Revolution From your Bed

In this episode, Roi Shternin and Dr. Margret Jaeger delve into the critical role of medical anthropology in addressing contemporary healthcare challenges. They explore the shortcomings of the modern healthcare system, including its lack of a holistic approach, overspecialization, and systemic failures. The discussion advocates for greater cultural sensitivity, long-term strategic planning, and improved patient journeys. Tune in as they propose solutions such as integrating nurse practitioners and medical anthropologists into primary care, enhancing professional training, and establishing community health centers to bolster prevention and patient advocacy.

taken from keynote at the Digital Health Ljubljana conference, we address the invisible crisis at the heart of the healthcare system.You are a reflective achiever, burdened by guilt for resting while navigating a health struggle or life transition. You are trapped between the person you were and the purposeful direction you can’t yet see. This keynote offers the ultimate permission you need to heal while pursuing your purpose: by shifting your perspective.Roi, The Human Advocate, challenges digital health leaders and listeners alike with one core question: Are we truly building patient-centric care, or are we simply using it as a slogan?.more at: roishternin.com

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Aileen Rice Jones, Head of Public Affairs within Mental Health at Boehringer Ingelheim.This will be Aileen’s first time attending the Global Mental Health Community Summit! With deep expertise in corporate and public affairs, Aileen shares fresh insights into mental health innovation, policy, and advocacy—and how we can drive real-world change from high-level discussions.In this episode, we explore key outcomes from the UN High-Level Meeting on NCDs and Mental Health, how to move from global recommendations to local, actionable impact, and why collaboration, equity, and patient-centered approaches matter more than ever! Tune in to our third and final episode of the mini-series to hear all about action and change! This may be the last episode of the series, but it’s only the beginning of what we can achieve together 

This is a special series where I explore my journey as a co-host of Boehringer’s Global Mental Health Community SummitIn Episode 2, I sat down with the incredible Falk Schuster, a dedicated advocate who brings a vital lived experience perspective as someone living with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). He's also joining us as a speaker on Day 2 of Boehringer’s Global Mental Health Community Summit (GMCS25), where we are discussing #RedefiningMentalHealthcareTogether. And how do we redefine #mentalhealth care together? We start by listening to people’s lived experiences. So, join me in listening to Falk as he shares his personal journey and explains why centering people’s voices is non-negotiable for progress. Plus, Falk attended last year’s inaugural event, so we also catch up about the fun we had last year connecting with everyone! He's got some great stories to share about the experience. Tune in for an inspiring discussion!roishternin.com

New podcast series alert.As you all know I’m co-hosting the Global Mental Health Community Summit (GMCS25) this year again, and I’m so excited about it.This year’s event is focused on #RedefiningMentalHealthcareTogether. Boehringer Ingelheim has invited 60 of the most inspiring and motivated #mentalhealth advocates for three-days of connection, idea-sharing, and action towards meaningful change. It’s exciting!But wait, there’s more! This year I’m bringing you all with me behind the scenes as we plan the #GMCS25.Introducing…. the “Road to the Global Mental Health Community Summit” podcast mini-series!Where you’ll get to see the “magic”, the good, the bad, the ugly. The laughter, the smiles and even sometimes the mistakes. Each episode will feature incredible guests involved in building this event.In this first episode, I sit down with @Vanessa Pott, Head of Global #PatientEngagement at @Boehringer Ingelheim, to reminisce about last year’s event, talk a little about #PatientPoweredProgress and about what makes this year’s event so special.It’s really just a chat with an old friend – tune in!More about me: roishternin.com

We often feel like subjects in our own lives—navigated, tested, and surveyed. We all know that email that arrives after a medical appointment: "How did we do?" We fill out the survey, wondering if our patient feedback truly matters.Today, let's reframe that question. Your feedback isn't just feedback; it's evidence. It's a crucial part of a growing field known as patient experience data, and it's the key to real patient empowerment.Beyond the 1-10 Scale: What is Patient Data?When we think of data, we think of lab results and pain scales. But the most vital patient-reported outcomes (PROs) go far beyond numbers. Real data is the full story of your quality of life. It’s the data point of a waiting room chair being too hard for your back pain. It's the data point of feeling rushed during a consultation. It's the data point of the relief you feel when a doctor finally validates your experience.This qualitative data paints a picture that numbers alone cannot. It measures dignity, feasibility, and compassion within the healthcare system.From Anecdote to Evidence: Driving Systemic ChangeYour individual story is powerful, but when combined with hundreds of others, it becomes undeniable proof. This collective patient voice is what drives systemic change. It’s how patient advocacy groups can demonstrate the need for better communication protocols, more accessible clinic layouts, or a re-evaluation of a treatment's real-world side effects. Your experience helps build the business case for more compassionate and effective care.Your Self-Advocacy Toolkit: Better Healthcare CommunicationImproving the quality of patient experience data begins with us. True patient engagement means actively participating in our own care. Here are two simple strategies for effective self-advocacy:* The 30-Second Debrief: After every appointment, take a moment to note one thing that went well and one thing that could have been better. This simple form of symptom tracking and experience logging builds a powerful evidence file over time, making your healthcare communication more precise.* Translate Symptoms into Impact: This is key for shared decision-making. Instead of just saying, "My fatigue is bad," translate it into a functional data point. Say, "My fatigue is so severe that I must choose between taking a shower or making breakfast." This transforms a subjective feeling into a concrete piece of evidence about your quality of life.Your journey with a chronic illness has made you an expert. By consciously documenting and communicating your experience, you shift from being a passive patient to an active research partner in your own care. Your experience is not a byproduct of your illness; it is the evidence that will build a better future for all of us.Learn more about it in my book “What do Patients Want”.This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roishternin.comThis is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit

In this high-impact episode, transcribed from a powerful address by Roi Shternin, we reveal a fundamental truth for the future of the MedTech industry. Speaking not as a CEO but as a patient who spent "almost a decade in bed, misdiagnosed," Roi argues that Vulnerability is a strategic asset for human-centered systems.This is a direct appeal to the Reflective Wounded Achiever audience who feels dismissed by the system, and a strategic guide for organizations seeking Undeniable Direction.We challenge the industry to move beyond regulatory boxes and recognize "lived experience" as the untapped goldmine of data. You will learn the business case, modeled by the pharmaceutical industry, that shows patient engagement leads to:Greater ROI and Better Market Access.Higher retention rates and reduced redesign needs.Roi provides Concrete Steps for MedTech companies to embed the patient voice, including establishing a Chief Patient Officer (CPO) and integrating Patient Experts in Residence directly into project teams.This episode balances Gentle Authority with Courageous Vulnerability, proving that developing solutions that are "humanistic at heart" is the only path for truly impactful innovation. The goal is clear: Let's change MedTech together.

In this profound reflection, I welcome Linda, a kindred spirit who transformed her own invisible battle with a debilitating chronic migraine. For years, Linda, like many Reflective Wounded Achievers, was defined by struggle, often left bedridden.This conversation maps the critical shift from Guilt-Ridden Stagnation to Purposeful Cultivation. Linda shares how she initiated the Inner Compass Model™: moving into a phase of Stillness (Rest and Reflection) to discover the raw material for her own healing.You will learn how to practice Restorative Learning—the gentle, digestible path to progress. Linda reveals the specific mindfulness techniques she used to dramatically reduce her migraines from three days a week to just the occasional bad day, proving that direction is cultivated internally through reflection, not found externally.This episode offers more than tips; it offers the clarity and validation needed to begin your own purposeful journey. We explore how true healing is achieved not through hustle, but through Cultivation—finding hope and Undeniable Direction even in chaos.More about her work: https://themindfulmigraine.blog/

In this one we dive deeper into the state of chronic illness, role of inflammation and the power of patient communities with the founder of InflamMed, A community dedicated to raise awarded and support for chronic conditions caused by inflammation.learn more about their work: https://www.inflammed.org/My work: roishternin.com

Tired of waiting for someone to go to the movies with? Don't! Discover the unexpected joy and freedom of going to the cinema alone. It's not lonely, it's liberating. Find out why a solo movie date might just be your new favorite thing.Follow my Journey at roishternin.com This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roishternin.substack.com

Living with a chronic illness is tough enough, but what about the invisible battles you're fighting up top? This podcast dives into the often-overlooked connection between chronic physical conditions and your mental well-being. We're talking real talk about how managing a long-term illness can impact your mood, stress levels, and overall mental health. Tune in to learn why giving your mind some TLC is just as important as managing your physical symptoms, and discover practical tips for staying resilient.More at: roishternin.com

The Wild West of Wellness Data: Why Patient Ownership is the Next RevolutionReturning from a major healthcare conference, Roi Shternin, The Human Advocate1, cuts through the noise of AI promises to tackle an urgent ethical crisis: patient data ownership.This episode is a critical call to action for the Reflective Wounded Achiever who is paying to generate, track, and then subscribe to analyze their own health data—only to have it monetized behind the scenes. We expose the "Wild West of Wellness Data" and demand a fundamental shift in perspective.Drawing on the Human Advocate Blueprint™  Roi argues that the patient's "lived experience is the gold mine of data" and it's time to flip the script. Why should we be footing the bill for information that rightly belongs to us? Instead, tech companies must recognize the strategic value of patient insight and compensate us for the data that drives their innovation.Listen for guidance on:How to view your health data not as a commodity, but as your own valuable raw material5.The demand for a future where patients are empowered partners, not passive data sources.The need for transparency and fairer practices in consumer health tech.This is a powerful moment of Undeniable Direction , where we move from frustration to a purposeful demand for change.

Tired of feeling like you have to choose between your chronic illness and your career dreams? You don't have to. As a fellow professional who's navigated this exact path for 18 years, I get the overwhelming challenge. This episode is your guide to creating a fulfilling career that respects your body's needs.We dive deep into the strategies that will help you thrive:The Emotional Empowerment Map: Discover my proprietary tool for chronic illness. Learn to identify and confidently navigate the four emotional stages of your health journey, turning overwhelm into forward momentum.Introducing The Elation Program: Get the details on our comprehensive 3-month coaching program. We’ll realign your confidence and career path with masterclasses and practical tools so you can truly shine professionally while managing your well-being.Your career empowerment starts now.Ready to start thriving? Download your free Emotional Empowerment Map Guide at michelleirving.com.au/mapor explore the Elation Program at careerandchronicillness.com/elation.More about my work: roishternin.com

What happens when a cancer researcher becomes a patient? Find out in this powerful conversation with Dr. Natasha Punia, a former startup executive who channeled her health journey into founding her own patient community, Inflammed.This episode is a deeply personal dive into the realities of living and thriving with inflammation-based chronic illness. We tackle crucial topics for the chronic entrepreneur and patient community:The Stigma of Chronic Illness: Facing bias and misunderstanding in professional and personal life.The Chronic Entrepreneur: How to manage a demanding career while navigating health challenges.Channeling Pain into Power: The secret to transforming personal struggles into a platform for empowering others.If you're looking for inspiration on how to build a thriving life and business despite chronic health issues, this episode is a must-listen.Connect with Dr. Punia's community: https://inflammed.substack.com/

I had the absolute pleasure to host Ursula Mann, a dear friend and colleague who served in senior patient engagement positions in big pharma for many years, to discuss bringing the voice of patients into industry decision-making, technology assessment, and more.Nowadays, Ursula is leading an organisation aimed at bringing patients' voices to the decision-making table. Learn more about it here and sign up if you wish to have the opportunity to share your insights as a patient.https://patientvoicepartners.com/My work: roishternin.com

From a Flawed Hero to a Healing Soul: A New Journey BeginsFirst, a heartfelt thank you. Your support throughout my initial journey has been a source of immense strength. You listened as I battled a mysterious illness, cheering me on as I faced the healthcare system.However, that story wasn't the whole picture. It painted me as a valiant warrior, but the truth is, I'm human. The experience left its mark, and it's time I address the mental scars, the PTSD I've been carrying.That's why I'm embarking on a new journey – a journey towards healing. This time, I'll be honest, vulnerable, and open about the challenges faced by those serving on the frontlines.Will you join me?This next chapter will be raw, unfiltered, and focused on growth. If you're interested in following along, stay tuned!roishternin.com

Struggling with chronic illness and want to pursue higher education? This week's bite-sized episode tackles the challenges of online learning for those with chronic conditions.We explore the limitations of traditional online programs and discuss a potential solution:Hybrid model: Core courses delivered through MOOC platforms (Coursera, edX)Local cohorts: Build community and collaboration through in-person meetups at co-working spaces.This is just the beginning! We want to hear your thoughts. What can we do to make education more accessible for people with chronic illness?Leave a comment and let's start a conversation!#chronicillness #education #highereducation #accessibility #onlinelearningGet My book here: https://books2read.com/ap/nOkrbo/Roi-ShterninSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/revolution-from-your-bed/donations This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit roishternin.substack.com

In this one I share my personal insights from speaking gin 27 countries despite debilitating illness. how I started and how can you utilize your story to move others and change the world.My public speaking course: https://subscribepage.io/ABC-of-Public-Speaking

Welcome to a very special, intimate episode of the Revolution From Your Bed Podcast! I'm thrilled to welcome my sister, Chen, a true embodiment of taking the road less traveled.Chen’s journey is pure inspiration: from honing her skills at pastry school to becoming instrumental in a student-led startup, and making the bold move to Vienna at 25 to embrace the expat life.In this candid conversation, we delve into the heart of what it takes to do what you truly want in life:Fighting for Strength: Overcoming hurdles and self-doubt to pursue an unconventional path.The Expat Dating Scene: Candid talk about the complexities of dating and connection while living abroad.Fulfilling Dreams: Insights on the relentless pursuit of joy, meaning, and staying true to yourself.What Truly Matters: A final reflection on the core values, relationships, and dreams that anchor us.If you need a heart-to-heart about life's big questions, or inspiration to embrace your own "less traveled" road, this episode is for you.Get my book here: roishternin.com

Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed by your workload, or just going through the motions? You're not alone. In this essential episode, we're joined by performance and productivity coach Elyse Robi to give you the strategies you need to break free from burnout and finally achieve your biggest goals.Elyse shares her candid approach to success, helping you identify and dismantle the roadblocks holding you back. We dive into actionable topics like:Overcoming Self-Doubt: How to identify and crush your limiting beliefs.SMART Goals & Habits: The blueprint for setting goals that actually stick.Boosting Productivity: Implementing systems and structures to streamline your life and work.The Power of Accountability: Using effective communication to build a plan for success.Stop feeling stuck and start achieving more. This episode is your plan to reclaim your time and energy.Connect with Elyse Robi: Website: https://elyserobi.com/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/askelyserobiMy work: roishternin.com