Episode 81: AIP Community Update — Events, Advocacy & Research

Living with autoimmune disease is deeply personal—but the systems that shape diagnosis, treatment options, and long-term outcomes extend far beyond the individual. Research advancements, policy decisions, and community-led initiatives all play a role in what care looks like today—and what becomes possible in the future.

In this second Quarterly Community Update episode of the Autoimmune Wellness Podcast, Mickey Trescott zooms out to explore what’s currently unfolding across the autoimmune landscape. These quarterly conversations are designed to keep you informed and grounded—without overwhelm—so you can better understand the bigger picture while navigating your own healing journey.

This episode focuses on three key areas shaping autoimmune care in real time: research, advocacy, and community education. Mickey is joined by three returning contributors who bring both professional expertise and lived experience to these important conversations.

First, Sybil Cooper, PhD, immunologist and AIP Certified Coach, breaks down emerging research on CAR-T therapy—an innovative and highly targeted treatment approach that may transform how autoimmune disease is treated in the future.

Next, Jamie-Nicole Martin, chronic illness advocate and founder of the AIP BIPOC Network, shares insights from recent advocacy efforts in Washington, DC, along with updates on community-driven initiatives like the ROCK Summit and ROCK the Block, which aim to improve awareness, access, and equity in autoimmune care.

Finally, Jaime Hartman, National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach, AIP Summit organizer, and co-teacher of the AIP Certified Coach Program, discusses trends within the AIP community, including how coaching support is evolving and how more practitioners worldwide are integrating AIP into their work.

Together, these conversations highlight how innovation in research, progress in advocacy, and growth in community education are all interconnected—and why they matter for anyone living with autoimmune disease.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What CAR-T therapy is and why it represents a promising new direction in autoimmune treatment
• How CAR-T differs from traditional systemic treatments by targeting specific immune cells
• Why this research could shift the conversation from symptom management toward potential remission or cure
• How advocacy efforts are pushing for increased autoimmune research funding and policy change
• The role of the Office of Autoimmune Disease Research and why coordinated data matters
• Common barriers patients face with insurance, including step therapy and copay policies
• How community-based events like ROCK the Block and ROCK Summit are improving awareness and access
• Why advocacy happens at both the individual and systems level—and how they connect
• Where people commonly get stuck on AIP, especially during reintroductions
• How AIP Certified Coaches provide personalized support to help navigate those challenges
• How the AIP community is expanding globally, with more practitioners and diverse specialties
• Practical ways to find AIP-trained support and connect with ongoing education

Resources:

• AIP BIPOC Network – Advocacy initiatives, events, and community programs
• AIP BIPOC Network Donation Link – Support ongoing advocacy and programming
• Autoimmune Association – Advocacy resources and policy initiatives
• Office of Autoimmune Disease Research (NIH) – Federal research coordination efforts
• AIP Summit – Annual event, replays, and community access
• AIP Certified Coach Program & Practitioner Directory – Professional training and global directory

Episode Timeline:

00:00 – Introduction to the Quarterly Community Update series

01:10 – Meet the recurring contributors

02:31 – Research update with Sybil Cooper, PhD

03:07 – What is CAR-T therapy?

07:08 – Future implications of CAR-T for autoimmune disease

10:33 – Advocacy update with Jamie-Nicole Martin

11:25 – Autoimmune Association fly-in and policy efforts

16:25 – ROCK Summit & ROCK the Block recap

20:07 – Upcoming initiatives from AIP BIPOC Network

21:49 – Community trends with Jaime Hartman

22:47 – How AIP Certified Coaches support clients

25:59 – Trends in the current AIP coaching community

28:50 – How to find the right AIP Certified Coach

32:02 – Closing reflections and wrap-up