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!
All episodes
Best episodes
Seasons
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.
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.
Interview with Marissa Spratley
Living Chronic
03/16/23 • 53 min
Marissa Spratley is the Manager, Fundraising Campaigns & Volunteer Engagement at Crohns & Colitis Foundation in the Washington, DC metro area. Marissa is a Crohn's patient and another drug induced lupus survivor. Hear her story and how she is working to help others just like her.
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.
Advocacy and Support for Patients
Living Chronic
09/26/24 • 50 min
In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz speaks with Dr. Tara Palumbo, a seasoned medical professional who now navigates the complexities of healthcare as a patient. They discuss the evolution of healthcare over the past three decades, the challenges of accessing care, especially in rural areas, and the burden of medical debt. They also touch on the impact of environmental health on communities, the need for systemic change in healthcare, and the importance of trust and transparency in the medical field. The conversation highlights the strength of individuals living with chronic illnesses and the need for advocacy and support in the healthcare system.
Interview with Krystalore Crews
Living Chronic
06/27/23 • 36 min
Krystalore Crews founded Crews Beyond Limits (www.krystalorecrews.com) after suffering some big set backs in life including Rheumatoid Arthritis, a big military move with her husband that left her unemployed (military spouses know), and then a skin cancer diagnosis. She knows how difficult it is to pick yourself up and she's fought hard to thrive as a coach and fitness leader. Krystalore is also up for an award for a military spouse entrepreneur award and is sharing her tips for how to survive and thrive.
12/26/24 • 32 min
In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz speaks with Laura Packard, founder of Health Care Voices and a cancer survivor, about the importance of healthcare advocacy. They discuss the challenges faced by patients navigating the healthcare system, the impact of the Affordable Care Act, and the need for education and resources for individuals dealing with chronic illnesses. The conversation highlights personal stories, recent controversies in healthcare, and the desperate situations many patients find themselves in when seeking care.
takeaways
- Healthcare advocacy is crucial for those with chronic illnesses.
- The Affordable Care Act has saved many lives, including Laura's.
- Navigating health insurance can be complicated and overwhelming.
- Patients often face unexpected health challenges that require quick decisions.
- Education about healthcare options is essential for informed choices.
- Personal experiences can shed light on the healthcare system's flaws.
- Recent healthcare controversies highlight ongoing issues in patient care.
- Desperation can lead to drastic actions when patients feel denied care.
- Resources like navigators can help individuals understand their options.
- It's important to advocate for better healthcare policies and practices.
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.
Depression & Anxiety while Chronically Ill
Living Chronic
11/01/22 • 1 min
If you're suffering from depression and anxiety while chronically ill, you're not alone.
Season 2 is under way!
Living Chronic
02/20/24 • 5 min
Season 2 is underway and it's going to be a very exciting season. I want to address some questions I've gotten about mistrust in the medical system, medical professionals, and various institutions.
Show more best episodes
Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does Living Chronic have?
Living Chronic currently has 62 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 33 minutes.
How often are episodes of Living Chronic released?
Episodes of Living Chronic are typically released every 8 days, 1 hour.
When was the first episode of Living Chronic?
The first episode of Living Chronic was released on Oct 21, 2022.
Show more FAQ
Show more FAQ