way that's inclusive, creative, and accessible - which is not an easy thing to do, especially with such complex information! We talk about what led her to creating her YouTube channel, important things like the warmest socks you can get, the fact that I didn't sweat for almost two years, how illness impacts self-identity, how gratitude can be weird, the confidence required to care for yourself in modern society, and then we venture on to righting the wrongs of the medical industrial complex, her hopes for the future, climate change, the need for popular science communicators, and the future of space travel. I'm an old lady and I was ready to adopt LG by the end of this episode. Truly. I love smart people with hearts like this, and it's a privilege to get to have these conversations! Find Lola Germs on social media: Lola's YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@LolaGerms Instagram - instagram.com/lola.germs TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lolagerms and LinkTree with resources - https://linktr.ee/lolagerms Support Lola's work on ko-fi ko-fi.com/lolagerms or by simply subscribing on YouTube and interacting in the comments. Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow, and share A Friend for the Long Haul if you can. And if you're feeling extra generous, leave a review. Your support helps get this in front of more earballs and helps me bring more episodes. You can listen to the A Friend for the Long Haul Long Covid Theme Songs playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=7948dbf2222c4392 If you'd like to support this low budget/high love podcast, you can check out my Bonfire shirt for silly long covid apparel where I'm raising money for a pro license of Zoom (as of right now, I can only record 30-40 minutes at a time and then we have to hang up and come back. Not great for conversational flow!): https://www.bonfire.com/store/a-friend-for-the-long-haul/  or my Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3MYBB5G0P7YUD?ref_=wl_share Thanks again for listening!

Welcome to season 2 episode 4 of A Friend for the Long Haul - A Long Covid Podcast! Join me for a conversation with Merel and JC. Merel leads the Long Covid Choir, and JC is a member. Discover how this unique community has brought joy and support to those living with the debilitating effects of Long Covid. In this episode, we delve into the origins of the choir, how to join, and what to expect from the weekly sessions. Learn about some support group events and Merel's work with Long Covid Kids groups, and the things that bring us joy. We also discuss our experiences navigating healthcare systems in the US, England, and Norway. Whether you're living with Long Covid or simply curious about this inspiring community, this episode offers hope, connection, and a glimpse into the power of music. Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow, and share if you can. And if you're feeling extra generous, leave a review. Your support helps get this in front of more earballs and helps me bring more episodes. You can listen to the A Friend for the Long Haul Long Covid Theme Songs playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=7948dbf2222c4392 If you'd like to support this low budget/high love podcast, you can check out my Bonfire shirt for silly long covid apparel where I'm raising money for a pro license of Zoom (as of right now, I can only record 30-40 minutes at a time and then we have to hang up and come back. Not great for conversational flow!): https://www.bonfire.com/store/a-friend-for-the-long-haul/ or my Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3MYBB5G0P7YUD?ref_=wl_share

Welcome to season 2 episode 3 of A Friend for the Long Haul - A Long Covid Podcast! In this episode I chat with Jess London. Jess created an app called TurnTo, which curates the latest research, lived experiences, tips, and insights - so you can find new answers in what's called your "daily drop." It is currently live in Cerebral Palsy, Long Covid, ME/CFS, and Parkinson's. I was on the early release team for the Long Covid/ME app, and Jess and I got on so well from the start, I wanted to chat with her to learn more about her intention for the app. The app is totally free so this isn't some sort of paid promotion - I'm always so curious about how people manage to pull off these endeavors and I genuinely find TurnTo very helpful. I was also very curious about how they could build something like this and offer it at no cost. Jess had ME/CFS and her children have Cerebral Palsy, so this app is a true passion project for her. We discuss the creation of the app, their plans for the future, my amazing ability to name things, Jess's ME/CFS experience, and how the development team works to safeguard the app from those charlatans who work in cahoots (or creepy links, trolls, bullies, false info, and shameless self promotion for profit.) Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow, and share if you can. And if you're feeling extra generous, leave a review. Your support helps get this in front of more earballs and helps me bring more episodes. You can listen to the A Friend for the Long Haul Long Covid Theme Songs playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=7948dbf2222c4392 If you'd like to support this low budget/high love podcast, you can check out my Bonfire shirt for silly long covid apparel where I'm raising money for a pro license of Zoom (as of right now, I can only record 30-40 minutes at a time and then we have to hang up and come back. Not great for conversational flow!): https://www.bonfire.com/store/a-friend-for-the-long-haul/ or my amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3MYBB5G0P7YUD?ref_=wl_share As always, thanks for listening!

Welcome to season 2 episode 2 of A Friend for the Long Haul - A Long Covid Podcast! Thank you for being here! Join me as I chat with Joe Glasgow, who you may know from his Instagram or TikTok. You may also be subscribed to his Substack, Chronically Creating. If you're not, you should be. Each week, Joe offers a prompt and a quote to those of us who may feel we've lost our creative spark due to chronic illness. Joe and I discuss his Covid "journey," his history in comedy, travel, and podcasting, and how that led to him creating such relatable reels and content about long Covid. I also have a huge MCAS reaction in the middle of recording, which is always fun. I had a great time talking with Joe, and and I'm going to admit that I was nervous about recording because I don't always feel like my brain can keep up and he's so funny and quick, but I managed to make him laugh which left me feeling very pleased with myself lol. Usually, I have a hard time listening back to episodes but I genuinely enjoyed hearing this one, so I hope you enjoy it. Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow, and share if you can. And if you're feeling extra generous, leave a review. Your support helps get this in front of more earballs and helps me bring more episodes. Update for season 2! From this episode, the end of pod questions change! But not question 2, which will always remain, and you can listen to the A Friend for the Long Haul Long Covid Theme Songs playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=7948dbf2222c4392 If you'd like to support this low budget/high love podcast, you can check out my Bonfire shirt for silly long covid apparel where I'm raising money for a pro license of Zoom (as of right now, I can only record 30-40 minutes at a time and then we have to hang up and come back. Not great for conversational flow!): https://www.bonfire.com/store/a-friend-for-the-long-haul/ or my amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3MYBB5G0P7YUD?ref_=wl_share As always, thanks for listening!

Welcome to season two of A Friend for the Long Haul - A Long Covid Podcast! Thank you for being here! For episode one, join me as I sit down with Katrina and Corey, the founders of Covid Safe Colorado. Covid Safe Colorado is a grassroots organization dedicated to providing high-quality masks to vulnerable communities in the state. Learn about their journey from starting a mask bloc to building a supportive network of volunteers. In this episode, we delve into the challenges and triumphs of pandemic activism, the importance of community-led initiatives, and the personal impact of long Covid. Katrina and I also share our experiences as "pacing buddies," exploring how mutual support can help navigate the complexities of chronic illness. If you're considering starting a mask bloc on your own, Corey and Katrina share their lessons learned and offer advice and resources to help you get started. Don't miss this conversation about compassion and the power of collective community care. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share for more episodes. And if you're feeling extra generous, leave a review. Your support helps me keep bringing you episodes. Resources mentioned in this episode: How to Start a Mask Bloc, a collaborative zine by Fight COVID NOLA, Mask Up Pittsburgh, Mask Bloc ATX, World Wide Mask Map, Masks for London, Mask Block UCD, Mask Bloc LA, and Charlotte Mask Bloc, found at Worldwide Mask Bloc Directory – Find your local Mask Bloc Covid Safe Colorado's website and Instagram Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha Katrina's podcast, Dreaming Back to the Earth Don't forget to check out the podcast's playlist. Each guest is asked to share their long covid theme song: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=7399eb50bf8a4a9d

Season 1 Episode 17 In this final episode of the podcast for season 1, I got to chat with Sophie, the founder and Creative Director of Berlin Buyers Club. From their website: "Berlin Buyers Club was born in March 2023 with three goals: 1. To spread awareness of Long Covid and adjacent diseases in a way that is relatable and accessible to younger people, as well as anyone else who feels drawn to the vibe. 2. To encourage people to get involved in advocating for Long Covid & ME/CFS research, treatments, preventatives, and cures. 3. To offer a safe space for people with Long Covid, ME/CFS, and PSSD and their allies. If you can relate to any of this, if you'd like to help us spread the message, if you're interested in normalizing discussion about Long Covid and the need for treatments and preventatives, if you want clean air... Then you're a part of the Club too! Welcome." Sophie and I discussed her experience with long covid, how she came to start BBC, how it has impacted her, and yes, we talk about how cool it was to see Violet Affleck wearing some of the Berlin Buyer's Club merch! We talk about what healthcare has looked for each of us in our respective countries of residence, ways to channel our anger, and advocacy efforts. I hope you'll tune in! Hit subscribe and leave us a rating to let us know what you think! We're here for you, friends. And thanks again to Sophie for joining me! Be sure to follow me on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/afriendforthelonghaul⁠ for updates and unhinged content. My website is: ⁠https://sites.google.com/view/friendforthelonghaul⁠ Sophie's Instagram is: https://www.instagram.com/sophsoph.psd/ And the Insta for Berlin Buyer's Club is: https://www.instagram.com/berlin_buyers_club/ Don't forget to check out the pod playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=c5c70f678a7d4d4d

Season 1 Episode 16: Damn it, Amy! Join me as I chat with Amy, a writer, social worker, long covid & ME/CFS advocate, and the brilliant mind behind The Tonic (https://amythetonic.substack.com/) – a refreshing blend of wellness resources and stories for those battling chronic illness. In this episode, we discuss: How to break free from the achievement trap and find validation on your terms. Amy's personal journey with long covid, including her fight for long-term disability. The inspiring story behind The Tonic, and how it injects laughter and hope into chronic illness journeys. Whether you're a long hauler yourself, or supporting someone who is, this episode is for you. #LongCovid #Hope #ChronicIllness #TheTonic P.S. Looking for more resources on long covid and ME/CFS? Check out Amy's blog, The Tonic! Mentioned in this episode: Amy's HealthRising piece on Long Covid and Disability: https://www.healthrising.org/blog/2023/03/02/my-long-covid-disability-journey/ Pain Free You on YouTube with Dan Buglio: https://www.youtube.com/@PainFreeYou Amy Hamilton at Core Connections Counseling: https://www.coreconnectionscounselling.com/ Hit subscribe and leave us a rating to let us know what you think! We're here for you, friends. And thanks again to Dr. Laurie Nadel for joining me! Be sure to follow me on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/afriendforthelonghaul⁠ for updates and unhinged content. My website is: ⁠https://sites.google.com/view/friendforthelonghaul⁠ Don't forget to check out the pod playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=c5c70f678a7d4d4d

Episode 15: The Five Gifts - Discovering Hope, Healing and Strength When Disaster Strikes This week on A Friend for the Long Haul, I welcome a fellow traveler on the path of chronic illness! Dr. Laurie Nadel, a renowned journalist and therapist, joins us to share her incredible journey. Dr. Nadel has battled chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and COPD, and understands the physical and emotional toll of long-term illness. We'll delve into her amazing career, her own struggles with chronic illness, trauma, and loss - and her dedication to helping Long Haulers. Some history from Dr. Nadel's website that I think you'll just eat up: "After an internship with the London Daily Mirror, she worked at Reuters Television in London where she became the first woman news writer. Returning to New York, she became the first woman news writer-producer at ABC News, working with correspondents and cameramen around the world. A member of the Writers Guild of America, Nadel produced news about the Vietnam war and the anti-war movement, Watergate and the Nixon-McGovern presidential election when President Nixon won a second term." "In 1988, after a long battle with chronic fatigue syndrome, Nadel was laid off while she was medically disabled. As she started to improve with the help of meditation, hypnotherapy and Chinese medicine, she rebooted her journalism career by writing for airline magazines and Men's Fitness. Around this time, she returned to graduate school to earn two doctorates in psychology and clinical hypnotherapy. These credentials opened the way for her to focus on behavioral health topics and led to her writing several psychology books." In this episode, you'll learn: How Dr. Nadel's experience with CFS shaped her work as a therapist. Her unique approach to healing, incorporating elements of psychology, hypnotherapy, and indigenous wisdom. The "Five Gifts" from her book, explained as they relate to Long Haulers (she's committed to offering long-term support for women who endure permanent chronic health difficulties since the first wave of COVID in 2020. With Dr. Noah Greenspan's Pulmonary Wellness Foundation, she helped launch the longest ongoing support program for Long Covid patients. Practical tools and strategies for building resilience and finding hope amidst chronic illness Dr. Laurie also takes us through some ways to trust our bodies and our guts in an effort to find our inner wisdom and inner healer, and shares some of her favorite meditation techniques. Whether you're a Long Hauler, someone with ME/CFS, or facing any chronic health battle, this episode is a beacon of strength and support. Don't miss Dr. Laurie Nadel's inspiring story and advice! P.S. Check out Dr. Laurie Nadel's book, "The Five Gifts," for an "emergency Go-Kit" for your heart and mind. You can find it on Amazon here but she's also written 7 other books! You can find Dr. Laurie's website at: https://www.laurienadel.com/ On the Services page, you can find a video meditation journey she speaks of in this episode: https://www.laurienadel.com/services-events.html Dr. Laurie's Reiki and energy healing for animals and their human companions page is: https://animalreikiplanet.com/ Find out more about the Pulmonary Wellness Foundation here (btw, this isn't an ad, they're just good folks!) This episode also has a special message from Lior Ocean, my friend and guest from episode 5, who is looking to expand their services to long haulers by offering a sliding scale and even free sessions. Hit subscribe and leave us a rating to let us know what you think! We're here for you, friends. And thanks again to Dr. Laurie Nadel for joining me! Be sure to follow me on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/afriendforthelonghaul⁠ for updates and unhinged content. My website is: ⁠https://sites.google.com/view/friendforthelonghaul⁠ Don't forget to check out the pod playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K

Episode 14: I Got Bit by the Zombie and I'm not Telling You This week's episode of A Friend for the Long Haul - a Podcast for Long Covid Friends features Jacob. Listening to the very beginning, I realized that I refer to Jacob as "him." Their pronouns are they/them, and I'd like to acknowledge that and apologize for making assumptions. YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DO WHEN YOU ASSUME. I'm just gonna add a list of where you can find them now, because they are lovely and I am an old lady and if my three sons grow up with even half of Jacob's empathy and ability to show compassion to others as well as himself I will have done a good a pretty fine job. They've actually made it really easy: https://jacjack.carrd.co/ has all platforms linked and I'm probably about to copy them. You'll see their content first on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midwestsidegunn I started following Jacob when a few of their videos started making the rounds in the long covid community. Jacob does not have long covid, but received a zine from a friend who does and that zine started making them think about how messed up it sounds. They started learning (imagine, a person not affected by your condition starting to listen and learn about it to protect themself and to protect their community!) and then started becoming more vocal about being covid conscious on social media. In this episode, we discuss: what led them to becoming more vocal about covid their pandemic experience integrity in the chronic illness and disability space tone policing and being Black in the covid conscious community the intersection of covid justice/activism & disability justice with all of the other major sociopolitical things happening right now (Palestine, Sudan, Congo, etc) Disco and the importance of Donna Summer and so much more

Mark Your Calendars! The Teal Reveal is Almost Here! ✨ Calling all #chronic illness and #longcovid warriors! Join me and Chimere on this bonus episode of A Friend for the Long Haul as we chat about her upcoming virtual prom, The Teal Reveal, happening in just TWO WEEKS! The Teal Reveal is more than just a party – it's a celebration of resilience and community. This inclusive event supports a fantastic cause: Your ticket purchase helps fund the important documentary, Black and (un)Believed. It also provides food, medicine, or supplies to two amazing community members in need. Here's what you need to know: Tickets are on sale now! Get yours at https://www.blackandunbelievedfilm.com/ (don't forget to check your spam folder for your ticket!). Kids under 10 are FREE! Bring your whole crew – partners, pets, and all! There will be music, prizes, and of course, FUN! Plus, Chimere shares an update on her powerful film, Black and (un)Believed, and how it's evolved as she's navigated filmmaking. The episode ends with a heartwarming moment as my 6-year-old (who met Chimere when he was only 2!) gets to say hi! Find Chimmy on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/chimereladawn/

Episode 13: An Emotion Soup Ever feel like you get the "you look great!" when you definitely don't feel great? Join me and Amy (https://www.instagram.com/longcovidrockstar/) on this episode of A Friend for the Long Haul as we tackle the frustrating things people say to those with chronic illness and long covid. We get real about the pressure to perform and the emotional toll of "have you tried X?" But this episode isn't all venting! Amy's a total rockstar when it comes to mindset and pacing, and she shares how she reclaimed enjoyment in her life. We even dive into how she negotiated a return to work on her terms (because boundaries are essential!) Feeling lost in the shuffle of illness? We talk about the impact of social conditioning and the patriarchy on our self-worth, especially for chronically ill and disabled folks. Amy will leave you with some actionable tips for starting a gratitude practice and reconnecting with the parts of yourself that might feel hidden. This episode is a must-listen if you struggle with Feeling invisible in your illness Saying good things about yourself Dealing with unsolicited advice Reclaiming joy and purpose Hit subscribe and leave us a rating to let us know what you think! We're here for you, friends. Be sure to follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/afriendforthelonghaul for updates and unhinged content. My website is: https://sites.google.com/view/friendforthelonghaul Don't forget to check out the pod playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K

Episode 12: Born to be Horizontal, Forced to be Vertical Navigating Long Covid in Your Early 20s on A Friend for the Long Haul This week on A Friend for the Long Haul, I'm joined by Ally, who got hit with covid right before her college graduation, which developed into long covid. We explore the unique challenges of starting a new chapter in your twenties after acquiring a chronic illness. In this episode, you'll hear: How Ally navigates friendships and relationships What it was like starting her first job after college with long covid Ally's journey with pacing and the importance of mobility aidss The emotions of meeting another long hauler for the first time (Chef Taryn of episode 4!) Plus, we chat about TurnTo, a brand new app designed specifically for people with long covid and ME/CFS! TurnTo leverages AI to curate personalized daily content, from the latest research breakthroughs to inspiring user stories. Ally shares her experience with working on the development of the app and how it's helped her on her long haul journey. By the way - this is not an ad, the app is free and so useful. Feeling lost and alone with long covid in your twenties? This episode is for you! Join us for a supportive conversation and discover some tools and resources you may find useful. #AFriendForTheLongHaul #LongCovidCommunity #ChronicIllnessWarriors Tune in, and let's navigate this long haul together.Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who might benefit from hearing Ally's story. You can find Ally on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/livinglongcovid/ Be sure to follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/afriendforthelonghaul for updates and unhinged content. My website is: https://sites.google.com/view/friendforthelonghaul Don't forget to check out the pod playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K

Episode 11: “It is no measure of health to be well-adjusted to a profoundly sick society.” - Jiddu Krishnamurti Hello everyone, and welcome back to another episode of A Friend for the Long Haul. I'm incredibly excited about this week's guest, Steph Fowler, the fantastic brain behind Misfit Mental Health. Steph is a therapist with a unique and powerful story that will resonate deeply with the many of us who have felt like we just don't fit in. In this episode, Steph and I discuss: Steph's "Misfit" Experience: We start with Steph's personal story, where she shares the challenges of facing burnout, and the path to rebuilding her life. Career Shifts and Finding Her Path: Steph opens up about her career changes and how the search for a better fit eventually led her to work for herself, creating a space where she could be her authentic self. Living with Chronic Illness and Dynamic Disabilities: We discuss Steph's experience with chronic illness, dynamic disabilities, and the ongoing challenges of navigating life in a world that often overlooks the realities of living with Long Covid. The Misfit Mental Health Philosophy: Steph explains how living as a misfit can be both liberating and isolating, and the importance of acknowledging and processing past harms to move toward healing. Self-Assurance: Steph and I discuss acceptance and self-assurance, and how validating one's own needs, strengths, and values is crucial in navigating a world that doesn't always support uniqueness. Rediscovering and Celebrating Your True Self: We delve into the journey of rediscovering and celebrating the person you are beneath decades of social conditioning. Join us for a conversation filled with authenticity that I thoroughly enjoyed! Steph also provides us with some tips for what to ask and what to look for when you are seeking a new therapist. Whether you've felt like a misfit all your life or are simply looking for inspiration to embrace your true self, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in, and let's navigate this long haul together. Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who might benefit from Steph's story and wisdom. You can find Steph at https://misfitmentalhealth.com and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/misfit.mental.health. Be sure to follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/afriendforthelonghaul for updates and unhinged content. My website is: https://sites.google.com/view/friendforthelonghaul Don't forget to check out the pod playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K

Episode 10: The 11th Recording and 10th Release Welcome back to another episode of A Friend for the Long Haul! I'm happy to have Wanda Belisle join me for this episode. Wanda is a Registered Health Coach who's aim is to help people with ME/CFS and Long Covid. In this episode, Wanda and I dive deep into her story and the work she's doing: Wanda's Prior History with Post-Viral Illness and ME/CFS: We kick things off by exploring Wanda's own battle with post-viral illness and ME/CFS, which started in her teens, giving us a glimpse into her resilience and strength. The Possibility of Contracting Covid-19 in February 2020: Wanda shares her story of possibly having Covid-19 early in the pandemic and how it contributed to a severe flare. Finding an Improved Baseline: Through her work with practitioners and her own efforts, Wanda has managed to find a better baseline. She opens up about the strategies and treatments that have made a difference in her life. Starting Her Health Coaching Business: Wanda's passion for helping others led her to start a business as a health coach years before the pandemic. We discuss how her business has evolved since the pandemic began. Challenging Ableist and Ill-Informed Notions: Both of us reflect on the ableist and ill-informed pre-conceived notions we had about post-viral illness before experiencing it ourselves, and how our perspectives have shifted. This portion may be a bit difficult for some listeners as we confront and name how ignorant we were in the past about these matters. Tips for the Newly Diagnosed: Wanda offers advice for those newly diagnosed with ME/CFS or Long Covid, providing practical tips for navigating this challenging journey. Future Plans for Her Coaching Business: Finally, Wanda shares exciting plans she has for her coaching business and her vision for the future. Join us for an inspiring conversation filled with insights, personal stories, and practical advice. Whether you're dealing with ME/CFS, Long Covid, or simply looking for a story of resilience and hope, this episode is for you. Tune in, and let's get through this long haul together. PS I am not a client of Wanda's and this is not an ad or promotion. I'm highly selective about any wellness or health professionals I have on this podcast because I am very protective of this community. I have a lot of time for Wanda because of her transparency and openness. Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with anyone who might benefit from Wanda's story. You can find her at https://www.wandabelisle.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/wandabelisle Don't forget to follow me on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/afriendforthelonghaul/ And check out my website at https://sites.google.com/view/friendforthelonghaul - check out the Providers link to find a living Google doc full of long hauler submitted and approved healthcare providers! Resources mentioned in this episode: Byron Katie: https://thework.com/ Jarred Younger's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@youngerlab Solve M.E. Videos featuring Jarred Younger: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJB95m4FLa0 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxdzaWD5wfU https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DU0UgWGyi0A Ally Boothroyd's YouTube Channel for Yoga Nidra: https://www.youtube.com/@SarovaraYoga Jennifer Piercy's Insight Timer page: https://insighttimer.com/jenniferpiercy Don't forget to check out the podcast playlist on Spotify using this link: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=e67cfc837de84b5d

Welcome back to A Friend for the Long Haul with me, your host, Beth. This week, I am joined by Alysia Dagrosa, a board-certified patient advocate, full-spectrum doula, certified lactation counselor, Endometriosis advocate, and first wave long hauler. In this deeply personal episode, Alysia recounts the early days of the pandemic, contracting COVID-19 in March 2020, and the challenges she faced living with and caring for her family during lockdown. From her father's cabin fever-induced escapades THAT WILL INFURIATE YOU to the severe health complications that followed, Alysia's story is both harrowing and heartfelt. She opens up about the multi-system failures she experienced, her own struggles with long Covid, and the emotional toll of dealing with a family in denial. While Alysia and I were talking, I was so wrapped up in her story that I couldn't quite process what I was hearing. While editing this episode, I felt all the emotions and you'll go from curious to incredulous to feeling deep empathy to being simply wowed by Alysia as a human. In addition, you'll learn SO MUCH about Endometriosis in this episode. If you're struggling with endo, please give this episode a listen. We mostly get into Alysia's endo advocacy work in the second half and she provides so much education here. Content Warning: This episode discusses serious difficult family dynamics, COVID-19 infection, hospital trips, strokes, and food and body issues which may be difficult for some listeners. This episode is longer than usual, so feel free to take breaks as needed. Join us for an honest conversation filled with vulnerability, resilience, and even moments of humor. Plus Alysia's amazing singing at the end! Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and share the podcast with your friends. Your support helps us reach more listeners who can benefit from these stories. Tune in every Monday for new episodes! You can find Alysia on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/tantielys/ Find out more about A Friend for the Long Haul here: https://sites.google.com/view/afriendforthelonghaul Or on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/afriendforthelonghaul/ Don't miss this show's playlist, which you can find on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=665f477ed2b647a0 Disclaimer: While this podcast discusses medical topics, none of the content is intended as medical advice. Please consult your medical professional with any questions or concerns you may have. For more information about the PASC care package fundraiser mentioned at the beginning of this episode, check out https://www.instagram.com/chillusions/ Keywords: Long COVID, patient advocacy, pandemic stories, COVID-19 recovery, endometriosis, endo, advocacy, stroke, personal journey, family struggles, COVID-19 impact

Season 1 Episode 8: We Really Went off Script Join me, Beth, on this week's episode of A Friend for the Long Haul, as I have a heartfelt conversation with my dear friend Katy. Katy (a first wave Covid long hauler from Canada) and I have known each other online since 2020. When I announced that Katy was going to be on the podcast, I said that I couldn't remember my Covid life without her. Our experience through the trials of long covid has brought us closer together and we're sharing our stories with you. In this episode, we reflect on the early days of the pandemic when the uncertainty of prolonged symptoms left us feeling isolated and misunderstood - and that part never really went away. Katy and I discuss our shared experiences with conditions like postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), including harrowing episodes of anaphylaxis triggered by food and medications. We discuss our advocacy efforts to raise awareness and support for long Covid sufferers, discussing how we attempt to preserve our energy and find joy in the small details of life. Don't miss this episode filled with lols, strength, and hope. By the way, 10kms is equal to 6.21371, I was close!! Remember to subscribe to A Friend for the Long Haul and rate the pod on your favorite platform. Your support means the world to me and my listeners, and we're grateful to have your ears. Thank you for listening! Katy was a speaker at the following event, hosted by Ed Yong: https://youtu.be/BjNy1rn0yPk?si=cYV37I8vgST3YVjJ and she will be back on another podcast to talk more about that - hopefully with other speakers from that event. Ed, I'd love to chat with you too! :D Here's Ed's website: https://edyong.me/ You can find Katy on on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/suddendeparture/ Keywords: Long Covid, chronic illness, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, mast cell activation syndrome, anaphylaxis, advocacy, covid long hauler, Ed Yong, pandemic, health journey, energy preservation, spoons, spoonie life, pasc, me/cfs, mcas, pots, asthma Land acknowledgement: Katy and I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the traditional territories on which we are situated. Katy was speaking to you from the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Beth joined from the traditional territory of the Núu-agha-tʉvʉ-pʉ̱ (Ute), hinono'eino' biito'owu' (Arapaho), Tséstho'e (Cheyenne), Ndé Kónitsąąíí Gokíyaa (Lipan Apache), and Očhéthi Šakówiŋ communities. We honor and respect the Indigenous peoples who have lived on and cared for these lands for generations. It is important for us to recognize the histories and cultures of these nations as we continue our conversation today. Thank you.

Episode 7: Tips for Traveling with Long Covid During an Active Panini HI I USE SOME ADULT LANGUAGE IN THIS EPISODE OK There is no additional guest for this episode because I was traveling for work! I needed to pull something together pretty quickly upon my return, so I asked my Instagram friends what I should talk about and the feedback was overwhelmingly about travel tips. I've done a lot of road trips and a few flights now and (knock on wood) have escaped all past trips Covid-free, so I talk about my experiences and give some tips. The reference to a bucket for the long haul will, um, make sense by the end. This was recorded over the course of a couple of days and I'm still reeling from travel (I forgot to say - schedule rest after any travel. Give yourself a good week. I didn't.) so I repeat myself and there's a lot of good old fashioned word finding going on. Enjoy. This episode covers: How gross people are Traveling with kids Advantages of road tripping A mini rant about cruises Tips on traveling intentionally - considering climates, allergens, humidity, screen time, mcas, time required for travel, spoons Communicating your needs POTS and travel - vestibular chaos Potties Mobility aids at the airport and internalized ableism You can't eat at everybody's house Work travel The Job Accommodation Network website and asking for reasonable accommodations at work Tempo the dog is featured heavily in this episode because I don't have the spoons for profesh editing ok thanks Resources mentioned in this episode: The Job Accommodations Network website: https://askjan.org The Roadside America website: https://www.roadsideamerica.com Covid Safe Colorado https://sites.google.com/view/covidsafecolorado/ It's also important for me to make sure you know that the fact that I mention like 500 brands in this episode does not mean that any of them sponsor me so they are not ads, but I'm going to put links to them because honestly if they want to, I'm game: https://www.estherslv.com/ https://us.loopearplugs.com/ https://drinklmnt.com/ https://www.liquid-iv.com/ https://www.neosporin.com/ https://www.qtips.com/ https://www.lumifyeyes.com/ https://www.rei.com/ https://koa.com/ https://www.airbnb.com/ Also: I AM NOT A DOCTOR OR MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL AND NONE OF THIS IS MEDICAL ADVICE TAKE WHAT I SAY WITH A GRAIN OF SALT I AM JUST A LADY WITH A CHRONIC ILLNESS AND A BIG MOUTH I'd like to acknowledge that this was recorded on Ute, Arapahoe, Cheyenne, and Apache land.

Episode 6: Rest is Medicine Join us in our latest episode of A Friend for the Long Haul, where we dive deep into the world of chronic illness and movement with the incredible Julie Hunter! Julie is an endurance athlete and health & fitness coach with over a decade of experience. After battling her own health problems, including ME/CFS, Fibromyalgia, MCAS, POTS, and multiple TBIs, Julie turned her journey into a beacon of hope for others facing similar struggles and used her experience not only to help herself cope with Long Covid, but to help others with her coaching business, Movement with ME. In this episode, Julie opens up about: Top Trends with Long Covid Clients: Discover the latest insights and trends Julie has observed while working with Long Covid sufferers. Julie's Personal Journey: Get inspired by Julie's courageous battle against chronic illness and how it fueled her passion to help others reclaim their lives. Personalized Movement Plans vs. Graded Exercise Therapy: Ever wondered about the difference? Julie breaks it down for us. Whether you're looking for personalized strategies to incorporate movement into your routine or seeking solace in shared experiences, this episode is a must-listen!

Episode 5: Memes are Tiny Prayers In this episode, I'm joined by the incredible Lior Ocean, an intuitive medium, fine artist, and beacon of light. Lior shares their story of navigating long covid, chronic illness, and disability while finding solace in art and spirituality. Lior speaks from a very unique perspective - they worked on the Ebola outbreak in West Africa in 2016 and 2017. Just before the start of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, they obtained a Master's Degree in Infectious Diseases. We delve into the philosophy of non-duality, and Lior shares insights on its intersection with chronic illness and how spirituality influences their approach to life's challenges. Recording this episode was honestly very healing for me, as Lior and I discuss how to start learning to trust your intuition when you feel like you can't trust your body. I cried about 4 times editing this conversation! You can find Lior at https://www.liorocean.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/liorocean/ Books mentioned in this episode: Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chodron Loving Our Own Bones: Disability Wisdom and the Spiritual Subversiveness of Knowing Ourselves Whole by Julia Watts Belser

Episode 4: Oat-my-goodness, Chef! In this episode of "A Friend for the Long Haul," I invite you to pull up a chair and join a warm, inviting conversation with Chef Taryn Marquez. Through her incredible journey battling severe COVID-19, Taryn emerged not only as a survivor but as a beacon for many. Join us as we delve into her courageous story, sharing laughs, tears, and a delicious recipes along the way. On the Menu: Vegan Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Balls Get ready to tantalize your tastebuds as we whip up one of Chef Taryn's signature treats! These delectable snacks aren't just about flavor – they're full of nutrition. 1/2 cup maple syrup  1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons peanut butter  3/4 cup GF rolled oats  3 tablespoons mini vegan chocolate chips 1 tablespoon Zivolife functional food powder (or chia or flax seeds) 3 tablespoons cocoa powder Mix all ingredients thoroughly, form into balls or any shape that suits you on parchment and refrigerate overnight.  In our friendly kitchen chat, we'll explore: Taryn's COVID Experience: From her challenging stay in the hospital to her remarkable road to recovery, hear firsthand how she overcame the odds with unwavering determination and a sprinkle of culinary magic. Bloom-19: Spreading Awareness and Deliciousness: Discover the story behind Taryn's initiative, Bloom-19, and how she's using her platform to share recipes tailored for fellow long Covid sufferers. Looking Forward with Hope: Taryn has big dreams for the future and we discuss the silver linings she's discovered amidst the storm. Through her optimism, we're reminded of the importance of savoring (food pun!) each moment. The Importance of Family: At the heart of Taryn's journey lies a profound appreciation for the love and support of family. We'll explore the role of connection, compassion, and community in navigating life's toughest challenges, including caring for her father with the help of her sister, Cindy. So grab your apron, pour yourself a cup of comfort, and join us for an episode filled with warmth, wisdom, and of course, a sprinkle of culinary delight. Oh, and there are some bloopers in there, too. Taryn's website and store can be found at https://www.bloom-19.com/  and you can find her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bloom19official/ Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow and give me and the guest some stars. :)

Episode 3: A Developing Friendship In this episode of A Friend for the Long Haul, I chat with John Zeising about his career as an EMT and firefighter, his passion for photography, and the unexpected turn his life took after getting COVID-19 on his Christmas Eve shift in 2020. Discover the profound impact of disability advocacy on his life and how he remains committed to serving his community. This episode was recorded later in the day on a Friday, during a week when I had traveled out of town for the first time in a long time. I was dealing with post-exertional malaise as a result. You may find that I'm a little slower than usual to compute and there may be some rambling, but it's real life with long Covid, so I'm just going to roll with it. You can find out more about John by going to his website, 4th Dimension Photography LLC (johnzeising.com) John's podcast is called Long Covid - Sharing the Journey and you can find it on Spotify. Follow the A Friend for the Long Haul podcast playlist on Spotify! Each guest shares a song that relates to their experience with Long Covid. John is also on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/colorado_sky/ Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow and give me and the guest some stars. :)

Episode 2: That Time Megan Bit into an Onion In the second episode of A Friend for the Long Haul, join host Beth and her darling friend Megan as they delve into the depths of online girl friendship. Remember in the intro episode of this podcast, when Beth said that her brand is dark humor as a coping mechanism? If you thought the intro was relatable, wait until she starts chatting with Megan. Despite a significant age gap and never having met face-to-face, Beth and Megan share a bond that transcends time and distance. Megan is the powerhouse behind Fancy Free Nursery in Tampa, Florida (we'll give some credit to her husband Robby, too) and she opens up about her battle with long Covid since November 2020. Tune in as Megan chats about her pre-illness dedication to fitness, the challenges of running a small business while chronically ill, covid-conscious family dynamics, and raising awareness of Covid's impact on children. Plus, don't miss Megan's ingenious STEM project idea for school kids. Important Links: Megan's business website, Fancy Free Nursery: https://www.fancyfreenursery.com/ Fancy Free's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fancyfreenursery/ Follow the A Friend for the Long Haul ⁠podcast playlist on Spotify!⁠ Each guest shares a song that relates to their experience with Long Covid. Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow and give me and the guest some stars.

Episode 1: True Friendship is like Oxygen with Lesa Join in for the inaugural episode of A Friend for the Long Haul, where we dive deep into the world of friendship and overcoming whatever the heck the last four years have been with our host, Beth, and her dear friend Lesa. Lesa, a business development strategist, a devoted godmother, and long hauler, shares her story with us. In this heartfelt conversation, Beth and Lesa open up about Lesa's move to Nashville that did not go as planned, the realities of living with long Covid, the use of home oxygen therapy, as well as the importance of community. Discover the little things that make a big difference, from the humble sticky note to the healing magic of puppies. tldr: Listen in as Beth and Lesa tell each other how much they love each other for about 55 minutes. Important Links! None of these are ads, but are mentioned in this episode: Lesa's Substack: https://lesaschultz.substack.com/ Ally Boothroyd's YouTube channel for Yoga Nidra: https://www.youtube.com/@SarovaraYoga/ Information on the Pulmonary Wellness Foundation https://pulmonarywellness.org/ Follow the A Friend for the Long Haul ⁠podcast playlist on Spotify!⁠ Each guest shares a song that relates to their experience with Long Covid. Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow and give me and the guest some stars. :)

A whopping two-minute episode to give you an idea of the A Friend for the Long Haul podcast, coming to your earballs on April 1, 2024!