Keywords:  Darts, Fitness, Running, Mental Health, Community, Podcast, Christmas, Health Challenges, Strength Training, Autoimmune Disease

Debbie and Katy wrap up the year with a warm, funny, and reflective catch-up. Katy shares her unexpected victory at a work darts tournament and recaps her chilly final 10K of the year, complete with a painful lesson in running gear. Debbie talks about flare-ups, stress, and picking up her daughter’s cold while trying to keep everything in balance.

Together, they look back on their favourite episodes, the importance of strength training, mental health, and how hard it can be to juggle fitness with chronic illness. They also celebrate listener feedback, their growing global audience (hello Australia and Norway!), and the power of lived experience within the inflammatory arthritis community.

The hosts chat about changing Christmas party trends, from darts to aquariums, and share some exciting plans for the podcast in the new year, including new guests, new trustees, and more community-focused content.

Key Topics

• Katy’s Flight Club darts triumph

• Running injuries, rest, and balancing multiple sports

• Debbie’s flare-ups, stress, and festive-season colds

• Strength training vs endurance and why it’s hard to balance both

• Reflections on mental health, vulnerability, and community support

• Spotify Wrapped listener stats

• Christmas party trends and alcohol habits

• New podcast plans and growing the charity’s reach

Episodes Mentioned

• Strength Training (with Matt)

• 1% Better

• Sound System

• You Are Not Alone (mental health deep dive)

• Sex & Relationships

• Our Journey Begins

• Can You Keep Your Humour?

• Alcohol Episode

• Guest episodes with James, Rachel, Adam, and Sarah

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Disclaimer: Debbie and Katy are not medical professionals. They share personal experiences of living with IA to build connection and community. The podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. We talk about our personal health journeys and the podcast is not intended to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We are not medical professionals and in no way claim to be medically trained. The podcast does not take responsibility for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of the podcast. The podcast does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of third-party content.

For more information, head to https://inflammatoryarthritis.org/