The Healing Chronicles Podcast

Can autoimmune disease really be reversed — or is lifelong symptom management the only option?In this episode of The Healing Chronicles, Amanda and Katie sits down with Casey Hibbard, journalist, founder of Rebuilding My Health, and author of Overcoming Autoimmunity, for a grounded and deeply human conversation about what’s actually possible when it comes to autoimmune healing.After facing rising autoimmune markers herself and being told there were no real answers beyond monitoring and management, Casey began asking different questions — not just how to manage symptoms, but why autoimmunity develops in the first place. That search led her through her own healing journey and into interviewing hundreds of people who’ve experienced remission or profound improvement by addressing root causes.Together, we explore what those recovery stories have in common and why healing often begins when people move beyond a diagnosis-first mindset and start looking at the body as a connected system.In this episode, we discuss:What autoimmunity really is and why it may be more dynamic than we’re toldWhether autoimmune diseases can be reversed or put into remissionCommon root causes behind autoimmune conditions, including gut dysfunction, chronic inflammation, toxic load, and chronic stressThe role of gut health and the nervous system in autoimmune healingHow belief, identity, and safety can influence physical outcomesThe difference between managing symptoms and reclaiming your lifeThis episode isn’t about miracle cures or false hope. It’s about restoring agency, possibility, and a more complete understanding of healing especially for those who’ve been told “this is forever.”🎧 Listen in and explore what might be possible for your body and your future.To connect with Casey and explore more autoimmune recovery stories, visit Rebuilding My Health or listen to her podcast, Rebuilding My Health Radio, where she continues to share real, hopeful stories of healing and remission.

What happens when you stop numbing, stop performing, and start telling the truth about who you are?In this episode of The Healing Chronicles, Amanda and Katie sit down with Samuel Gegen for a grounded conversation about identity, sobriety, and the internal shifts that change how we show up in our lives... not just our work.While Samuel is known for mentoring founders, the heart of his story is deeply human. He shares how choosing sobriety became a turning point that forced him to confront his beliefs, regulate his nervous system, and rebuild trust with himself from the inside out.Together, we explore what happens when you remove the coping mechanisms that once kept you functioning and how clarity, confidence, and capacity begin to return when your system finally feels safe enough to be honest.This episode is for anyone who feels like they’ve been surviving on autopilot and is ready to come back into themselves.In This Episode, We Explore:How identity shapes the way we experience confidence, safety, and self-trustWhy sobriety can be a catalyst for deep personal and emotional healingThe connection between overwhelm, coping strategies, and nervous system capacityWhat happens when you stop numbing and start feeling — without judgmentHow belief systems quietly shape the choices we make every dayWhy healing often begins with responsibility, not perfectionConnect With Samuel:Instagram & YouTube: @samuelgegenPodcast: Million Dollar Seller

The holidays don’t have to derail your health — but they do require a different kind of support.In this episode of The Healing Chronicles, we’re talking about how to stay connected to your body, your energy, and your nervous system during one of the most disruptive times of the year. Because the problem isn’t holiday food or celebrations — it’s the loss of rhythm, safety, and regulation that so many of us experience this season.This is a gentle, realistic conversation about maintaining anchors instead of chasing perfection.In this episode, we cover:Why the holidays feel so hard on the body (especially if you live with chronic stress or illness)How blood sugar, sleep, and the nervous system get thrown off — and how to support themSimple daily anchors that help your body feel safe, even when routines changeWhy rest, boundaries, and nourishment matter more than disciplineHow to move through the holidays without needing to “start over” in JanuaryThis episode is for anyone who wants to enjoy the season and care for their health, without restriction, guilt, or burnout.✨ You don’t need to do more. ✨ You need to stay connected. Support the showIf you loved this episode, it would mean the world if you’d take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who needs to hear this. Your support helps this podcast reach more people who are ready to take control of their health and start thriving. You are stronger than you think, healing is possible, and we'll be here every step of the way. Until next time—take care and keep going. ✨ Connect with us: 📩 thehealingchroniclespodcast@gmail.com Join Our Community & Download Free Resources HERE

In this powerful and deeply compassionate conversation, we sit down with Dr. Tina Schermer Sellers — psychotherapist, researcher, and author of Sex, God, and the Conservative Church and Shameless Parenting — to explore how sexual shame, trauma, and cultural conditioning shape our relationship with our bodies, our health, and our capacity for connection.Together, we unpack how shame (often formed early and carried silently) can live in the nervous system, disrupt intimacy, and even contribute to chronic stress and illness. Dr. Tina shares how reclaiming pleasure, safety, and embodiment isn’t indulgent or taboo — it’s a pathway to wholeness.In this episode, we discuss:How sexual shame forms and why it’s so deeply embodiedThe link between trauma, the nervous system, and chronic illnessWhy pleasure is not frivolous, but actually healingHow cultural and religious narratives disconnect us from our bodiesWhat it means to heal sexuality gently, safely, and at your own paceWhy reclaiming intimacy restores not just relationships, but self-trustThis is an honest, expansive conversation for anyone who has ever felt disconnected from their body, struggled with shame around intimacy, or sensed that healing requires more than symptom management.You can find more info about Dr. Tina's work and links to her books, on her website: https://www.tinaschermersellers.com/ Support the showIf you loved this episode, it would mean the world if you’d take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who needs to hear this. Your support helps this podcast reach more people who are ready to take control of their health and start thriving. You are stronger than you think, healing is possible, and we'll be here every step of the way. Until next time—take care and keep going. ✨ Connect with us: 📩 thehealingchroniclespodcast@gmail.com Join Our Community & Download Free Resources HERE

In Part 2 of our sleep series, Amanda and Katie shift from unpacking the root causes of poor sleep to giving you clear, practical, chronic-illness–friendly strategies you can start using tonight.This is the episode that finally explains how to actually support your nervous system, your gut, your hormones, and your circadian rhythm so your body can rest — even if you’ve struggled with sleep for months or years.In this episode, we cover:Why traditional sleep hygiene doesn’t work when your system is inflamed or dysregulatedWhat to do if your brain feels too awake at night, even when your body is exhaustedThe nervous-system tools that work fastest to reduce night-time wirednessWhy your body needs rhythm, structure, and predictability to feel safe enough to sleepThe crucial role of blood sugar balance in calming night-time cortisol spikesWhy building resilience — not perfection — is the real key to healing your sleepThe concept of “body trust” and how to rebuild it after years of burnout or chronic stressIf you feel like you're doing everything right yet still struggling to get quality rest, this episode is for you. Support the showIf you loved this episode, it would mean the world if you’d take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who needs to hear this. Your support helps this podcast reach more people who are ready to take control of their health and start thriving. You are stronger than you think, healing is possible, and we'll be here every step of the way. Until next time—take care and keep going. ✨ Connect with us: 📩 thehealingchroniclespodcast@gmail.com Join Our Community & Download Free Resources HERE

Struggling with insomnia, 3 AM wake-ups, or that wired-but-exhausted feeling? In this episode we break down the real causes of poor sleep — gut issues, cortisol, histamine, and nervous system stress, and how to finally support your body.Forget the generic advice — the blackout curtains, the no-screens rule, the chamomile tea.If you’ve tried all of that and you’re still not sleeping… there are deeper mechanisms at play, and we’re unpacking them.In this episode, we explore:How stress, trauma, and hypervigilance confuse your circadian rhythmWhy your gut might be keeping you awake (yep — inflammation kills melatonin production)What “tired but wired” actually meansThe cortisol–melatonin dance your body performs every nightWhy traditional sleep advice fails people with chronic illnessThe surprising connection between histamine overload and insomniaHow low DAO, poor digestion, and nutrient deficiencies show up as night-time anxietyWhat’s Coming in Part 2Next week, we go deeper with: ✨ myth-busting the most common sleep advice ✨ chronic-illness-specific sleep strategies ✨ nervous system tools ✨ how to rebuild trust with your body ✨ and practical ways to actually implement these changes Support the showIf you loved this episode, it would mean the world if you’d take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who needs to hear this. Your support helps this podcast reach more people who are ready to take control of their health and start thriving. You are stronger than you think, healing is possible, and we'll be here every step of the way. Until next time—take care and keep going. ✨ Connect with us: 📩 thehealingchroniclespodcast@gmail.com Join Our Community & Download Free Resources HERE

What does it really take to compete as an athlete while living with a chronic illness? In this episode of The Healing Chronicles, Amanda sits down with Katie fresh off her competition at the ATHX Games in Birmingham.They explore the unique challenges and lessons that come with balancing chronic illness, training & performance and how movement can become a powerful form of medicine when approached with self-awareness and compassion.🔑 In this episode, you’ll hear about:Katie’s experience competing at the ATHX GamesThe realities of being an athlete with a chronic illnessWhy listening to your body is essential for performance and healingHow movement can support the nervous system, immune health, and resilienceFinding balance between pushing limits and honoring restWhether you’re an athlete, someone navigating chronic illness, or simply curious about the connection between movement and healing, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired and empowered. Support the showIf you loved this episode, it would mean the world if you’d take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who needs to hear this. Your support helps this podcast reach more people who are ready to take control of their health and start thriving. You are stronger than you think, healing is possible, and we'll be here every step of the way. Until next time—take care and keep going. ✨ Connect with us: 📩 thehealingchroniclespodcast@gmail.com Join Our Community & Download Free Resources HERE

In this candid, laugh-filled Q&A episode, we’re answering your questions—everything from how we met and started the podcast, to the hardest parts of living with Crohn’s and colitis that most people never see.We get real about:The invisible emotional toll of chronic illness (and the mindset shifts that change everything)The one piece of advice we’d give our younger selves after diagnosisDaily habits and rituals that have transformed our healthComfort foods that help during flaresHow movement, rest, and slowing down can both be medicineWhat we might be doing if we weren’t health coaches and podcastersOur funniest behind-the-scenes moments so farThis episode is equal parts personal stories, practical takeaways, and plenty of laughs. Whether you’re here for the health tips, the real talk, or just to feel a little less alone in your own journey, you’ll leave with hope, encouragement, and maybe a craving for soup. Support the showIf you loved this episode, it would mean the world if you’d take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who needs to hear this. Your support helps this podcast reach more people who are ready to take control of their health and start thriving. You are stronger than you think, healing is possible, and we'll be here every step of the way. Until next time—take care and keep going. ✨ Connect with us: 📩 thehealingchroniclespodcast@gmail.com Join Our Community & Download Free Resources HERE

In this episode, I’m opening up about my own journey with colitis—how it began, what it took from me, and the unexpected ways it reshaped my life.For years, I let my diagnosis dictate what I believed I could and couldn’t do. I built a life around avoiding flare-ups, managing symptoms, and staying “safe.” But somewhere along the way, I realized I wasn’t just protecting my health... I was shrinking my world.In this deeply personal conversation, I share:The early signs I ignored and the turning point I couldn’t avoidWhat it felt like to lose pieces of my identity to illnessWhy chasing “remission” isn’t the same as healingThe mindset shift that helped me stop living like a patient and start living like me againHow rebuilding trust with my body became the foundation for everything elseThis isn’t just a story about colitis. It’s about breaking out of the limitations we place on ourselves when life doesn’t go to plan. If you’ve ever felt defined by your diagnosis, my hope is that this episode helps you see the possibilities that still exist, even when the path forward looks nothing like you imagined. Support the showIf you loved this episode, it would mean the world if you’d take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who needs to hear this. Your support helps this podcast reach more people who are ready to take control of their health and start thriving. You are stronger than you think, healing is possible, and we'll be here every step of the way. Until next time—take care and keep going. ✨ Connect with us: 📩 thehealingchroniclespodcast@gmail.com Join Our Community & Download Free Resources HERE

What happens when a conventionally trained doctor becomes a patient herself?In today’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Kara Wada, a board-certified allergist, immunologist, and lifestyle medicine physician - who also happens to live with an autoimmune condition. Her journey from physician to “spoonie” transformed how she practices medicine and how she supports others navigating chronic illness.Together, we explore what it really means to become immune confident, a concept Kara developed that challenges fear-based narratives around autoimmunity and offers a more empowered path forward. We talk about the importance of nervous system regulation, setting “anti-inflammatory boundaries,” and the healing power of listening to your body.Whether you’re newly diagnosed, burnt out by the medical system, or somewhere in between, this conversation is a reminder that healing is possible.In this episode, we discuss:Kara’s personal story of navigating autoimmune disease as a physicianThe limitations of the current healthcare model, and what needs to changeWhat it means to become “immune confident”The link between the nervous system and immune healthPractical tools for navigating autoimmune symptoms with more clarity and self-trustConnect with Dr. Kara Wada Website: www.drkarawada.com Instagram: @drkarawada Podcast: Becoming Immune Confident Support the showIf you loved this episode, it would mean the world if you’d take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who needs to hear this. Your support helps this podcast reach more people who are ready to take control of their health and start thriving. You are stronger than you think, healing is possible, and we'll be here every step of the way. Until next time—take care and keep going. ✨ Connect with us: 📩 thehealingchroniclespodcast@gmail.com Join Our Community & Download Free Resources HERE

In this special episode, we revisit one of the most powerful stories from Episode 2 - Katie’s deeply personal journey through chronic illness and transformation.What started as unexplained gut symptoms in her early teens spiralled into years of misdiagnoses, failed treatments, and physical and emotional exhaustion. From being told “it’s all in your head” to cycling through steroids and biologics, Katie shares the raw truth of what it’s like to live with celiac disease and Crohn’s—and what it took to finally feel like herself again.This candid conversation explores:The emotional toll of not being believedWhy medications alone weren’t enoughHow a root-cause approach changed everythingThe pivotal role nutrition, mindset, and lifestyle played in her healingWhat it really means to take your health into your own handsKatie’s story is one of courage, clarity, and reclaiming power. If you’ve ever felt lost or dismissed in the healthcare system, this episode will remind you that healing is possible, and that your story isn’t over. Support the showIf you loved this episode, it would mean the world if you’d take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who needs to hear this. Your support helps this podcast reach more people who are ready to take control of their health and start thriving. You are stronger than you think, healing is possible, and we'll be here every step of the way. Until next time—take care and keep going. ✨ Connect with us: 📩 thehealingchroniclespodcast@gmail.com Join Our Community & Download Free Resources HERE

In this episode, Katie & Amanda delve into the critical role of fiber in supporting gut health, stabilizing blood sugar, reducing inflammation, and preventing chronic diseases. Despite its importance, most people do not consume enough fiber. This conversation covers the benefits of fiber for those with chronic illnesses, debunking myths and discussing efficient ways to incorporate fiber into the diet.  Emphasizing a personalized approach, the hosts also stress the importance of balancing hydration and being cautious of current diet trends like the carnivore diet. They advocate for a nuanced understanding of fiber, aiming for long-term gut resilience and disease prevention.If you've ever been confused by fiber, or unsure of how to incorporate it into your diet, this episode is for you. Support the showIf you loved this episode, it would mean the world if you’d take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who needs to hear this. Your support helps this podcast reach more people who are ready to take control of their health and start thriving. You are stronger than you think, healing is possible, and we'll be here every step of the way. Until next time—take care and keep going. ✨ Connect with us: 📩 thehealingchroniclespodcast@gmail.com Join Our Community & Download Free Resources HERE

In this episode, Katie & Amanda dive into the often misunderstood role of protein in wellness, exploring its benefits beyond muscle building. They discuss how protein is crucial for gut repair, nervous system regulation, mood balance, digestive strength, and immune function. This episode breaks down:Debunking Protein MythsThe Importance of Protein for Gut HealthCommon Protein MisconceptionsChoosing Quality Protein Sourcesand Practical Tips for Protein Intake Support the showIf you loved this episode, it would mean the world if you’d take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who needs to hear this. Your support helps this podcast reach more people who are ready to take control of their health and start thriving. You are stronger than you think, healing is possible, and we'll be here every step of the way. Until next time—take care and keep going. ✨ Connect with us: 📩 thehealingchroniclespodcast@gmail.com Join Our Community & Download Free Resources HERE

In this episode, Katie sits down with John Buckland to discuss their personal health journeys, the psychological impact of chronic conditions, and challenges practitioners face in maintaining a flexible mindset. They explore their experiences from pre-diagnosis to now, emphasizing the role of mindset and flexibility in healing. The conversation offers raw honesty, insights, and practical tips on managing stress, overcoming mental barriers, and adapting to ever-evolving health journeys. They dive into topics like: The dangers of ignoring warning signsThe importance of changing one's environment and behaviourThe psychological and physical struggles of sports performanceand the profound effect of self-awareness on health. If you'd like to connect with John, you can find him on Instagram @johnbucklandcoaching or @ministryofiron Support the showIf you loved this episode, it would mean the world if you’d take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who needs to hear this. Your support helps this podcast reach more people who are ready to take control of their health and start thriving. You are stronger than you think, healing is possible, and we'll be here every step of the way. Until next time—take care and keep going. ✨ Connect with us: 📩 thehealingchroniclespodcast@gmail.com Join Our Community & Download Free Resources HERE

In this powerful episode, Michael Brovac, a speaker, coach, musician, and founder of CAM-O, shares his journey from battling the rare genetic condition IPEX syndrome to becoming a beacon of hope for those dealing with chronic illnesses. Michael discusses the trials of his early life spent in and out of hospital rooms, the loss of his younger brother Cameron, and the transformative conversation with his mentor that changed his life's trajectory. Through his work with CAM-O, Michael aims to transform the lives of young patients and their families by turning pain into purpose. This episode is a testament to resilience, the power of mindset, and how purpose can be born out of the darkest circumstances.You can connect with Michael on social media @michaelbrovac Or visit his websites: https://michaelbrovac.ca & https://camo-o.ca Support the showIf you loved this episode, it would mean the world if you’d take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who needs to hear this. Your support helps this podcast reach more people who are ready to take control of their health and start thriving. You are stronger than you think, healing is possible, and we'll be here every step of the way. Until next time—take care and keep going. ✨ Connect with us: 📩 thehealingchroniclespodcast@gmail.com Join Our Community & Download Free Resources HERE

If you’ve been told that food doesn’t matter, stress is just something to “manage,” and medication is your only option—you’re not alone. And you’re not getting the full picture.In honour of World IBD Day, we're sharing the truth we wish someone had told us after we were diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease. In this episode, we’re breaking down the critical—but often overlooked—factors that impact healing from inflammatory bowel disease: the role of nutrition, the power of nervous system support, and how adopting a healing mindset can shift everything.Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into your IBD journey, this episode offers hope, validation, and a starting point for something different—something deeper than symptom management.Plus, we also created a free resource to go along with this episode:Download the IBD Guide: 5 Steps to Reclaim Your HealthGet The Guide HEREYou are not your diagnosis. You are not broken. And you are not alone. Support the showIf you loved this episode, it would mean the world if you’d take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who needs to hear this. Your support helps this podcast reach more people who are ready to take control of their health and start thriving. You are stronger than you think, healing is possible, and we'll be here every step of the way. Until next time—take care and keep going. ✨ Connect with us: 📩 thehealingchroniclespodcast@gmail.com Join Our Community & Download Free Resources HERE

In this episode, we are joined by Eline Duk, the founder of the Spoonies Community, a movement dedicated to raising awareness and offering support for those with chronic illnesses. Eline shares her personal story of navigating multiple chronic conditions, including her journey through a severe ankle injury, PTSD, and her shift to alternative therapies. The discussion touches on the psychology of pain, the importance of holistic healing, and the creation of a supportive, inclusive community. For anyone dealing with chronic health issues or interested in holistic healing, this conversation offers valuable insights and inspiration.If you'd like the connect with Eline, you can find her on Instagram, Threads and Facebook @thespooniescommunity or by visiting her website: https://thespooniescommunity.com Support the showIf you loved this episode, it would mean the world if you’d take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who needs to hear this. Your support helps this podcast reach more people who are ready to take control of their health and start thriving. You are stronger than you think, healing is possible, and we'll be here every step of the way. Until next time—take care and keep going. ✨ Connect with us: 📩 thehealingchroniclespodcast@gmail.com Join Our Community & Download Free Resources HERE

In this episode, Jess Lewis, a PhD researcher and functional medicine practitioner, shares her transformative journey from being bed bound, to becoming an expert in mast cell activation syndrome and long COVID recovery. Leveraging her background in engineering and molecular biology, Jess applied a systems-based approach to heal herself and now guides others toward resilience. Join us as she discusses her unique healing method, the importance of mindset, the interconnectedness of symptoms, and provides hope and practical advice for those feeling overwhelmed by their chronic conditions. Jess’s story emphasizes the power of small wins, the influence of stress, and the necessity of viewing health from a complex, multifaceted perspective.You can connect with Jess by visiting her website: https://www.jesslewis.com/Or find her on IG & Threads @jesslewis Support the showIf you loved this episode, it would mean the world if you’d take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who needs to hear this. Your support helps this podcast reach more people who are ready to take control of their health and start thriving. You are stronger than you think, healing is possible, and we'll be here every step of the way. Until next time—take care and keep going. ✨ Connect with us: 📩 thehealingchroniclespodcast@gmail.com Join Our Community & Download Free Resources HERE

In this episode, Amanda & Katie sit down with Megan Kroeker, a licensed nurse practitioner and certified functional medicine provider, to explore the transformative power of functional medicine. With nearly 20 years of healthcare experience, Megan shares her insights on women's hormones, gut health, and the importance of addressing root causes rather than just symptoms. Megan delves into her transition from traditional to functional medicine, motivated by her own health challenges, and discusses how a compassionate, personalized approach can lead to profound healing.Megan also emphasizes the importance of trusting one's intuition and being an advocate for one's health, providing a hopeful and empowering message for anyone facing health challenges.You can learn more about Megan's services here: https://functionalnp.ca/Or connect with her on Instagram @megankroeker_functionalnp Support the showIf you loved this episode, it would mean the world if you’d take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who needs to hear this. Your support helps this podcast reach more people who are ready to take control of their health and start thriving. You are stronger than you think, healing is possible, and we'll be here every step of the way. Until next time—take care and keep going. ✨ Connect with us: 📩 thehealingchroniclespodcast@gmail.com Join Our Community & Download Free Resources HERE

In this episode, somatic trauma practitioner and nervous system guide, Rose Covenant, shares her journey from chronic pain to profound healing. With certifications in integrative somatic trauma therapy and energy-based techniques, Rose discusses how true healing happens in the body, not just the mind. Through personal stories and professional insights, she delves into breaking free from old subconscious patterns, feeling truly safe in one's body, and the transformation possible when we focus on somatic recalibration. Rose shares her valuable perspectives on healing generational trauma, creating safety within, and embracing your authentic self.You can learn more about Rose, and her Somatic Recalibration method here: https://iamrosecovenant.com/ Support the showIf you loved this episode, it would mean the world if you’d take a moment to subscribe, leave a review, or share it with someone who needs to hear this. Your support helps this podcast reach more people who are ready to take control of their health and start thriving. You are stronger than you think, healing is possible, and we'll be here every step of the way. Until next time—take care and keep going. ✨ Connect with us: 📩 thehealingchroniclespodcast@gmail.com Join Our Community & Download Free Resources HERE