Podcasts about invisible illness

In bear encounters and shipwrecks, Rachel Weaver was steady on her feet. But after leaving Alaska for Colorado, something knocked her off of them-- a medical mystery that dragged on for nearly two decades. Weaver's new memoir "Dizzy" is for anyone whose medical claim has been denied or who has waited an hour for the doctor... then not felt heard. The Louisville, Colorado author joined us at this year's LitFest from Lighthouse Writers Workshop for our reading series “Turn The Page.” 

Send us Fan MailHe spent decades interviewing some of the toughest athletes on the planet. Meanwhile, he was quietly battling a condition that at times covered nearly his entire body. Today, for the first time, Paul shares the story behind the story.Paul is an 11-time Emmy Award-winning sports television producer whose career has taken him behind the scenes of some of the biggest moments in sports and entertainment.For more than sixteen years, Paul served as a senior producer, helping create acclaimed documentaries, television series, and feature programming seen by millions. Along the way he has interviewed and produced stories featuring some of the most recognizable names in sports and popular culture, including Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Michael Jordan, Steph Curry, Charles Barkley, Deion Sanders, Eminem, and many others.Paul has led large-scale productions, won multiple national Emmy Awards, and directed feature-length documentaries, including projects that reached the top of the streaming charts.But behind that successful career was a challenge most viewers never knew about.Since childhood, Paul has lived with severe eczema, a chronic inflammatory skin condition that at times affected nearly his entire body. The condition impacted everything from sleep and travel to confidence, comfort, and everyday interactions. For years he largely kept those struggles private while continuing to work in some of the most visible and demanding environments in professional sports media.Today we'll talk about Paul's remarkable career in sports storytelling, what it was like navigating a visible chronic condition in a culture that often celebrates toughness and silence, and why broader conversations around men's health need to include conditions that affect quality of life, mental well-being, and self-confidence.Important Episode Links - Nemluvio Web Page - https://www.nemluvio.com/Nemluvio Safety Information - https://www.galderma.com/sites/default/files/2024-12/Nemluvio_Dual%20PI%20for%20website%2013Dec24.pdfNemluvio FDA Approval Press - https://www.galderma.com/news/galderma-receives-us-fda-approval-nemluvior-nemolizumab-patients-moderate-severe-atopic#MensHealth #EczemaAwareness #ChronicIllness #InvisibleIllness #AtopicDermatitis #MentalHealth #HealthAndWellness #SportsMedia #NFLFilms #Resilience #QualityOfLife #HiddenStruggles #Nemluvio #MensHealthMonth #HealthAwareness #PersonalStory #PodcastInterview #ProgressPotentialPossibilities #PPPShow #ChronicDisease #InspirationSupport the show

This episode marks the 100th episode of The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast!Thank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation for its support that makes this work possible.Gratitude to  listeners and viewers around the world for being part of this journey. If you enjoy the podcast, please subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and on YouTube, and share it with others who may benefit from these conversations.http://listen.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/Here's to 100 episodes and more to come!In this episode:What can the history of lead exposure teach us about risk, regulation, and MCS?Aaron Goodman speaks with Bruce Lanphear, MD, PhD, about lead as a model for understanding chemical harm.Topics include:What lead teaches us about body burden and cumulative exposureRisk, regulation, and the precautionary principleWhy listening to affected people matters—and lessons for MCSListen and subscribe: http://listen.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/Watch & subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@podcastingMCSLink: Dr. Bruce Lanphearhttps://www.sfu.ca/fhs/about/people/profiles/bruce-lanphear.htmlSupport the showThank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation generously supporting the podcast!If you find the podcast helpful, please consider becoming a monthly or one-time supporter:https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/1970633/supporters/newhttps://buymeacoffee.com/mcspodcast  Follow the podcast on YouTube!  Captions available in any language. Please follow the podcast on social media:FacebookInstagramXBlueSkyTikTok

What happens when your life changes overnight and healing doesn't come the way you expected?In this deeply moving episode of the Functionally Enlightened Podcast, Sharon sits down with Sydney Anne Bennett, author of Fearfully and Wonderfully Broken, to explore her journey into disability just two weeks after her honeymoon.Diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder, Sydney shares what it's like to live with daily seizures, chronic pain, and mobility loss and how she found meaning, faith, and identity in the midst of it.Together, we unpack:-The reality of invisible illness and medical dismissal-Parallels between FND, nervous system dysregulation, and implant-related illness-How chronic illness reshapes your relationship with your body--The difference between true hope vs toxic positivity-Navigating faith when healing doesn't come-Parenting, purpose, and redefining strength through limitation-The role of social media in connecting chronic illness communitiesThis conversation is especially powerful for those navigating:✔ Chronic illness✔ Implant illness or unexplained symptoms✔ Nervous system dysregulation✔ Faith during prolonged sufferingSydney reminds us that even in the hardest seasons—nothing is wasted.

What happens when your body starts to heal, but your mind is still trapped in survival mode? In this episode of hol+, Dr. Taz sits down with Amy Kurtz, certified health coach, patient advocate, speaker, and author "But You Look Fine", for a powerful conversation about chronic illness, Lyme disease, medical gaslighting, nervous system trauma, and what it really means to heal.Together, they explore Amy's 20+ year journey through unexplained pain, chronic symptoms, misdiagnosis, and the search for answers that finally led to a diagnosis of late-stage neurological Lyme disease and co-infections. Amy shares what it was like to be told her labs were normal while knowing something was deeply wrong in her body, and how years of invalidation shaped her relationship with her health, her identity, and her trust in herself.Dr. Taz and Amy also discuss why so many people live in the “gray zone” between sick and well, especially when symptoms are invisible, complex, or hard to explain. They unpack why normal labs do not always mean optimal health, why Lyme disease can be missed for years, and how chronic illness can impact relationships, career, emotional safety, and the nervous system.This conversation offers a grounded and hopeful look at what happens after illness, when the body may be improving but the mind and nervous system are still bracing for the next crash. Amy introduces her concept of Medical Trauma Brain, or MTB, which describes the anxiety, hypervigilance, fear, and survival patterns that can remain after chronic illness, cancer, stroke, chronic pain, or any major health crisis.If you're listening to this and thinking, “I know something is off in my body, but I don't know where to start,” join the Circle here:

Millions suffer from debilitating dizziness and vertigo that often go misdiagnosed for years and can impact every facet of life. Trey sits down with world-renowned neuro-otologist Dr. Habib Rizk to uncover the truth behind balance disorders such as Meniere's disease. They talk about how "invisible" symptoms are real, how lifestyle changes can provide relief, and the latest medical breakthroughs offering hope for a life of stability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What can the daily chemical exposures faced by nail salon workers teach us about MCS, chronic illness, and the environments many people live and work in every day?Aaron Goodman speaks with Reena Shadaan, PhD, from the University of Toronto, about chemical exposure, worker health, body mapping, and chronic illness in nail salon environments.Topics include: • The hidden chemical exposures faced by nail salon workers • What nail salon environments may reveal about MCS and chronic illness • Body mapping and citizen science as tools for advocacy and documenting lived experience • How marginalized workers are pushing back against unsafe environmentsListen & subscribe:https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/1970633/episodes/19262474-nail-salon-workers-chemical-exposure-body-mapping-mcs-reena-shadaan-phdWatch & subscribe on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhaCO-FAYgU Support the showThank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation generously supporting the podcast!If you find the podcast helpful, please consider becoming a monthly or one-time supporter:https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/1970633/supporters/newhttps://buymeacoffee.com/mcspodcast  Follow the podcast on YouTube!  Captions available in any language. Please follow the podcast on social media:FacebookInstagramXBlueSkyTikTok

In this deeply honest and powerful episode of the Irish Occupational Therapy Podcast, we are joined by Michele Roys, author, podcast host, and advocate, to discuss her experience of living with trigeminal neuralgia, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and chronic pain.Michele shares the profound impact that invisible illnesscan have on identity, daily life, relationships, work, and emotional well-being. From being a highly driven, ambitious, and independent person to navigating severe chronic pain, fatigue, grief, and uncertainty, Michele speaks openly about the psychological and practical realities of rebuilding life afterillness.Together, we explore:·      Living with invisible illness and chronic pain·      Trigeminal neuralgia and fibromyalgia·      The emotional impact of life-changing diagnoses·      Occupational loss, identity, and redefiningpurpose·      Pacing, fatigue management, and “spoon theory”·      Self-compassion, boundaries, and adaptingexpectations·      Navigating healthcare systems and advocating foryourself·      The importance of validation and being believed·      Holistic approaches to wellbeing and healingThe role of Occupational Therapy in supporting everydayparticipation and adjustmentMichele also discusses the inspiration behind her book ButYou Look Fine and her own podcast, where she shares conversations around resilience, healing, mindset, and navigating life when circumstances changeunexpectedly.This episode is an important conversation about the hiddenrealities of chronic illness and the strength it takes to rebuild identity, meaning, and participation in everyday life. It offers insight not only for healthcare professionals, but for anyone living with chronic illness, supporting a loved one, or trying to better understand the lived experience ofinvisible disability. Link to purchase Michele's book https://www.omahonys.ie/but-you-look-just-fine-my-journey-to-rediscover-joy-amidst-chronic-pain-and-invisible-illness-p-10614055.html

Some seasons change you. This one did.Season 4 of The Pain Game Podcast — The Aftermath — was built around a question Lyndsay has been living with for a decade: what happens to the people left standing after the unimaginable? Not the headlines. The human beings behind them. The survivors, the families, the professionals who carry these stories inside their bodies long after the cameras are gone.In this season finale, Lyndsay closes out The Aftermath with a reflection on everything this limited series uncovered — and everything it confirmed. That behind every crime, every loss, every headline is a pain that deserves purpose. That healing is not linear. And that the only way out is through.This episode is also home to some big news. After four seasons, The Pain Game Podcast is becoming The Giving Pain Purpose Podcast — because that's exactly what this show has always been. The mission hasn't changed. The conversations haven't changed. The name finally caught up.If you're new here, this episode is your entry point to everything Season 4 had to offer. If you've been here all along — thank you. You made this season what it was.Season 5 of The Giving Pain Purpose Podcast is coming. Don't miss it.Episode Highlights:(00:00) Introduction and Lyndsay's Journey with CRPS(00:51) Living in Trauma and Finding Resilience(02:17) The Purpose of the Series and Human Stories Behind Trauma(03:41) Season Highlights: True Crime and Trauma Survivors(05:38) Stories of Sex Trafficking, Grief, and Advocacy(07:34) Healing, Trust, and Reprogramming the Mind(08:56) Personal Stories: Annie Lisa and the Power of Connection(10:21) The New Name and Mission: Giving Pain Purpose(11:48) Community, Merch, and Upcoming InitiativesFind The Pain Game Podcast Online Here:Website: thepaingamepodcast.comInstagram: @thepaingamepodcastFacebook: The Pain Game PodcastLinkedIn: Lyndsay SopranoYouTube: The Pain Game PodcastSubscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | COMING SOON: The Pain Hub - A Women's Healing Community. Subscribe Now!Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing.This is where pain meets purpose — and you're not doing it alone.++Want to be a guest on The Pain Game Podcast with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here: Be a Guest on The Show

What is it like to live with a condition that can suddenly disrupt balance, hearing, and daily life without warning? In this insightful and deeply personal episode, Karin Henderson explores A Mysterious Disease Named Ménière's disease, shedding light on a condition that affects thousands yet is often misunderstood. Drawing from personal experience and awareness efforts, Karin discusses the challenges faced by individuals living with Ménière's disease, including episodes of dizziness, hearing difficulties, ringing in the ears, and the emotional toll of coping with unpredictable symptoms. She explores how the condition can impact relationships, careers, and overall quality of life. This episode invites listeners to better understand the realities of living with chronic and invisible illnesses. Why can conditions like Ménière's disease be difficult to diagnose and manage? How do individuals adapt to uncertainty and physical limitations? And what role do awareness, support, and compassion play in helping those affected? Join us for a heartfelt and informative conversation that brings visibility to an often-overlooked condition—where understanding replaces misunderstanding, and where resilience shines through even the most difficult challenges.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-x-zone-radio-tv-show--1078348/support.Please note that all XZBN radio and/or television shows are Copyright © REL-MAR McConnell Meda Company, Niagara, Ontario, Canada – www.rel-mar.com. For more Episodes of this show and all shows produced, broadcasted and syndicated from REL-MAR McConell Media Company and The 'X' Zone Broadcast Network and the 'X' Zone TV Channell, visit www.xzbn.net. For programming, distribution, and syndication inquiries, email programming@xzbn.net.We are proud to announce the we have launched TWATNews.com, launched in August 2025.TWATNews.com is an independent online news platform dedicated to uncovering the truth about Donald Trump and his ongoing influence in politics, business, and society. Unlike mainstream outlets that often sanitize, soften, or ignore stories that challenge Trump and his allies, TWATNews digs deeper to deliver hard-hitting articles, investigative features, and sharp commentary that mainstream media won't touch.These are stories and articles that you will not read anywhere else.Our mission is simple: to expose corruption, lies, and authoritarian tendencies while giving voice to the perspectives and evidence that are often marginalized or buried by corporate-controlled media

What if the pain you've been carrying isn't just physical? What if your body has been trying to speak to you this whole time?Soreya James has spent 35 years answering that question. A trauma survivor, spiritual rebel, and creator of a precise healing technology that blends ancient yogic science with modern therapeutic tools, Soreya has led over 30 global retreats, survived three near-death experiences, and sat with people at the very edge of life. What she brings to this conversation isn't theory, it's a life lived all the way through.In this episode, Lyndsay sits down with Soreya to talk about what it really takes to transcend pain and suffering. They go into her early encounter with trauma at 19, how she found her calling in a room full of people the world had written off, and the years she spent in India studying with masters, yogis, and gurus. They also get into the harder things — sexual abuse, the cost of forgiveness, being targeted as a cult leader, and what women in midlife actually need to hear.But at the heart of this episode is one core message: you are not broken. Your body is communicating. And healing may begin the moment you finally get still enough to hear it.Tune in for a powerful discussion on trauma, consciousness, chronic pain, subconscious healing, and what it really means to come home to yourself.Episode Highlights:(00:00) Introduction to the Pain Game Podcast(02:30) The Impact of Childhood Trauma on Chronic Pain(10:15) Shape-Shifting Identities and Seeking Validation(15:50) Soreya's Journey and the Turning Point Event(22:10) The Power of Silence and Listening to the Body(30:45) Navigating Menopause and Societal Narratives(37:20) Authentic Intelligence vs. AI(45:00) The Importance of Personal Responsibility in Healing(52:30) Soreya's Interactive Book and Upcoming PodcastFind Soreya James Online Here:Website: soreyajames.comInstagram: @soreyajamesLinkedIn: Soreya JamesBook: MetamorphosisFind The Pain Game Podcast Online Here:Website: thepaingamepodcast.comInstagram: @thepaingamepodcastFacebook: The Pain Game PodcastLinkedIn: Lyndsay SopranoYouTube: The Pain Game PodcastSubscribe on YouTube | Merch Shop is OPEN!! | COMING SOON: The Pain Hub - A Women's Healing Community. Subscribe Now!Unfiltered convos. Dark humor. Real healing.This is where pain meets purpose — and you're not doing it alone.++Want to be a guest on The Pain Game Podcast with Lyndsay Soprano? Send her a message on PodMatch, here: Be a Guest on The Show

Can public spaces ever truly be safe for people living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS)?In this episode of The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast, Aaron Goodman speaks with Aimi Hamraie, Associate Professor at York University whose work focuses on disability justice, accessibility, and inclusive design.They explore:• Why MCS is often overlooked in accessibility conversations • Remote access as a vital form of inclusion • How chemicals and fragrances can make public spaces inaccessible • Why some people with MCS leave cities • What truly MCS-inclusive public spaces could look like

Part 2 continues Debbie Drell's story, focusing on the real-life impact of caregiving, invisible illness, and the need for empathy.Debbie highlights how much people take for granted—walking short distances, being in crowds, traveling, or getting through a full day without rest. For her sister Alex, who lives with multiple rare conditions including pulmonary hypertension, these everyday activities can be exhausting or even life-threatening.She also shares the emotional toll of caregiving—living with constant uncertainty and the fear of “is this it?”—while still choosing to show up with love and presence. Her journey has shaped her career in advocacy and deepened her belief in the power of community.A key theme is how illness exposes the truth in relationships. Debbie opens up about the pain of judgment and stigma, especially with invisible conditions, and how a lack of understanding can lead to harmful situations—even within families.The episode lands on a simple but powerful message:Lead with empathyListen before assumingAdapt to others instead of forcing expectationsDebbie defines true allyship as being patient, curious, and willing to learn.LINKSNORDPulmonary Hypertension Association

This episode is great to share with your doctor or healthcare provider. We explore how medical visits could become more supportive for people living with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS).We focus on listening, trust, and the responsibility clinicians have to support people with chronic illness. And how small changes can lead to more respectful, effective care.Aaron Goodman speaks with Téa Christopoulos, PhD candidate and sessional instructor at the University of Toronto, working across the Faculty of Kinesiology and the Joint Centre for Bioethics. Her research explores narrative medicine and Chronic Invisible Disabilities, examining how lived experience can reshape care to be more ethical, responsive, and truly patient-centered.

In this first part of the conversation, Sean and Kyle sit down with longtime friend and rare disease advocate Debbie Drell, whose connection to the space runs deep—both professionally and personally.Debbie shares the story of her sister Alex, who was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension decades ago and given just two years to live—yet is still fighting today. As both a caregiver and advocate, Debbie offers a raw look into the realities of living with (and alongside) an invisible, life-threatening condition.The conversation dives into the often-missed challenges of invisible illness—how someone can “look fine” while their body is under constant strain, and how misunderstanding from others can add an extra layer of exhaustion. Through personal stories—including close calls, public confrontations, and meaningful moments of empathy—Debbie highlights the importance of slowing down, paying attention, and choosing compassion over assumption.This episode sets the stage for a deeper discussion on caregiving, advocacy, and the quiet strength it takes to navigate a world that doesn't always understand what it can't see. Watch for episode 298 for the second part!LINKSNORDPulmonary Hypertension Association

What happens when people's lived experience with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is dismissed in medicine? And how can it become a vital form of knowledge?In this episode, Aaron Goodman speaks with Megan Moodie, a medical anthropologist and disability studies scholar at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Her work explores patient activism and how knowledge is produced in medicine. Megan also brings lived experience to this conversation, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and chemical sensitivities.You'll hear Aaron and Megan discuss: Why people with MCS are often dismissed or psychologized in clinical settings. How lived experience becomes meaningful knowledge in medicine.  What more equitable collaboration between researchers and affected communities could look like.And more!

Try our FREE burnout quiz.Grab your burnout workbook HERE. Billy was once the guy everyone knew as the happy-go-lucky, always-up-for-anything friend, but beneath that surface he was quietly navigating a growing sense of overwhelm that would eventually reshape his life. From the early days of university, where depression first took hold, through years of uncertainty, physical symptoms, and a diagnosis of Functional Neurological Disorder, Billy's story is one of resilience in the face of something largely invisible and deeply misunderstood. This episode is about what it was like to live with a condition that blurs the line between mental and physical health, and how he continues to move forward, even when his body won't always let him.In this episode he shares:When his struggles first startedHis experience dealing with the droughtWhat FND isHis experience being in and out of hospitalBeing on suicide watchWhat he wishes he knew earlierKey Quotes“When I told people they couldn't believe it, because they just didn't see me as that person.”“Everyone was coming up wanting to help, but I couldn't tell them what to do or what was wrong.”You can get involved with the podcast online On facebook in our community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/challengesthatchangeusOr on Instagram: @challengesthatchangeusIf you want to contact the podcast, email us here: support@challengesthatchangeus.comOr check out our website: www.Challengesthatchangeus.com If you want to find out more about what Ali does, check out her business via the website:http://www.trialtitudeperformance.com.au Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you've ever been dismissed by a doctor, told your symptoms were stress or anxiety, or felt like the medical system wasn't built for people like you — this episode traces exactly how we got here. The history of "hysteria" didn't end; it evolved, and understanding that history might be one of the most validating things you do for yourself today.In this episode, you'll hear from Emily Mendenhall, medical anthropologist, Guggenheim Fellow, and author of Invisible Illness: A History from Hysteria to Long COVID. Her concept of structural silencing reframes medical dismissal not as individual doctors failing patients, but as a system operating exactly as it was designed.Connect with Destiny:  Instagram / Facebook / Website______________________________

It took over 30 years, but Kris Kinar, a Saskatoon-based construction worker living with EPP, is finally starting to get answers for his rare condition called erythropoietic protoporphyria, which causes intense pain from sun exposure. He met Dr. Amy Yeung, Physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, living with EPP, through a trial at Mass General Brigham, which is seeing great success. The pair join Evan to share their story and what's next in terms of treatment.

Long COVID has pushed millions into a reality people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) have faced for decades: severe symptoms, disbelief, and no clear diagnosis.This episode of The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast explores what these conditions share:Medical dismissal.Stigma and social isolation.And epistemic injustice—when patients' knowledge of their own bodies is questioned or ignored.Aaron Goodman speaks with Professor Deborah Lupton, a leading sociologist of health and medicine at the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, and editor of the recent book, Long COVID and Society: International Perspectives.It's always great to hear from people who listen and watch the podcast!Please share your experiences with MCS, Long COVID, or about anything you hear on the podcast.Listen now:https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/1970633/episodes/18945867-mcs-long-covid-shared-struggles-stigma-endurance-deborah-lupton-phdWatch on YouTube:https://youtu.be/pN6UGkaddisThe podcast has a new webpage!http://listen.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/Please share with anyone interested in learning more about MCS.  DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE  The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. No material or information provided by The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast, or its associated website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Support the showThank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation generously supporting the podcast!If you find the podcast helpful, please consider becoming a monthly or one-time supporter:https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/1970633/supporters/newhttps://buymeacoffee.com/mcspodcast  Follow the podcast on YouTube!  Captions available in any language. Please follow the podcast on social media:FacebookInstagramXBlueSkyTikTok

In this episode of the Lupus Foundation of America's The Expert Series podcast, Dr. Nicoleta Skoufalos discusses lessons from her new book, Understanding Autoimmune Disease: A Therapist's Guide to Invisible Illness. This conversation focuses on the emotional and psychological impact of living with autoimmune diseases like lupus. Topics include loss of identity, trauma, finding the right mental health support, and strategies for integrating illness into one's sense of self.Sign up to receive emails from the Lupus Foundation of America (LFA) when new episodes are published: https://support.lupus.org/site/SPageNavigator/email_subscribe_expert_series.htmlEpisode Takeaways:Autoimmune disease can disrupt identity and strain personal relationshipsMisdiagnosis and medical gaslighting often create lasting emotional traumaAccessing the right mental health support is essential for autoimmune patientsClear communication strategies help others better understand invisible illnessesRebuilding identity and discovering new meaning is a key part of life after diagnosisRelated Resources:Ask a Lupus Health Educator (LFA): https://www.lupus.org/care-support/ask-a-health-educatorFind Support Near You (LFA): https://www.lupus.org/resources/find-support-near-youNational Resource Center on Lupus (LFA): https://www.lupus.org/resourcesThe Expert Series (LFA): https://www.lupus.org/resources/lupus-the-expert-seriesUnderstanding Autoimmune Disease: A Therapist's Guide to Invisible Illness: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/807102/understanding-autoimmune-disease-by-nicoletta-skoufalos-preface-by-cristina-dorazio-phd-foreword-by-sue-gloor/Managing Your Mental Health with Lupus (LFA): https://www.lupus.org/resources/lupus-and-depression-know-the-signs-and-how-to-get-help

Brain fog is something many people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) experience.In this episode, we explore what brain fog is, how it affects thinking, memory, and what research reveals about its links to distress and quality of life.Aaron Goodman's guests are researchers Tara Packham, PhD, and PhD candidate Ronessa Dass from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.It's always great to hear from listeners!Please share your experiences with brain fog and MCS or about anything you hear on the podcast.Listen now:https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/1970633/episodes/18821290-brain-fog-mcs-ronessa-dass-and-tara-packham-phdWatch on YouTube:https://youtu.be/j4PulfsHX_UThe podcast has a new webpage!http://listen.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/Please share with anyone interested in learning more about MCS.  Links:Ronessa Dass - email: dassr5@mcmaster.caPain and Movement Research in the IMPRinT Lab, McMaster University:https://painmovementresearch.healthsci.mcmaster.ca/people-2/Understanding the Experience and Impacts of Brain Fog in Chronic Pain: A Scoping Review - Ronessa Dass, Tara Packham, et al. (2023):https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37441085/DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. No material or information provided by The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast, or its associated website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Support the showThank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation generously supporting the podcast!If you find the podcast helpful, please consider becoming a supporter!https://buymeacoffee.com/mcspodcast  Follow the podcast on YouTube!  Captions available in any language. Please follow the podcast on social media:FacebookInstagramXBlueSkyTikTok

Listener advisory: This episode includes discussion of suicide.Many people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) trace the start of their illness to exposures like pesticides, fragrances, mold, smoke, or chemical fumes.Others say their symptoms began after taking prescription medications, especially antibiotics.In this episode, Dr. Stefan Pieper, a functional medicine physician in Germany who specializes in mitochondrial medicine, discusses Fluoroquinolone-Associated Disability (FQAD).People with the condition develop long-lasting neurological, cognitive, and physical symptoms after taking fluoroquinolone antibiotics. Some also develop chemical intolerance that closely resembles MCS.Could medications trigger long-term chemical sensitivity? And what might this reveal about MCS?Listen now:https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/1970633/episodes/18803337-antibiotic-injury-mcs-dr-stefan-pieperWatch on YouTube:Link to come.The podcast has a new webpage!http://listen.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/Please share with anyone interested in learning more about MCS.  Link:Stefan Pieper — Fluoroquinolone-Associated Disability (FQAD): Side-effects of FluoroquinolonesSpringer Nature, 2026https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-72123-0DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE  The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. No material or information provided by The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast, or its associated website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Support the showThank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation generously supporting the podcast!If you find the podcast helpful, please consider becoming a supporter!https://buymeacoffee.com/mcspodcast Follow the podcast on YouTube! Captions available in any language. Please follow the podcast on social media:FacebookXInstagramBlueSkyTikTok

In today's episode, I'm diving deep into my personal experience with endometriosis, a condition that affects so many and isn't spoken about enough. As someone who has been living with this invisible illness, I've had to adjust both my personal and professional life significantly. We'll explore how the statistics around endometriosis are changing and how ignorance and stigmas still persist. My journey includes a series of medical and holistic interventions, which I share in hopes of raising awareness and fostering compassion for those with similar challenges. This episode isn't just about the hurdles; it's about adaptation, like using AI to optimise my business while honouring my health. I'm thrilled to share how embracing boundaries and systems has helped me to find a sustainable way to balance work and well-being. Join me as I celebrate both awareness and adaptation in the face of chronic pain.

Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) is often seen as a condition that mostly affects older people. However, recent studies indicate young adults may be especially affected by MCS.Research suggests young adults have the highest prevalence, may be more likely than other age groups to develop the condition, and seem particularly vulnerable to the mental-health impacts of living with chemical intolerance and the social isolation it can bring.This episode's guest, Abby Steeves, recently completed her PhD focused on MCS and its impacts on young adults. As a former gymnast, she struggled to train and compete while living with the condition. These experiences led her to explore how MCS is challenging—and shaping—the lives of many other young people.Listen and subscribe:http://listen.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/Watch on YouTube:https://youtu.be/9r95nuwOKfcAbby's dissertation:https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=8845&context=doctoral#MCS #multiplechemicalsensitivitypodcast #multiplechemicalsensitivity #ChemicalIntolerance #ChronicIllness #InvisibleIllness #YouthSupport the showThank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation generously supporting the podcast!If you find the podcast helpful, please consider becoming a supporter!https://buymeacoffee.com/mcspodcast Follow the podcast on YouTube! Captions available in any language. Please follow the podcast on social media:FacebookXInstagramBlueSkyTikTok

What do you do when you receive a life-altering diagnosis and you're still raising kids, building a life, and holding everyone else together?  In this powerful episode of Inside the Moms Club, we sit down with Nancy Davis, founder of Race to Erase MS, who shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis--and how that moment became the catalyst for one of the most influential MS research organizations in the world.Nancy opens up about living with MS as a mother, advocating for herself when answers were limited, and channeling fear into action.  We talk about groundbreaking research, real hope for families affected by MS, and what moms need to know when navigating chronic illness while still showing up for everyone else.This conversation is honest, empowering, and deeply human--proof that a diagnosis doesn't have to define you, but it can inspire change.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/inside-the-moms-club--4709676/support.

You're listening to The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast. I'm Aaron Goodman.In this episode, we discuss illness memoirs as evidence, resistance, and survival. We explore the seminal 1994 memoir by Australian writer,  Diana Crumpler, Chemical Crisis: One Woman's Story, Humanity's Future? I speak with Roxana Delbene, PhD, a linguist and medical humanities scholar who studies how people with so-called contested illnesses, including Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), use language and storytelling to tell their personal stories of lived experience. Exciting news! Check out the podcast's new webpage: http://listen.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/Watch on YouTube:https://youtu.be/mZwUxbYKTOgGet in touch:aaron@chemicalsensitivitypodcast.orgLink to Roxana's recent essay on illness memoirs:https://medicalhealthhumanities.com/2024/10/23/the-patients-productive-imagination-the-reportability-paradox-in-narratives-of-contested-illnesses/Apologies for some subtle clicking sounds in this interview.#MultipleChemicalSensitivity #MCS #MCSAdvocacy #InvisibleIllnessAwareness #SafeHealthcareSpaces #ChemicalIntolerance #EnvironmentalDisabilitySupport the showThank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation for its generous support of the podcast.If you like the podcast, please consider becoming a supporter! Support the podcast. Find the podcast on Patreon. If you like, please buy me a coffee. Follow the podcast on YouTube! Read captions in any language. Please follow the podcast on social media:FacebookXInstagramBlueSkyTikTok

Inspired by her work with long COVID patients, in Invisible Illness: A History, from Hysteria to Long COVID (U California Press, 2026) medical anthropologist Dr. Emily Mendenhall traces the story of complex chronic conditions to show why both research and practice fail so many. Mendenhall points out disconnects between the reality of chronic disease—which typically involves multiple intersecting problems resulting in unique, individualized illness—and the assumptions of medical providers, who behave as though chronic diseases have uniform effects for everyone. And while invisible illnesses have historically been associated with white middle-class women, being believed that you are sick is even more difficult for patients whose social identities and lived experiences may not align with dominant medical thought. Weaving together cultural history with intimate interviews, Invisible Illness upholds the experiences of those living with complex illness to expose the failures of the American healthcare system—and how we can do better. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

Inspired by her work with long COVID patients, in Invisible Illness: A History, from Hysteria to Long COVID (U California Press, 2026) medical anthropologist Dr. Emily Mendenhall traces the story of complex chronic conditions to show why both research and practice fail so many. Mendenhall points out disconnects between the reality of chronic disease—which typically involves multiple intersecting problems resulting in unique, individualized illness—and the assumptions of medical providers, who behave as though chronic diseases have uniform effects for everyone. And while invisible illnesses have historically been associated with white middle-class women, being believed that you are sick is even more difficult for patients whose social identities and lived experiences may not align with dominant medical thought. Weaving together cultural history with intimate interviews, Invisible Illness upholds the experiences of those living with complex illness to expose the failures of the American healthcare system—and how we can do better. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/anthropology

Inspired by her work with long COVID patients, in Invisible Illness: A History, from Hysteria to Long COVID (U California Press, 2026) medical anthropologist Dr. Emily Mendenhall traces the story of complex chronic conditions to show why both research and practice fail so many. Mendenhall points out disconnects between the reality of chronic disease—which typically involves multiple intersecting problems resulting in unique, individualized illness—and the assumptions of medical providers, who behave as though chronic diseases have uniform effects for everyone. And while invisible illnesses have historically been associated with white middle-class women, being believed that you are sick is even more difficult for patients whose social identities and lived experiences may not align with dominant medical thought. Weaving together cultural history with intimate interviews, Invisible Illness upholds the experiences of those living with complex illness to expose the failures of the American healthcare system—and how we can do better. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Inspired by her work with long COVID patients, in Invisible Illness: A History, from Hysteria to Long COVID (U California Press, 2026) medical anthropologist Dr. Emily Mendenhall traces the story of complex chronic conditions to show why both research and practice fail so many. Mendenhall points out disconnects between the reality of chronic disease—which typically involves multiple intersecting problems resulting in unique, individualized illness—and the assumptions of medical providers, who behave as though chronic diseases have uniform effects for everyone. And while invisible illnesses have historically been associated with white middle-class women, being believed that you are sick is even more difficult for patients whose social identities and lived experiences may not align with dominant medical thought. Weaving together cultural history with intimate interviews, Invisible Illness upholds the experiences of those living with complex illness to expose the failures of the American healthcare system—and how we can do better. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. You can find Miranda's interviews on New Books with Miranda Melcher, wherever you get your podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/politics-and-polemics

In this episode of 'Why Not Me?', hosted by Tony Mantor from Nashville, Tennessee, special guest Dr. Diana Driscoll shares her powerful journey of overcoming Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). An accomplished optometrist and patient advocate, Dr. Driscoll discusses her decade-long battle with chronic illness, the evolution of her research, and her groundbreaking insights into the systemic nature of POTS and related conditions. She delves into the impact of inflammation on the autonomic nervous system, the challenges of obtaining proper diagnoses, and the development of her patented supplement blends designed to mitigate these health issues. Dr. Driscoll also touches upon the intersections of POTS, autism, and mental health, offering hope and innovative solutions to those navigating similar struggles. 00:00 Introduction to Why Not Me Meet Dr. Diana Driscoll Dr. Driscoll's Personal Journey with POTS Understanding POTS and Its Challenges Innovative Approaches and Discoveries Autism and Broader Implications Future Goals and Proactive Health Conclusion and Final Thoughts IINTRO/OUTRO Music: T. Wild Mantor Music BMI The content on Why Not Me: Embracing Autism amd Mental Health Worldwide, including discussions on mental health, autism, and related topics, is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not reflect those of the podcast, its hosts, or affiliates.Why Not Me is not a medical or mental health professional and does not endorse or verify the accuracy, efficacy, safety of any treatments, programs, or advice discussed.Listeners should consult qualified healthcare professionals, such as licensed therapists, psychologists, or physicians, before making decisions about mental health or autism- related care.Reliance on this podcast's contents is at the listener's own risk. Why Not Me is not liable for any outcomes, financial or otherwise, resulting from actions taken based on the information provided. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode of The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast explores something many listeners live every day: toxic exposures hidden in everyday products.I'm speaking with researcher Adrianna Trifunovski and environmental health professor Dr. Caroline Barakat about their study on women's awareness, beliefs, and avoidance of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in personal care and household products.We discuss:Which chemicals many women recognizeWhich fly under the radarHow symptoms drive behaviorAnd what their findings mean for people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity—and for public health more broadly.Exciting news!! Check out the podcast's new website to listen and learn more:http://listen.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/Watch on YouTube:https://youtu.be/mZwUxbYKTOgGet in touch:aaron@chemicalsensitivitypodcast.orgLink - 2025 paper by Barakat and Trifunovski:"Analysis of Women's Knowledge, Health Risk Perceptions, Beliefs and Avoidance Behaviour in Relation to Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals in Personal Care and Household Products."https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12116110/#MultipleChemicalSensitivity #MCS #MCSAdvocacy #InvisibleIllnessAwareness #SafeHealthcareSpaces #ChemicalIntolerance #EnvironmentalDisabilitySupport the showThank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation for its generous support of the podcast.If you like the podcast, please consider becoming a supporter! Support the podcast. Find the podcast on Patreon. If you like, please buy me a coffee. Follow the podcast on YouTube! Read captions in any language. Please follow the podcast on social media:FacebookXInstagramBlueSkyTikTok

We talk with medical anthropologist Emily Mendenhall about her new book, "Invisible Illness: A History, from Hysteria to Long COVID."

On February 3, 2023, a freight train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, in the U.S. Days later, a “controlled burn” released a massive plume into the air. Many residents who returned home soon became ill.In this episode of The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast, Aaron Goodman speaks with sociologist Madison Scott and toxic exposure expert Professor Lynn Singer. They explore how:Toxic exposure triggered ongoing symptoms akin to Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS), including brain fog, rashes, and fatigue. Many residents continue to report symptoms long after officials declared the area safe. Emerging biological research may reveal critical information about the mechanisms behind MCS.And more!Thank you for listening!New episodes twice a month. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Exciting news!! Check out the podcast's new website to listen and learn more:http://listen.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/All episodes available at:https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/Watch on YouTube:https://youtu.be/Wu88wcN8Oa8Get in touch:aaron@chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org#MultipleChemicalSensitivity #MCS #MCSAdvocacy #InvisibleIllnessAwareness #SafeHealthcareSpaces #ChemicalIntolerance #EnvironmentalDisability #OhioTrainDerailment #EastPalestineLink:Professor Lynn Singer's co-authored 2025 paper:"The East Palestine train derailment: A complex environmental disaster."https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0892036225000996DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. No material or information provided by The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast, or its associated website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Support the showThank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation for its generous support of the podcast.If you like the podcast, please consider becoming a supporter! Support the podcast. Find the podcast on Patreon. If you like, please buy me a coffee. Follow the podcast on YouTube! Read captions in any language. Please follow the podcast on social media:FacebookXInstagramBlueSkyTikTok

This episode of The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast is a game-changer.You'll hear Aaron Goodman in conversation with Beatrice Golomb, Professor in Residence in Medicine at the University of California in San Diego in the U.S.Professor Golomb explores:How MCS is clearly not a psychological condition, but an illness influenced by mitochondrial or cellular damage, genetics, and chemical exposure.The connections between MCS and Gulf War Illness.How recent diagnostic recognition of Gulf War Illness could potentially lead to better understanding and validation of MCS.This important information has the potential to critically inform researchers, policy makers, people living with MCS, and the wider public. New episodes twice a month! Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Listen at https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUHZINO1vQ2tRcy0GVU4PmwGet in touch: aaron@chemicalsensitivitypodcast or comment on social media.#MultipleChemicalSensitivity #MCS #MCSAdvocacy #InvisibleIllnessAwareness #SafeHealthcareSpaces #ChemicalIntolerance #EnvironmentalDisability #mitochondrialillness #GulfWarIllnessLink:Professor Golomb's 2025 paper:SOD2 genetics regulating mitochondrial management of oxidative stress is tied to chemical sensitivity in Gulf war veteranshttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40628885/DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. No material or information provided by The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast, or its associated website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Support the showThank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation for its generous support of the podcast.If you like the podcast, please consider becoming a supporter! Support the podcast. Find the podcast on Patreon. If you like, please buy me a coffee. Follow the podcast on YouTube! Read captions in any language. Please follow the podcast on social media:FacebookXInstagramBlueSkyTikTok

Invisible illnesses shape millions of lives, yet most patients spend years in the system without answers. Dr. David Clarke has spent his career at the intersection of internal medicine, psychology, and mind-body research. His mission is clear. Help clinicians recognize when symptoms are driven by the nervous system rather than structural disease. Help patients finally feel seen. And give the medical community a framework to reduce unnecessary testing while improving outcomes.In this episode he explains how the brain generates real physical symptoms under stress, trauma, and emotional overload. He walks through clinical red flags that differentiate structural disease from functional conditions. He shares stories of patients who suffered for years before receiving the right diagnosis. Dr. Bonta and Dr. Clarke explore why invisible illnesses are often missed in rushed systems. They dig into tools clinicians can use to validate symptoms without over pathologizing them. They highlight communication strategies that restore trust. They also discuss prevention, early detection, and the growing evidence supporting mind-body approaches.The conversation is practical. Evidence based. Deeply human. Dr. Clarke shows how clinicians can uncover hidden drivers of symptoms and give patients a path to recovery even when imaging and lab work are normal. This episode is designed for anyone who wants to understand the science and psychology behind medically unexplained symptoms and how to improve care for this underserved population.David Clarke, MD's Website : https://www.symptomatic.me/Episode Takeaway 1. Neuroplastic Symptoms: Real physical sensations created by the brain that can improve with the right approach.2. Invisible Illnesses: Often missed because standard training focuses on structural disease, not functional mechanisms.3. Brain Body Pathways: Stress and trauma can activate neural circuits that generate chronic pain and gut symptoms.4. Diagnostic Clarity: Red flags help distinguish functional illness from conditions that need imaging or procedures.5. Validation Matters: Patients recover faster when clinicians acknowledge symptoms without dismissing them.6. Communication Skills: Asking the right questions uncovers hidden emotional drivers behind persistent symptoms.7. Prevention Tools: Early recognition of neuroplastic patterns reduces unnecessary testing and specialist referrals.8. Hope in Recovery: Most patients improve once they learn how the nervous system produces their symptoms.Episode timestamps 02:46 – Why invisible illnesses elude standard medical training06:13 – How the nervous system produces real physical symptoms10:34 – Red flags that separate structural disease from functional illness14:51 – Communication strategies that validate patient symptoms19:30 – Trauma, stress and the hidden drivers of chronic symptoms24:42 – Clinical cases that shifted Dr. Clarke's diagnostic approach30:04 – Tools clinicians can use to reduce unnecessary testing35:57 – Preventing invisible illness through early recognition and educationDISCLAMER >>>>>>    The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions.   >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests.    Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (soundsdebatable.com) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University. 

In this episode of The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast, we're exploring youth, chronic illness, and MCS. You'll hear Aaron Goodman speaking with Imogen Harper, Ph.D., a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Sydney in Australia. She explores how:·       Diagnosis of illnesses like MCS in youth is often complex and requires adults noticing symptoms and advocating. ·       Parents and caregivers can play a crucial in navigating medical systems and ensuring that their child's needs are taken seriously.·       Illnesses like MCS affect young people's identity, relationships, and sense of independence. ·       Youth and older people with chronic illnesses often deal with anxiety, isolation, stigma, and the challenge of staying connected with others. Listen at https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUHZINO1vQ2tRcy0GVU4PmwSubscribe wherever you get your podcasts. If you would like to share your experiences or feedback, email aaron@chemicalsensitivitypodcast or comment on social media.#MultipleChemicalSensitivity #MCS #MCSAdvocacy #InvisibleIllnessAwareness #SafeHealthcareSpaces #ChemicalIntolerance #EnvironmentalDisabilityLinks:Imogen's 2024 paper:"Chronic Concealment and Awareness in the Affective Worlds of Young People Living with Chronic Illness."https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/10497323241304571DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. No material or information provided by The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast, or its associated website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Support the showThank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation for its generous support of the podcast.If you like the podcast, please consider becoming a supporter! Support the podcast. Find the podcast on Patreon. If you like, please buy me a coffee. Follow the podcast on YouTube! Read captions in any language. Please follow the podcast on social media:FacebookXInstagramBlueSkyTikTok

In recent weeks, as many listeners know, I've been exploring ways to challenge false arguments that MCS is a psychological disorder.I hope you find this episode of The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast helps.You'll hear me in conversation with Kevin Elliott, Ph.D. He is the Red Cedar Distinguished Professor of Philosophy of Science at Michigan State University in the U.S.I was delighted to speak with Kevin, learn about his important research — and I am excited to share this episode with you. Kevin explains how scientific research practices — from hidden assumptions to “undone science” — have shaped decades of misunderstanding around Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). You'll hear Kevin explore: How his mother's MCS inspired him to spend decades researching the illnessWhy certain kinds of evidence are ignoredHow harmful psychogenic theories persistAnd what needs to change in research frameworks to genuinely support people living with MCS. This conversation is forward-looking and grounded in the belief that better science is both possible and urgently needed to support people with MCS.Listen at https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@podcastingMCS#MCSAdvocacy #MultipleChemicalSensitivithy #MCS #InvisibleIllnessAwareness #SafeHealthcareSpaces #ChemicalIntoleranceLinks:Kevin Elliott:https://kevincelliott.com/Kevin's 2025 paper: "Alleviating Epistemic Injustice in Environmental Health Research: Strategies from Science and Values":https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11245-025-10268-3DISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. No material or information provided by The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast, or its associated website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Support the showThank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation for its generous support of the podcast.If you like the podcast, please consider becoming a supporter! Support the podcast. Find the podcast on Patreon. If you like, please buy me a coffee. Follow the podcast on YouTube! Read captions in any language. Please follow the podcast on social media:FacebookXInstagramBlueSkyTikTok

Thank you to everyone who took time to share feedback about The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast through the 2025 listener survey.The goal was to learn more from you about how the podcast contributes to awareness, education, and support around MCS. Share your feedback anytime on social media — and you can reach me at aaron@chemicalsensitivitypodcast.orgListen at https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@podcastingMCS#MCSAdvocacy #MultipleChemicalSensitivithy #MCS #InvisibleIllnessAwareness #SafeHealthcareSpaces #ChemicalIntoleranceSupport the showThank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation for its generous support of the podcast.If you like the podcast, please consider becoming a supporter! Support the podcast. Find the podcast on Patreon. If you like, please buy me a coffee. Follow the podcast on YouTube! Read captions in any language. Please follow the podcast on social media:FacebookInstagramBlueSkyTikTokSponsorship Opportunites Are you an organization or company interested in helping to create greater awareness about Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Chemical Intolerance and/or looking for sponsorship opportunities? Please email us at info@chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org

In the latest episode of The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast, we're exploring medical invalidation. It's something virtually everyone with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) has experienced and it can be devastating.Researcher Allyson Bontempo, Ph.D. joins Aaron Goodman on the podcast to discuss her work on healthcare invalidation and discusses: ·       What she calls an “epidemic” of medical invalidation for people with MCS and other illnesses. ·       The consequences of dismissal by healthcare professionals — how it affects us on a personal and human level.·       How people with MCS, as we know, support each other largely online.·       And some strategies for ways we can advocate for ourselves. Listen at https://www.chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org/Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@podcastingMCS#MCSAdvocacy #MultipleChemicalSensitivithy #MCS #InvisibleIllnessAwareness #SafeHealthcareSpaces #ChemicalIntoleranceDISCLAIMER: THIS WEBSITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE  The information, including but not limited to, text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this website are for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. No material or information provided by The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast, or its associated website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Support the showThank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation for its generous support of the podcast.If you like the podcast, please consider becoming a supporter! Support the podcast. Find the podcast on Patreon. If you like, please buy me a coffee. Follow the podcast on YouTube! Read captions in any language. Please follow the podcast on social media:FacebookInstagramBlueSkyTikTokSponsorship Opportunites Are you an organization or company interested in helping to create greater awareness about Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Chemical Intolerance and/or looking for sponsorship opportunities? Please email us at info@chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org

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Harpreet Sangha is a survivor of extreme autonomic and neurological trauma, including post-symapthectomy baroreflex failure and multiple head injuries. Against medical odds, he's lived without traditional medication support, relying instead on conscious cortical regulation, resilience and self-guided recovery strategies. Harpreet now shares his experience to help others facing trauma, offering real-world insights from both the physical and psychological edge. His focus is on honesty, survival and showing that even in extreme cases, there's a way forward.In This EpisodeHarpreet's websiteHarpreet's bookBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-trauma-therapist--5739761/support.You can learn more about what I do here:The Trauma Therapist Newsletter: celebrates the people and voices in the mental health profession. And it's free! Check it out here: https://bit.ly/4jGBeSa———If you'd like to support The Trauma Therapist Podcast and the work I do you can do that here with a monthly donation of $5, $7, or $10: Donate to The Trauma Therapist Podcast.Click here to join my email list and receive podcast updates and other news.Thank you to our Sponsors:Incogni - Use code [traumatherapist] and get 60% off annual plans: https://incogni.com/traumatherapistJane App - use code GUY1MO at https://jane.app/book_a_demoJourney Clinical - visit https://join.journeyclinical/trauma for 1 month off your membershipTherapy Wisdom - https://therapywisdom.com/jan/

The newest episode of The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast is available now!    It's called “Synthetic Food Dyes & MCS.” Researcher and psychology professor Rebecca Bevins tells Aaron Goodman how she discovered her son's extreme reactions to synthetic food dyes — petroleum-based additives linked to anxiety, aggression, and cognitive disruption. Their conversation reveals the impacts of everyday chemicals, something people with Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) are very familiar with. Plus, Aaron explores the momentum that could potentially follow the American Medical Association's recent acknowledgment that fragrance sensitivity can, in some cases, be disabling.Thank you for listening! Follow The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast on social media — and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can reach me at aaron@chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org#MCSAwareness #MCS #MultipleChemicalSensitivity #TILT #MultipleChemicalSensitivityPodcast #FoodDyes #SyntheticFoodDyes #RebeccaBevans #AaronGoodmanSupport the showThank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation for its generous support of the podcast.If you like the podcast, please consider becoming a supporter! Support the podcast. Find the podcast on Patreon. If you like, please buy me a coffee. Follow the podcast on YouTube! Read captions in any language. Please follow the podcast on social media:FacebookInstagramBlueSkyTikTokSponsorship Opportunites Are you an organization or company interested in helping to create greater awareness about Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Chemical Intolerance and/or looking for sponsorship opportunities? Please email us at info@chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org

"Really listen to yourself. You know more about your body and health, and if you really think that the answers you're getting from your providers are not in alignment with what you know, continue to dig." —Donna PiperSome days, it feels like your body is working against you—and no one else gets it. You try every diet, every doctor, and still get told it's all in your head. The truth is, invisible pain is real, and you deserve to be heard, not dismissed.After a lifetime of health and wellness work, Donna Piper was finally diagnosed with lipedema and other chronic conditions, turning her pain into a mission to educate and support others. Now, as a coach and podcast host, Donna brings a fresh and honest perspective to living with—and advocating for—chronic illness. Donna's story is proof that you can spend years searching for help, only to find the real answers in unexpected places.Ready for a conversation that actually gets what you're going through? Listen in for honest talk about lipedema, chronic pain, body image struggles, food triggers, medical gaslighting, and how to find hope and help when the system lets you down.Connect with Heather: WebsiteFacebook InstagramLinkedInEpisode Highlights:01:44 What is Lipedema?05:24 A Lifetime of Misdiagnosis11:47 Body Image and Self-Blame16:12 How to Advocate for Yourself 20:18 Medical System Challenges24:00 Diet, Food Triggers, and Mast Cell Issues30:19 Living with Multiple Conditions39:01 Invisible Illness and Social Stigma41:47 Body Image and Acceptance49:52 Listen to Your Body

"It's a non-fatal disease that can actually wreck your life." Trey sits down with the Director of the Vestibular Program in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina, Dr. Habib Rizk, to uncover the power of the vestibular system - the tiny network inside your head that helps you balance, move, and navigate the world. They discuss what happens when the vestibular system malfunctions, leading to debilitating, and often misunderstood vestibular disorders. Trey and Dr. Rizk also dissect the challenges of diagnosing these invisible illnesses and why awareness, empathy, and patient advocacy matter more than ever. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The newest episode of The Chemical Sensitivity Podcast is available now!   It's called “Chemical Production, Regulation, & MCS."I'm speaking with Miriam Diamond, Ph.D., an expert in chemical contaminants and a professor at the University of Toronto in Canada.You'll hear Professor Diamond explore:How tens of thousands of toxic chemicals are produced, yet many people with MCS are still dismissed.There is insufficient research into the harms of chemicals.The industries that create most chemical waste. If we can have hope that harmful chemicals that impact people with MCS and others will be regulated.And more!Thank you for listening! Please subscribe where you get your podcasts and leave a review. It helps others find the podcast.  #MCSAwareness #MCS #MultipleChemicalSensitivity #TILT  #MultipleChemicalSensitivityPodcast Support the showThank you very much to the Marilyn Brachman Hoffman Foundation for its generous support of the podcast.If you like the podcast, please consider becoming a supporter! Support the podcast. Find the podcast on Patreon. If you like, please buy me a coffee. Follow the podcast on YouTube! Read captions in any language. Please follow the podcast on social media:FacebookInstagramBlueSkyTikTokSponsorship Opportunites Are you an organization or company interested in helping to create greater awareness about Multiple Chemical Sensitivity and Chemical Intolerance and/or looking for sponsorship opportunities? Please email us at info@chemicalsensitivitypodcast.org

Have you had symptoms return after stopping Lyme treatment? Share your story below. Your experience may help someone else navigating the same difficult decision.SummaryOne of the most frequent questions in Lyme care is: “If I feel better, should I stop treatment?” The answer is complicated. While no one wants to stay on antibiotics longer than necessary, stopping too soon often leads to relapse.Lyme disease is not a typical infection. Borrelia burgdorferi can persist by hiding in tissues, forming biofilms, and shifting into alternate forms. When treatment ends prematurely, surviving bacteria may re-emerge, and symptoms such as brain fog, joint pain, fatigue, or neuropathy often return. Co-infections like Babesia or Bartonella add another layer, sometimes becoming more obvious once Lyme therapy is withdrawn.Guidelines remain divided. IDSA discourages extended therapy, while ILADS—where I helped author the 2004 and 2014 guidelines—supports individualized, carefully monitored treatment when patients remain ill. The key is shared decision-making, weighing risks and benefits, and avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach.The goal is not indefinite treatment, but the minimum effective therapy that allows patients to heal and reclaim their lives. The takeaway is simple: stopping Lyme treatment too soon often means starting over. Recovery is about staying better tomorrow—not just feeling better today.

Living with an invisible illness like lupus can feel isolating, exhausting, and misunderstood. In this powerful episode of The Self-Esteem and Confidence Mindset, I sit down with Ebonie Robinson to explore what it's really like to navigate life with lupus, manage the challenges of invisible disease, and still find strength, purpose, and confidence. We discuss the emotional and physical toll of chronic illness, how to advocate for yourself in a world that often doesn't “see” your pain, and the mindset shifts that support resilience, self-love, and healing. If you or someone you love is living with lupus or another invisible condition, this episode offers hope, tools, and inspiration to move from surviving to thriving.You can find Ebonie's book here:amazon.co.uk/Lupus-Journey-Journal-Ebonie-Robinson/dp/1966719361