Men are dying of loneliness. The statistics on male suicide, isolation, and preventable chronic disease are staggering—yet most men wait until they're broken before seeking help. Stretch Rayner knows this firsthand. After climbing the corporate ladder, quitting to become a personal trainer, and building a thriving London gym, he hit complete burnout. This week, Kim sits down with our featured guest: Stretch Rayner, Founder of Midlife Mavericks. Former corporate professional turned fitness entrepreneur, Stretch rebuilt his life after burnout and now coaches men through midlife transitions. Based in remote Australia, he connects men globally through his online platform and signature "From Warrior to King" nine-week program.In this episode, we cover:🔴 The Masculinity Crisis: Why "toxic masculinity" debates leave men confused about how to show up—and the one question every man must answer for himself🟢 Warrior to King Journey: How the armor that served you in your 20s-30s no longer fits at midlife—and the nine-week rite of passage to transform your approach🟣 The Goal Framework That Works: 20,000-foot vision work, six-month milestones, 30-day experiments (not commitments)—consistency over intensity, failing fast without shame🟡 Why Self-Care Isn't Selfish: The oxygen mask principle for entrepreneurs and fathers—how prioritizing your health exponentially improves everything elseStretch Rayner's Links: 💻 Website: Midlife Mavericks 📱 Instagram: @stretch.raynerTo support the show, visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This episode is brought to you by:The Chronic Truth Podcast, LLCHost/Executive Producer: Kimberly NashPodcast Creative Director  &  Co-Producer: Jay Wilson, for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podcast Mechanic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

After breaking his neck at 12 and being told he'd be "fragile and crippled for life," Dr. Alan Weisser refused to accept that diagnosis. Today, he's a clinical psychologist with nearly 40 years of experience helping chronic pain patients move from suffering to mastery. In this powerful episode, Dr. Weisser reveals why chronic pain isn't just a medical problem—it's an existential challenge with up to 200 "collateral damages" that affect every aspect of your life. He introduces the Survival Triad, a revolutionary framework borrowed from martial arts that teaches patients to use anxiety and anger as tools rather than enemies, practice non-illusory thinking, and embrace conflict productively. This isn't about managing pain—it's about mastering it.Featured Guest: Dr. Alan Weisser, Clinical Psychologist and Founder of New Options Incorporated With nearly 40 years of clinical experience and over 50 years studying martial arts, Dr. Weisser developed a whole-person approach to chronic pain that addresses the physical, psychological, and existential impacts of living with persistent symptoms. Author of "Unraveling the Mystery: Mastering Chronic Pain."In this episode, we cover:00:00 Facing the Harsh Reality of Chronic Pain02:59 The Journey from Injury to Empowerment06:06 Understanding the Complexities of Chronic Pain08:56 The Role of Emotions in Pain Management11:49 Innovative Approaches to Chronic Pain Treatment15:04 The Importance of Emotional and Mental Health18:02 Transforming Pain into Personal Power20:51 The Future of Chronic Pain ManagementActionable Takeaways✔ For chronic pain patients: Start an Evening Journal today—during the day, list everything making you anxious, rate each 0-10, and strategize solutions so your brain isn't ruminating at bedtime✔ For physical therapy patients: Tell your PT directly, "I'm scared—reassure me and I'll do it" to get the support you need to follow through with exercises safely✔ For anyone feeling overwhelmed: Recognize you're likely facing 30+ collateral damages, not just 1-2 problems—understanding the full scope helps explain why it feels like a tsunami✔ For those experiencing depression: Understand that depression is your attempt to shut down anxiety and anger—but these emotions are your survival toolkit, not your enemiesDr. Alan Weisser's Links:💻 Email: aweisser@newoptionsinc.com (best way to reach him)To support the show, visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This episode is brought to you by:The Chronic Truth Podcast, LLCHost/Executive Producer: Kimberly NashPodcast Creative Director  &  Co-Producer: Jay Wilson, for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podcast Mechanic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠About the Host: Kim Nash is a chronic illness advocate and podcast host who brings both personal experience living with chronic conditions and deep advocacy expertise to every conversation. Her mission is to amplify patient voices and bridge the gap between patients and healthcare providers through honest, transformative discussions.

What if pharmaceutical companies actually listened to patients before launching treatments? This week, Kim welcomes  Wes Michael, president and founder of Rare Patient Voice, who's spent over 25 years proving that patient perspectives aren't just nice to have—they're essential to developing treatments that actually work.     In this empowering episode, Wes reveals:​🔴 $120/hour in checks: Not gift cards—"We can't pay rent with gift cards" changed compensation philosophy ​🟢 180,000 patients registered: 1,500 conditions from rare to "medium rare" to common—42-person team connecting voices to research  ​🟣 Kim's impact story: Hepatitis C survey led to first major TV commercials within a month of sharing patient perspective Chapters00:00 Valuing Patient Voices in Healthcare Research10:10 The Importance of Patient Perspectives19:45 Navigating the Diagnosis Journey25:09 Compensation and Support for ParticipantsConnect with Wes:💻 Website 📘 Facebook: Rare Patient Voice To support the show, visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This episode is brought to you by:The Chronic Truth Podcast, LLCHost/Executive Producer: Kimberly NashPodcast Creative Director  &  Co-Producer: Jay Wilson, for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podcast Mechanic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

 What happens when your voice fails while your husband battles cancer? This week, Kim  Eileen Meehan, a longtime special education teacher and lifelong choir member, whose voice began failing just as her husband faced serious cancer surgery. While learning to give injections and manage tube feedings—wearing a mask in 2021—hospital staff thought she was crying when her voice cracked and broke. She wasn't.      In this profoundly moving episode, Eileen reveals:​🔴 Devastating timing: Voice cracking while learning injections/tube feedings—hospital staff mistook competence for tears ​🟢 Triple identity loss: Retired teacher, widowed 15 months ago, voice "busted"—all identities gone at once  ​🟣 50,000-100,000 affected: Spasmodic dysphonia makes vocal cords slam together—a rare disease with daily support groups Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Chronic Truth Podcast01:14 Eileen Meehan's Journey of Resilience10:12 Navigating Life Changes and Loss15:48 Understanding Spasmodic Dysphonia22:41 Finding Hope and Support in CommunityConnect with Eileen:💻 Website To support the show, visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This episode is brought to you by:The Chronic Truth Podcast, LLCHost/Executive Producer: Kimberly Nash Podcast Creative Director  &  Co-Producer: Jay Wilson, for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podcast Mechanic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What happens when caregivers never put themselves first? This week, Kim welcomes Jenny Lytle, a hospice and end-of-life care nurse with over 30 years of experience, who learned the cost of neglecting self-care through devastating loss. After burning out so badly she left her job and went through an identity crisis, Jenny's mother died from a ruptured brain aneurysm—an aneurysm she knew about but planned to fix "after getting all these other things taken care of."     In this deeply personal episode, Jenny reveals:​🔴 Tragic catalyst: Mother died from a ruptured brain aneurysm she knew about but delayed fixing for "other things." ​🟢 Praise addiction: Hospice families' validation became more fulfilling than family at home, who didn't say she was great  ​🟣 One to five minutes: Self-care doesn't need beach vacations—bathroom breathing exercises prevent burnout Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Chronic Truth Podcast01:14 The Journey of Caregiving and Burnout04:51 Understanding Self-Care for Caregivers08:18 The Becoming Method: A Path to Self-Care12:47 Recognizing Signs of Burnout18:28 Practical Strategies for Stress Relief24:26 Connecting with Resources and CommunityConnect with Jenny:💻 Website 🎙️ "The Nurses Break Room" podcast📚 Free book + stress guide To support the show, visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This episode is brought to you by:The Chronic Truth Podcast, LLCHost/Executive Producer: Kimberly Nash Podcast Creative Director  &  Co-Producer: Jay Wilson, for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podcast Mechanic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

 What if everything mothers tell daughters about period pain is wrong? This week, Kim welcomes back Michele Forsberg, pelvic physical therapist and endometriosis expert, to address the flood of listener questions from their first conversation. Michele delivers a powerful message that will change how mothers respond to their daughters: debilitating period cramps are NOT normal, even if you had them too.    In this critical follow-up episode, Michele reveals:​🔴 95% correlation: Debilitating period pain almost always means endometriosis, should be ruled in/out FIRST, not last resort ​🟢 Organ damage reality: Untreated endo can infiltrate bowels, cover ureters, cause kidney loss, not "just" reproductive disease  ​🟣 Sisterhood paradox: Two sisters, both with endo, one severe symptoms/minimal disease, the other deep infiltrating/NO symptoms Chapters00:00 Introduction to Chronic Illness and Community Support01:14 Understanding Endometriosis: A Deeper Dive02:57 Symptoms and Diagnosis of Endometriosis11:33 Treatment Options and Surgical Interventions17:07 Finding the Right Healthcare Provider21:08 Pelvic Physical Therapy and Holistic Approaches23:15 Medications and Emerging Treatments25:46 Advocacy and Awareness for Endometriosis26:08 Empowering Patients: Trusting Your BodyConnect with Michele:💻 Website🔗 Linktree📱 Instagram📘 FacebookTo support the show, visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This episode is brought to you by:The Chronic Truth Podcast, LLCHost/Executive Producer: Kimberly Nash Podcast Creative Director  &  Co-Producer: Jay Wilson, for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podcast Mechanic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What happens when surgery or GLP-1 medications work, then stop working?    This week, Kim welcomes Dr. Pavi Kundhal, a general surgeon and diplomat of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, who spent 16 of his 17 years in practice watching a devastating pattern. After performing high-volume bariatric surgeries, Dr. Kundhal noticed the patients with lasting success weren't the ones who followed the strictest diets; they were the ones who did "the deep work" to change their relationship with eating.  In this transformative episode, Dr. Kundhal reveals:​🔴 Devastating pattern: Patients losing 50-60 pounds, then gaining more than half back with no strategy ​🟢 Physical vs emotional: Hunger builds slowly over 4-6 hours; emotional craving hits rapidly with comfort food and guilt  ​🟣 Environment beats willpower: Clear counters, pre-cut vegetables at eye level, remove TV distraction while eating Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Chronic Truth Podcast01:14 Meet Dr. Pavi Kundal: A New Perspective on Weight Loss02:13 The Importance of Mindset in Weight Management05:33 Understanding Emotional vs. Physical Hunger10:14 Mindfulness and Eating Habits12:10 The Role of GLP-1 Medications in Weight Loss15:24 Navigating Weight Gain and Health Challenges16:45 Dr. Kundal's Book: Shift Your Mind to Shift Your Weight18:55 Sustainable Changes for Long-Term SuccessConnect with Dr. Kundhal:💻 Peel Weight Loss Clinic 📱 Instagram | Facebook | YouTube 📚  "Shift Your Mind to Shift Your Weight" on AmazonTo support the show, visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This episode is brought to you by:The Chronic Truth Podcast, LLCHost/Executive Producer: Kimberly Nash Podcast Creative Director  &  Co-Producer: Jay Wilson, for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podcast Mechanic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

 What happens when a healthcare professional doesn't recognize her own brain injury?   This week, Kim welcomes  Kelly Tuttle, a neurology nurse practitioner who became a traumatic brain injury survivor after a car accident—and whose brain injury was so hidden that even she didn't recognize the danger signs. After being cleared to return to work in two weeks, Kelly pushed through headaches, dizziness, memory lapses, and horrific whiplash until she fell asleep driving home and nearly hit a tree.    In this eye-opening episode, Kelly reveals:​🔴 Dangerous denial: Cleared to work in 2 weeks, fell asleep at the wheel, planned roadside naps as "solution" ​🟢 Seven-year secret: Hid invisible disability from employer while napping at lunch, sleeping 2 hours after work daily​🟣 Neuro fatigue reality: Brain takes "side streets" instead of highways—wake with 25% battery, no recharging Chapters00:00 Introduction to Chronic Truth Podcast02:32 Kelly Tuttle's Journey and Insights07:24 Understanding TBI and the Importance of Care10:49 The Five Foundational Pillars of TBI Recovery15:49 Navigating Financial Wellness After TBI18:53 Mental Health Challenges and Personal Growth25:08 Understanding Neuro Fatigue27:30 Resources and ConclusionConnect with Kelly Tuttle:💻 ⁠⁠Brain Loving Advocate 📚 "After the Crash: How to Keep Your Job, Stay in School, and Live Life After a Brain Injury" on AmazonTo support the show, visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This episode is brought to you by:The Chronic Truth Podcast, LLCHost/Executive Producer: Kimberly Nash Podcast Creative Director  &  Co-Producer: Jay Wilson, for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podcast Mechanic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What happens when compassionate doctors are crushed by corporate medicine?   This week, Kim welcomes Dr. Joe Sherman, a pediatrician who experienced something that would shock his colleagues: complete burnout requiring him to quit medicine altogether. After 35 years practicing across the US, Uganda, and Bolivia, Dr. Sherman went from a vibrant community-engaged physician to someone suffering acute anxiety, headaches, numbness, and back pain—all from the stress of "cranking up patients" and losing connection to why he became a doctor.   In this powerful bridge-building episode, Dr. Sherman reveals:​🔴 Personal breaking point: Acute anxiety, numbness, back pain—doctors ordered a brain MRI before considering stress as a cause ​🟢 Epidemic reality: 50-60% of physicians are currently burnt out—disconnected, distracted, just trying to get through the day​🟣 Two-way compassion: Hand over heart self-kindness practice that helps doctors metabolize patient trauma without drowning Chapters00:00 Introduction to Chronic Truth Podcast01:33 Meet Dr. Joe Sherman: A Journey in Medicine05:00 Burnout in Healthcare: A Personal Story09:36 Understanding Physician Burnout12:33 Addressing Burnout: Strategies for Physicians18:09 The Importance of Self-Compassion21:20 The Center for Courage and Renewal24:42 Impact of Burnout on Patient Care26:25 Creating Supportive Healthcare Teams28:22 Final Thoughts on Overcoming BurnoutConnect with Dr. Sherman:💻 ⁠⁠Joe Sherman, MD (free consultation scheduling, blogs, articles, podcasts) 📧 joe@joeshermanmd.com 🎯 Services: Individual physician coaching, medical team workshops To support the show, visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This episode is brought to you by:The Chronic Truth Podcast, LLCHost/Executive Producer: Kimberly Nash Podcast Creative Director  &  Co-Producer: Jay Wilson, for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podcast Mechanic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What happens when you're diagnosed with guaranteed cancer at eight years old?   This week, Kim welcomes Jenny Jones, author and advocate living with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)—a hereditary colon cancer syndrome that guarantees colon removal at some point in life. Diagnosed at eight years old and having her colon removed at nine when polyps started turning cancerous, Jenny spent five years angry at everyone, developing medical PTSD from surgical complications that led to short bowel syndrome.   In this raw and educational episode, Jenny reveals:​🔴 Brutal honesty: Genetic reality: 50-50 chance of inheriting FAP if parent has it. Colon removal is inevitable when polyps turn cancerous ​🟢 Five years of anger: Medical PTSD and surgical complications led to hating everyone, parents, doctors, and herself, until therapy ​🟣 Advocacy mission: Written children's book with mutant characters, pushing for earlier screening than current age 10-15 guidelines Chapters00:00 Introduction to Chronic Truth Podcast01:33 Understanding Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP)04:57 Growing Up with FAP: Personal Experiences07:36 Daily Challenges of Living with Rare Diseases10:59 Diet and Its Impact on Health11:44 Advocacy Through Writing: Children's Books on FAP15:04 Genetics and Inheritance of FAP19:45 Future of Research and Advocacy for FAP22:58 Diagnosis and Symptoms of FAP28:09 Advice for Young Patients with FAPConnect with Jenny:💻 ⁠⁠Life's A Polyp📚  Amazon: "Life's A Polyp"To support the show, visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This episode is brought to you by:The Chronic Truth Podcast, LLCHost/Executive Producer: Kimberly Nash Podcast Creative Director  &  Co-Producer: Jay Wilson, for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podcast Mechanic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What happens when you find a lump at 37 with an 18-month-old and 11 year old sons?  This week, Kim welcomes her cousin Stephanie Adler for a raw, personal conversation about surviving stage 3 breast cancer at just 37 years old with an 18-month-old and 11 year old sons.  When a simple shower discovery led to finding cancer in her lymph nodes, Stephanie made the controversial decision to demand a double mastectomy against her surgeon's recommendation—telling her doctor point-blank: "I don't ever want to go through this again. This is about living, not my breast."   In this deeply emotional episode, Stephanie reveals:​🔴 Brutal honesty: Demanded a double mastectomy against the doctor's advice: "This is about living, not my breast." ​🟢 Eight surgeries, three years: Radiation ripped skin apart during reconstruction, forcing back muscle transfer to create an implant pocket​🟣 Twenty years later: Never said "cancer-free" out loud, admits skipping follow-ups, celebrates life day by day Chapters00:00 Introduction to Chronic Truth Podcast01:33 Stephanie's Inspiring Journey with Breast Cancer12:50 Facing the Reality of Diagnosis20:48 The Reconstruction Journey24:11 Reflections on Survival and SupportTo support the show, visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This episode is brought to you by:The Chronic Truth Podcast, LLCHost/Executive Producer: Kimberly NashCo-Producer & Podcast Creative Director: Jay Wilson, for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podcast Mechanic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

 What if most dementia aggression isn't the disease, it's us? This week, Kim welcomes Kathi Miracle, a dementia expert with over 30 years of experience who learned everything the hard way by being thrown into a wall, having her ribs broken, and getting kicked, punched, and scratched as a 22-year-old CNA with zero proper training. From those brutal early days in the 1990s, Kathi built a career transforming memory care facilities where families specifically sought her out, not just her buildings.  In this deeply emotional episode, Kathi reveals:​🔴 Caregiver mistakes: 80% of behaviors are triggered by approach, communication, and environment, only 20% by actual dementia ​🟢 Prevention power: 60-90% of people could avoid diagnosis with six lifestyle components backed by the CDC and the National Institute on Aging ​🟣 Not just aging: Youngest dementia patient was 2 years old; 700,000 under-18 kids worldwide live with a diagnosis Chapters00:00 Introduction to Chronic Truth Podcast01:33 Kathy Miracle: A Journey into Dementia Care03:15 The Importance of Proactive Care in Dementia05:22 Understanding Dementia: Hereditary Factors and Statistics07:35 Lifestyle Changes for Cognitive Health10:20 The Role of Nutrition and Hydration11:58 The Significance of Sleep for Brain Health15:36 Oxygenation and Physical Activity for Cognitive Function19:19 Socialization: A Key to Cognitive Health23:06 Cognitive Exercises: Strengthening the Brain28:46 Cognitive Exercises for Brain Health31:19 Understanding Dementia Triggers36:59 Effective Communication Strategies40:54 Navigating the Dementia Journey47:58 The Importance of Caregiver SupportConnect with Kathi:💻 ⁠⁠The Silver Tsunami 📚 Pre-order "Your Ticket to Compassion" 💬 Free one-hour consultation available To support the show, visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This episode is brought to you by:The Chronic Truth Podcast, LLCHost/Executive Producer: Kimberly NashCo-Producer & Podcast Creative Director: Jay Wilson, for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podcast Mechanic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What if trying to sit up straight is making your back pain worse?This week, Kim welcomes Ben O'Loghlin, who spent his early twenties battling chronic back, neck, and shoulder pain that nothing could fix, not doctors, chiropractors, massage, or medication. After waking up 30 minutes early just to stretch enough to face college exams, Ben discovered the Alexander Technique, a 100-year-old cognitive approach developed by an Australian actor who was constantly losing his voice. In this transformative episode, Ben reveals:​🔴 Brain autopilot problem: 85% of chronic back pain comes from muscle tension your brain creates without you knowing. Imaging shows nothing wrong​🟢 Posture paradox: Forcing "good posture" uses the wrong muscles and creates more tension. The secret is reawakening automatic reflexes​🟣 Seven-month results: Students reduced pain from 24 days per month to just 4 days without surgery, drugs, or endless physical therapyChapters00:00 Introduction to Chronic Truth Podcast01:33 Ben O'Loughlin's Journey with Chronic Pain05:57 Understanding the Alexander Technique10:53 Teaching the Alexander Technique Online14:00 Holistic Healing Approaches20:14 Cognitive Techniques for Pain Relief25:58 Investing in Long-Term Wellbeing27:38 Connecting with Ben O'LoughlinConnect with Ben:💻 ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠: (90-minute workshop available)📘 ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠To support the show, visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This episode is brought to you by:The Chronic Truth Podcast, LLCHost/Executive Producer: Kimberly NashCo-Producer & Podcast Creative Director: Jay Wilson, for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podcast Mechanic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What happens when routine surgery becomes a cancer diagnosis mid-operation?This week, Kim sits down with Phantom from Phantom Electric Ghost Podcast, a musician, software engineer, and podcasting veteran with nearly 1,300 episodes under his belt. What started as a routine cyst removal at 27 became a terrifying discovery when Phantom could hear his surgeons realize mid-operation that he had stage 3 sarcoma spreading toward his spine.In this episode, Phantom reveals:​🔴 Shocking discovery: Stage 3 sarcoma spreading toward spine discovered during "cyst removal"—patient could hear surgeons' realization​🟢 Recovery resilience: Spent months at mother's house planning comeback with custom mountain bike parts bought with disability payments​🟣 Creative advocacy: Nearly 1,300 podcast episodes later, it now supports a worldwide organization for the disabled.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Chronic Truth Podcast01:33 Guest Introduction and Background02:46 Facing Cancer: A Personal Journey06:09 Navigating Treatment and Recovery10:10 Empathy and Caregiving12:16 Holistic Approaches to Health16:01 The Power of Creativity and Expression17:33 Advice for the Newly Diagnosed18:42 Closing Thoughts and ResourcesConnect with Phantom:💻 ⁠Website⁠🔗 ⁠Podcast📱 ⁠Instagram⁠📘 ⁠Facebook⁠📺 YouTube🎨 Sista Creative RisingTo support the show, visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This episode is brought to you by:The Chronic Truth Podcast, LLCHost/Executive Producer: Kimberly NashCo-Producer & Podcast Creative Director: Jay Wilson, for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podcast Mechanic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What if everything you know about endometriosis is wrong?This week, Kim sits down with Michele Forsberg, a pelvic physical therapist who's been living with undiagnosed endometriosis for decades while watching her daughter face the same debilitating reality. From a family doctor's devastating dismissal to discovering endometriosis isn't actually the endometrium, Michele exposes the shocking medical misinformation that's keeping millions of women suffering in silence.In this episode, Michele reveals:​🔴 Shocking truth: Not a "reproductive disease"—found in fetuses, noses, brain tissue, and throughout the body like "non-cancerous cancer"​🟢 Medical incompetence: Most surgeons doing "endo surgery" burn lesions instead of removing them, making the problem worse​🟣 Chronic illness overlap: Strong correlation with EDS, POTS, autoimmune conditions—it's part of a bigger systemic pictureChapters00:00 Introduction to Chronic Truth Podcast00:54 Understanding Endometriosis and Personal Stories05:57 The Complexity of Endometriosis11:48 Diagnosis and Treatment Challenges18:13 Holistic Approaches to Managing Endometriosis24:13 Empowerment and Advocacy for PatientsConnect with Michele:💻 Website🔗 Linktree📱 Instagram📘 FacebookTo support the show, visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This episode is brought to you by:The Chronic Truth Podcast, LLCHost/Executive Producer: Kimberly NashCo-Producer / Editor: Jay Wilson, for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podcast Mechanic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What happens when you're part of an epidemic but invisible in the conversation?This week, Kim sits down with Derek "D-Rex" Canas, a 40-year-long-term survivor whose story begins with infant heart surgery and a blood transfusion that would change everything. Diagnosed with HIV at just 16, Derek discovered something shocking: there was virtually no support for heterosexual men living with HIV. For over a decade, he's been building coalitions and breaking down barriers in a community that often overlooks his demographic.In this episode, Derek reveals:​🔴 Hidden epidemic: "DL lists" exposing men living double lives, spreading HIV to heterosexual partners while advocates stay silent​🟢 Medical mysteries: Living with a fifth pacemaker while surviving 40 years of HIV and why he feels better when his heart device dies​🟣 Forgotten voices: Building the first real coalition for heterosexual men with HIV after a decade of finding no representationChapters00:00 Introduction to Chronic Truth Podcast00:54 D-Rek's Journey and Advocacy12:13 Challenges in HIV Advocacy17:57 Life Today and Support Systems22:08 Final Thoughts and InspirationSupport Derek's Mission:💻: ⁠D-REK's Angels & Warriors⁠To support the show, visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This episode is brought to you by:The Chronic Truth Podcast, LLCHost/Executive Producer: Kimberly NashCo-Producer / Editor: Jay Wilson, for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podcast Mechanic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

What happens when a therapist needs therapy?Kim welcomes and sits down with Kesley Rogers, a 27-year-old licensed mental health counselor who's demolishing misconceptions about therapy one conversation at a time. From her private practice in Tennessee, Kesley shares the shocking reality that therapists aren't "all put together"—they see therapists too. Navigating her own journey with ADHD, anxiety, and an eating disorder while helping others, Kesley exposes why the stoic, note-taking movie therapist is a myth, how introspection in grad school led to her own breakthrough diagnosis, and why asking "What's your relationship with food?" changed everything.In this episode, Kesley reveals:​🔴 Shocking reality: Therapists aren't "all put together," they have their own therapists and struggle with ADHD, eating disorders, and life changes just like everyone else​🟢 Root cause revolution: Why asking about sleep, food, and daily structure matters more than just treating symptoms and how one question changed her life​🟣 Therapy truth bomb: Real sessions aren't movie stereotypes of note-taking—they're interactive conversations between equalsChapters00:00 Introduction to Chronic Truth Podcast00:54 Meet Kesley Rogers: A Journey Through Mental Health02:59 Navigating Personal Mental Health Challenges05:57 Understanding Triggers for Mental Health Issues08:56 Misconceptions About Counselors and Therapy12:08 The Reality of Being a Therapist15:03 The Importance of Holistic Care in Therapy17:56 Decompressing After a Long Day20:47 Resources for Mental Health SupportConnect with Kesley and Resources:💻: Denny Counseling🌐: Psychology Today📞: 988 (mental health crisis line)To support the show, visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This episode is brought to you by:The Chronic Truth Podcast, LLCHost/Executive Producer: Kimberly NashCo-Producer / Editor: Jay Wilson, for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podcast Mechanic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Kim welcomes Dr. Elizabeth George, a seasoned family physician who transformed her practice after witnessing the explosion of chronic disease in the mid-90s and 2000s. Frustrated by patients climbing to "five medicines, seven medicines" without improvement, Dr. George discovered that whole food, plant-based nutrition could reverse conditions doctors typically manage with lifetime prescriptions.In this episode, Dr. George reveals:​🔴 Shocking reversals: Ankylosing spondylitis pain gone in one week, autism symptoms disappeared in a 20-something patient, Hashimoto's thyroiditis completely reversed​🟢 The gut-brain connection: Why your microbiome controls depression, anxiety, and that "I'm full" signal—and how the Standard American Diet destroys it​🟣 28-day miracles: Patients sleeping better, mood lifting, chronic conditions improving faster than pharmaceuticals could manageChapters00:00 Introduction to Chronic Truth Podcast00:54 The Importance of Nutrition in Chronic Illness04:00 Community Wellness Initiatives07:55 The Science Behind Plant-Based Nutrition12:10 Reversing Chronic Conditions Through Diet15:46 The Role of Gut Health20:05 Personal Health Journeys and Experiences23:56 Practical Cooking Tips for Plant-Based Diets27:56 Conclusion and Call to ActionConnect with Dr. Liz:🌐 Website: ⁠⁠Healthy Eating Adventure⁠📲 Follow Dr. George: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ To support the show, visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This episode is brought to you by:The Chronic Truth Podcast, LLCHost/Executive Producer: Kimberly NashCo-Producer / Editor: Jay Wilson, for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podcast Mechanic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Kim reunites with Tonya Henry (The Chronically Ill Soldier) to pull back the curtain on gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach is partially or fully paralyzed. Diagnosed after 20 years of unexplained nausea and vomiting, Tonya reveals why "just eat something" is dangerous advice, how a gastric stimulator (like a pacemaker for the stomach) failed her twice, and why patient communities are lifelines when medicine falls short.In this raw episode, Tanya reveals:​🔴 Shocking tests: Swallowing radioactive eggs, smart pills, and the "Sitzmarker" capsule tracking colon paralysis.​🟢 Treatments gone wrong: How Reglan caused Parkinson’s-like tremors and why gastric stimulators fail.​🟣 Life-saving community: Why patients trust Facebook groups over doctors for tube leakage fixes.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Chronic Truth Podcast01:33 Understanding Gastroparesis02:15 Personal Experiences with Gastroparesis06:51 Treatment Options for Gastroparesis09:03 Community Support and Awareness12:04 Advocacy and Fundraising Efforts16:47 Connecting with Others in the Gastroparesis Community20:01 Navigating Healthcare and Resources25:23 Testing and Diagnosis of Gastroparesis28:56 Encouragement for Newly Diagnosed PatientsResources:Oley Foundation: oley.org (peer support, conferences, IV/tube resources)G-PACT: g-pact.org (gastroparesis-specific advocacy)IFFGD: iffgd.org (global GI disorder education)To support the show, visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This episode is brought to you by:The Chronic Truth Podcast, LLCHost/Executive Producer: Kimberly NashCo-Producer / Editor: Jay Wilson, for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podcast Mechanic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Kim sits down with Andrea Jensen, a certified asthma educator, public health professional, and founder of Asthma Hub LLC, to expose the life-threatening gaps in asthma care. Andrea shares her family’s harrowing journey (12 hospitalizations, 2 ICU stays) and how a torn magazine article became the key to her son’s diagnosis after years of dismissal.In this episode, Andrea reveals:​🔴 Medical gaslighting: How 87% of hospitalizations are preventable with proper education (now defunded).​🟢 Biologic breakthroughs: The injection that stopped her son’s near-fatal attacks.​🟣 Silent asthma: Why "no wheezing" doesn’t mean "no danger" (and how to advocate in the ER).Chapters00:00 Introduction to Chronic Truth Podcast01:33 Andrea Jensen's Journey with Asthma10:10 Understanding Asthma and Its Impact15:58 Asthma Home Visit Program Success19:53 Common Mistakes in Diagnosing Asthma28:30 Advocating for Asthma Patients35:41 Conclusion and Resources for FamiliesConnect with Andrea:🌐 Website: ⁠Asthma HUB LLC📲 Follow Andrea: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠ | Instagram | ⁠LinkedIn⁠To support the show, visit our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linktree⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠This episode is brought to you by:The Chronic Truth Podcast, LLCHost/Executive Producer: Kimberly NashCo-Producer / Editor: Jay Wilson, for ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Podcast Mechanic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠