Invisible Not Broken - Chronic Illness Podcast Network

Monica Michelle is joined by author Emily Falcon.Emily lives with ALCAPA.In this episode, Monica and Emily discuss: Growing up sickPost-surgery supportHaving a public bodySelf-motivation and adventuringTIMESTAMPS00:28 - Being a sick kid & Emily’s book title07:28 - Mortality10:16 - Portrayal of disability in media12:21 - Post-surgery support19:23 - Having a public body23:43 - Self-motivation29:46 - Emily’s tips for adventuresThe full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com

Monica Michelle is joined by writer and entrepreneur Micaela Hoo.Micaela lives with Lyme disease, bartonella, babesia, mold toxicity, parasite overgrowth, candida overgrowth, Hashimoto's disease, and Morgellons disease.In this episode, Monica and Micaela discuss: Micaela's diagnosis storyHealthcare insuranceTIMESTAMPS00:24 - The start of Micaela’s diagnosis journey14:42 - Gastroparesis & Micaela’s research16:52 - Healthcare insurance, wait times, and bad docs21:52 - Micaela’s research pays off25:52 - Medical closure29:33 - Micaela’s businessesThe full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com

Monica Michelle is joined by physical therapist Rita White.Rita lives with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Mast Cell Activation syndrome, and POTS.In this episode, Monica and Rita discuss: Rita’s work as a physical therapistToxic productivity mentalityHappiness from self-understanding and patienceTIMESTAMPS00:38 - Rita’s diagnosis and job04:58 - “pushing through the pain”14:10 - handling bad days & Rita’s business19:28 - productivity and patience26:16 - favorite purchases under $100 & closing remarksThe full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com

Monica Michelle is joined by author Sara Staggs.Sara lives with epilepsy.In this episode, Monica and Sara discuss: Being a full-time creative with a disabilityPregnancy & parentingDisability disclosureChronic illness in mediaTIMESTAMPS00:30 - Sara’s writing process06:03 - Sara’s diagnosis & college09:44 - Pregnancy & parenting13:37 - Disability disclosure in dating and parenting19:17 - Characters with chronic illness24:36 - Seizure first aid and life with epilepsy27:37 - Favorite purchases under $100The full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com#epilepsy #epilepsyawareness #author #UncontrollableBook #SaraStaggs

Monica Michelle is once again joined by musician, chef, and activist Dione Bullard.Dione lives with End Stage Renal Disease.In this episode, Monica and Dione discuss: Favorite TV showsFavorite booksMoments of delightParentingTIMESTAMPS02:20 - Platonic11:42 - Somewhere Boy14:09 - More favorite shows21:38 - Favorite books26:17 - Appreciating moments of delight30:42 - Parenting through guided experienceSeries mentioned in this episodeAvailable on Apple TV+PlatonicSiloFoundationDickinsonAvailable on HuluSomewhere BoyThe Righteous GemstonesBewitchedAvailable on NetflixBridgertonGlamorousDAHMEROtherI Am a Virgo - Available on Prime VideoOur Flag Means Death - Available on (HBO) MaxThe Life and Times of Total Made GraceThe full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com

Monica Michelle is joined by activist Cosmo C.Cosmo lives with porphyria, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, and fibromyalgia.In this episode, Monica and Cosmo discuss: PetsLARPingDisability income and surviving on itPrivilege and PrejudiceTIMESTAMPS00:33 - Cats and LARPing12:05 - Adulting on disability income22:01 - Privilege and prejudice31:19 - Deadlines, speech, and steroidsThe full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com

Monica Michelle is joined by musician, chef, and activist Dione Bullard.Dione lives with End Stage Renal Disease.In this episode, Monica and Dione discuss: End Stage Renal DiseaseSelf Advocacy as a PatientDion’s Music & CookingTIMESTAMPS06:17 - Dion’s diagnosis14:44 - Music career & food21:42 - Self advocacy26:05 - Disparities in care of dialysis centers31:27 - How to speak with healthcare professionals35:22 - Distilling down our purpose in life37:11 - Favorite apps and culinary toolsThe full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com

Monica Michelle is joined by activist Kim Luke.Kim lives with multilevel spondylosis, POTS, and fibromyalgia.In this episode, Monica and Kim discuss: Kim’s storyPain clinic negligenceDisability tech & advocacyTIMESTAMPS00:51 - How Kim started10:54 - Kim’s work16:03 - Pain clinic negligence19:33 - Healthcare in politics27:08 - Recommendations for teaching and advocacy31:47 - Disability Tech Business Idea36:04 - The flat effect40:12 - Pillows!The full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com

Monica Michelle is joined by lawyer, author, comedian, and activist Julia Irzyk.Julia lives with Lupus, Osteoarthritis, Degenerative Disk Disease, and Fibromyalgia.In this episode, Monica and Julia discuss: The state of COVID-19 in 2023Julia's new book, "Disabilities and the Law, 4th Edition"The entertainment industryAccess to pain medicationTIMESTAMPS00:56 - COVID-1909:10 - Masks in healthcare environments16:31 - Wheelchairs, flipping them, and HIPPA18:21 - Julia’s new book23:03 - COVID-19 in the entertainment industry24:57 - Access to pain medicine33:26 - Final ThoughtsThe full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com