
Life with Long Covid
Paul Ian Clarke
paulianclarke.substack.com
All episodes
Best episodes
Top 10 Life with Long Covid Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Life with Long Covid episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Life with Long Covid for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Life with Long Covid episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

14: "You are needed at the hospital urgently"
Life with Long Covid
09/19/24 • 21 min
What happens when you're grappling with the relentless symptoms of long COVID and suddenly your daughter is hospitalized? In this heartfelt episode, I share the raw realities of balancing my own health struggles while supporting a loved one in crisis. From the emotional and physical exhaustion to the spiritual toll it takes, I discuss the importance of pushing through and adapting, knowing that recovery is on the horizon.
Discover how my life took a turn for the better with the addition of a foldable mobility scooter. This three-wheeled e-folding explorer has been a game-changer, offering newfound independence and freedom. I'll explain how it has outperformed my traditional powered wheelchair, enabling me to navigate curbs and rough terrain easily. Plus, I share the joy of customising and using it, especially for those daunting hospital visits. We'll also reflect on the critical role of a robust support system, whether it's family, friends, or simply knowing you're not alone.
https://efoldi.com/index.html - I have the explorer model.
Get full access to Life With Long Covid at paulianclarke.substack.com/subscribe

15: "if you could just fill in this form"
Life with Long Covid
09/26/24 • 21 min
The UK Government has recently once again made it clear that the national welfare benefit budget needs to shrink. What does it feel like for somebody with a chronic illness to apply? I share my deeply personal and often frustrating journey through the maze of seeking validation and support for a condition that many misunderstand. You'll hear about the moments of despair, the exhaustive paperwork, and the sheer emotional toll it took to apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in the UK. But there's also light at the end of the tunnel—I'll recount the sense of empowerment and relief when I was finally granted PIP and my blue badge, both of which have been a game-changer in making my daily life more manageable.
This episode also shines a spotlight on the unsung heroes at the Citizens Advice Bureau. Their invaluable guidance and encouragement played a pivotal role in my successful reapplication for PIP. I'll also discuss the broader support systems, such as Employment Support Allowance and occupational health assessments, which have been essential in helping me feel validated in my daily struggles . My aim is to offer insight, solidarity, and a beacon of hope for anyone facing similar struggles, encouraging you to seek the support you rightly need and deserve.
Get full access to Life With Long Covid at paulianclarke.substack.com/subscribe

5: "You just need to do some exercise"
Life with Long Covid
07/23/24 • 21 min
In this episode, I talk about my experiences with various medical professionals and their reactions to my illness.
I recorded this whilst having a tired and emotional day. I thought about re-recording it, but in the end, I believe it is important that you hear me on the not-so-good days as well.
Let me know your experiences, email: [email protected], or message me here.
Get full access to Life With Long Covid at paulianclarke.substack.com/subscribe

Interlude: A bad day
Life with Long Covid
07/29/24 • 6 min
I want this podcast to show the highs and lows of living with Long Covid. Today is a low, and I decided to record this short audio to try and describe it.
Reach out : [email protected]
Get full access to Life With Long Covid at paulianclarke.substack.com/subscribe

19: "You should be in bed"
Life with Long Covid
11/01/24 • 28 min
How do you maintain your sense of self when living with a chronic illness like long Covid? Join me, Paul Clarke and my wife Rachel, as we uncover the emotional landscapes and societal hurdles that come with my journey of ill health retirement. In our latest conversation, we confront the misconceptions and judgments that arise when trying to live fully while managing a chronic illness. Rachel and I share our honest experiences, from the sting of social media criticism to the struggle of balancing joy and reality.
We also read out two of your messages, which add to the conversation of how to live life with Long Covid.
Get full access to Life With Long Covid at paulianclarke.substack.com/subscribe

27: "What have you been doing?"
Life with Long Covid
02/17/25 • 24 min
This week, I am joined by my wife Rachel as we discuss how I plan my day and how essential it is to look ahead with chronic fatigue. I also talk about using Visible, a useful tool for monitoring and measuring 'pace points'.
This Podcast is now hosted with Substack, which means you can comment and subscribe for additional content here.
Living with Long Covid, the book is out now! Get it here.
Get full access to Life With Long Covid at paulianclarke.substack.com/subscribe

28: "You need more friends"
Life with Long Covid
02/24/25 • 18 min
In this week's episode, I discuss how important it is to maintain or rekindle friendships, even though it can be tough when you have an energy-limiting illness.
Visit and subscribe to my substack here
You can purchase my book here
Get full access to Life With Long Covid at paulianclarke.substack.com/subscribe

20: "There is no such thing as Long Covid"
Life with Long Covid
11/08/24 • 22 min
In this episode, I try to describe what it feels like to feel isolated with long covid. If you have a chronic illness and sometimes feel alone, this one is for you!
Imagine feeling trapped in an invisible world, where the echoes of long COVID linger long after the rest of the world has seemingly moved on. That's been my reality since January 2022. I talk openly about the mixed bag of reactions I encounter—from those who offer empathy to sceptics who blame everything but the virus itself. Through this episode, I hope to reach others on this difficult journey, reminding them that they're not alone.
Get full access to Life With Long Covid at paulianclarke.substack.com/subscribe

21: "Do you need any help?"
Life with Long Covid
11/15/24 • 23 min
I find myself constantly being grumpy with people who just want to help, and equally grumpy with people who don't offer! It is this contradictory mindset that I explore in this episode which hides a deeper fear of being vulnerable. As I come to terms with my disabilities, the move from being carer to being cared for is hard.
As always, I offer you this latest episode in full recognition that I am a bit foggy brained today and my dog Maisie is barking at everything that moves!
Get full access to Life With Long Covid at paulianclarke.substack.com/subscribe

2: "You look well"
Life with Long Covid
07/17/24 • 19 min
Long Covid is hard to understand at the best of times, so no wonder people do not know how to respond to our illness. In this episode, I talk about how I deal (or find it hard to deal) with comments on our disability.
Guest starring Maisie the Pomeranian, who barks at the wind in the background!
Get full access to Life With Long Covid at paulianclarke.substack.com/subscribe
Show more best episodes

Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does Life with Long Covid have?
Life with Long Covid currently has 31 episodes available.
What topics does Life with Long Covid cover?
The podcast is about Health & Fitness and Podcasts.
What is the most popular episode on Life with Long Covid?
The episode title '3: "Everybody gets tired"' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Life with Long Covid?
The average episode length on Life with Long Covid is 21 minutes.
How often are episodes of Life with Long Covid released?
Episodes of Life with Long Covid are typically released every 6 days, 18 hours.
When was the first episode of Life with Long Covid?
The first episode of Life with Long Covid was released on Jul 14, 2024.
Show more FAQ

Show more FAQ