Monica Michelle is joined by consultant and podcast host Tim Reitma. Tim lives with Crohn's Disease. In this episode, Monica and Tim discuss:  Tim’s resiliency through managing his Crohn’s The importance of self-advocacy, especially in the workplace  Tim’s podcast why he shares stories of those with invisible illness  TIMESTAMPS 00:47 - Tim's diagnosis  06:31 - How and why Tim applies self advocacy 15:41 - Why Tim started his podcast 22:42 - Invisible condition etiquette 31:00 - What HR can do better for employees with invisible illness 39:31 - Tools Tim uses to care ..read more

Monica Michelle is joined by artist and disability advocate Sunny Ammerman Sunny lives with Septo-optic dysplasia, panhypopituitarism, Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, and is missing a membrane in the brain called the "septum pellucidum". In this episode, Monica and Sunny discuss:  Sunny’s complex disorders and how she copes with them Everything VR provides from accessible gaming, social platforms and the potential for better online education. Various VR/AR games and their gameplay  Sunny’s VR support group TIMESTAMPS 00:45 - What VR/AR offers for chronically ill and disabled folks 11 ..read more

Monica Michelle is joined by author & physiotherapist Kevin Hunt. Kevin lives with chronic pain. In this episode, Monica and Kevin discuss:  Kevin’s philosophy of pain management as a physiotherapist who experiences chronic pain.  The Hexagon Model, a life-management tool for focusing on what’s important to you. Kevin’s idea behind his new book. Using pain as a guide. TIMESTAMPS 00:34 - Kevin’s work as a physiotherapist specializing in the experience of pain  06:44 - The Hexagon Model for managing your life’s needs 14:00 - Putting aside the idea of a “quick fix” 1 ..read more

Monica Michelle is joined by author & personal trainer John K. Frazier. John lives with ankylosing spondylitis. In this episode, Monica and John discuss:  John’s work as a physical trainer and author Chronic pain comparisons Personal triumph TIMESTAMPS 00:50 - John’s business & diagnosis 07:19 - Chronic pain olympics 09:31 - Talking about & hiding a diagnosis 15:09 - Personal triumph 18:24 - Staying in the present 23:29 - The superman complex The full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com Hosted on Acast. See acast ..read more

Monica Michelle is joined by musician Laura Mustard. Laura lives with VATER syndrome. In this episode, Monica and Laura discuss:  Laura’s inspiration for her upcoming musical EP. How Laura’s illness impacted her recent relationship & self-image. Laura’s creative process, new music, and social media pressure. TIMESTAMPS 00:30 - Laura’s new EP / Monica’s recent COVID experience 05:32 - Relationships with chronic illness 11:20 - Image and self acceptance with disability 15:32 - Laura’s creative process and current projects 20:05 - Pursuing creativity despite social media attention ..read more

Monica Michelle is joined by author Amanda Chay. Amanda lives with Sjögren’s and Lupus. In this episode, Monica and Amanda discuss:  Amanda’s book & diagnosis Outlooking on work & writing Navigating chronic illness with kids & family TIMESTAMPS 00:26 - Intro + The Girlfriend’s Guide to Lupus 02:17 - Amanda’s diagnosis 10:09 - Amanda’s outlook on writing 17:11 - Navigating chronic illness with kids & family 23:29 - Labels and roles 26:24 - Flare reads & closing remarks The full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbro ..read more

Monica Michelle is joined by author Alexis Kline. Alexis lives with Dysautonomia. In this episode, Monica and Alexis discuss:  Being a sick teenager Having an isolated diagnosis Productivity workflows TIMESTAMPS 00:28 - Alexis’s diagnosis & dog 07:18 - Sick teenager road map 10:00 - Alexis’s book & workflow 16:25 - Having an isolated diagnosis 20:50 - Wildlife photography, purchases  The full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information ..read more

Monica Michelle is joined by author Emily Falcon. Emily lives with ALCAPA. In this episode, Monica and Emily discuss:  Growing up sick Post-surgery support Having a public body Self-motivation and adventuring TIMESTAMPS 00:28 - Being a sick kid & Emily’s book title 07:28 - Mortality 10:16 - Portrayal of disability in media 12:21 - Post-surgery support 19:23 - Having a public body 23:43 - Self-motivation 29:46 - Emily’s tips for adventures The full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac ..read more

Monica Michelle is joined by writer and entrepreneur Micaela Hoo. Micaela lives with Lyme disease, bartonella, babesia, mold toxicity, parasite overgrowth, candida overgrowth, Hashimoto's disease, and Morgellons disease. In this episode, Monica and Micaela discuss:  Micaela's diagnosis story Healthcare insurance TIMESTAMPS 00:24 - The start of Micaela’s diagnosis journey 14:42 - Gastroparesis & Micaela’s research 16:52 - Healthcare insurance, wait times, and bad docs 21:52 - Micaela’s research pays off 25:52 - Medical closure 29:33 - Micaela’s businesses The full transcript and ..read more

Monica Michelle is joined by author Sara Staggs. Sara lives with epilepsy. In this episode, Monica and Sara discuss:  Being a full-time creative with a disability Pregnancy & parenting Disability disclosure Chronic illness in media TIMESTAMPS 00:30 - Sara’s writing process 06:03 - Sara’s diagnosis & college 09:44 - Pregnancy & parenting 13:37 - Disability disclosure in dating and parenting 19:17 - Characters with chronic illness 24:36 - Seizure first aid and life with epilepsy 27:37 - Favorite purchases under $100 The full transcript and all links mentioned can be foun ..read more