The Invisible Condition Podcast
Tim Reitsma
1 Creator
1 Creator
Ending the stigma of invisible disabilities, chronic illnesses, and non-apparent conditions, one story at a time.
At Invisible Condition, we elevate voices, educate workplaces, and encourage curiosity. This podcast is for individuals living with invisible conditions and the leaders responsible for creating disability-inclusive spaces.
It's up to us to break the barriers of fear and judgment. Hear from real people, living with non-apparent conditions, on how we can end the stigma and create inclusive workplaces.
Join host Tim Reitsma, who lives with Crohn’s Disease, arthritis, and anxiety, as he invites guests to share their stories publicly. Together, we’ll tackle the stigmas of shame, fear, and the notion of “being different” – when we are all normal.
Topics covered include:
- Strategies for effective self-advocacy and securing the accommodations you need.
- Insights into disability inclusion practices that make workplaces more equitable.
- Breaking down stigmas surrounding chronic illnesses, neurodiverse conditions, and non-apparent disabilities.
- Understanding and advocating for invisible disabilities in the workplace.
- Addressing mental illness and creating a culture of support.
Invisible Condition Defined: A non-apparent illness or condition, whether physical or mental, that isn’t visible from the outside. This includes autoimmune disorders, mental illness, neurodiverse conditions (like ADHD or Autism), chronic illnesses, cancers, trauma, and brain injuries.
By sharing openly and vulnerably, we empower each other to eliminate stigma and build understanding.
What is The Invisible Condition Podcast about?
We are ending the stigma of invisible conditions, chronic illness, disabilities and diseases one story at a time. The Invisible podcast exists to elevate voices, educate others, and encourage people to get curious. To end the stigma, we share openly, vulnerably, and intentionally. Host Tim Reitsma invites guests to share what they live with publically to break down stigmas. Stigmas of shame and fear. Stigmas of "being different" when we are all normal. Every week we unpack a story to educate, encourage, empower, and eliminate the stigma of invisible conditions, chronic illnesses, disabilities and diseases. Tim lives with multiple invisible conditions including Crohn's Disease, arthritis, and anxiety. My normal is different than yours and that is ok! I am a normal person! Invisible Condition Defined: An invisible condition is a non-apparent illness or health condition (physical or mental) that isn’t seen from the outside. This may include but is not limited to autoimmune disorders, mental illness, neurodiverse conditions (ADHD, OCD, Autism, etc.), chronic illness or fatigue, trauma, cancers, deaf and blind, and brain injuries.
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Top 10 The Invisible Condition Podcast Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The Invisible Condition Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The Invisible Condition Podcast 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 The Invisible Condition Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
Invisible Condition - Ep 007 - Life after cancer: Living in the moment
The Invisible Condition Podcast
11/15/23 • 42 min
You are taking a shower, wash yourself down there and notice a lump so you go to your doctor. The doctor isn't concerned but decides to send you for some tests. Next thing you realize, at 32, you have testicular cancer and are now in a battle for your life.
Chris Ho has battled testicular cancer not once, but twice. In this episode, we talk about the importance of permission, sharing, healing, and community.
We know that not everyone wants to hear our stories. And to us, that's something we cannot control. But, when someone invites us to share, Chris's take is to start small, be honest, and allow others to get curious.
Chris Ho - Bio
Chris Ho is a certified leadership coach and consultant with FranklinCovey along with his own practice at ConsciousStudio.ca focused on leadership, talent and culture development.
Motivated by his 15 + years of leadership experience combined with his personal health challenges, Chris’s mission is to help inspire, connect and support people within organizations to achieve the results they are looking for.
Chris's personal experiences as a 2-time testicular cancer survivor and past caregiver to his late father have shown him that perspective is everything, especially when it comes to realizing your potential while making the most of today.
Within his community, Chris proudly volunteers with the BC Cancer Agency and Foundation whose goal is to improve cancer experience between patients, caregivers and care workers. Chris is also passionate about volunteering with NextGenMen, an organization focused on helping men have healthy conversations about masculinity and Movember and its awareness for men's mental and physical health.
Chris can be found living in the moment with his wife Maggie, their two boys Caden and Liam and their fur babies Sam and Zoe in the River District in Vancouver BC.
Show Themes:
- Embracing Vulnerability and Openness
- The Power of Support and Compassion
- Living in the Moment and Self-Care
- Encouragement for Sharing and Overcoming Challenges
Contact Links:
Website - The Conscious Studio
LinkedIn - Chris Ho
Resources:
BC Cancer Foundation
Tim's Info
Invisible condition - Website
LinkedIn
Thanks for listening, I appreciate you!
Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/timreitsma
- Website: invisiblecondition.com
- Subscribe: invisiblecondition.com/subscribe
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4kDTQ9eTFpWFDID9vsXFxW
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-invisible-condition-podcast/id1703432562
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Advocacy, Accommodations, and Washroom Breaks. Life with Crohn's Disease - Joshua Peterson
The Invisible Condition Podcast
02/22/24 • 49 min
Consider donating today: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/timreitsma
Summary:
In this episode, Tim Reitsma talks with Joshua Peterson about the realities of living with Crohn's disease, spotlighting the crucial role of advocacy and the need for tailored workplace accommodations. They share personal stories that underscore the strength found in building community and the transformative power of speaking out.
Joshua emphasizes the significance of embracing one's story and advocating for oneself. He also highlights the role of employers in creating inclusive and supportive environments for employees with disabilities.
From navigating the challenges of invisible conditions to empowering others to advocate for their needs, this conversation sheds light on the intersection of personal experience and collective action.
Join us as we explore how embracing our stories can lead to meaningful change and support for everyone living with chronic illness, disabilities, and diseases, both apparent and non-apparent.
Takeaways:
- Shared Experiences Connect: Tim and Joshua's shared experiences with Crohn's disease form the foundation for a deeply relatable and insightful discussion, emphasizing the importance of connection and support among those with invisible conditions.
- Advocacy and Workplace Accommodations: Joshua's work in HR and his advocacy for workplace accommodations highlight the critical need for understanding and support for employees with disabilities, showcasing how technology like Disclo can bridge gaps between employees' needs and employers' capabilities.
- The Role of Faith: Both speakers touch on the role of faith in their lives, illustrating how personal beliefs can offer strength and a sense of community, especially when facing life's challenges.
- Impact of Invisible Conditions on Life and Work: The conversation sheds light on the profound impact invisible conditions like Crohn's disease can have on every aspect of life, including career development, family dynamics, and personal well-being.
- Importance of Self-Advocacy: Joshua's story underscores the importance of self-advocacy, especially in seeking accommodations and understanding rights within the workplace. It serves as a powerful reminder of the individual's role in managing their condition and advocating for their needs.
- Empowerment Through Sharing Stories: Both Tim and Joshua advocate for sharing personal stories to empower others, reduce stigma, and foster a supportive community for those living with invisible conditions. Their discussion highlights how storytelling can be a powerful tool for change and connection.
This episode not only provides valuable insights into living and working with Crohn's disease but also offers inspiration and
Thanks for listening, I appreciate you!
Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/timreitsma
- Website: invisiblecondition.com
- Subscribe: invisiblecondition.com/subscribe
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4kDTQ9eTFpWFDID9vsXFxW
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-invisible-condition-podcast/id1703432562
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Invisible Condition - Ep 001 - The Intro with Tim and Tania
The Invisible Condition Podcast
08/23/23 • 20 min
Hey Tim here, host of the Invisible Condition podcast, a show where we talk about unusually normal things. So before we get into all the episodes that are coming, I wanted to take a moment and share this space with my wife, Tania.
We want to talk about the point and the purpose of the show. And well, what you're going to get out of this. You know, we want to do more than inspire. We want to change the world. And how are we going to do that? We're going to tell stories from people who live with an invisible condition and hear from caregivers, professionals, and those who have an idea about how we can kill the stigma that surrounds sharing about our normal.
The past few years were a rollercoaster. In addition to being severely sick physically, I was sick and tired of holding it all in. All the fear of judgment by others who lack understanding or awareness about my condition. With all my appointments, I had to manage and endure, constantly having to get a camera up my, well, let's just call it a colonoscopy. Getting syringes in my bloated knee to drain the excess fluid, and being hooked up to IVs to get new medication, new blood, and new iron.
With all that real stuff I had to deal with, I was done trying to come up with creative ways to avoid talking about my condition, and all my medical appointments in order to make other people feel more comfortable. So I started to be more open and candid with friends, coworkers, and relatives about what I was going through physically and mentally.
I started posting on LinkedIn about what I was going through and my frustrations with society when it comes to invisible conditions. It was scary and, oh man, it was hard. Yes, I did face judgment and discrimination. But I also found connections with so many people who responded by telling me that they too have an invisible condition but are too afraid to share.
Fearing that they'd lose their job, lose relationships, fear of judgment, or being treated differently. Last winter, I literally could have died if I didn't get the proper medical intervention in time. And now after surgery and being on a new medication, I have some quality of life back. And I don't want to waste it. There's no cure for Crohn's disease, but hey, I've got to at least make it count for something good in this world.
Thanks for listening, I appreciate you!
Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/timreitsma
- Website: invisiblecondition.com
- Subscribe: invisiblecondition.com/subscribe
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4kDTQ9eTFpWFDID9vsXFxW
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-invisible-condition-podcast/id1703432562
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Invisible Condition - Journal Entry No. 5 - Quit and Run
The Invisible Condition Podcast
01/12/24 • 10 min
I have a lot of thoughts swirling around my mind.
While there are many ways to release these thoughts, I thought to myself, “Why not record them and share them publicly.” It already feels like someone is about to find my journal, and my private thoughts, and start reading. But I decided, that’s alright!
These are my thoughts, and maybe, perhaps, they resonate with you. Maybe they drive you to action or perhaps they make you stop and think. Or, maybe you dismiss them because they are nonsense!
My goal is to release a mini-podcast (and eventually a video) every Friday. These journal entries will be less than 10 minutes. I have to time-box things because I know I can ramble on!
Let me know your feedback! And perhaps if you have random thoughts about invisible conditions, send me your audio and I can publish it!
Donate today, please! https://www.buymeacoffee.com/timreitsma
Summary
In this episode, I discuss the fear I’ve been experiencing while working on the Invisible Condition podcast. I acknowledge the fear of discrimination and rejection that many people with invisible conditions face when sharing their stories. Despite my fears, I am determined to bring more stories into the world and end the stigma surrounding invisible conditions. Reflecting on my past tendency to quit and run from difficult situations, I express hope for a future where it is okay to talk about the challenges of living with invisible conditions. Let’s overcome fear and reach out for support.
Takeaways
- Fear of discrimination and rejection often prevents people with invisible conditions from sharing their stories.
- It is important to push through fear and continue to bring awareness to invisible conditions.
- Creating a future where it is okay to talk about the challenges of living with invisible conditions is crucial.
- Overcoming fear requires determination, hope, and support from others.
Let me know your feedback! And perhaps if you have random thoughts about invisible conditions, send me your audio and I can publish it!
Thanks for listening, I appreciate you!
Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/timreitsma
- Website: invisiblecondition.com
- Subscribe: invisiblecondition.com/subscribe
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4kDTQ9eTFpWFDID9vsXFxW
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-invisible-condition-podcast/id1703432562
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Invisible Disabilities in the Workplace: Trust, Inclusion and Advocacy - Debbie Pearmain
The Invisible Condition Podcast
07/18/24 • 51 min
Have you ever wondered how to successfully navigate the workplace with an invisible disability? Join us as we chat with Debbie Pearmain, an HR expert and leadership development coach, who shares her invaluable insights on self-advocacy and building trust with your manager.
Learn practical strategies to communicate your challenges and propose solutions, ensuring that individuals with invisible conditions can excel professionally. Debbie also discusses the broader context of disability inclusion, stressing the importance of equitable treatment and the elimination of biases in workplace culture.
Debbie highlights the critical role of compassionate leadership and reflects on the importance of psychological safety and open communication in addressing performance issues. Gain insights into how companies can create engaging and inclusive work environments by showing genuine care and flexibility, which are essential for retaining and attracting top talent.
Overcoming the fear to self-advocate is a journey worth undertaking. Debbie provides practical steps to build confidence in sharing personal challenges, starting with safe, trusting workplace relationships. Explore tools and resources such as the adapted Situation-Behavior-Impact (SBI) feedback model and websites like askjan.org and disclo.com to support your journey.
This episode includes strategies and insights for employees and leaders alike, empowering you to create a more compassionate and inclusive workplace.
Takeaways:
- Inclusive Environment: Disability inclusion requires a diverse and welcoming workplace.
Psychological Safety: Trust is crucial for employees to disclose invisible conditions.
Leadership Role: Leaders must create compassionate and supportive environments.
Fear of Disclosure: Fear impacts well-being, necessitating understanding from leaders.
Collaborative Performance: Performance management should remove barriers and support employees.
Self-Acceptance: Self-acceptance and compassion are key to personal growth.
Building Confidence: Overcoming fear involves starting with safe, gradual conversations.
Ending Stigma: Ending stigma needs empathy, diversity, and inclusion.
Difficult Conversations: Navigating tough talks requires self-reflection and open communication.
Debbie Pearmain - Bio:
Debbie has over 25 years of experience working with CEOs and leadership teams, facilitating organizational transformation for companies like Accenture, Telus Health, and One Stop HR. As a Flourishing Life and Workplace Coach with extensive training in Leadership Development and Emotional Intelligence, she excels in helping clients turn challenges into opportunities for growth and performance improvement.
Contact Links:
Thanks for listening, I appreciate you!
Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/timreitsma
- Website: invisiblecondition.com
- Subscribe: invisiblecondition.com/subscribe
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4kDTQ9eTFpWFDID9vsXFxW
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-invisible-condition-podcast/id1703432562
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A Case of the What Ifs - Journal Entry No. 9
The Invisible Condition Podcast
10/31/24 • 11 min
Summary
I don't write things in a journal, I record them and sometimes I publish them... They are random thoughts, often unedited and sometimes make sense (to me).
In this journal entry, I (Tim) explore the concept of 'what ifs' and how they can lead to negative thinking, particularly in the context of mental health and personal challenges. I share my experiences with self-sabotage and the importance of reframing negative thoughts into positive possibilities. I encourage listeners to embrace their feelings, seek support, and focus on the potential outcomes of their actions rather than the fears that hold them back.
Takeaways
- Reframe the "What Ifs" - Negative "what if" thoughts can be reframed into positive ones. Instead of “What if I fail?” try asking, “What if I succeed?” Embrace possibilities rather than dwelling on potential setbacks.
- Embrace Supportive Feedback - Feedback is a tool, not a verdict. Hearing others' perspectives—especially those from trusted friends—can help reinterpret situations with optimism.
- Value-Based Resilience - Grounding oneself in core values, like faith or purpose, provides strength during difficult times. Even when outcomes are uncertain, values can anchor resilience.
- Leverage Connections - When self-doubt arises, reaching out to a supportive network can offer guidance and a sense of solidarity. Tim encourages listeners to connect for mutual support.
Links
Self-Advocacy Interview Series
Subscribe - www.invisiblecondition/subscribe
Resource Hub - www.invisiblecondition.com/resource-hub
Tags: mental health, what ifs, positivity, self-sabotage, resilience, Crohn's disease, disability inclusion, personal growth, workshops, support
Thanks for listening, I appreciate you!
Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/timreitsma
- Website: invisiblecondition.com
- Subscribe: invisiblecondition.com/subscribe
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4kDTQ9eTFpWFDID9vsXFxW
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-invisible-condition-podcast/id1703432562
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Kait Redefines Balance: Living with Miserable Malalignment Syndrome
The Invisible Condition Podcast
11/28/24 • 39 min
What does it take to keep going when your health impacts everything, from work to hobbies to simply getting through the day? Kait shares her journey with Miserable Malalignment Syndrome, a rare condition that’s led to years of chronic pain, countless surgeries, and tough conversations with doctors who didn’t always listen.
We talk about how she found ways to adapt her life, the mental toll of giving up the things she loves, and the determination it took to advocate for herself and finally get a diagnosis. Kait’s story is honest and relatable—she shares how she’s learned to find meaning in small daily activities, show herself compassion, and push back against stigma by telling her story.
If you’ve ever struggled with something invisible or want to better understand what it’s like, this conversation will leave you with a lot to think about and maybe even inspire you to share your own story.
Listen because:
- Self-Advocacy is Essential: Clearly communicating how your condition impacts daily life helps doctors take you seriously.
- Finding Meaning Amid Challenges: Engaging in meaningful activities, even in new ways, sustains joy and mental well-being.
- Balance is Fluid: Perfect balance doesn’t exist—adjust priorities and energy as circumstances change.
- Self-Compassion Matters: Give yourself grace when things don’t go as planned. Flexibility is key.
- Adaptation is Power: Adapting activities or exploring new passions keeps your sense of identity alive.
- Living by Your Values: Aligning daily life with your values creates true fulfillment.
- Track Your Energy and Activities: Understanding what drains or restores your energy helps you plan your day and prioritize what truly matters.
About Kait:
Kait, an occupational therapist from Monterey, California, lives with Miserable Malalignment Syndrome (MMS) and Ulnar Impaction Syndrome, likely linked to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). These conditions have led to chronic pain and mobility challenges, requiring numerous surgeries, including femoral and tibial osteotomies, labral reconstruction, and upcoming procedures on her arms.
Despite these challenges, Kait continues to pursue her passions, including running, hiking, playing soccer and tennis, learning languages, writing poetry, and traveling. She is currently writing a memoir about her physical and emotional journey.
Kait’s career as an occupational therapist has taken on new meaning as she uses her expertise to navigate her own health challenges. Her experiences have fueled her desire to raise awareness, advocate for those living with rare conditions, and inspire others to persevere in the face of adversity.
Contact Links and Previous Podcast/Blogs:
Instagram: @alignedk8
Miles4Hips
Thanks for listening, I appreciate you!
Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/timreitsma
- Website: invisiblecondition.com
- Subscribe: invisiblecondition.com/subscribe
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4kDTQ9eTFpWFDID9vsXFxW
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-invisible-condition-podcast/id1703432562
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Invisible Condition - Journal Entry No.3 - Anxiety
The Invisible Condition Podcast
11/17/23 • 9 min
How do you deal with Anxiety? I am really curious! For me, it manifests itself in a few ways. One of the biggest ways - I want to give up on things. Like this project, this week, I am overwhelmed, anxious and full of fear so I want to give up. But I won't let anxiety win!
Thanks for listening, I appreciate you!
Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/timreitsma
- Website: invisiblecondition.com
- Subscribe: invisiblecondition.com/subscribe
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4kDTQ9eTFpWFDID9vsXFxW
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-invisible-condition-podcast/id1703432562
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Invisible Condition - Journal Entry No.2 - Resilience
The Invisible Condition Podcast
11/10/23 • 7 min
Resilience is the ability to work through a crisis and return to a pre-crisis state. That’s a simple definition, but what does resilience really mean in a world full of complexity?
The American Psychological Association defines Resilience as "the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioural flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands".
In this journal entry, I share a framework I use to bounce back to a pre-crisis state - Reframe, Reflect, and Reachout.
Thanks for listening, I appreciate you!
Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/timreitsma
- Website: invisiblecondition.com
- Subscribe: invisiblecondition.com/subscribe
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4kDTQ9eTFpWFDID9vsXFxW
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-invisible-condition-podcast/id1703432562
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When Doctors Don’t Believe You: Living with Endometriosis - Katie Donlevie
The Invisible Condition Podcast
06/27/24 • 53 min
What happens when the medical system fails to acknowledge your pain, and how do you find the strength to keep advocating for yourself? This episode promises an intimate and powerful conversation with Katie, founder of Revive and Thrive Coaching and host of "My Chronic Illness and Me" podcast. Katie takes us through her journey with endometriosis, where relentless self-advocacy became her lifeline amidst repeated dismissals by healthcare professionals. She shares the crucial role of finding a supportive community and how it transformed her experience from isolation to empowerment.
Katie's story is not just about personal struggle but also about redefining what success means when living with a chronic illness. We unpack the emotional and psychological challenges of stepping away from a successful career to prioritize health and well-being. Katie's candid reflections on the societal pressures to remain productive and the profound relief of taking time to heal offer valuable insights for anyone dealing with similar issues. Whether finding the right specialist, enduring inconclusive surgeries, or celebrating small victories, Katie's experience underscores the necessity of persistence and self-care.
Join us as we challenge the societal stigma surrounding chronic illnesses, particularly those predominantly affecting women. Katie opens up about the emotional toll of living with an invisible condition and the importance of honest communication in fostering understanding and support. We discuss strategies for balancing self-care with other life responsibilities and the power of storytelling in breaking down barriers. Tune in to be inspired by Katie’s resilience and learn how open conversations can cultivate a more compassionate and informed society.
Katie Donlevie - Bio
Empowering individuals facing chronic illness and pain challenges to reclaim their identity and thrive beyond survival mode.
I work with individuals facing chronic illness and pain challenges to reclaim their identity and thrive beyond survival mode.
Specializing in guiding people through transformative journeys, I help you rediscover yourself and re-engage in life outside of your condition. I am dedicated to helping you redefine success, bring your chronic illness back into harmony with the rest of your life, and stop fighting against your body every day.
Through my podcast, “My Chronic Illness and Me,” I also hold space for insightful conversations with people dealing with chronic illness and pain to offer support and foster a sense of community amidst what is often an incredibly isolating experience.
Ready to stop just surviving and start thriving? Let’s connect!
- https://www.reviveandthrivecoach.com/
- https://www.instagram.com/reviveandthrivecoaching/
- https://calendly.com/katie-donlevie/complimentary-coaching-interview?month=2024-06
Thanks for listening, I appreciate you!
Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/timreitsma
- Website: invisiblecondition.com
- Subscribe: invisiblecondition.com/subscribe
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4kDTQ9eTFpWFDID9vsXFxW
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-invisible-condition-podcast/id1703432562
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FAQ
How many episodes does The Invisible Condition Podcast have?
The Invisible Condition Podcast currently has 49 episodes available.
What topics does The Invisible Condition Podcast cover?
The podcast is about Health & Fitness, Inclusion, Dei, Mental Health, Podcasts, Disability, Arts and Healthcare.
What is the most popular episode on The Invisible Condition Podcast?
The episode title 'Invisible Condition - Ep 008 - How self-compassion builds empathy' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on The Invisible Condition Podcast?
The average episode length on The Invisible Condition Podcast is 37 minutes.
How often are episodes of The Invisible Condition Podcast released?
Episodes of The Invisible Condition Podcast are typically released every 7 days.
When was the first episode of The Invisible Condition Podcast?
The first episode of The Invisible Condition Podcast was released on Aug 19, 2023.
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