Send us a text "I kept getting the question, ‘How can we show up better for the disability community?’ And depending on who you are, the answer is different. That’s why I wrote a book about it. I hope this book can contribute to the conversation, not just about policy change but shifting hearts and minds, perspectives, and attitudes around disability." - Tiffany Yu, Founder & Author Summary What if the way we think about disability is holding us back from true inclusion? It’s not just abo...
Send us a text What does it take to keep going when your health impacts everything, from work to hobbies to simply getting through the day? Kait shares her journey with Miserable Malalignment Syndrome, a rare condition that’s led to years of chronic pain, countless surgeries, and tough conversations with doctors who didn’t always listen. We talk about how she found ways to adapt her life, the mental toll of giving up the things she loves, and the determination it took to advocate for herself ...
Send us a text “Being a caregiver isn’t easy. Please give yourself grace, be patient with yourself, and reach out for support. You don’t have to do it alone.” Summary In this heartfelt journal entry, Tim Reitsma (me), founder of InvisibleCondition.com, shares a vulnerable reflection on the challenges of caregiving, balancing work, family, and advocacy. As a caregiver for his partner living with chronic conditions, Tim highlights the importance of community, grace, and asking for support. He c...
Send us a text What if the challenges of living with autoimmune conditions could actually lead to personal growth and strength? That’s the journey Deanna deBara shares in this conversation. Living with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and rheumatoid arthritis, Deanna has transformed her experiences with chronic pain and fatigue into sources of resilience and inspiration. She opens up about managing her health while running a business, finding acceptance, and learning to advocate for herself. Deanna sh...
Send us a text Summary I don't write things in a journal, I record them and sometimes I publish them... They are random thoughts, often unedited and sometimes make sense (to me). In this journal entry, I (Tim) explore the concept of 'what ifs' and how they can lead to negative thinking, particularly in the context of mental health and personal challenges. I share my experiences with self-sabotage and the importance of reframing negative thoughts into positive possibilities. I encourage liste...
Send us a text Imagine being diagnosed with a chronic condition that changes your entire life—and instead of letting it hold you back, you use it as fuel to build a successful company. That’s exactly what Ted Fleming did. As the founder of Partake Brewing, Ted turned his experience with Crohn’s disease into a driving force behind a non-alcoholic beer brand that’s redefining the industry. Ted shares his journey of entrepreneurship, balancing his health with the pressures of leading a fast-grow...
Send us a text Summary: Imagine struggling with your health for over a decade, visiting doctor after doctor, only to be dismissed as dramatic or told that it’s all in your head. That was Kenzie Vath’s reality before she finally received a diagnosis of Lyme disease at the age of 18—after suffering for 10 years. In today’s episode, Kenzie shares her powerful story of navigating chronic illness, enduring years of misdiagnosis, and how she found her voice through the struggle. As an advocate for ...
Send us a text In this episode of the Invisible Condition podcast, I share my personal journey of balancing life with a chronic illness, managing stress, and pursuing education. Reflecting on the challenges of health and academic demands, I emphasize the importance of finding moments of joy even during difficult times. I encourage listeners to reflect on their personal growth and prioritize self-care while reminding them that it's okay to say no to commitments that don't align with their valu...
Send us a text Summary: In this episode of The Invisible Condition Podcast, Nate Toves from Neil Squire discusses the critical role of workplace inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. He emphasizes the importance of disclosing barriers, rather than diagnoses, and highlights how employers have to provide accommodations. Nate explains the value of assessments and assistive technology in tailoring solutions that meet individual needs and encourages employees to research available program...
Send us a text Imagine going through life without the ability to burp. You might think it’s no big deal but did you know, on average, we burp 10-20 times a day to release the air we take in? In this episode, Henry shares his life with no-burp syndrome, also known as R-CPD. Henry talks about the physical and social challenges he faced, including countless doctor visits and misdiagnoses, until he finally found relief through an online community that led him to the right treatment. If you strugg...
Send us a text Imagine travelling halfway across the globe to learn about a treatment that would benefit your child. Endless research, countless unanswered questions, and the frustration of feeling like you're the only one fighting for solutions. How do you keep going when the healthcare system falls short? In this episode, Jess Dove London, founder of Turnto.ai, shares her journey in seeking effective treatments for her child with cerebral palsy. Jess discusses the challenges of navigating ...
Send us a text What advice would you offer someone who is struggling to advocate for themself? What does it truly mean to advocate for yourself, and why is it often such a challenging journey? Living with Crohn's and arthritis has taught me the critical importance of self-advocacy, and through this journey, I've come to understand that demanding what you need is essential for personal well-being. In today's journal entry, I share my personal struggles and observations, offering...
Send us a text Have you ever wondered how to successfully navigate the workplace with an invisible disability? Join us as we chat with Debbie Pearmain, an HR expert and leadership development coach, who shares her invaluable insights on self-advocacy and building trust with your manager. Learn practical strategies to communicate your challenges and propose solutions, ensuring that individuals with invisible conditions can excel professionally. Debbie also discusses the broader context of disa...
Send us a text What happens when the medical system fails to acknowledge your pain, and how do you find the strength to keep advocating for yourself? This episode promises an intimate and powerful conversation with Katie, founder of Revive and Thrive Coaching and host of "My Chronic Illness and Me" podcast. Katie takes us through her journey with endometriosis, where relentless self-advocacy became her lifeline amidst repeated dismissals by healthcare professionals. She shares the crucial rol...
Send us a text Hey, it's Tim! Just wanted to share a bit about my recent adventures with Crohn's disease. So, I had a scope done recently and, surprise! Mild inflammation in multiple spots. Yeah, it's a bit frustrating, but I'm choosing to stay hopeful. After all, it’s not severe, and that's a win! In this short episode, I talk about hope, scopes, advocacy, and developing a muffin recipe while on prednisone. Let me tell you about my “manic muffins” story. When I was on a high dose of stero...
Send us a text Can chronic migraines and concussions be as debilitating as severe strokes or daily dialysis? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Briar Sexton, a dedicated physician from British Columbia, to dive into the profound impact these invisible conditions have on quality of life. We explore the tough realities of diagnosing and managing chronic migraines, often overlooked due to their daily occurrence. Dr. Sexton shares her expertise on potential triggers, the value of keeping a head...
Send us a text You have your first few seizures and people tell you not to share your diagnosis of epilepsy because they are afraid for you. Afraid of the potential shame and discrimination you will face. While this is well-intentioned, you do the opposite. In this podcast episode, we hear from Jon Tuteur, who shares his experiences of living with epilepsy after being diagnosed at 30. Jon talks about enduring over 500 seizures and undergoing three brain surgeries. Despite these challenges, he...
Send us a text When was the last time you had a conversation with your colleagues, friends or family about suicide awareness and prevention? Today’s episode has a content warning as my guest and I talk about a complex and serious topic - Suicide awareness and prevention. CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains some sensitive content as we talk about suicide. Years ago, someone close to me came to me and said they wanted to end their life. I wasn’t prepared for the conversation. Ye...
Send us a text In this episode, I'm joined by Ally, who shares her firsthand experience with long COVID. Since her diagnosis, Ally has faced numerous challenges, from persistent symptoms that just won’t go away to major life changes that have reshaped her daily routine and long-term plans. We talk about the impact of long COVID on her life, including using a wheelchair and the ways she's had to adapt her environment and expectations. Despite these hardships, Ally brings an incredible amount ...
Send us a text Have you ever felt like the world just doesn't see you for who you truly are? In this episode, Lindsay shares her experience living with autism. Lindsay explains how she navigated the challenges of being misunderstood and misdiagnosed until she found acceptance and began advocating for herself and others with autism. Her story is a powerful reminder that our differences should be celebrated, not just accepted. During our conversation, Lindsay talked about how music plays...