Arthritis Life

By Cheryl CrowMedicine Health & Fitness Mental Health Education Self-Improvement

Arthritis Life episodes

June 04Exploring the Intersection of Cancer and Rheumatoid Arthritis, with Dr. Singh
They also explore exciting new therapies like CAR T-cell treatment, along with practical advice on self-advocacy, building the right healthcare team, and what it truly means to thrive while living with a rheumatic disease.
Episode at a glance:
Why Dr. Singh became a rheumatologist after watching her grandmother struggle with osteoarthritis

What current research shows about biologics and cancer risk

Why most cancer fears surrounding arthritis medications are often more complicated than they seem

How cancer immunotherapy can sometimes trigger inflammatory arthritis

The importance of communication between rheumatologists, oncologists, and other specialists

What patients should know about skin cancer, lymphoma, and other cancer risks

The emerging role of CAR-T cell therapy in autoimmune diseases

Why researchers are increasingly optimistic about long-term remission and potential cures

Advice for newly diagnosed patients navigating inflammatory arthritis

What it means to truly "thrive" while living with rheumatic disease
Medical disclaimer:
All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Episode Sponsors
Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
45 min
May 21Rheumer Has It: Role of the Multidisciplinary Team in Rheumatic Disease: OT, PT, Counseling and More!
They explain how occupational therapists, physical therapists, mental health professionals, pharmacists, and others can help you manage fatigue, pain, anxiety, daily routines, and life after diagnosis, while also sharing practical tips for advocating for referrals and support.
Episode at a glance:
Why autoimmune arthritis care involves more than a rheumatologist and medications

The surprising evidence behind occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy, and mental health support

How OT can help with fatigue, pacing, daily routines, parenting, work, and mental health, not just hand pain

Why anxiety, grief, and depression are common after diagnosis, and why getting support early matters

Real-life strategies for managing fatigue and adapting daily tasks without “giving up”

The hidden barriers that prevent patients from accessing multidisciplinary care

Tips for advocating for referrals and building a supportive care team

Cheryl and Eileen’s personal experiences navigating rheumatoid arthritis, fatigue, anxiety, and self-management

Medical disclaimer:
All content found on Arthritis Life public channels (including Rheumer Has It) was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Episode Sponsors
Rheum to THRIVE,
an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected.
See all the details
and join the program or waitlist now!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
30 min
May 07Pregnancy, Postpartum & Parenting with Rheumatoid Arthritis, with Mariah Leach
Cheryl and Mariah discuss everything from medication decisions during pregnancy to adapting family life, traveling with chronic illness, managing expectations, and finding “micro moments” of joy along the way.
If you’ve ever worried that chronic illness might prevent you from building the life or family you want, this episode offers compassionate, practical encouragement that you do not have to give up on your goals, even if you have to adapt the path forward.
Episode at a glance:
00:00 Welcome Mariah Leach

02:18 Mariah’s Diagnosis Story Recap

04:00 Why She Started the Mamas Facing Forward Group

13:41 Hive Mind Parenting Tips

17:51 Writing The Pregnancy Book

20:46 Medication Risk Tradeoffs

24:51 Pregnancy Remission Options

27:24 Book Research and Purpose

28:17 Parenting With Arthritis

31:43 Adapting Dreams and Grief

37:17 Tools and Book Picks
Medical disclaimer:
All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Episode Sponsors
Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected.
See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
44 min
April 21Body Weather: Making Sense of Chronic Illness in an Unpredictable Body
She shares her complex diagnostic journey across multiple autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, highlighting the uncertainty and overlap many patients experience. Cheryl and Lorraine discuss shifting from a “cure” mindset to one focused on management, the role of community (including Rheum to THRIVE), and how writing can be a powerful tool for processing and meaning-making.
Together, they explore how reframing expectations, finding connection, and letting go of the illusion of control can help people feel less alone and more capable. If you’re newly diagnosed, this conversation offers both validation and a gentle reminder that, over time, navigating your health and your life can become more manageable.
Episode at a glance:
00:00–03:00 Introduction + Lorraine’s background

03:00–08:30 Diagnostic journey across multiple conditions

08:30–12:30 Coping, loss of identity, and community support

12:30–16:00 The “acceptance paradox” and letting go of cure culture

16:00–20:00 Writing as a processing tool

20:00–28:00 The concept of “body weather” and chaotic systems

28:00–33:00 Environmental parallels and climate connections

33:00–41:00 Inside the book’s metaphors and structure

41:00–50:00 Writing advice and creative process

50:00–54:00 Advice for newly diagnosed patients

54:00–58:00 Tools, quotes, and recommendations

58:00–End Thriving with chronic illness + closing thoughts
Medical disclaimer:
All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Episode Sponsors
Rheum to THRIVE,
an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected.
See all the details
and join the program or waitlist now!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 5 min
April 15Introducing New Rheum to THRIVE Facilitators Gittel Aguilar & Eileen!
Eileen and Gittel talk about why they’re passionate about leading support spaces, what those groups are really like (spoiler: welcoming, not intimidating), and how connection can make a huge difference. You’ll also hear gentle, practical advice for those early days like pacing yourself, adapting as you go, and redefining what it means to thrive.
It’s a comforting reminder that even with chronic illness, you can still build a full, meaningful life and you don’t have to figure it out alone. And if you’d like to join one of the latest Rheum to THRIVE groups, you can do so here.
Episode at a glance:
00:00 Meet the New Facilitators

01:13 Diagnoses and Comorbidities

04:35 Why Eileen Facilitates

08:06 Why Gittel (GT) Facilitates

12:09 Why Support Groups Matter

15:27 Program Structure Highlights

22:43 GT’s Teaching Style

23:32 Creating Safe Space

24:28 Alumni Group Exploration

25:46 Eileen’s Facilitation Style

33:42 Common Support Group Worries Addressed

37:48 Importance of Diversity In Groups

41:41 Reflections on Thriving With Arthritis
Medical disclaimer:
All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Episode Sponsors
Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
47 min
April 02Making Movement Accessible with Inflammatory Arthritis, with Jamie Boder
The conversation also dives into the emotional side of chronic illness, including fear of movement, the importance of interoception (body awareness), and how to avoid the boom–bust cycle of overdoing it. Cheryl and Jamie reflect on the shift from a “warrior” mindset to one rooted in acceptance, adaptability, and long-term self-care. Ultimately, this episode offers a hopeful, realistic perspective: that thriving with arthritis isn’t about pushing harder, it’s about finding what works for your body and building a life alongside it, not in spite of it.
Episode at a glance:
01:27 Jamie’s Diagnosis Journey

05:41 Processing The Reality Online

07:05 Gender And Community Support

11:50 From Isolation To Teaching

19:12 Why Accessibility Matters

22:59 Adaptations And Safer Strength

31:58 Interoception Explained

33:23 Proprioception and Arthritis

36:02 When Awareness Becomes Sensitivity

36:57 Progression Beyond Rehab Sheets

39:55 Progressive Overload in Flares

42:45 Just Right Challenge

43:09 Accessible Training Tools

45:47 Acceptance and Thriving

48:58 Community and Uncertainty
Medical disclaimer:
All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Episode Sponsors
Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr
March 26Rheumer Has It: Myths and Misconceptions About Arthritis Research: What Patients Should Know
Together, we walk through how to find reputable research, what “peer-reviewed” really means, and why one exciting study doesn’t equal a proven treatment. Dr. Li also explains key concepts like plain language summaries, the hierarchy of evidence, and how to spot common traps like cherry-picking data or misleading headlines.
Our goal on this episode is to give you some practical tools so you can feel more confident, informed, and supported in your health decisions. Because learning how to interpret research helps you build realistic, evidence-based hope that actually serves you long-term.
Episode at a glance:
Why “doing your own research” can feel empowering, but also confusing without the right tools

Trusted places to start when looking for arthritis information (so you’re not relying on random posts or headlines)

What “peer-reviewed research” means in plain language

How plain language summaries make research more accessible (and why to look for them)

Why not everything published in a journal is high-quality (and what “predatory journals” are)

The truth about “one study says…” and why science is built over time

What cherry-picking data looks like—and how it can lead to misleading conclusions

The difference between correlation and causation (and why it matters for treatment decisions)

Red flags to watch for when you see bold claims online

Simple ways to feel more confident evaluating research, without necessarily needing a science degree
Medical disclaimer:
All content found on Arthritis Life public channels (including Rheumer Has It) was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Episode Sponsors
Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
35 min
March 19What’s it Like to be on Methotrexate for Autoimmune Arthritis? (Encore Episode)
They also reflect on how they’ve navigated the ups and downs of chronic illness life and share how grief and joy can co-exist. They also highlight the importance of finding a supportive community with shared experiences. They also discuss their choices around how much to share on social media about their experiences.
Paulina, Jenny, Ali, and Ananthi each share wisdom that has guided them along this nonlinear journey; encouraging self-care, advocating, celebrating small victories, and approaching life one day at a time. They conclude with a discussion about how to balance acceptance and adapting with a “fixing” mindset.
Episode at a glance:
Methotrexate and treatment plans: what’s changed and what’s stayed the same?

Pregnancy and medication decisions: Jenny and Cheryl discuss how their pregnancies affected their treatments, as methotrexate is unsafe during pregnancy

The impact of a supportive community: the panel reflects on how important it’s been to find others who “get it”

The coexistence of joy and grief: the panel reflects on how important it is to make space for both joy and grief

Coping toolbox: each panelists shares what’s in her coping toolbox, including reflections on how living “one day at a time” helps cope with unpredictability

Balancing Chronic Illness and Identity: Some participants share the challenge of balancing their identity with chronic illness. They expressed the importance of finding a balance between addressing health needs and living a full life.

Social Media and Mental Health: The discussion touched on the impact of social media on mental health. Participants shared their experiences of navigating online spaces, stressing the need to set boundaries and avoid being consumed by the negativity that can sometimes arise.

Acceptance and Adaptation: The conversation delved into the journey of acceptance and adaptation to life with chronic illness. Participants shared personal strategies for navigating challenges, such as making choices that enable a better quality of life and adjusting plans based on energy levels
Medical disclaimer:
All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Episode Sponsors
Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 hr 16 min
March 12Building a Healthier Relationship with Food while Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (with Dietitian Cristina Montoya)
Cristina and Cheryl also discuss Cristina’s new GLOW framework: Grow gut diversity, Lower inflammation, Optimize energy, and Work with your body compassionately. The conversation also covers gut health, the risks of overly restrictive diets, mindful eating, and how to aim for progress over perfection, even on flare days.
Episode at a glance:
02:02 Diagnosis and Acceptance

05:25 Medications Plus Lifestyle

06:48 Why Cristina Became a Dietitian

13:59 GLOW Framework Explained

29:16 Defining Gut Health

36:10 Healing Your Food Relationship

38:20 Why Restriction Backfires

40:05 Mindful Treats and Less Stress

41:37 Sustainable Habits Over Time

43:01 Progress Over Perfection

43:49 Shifting Priorities with Illness

49:12 Living a Good Life with RA

51:43 Where to Find Cristina’s Spanish Podcast
Medical disclaimer:
All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Episode Sponsors
Rheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
55 min
March 05RA, Cancer, and Starting Over: Yasmin’s Story of Resilience
Yasmin also shares what it was like to navigate multiple major health crises at once, including serious GI symptoms and an unexpected breast cancer diagnosis, and how it all impacted her mental health and anxiety. Together, Cheryl and Yasmin explore the tools that helped her cope and rebuild: therapy (CBT/talking therapy), journaling, poetry, mindfulness, support groups, pacing, and learning to advocate for herself.
Yasmin’s message is clear and hopeful: life may change after diagnosis, but it doesn’t end. You can still pursue dreams, create meaning, and build a full, beautiful life.
Episode at a glance:
01:43 Misdiagnosis Then RA

03:32 Lockdown Flare And Meds

04:34 Why Early Treatment Matters

09:55 Breast Cancer Diagnosis

15:46 Therapy Journaling And Art

21:02 Support Groups And Pacing

24:52 Self Compassion And Boundaries

26:56 Learning Self Advocacy

30:24 Pushing for Imaging

33:48 Handling Dismissal
Medical disclaimer:
All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Episode Sponsors
Rheum to THRIVE,
an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected.
See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
50 min

About Arthritis Life

From the publisher's feed

Arthritis life features real patient stories, expert advice, life hacks and more to help you feel more empowered and less alone. Host Cheryl Crow shares her insights from both as a rheumatoid arthritis patient for over twenty years and as an occupational therapist, a health profession that focuses on empowering people with health challenges to function in their daily lives.