Invisible Strength
Karin Wagner and Chris Burton
We discuss the realities of living with autoimmune and chronic conditions while exploring realistic solutions to improve our lives. We discuss helpful tips and tricks to manage symptoms and proactively improve our health trajectory. We're here for support, laughs, and grace as we figure out these diseases together! www.invigorateyourjourney.com
Episodes
Lupus, Hair Loss & Being Dismissed by Doctors: Catisha's Story of Starting Over
Catisha lost more than 200 pounds and was still in pain every day. A rheumatologist told her to lose 50 more. She pushed for testing anyway, and her ANA came back positive: lupus, fibromyalgia and PCOS.Karin and Catisha talk about:Starting over, from moving to the U.S. without English to life after diagnosisSelf-advocacy when doctors judge you before they listenLosing more than half her hair as a beauty creator, and why new growth feels like hopeWhat consistency looks like when your 100% today is only 10%Leaving a job she loved and building a new path as a creatorWhat invisible strength means to herSubscribe for weekly stories of reclaiming your health, and let us know in the comments: have you ever had to fight for a diagnosis?👉 Grab the free RESET workbook: it's the same first step we walk clients through before coaching.💇🏽♀️ Catisha's hair care picks:Gold Spell conditioner: https://goldspell.us/products/tonico-...Gold Spell hair tonic: https://goldspell.us/?bg_ref=MxwdTIO9nZFollow Catisha: @catishadaneylixConnect with autoimmune and chronic illness warriors, explore resources, and get guidance to living your best life: https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Doctors Said It Was Postpartum. It Was a Golf Ball-Sized Tumor. | McKenzie Bovard | Invisible Strength Podcast #94
McKenzie Bovard was told her crushing fatigue, bloating, and hair loss were "just postpartum." Years later — after a plasma center rejected her blood three times and her husband asked her doctor, "Have you touched my wife?" — she learned she had a golf ball-sized thyroid tumor.Karin and McKenzie talk about medical gaslighting, the relief of finally being believed, becoming the CEO of your own body, and why treating chronic illness like an actual illness helped McKenzie feel better. Her mantra: do less to heal more. Follow McKenzie on IG: @thrivekenzieGet Your Free RESET workbook to start feeling more rested.Browse Our Resources created by our autoimmune community: invigorateyourjourney.comThis episode shares personal experience and is not medical advice. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Rest Maxing, Surprise Triggers & Living Well with MCAS, POTS & EDS, with Lauren | Invisible Strength Podcast
Lauren didn't know people weren't supposed to be in pain all the time until a doctor told her. In this episode, Karin and Lauren (@nourishing_lauren) talk about a lifetime of symptoms brushed off as "normal," living with MCAS symptoms, POTS, and hypermobility EDS, and how she found her biggest trigger (lemon and the citric acid hiding in everything). She also explains how she works full time and studies by "rest maxing." You'll hear honest, funny, practical talk about self-advocacy, social life, and self-compassion when your body has other plans.📘 Free RESET workbook: https://invigorateyourjourney.com/reset-workbook/Explore our community of chronic illness warriors, resources, and guidance to living your best life: https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Ep. 92: Lupus, AVN, and Building a Career on Your Own Terms with Sakshi
This week, Karin sits down with Sakshi — a 24-year-old lupus warrior who also lives with avascular necrosis (AVN), the same degenerative bone condition Karin has navigated herself. Sakshi shares how she's held down a demanding corporate job while managing chronic pain, what it took to get diagnosed after doctors initially dismissed her symptoms as a routine skin issue, and the moment a specialist's careless comment made her change rheumatologists for good.Key takeaways:Diagnosis took over a year and multiple dismissals. A "skin issue" in 2018 turned out to be an early sign of lupus, but it wasn't confirmed until butterfly rashes and a month-long fever landed Sakshi in the hospital in 2019.A supportive manager makes corporate + chronic illness sustainable. Sakshi works from home, communicates proactively about flare days, and has built a working relationship where flexibility goes both ways.Self-advocacy with doctors is non-negotiable. After a rheumatologist told her it would be "easier" if her symptoms turned out to be cancer instead of incurable lupus, Sakshi switched doctors — and encourages every warrior to get a second or third opinion rather than settle.Community replaced isolation. Starting an Instagram page to share her story connected her with warriors who understand pain her friends and family couldn't fully grasp.Invisible strength is the unseen prep work. Looking "fine" in a photo can hide hours of physical and mental preparation just to leave the house.Grab the free RESET workbook mentioned in this episode— it's the same first step we walk every client through before coaching.Connect with Sakshi: instagram.com/lupuswithsakshiConnect with us: https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com#Lupus #AvascularNecrosis #ChronicIllness #InvisibleIllness #autoimmunewarrior ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Diagnosed With MS Mid-Bodybuilding Prep — Kelsie's Story | Invisible Strength Podcast
A competitive bodybuilder and personal trainer for over a decade, Kelsie was mid-prep for her "redemption show" when her body started sending warning signs she couldn't explain away — and a hospital visit turned into a multiple sclerosis diagnosis.In this episode, Kelsie joins Karin and Chris to talk about losing and rebuilding her identity, why she calls this season "slow cooking" instead of giving up, and why acceptance and grief aren't opposites.Grab the free RESET workbook mentioned in this episode. Learn more about coaching and resources at invigorateyourjourney.comNew episodes every Wednesday. Want to help us reach more autoimmune and chronic illness warriors? Please leave us a review!#MultipleSclerosis #AutoimmuneWarrior #ChronicIllness #InvisibleStrength #Bodybuilding⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Hiding an Autoimmune Diagnosis for 10 Years at NASA — Cindy's Story | Invisible Strength Podcast
Cindy hid her autoimmune diagnosis for 10 years — even from a military discharge board that told her she was "healthy, just didn't want to run." It wasn't until a 12-mile hike, where her husband carried her the final mile, that she finally admitted something was wrong.In this episode of Invisible Strength, Cindy — a NASA program analyst, wife, and mom — walks us through her diagnosis process, the depression and marital strain that pushed her into therapy, and the mindset shift it took to stop equating her worth with her productivity. She talks candidly about the guilt of "trapping" her husband in a harder life, the relationships she's had to distance herself from to protect her health, and how an electric wheelchair changed an entire family vacation.She also shares how she built a support community on Instagram where spoon theory needs no explanation, why she writes for RareDisease.com, and her long-term goal of starting a nonprofit that funds both faster diagnosis and the assistive devices insurance won't cover.Key takeaways:Masking an illness doesn't protect you — hiding it for a decade made Cindy sicker, not strongerA diagnosis can be relief, not just bad news — it ended years of being written off as lazy or "just anxious"Assistive devices are strategy, not surrenderCommunity fills a gap even a great spouse can'tBoundaries — with family, with obligations — are health care tooFollow Cindy on Instagram: @sin_der_ellaaaaaDiscover Free resources for your own journey at www.invigorateyourjourney.comInvisible Strength is hosted by Karin Wagner and Chris Burton. New episodes every Wednesday. Follow us so you don't miss an episode! If this episode resonated with you, please leave us a review and help us reach more autoimmune warriors and allies! Thank you - we so appreciate it!⚠️ This content is for education and shared experience only — not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Told She'd Never Dive Again: Deanna Steinle on Life w/ Myasthenia Gravis | Invisible Strength Podcast
Deanna Steinle was a professional diver, speaker, and PR professional before a diagnosis of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) changed everything. In this episode, she talks with Karin Wagner and Chris Burton about the four and a half years she couldn't be left home alone, the grief that hit a year after the crisis — not before it — and how she got back in the water with disability-certified dive teams starting in 2022.She also shares the question she now asks herself before opening up to anyone about her diagnosis, and the two-weeks-apart crisis (a burst pipe, then a totaled car) that hit in the middle of her diagnosis journey.Get support and explore resources at: https://www.invigorateyourjourney.comChapters:0:00 Intro1:14 What is generalized myasthenia gravis3:23 First symptoms and the road to diagnosis9:03 The new normal — career, family, insurance12:17 Four and a half years of not being left alone14:17 Returning to scuba diving19:32 Mental health during isolation21:38 Going back to school at 2am28:04 What advocacy looks like day to day30:26 Redefining hope34:04 Small victories and momentum36:37 The pipe burst and the car accident38:09 Helping others communicate their diagnosis43:19 What Invisible Strength means to Deanna45:00 Where to find DeannaFollow Deanna: @resilience.is.beautifulSee her film on YouTube here. 🎧 Invisible Strength is hosted by Karin Wagner and Chris Burton, covering what it really looks like to live with autoimmune and chronic conditions — real talk, not just survival tips. New episodes every Wednesday. If you're open to helping us reach more people, please leave us a review!🌿Resources for your own journey: https://invigorateyourjourney.com⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
She Performed 3 Days With Blood Clots In Her Lungs
Shanelle Gabriel is an internationally touring poet and singer who's performed at Carnegie Hall, the Vatican, and HBO's Def Poetry Jam — and she's also been living with lupus since 2004, later developing lupus antiphospholipid syndrome.In this episode, Karin and Chris talk with Shanelle about:• The year of dismissed symptoms before her diagnosis — headaches, joint pain, brain fog she wrote off as "getting older" at 19• The three days she performed while carrying two blood clots in her lungs, because the show was paying her rent• Why she had to stop clinging to any single title — performer, poet, patient — and find "the gift" underneath• The ongoing "shedding" of relationships and commitments that don't support her health• Why she believes every newly diagnosed person needs a mental health professional, not just a support group• Her own definition of invisible strength📋 GRAB THE FREE RESET WORKBOOK — https://invigorateyourjourney.com/reset-workbook🧭 NOT SURE WHERE TO START? Free 2-minute Journey Quiz — https://invigorateyourjourney.com/quiz/🔗 FOLLOW Shanelle @shanellegabriel🎧 Invisible Strength is hosted by Karin Wagner and Chris Burton, covering what it really looks like to live with autoimmune and chronic conditions — real talk, not just survival tips. New episodes every Wednesday. Hit Subscribe Now!🌿 Support & Resources for your own journey: https://invigorateyourjourney.com⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Grieving Your Old Goals: What an Endurance Coach Taught Us About Setbacks
This week's guests are endurance-athlete coaches: Katie (registered dietitian, runner, living with Hashimoto's) and Coach Justin (triathlon coach, Tabula Rasa Racing). Their take on setbacks, grieving an old plan, and earning trust applies directly to anyone rebuilding life after a diagnosis. If this is your life too, take the free 2-minute quiz to find your starting point — it's the same first step we walk clients through before coaching.Check out the Endurance Athlete Journey podcast.🎧 Invisible Strength is hosted by Karin Wagner and Chris Burton, covering what it really looks like to live with autoimmune and chronic conditions — real talk, not just survival tips. New episodes every Wednesday.🌿Support and resources for your own journey: https://invigorateyourjourney.com⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
"I'm Usually the Zebra": Denise Zubizarreta on Getting Diagnosed With Multiple Autoimmune Diseases
Denise Zubizarreta spent over a decade being told her symptoms were anxiety, being "too active," or nothing at all — before she was eventually diagnosed with ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, endometriosis, and adenomyosis.Karin talks with Denise about learning to advocate for herself in the exam room, why she stopped needing doctors to like her, the grief that comes with losing the person you used to be, and why mental health treatment ended up being the turning point in her physical health too.Free RESET workbook HERE!Follow Denise: @thevampdeville🎧 Invisible Strength is hosted by Karin Wagner and Chris Burton covering what it really looks like to live with autoimmune and chronic conditions — real talk, not just survival tips. New episodes every Wednesday.🌿Resources for your own journey: https://invigorateyourjourney.com⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Hannah Judge: Touring with Crohn's, Comics Instead of Journaling
Musician and illustrator Hannah Judge (Fan Club Wallet) talks with Karin and Chris about getting diagnosed with Crohn's at 16, touring with a fridge of medication, and why comicsbecame her version of journaling.A conversation about art, isolation, and finding people who "get it."Get Your Free RESET workbook here! Hannah's Heating Pad Pick here!Follow Hannah / Fan Club Wallet: @fanclubwallet (all platforms)🎧 Invisible Strength is hosted by Karin Wagner and Chris Burton, covering what it really looks like to live with autoimmune and chronic conditions — real talk, not just survival tips. New episodes every Wednesday. Please leave us a review to help us reach more chronic illness warriors and allies!🌿Resources for your own journey: https://invigorateyourjourney.com⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
"Should" Is a Bad Word — Jodie Nimigon-Young on Living Fully With Lupus | Invisible Strength Podcast
Diagnosed with lupus the week before her 13th birthday, Jodie Nimigon-Young was told she wouldn't finish school and wouldn't have children. She's now a social worker in healthcare, a mother of two, and co-author of Fabulupus: How to be young, successful and fabulous (with lupus), written with Jessica Kundapur.Karin and Chris talk with Jodie about modifying the timeline instead of abandoning the goal, requesting workplace accommodations without disclosing your diagnosis, the two hardest stretches of her life (neither was a flare), and why self-compassion underlies everything.Get the book on Amazon here! (Amazon Associates link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.)📋 GRAB THE FREE RESET workbook HERE! The same first step we walk clients through before coaching.🧭 NOT SURE WHERE TO START?Take the Free 2-minute Journey Quiz here!🌐 Resources, coaching & support to invigorate your chronic illness journey: https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com#lupus #chronicillness #autoimmune #invisiblestrength #lupuswarrior #spoonies ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.
Stage 4 Cancer, Training for Kona: Jim's "Just Keep TRI-ing" Story
In April 2024, Jim was the healthiest guy he knew — an endurance athlete, a business owner, a husband of 30 years entering a comfortable retirement. Then a doctor's visit for lingering fatigue turned into three words no one is prepared for: stage four metastatic colorectal cancer. Terminal. Six months to two years.26 months later, Jim has no evidence of disease for the second time — and this October, at age 62, he'll toe the start line at the Ironman World Championship in Kona.In this episode, Jim takes Karin and Chris inside the whole arc: the hour he sat alone on a park bench outside his doctor's office, the 30 minutes he sat in front of the chemo building deciding whether treatment was even worth it, and the moment a scan changed everything — right after he'd stopped praying for a cure and started praying only for dignity.But this isn't just a cancer story, and it isn't just a triathlon story. It's a conversation about what actually keeps a person going when the body can't cooperate — the same question so many of us with chronic and autoimmune conditions face on a completely different scale.Key takeaways:Obstacles aren't preventing you — they're preparing you. Jim reframed every setback (24 chemo sessions, multiple surgeries, blood clots) as training for the 17 hours he'll spend on the Kona course.Motion has momentum. You don't need an Ironman. Do the dishes. Do the laundry. One thing leads to another, and the downward spiral loses its grip.You don't beat it with one thing — you beat it with everything. Fitness, faith, family, finances, community. Jim credits his survival to the whole system, not a single silver bullet.Letting people help you isn't weakness. "When you try to take everything on yourself, you steal from the people who love you."Discipline before everything. Jim's framework — discipline, sacrifice, suffering, pain — starts with small, consistent actions, not grand gestures.Jim's book, Just Keep TRI-ing, (profits donated to the Ironman Foundation) is available on Amazon: https://amzn.to/3SNL3Fn Jim's advice when you're down? Get up and start moving — even a little. If you're living with a chronic or autoimmune condition and don't know where "moving forward" even starts, that's exactly what our free RESET guide is for real steps, not just inspiration. Get it HERE!🌐 Resources, coaching & support: https://www.invigorateyourjourney.comIRONMAN Foundation fundraising page⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.
Narcolepsy at 9: Shame, Advocacy & Finding Strength in Being Different — Garrett Wade
Diagnosed with narcolepsy at nine, Garrett Wade spent years hiding it — napping alone in the nurse’s office, collapsing when he laughed, waking from nightmares no one understood. In this honest, surprisingly funny episode, he shares the long road to diagnosis, the mom who wouldn’t give up, and the reframe that turned his condition into his strength. For anyone newly diagnosed, any parent advocating for a kid, or anyone learning that “different” can be a badge of honor. ⭐ Enjoying the show? Please leave us a rating and review — it genuinely helps more people who need this find us. New episodes every Wednesday!🌐 Resources & support: https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com📖 Garrett’s book “Curly’s Magic Mug” on Amazon here.⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes. This episode description may contain affiliate links that won't change your price but will share some commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
"Can I Still Play Softball?" — Elizabeth Peery on a Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis That Didn't Slow Her Down | Invisible Strength Poddcast
At 10 years old, Elizabeth Peery was rushed to the ER with a blood sugar over 800 and a brand-new type 1 diabetes diagnosis. Her first question wasn't about needles or hospitals — it was, "Can I still play softball?"In this episode of Invisible Strength, Elizabeth shares her type 1 diabetes journey from that frightening diagnosis to becoming a competitive softball player, a Division 1 walk-on rower at the University of Washington, and a public and global health student headed toward pediatric nursing.She gets honest about the parts people don't see: The every-few-hours blood sugar checks, The crashes that wreck her sleep, Learning to tell diabetic fatigue apart from plain athletic exhaustion, and The year and a half before she could give herself her own shots. It's also a story about the people who showed up — a mom watching her blood sugar through a phone, a coach who sprinted onto the field mid-game with apple juice and Skittles, and a community that never once made her feel like a burden.If you or someone you love is newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes or any chronic condition, Elizabeth's take on resilience, support systems, and refusing to let an illness define you will stay with you. Press play and meet a young woman who's living proof that a diagnosis doesn't get the final say.⭐ Enjoying the show? Please leave us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts — it genuinely helps more people who need this find us.🎧 Subscribe for new episodes every Wednesday.🌐 Free quizzes, workbooks & resources: https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.
Invisible Strength: Kelly Jones on Crohn's, Endometriosis, and Trusting Your Gut When Doctors Won't
If you’ve ever been told it’s “just bad periods,” “just IBS,” or “just anxiety” — this one’s for you.In this episode of the Invisible Strength Podcast, Karin Wagner and Chris B. sit down with Kelly Jones, who spent roughly a decade fighting to be believed before finally being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and endometriosis — and who later faced a spinal cord tumor and major spine surgery.Kelly opens up about what it does to your sense of self when doctors dismiss your pain, how she learned to lean on her gut instinct even after her confidence was stripped away, and the slow, honest work of building a life that works with a chronic body instead of against it. She talks about the “good day trap” of doing ten things at once, the guilt of feeling like a burden, the friends she lost as a flaky teenager who couldn’t explain why, and the support, faith, therapy, and sourdough bread that brought her back.This is a warm, real conversation about pacing, self-trust, and finding meaning in the middle of the unknown. Press play — and if you’ve been doubting your own body, come feel a little less alone.Free quizzes, workbooks & resources: https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com
Chronically Iconic: Siana Smith on Acting with MS, Skydiving for a Cure, and Refusing to Be Defined by a Diagnosis
When Siana Smith's leg kept going numb at work, she and her colleagues laughed it off. It wasn't until she felt an electric shock shoot down her spine during a self-tape that she knew, deep in her gut, something was really wrong. After being told "it won't be MS," she finally saw the white dots scattered across her brain on an MRI screen — and burst into tears. This is the story of what came next.In this episode, Siana — a London-based actor, digital creator, and the voice behind @chronicallyiconicwithms — sits down with Karin and Chris to talk honestly about life with multiple sclerosis. She shares the invisible symptoms most people never see (brain fog, deep painful itching, that "stepped-in-a-puddle" sensation with no water in sight), how she learned to pace herself through 12-hour film days, and the surprising moments of connection that came from being radically open about her diagnosis.Whether you're newly diagnosed, supporting someone who is, or just need a reminder that strength can look like simply getting out of bed, this conversation will leave you feeling a little less alone. Hit play and meet someone who decided to be unapologetically herself.Key TakeawaysYou're allowed to grieve a diagnosis — and the emotions won't be linear. Scared one day, angry the next, okay the day after. All of it is normal.Invisible symptoms are real symptoms. Looking "fine" on the outside doesn't mean the inside isn't working overtime through brain fog, nerve pain, and numbness.Openness creates connection. Talking about MS didn't make Siana weaker — it built a support system and unexpected community, because "courage is contagious."Self-kindness is a strategy, not a luxury. Siana asks herself: "If this were someone I loved, how would I want them to react?" — then treats herself that way.Rest is productive. Planning a recovery day between work days isn't quitting; it's protecting future-you.Holistic and medical approaches can coexist. Medication, diet, movement, and therapies like hyperbaric oxygen aren't either/or — and the right mix is a personal decision.A diagnosis doesn't define you. "You can achieve everything you want in life in spite of having a diagnosis."Chapters00:00 — Welcome + meet Siana00:45 — Who Siana is beyond her diagnosis01:37 — The "I want to be Annie" moment and falling in love with acting04:01 — Life before diagnosis: the first strange symptoms05:28 — Seeing the MRI, hearing "MS," and the months of fear that followed07:13 — The grieving process and navigating MS day to day08:54 — Learning self-kindness and pacing10:36 — How being open about MS changed everything15:04 — Why she started documenting her journey online17:01 — The invisible symptoms people don't see18:32 — Pacing herself through long days on set19:27 — Lifestyle changes: quitting vaping, the gym, saying no21:07 — Protecting yourself when the world keeps spinning23:02 — When to tell people + the headshot photographer who also had MS26:02 — Finding joy and the mindset shift that primed her28:04 — Treatments: monthly injections and hyperbaric oxygen therapy30:34 — Diet and the foods that help her feel her best32:55 — Advice for someone newly diagnosed and scared34:05 — What "invisible strength" means to Siana35:29 — Skydiving for the MS Society: "If I can do that, I can do anything"38:23 — Silver linings she never expected39:39 — What's ahead: acting dreams and embracing life40:40 — Her final message: you are not your diagnosis41:35 — Where to find Siana online🌱 Community, resources & coaching: https://www.invigorateyourjourney.comSiana on TikTok & Instagram: @chronicallyiconicwithms#ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #InvisibleIllness #HealingJourney #ChronicFatigue #ChronicIllnessSupport #AutoimmuneSupport #InvisibleStrengthPodcast #ms #multiplesclerosis ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.
Two in a Million: Webb Kosich on Aplastic Anemia, a Sister's Bone Marrow, and Fighting His Way Back to D1 Soccer | Invisible Strength Podcast
Imagine being a 19-year-old college freshman, playing in every game of your first Division 1 soccer season — and then, over a single winter break, watching your body start to fail. Unexplained bruises. Out of breath after a few steps. Sores that wouldn't heal. For Webb Kosich, that was the beginning of a months-long fight against aplastic anemia, a rare bone marrow failure disease that strikes roughly two people in a million each year.In this episode, Webb takes Karin and Chris back through the whole journey: the terrifying weeks of waiting for a diagnosis, being helicoptered to Johns Hopkins, nine straight days of chemotherapy, and the bone marrow transplant from his sister — his "perfect match." He's honest about the darkest moments too: dropping out of school, quitting the sport that defined him, losing 40 pounds, and watching his own father cry for the first time. But this is ultimately a story about what carried him through — family, a tight group of friends, faith, and the stubborn goal he wrote down next to his hospital bed: get back on the field.Whether you're newly diagnosed, supporting someone who is, or just need a reminder that the little things matter more than we think, Webb's perspective will stay with you. Hit play and hear how he found his way back. Listen now, then take our free 2-minute quiz at invigorateyourjourney.com to find the support that meets you where you are.Symptoms can sneak up disguised as nothing. Webb brushed off early bruising and fatigue as a rash or being out of shape — a reminder to take persistent, unexplained changes seriously.The waiting can be harder than the diagnosis. Sometimes a diagnosis, even a scary one, brings a strange relief because you finally have one answer to work with.You can't do it alone — and you shouldn't try. Webb credits his survival to his parents staying by his hospital bed every single night and a friend group that took seven back-to-back calls the night he was diagnosed.Goals are fuel. Writing down concrete goals (start, make all-conference, score goals, live normally again) gave Webb something to fight toward on his hardest days.Vulnerability is strength, not weakness. Especially for young men and athletes, letting people see you struggle deepens relationships and actually strengthens leadership."Stack up little wins." A walk outside, sitting in the sun, a call to grandparents — small actions add up and boost morale when the big picture feels impossible.You are more than your worst season — or your diagnosis. Webb learned his identity isn't soccer, and that letting go of that single definition was its own kind of freedom.Chapters:00:00 — Welcome and introductions01:46 — What soccer gave Webb beyond the game03:55 — The first strange symptoms over winter break05:43 — The fear of the unknown and the weeks of waiting07:16 — What aplastic anemia actually is08:47 — Receiving the news: leukemia or aplastic anemia12:42 — The first time stepping back on the pitch19:40 — How faith became part of the journey21:34 — Suffering, compassion, and showing up for others23:29 — Feeling alone even with a great support system30:43 — A new chapter: transferring to GW for a final season35:25 — What "invisible strength" means to Webb36:50 — Advice for anyone in the thick of it right now40:12 — Where to follow Webb + closing🌐Resources and FREE quiz: https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com📲 Follow Webb on Instagram @webb.kosich11⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.
Chasing Goals, Not Ghosts: Mireille Siné on Running 200 Miles with Lupus
Lupus put her in the ICU in college. She came back to run 14 marathons, 5 ultras, and 200 miles from Boston to NYC.Run coach Mireille Siné on training with autoimmune disease — flares, fatigue, and the mindset shift that changes everything.In this episode of Invisible Strength, Karin and Chris talk with Mireille Siné — certified run coach, AIP nutrition coach, and the first Black woman to run 200 miles from Boston to New York City. Mireille shares her full story: the college stress that preceded her lupus diagnosis, the blood clot that took three ER visits to catch, chemotherapy and medical leave, and the slow, deliberate comeback that started with a quarter-mile run.We get practical: how Mireille structures training around flares with her stoplight protocol, why sleep is her non-negotiable recovery anchor, how she approaches nutrition and meal prep for inflammation, and how to tell normal training fatigue from the start of a flare. Plus the mental game — why "you're not gonna get anywhere chasing a ghost," and what invisible strength means to her.✨ FREE QUIZ: Not sure where to start on your own health journey? Take our free quiz → https://invigorateyourjourney.com/quiz/⏱️ CHAPTERS00:02 Meet Mireille02:02 Training with compassion04:08 The lupus diagnosis story09:14 Coming back: the first mile13:04 Self-doubt and setbacks16:01 The marathon that means the most22:01 Sleep, nutrition, community26:54 Coaching autoimmune athletes30:23 The stoplight protocol for flares34:14 Fatigue vs. flare: how to tell35:39 "Chasing a ghost" — the mindset shift40:44 What invisible strength means42:25 What's next for Mireille🌱 Community, resources & coaching: https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com🏃🏾♀️ Mireille: @heycoachmireille and https://www.coachedbymireille.com/ 🎧 Subscribe for real conversations around: Lupus, autoimmune disease, chronic illness, healing, fatigue, mindset, movement, resilience, and invisible illness support.💬 COMMENT BELOW: What's something people don't understand about living with chronic illness?#Lupus #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #InvisibleIllness #LupusWarrior #LupusAwareness #HealingJourney #ChronicFatigue #ChronicIllnessSupport #AutoimmuneSupport #InvisibleStrengthPodcast⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.
From the Soccer Field to the Doctor's Office: Baylee Simmelink on Growing Up with Celiac Disease
When Baylee Simmelink was nine years old, she was sick every night before bed — stomach cramps, vomiting, real pain. For a while, the adults around her thought she was just trying to avoid bedtime. Sound familiar? For so many people living with chronic and invisible illness, getting someone to believe you is half the battle.In this episode of Invisible Strength, Karin sits down with Baylee — a college soccer player at Northwest Missouri State University and elementary education major — who was diagnosed with celiac disease at age 9. Baylee shares what it was like growing up gluten-free before there were options, navigating birthday parties and school snacks with a “special drawer” her mom arranged with the teacher, and pushing through the intimidating world of college dining halls as a Division II athlete. Her mom also has celiac, which gave Baylee something most newly diagnosed people don’t have: someone who truly gets it.This one is for anyone who has ever cried in a restaurant because there was nothing on the menu they could eat. Anyone raising a child with celiac. Anyone who has had to advocate for themselves when they were terrified to do it. Baylee’s journey — from a tearful nine-year-old in a doctor’s office to a college soccer player managing her condition with confidence — is a reminder that the hard things we’re forced to go through often become the things that shape us most. Listen and hit subscribe now!Start here ➡ Take the free 2-min Your Journey Quiz 🌐 Check out Community Resources HERE. ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.
Can You Live a Full Life With Lupus? Emma's Honest Answer | Invisible Strength Podcast
Lupus nearly took everything from Emma in her early 20s.She was hospitalized, struggling to walk, losing her hair, and unsure what her future would look like. Doctors didn’t know if life would ever feel “normal” again.23 years later?She’s a mom, works full-time, runs for her mental health, and has learned how to live WITH lupus instead of constantly fighting against her body.In this episode, Emma gets brutally honest about:What lupus REALLY feels likeThe invisible side of chronic illness nobody seesWhy “pushing through” made things worseHer biggest lupus flare-up triggersThe mental battle of looking “fine” when you’re notRunning, movement, and rebuilding trust with her bodyThe grief, fear, and resilience that come with autoimmune diseaseIf you’re living with lupus, chronic illness, autoimmune disease, fatigue, burnout, or invisible illness… this conversation will make you feel less alone.⏱️ WATCH IF YOU’VE EVER:✔️ Wondered if life can still be meaningful after diagnosis✔️ Felt misunderstood because you “don’t look sick”✔️ Struggled with flare-ups, exhaustion, or body changes✔️ Tried to balance health, work, relationships, and goals✔️ Needed hope from someone who truly gets it💜 FREE RESOURCES & SUPPORTTake your journey quiz, download a free guide, explore top community picks, and shop Invisible Strength merch:https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com🎧 Subscribe for real conversations around:Lupus, autoimmune disease, chronic illness, healing, fatigue, mindset, movement, resilience, and invisible illness support.💬 COMMENT BELOW:What’s something people don’t understand about living with chronic illness?#Lupus #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #InvisibleIllness #LupusWarrior #LupusAwareness #HealingJourney #ChronicFatigue #ChronicIllnessSupport #AutoimmuneSupport #InvisibleStrengthPodcast⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.
From Life Support to Lupus Warrior: How Semi Found Strength, Self-Advocacy & Hope | Invisible Strength Podcast
From life support to lupus advocacy, Semi shares her raw journey with lupus — the grief, the isolation, self-advocacy wins, lifestyle shifts, and how she created a children’s book to help kids understand the disease. A must-listen for anyone navigating autoimmune conditions who needs hope and real talk.Resources & Links:• Semi’s Children’s Book: Luna and the Tiny Superhero → https://amzn.to/4cs1sGY• Join our free community: https://invigorateyourjourney.com/#LupusWarrior #InvisibleIllness #Autoimmune #ChronicIllnessSupport⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes. This page contains affiliate links that won’t change your price but will share some commission. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Celiac Warrior & UT Austin Track Star: Logan Popelka’s Gluten-Free Journey to the Olympic Trials
University of Texas Austin track & field star Logan Popelka shares how he turned a celiac disease diagnosis at age 15 into elite athletic success — including a near-qualification for the U.S. Olympic Trials.Diagnosed with no obvious symptoms, Logan opens up about navigating a strict gluten-free lifestyle while competing at the highest level. From high school social challenges to fueling as a Division I athlete, this conversation is packed with practical advice and real hope.What You’ll Learn:How Logan went gluten-free in high school and handled social pressureTraining, recovery, and fueling strategies as a celiac athleteRestaurant tips, cross-contamination safety, and college dining hall hacksHis favorite gluten-free brands, pasta, cauliflower crust pizza & baking tipsThe powerful discipline, faith, and “invisible strength” that fuel his successWhether you’re newly diagnosed with celiac disease, a gluten-free athlete, or living with any autoimmune condition, Logan’s story will motivate and equip you to thrive.Timestamps:00:00 – Welcome & Logan’s unexpected celiac diagnosis04:54 – Training & recovery as a celiac Division I athlete08:05 – Advice for beginners feeling left out10:20 – Eating out safely & restaurant strategies15:16 – Favorite gluten-free brands & baking25:25 – Running at the Olympic Trials29:20 – Faith and mindset shifts30:56 – Practical tips: labels, dietitians & educating others💬 Comment or Review: What’s your biggest challenge going gluten-free? Share below!Don’t forget to show your support:👍 Leave a 5-star rating & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode🌐 For free resources, workbooks, coaching & community support visit: ➡️ https://www.invigorateyourjourney.comHosts: Karin Wagner & Chris Burton (@baddestchaplain)Guest: Logan Popelka – UT Austin Track Athlete & Celiac Warrior#CeliacDisease #GlutenFree #GlutenFreeAthlete #CeliacWarrior #Autoimmune #InvisibleStrength #ChronicIllness #GlutenFreeLife #OlympicTrials #AthleteWithCeliac⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.
From Devastated Freshman Athlete to Thriving Lupus Warrior | Invisible Strength Podcast
Faith Ring was a driven college swimmer when lupus turned her world upside down. Faith shares how she adapted her training, diet, and mindset — including lessons from Katie Ledecky — and learned to put her health first without quitting her dreams. Raw, honest, and full of practical tips for anyone navigating autoimmune disease while chasing big goals.This episode is for anyone living with autoimmune disease, chronic illness, or navigating life after a life-changing diagnosis.Chapters:00:00 – Intro: Minnesota Lupus Warrior & College Swimmer01:52 – Life before diagnosis as a Type-A athlete02:15 – Massive 180: Diet changes (less dairy/red meat, frequent small meals)04:39 – Katie Ledecky POTS inspiration + internal vs external health07:05 – Military family mindset: Learning to put yourself first10:47 – Letting go of control + back injury crisis13:51 – Journaling advice for high-achievers with chronic illness17:48 – How support networks actually help (not just “have people”)22:22 – Practical routines: Prepping for events, gradual changes, naps33:47 – Faith, 1 Corinthians 13, and reframing anger at God39:57 – What “Invisible Strength” really meansDon't Forget to Show Your Support:👍 Like this video if it resonated💬 Comment your biggest takeaway or share your story🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations on chronic illness & living well🌿 Connection, Guidance, & Supportive Resources:Explore free workbooks and workshops, coaching, and tools to help you live well with chronic illness: ➡️ https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com#RheumatoidArthritis #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicIllness #GymnastLife #InvisibleStrengthPodcast #RAAwareness #MentalHealth #athletestories Special thanks to co-hosts Karin Wagner and Chris Burton, @baddestchaplain ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.
Alabama Gymnast Paityn Walker on Competing with Rheumatoid Arthritis | Invisible Strength Podcast Ep. 72
🌟NEW INVISIBLE STRENGTH EPISODE!🌟In this episode of the Invisible Strength Podcast, host Karin Wagner sits down with University of Alabama gymnast Paityn Walker to share her powerful story of competing at an elite level while living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Paityn opens up about the sudden onset of severe joint pain, her diagnosis at just 19, and what it’s been like navigating a chronic autoimmune disease while training and competing in Division I gymnastics.From being unable to walk during preseason to learning how to manage flare-ups, rebuild her mindset, and redefine success, her story is a raw look at resilience, identity, and invisible strength.In this episode, we cover:➡Competing as a Division I gymnast with RA➡Sudden diagnosis and early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis➡Flare-ups, treatment, and daily physical challenges➡Mental health, grief, and identity after diagnosis➡Nutrition and lifestyle shifts for inflammation management➡Learning to listen to the body and rebuild confidenceThis episode is for anyone living with autoimmune disease, chronic illness, or navigating life after a life-changing diagnosis.Don't Forget to Show Your Support:👍 Like this video if it resonated💬 Comment your biggest takeaway or share your story🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations on chronic illness & living well🌿 Connection, Guidance, & Supportive Resources:Explore support groups, coaching, and tools to help you live well with chronic illness: ➡️ www.invigorateyourjourney.comInvisible Strength isn’t just something you feel—it’s something you live every day. Now you can wear it as a reminder of everything you’ve overcome.➡️ Shop the collection here!#ChronicIllness #CerebralPalsy #InvisibleStrength #ChronicIllnessWarrior #DisabilityAwareness #AutoimmuneSupport #Resilience #MentalHealthMatters #chronicillnesssupport ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.
Living with Cerebral Palsy: Independence, Resilience & Invisible Strength
What does it really mean to live with cerebral palsy—and build a life rooted in independence, resilience, and self-worth?In this episode of the Invisible Strength Podcast, Karin Wagner and Chris Burton sit down with Shelly to share her powerful journey of growing up with cerebral palsy, navigating bullying and anxiety, and learning how to advocate for herself in a world that often underestimates people with disabilities.From early medical challenges and multiple surgeries to redefining independence on her own terms, Shelly opens up about the mindset that helped her keep going—even through setbacks.This episode is for anyone living with chronic illness, supporting someone who is, or learning how to navigate life’s unexpected challenges with strength and self-compassion.💬 In This Episode, We Cover:Living with cerebral palsy and navigating daily lifeBuilding independence while knowing when to ask for helpOvercoming bullying, anxiety, and self-doubtThe importance of self-advocacy with chronic illnessWhy your worth is not something you have to earn❤️ Key Takeaway: Your strength is real—even when it’s invisible.👍 Like this video if it resonated💬 Comment your biggest takeaway or share your story🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations on chronic illness & living well🌿 More Support & Resources: Explore resources, coaching, and tools to help you live well with chronic illness: 👉 www.invigorateyourjourney.com🌿 JOIN OUR FREE MONTHLY SUPPORT GROUPSLiving with chronic illness is hard. You don’t have to do it alone.➡️ Save your spot here: https://calendly.com/invigorateyourjourney/new-meetingInvisible Strength isn’t just something you feel—it’s something you live every day.Now you can wear it as a reminder of everything you’ve overcome.👉 Shop the collection: https://invigorate.secure-decoration.com/🎧 Listen on Podcast:Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more#ChronicIllness #CerebralPalsy #InvisibleStrength #ChronicIllnessWarrior #DisabilityAwareness #AutoimmuneSupport #Resilience #MentalHealthMatters #chronicillnesssupport ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.
Her Dad Was Diagnosed with Lupus… This Is How She Fought Back 💜 | Invisible Strength
What happens when someone you love is diagnosed with lupus?In this powerful episode of the Invisible Strength Podcast, Tanisha shares her journey as a former football captain turned lupus advocate—navigating fear, uncertainty, and strength as her dad battles this autoimmune disease.From watching a parent struggle… to finding purpose through pain… this conversation is for anyone living with lupus, supporting someone who is, or trying to understand what it really means to face an invisible illness.💜 In this episode, you’ll learn:✨What it’s like to support a loved one with lupus✨The emotional toll of caregiving and uncertainty✨How community and communication change everything✨Finding purpose through pain and showing up anywayIf you or someone you love is living with lupus or another autoimmune disease—you are not alone.🌿 READY FOR MORE SUPPORT?If you're navigating autoimmune disease, trauma, or burnout and want clarity, steadiness, and real hope:➡️ Invigorate resources: https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com🎧 JOIN THE COMMUNITYSubscribe for real, honest conversations about invisible illness, resilience, and thriving👉 Hit the 🔔 so you never miss an episode💙 Like if this resonated💬 Comment your biggest takeaway📤 Share this with someone who needs encouragement today🌿 JOIN OUR FREE MONTHLY SUPPORT GROUPSLiving with chronic illness is hard. You don’t have to do it alone.➡️ Save your spot here: https://calendly.com/invigorateyourjourney/new-meetingWhether you're dealing with flares, fear, burnout, or feeling stuck—this is your space to be seen, heard, and supported.Special thanks to co-hosts Chris Burton, @baddestchaplain, & Karin Wagner!#LupusAwareness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicIllnessSupport⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.
How to Live Fully with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Grief, Energy & Invisible Strength | Keri Pratt
Living with rheumatoid arthritis or an autoimmune disease can feel overwhelming, isolating, and exhausting—but it doesn’t mean your life can’t still be meaningful.In this episode of Invisible Strength, Keri Pratt shares her journey navigating RA, Hashimoto’s, seizures, and more—and how she’s learning to grieve who she was while becoming someone new with purpose, resilience, and hope.If you’ve ever wondered:“I miss who I used to be.”“Why is my body fighting me?”“Can I still live a full life like this?”This conversation will meet you where you are.We talk about redefining what a “full life” looks like, adapting without giving up what you love, and finding strength in the middle of uncertainty.🌿 Join our FREE monthly support groups:https://calendly.com/invigorateyourjourney/new-meetingYou don’t have to navigate chronic illness alone. This is a space for support, encouragement, and real connection.💙 In this episode, you’ll learn:• How to process grief without letting it define you• What “living fully” actually looks like with chronic illness• How to manage energy, flares, and recovery• Simple ways to adapt your lifestyle and still do what you love• How to rebuild identity, strength, and hope🌿 More support & resources:https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before making changes.
From House Fire & Domestic Abuse to Thriving: Bethany Stone's Invisible Strength Story
From house fire at 16 + abusive marriage to unbreakable strength: Bethany Stone's raw story of trauma recovery & thriving.➡️ JOIN OUR FREE MONTHLY SUPPORT GROUPSLiving with chronic illness is hard. You don't have to do it alone.🔗 Book your spot here🌿 Struggling with autoimmune, flares, fear, or overwhelm? Invigorate helps you move to clarity, steadiness & a life that feels like YOU again.✅ https://www.invigorateyourjourney.comTimestamps:00:00 Intro & welcome01:19 Bethany today: Montessori → mindset coach02:25 Montessori philosophy explained05:19 Embodied learning for adults07:49 The 5 self-care buckets (emotional → intellectual)13:52 Control what you can in chaos19:41 Rewire your inner voice21:37 House fire at 16: life-changing shift31:25 Kindness received & given back36:34 Break the negativity cycle43:02 Invisible strength = the seed inside44:14 Connect with BethanyBethany shares:✅Surviving domestic violence & rebuilding worth✅5 buckets for balance & resilience✅Grace on hard days, boundaries, reframing stories✅Montessori tools for emotional awareness & growthPerfect if you're healing trauma, burnout, autoimmune challenges or seeking real hope.Connect & Grow🌿 Bethany's site: https://www.thrivingbynature.com➡️ Invigorate resources: https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com🎧 Subscribe for honest talks on invisible illness, resilience & thriving. Hit 🔔!Like if this hit home 💙Comment on your biggest takeawayShare with someone who needs thisSpecial thanks to co-hosts Chris Burton & Karin Wagner!#InvisibleStrength #TraumaRecovery #DomesticViolenceSurvivor #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneWarrior #SelfCare #MontessoriMindset #Resilience #ThrivingByNature #InvisibleIllness #EmotionalHealing #supportgroups ⚠️ Disclaimer: This is general education & shared experiences only—not medical advice. Consult your healthcare team before changes.
Graves' Disease to AIP Success: Nicole Charles Makes Healthy Eating Delicious & Family-Friendly
Discover how Nicole Charles turned her Graves' disease diagnosis into a superpower with Heal Me Delicious!In this inspiring Invisible Strength podcast episode, Nicole shares her raw journey: from being overworked and over-caffeinated in grad school, rapid weight loss, heart palpitations, and a lightning-fast diagnosis... to finding resilience through creativity in the kitchen during the pandemic.Learn how she made the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) feel nourishing and joyful instead of restrictive:Reconnecting with her Trinidadian roots using cassava, plantains, yams & flavorful Caribbean techniques (without nightshades!)Creative ways to include nutrient-dense foods like liverSimple, affordable, one-pot & sheet-pan meals the whole family will actually eatHer realistic reintroduction process, pregnancy insights, and overcoming food fearPractical hacks: ground meat meals, meal planning, eating leftovers/soup for breakfast, and batch cookingWhether you're dealing with Graves', Hashimoto's, or any autoimmune condition, this conversation is packed with hope, real-talk resilience, and delicious inspiration that proves healthy eating doesn't have to feel like deprivation.🔗 Find all of Nicole’s gluten-free, AIP-friendly recipes: https://healmedelicious.com/Follow on Instagram: @healmedeliciousTimestamps:00:00 Intro & Nicole’s story before diagnosis03:48 Food & fast-paced life in grad school05:44 Slowing down & starting AIP during the pandemic10:34 Making AIP creative & cultural18:17 Reintroduction journey & lessons learned23:23 Listening to your body & motherhood insights31:55 Affordable & quick cooking hacks for busy families40:15 What “Invisible Strength” means to Nicole42:44 Rapid fire: favorite ingredient, go-to meals & dessertIf this resonates, drop a comment: What’s one food or habit that’s helped your autoimmune journey? ❤️➡️ JOIN OUR FREE MONTHLY SUPPORT GROUPS:Living with chronic illness is hard. You don't have to do it alone.🔗 Save your spot now!🌿 Looking for Support Living With Chronic Illness?Invigorate helps people with chronic conditions move from fear & overwhelm → to clarity, steadiness, and a life that feels like YOU again.➡️Discover resources, connections, and support here!🎧 Subscribe for MoreHonest conversations about invisible illness, resilience, and thriving despite the hard days. Hit the 🔔 so you never miss an episode!#GravesDisease #AIPDiet #AutoimmuneProtocol #HealMeDelicious #ThyroidHealth #InvisibleIllness #ChronicIllness #GlutenFreeRecipes #FamilyMeals #AutoimmuneRecipes⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for general education and shared lived experiences only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes to your treatment or lifestyle.
Crohn’s in Kids: A Mom Shares the Hard Truth About Symptoms, Dismissal & Advocacy
Imagine your child saying, “Eating hurts… but I still have to try.”That was Bridget’s daily reality as she navigated years of unexplained symptoms, medical dismissal, and the overwhelming fear of not knowing what was wrong. Eventually, her daughter was diagnosed with Crohn’s — but the journey to get there was anything but straightforward.In this powerful episode of the Invisible Strength Podcast, Bridget shares: ✨The earliest signs something wasn’t right — starting at 18 months ✨Why kids with chronic illness are often missed or misdiagnosed ✨What parents can do when doctors don’t listen The emotional toll of advocacy and how she avoided caregiver burnout ✨How she teaches her daughter confidence, boundaries & self-advocacy ✨The surprising silver linings that grew from their family’s hardest seasonThis conversation is for anyone raising, loving, or supporting a child with chronic illness — or anyone who’s ever been dismissed in a medical setting.Bridget’s story is raw, real, and filled with hope. You’ll leave feeling seen… and reminded of your own invisible strength.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro01:35 – Early symptoms at 18 months04:08 – When everything fell apart07:40 – Medical dismissal & trusting your intuition14:00 – The emotional toll of advocating18:30 – Knowing when to seek a second opinion22:00 – Caregiver burnout & rebuilding resilience24:30 – Helping kids find their voice29:10 – Balancing it all with siblings32:00 – Navigating food, school, and lifestyle changes38:30 – The power of flexibility and homeschooling44:20 – Understanding anxiety & the gut-brain connection47:10 – Advice for parents still in the thick of it52:00 – What “Invisible Strength” means to Bridget➡️ JOIN OUR FREE MONTHLY SUPPORT GROUPS:Living with chronic illness is hard. You don't have to do it alone.🔗 Save your spot here!🌿 Looking for Support Living With Chronic Illness?Invigorate helps people with chronic conditions move from fear & overwhelm → to clarity, steadiness, and a life that feels like YOU again.➡️Invisible Strength🎧 Subscribe for MoreHonest conversations about invisible illness, resilience, and thriving despite the hard days. Hit the 🔔 so you never miss an episode.📲 Connect with Bridget on Instagram @Life with Pediatric Crohn’s📲 Follow us on Instagram @unseenyetunstoppable⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for general education and shared lived experiences only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes to your treatment or lifestyle.
The Emotional Weight of Chronic Illness: Why You’re Exhausted, Anxious & Overwhelmed | Featuring Dr. Jessica Grove
You're managing your symptoms, attending appointments, pushing through — but nobody warned you about the emotional weight of chronic illness. The grief. The identity loss. The trauma of just trying to get a diagnosis.In this episode of the Invisible Strength Podcast, licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Jessica Grove joins hosts Karin Wagner and Chris Burton to break down the psychological side of living with autoimmune disease and chronic illness — and the practical tools you can use TODAY to start healing.🔑 What you'll learn:✔ Why chronic illness is traumatic (even if no one calls it that)✔ The mind-body connection and how your nervous system drives flare-ups✔ How to stop the "push-crash cycle" that's destroying your energy✔ Grief work for the life you thought you'd have✔ Why toxic positivity makes things worse — and what to do instead✔ How to identify the hidden narratives keeping you stuck (like "I'm broken")✔ Self-compassion tools for exercise, nutrition, and daily life with chronic illness✔ When you're not ready for therapy — and where to start anyway💬 Whether you have lupus, MS, fibromyalgia, Crohn's, Hashimoto's, POTS, or any other chronic or invisible illness, this conversation is for YOU.👉 JOIN OUR FREE MONTHLY SUPPORT GROUPS:Living with chronic illness is hard. You don't have to do it alone.🔗 https://calendly.com/invigorateyourjo...🌿 WORK WITH US at Invigorate Your JourneyCoaching, community, and support for people navigating autoimmune + chronic conditions.🔗https://invigorateyourjourney.com/🔗 Connect with Dr. Jessica Grove:Website: healthandmedicalpsychology.comFree consultation available | Licensed in 43 states via PSYPACT📌 CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Chronic Illness and Psychology02:08 The Emotional Toll of Chronic Illness06:03 Approaches to Emotional Processing09:18 Understanding Medical Stress12:25 Coping with Unpredictability14:48 The Role of Therapy in Chronic Illness18:17 Daily Practices for Emotional Well-being20:04 Self-Compassion on Hard Days22:26 Long-term Success in Therapy24:56 Small Steps for Mental Health28:22 Recognizing the Need for Therapy30:37 Differentiating Stress and Trauma37:24 Challenging Negative Narratives🌿 Need Support Living With Chronic Illness?Invigorate helps people with chronic conditions move from fear & overwhelm → to clarity, steadiness, and a life that feels like YOU again.💙 Connection💧Guidance ✨Transformation ➡️https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com🎧 Subscribe for MoreHonest conversations about invisible illness, resilience, and thriving despite the hard days.Hit the 🔔 so you never miss an episode.#ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #InvisibleIllness #LupusWarrior #ChronicPain #MentalHealth #ChronicIllnessCommunity #NervousSystemHealing #InvisibleStrength #HealthPsychology #MindBodyConnection #AutoimmuneHealing #FibroWarrior #ChronicFatigue #InvigorateYourJourney #SelfCompassion #ChronicIllnessSupport #LivingWithLupus #HashimotosThyroiditis #AutoimmuneWellness⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for general education and shared lived experiences only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes to your treatment or lifestyle.
Running Against the Odds: Marion Jones' Journey with NMO
What does it take to rebuild your life after a rare autoimmune disease leaves you partially paralyzed during a global shutdown? Today’s guest, Marion Jones, shows us what invisible strength really looks like.Diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) during the COVID-19 pandemic, Marion faced misdiagnosis, isolation, nerve damage, and the grief of losing the life she once knew. But her story doesn’t end there.Marion went from 30 seconds of walking to running 7 world-major marathons—New York, Chicago, London, Berlin, and soon Tokyo and Boston—raising awareness for rare diseases every mile of the way. 🏃🏾♀️✨She is now a powerful advocate, speaker, and upcoming author sharing her mission to inspire resilience, visibility, and hope for the chronic illness community.If you need a reminder that small steps can lead to unbelievable transformation, this episode is it. 💙⭐ IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:✔️What it’s really like to be diagnosed with NMO during the pandemic✔️How Marion rebuilt strength after partial paralysis✔️Why she shifted from grief to gratitude✔️The mindset that carried her through 7 marathons in 2 years✔️How to balance chronic illness with career, ambition, and rest✔️Why advocacy matters—and how your story can help others✔️The meaning of “invisible strength” in the face of adversity🕒 CHAPTERS00:00 – Welcome + Intro to Marion Jones01:31 – The Diagnosis: Understanding NMO09:30 – From 30 Seconds to Marathons17:28 – Shifting Grief to Gratitude22:02 – Advocacy, Community & Chronic Illness Visibility31:50 – Marion’s Book + What’s NextSUPPORT MARION’S MARATHON MISSION: Help Marion raise funds for life-changing care at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center: https://www.givengain.com/project/mar...Every donation supports research, patient care, and rare disease advocacy.💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATIONWhat does your invisible strength look like today?Drop your thoughts in the comments—your story could inspire someone who needs it.🎧 LISTEN TO THE INVISIBLE STRENGTH PODCASTHosted by Karin Wagner & Chris Burton, @baddestchaplain, spotlight real stories of resilience from people living with chronic illness and autoimmune diseases.🌿 Need Support Living With Chronic Illness?Invigorate helps people with chronic conditions move from fear & overwhelm → to clarity, steadiness, and a life that feels like YOU again.✨ Rebuild your life → 🌟 Top Picks → Support Groups → Coaching ↓ ➡️https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com💙 Connection💧Guidance ✨Transformation🎧 Subscribe for MoreHonest conversations about invisible illness, resilience, and thriving despite the hard days.Hit the 🔔 so you never miss an episode.⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for general education and shared lived experiences only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes to your treatment or lifestyle.
💜 Seizing Success with Epilepsy: Olivia Atkin’s Invisible Strength Journey
💜 In this episode of the Invisible Strength Podcast, Olivia Atkin shares how a childhood epilepsy diagnosis reshaped her life—and ultimately fueled her work as an entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and founder of Achieving Success.From navigating an invisible illness to working with the New York Giants, launching a business, and redefining success on her own terms, Olivia reminds us:You can build a life you love, even when your health rewrites the rules.If you live with epilepsy, chronic illness, or you’re chasing big goals while managing real challenges, this conversation will resonate deeply. 💙What You’ll Learn:✔️ How epilepsy shaped Olivia’s resilience and identity✔️ Why vulnerability is a leadership strength✔️ What people don’t see about invisible illness✔️ How to set goals without burning out✔️ Self-compassion practices for chronic illness✔️ The mindset shifts that helped Olivia thrive✔️ How to redefine success when life pivots✔️ Encouragement for anyone newly diagnosedKey Moments:00:00 Intro00:54 Diagnosis & Athletic Dreams07:24 The Drive Behind Her Success14:08 Bullying, Shame & Resilience20:23 Resetting Goals After Setbacks22:44 Military Spouse Life25:53 Boundaries & Work-Life Balance32:58 Balancing Health + Ambition40:05 Vulnerability as Strength✨ Rebuild your life → 🌟 Top Picks → Support Groups → Coaching ↓ ➡️https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com💙 Connection through Monthly Free Support Groups: Save your spot here.💧Guidance through individual and group coaching: Discover more here. ✨Transformation: Start here.🎧 Subscribe for More!Honest conversations about invisible illness, resilience, and thriving despite the hard days.Hit the 🔔 so you never miss an episode.Invigorate helps people move from fear and overwhelm → to clarity, steadiness, and a life that feels like YOU again.Explore tools, support groups, and coaching:https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com@AchievingSuccessWithOliviaSpecial thanks to Co-Host Chris Burton (@baddestchaplain)This podcast is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes to your care.⚠️ DisclaimerThis podcast is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes to your care.
Rachel’s Story: Living With MS, Type 1 Diabetes & Finding Invisible Strength
Rachel Hayden, host of the SpoonFull Podcast, shares her journey living with both MS and Type 1 Diabetes. From a six-year diagnostic search to navigating identity, energy, and mental health, Rachel opens up about the invisible strength required to live with multiple chronic illnesses.She reflects on learning to ask for help, pacing her energy, and rebuilding her sense of self—while raising compassionate kids and building community for spoonies everywhere.In This Episode:• MS & Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis journeys• Emotional and mental health challenges• Energy pacing, self-care, and realistic goals• How chronic illness reshapes identity & relationships• Why asking for help is honoring your body• Creating the SpoonFull Podcast & advocating for othersConnect:SpoonFull Podcast – @TheSpoonFullShowKarin – @unseenyetunstoppableinvigorateyourjourney.com🔔 Subscribe & ListenSubscribe for honest conversations about:✅Autoimmune disease✅Chronic illness life✅Medical gaslighting✅Healing, resilience & identity🌿 Could You Use Support Living With Autoimmune Disease?We help people move from fear and overwhelm → clarity, resilience, and hope.Explore tools, resources, and coaching designed for real life:👉 https://www.invigorateyourjourney.comP.S. You're NOT alone. Message us to discover how we can help you on your journey, or e-mail us at contact@invigorateyourjourney.com">contact@invigorateyourjourney.comDisclaimer: This episode shares lived experience and is not medical advice.
She Gave Her Father a Kidney: A Powerful Family Story of Resilience | Invisible Strength Podcast
A father. A daughter. One life-saving decision.In Season 5 of the Invisible Strength Podcast, hosts Karin Wagner and Chris Burton sit down with Paul and Tianna Butler to share an extraordinary true story of kidney disease, organ donation, faith, and resilience.Paul’s health declined quietly—until he was faced with kidney failure and the long, uncertain transplant waitlist. When the search for a donor began, his daughter Tianna made a life-changing choice: to donate her kidney and give her father a second chance at life.Together, Paul and Tianna open up about the emotional, physical, and spiritual journey of living with kidney disease, becoming a donor, and navigating life after transplant—with honesty, vulnerability, and hope.💙 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ The role of family support during major health crises✔️ The emotional weight of being both a donor and recipient✔️ What to expect during the kidney transplant process✔️ Post-transplant care, recovery, and unexpected challenges✔️ How faith, prayer, and resilience shape the healing journey✔️ Why asking for help and community support truly matter✔️ The importance of kidney health awareness and preventionThis conversation shines a light on the thousands of people waiting for organ transplants—and offers hope to families walking a similar path.💡 Whether you’re living with chronic illness, supporting a loved one, or curious about organ donation, this episode is deeply moving, educational, and real.⏱️ Chapters (Watch What Matters Most to You)00:00 Introduction to a Family Journey01:11 Health Decline and Diagnosis05:09 The Decision for a Kidney Transplant08:36 The Search for a Donor13:00 Surgery Day: Anticipation and Emotions16:21 Post-Transplant Life and Adjustments17:37 Navigating Post-Transplant Care20:04 Coping with Uncertainty and Support Systems21:57 Physical Recovery and Regaining Strength23:53 Emotional Journey and Surprises24:46 Facing Health Challenges: The BK Virus26:31 The Gift of Life: Reflections on Donation28:20 Pressure and Responsibility of Recovery28:33 Life After Transplant: Returning to Normalcy29:49 Resilience Through Adversity30:43 Key Moments of Reflection33:07 The Importance of Awareness and Asking for Help🌿 Living With Autoimmune or Chronic Illness?We help people move from fear and overwhelm → to clarity, resilience, and hope.Access tools, resources, and coaching built for real life:➡️ https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com🔔 Subscribe for honest conversations about chronic illness, autoimmune life, organ donation, and invisible strength.💬 Comment below: What part of this story resonated with you most?🎧 Tune in, warm up, and remember — your knowledge is your Invisible Strength. Additional Kidney & Organ Donation Resources➡️ National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org➡️ Donate Life America: https://www.donatelife.net➡️ United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS): https://unos.org➡️ Living Donor Information: https://www.organdonor.gov⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your care or treatment plan.
Doing Everything Right Wasn’t Enough: The Reality of Autoimmune Disease
What happens when you do everything right—eat clean, train hard, manage stress—and your body still breaks?In this remarkable episode of the Invisible Strength Podcast, hosts Karin Wagner and Chris Burton, @baddestchaplain , sit down with Krissy Ward, a clinical nutritionist and autoimmune advocate, to unpack her 20-year journey with chronic illness, medical gaslighting, and the long road to real answers.For years, Krissy was told her symptoms were anxiety, IBS, burnout, or “just stress.” She was misdiagnosed, dismissed, and handed Band-Aid solutions—until a life-threatening allergic reaction in New York became the turning point that finally led to accurate diagnoses of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Hashimoto’s disease.This episode dives deep into:➜The emotional toll of being told it’s “all in your head”➜How medical gaslighting delays diagnosis in autoimmune disease➜Why autoimmune illness is about more than labs—it’s about identity➜Navigating healthcare across different cultures and countries➜The grief of losing your old self—and learning to accept a new pace➜The realities of treatment, including biologics and methotrexate➜Why chronic illness does not define who you areIf you’re living with autoimmune disease, chronic illness, or are still searching for answers, this conversation will make you feel seen, validated, and less alone.🧠 Key Takeaways✅Chronic illness does not define your worth or identity✅The path to diagnosis can take years—and persistence matters✅Emotional health and physical health are deeply connected✅Cultural differences can impact how symptoms are treated and believed✅Finding the right doctor can be life-changing✅Acceptance is not giving up—it’s a form of strength⏱️ Chapters00:00 Introduction to Krissy’s Journey01:30 Life Before Chronic Illness03:08 The Long Road to Diagnosis09:37 Healthcare & Cultural Differences14:19 Autoimmune Disease & Identity22:48 Acceptance, Grief & Slowing Down32:17 The New York Turning Point46:58 Misdiagnosis & Finding Answers51:29 Healing, Treatment & Freedom🌿 Could You Use Support Living With Autoimmune Disease?We help people move from fear and overwhelm → clarity, resilience, and hope.Explore tools, resources, and coaching designed for real life:👉 https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com🔔 Subscribe & ListenSubscribe for honest conversations about:✅Autoimmune disease✅Chronic illness life✅Medical gaslighting✅Healing, resilience & identity🎧 Tune in and remember: Your knowledge is your Invisible Strength.⚠️ DisclaimerThis content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your care or treatment plan.
Your Pain Isn’t From Your Joints?! Dr. David Clarke Explains Neuroplastic Pain & Real Healing
If you’ve ever been told “your tests are normal” or “we can’t find anything wrong,” this episode is for you. 🎙️ In this powerful conversation, Dr. David Clarke, MD — Gastroenterologist, author, and President of the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms — breaks down the real science behind chronic pain, stress, trauma, and how the brain can generate (and heal) physical symptoms.🌟 This episode will change how you understand pain. Dr. Clarke has treated over 7,000 patients whose symptoms didn’t respond to traditional medicine.His work reveals why 1 in 5 adults experience medically unexplained symptoms — and why healing is possible even when imaging shows “nothing wrong.”💥What You’ll Learn:✅Why pain doesn’t always come from joints or tissues✅How the brain can confuse and amplify pain signals✅What neuroplastic symptoms are — and how they mimic chronic illness✅The link between childhood adversity and adult autoimmune symptoms✅Why some people stay “stuck” in the medical system✅How new neuroplastic therapies outperform CBT (63% vs 17% pain relief!)✅Safe, affordable strategies you can start today✅The most empowering mindset shifts for autoimmune warriors🧠 About Dr. David ClarkeDr. Clarke is a leading expert in neuroplastic pain, blending decades of work in psychology, gastroenterology, and mind-body medicine. (Full bio below.)He speaks globally to medical audiences and leads the nonprofit dedicated to ending the chronic pain epidemic.📚 Get Dr. Clark's Book: They Can’t Find Anything Wrong🌐 Learn more: symptomatic.me⏱️ Chapters00:00 Intro – Why Your Pain Might Not Be Physical04:17 Mindfulness, Stress & The Pain Response06:33 Illness, Relationships & Communication08:58 Lifestyle Shifts & Finding Purpose11:22 Mental Health Practices That Help13:48 Community, Connection & Support💬 Join the ConversationHave you ever experienced symptoms doctors couldn’t explain? Do you think stress or trauma has affected your health? Share your experience below — your story might help someone else. ❤️🩹🌿 Could You Use Support Living With Autoimmune Disease? We help people with chronic illness move from fear and overwhelm → to clarity, resilience, and hope.Get tools, resources, and coaching made for real life at:👉 https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com🔔 Subscribe for honest conversations about chronic illness, autoimmune life, and finding strength in the journey.🎧 Tune in, warm up, and remember — your knowledge is your Invisible Strength. Our guest today is Dr. David Clarke, President of the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms (ATNS), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to ending the chronic pain epidemic. Dr. Clarke holds an MD from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, and is Board-certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. His organization’s mission is to advance the awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of stress-related and brain-generated medical conditions. As host of the podcast “The Story Behind the Symptoms," Dr. Clarke delves into the origins of patients’ unexplained symptoms. Learn more at Symptomatic.Me. Welcome, Dr. Clarke. What are neuroplastic symptoms, and how do they differ from those caused by injury or disease?⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This content is for general education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your care or treatment plan.
The Mindset Shift That Saved Her Life: Felicity’s RA + Chronic Fatigue Journey
When rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue, and central sensitization syndrome (CSS) took over Felicity’s life, she reached a breaking point.Then one mindset shift changed everything.In this powerful, raw, and unexpectedly funny interview, Felicity @the_dead_arthritic reveals how a radical, research-backed approach helped her rewire her brain, reduce her symptoms, and rebuild her life—one tiny daily habit at a time.If you’re living with chronic illness, autoimmune disease, or fatigue that never seems to end… THIS is the episode that will make you feel seen. 💛⭐ What You’ll Learn (Don’t Skip These)✅The brain rewiring technique that helped Felicity change her fatigue✅Why the Mayo Clinic’s CSS program was “the mindset shift that saved her life.”✅The truth about RA fatigue vs. chronic fatigue (and why doctors miss it)✅What happened when she stopped talking about her symptoms✅The real reason she left her career as a veterinarian✅How she rebuilt purpose with tiny 5-minute habits✅Why positivity isn’t toxic—it’s strategic✅The wildest “cures” people suggested (yes… gin-soaked raisins 🤣)✅What “Invisible Strength” means when no one sees your struggle⏱️ Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Felicity's Journey04:17 The Power of Positive Thinking and Mindfulness06:33 Navigating Relationships and Communication During Illness08:58 Lifestyle Changes and Finding Purpose11:22 Mental Health and Daily Practices13:48 Building Community and Support16:35 Invisible Strength and Resilience18:22 The Role of Humor and Positivity20:46 The Importance of Holistic Approaches23:12 Facing Challenges and Overcoming Stigma25:18 Connecting with Others and Sharing Experiences27:33 Conclusion and Resources🌿 Could You Use Support Living With Autoimmune Disease? We help people with chronic illness move from fear and overwhelm → to clarity, resilience, and hope.Get tools, resources, and coaching made for real life at: https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com🔔 Subscribe for honest conversations about chronic illness, autoimmune life, and finding strength in the journey.🎧 Tune in, warm up, and remember — your knowledge is your Invisible Strength. 💪⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This content is for general education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your care or treatment plan.
Gigi Eats 12 Pounds of Salmon a Week — And Transformed Her Health
Gigi eats more than 12 pounds of salmon every week—and it changed her life. 🐟💪On this episode of the Invisible Strength Podcast, we sit down with Gigi Gigi Ashworth, also known as @gigieats, the Salmon Queen, to talk about her extreme diet, autoimmune health, and personal nutrition journey. From navigating food allergies to embracing a carnivore-heavy lifestyle, Gigi shares the truth about what it takes to own your health without apologies.Whether you’re curious about carnivore diets, farm-raised salmon, or simply how to personalize your nutrition, this conversation is packed with tips, insights, and inspiring life lessons.🌟 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅How Gigi discovered the diet that worked for her despite allergies and autoimmune challenges✅Her 12-pound-a-week salmon strategy and why farm-raised matters✅Tips for communicating dietary needs without drama✅Debunking mercury myths and misconceptions about salmon✅How to stay disciplined and make nutrition second nature✅Why there’s no one-size-fits-all diet🎯 Perfect For: Anyone navigating food allergies, autoimmune conditions, or looking to experiment with their own nutrition journey.Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Intro 02:15 – Gigi’s Early Food Experiences & Allergies 06:30 – Discovering the Carnivore & Salmon Diet12:45 – 12 Pounds of Salmon a Week: Health & Energy Benefits 18:00 – Communicating Food Allergies in Relationships 22:30 – Farm-Raised vs Wild Salmon: What You Need to Know 27:15 – Favorite Salmon Recipes & Kitchen Tips 32:00 – Discipline & Making Nutrition Routine 37:00 – Key Takeaways & Words of Empowerment💬 Join the Conversation: What’s the one food that’s transformed your health? Comment below — we want to hear your story!🌟 Resources & Tools to Support Your Health Journey: Visit https://www.linktr.ee/invisiblestrength for guides, tools, and support to help you navigate autoimmune challenges, personalize your nutrition, and live well—one step, one choice, one day at a time. @baddestchaplain
Trauma's Hidden Trigger: Why Stress Fuels Autoimmune Flares & How to Heal Your Inner Chaos | Ep 55
Feeling constantly tired, inflamed, or anxious? It’s not “just life” — it’s your body’s stress signal. In this episode, Functional Medicine Practitioner Meredith Orlowski reveals how hidden trauma and emotional burnout can trigger autoimmune flares and chronic fatigue. Learn science-backed tools to calm your nervous system, set boundaries that heal, and turn survival into recovery.❤️🔥 Ready to heal from within? Connect with our trauma-specialist coaches at Invigorate Coaching → invigorateyourjourney.com/invigorate-coaching
Beat Winter Fatigue: 7 Energy Hacks Every Autoimmune Warrior Needs
It’s mid-fall, and sunlight’s slipping away fast — about 2 minutes less light each day.If shorter days and colder temps are leaving you feeling tired, sore, or low, this episode of Invisible Strength is your winter survival guide.🎙️ Hosts Karin Wagner and Chris B. unpack how seasonal changes can disrupt sleep, trigger autoimmune flares, and drain mental health — and share 7 proven hacks to reclaim your energy, mood, and immune rhythm this winter.🌙 What You’ll Learn✅ Why Daylight Saving Time can mess with your circadian rhythm✅ How cold weather intensifies autoimmune symptoms and fatigue✅ The truth about “social jet lag” and how to reset your sleep cycle✅ 7 simple habits to boost energy, mood, and resilience✅ When to seek professional support — and why self-kindness matters most🧤Featured Autoimmune Warrior Toolkit:🧦Heated vest, gloves, socks, reusable hand warmers & electric heated blanket 💡Light therapy lamp🌙 Weighted blanket for better sleep ☕Golden milk & warm rituals to soothe inflammation 💬 Listener Challenge: Try one hack this week and tag us at @unseenyetunstoppable — tell us how it changed your winter routine.🕒 Episode Chapters00:00 – The Impact of Seasonal Changes on Well-being06:54 – Understanding Autoimmune Conditions and Cold Weather11:16 – Strategies to Combat Cabin Fever15:50 – Sleep Hygiene and Its Importance25:38 – Winding Down: The Role of Evening Routines30:17 – Staying Connected During Winter Isolation39:12 – Checking In: The Importance of Self-Care💬 Get support processing, adapting, and reclaiming your life with autoimmune conditions→ invigorateyourjourney.com/invigorate-coaching🧡 Wrap Yourself in Strength — Give Back with Every Purchase!Stay cozy this winter with the Invisible Strength Fleece Blanket and our exclusive merch line — designed for warriors, by warriors. Every purchase fuels autoimmune research and helps provide wellness resources for our community.🛍️ Shop now → invigorate.secure-decoration.com🌟 Thank you for turning comfort into impact. Your support helps others find their strength in every season.🎧 Tune in, warm up, and remember — your knowledge is your Invisible Strength. ⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This content is for general education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your care or treatment plan.🛍️ Affiliate Disclosure: Some product links in this episode may be Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you. These commissions help support the Invisible Strength community and ongoing wellness resources.
From Chronic Illness to Healing: Game-Changing Functional Medicine Secrets Doctors Don't Tell You
Join Elena, an integrative pharmacist, functional medicine health coach, and autoimmune warrior, as she shares her inspiring journey from chronic illness to healing. In this episode of the Invisible Strength Podcast, 💡You’ll learn:✅How lifestyle changes and functional medicine can transform your health✅The power of self-advocacy and community support✅Mindset shifts and positive affirmations that really work✅Practical tips for managing autoimmune conditions like Graves’ Disease & Thyroid Eye DiseaseWhether you’re struggling with an autoimmune condition, supporting a loved one, or simply interested in functional medicine, this episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Elena's Journey00:53 Embracing a Slower Lifestyle04:45 Grieving the Past Life07:04 Finding Purpose in Helping Others09:23 Transitioning to Functional Medicine12:36 Surprising Insights in Coaching16:43 Educating Patients on Health20:22 Bridging Conventional and Functional Medicine22:57 Diet and Lifestyle Changes26:10 The Importance of Sleep and Lifestyle Changes30:27 Understanding Thyroid Eye Disease36:37 Mindset Shifts in Autoimmune Conditions40:44 Advocating for Yourself in Healthcare42:44 The Role of Gut Health in Autoimmunity47:11 Accessing Functional Medicine50:09 Building Community and Support🔔 Subscribe for honest conversations about chronic illness, autoimmune life, and finding strength in the journey.➡️ Check out Invisible Strength stories, merch, and more at linktr.ee/invisiblestrength ✨ THANK YOU for supporting autoimmune warriors and allies!➡️Learn more about Elena @soulscript.co and @ThyroidLoveClub DISCLAIMER: This video is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before making changes to your health routine.
Feeling Lost After an Autoimmune Diagnosis? How to Navigate Grief and Find Hope
Feeling like your old self is gone forever? You’re not alone — grief after chronic illness or autoimmune diagnosis is real, and this episode shows how to navigate it with hope and self-compassion.If you’re grieving your old life after a chronic illness or autoimmune diagnosis, this episode is for you.Living with chronic illness isn’t just about managing symptoms — it’s about navigating grief. Grief for your former self, your independence, and the “normal” life you thought you’d have.In this episode of the Invisible Strength Podcast, Karin Wagner and Chris Burton explore:How grief can show up as anger, anxiety, or frustration — not just sadnessWhy “going back to normal” isn’t realistic, and how to embrace your new eraThe importance of community, kindness, and self-compassion in healingHow to honor your old self while building hope for the future✨ Key Takeaways:✅Grief is part of the chronic illness journey✅Loss of independence and normalcy is common and valid✅Your story isn’t over — strength comes from adapting and moving forward⏱ Chapters:00:00 Understanding Grief Beyond Loss09:17 Navigating the Waves of Grief18:41 The Role of Community in Grief27:49 Finding Hope and Self-Actualization36:56 Supporting Caregivers and Building Resilience💬 Comment below: What part of your “old life” have you grieved most? Sharing helps others feel less alone.🔔 Subscribe for honest conversations about chronic illness, autoimmune life, and finding strength in the journey.➡️ Check out Invisible Strength stories, merch, and more at Invisible Strength ✨ We appreciate you supporting autoimmune warriors!⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This content is not medical advice. It’s for general education and sharing experiences. Consult a healthcare professional before making changes to your care.#ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #GriefJourney #InvisibleStrengthPodcast👉 Follow us: @UnseenYetUnstoppable on Instagram & YouTube
Diagnosis to Dunking: Brian's journey with Lupus & Scleroderma
What does it mean to be truly unstoppable? 💪 In this episode of the Invisible Strength Podcast, we sit down with Brian Ung, the face behind the Instagram account Ungstoppable. Diagnosed with scleroderma in his early 20s and later with lupus nephritis, Brian opens up about the physical, emotional, and mental challenges of living with autoimmune diseases — and how he continues to thrive against all odds. From the shock of diagnosis to the joy of dunking a basketball 🏀 (yes, really!), Brian shares:✨ His journey navigating lupus & scleroderma✨ The importance of mental health and community support✨ How men can overcome stigma around talking about illness✨ Holistic strategies + promising new treatments like CAR-T therapy✨ What “unstoppable” truly means when life throws you challengesThis conversation is packed with hope, resilience, and practical wisdom for anyone navigating chronic illness — or supporting someone who is.➡️ Check out Invisible Strength stories, merch, and more at linktr.ee/invisiblestrength ✨ We appreciate you supporting autoimmune warriors! 👉 Follow us: @UnseenYetUnstoppable on Instagram & YouTube💬 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more stories of warriors, allies, and advocates living Unseen Yet Unstoppable.#Lupus #Scleroderma #AutoimmuneDisease #InvisibleStrengthPodcast #Unstoppable⚠️ Disclaimer: This video is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Always consult a medical professional before starting any wellness practice.
Ep. 50 | Invisible Strength: Community, Courage & New Dreams After Diagnosis
We’re celebrating 50 episodes of the Invisible Strength Podcast! 🎉Living with an autoimmune condition can feel isolating, but you are not alone. In this milestone episode, hosts Karin Wagner and Chris Burton reflect on the most powerful stories and lessons shared so far—reminding us that community, courage, and hope are stronger than diagnosis.💡 In This Episode, You’ll Discover:Why your dreams don’t have to end after diagnosisThe role of small goals in building resilienceHow rest counts as progress, not failureWays to find self-worth beyond productivityThe power of community when facing chronic illness💜 Giveaway Alert:Nominate someone who shows Invisible Strength!👉 Tag them in the episode comments on YouTube OR on Instagram👉 Be sure to tag us @unseenyetunstoppable to qualifyThey could win an Invisible Strength hat or Autoimmune Allies bag!🌐 Explore Community resources: 👉 InvigorateYourJourney.com📌 Don’t miss future episodes—subscribe, rate & share to spread Invisible Strength.📌 FOLLOW US + CONNECT:🎧 Full Podcast on Apple & Spotify🔗 Resources & community: linktr.ee/invisiblestrength📸 Instagram: @unseenyetunstoppable⚠️ Disclaimer: This video is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Always consult a medical professional before starting any wellness practice.
🔗Roxanne’s Story: From Lupus Diagnosis to Empowered Healing Journey
In this powerful interview, Roxanne Lerner shares her inspiring journey from confusion and pain to empowerment and healing after being diagnosed with lupus. If you or someone you love is navigating chronic illness, this episode is packed with wisdom, science-backed tools, and emotional honesty you won’t want to miss.🔥 WATCH IF YOU WANT TO:✔️ Understand autoimmune disease through a real, relatable story✔️ Learn how mindfulness, yoga & gratitude aid healing✔️ Discover how to build your personalized wellness plan✔️ Find support and hope without falling into “false hope”🌿 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:✔️ The first signs of chronic illness most people overlook✔️ Why “dating around” for doctors & support groups matters✔️ How to shift from surviving to thriving with autoimmune disease✔️ The science of gratitude: change your brain, change your life✔️ How Roxanne created balance with yoga, breathwork, and walking💬 “Lupus is the greatest lesson—it taught me to slow down.”💬 “Support can be more healing than any medication.”👇 Chapters & Key Takeaways00:00 Intro to Roxanne's Journey01:03 Unexplained Symptoms & Diagnosis04:23 How She Navigated Her New Reality08:45 Using Mindfulness as Medicine12:35 Mindset Shifts That Sparked Healing16:42 Life Lessons from Lupus21:35 Why Gratitude Literally Changes the Brain26:21 Finding Her Healing Community32:29 Science-Backed Healing Practices34:05 Staying Consistent When Energy Is Low37:25 Sharing Vulnerabilities to Build Connection40:40 Roxanne’s Vision: A Wellness Community That Heals👇 Drop a 💜 in the comments if you’ve ever felt misunderstood in your health journey. You’re not alone.📌 FOLLOW US + CONNECT:🔗 Resources & community: linktr.ee/invisiblestrength📸 Instagram: @unseenyetunstoppable🧘♀️ More with Roxanne: roxannelerner.com🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE to help spread awareness, hope, and healing.⚠️ Disclaimer: This video is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat any condition. Always consult a medical professional before starting any wellness practice.#LupusAwareness #AutoimmuneHealing #MindBodyWellness #ChronicIllnessSupport #GratitudeHeals #RoxanneLerner #WellnessJourney #FunctionalMedicine #MindfulnessForHealing #PodcastHighlights #ChronicIllnessCommunity #YouGotThisKid @unseenyetunstoppable @baddestchaplain @RLWellness
Flare-Free Cooking Hacks 🍽️ | Easy Anti-Inflammatory Meals with RA Warrior Chef
Struggling with inflammation, chronic symptoms, or autoimmune flares? RA Warrior and professional chef Laura Rodriguez shares her game-changing cooking hacks that make anti-inflammatory eating simple, sustainable, and satisfying.From food chaining to time-saving sheet pan meals, Laura breaks down practical strategies to help you eat clean—without the overwhelm. Discover how her EPIC Method starts with mindset, explores what to eat during flares, and reveals what ingredients to avoid to feel your best.🔍 What You’ll Take Away:✅ Easy anti-inflammatory cooking hacks (no chef skills required)✅ How to prep meals that reduce flare-ups and fatigue✅ Mold exposure & hidden triggers for autoimmune symptoms✅ The science of food chaining and healthy swaps✅ Tools & mindset tips for sustainable healing✅ Why “Nothing tastes as good as flare-free feels”🧰 Community Recommended Resources:🎁 The Autoimmune Foodies Survival Guide 👉 https://www.cheflaurarodriguez.com/survival📥 Linktr.ee/invisiblestrength🌐 More at: invigorateyourjourney.com/nutrition💬Have you tried flare-free cooking? Drop your questions or favorite hacks in the comments 👇🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more real-talk on healing, wellness, and autoimmune life.🩺 Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making dietary changes.
From Wall Street to Yoga: How Lupus Transformed Victoria Gibbs’ Life
When life threw Victoria Gibbs a curveball with a life-threatening lupus diagnosis, she didn’t give up — she transformed. In this inspiring episode, Victoria shares her journey from the fast-paced world of finance to becoming a professional yoga instructor and wellness advocate. 💫Victoria opens up about the harsh realities of living with lupus nephritis, the power of self-care, and how yoga helped her reclaim her strength, both physically and mentally. If you’re navigating chronic illness, burnout, or searching for healing, Victoria's story is proof that our greatest challenges can lead to new beginnings.In This Episode You’ll Learn:✔ How lupus nephritis forced Victoria to rethink her life✔ The mindset shifts that helped her stop “pushing through” at all costs✔ Why daily self-care rituals — no matter how small — are non-negotiable✔ How journaling and social media became her lifeline for expression✔ The importance of community and building space for vulnerability✔ Why Victoria believes lupus is both her hardest challenge and her greatest strengthChapters:00:00 From Finance to Yoga: A Transformational Journey10:41 Facing Health Challenges: The Impact of Lupus17:27 The Power of Vulnerability: Sharing the Journey25:18 Living with Lupus: Mindset and Self-Care Strategies32:00 Future Aspirations: Building a Community and Sharing Hope🌿 Recommended Autoimmune Resources: www.invigorateyourjourney.com✨ Connect & Stay Inspired: linktr.ee/invisiblestrengthJoin the Conversation:Have you faced life-changing health challenges? What self-care practices help you cope? Drop us your comments — your voice matters. 💬#LupusAwareness #ChronicIllness #InvisibleStrength #YogaHealing #VictoriaGibbs #AutoimmuneJourneyDISCLAIMER: This content within this video is not medical advice. The purpose of these videos are for general education and to share my own experience. This content should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any health condition. Please consult a healthcare professional before attempting anything in this video.
EXHAUSTED From Hiding? ADHD Truths No One Talks About
Feeling drained from constantly pretending to be someone you’re not? This episode explores the emotional toll of masking ADHD, featuring guest Keren Butcher, also known as The ADHD Alchemist. You’ll uncover the hidden truths about ADHD that no one talks about—but everyone living it needs to hear.You’ll not only hear Keren’s raw, relatable story of burnout, belief rewiring, and late diagnosis, but you’ll also get access to a FREE guided EFT tapping session for emotional healing right inside the episode. 🧘♀️💥If you’ve ever felt like you're faking your way through life just to be accepted, this is your permission slip to start unmasking and healing for real.🔍 What You’ll Learn:✅What masking really is—and how it disconnects you from your true self✅Why ADHDers often become people-pleasers or perfectionists✅Tools to recognize when you're masking (and how to stop)✅How belief coding and EFT tapping can help rewire limiting beliefs✅The emotional rollercoaster of late ADHD diagnosis✅How to transform pain into purpose and reclaim your identity🎧 Whether you're newly diagnosed or just tired of the pressure to "keep it together," this episode will validate your experience and give you tools to show up as your unapologetic self.✅ Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more deep dives into mental health, neurodiversity, and self-healing.#ADHD #MaskingADHD #Neurodivergent #MentalHealth #BeliefCoding #EFTTapping #KerenButcher #TheADHDAlchemist #ADHDAwareness #UnmaskingADHD #ADHDPodcast #HealingFeatured Tools & Resources:🌐Free ADHD Compassionate Guide: www.theadhdalchemist.co.uk/freebie📖 Community Picks! www.invigorateyourjourney.com✅ Check out the Latest here with the Invisible Strength Community!DISCLAIMER: This content within this video is not medical advice. The purpose of these videos are for general education and to share my own experience. This content should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any health condition. Please consult a healthcare professional before attempting anything in this video.