Living Chronic
Brandy Schantz
Welcome to the Living Chronic Podcast, where we have real, raw, and honest conversations about life with chronic illness and disability. Hosted by Brandy Schantz, a disabled veteran and chronic illness advocate, this podcast explores the realities of navigating work, healthcare, and everyday life while managing a disability or chronic condition.
Each episode features insightful discussions with medical professionals, disability advocates, and individuals sharing their personal journeys. We tackle topics such as workplace accommodations, navigating the healthcare system, mental health, and breaking down societal barriers that often hold disabled individuals back.
Whether you're living with a chronic condition, supporting a loved one, or looking to create a more inclusive world, Living Chronic is here to provide knowledge, inspiration, and a sense of community.
Join us as we change the conversation around chronic illness—because thriving with a disability is not only possible but powerful.
Subscribe now and be part of the movement!
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Top 10 Living Chronic Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Living Chronic episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Living Chronic 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 Living Chronic episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
11/22/24 • 45 min
In this conversation, Brandy Schantz and Dr. Kirk Adams discuss the importance of disability inclusion in the workforce. They explore the untapped potential of individuals with disabilities, the transformative impact of inclusive hiring practices on corporate culture, and the success stories of companies that have embraced diversity. Dr. Adams shares insights on the challenges faced by disabled individuals in the job market, the historical context of disability rights, and the opportunities for self-employment and entrepreneurship. The discussion emphasizes the need for advocacy, community support, and the importance of self-disclosure in the workplace.
https://www.innovativeimpact.consulting/
Unlocking the Power of Reflexology
Living Chronic
01/17/25 • 49 min
In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz interviews N'Jadika Olatunde, an expert in reflexology and holistic healing. They discuss the significance of reflexology, the role of the nervous system in health, and the connection between gut health and overall well-being. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preventive health, the need to reconnect with one's body, and the complexities of medication and its side effects. Ultimately, they advocate for empowerment in health, encouraging listeners to take control of their wellness journey. In this conversation, Njideka Olatunde and Brandy Schantz explore the profound connection between the mind and body, emphasizing personal empowerment in managing health. They discuss the impact of genetics and diet on health choices, the necessity of a holistic healthcare team, and the role of stress in pain management. The dialogue highlights the importance of shifting mindsets from victimhood to empowerment and the critical role of family support in navigating chronic illness.
Mentorship and Support for Chronic Patients
Living Chronic
05/16/25 • 44 min
In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz speaks with Matt Reed about his journey with Crohn's disease, the challenges of navigating work while managing a chronic illness, and the importance of mentorship and support systems for those living with chronic conditions. They discuss the need for greater awareness and understanding of invisible illnesses, the difficulties in balancing work and health, and the role of organizations like the Crohn's Colitis Foundation in providing resources and community support.
Interview with Holly Bertone
Living Chronic
07/05/23 • 36 min
Holly Bertone, Coach and Podcast Host, Gratitude Builds Fortitude, talks about how mindset can shift your perspective and change your life.
The Hidden Struggles of Disabled Workers
Living Chronic
09/18/24 • 25 min
In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz discusses her personal journey with chronic illness and the importance of vocational rehabilitation services. She shares her struggles with Crohn's disease and other health issues, emphasizing the need for support systems to help disabled and chronically ill individuals remain in the workforce. Brandi advocates for better awareness and access to state vocational rehabilitation services, highlighting their role in empowering individuals to find meaningful employment despite their health challenges.
Unraveling Chronic Illness: POTS Awareness, the Gut-Brain Connection, and the Power of Community with Beth Biss
Living Chronic
01/06/25 • 47 min
In this conversation, Brandy Schantz and Beth Biss discuss the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, particularly in relation to conditions like POTS and dysautonomia. They explore the role of social media in raising awareness and facilitating diagnoses, the importance of support groups, and the interconnectedness of body systems. The discussion also highlights the value of physical therapy and nutrition in managing chronic illnesses, the significance of mindset in health, and innovative approaches to exercise. Beth shares insights about her newsletter and advocacy efforts, emphasizing the importance of self-care and community support.
takeaways
- Many doctors are still unaware of conditions like POTS.
- Social media can play a crucial role in diagnosis.
- Dysautonomia symptoms can be confusing and varied.
- Support groups provide essential community and understanding.
- The gut-brain connection is significant in chronic illness.
- Physical therapy and nutrition are vital for managing health.
- Mindset can greatly influence health outcomes.
- Exercise must be tailored to individual needs.
- Beth's newsletter offers valuable health insights.
- Advocacy and awareness are key in chronic illness communities.
Interview with Anna Knight
Living Chronic
02/28/24 • 40 min
In this conversation, Brandy speaks with Anna, a chronic illness patient and caregiver. They discuss the challenges of being a caregiver while also dealing with their own chronic illnesses. They share their experiences of role reversal, financial struggles, and the emotional impact of being both a patient and a caregiver. They also highlight the similarities in the healthcare experiences of women with chronic illnesses in different countries. The conversation emphasizes the need for patient-centered research and the importance of self-love in activism. The conversation with Anna Knight explores the concept of bringing love into public systems and making change with love. Anna discusses the work of Love Audaciously and how they aim to incorporate love into areas like healthcare, policing, and violence reduction. The conversation also touches on topics like boundaries, self-care, and finding one's vision and mission.
- Being a caregiver while dealing with a chronic illness presents unique challenges and emotional adjustments.
- The healthcare system often fails to provide adequate support and understanding for both patients and caregivers.
- Women with chronic illnesses face similar experiences and struggles worldwide.
- There is a need for global change in healthcare to prioritize patient-centered research and address the financial and emotional burdens faced by patients and caregivers.
- Promoting self-love and easy activism can empower individuals to advocate for change and improve their own well-being. Love Audaciously focuses on bringing love into public systems like healthcare and policing.
- Boundaries and self-care are important aspects of making change with love.
- Finding one's vision and mission can make change-making feel easier and more fulfilling.
Learning to Get Rid of the Guilt
Living Chronic
06/01/23 • 17 min
It's been a while since my last podcast episode and I'm struggling with the guilt I feel for not being able to keep up with all the things I want to accomplish. I want to do all the things I did before I got sick and it's hard to find my worth outside of being the woman who could run fast and work hard. I'm learning to assuage myself of that guilt and accept my new reality. Most importantly, I'm learning to find my worth in my new body. #LivingChronic #Crohnsdisease #fibromyalgia #LongCovid #Guilt
Interview with Heather Boughey, Crohn's patient
Living Chronic
01/11/23 • 38 min
Interview with Rachel Myers
Living Chronic
04/04/24 • 22 min
In this episode, Brandy Schantz interviews Rachel Myers, a breast cancer survivor and coach for women going through the same journey. Rachel shares her personal story of being diagnosed with triple positive breast cancer and undergoing surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. She emphasizes the need for support and coaching during and after treatment, as well as the importance of addressing the emotional and mental aspects of the disease. Rachel explains how coaching sessions with her focus on overcoming fear, challenging negative thoughts, and creating a new life after cancer. She offers a free coaching session to women with breast cancer to see if coaching is right for them.
Takeaways
- Support and coaching are crucial for women going through breast cancer treatment.
- Addressing the emotional and mental aspects of the disease is just as important as the medical treatment.
- Journaling and getting negative thoughts out can be therapeutic and help in the healing process.
- Creating a new life after illness may involve letting go of old stressors and prioritizing mental health.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Living Chronic have?
Living Chronic currently has 67 episodes available.
What topics does Living Chronic cover?
The podcast is about Health & Fitness, Autoimmune, Thrive, Podcasts, Self-Improvement, Education, Disability and Health Policy.
What is the most popular episode on Living Chronic?
The episode title 'Disability in the workplace' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Living Chronic?
The average episode length on Living Chronic is 34 minutes.
How often are episodes of Living Chronic released?
Episodes of Living Chronic are typically released every 8 days, 21 hours.
When was the first episode of Living Chronic?
The first episode of Living Chronic was released on Oct 21, 2022.
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