The SpoonFull Show- A Chronic Illness Podcast by SpoonFull of Strength

Gut health is often talked about in the chronic illness space—but rarely explained in a way that actually connects the dots.In this episode, Rachel is joined by Liz Roman, a Board-Certified Functional Nutritional Practitioner specializing in gut health, hormone balance, and autoimmune conditions. After being told her symptoms were “normal” despite dealing with fatigue, brain fog, skin issues, and more, Liz uncovered the root causes of her own health struggles—and now helps others do the same.Together, they explore gut health through the lens of chronic illness, including:Why gut issues are so common in chronic illnessThe connection between the gut and immune systemSymptoms you may not realize are gut-relatedWhy so many people feel stuck and aren’t getting betterThis conversation is both informative and validating—especially for anyone who feels like their symptoms don’t fully make sense or hasn’t found answers yet.If you’ve ever wondered how your gut might be impacting your overall health… this episode is for you.Follow Liz on Instagram at: @thepoopqueen Schedule a free consult with her team: fitmom.co/lizBook labs + review: https://fitmom.co/labs Free Constipation Cure Guide: https://fitmom.co/ccgPodcast - The Health Revival Show: https://open.spotify.com/show/5HUm3k84HHsDNM9FgnBB8J?si=c7f48c1cc9a94225 Follow SpoonFull of Strength for podcast clips and updates at https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/And on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strengthLooking for chronic illness merch? Visit SpoonFull of Strength’s Etsy shop at www.spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order. 

What does parenting look like when your body doesn’t always cooperate?In this episode, Rachel is joined by Kristina for a real and honest conversation about parenting with chronic illness. Together, they talk about the emotional and physical challenges of raising kids while navigating unpredictable symptoms, low energy, and flare days—and the pressure to still “do it all.”They dive into the invisible load that comes with parenting while sick, the guilt that so many parents carry, and how our expectations of what a “good parent” looks like often have to shift. Kristina shares her experience of learning to communicate openly with her child, asking for help, and finding new ways to show up...even on the hardest days.This episode is a reminder that parenting with chronic illness may look different than you imagined, but that doesn’t make it any less meaningful.If you’ve ever felt like you’re not doing enough… this conversation is for you.Follow Kristina on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/kmps95/Follow SpoonFull of Strength for podcast clips and updates at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/⁠And on TikTok at: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength⁠Looking for chronic illness merch? Visit SpoonFull of Strength’s Etsy shop at ⁠www.spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com⁠ Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order.

In this episode, Rachel explores what happens when patients are labeled instead of listened to — and why trusting yourself can be one of the most important decisions you make.Rachel is joined by Ali Moresco, Founder of Moresco Public Relations + Communications. She specializes in healthcare PR rooted in lived experience. After navigating her own complex health journey, she now advocates for patients with chronic and often misunderstood conditions. She is known for amplifying patient voices and has secured national media placements in outlets like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes.Ali shares her journey through unexplained symptoms, medical dismissal, and ultimately, learning to trust her intuition when answers weren’t coming easily. What began as being told “it’s just stress” turned into a much deeper and more complex health story — one that reshaped not only her life, but her career.Together, this conversation dives into medical gaslighting, the challenges many patients face when advocating for themselves, and how those experiences can impact both identity and long-term health. It also explores how Ali has turned her lived experience into meaningful work, helping shift the way healthcare stories are told and ensuring patient voices are not overlooked.Ali Moresco is the Founder of Moresco Public Relations + Communications, where she specializes in healthcare PR rooted in lived experience. After navigating her own complex health journey, she now advocates for patients with chronic and often misunderstood conditions. She is known for amplifying patient voices and has secured national media placements in outlets like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes.This episode is a reminder that when it comes to your body — you are not wrong.Follow Ali on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/alitmoresco/Website: https://www.amorescopr.com/LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandramoresco/Follow SpoonFull of Strength for podcast clips and updates at https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/And on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strengthLooking for chronic illness merch? Visit SpoonFull of Strength’s Etsy shop at www.spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order. 

What does it really mean to get stronger with chronic illness?In this episode, Rachel is joined by Charu — a mom of two living with autoimmune hepatitis and PBC — to talk about redefining strength in the chronic illness community.Together, they explore:• How the definition of “strength” changes after diagnosis • The balance between pushing forward and knowing when to rest • Starting small with movement — even 10-minute walks • Strength training while managing fatigue and medication side effects • Modifications like chair-based exercises and bodyweight movements • Maintaining strength vs. constantly trying to improve • Flare days, guilt, and learning flexibility • Meditation, body scans, and calming the nervous system when physical movement isn’t accessibleThis conversation is not about pushing harder. It’s about meeting your body where it is and finding sustainable ways to support your physical and mental health.As always, consult your medical provider before starting new exercise routines.Follow Charu on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/a.spoonful.0f.joy/If you’re interested in body scan mindfulness exercises, here are a few recommendations from Charu: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7mceqGJnxVGWzKBfCSYJR2?si=x4fcSXFdQFCRHk4dKT2B6Q&t=14YouTube: https://youtu.be/3X-_qx9Txto?si=te3Tt3E8C2kbOnzcFollow SpoonFull of Strength for podcast clips and updates at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/⁠And on TikTok at: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength⁠Looking for chronic illness merch? Visit SpoonFull of Strength’s Etsy shop at ⁠www.spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com⁠ Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order.

What does it mean to become disabled after living as an able-bodied person?In this episode, Rachel is joined by author Jackie Norton to talk about her memoir Burden: A Year of Journals from Someone Living with Chronic Illness. After developing long COVID in 2021, Jackie’s life changed dramatically — leading to diagnoses including POTS, dysautonomia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and mast cell activation syndrome.Together, we explore:• The shock of sudden disability• Body grief and identity shifts• People-pleasing and learning to set boundaries• The loneliness of early diagnosis• Building community in chronic illnessThis conversation is honest, validating, and deeply human.If you’ve ever felt like a burden — you are not alone.Follow Jackie on Instagram and TikTok @jackieenortonFind her book here:Amazonhttps://a.co/d/0gSDZjKvBarnes and noblebarnesandnoble.com/w/burden-jackie-norton/1147916190?ean=9798999491305Follow SpoonFull of Strength for podcast clips and updates at https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/And on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strengthLooking for chronic illness merch? Visit SpoonFull of Strength’s Etsy shop at www.spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order. 

Uncertainty is one of the most challenging parts of living with chronic illness. The unpredictability of flares. The shifting baseline. The progressive questions about the future. The quiet grief that shows up in waves.In this episode of The Spoonful Show, Rachel is joined by Karen Wagner and Chris Burton from the Invisible Strength Podcast to explore what it really means to live alongside uncertainty.Together they discuss:Navigating flares and shifting capacityProgressive illness and “kissing the line” of future changesThe tension between hope and realismGrief that builds in wavesRebuilding self-trustFinding joy in small, intentional momentsWhy you don’t have to do this aloneThis conversation is honest, reflective, and deeply encouraging for anyone learning to live fully without guarantees.Connect with Karin & Chris here:Websites:Invigorate your Journey: https://invigorateyourjourney.com/Join their support group meeting 3/9/26: https://calendly.com/invigorateyourjourney/new-meeting?month=2026-03Guidance & Coaching: https://invigorateyourjourney.com/invigorate-coaching/Invisible Strength Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnb3P3J1K9u_OtofTSO7VDgSocial Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unseenyetunstoppable/TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@unseenyetunstoppableYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnb3P3J1K9u_OtofTSO7VDgFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/people/Invigorate-Your-Journey/100091620060815/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/invigorate-your-journey/Follow SpoonFull of Strength for podcast clips and updates at https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/And on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strengthLooking for chronic illness merch? Visit SpoonFull of Strength’s Etsy shop at www.spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order. 

When you’re diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, it can feel like your sense of control disappears overnight. In this episode, Rachel is joined by Amy Behimer—Doctor of Pharmacy, nationally board-certified health and wellness coach, and someone living with multiple sclerosis—to talk about how to reclaim agency over your health, even when you can’t control your diagnosis.Together, they explore the difference between managing disease and creating health, why small, supportive habits matter more than perfection, and how redefining health as energy, purpose, and peace can change how you live with chronic illness. This conversation is empowering, compassionate, and a reminder that feeling better can start today—without pressure or overwhelm.Follow Dr. Amy on:Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/amybehimercoaching/Her Podcast: https://podfollow.com/autoimmune-health-secretsFor coaching, take this quiz to get started!  https://amybehimercoaching.com/quizJoin her Club Habit!: https://amybehimercoaching.com/joinAnd, enter the March challenge at: https://amybehimercoaching.com/challengeFollow SpoonFull of Strength for podcast clips and updates at https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/And on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strengthLooking for chronic illness merch? Visit SpoonFull of Strength’s Etsy shop at www.spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order. 

When chronic illness changes your body, it can also change how you see yourself. In this episode of The SpoonFull of Strength Podcast, Rachel and Kait talk about losing identity after diagnosis — and how meaningful activities can help rebuild purpose, joy, and connection to who you are now.Kait shares how running once defined her identity, how her MMS diagnosis shifted everything, and the grief that came with losing what once brought meaning to her days. Together, they explore what meaningful activities really are (hint: it’s not about productivity), how to modify activities to meet your body where it is, and why finding joy in small, accessible moments can be life-giving.Follow Kait on Instagram at  https://www.instagram.com/alignedk8/Follow SpoonFull of Strength for podcast clips and updates at https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/And on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strengthLooking for chronic illness merch? Visit SpoonFull of Strength’s Etsy shop at www.spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order. 

What happens to your sense of worth when your body, health, or capacity changes?In this episode, I’m joined by Leisa Wallace, author of The Ultimate Act of Being Enough: Your Guide to Remembering Your Worth When Everything Falls Apart, for a deeply grounding conversation about identity, productivity, and what it means to be enough when life falls apart. After an aggressive-onset multiple sclerosis diagnosis upended her life, Leisa was forced to confront how tightly her worth was tied to achievement and doing — and to reimagine who she was beneath it all.Together, we talk about grief, forced stillness, and the uncomfortable work of separating worth from productivity. Leisa also shares the powerful framework she calls the Value Constellation, a way of understanding identity as made up of intrinsic qualities that remain even when capacity changes.This episode is for anyone navigating chronic illness, burnout, caregiving, or a season where slowing down wasn’t a choice — and for anyone who needs the reminder that worth isn’t something you earn, it’s something you remember.In this episode, we discuss:Living with aggressive-onset multiple sclerosisGrieving the loss of who you thought you’d beWhy productivity is so often tied to self-worthThe concept of the Value ConstellationLearning to be instead of proveRemembering your worth when everything feels like it’s falling apart🎧 Listen in for a compassionate, honest conversation about identity, resilience, and being enough — exactly as you are.Follow Lisa on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/chronically.thriving.leisa/Find her book, The Ultimate Act of Being Enough, here:  https://a.co/d/9Juy4JxFollow SpoonFull of Strength for podcast clips and updates at https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/And on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strengthLooking for chronic illness merch? Visit SpoonFull of Strength’s Etsy shop at www.spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order. 

This is the first episode of a new season of The SpoonFull Show, and Rachel is joined by author and patient advocate Tilly Rose as a special guest co-host for a powerful conversation about the cost of being a medical mystery.Together, they explore what it truly means to spend years searching for answers—being dismissed, misdiagnosed, and medically gaslit while your body continues to break down. Drawing from Tilly’s memoir Be Patient, the episode pulls back the curtain on the healthcare system and the unseen trauma patients carry long after hospital stays end.Rachel and Tilly talk openly about the emotional toll of not being believed, the loss of trust in medical systems, the physical consequences of delayed diagnosis, and how patients are often forced to become their own advocates just to survive. They also discuss the grief and relief that come with finally receiving a diagnosis, the identity shifts that follow, and why patient stories are essential in pushing healthcare toward real change.This episode is for anyone who has ever felt unheard, overlooked, or labeled “too complicated”—and for those who want to better understand what patients endure behind the scenes.Follow Tilly’s journey on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/thattillyrose/Find Tilly’s book wherever books are sold. Purchase through Blackwells and receive FREE international shipping. Purchase here: https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/9781780726229Follow SpoonFull of Strength for podcast clips and updates at https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/And on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strengthLooking for chronic illness merch? Visit SpoonFull of Strength’s Etsy shop at www.spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order. 

What if your body isn’t broken — but responding exactly as it was designed to?In this episode of The SpoonFull Show, Rachel is joined by Dana Hargis, a trauma-informed therapist and educator who helps people understand the deep connection between trauma, the nervous system, and chronic illness. Together, they explore why so many spoonies feel stuck in survival mode — and why rest, safety, and slowing down can feel so uncomfortable, even when our bodies desperately need it.This conversation dives into how trauma lives in the nervous system, how chronic illness can amplify nervous system dysregulation, and why symptoms are often signals rather than failures. Dana shares compassionate insight into how our bodies are constantly trying to protect us, even when it feels like they’re working against us.In this episode, Rachel and Dana discuss:How trauma impacts the nervous system over timeWhy rest can feel unsafe for people with chronic illnessThe link between emotional overwhelm and physical symptomsWhat nervous system regulation actually looks like (and what it doesn’t)Gentle ways to begin rebuilding trust with your bodyDana brings both clinical expertise and deep compassion to this conversation, offering a trauma-informed lens that validates the lived experience of chronic illness without pushing “fixing” or toxic positivity.To learn more about Dana’s work, visit Restore of Ada at RestoreofAda.com. Restore of Ada is a trauma-informed therapy practice dedicated to helping individuals reconnect with their bodies, regulate their nervous systems, and heal in a way that feels safe, compassionate, and sustainable.If you’ve ever felt frustrated with your body, confused by your symptoms, or guilty for needing rest — this episode is for you. Healing doesn’t mean pushing harder. Sometimes, it starts with understanding what your nervous system has been carrying all along.You can find this podcast on Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music, IHeart Radio and YouTubeFollow SpoonFull of Strength at:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop SpoonFull's Etsy shop at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SpoonFullofStrength.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order

Living with chronic or mental illness can feel incredibly isolating — but the truth is, illness doesn’t just affect the person diagnosed. It impacts families, relationships, and the people who love us, often in ways no one is prepared for.In this episode, Rachel is joined by Michelle Sherman, licensed clinical psychologist and expert in family systems and mental illness, for an honest and compassionate conversation about the shared experience of illness. Together, they explore what it’s like to live with mental illness while also navigating the emotional responses, misunderstandings, and challenges that arise within families.This conversation bridges both perspectives — the person living with illness and the loved ones trying to support them — offering insight, validation, and practical tools for better communication, healthier boundaries, and deeper empathy on all sides.Whether you’re managing illness yourself or struggling to feel understood by the people closest to you, this episode is a reminder that healing doesn’t have to happen alone.In this episode, we discuss:Why illness creates emotional ripple effects within familiesWhat to do when loved ones don’t understand or believe your illnessHow guilt, frustration, and grief show up on both sidesSetting boundaries while maintaining connectionFinding compassion — for others and for yourselfThis episode is for anyone navigating the complicated space between loving someone and being the one who needs love.Follow Michelle at https://www.instagram.com/michelle_sherm/Her website: https://www.seedsofhopebooks.com/You can find her books and great resources for families.Follow SpoonFull of Strength at:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok:⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop SpoonFull's Etsy shop at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SpoonFullofStrength.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order

In this episode, Rachel sits down with therapist, educator, and author Tammy Gangloff, whose work bridges chronic illness, trauma, eating disorders, and lived experience. Tammy shares her personal story of growing up with scoliosis, undergoing multiple spine surgeries, and navigating years of recovery from an eating disorder, alcoholism, and PTSD.What began as a simple survey on social media became meaningful research, professional training presentations, and ultimately her new book—highlighting the mental and emotional layers of chronic illness that are so often overlooked.Their conversation explores the turning points in Tammy’s mental health journey, including her decision to seek inpatient treatment when PTSD became unmanageable. She opens up about the role of talk therapy, EMDR, safe relationships, and the rare but life-changing impact of seeing someone fully recovered.Together, they unpack the struggle between independence and needing help, redefining interdependence as a healthy, human way of surviving the unpredictable reality of chronic illness.Tammy also shares vital insight into medical PTSD—why it’s so common, why it’s so misunderstood, and what she wishes doctors and medical professionals knew about the patients who walk into their rooms already carrying fear, exhaustion, and past trauma.A powerful, validating conversation for anyone living with chronic illness, supporting someone who is, or working in healthcare.Follow Tamie on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/authortamiegangloff/Find Tamie's book, Chronic Illness and Eating Disorders: Assessment, Clinical Skills, and Lived Experiences, here:https://a.co/d/0wV7XCaFollow SpoonFull of Strength at:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop SpoonFull's Etsy shop at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SpoonFullofStrength.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order

In this episode of The SpoonFull Show, Rachel is joined by Melissa, a registered nurse with over three decades of experience in women’s health and autoimmune conditions. Together, they dive into the often-overlooked relationship between hormones and chronic illness — how stress, cortisol, thyroid function, and even basic nutrient absorption can shift the way Spoonies feel day to day. Melissa breaks down why hormones are the body’s chemical messengers, why they matter long before menopause, and how issues like insulin resistance, thyroid dysfunction, and cortisol dysregulation can hide behind chronic symptoms. She also opens up about her own journey with Hashimoto’s, the importance of comprehensive testing, and why understanding your “baseline” numbers can be a game changer for long-term health. The conversation also touches on perimenopause in younger women, the role of nutrition, and the power of having a supportive community — including Melissa’s own Menopause Skool platform.  It’s a wonderful Facebook-like community for women to learn and support each other. All ages are welcome. It’s an empowering, eye-opening discussion designed to help Spoonies advocate for themselves and better understand what their bodies are trying to say.Enroll in Melissa’s Skool here ( It’s a wonderful Facebook-like community for women to learn and support each other. All ages are welcome.)https://www.skool.com/navigating-through-your-pause/aboutFollow Melissa on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/melissa_thyroid_rn/Follow SpoonFull of Strength at:Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop SpoonFull's Etsy shop at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SpoonFullofStrength.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order

In this powerful episode of SpoonFull of Strength, Rachel sits down with Dr. Jenny Tufenkian, a naturopathic physician with decades of experience treating complex chronic illness, and someone who has personally survived multiple severe crashes of ME/CFS, long COVID, and hormone-triggered fatigue.Dr. Jenny opens up about her early health struggles, a devastating medical-school crash that left her bedridden for months, the emotional and spiritual breakdown that followed, and the remarkable healing that came from subconscious work, hypnotherapy, and rebuilding her body from the inside out. She also explains what happened when she relapsed years later during perimenopause, and again after COVID, and how those experiences shaped the work she does today.Together, we explore:• The 5 core energy drainers (root causes of chronic fatigue)• How stress and the hormone triangle (adrenals, thyroid, ovaries/testes) create the “gateway” to chronic illness• Why viral reactivation happens (EBV, parvovirus, and more) — especially after stress or infection• The role of the gut, mitochondria, toxins, and immune dysregulation• What long COVID teaches us about ME/CFS• The unexpected power of subconscious healing, hypnotherapy, and emotional release• How to honor your body when you’re in a crash — and why relapses don’t mean failure• What true remission looks like, and how to protect itIf you’ve struggled with chronic fatigue, long COVID, ME/CFS, or unexplained exhaustion, this episode offers validation, clarity, and hope — plus practical places to start.Learn more or apply to work with Dr. Jenny at drjennyteufenkian.com.Follow Dr Jenny on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jennytufenkian/Follow SpoonFull of Strength at: Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop SpoonFull's Etsy shop at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SpoonFullofStrength.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order

In this Spoonie Chats episode, Rachel is joined by Christina Lisk, one of the top-downloaded guests from episode 6 of the SpoonFull of Strength podcast.Christina shares big updates since her first appearance: her ovarian vein transposition surgery has now been declared a success, and she’s received formal diagnoses of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and POTS. What once felt like “bad luck” running through generations is now understood as genetics—and that shift changes everything about how she sees her past, her body, and her future.Together, Rachel and Christina explore what it means to live a life that feels split into “before diagnosis” and “after diagnosis.” They talk about:The shock of a diagnosis that shatters your story overnightWhen your body slows down but your mind is still go-go-goRedefining success after you can’t work the way you used toLearning to ask for help and respect your limits (instead of self-abandoning for productivity)Advocating with doctors, using research wisely, and getting clear on what you want from your careChristina’s powerful concept of “catastrophic reconstruction”—rebuilding your identity after everything you believed about yourself breaksIf you’re still in the “before” phase—searching for answers, feeling gaslit, or terrified of what a diagnosis might mean—or if you’re trying to figure out who you are after everything changed, this conversation will make you feel seen.What’s one way you’ve changed—for better or for harder—since your diagnosis?Follow Christina on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/therunciblespoonie/Find her collaborative book here: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Seasons-of-Sisterhood-The-Magic-of-Our-Journey-to-Cameroon-Paperback-9781957296395/14151274823?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=2222222229214151274823_0_0000000000_569516217&wmlspartner=wmtlabs&wl0=e&wl1=o&wl2=c&wl3=72843111714422&wl4=pla-2324642460507122%3Aaud-815770365&wl5=49079&wl6=&wl7=&wl10=Walmart&wl11=Online&wl12=14151274823_0&wl14=seasons+of+the+sisterhood+book&veh=sem&gclid=a35792ca181f1ca827dafbd6980e9b57&gclsrc=3p.ds&msclkid=a35792ca181f1ca827dafbd6980e9b57&sid=125a186c-449c-43ad-b2c5-7a7dcbab99c1 Follow SpoonFull of Strength at: Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop SpoonFull's Etsy shop at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SpoonFullofStrength.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code PODCAST for 20% off your entire order

What happens to love when illness enters a relationship?In this episode of The SpoonFull Show, Rachel sits down with Lisa Gray, LMFT, author of Thriving in a Relationship When You Have a Chronic Illness: An ACT-Based Guide for Protecting Your Bond at Each Stage of the Journey.Lisa is a licensed marriage and family therapist who helps couples navigate the challenges that come with chronic illness, loss, and changing roles — using an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approach that focuses on connection, values, and emotional resilience.Although Lisa’s book applies to any type of relationship, today’s conversation focuses on marriage — how illness can shift communication, identity, and expectations, and how couples can protect their bond through it all.Whether you’re the partner living with illness or the one loving and supporting through it, this episode offers practical insight and hope for staying connected when life gets hard.Find Lisa's books here: https://lisagrayauthor.com/booksor wherever books are soldConnect with Lisa online at:Author Website: https://www.lisagrayauthor.com/Therapy Website: www.lisagraymft.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisagraymft/Join her Instagram page where she reviews books at https://www.instagram.com/therapybooknook/Twitter: gray_therapyThreads: lisagraymftBlue Sky: @gray-therapy.bsky.socialFollow SpoonFull of Strength at: Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop SpoonFull's Etsy shop at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SpoonFullofStrength.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code PODCAST for 20% off your entire order

⚠️ Content Warning:This episode discusses mental health and suicide. Listener discretion advised.In this deeply personal episode, Steven joins Rachel to share his powerful story of finding light after living through his darkest days. After a suicide attempt, Steven began a journey of healing...one that led him to rediscover purpose, connection, and the strength to speak out for others facing similar battles.Today, he’s using his voice to remind people struggling with mental illness and chronic conditions that they are never alone. Together, Rachel and Steven talk about the intersection of physical and mental health, what recovery truly looks like, and the courage it takes to reach out for help.This episode is a message of hope — proof that even in the deepest pain, healing and purpose can still grow.If you or someone you know is struggling:📞 Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7, free, and confidential).💬 Text HOME to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line anytime.Follow Steven's journey onInstagram https://www.instagram.com/steven_chiari_warrior/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@steven_chiari_warrior?lang=enFollow SpoonFull of Strength at: Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength⁠⁠⁠⁠Shop SpoonFull's Etsy shop at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠SpoonFullofStrength.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code PODCAST for 20% off your entire order

Living with chronic illness often means living with fatigue. Yet sleep, the very thing our bodies crave most, can feel impossible to find. In this episode, Rachel sits down with Dr. Sarah Silverman, a Stanford-trained sleep psychologist and insomnia expert, to unpack the science and struggle of sleep when you’re chronically ill.Dr. Sarah has been published in reputable scientific journals, including Sleep Health: Journal of the National Sleep Foundation, and her expertise has been featured in major outlets such as HuffPost, MindBodyGreen, Women’s Health, Prevention, Well+Good, and Oprah Daily. She currently serves as a sleep expert on the Sleep Foundation’s Health & Community Advisory Board and believes that quality sleep isn’t a luxury...it’s a basic human need.Together, Rachel and Dr. Sarah explore: Why sleep is often disrupted in chronic illness How circadian rhythms affect healing and energy The impact of medications on sleep quality Small, realistic changes that can improve rest Why rest isn’t lazy, it’s essentialIf you’ve ever felt “tired of being tired,” this conversation will leave you feeling validated, understood, and equipped with tools to finally reclaim your rest, one spoon at a time.To find a local sleep psychologist or insomnia / CBT-I specialist near you, visit the Society of Behavioral Sleep Medicine (SBSM)  and search based on your state.  https://behavioralsleep.org/index.php/united-states-sbsm-membersTo find a local sleep medicine physician or sleep center near you, visit the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)  and search with your zip code. https://sleepeducation.org/sleep-center/Follow Dr Sarah here:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarahsleep/Through her website" https://www.drsarahsleep.com/Follow SpoonFull of Strength at: Instagram:⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength⁠⁠⁠Shop SpoonFull's Etsy shop at: ⁠⁠⁠SpoonFullofStrength.etsy.com⁠⁠⁠Use code PODCAST for 20% off your entire order

In this episode, Rachel sits down with returning guest Karissa Fox to talk about what healing really looks like when you live with chronic illness.Together, they explore what longevity healing means for people with chronic conditions. From holistic and naturopathic medicine to nutrition, supplements, and daily habits that support the body over time. They also get honest about the cost and accessibility of alternative care, the difference between managing and truly healing, and how to find balance between what’s realistic and what’s ideal.Rachel and Karissa share their own experiences with trial and error, self-advocacy, and learning that healing isn’t always about doing more , sometimes it’s about doing less with intention.If you’ve ever wondered how to support your body without breaking the bank or burning out, this episode will remind you that healing is personal. And it doesn’t have to look perfect to be powerful.Follow Karissa at Instagram: ⁠ https://www.instagram.com/chronically_karissa/Karissa has shared some of her resources, which can be found here: https://benable.com/ChronicallyKarissaFollow SpoonFull of Strength at: Instagram:⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength⁠⁠Shop SpoonFull's Etsy shop at: ⁠⁠SpoonFullofStrength.etsy.com⁠⁠Use code PODCAST for 20% off your entire order