The MS Gym Podcast

Today's topic uncovers an emotional aspect of my healing journey and I'm grateful to share my experiences with gut health coach, William Dickinson. William will help unpack disordered eating, restrictive diets and why your gut health may be the issue, not the food you're eating. In today's episode, we will also discuss: The connection between chronic illness and digestive function How compromised gut health intensifies the toxic effects of mercury and similar substances The five primary functions of the gut ARFID and fear-based eating habits How restrictive diets can lead to nutritional deficiencies and isolation How food can be a "moral" choice The intersection of physiological and psychological symptoms The stigma of a psychosomatic diagnosis How healing can turn the world from black and white into color The need for self-awareness and flexibility with food choices Podcast Links for William Dickinson Book a 1:1 consult Take the Gut Health quiz Website YouTube Get connected with The MS Gym  

Join us for a special podcast episode with the CEO of The MS Gym, Ken Allen. In today’s interview we’ll learn about: Ken and his career before The MS Gym  How he met founder Trevor Wicken The MS Gym’s evolution and ethos The The MS Gym product offerings Its online growth and social media outreach Who’s not a good fit for The MS Gym Ken’s views about partnership and affiliates The MS Gym’s program updates Plans for MS Gym community events

In today's episode, Jodi and I get to check in with Ardra Shephard about the engaging complexities of her intriguing new book, aptly titled, Fall-osophy, My Trip through Life with MS. You may think you already know Ardra from her award-winning blog, Tripping on Air, her social media content, or her popular podcast, but, trust us, if you REALLY want to know her, you need to place this revealing page-turner of a memoir on your shopping list. Until then Jodi, Ardra and I are going to give you a glimpse of what you can expect.  EPISODE NOTES: Her personal journey on her blog and social media being only a fraction of what is captured in her book The book making Ardra more 3D Both newbies and veterans of MS will resonate with the content This book is about way more than just a woman with MS A movie in the making  Her goal with the book Deciding what's humiliating When her condition is finally given a label  The worst symptom of MS…fear or guilt Looking cool while using mobility aids Her first MS DMD Dr. Muppet. What was he thinking? Ardra's HSCT saga Relief when your MS symptoms become visible  When co-workers question the validity of your condition The “C” word. It's not what you think. Reminding ourselves of our value Being recognized for our contribution to relationships Disability decor Serenity is for quitters  On dating Passing muster with potential in-laws Instilling self worth in a loved one Raising the bar for other MS advocates The love story woven throughout the book  The unveiling of “The Banker” Inspiring others to write their story Giving the chronic illness community a voice LINKS: Video version of this interview on YouTube Ardra's new book - FALL-OSOPHY, My Trip through Life with MS Ardra on Instagram Ardra's Blog, Tripping on Air The Tripping on Air Podcast on YouTube The MS Gym  

Take a journey overseas as we address the rarely discussed topic of mental health in the chronic illness community. Join our podcast guest Lynn as she shares about her: Early childhood symptoms Symptoms dismissed as anxiety Numerous doctors appointments but yielding no results Medical team delaying a diagnosis out of fear of legal action Physiotherapist (sister) "diagnosing" her with MS Mother's catastrophic reaction to diagnosis Various MS medications Struggle with mental illness and isolation Loss of friends due to disease progression New found love of baking Story with The MS Gym Numerous setbacks caused by infections Travel plans with her family "Why" MS GYM LINKS: THE MS GYM Motivational Monday - Reconnecting with your WHY

Today's podcast guest, Danielle, shares about the challenges of balancing family, work and chronic illness. Danielle shares with us her: First symptoms at 16 years old Lack of diagnosis due to technology limitations Symptom remission because of positive lifestyle changes Being shuffled between medical professionals Official diagnoses 11 years after initial symptoms Choice of MS medications Education and career Journey through pregnancy  Favorite resource for mom's with young kids Supportive church community  Work accommodations Discovery of The MS Gym Incorporation of "neural edge" into daily life Mobility aids Advice for the newly diagnosed and those in "limbo" Goals for the future Future family plans MS GYM LINKS: The MS Gym Education - Threat Bucket Book - "Some Days we.." by Julie A Stamm

In today's podcast, we meet Michelle and explore her passion for advocacy, while she navigates her own health challenges. Michelle will share about her: Sudden, troublesome symptoms Numerous diagnostic tests Official MS diagnosis Family history with MS Post-secondary education and career Passion to help vulnerable groups Rollercoaster ride with different DMTs Discovery of The MS Gym Dedication to exercise Volunteer opportunities Ability to advocate for herself and others Goals and achievements THE MS GYM LINKS: THE MS GYM

Today's podcast guest, Missy, will inspire you, as she shares about her: Troubling health concerns Diagnosis with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Complications from RA medications Unusual symptoms and MRI findings Difficulty coping with life challenges Walking struggles and MS diagnosis Career and work accommodations Difficult decision to "medically" retire Support from family and church Travel adventures with mobility aids Journey to finding her new identity Advice for living a healing lifestyle Exciting upcoming family events MS GYM LINKS: THE MS Gym Motivation Monday - Chemistry, butterflies and a rock Motivation Monday - Overcoming your Crisis of belief - "I Won't" Motivation Monday - Imperfect Action vs Perfect Inaction

Let's travel down under to chat with Australian MS Gym member Kerry. Learn about her rare disease and journey of: Being diagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM) Battling muscle atrophy Living with a disease that has no treatment options Embracing the Wahls protocol and experiencing symptom relief Finding The MS Gym Using her research skills to learn more about her disease Traveling to the U.S. to attend the Wahls coaching program Joining an international MS Gym Buddy Group to find community Refocusing her schedule to manage family priorities Training like an "athlete" Planning goals and future travel plans Self-care

Join us as we travel to the rainy lands of the UK to chat with our latest podcast guest, Sarah. We'll learn more about Sarah's journey with MS as she shares about her: Early symptoms in childhood Post-secondary education in Germany Adventurous travel expeditions and volunteer work Marriage and difficulties finding work Catering business partnership with her parents Flare of symptoms and ensuing diagnosis Relatives with a previous MS diagnosis Choice of DMT Decision to travel to Mexico for HSCT Improvements seen since the treatment Signing up for The MS Gym Mollii suit and reduction in MS symptoms Support system and leisure activities Determination Future travel plans Love for the outdoors and her dogs Desire to live life to the fullest The MS Gym Links The MS Gym  

In today's podcast we delve into the chaos with MS Gym veteran Julie. Join us as we travel down the winding path as Julie shares her: Initial symptoms Years of being gaslight Delayed MS diagnosis Son's cancer diagnosis Ability to find calm and community in the storm Sudden worsening of symptoms and departure from work Environmental triggers and isolation Change in life after finding The MS Gym Dedication to exercise and physical victories Memorable experiences at her children's weddings Goals for the future MS Gym Links The MS Gym Confident In Crisis - Motivation Monday Overcoming Your Crisis of Belief - Motivation Monday  

It's time to travel across the oceans to talk with today's podcast guest, Cathrin. We'll learn of her journey with MS from her homeland of Sweden. She'll share her story about her: First symptoms as a new mom Questionable and poorly delivered diagnosis Choice of DMTs and failure rates Lifestyle choices that helped relieve her fatigue Career and necessary accommodations Divorce and ensuing stress Journey to find The MS Gym Friendships forged in her Buddy Group Switch to the Wahls diet protocol Physical victories Travel accommodations Flooding threat bucket Need to prioritize work, rest, and chores Advice to the newly diagnosed Ability to show kindness and gratitude to her body The MS Gym Links The MS Gym How Full Is Your Threat Bucket? - Episode

Be encouraged by today's podcast as we talk with long time MS Gym member Joann. Journey with us as we unpack Joann's: Initial symptoms  Challenges of navigating an MS diagnosis before the internet Choice to ignore unhelpful advice from medical providers Determination to continue her career Decision to pursue accommodations at work Routine with work and exercise Choice of medications Distaste for "labels" Feelings of being mistreated because of her disability Path to finding The MS Gym Passions and future desires Advice to the newly diagnosed Tenacity to keep moving forward MS GYM LINKS: The MS GYM

In today's episode, we'll be chatting with MS Gym newcomer, Heather. Gain new insights as we explore Heather's: First symptoms and diagnostic journey Challenges of being a single mom Career and accomodations Frustration of needing mobility aids at a young age Squeaky wheel policy First impressions of The MS Gym Non-linear progression with exercise Goals for the future Focus on living in the present moment "Why's" Advice to the fellow MS warriors MS Gym Links The MS Gym Reconnecting with your WHY- Motivational talk with Trevor Wicken  

Join us for our first episode of the fall season as we talk with MS Gym veteran, Yulia, and learn about the many tools she's found and used in her healing journey with MS. We'll talk about her: Initial symptoms and adolescent diagnosis Course of treatments - both pharmaceutical and natural Introduction to The MS Gym Love for The MS Gym community Freedom from loneliness and anxiety Tool belt - CPAP machine, Yoga Nidra, PEMF, EMS, Wim Hof Changes in diet and difficulties with Intermittent fasting Issues with body image and disordered eating Use of mobility aids for exercise Passion for exercise Advice to the newly diagnosed Victorious trip to Singapore Affirmation of her hard work MS Gym Links The MS Gym  

In today's podcast episode, Jodi Feltham shares from the book, "Habit Stacking" by author James Clear. She highlights some of the tips and tricks she uses in her own life to create sustainable habits.

In today's message Jodi Feltham shares about her own humble beginnings and healing journey from a broken rib injury. She also recounts the early beginnings of The MS Gym.

I have the privilege today to interview our latest guest Dr. Samantha Roman, better known on TikTok as Dr. Sam. You'll learn valuable insights from our guest, who's not only a John Hopkins MS-trained neurologist, but a fellow MS warrior. In today's podcast, we'll discuss Dr. Sam's: Extensive education in mental health and neuroimmunology  Experiences in MS research Initial symptoms, diagnosis, and MS treatments Experience with "medical student syndrome" Views on diet, exercise, and lifestyle choices Following on social media, most notably TikTok Desire to educate our community about all things MS Thoughts on therapy treatments in dealing with chronic illnesses Views on treatment risks and efficacy for each person Involvement in the "Treat MS trial" Distrust of the internet and the spread of misinformation Bewilderment about the TikTok myth of "MS and parasites" Advice to the newly diagnosed Recommendations about reputable and educational MS resources Links Dr. Sam on TikTok  thatmssdoc on Instagram thatmsdoc on Facebook The MS Gym

Join us for our podcast as we learn more about Brenda, one of the Original Gymmers (OG) in The MS Gym. Today, she'll talk about her: Initial symptoms Unexpected diagnosis DMT and treatment choices Journey to find The MS Gym Her commitment to exercise Her change in vocation Travel bug origins Mobility aids that assist her in her passion for global travel Upcoming plans Advice to fellow Chronic Illness Warriors MS Gym Links The MS Gym

Life can change so quickly when diagnosed with a chronic illness. Things we once held tightly to like our jobs, hobbies, abilities, family and friends can disappear in the blink of an eye. We can find ourselves lost and isolated from the world around us. Today’s podcast guest tells us how she channelled her own struggles, fear and uncertainty into her TikTok videos and created a safe space and community for others who are struggling with chronic illness. What started out as a wobbly dance turned into 41,000 engaged followers, and a whole world of purpose. Join me as we get social with Julie and learn about: Her initial symptoms and diagnosis Her struggles raising young children How she had to forego continuing education Her medication dilemmas and complications Her dedication to exercise How she started posting on Tiktok What motivates her daily videos Why she is so loved by her 41,000 followers Her speaking opportunities with #sothisisms Her hobbies, interests and desires Her advice for the newly diagnosed How she deals with the difficult days The message she wants to shout out Links: The MS Gym Connect with Julie on TikTok Connect with Jodi on TikTok ,  Facebook

Social media is all around us and is a valuable tool for spreading knowledge, influencing others, and creating awareness. Today, we will learn from Toronto-born Christina Andaya as she shares about how she uses social media to: Create community and share about her own MS journey Raise awareness about atypical MS symptoms and unusual diagnosis in minority ethnic groups Collaborate with organizations, such as MS Canada and #sothisisMS Showcase her involvement in the Miss Galaxy Canada competition Explore career opportunities Learn more about Christina Andaya. Instagram Christina Andaya - Social Media Marketing Specialist