Have you ever felt like the world just doesn't see you for who you truly are?  In this episode, Lindsay shares her experience living with autism. Lindsay explains how she navigated the challenges of being misunderstood and misdiagnosed until she found acceptance and began advocating for herself and others with autism. Her story is a powerful reminder that our differences should be celebrated, not just accepted. During our conversation, Lindsay talked about how music plays a role in her life, especially on difficult days. She finds that music helps manage her mood swings and anxiety, offe ..read more

Are you someone who turns your toughest challenges into a force for positive change, not just for yourself but for others too? How do you find the strength to advocate for yourself and a more inclusive world, even when facing your invisible struggles? Manpreet lives with multiple concussions, Lyme disease and other invisible conditions. At a young age, she became focused on making an impact in this world and is doing just that. The founder of Veza Global, a Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, & Belonging consultancy, working with the UN, Manpreet is focused on impact. This episode explores h ..read more

Nick Koschnik, a physicist and business founder didn't let dyslexia hold him back. Instead, he turned it into his strength, creating StoriedWork.com to help others communicate their thoughts and ideas.  We discuss how important it is to get help early on for dyslexia, and how great it is when people understand and accept everyone's unique way of thinking. Talking about why it's good to let people know you have dyslexia, how special reading programs can help, and how much difference a supportive friend, teacher, or leader can make. Nick shares his thoughts on staying positive and using w ..read more

When Sydney Elaine Butler speaks, you can't help but be drawn into the raw and transformative power of their voice. As the founder of Accessible Creates, Sydney lives with autism, CPTSD, and fibromyalgia. Their conditions are not just a backdrop but a driving force behind their commitment to fostering disability-inclusive spaces. Their experiences bring hope, showcasing the balance between setting boundaries and leaning into self-care, all while pushing for change in professional settings that have for too long misunderstood and underserved those with invisible conditions. Our conversation ta ..read more

Grief is a journey that many of us face, making us feel alone even though it's a common experience. This week, Deanne shares her deeply personal story of dealing with major losses: the death of her aunt, a miscarriage, her child's hospital stay, and changing jobs, all happening in just 45 days. She opens up about the unique way she found comfort through her podcast, "F'ing Up." This episode dives into the personal nature of grief and loss, highlighting that everyone handles it differently. We talk about the moments grief catches us off guard, challenging the idea that time heals all wounds. W ..read more

When Martin opened up about his late-recognized inattentive ADHD, it wasn't just a personal revelation—it was a story that resonated with many of us flying under the radar with our struggles. Our latest episode takes you through the ups and downs of his journey, from the draining work project to his diagnosis at 38, and the impact it has had on his life. Discover how Martin's candid conversation sheds light on the challenges of living with an invisible condition, the importance of community, and even the lighter moments like mixing up flight details that remind us we're all human. Navigating ..read more

Consider donating today: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/timreitsma Summary: In this episode, Tim Reitsma talks with Joshua Peterson about the realities of living with Crohn's disease, spotlighting the crucial role of advocacy and the need for tailored workplace accommodations. They share personal stories that underscore the strength found in building community and the transformative power of speaking out.  Joshua emphasizes the significance of embracing one's story and advocating for oneself. He also highlights the role of employers in creating inclusive and supportive environments for emp ..read more

Consider donating today: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/timreitsma Summary: In this episode of the "Invisible Condition" podcast, host Tim Reitsma talks with Angel, a registered nurse from British Columbia, who courageously shares her journey through recurrent pregnancy loss. Angel opens up about the emotional rollercoaster and physical toll these experiences have taken on her and her family. Her story transitions into a broader discussion on the invisible nature of miscarriage, highlighting the stigma and silence that often surrounds this painful subject. Angel's insights reveal the hurtful and ..read more

Consider donating today: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/timreitsma Summary: In this episode of the "Invisible Condition" podcast, host Tim Reitsma talks with Angel, a registered nurse from British Columbia, who courageously shares her journey through recurrent pregnancy loss. Angel opens up about the emotional rollercoaster and physical toll these experiences have taken on her and her family. Her story transitions into a broader discussion on the invisible nature of miscarriage, highlighting the stigma and silence that often surrounds this painful subject. Angel's insights reveal the hurtful and ..read more

Summary:Dr. Maureen Michele Petersen discusses her book 'Reclaiming Life, A Guide for Parents of Chronically Ill Children' and the motivation behind writing it. She shares her personal experiences as a mother advocating for her chronically ill child and the importance of effectively disagreeing with medical professionals. We talk about advocacy and how to get curious when a patient isn’t confident with what the doctor is saying. She also highlights the power of journaling, gratitude, and exercise in maintaining mental and emotional well-being. The conversation concludes with a discussion on en ..read more