Broken But Still Breathing

Send us Fan Mail

Anxiety today, flare tomorrow?

Have you ever had a day when you are suddenly snappy, overwhelmed, or hopelessly down for no clear reason, only to end up in a massive physical flare 24 hours later? Is your Oura ring screaming at you to slow down, take a pause, and rest today? You and your ring are not being dramatic, and you are not losing your mind.

In this short episode of Broken, But Still Breathing, we are framing mood shifts as your body's early warning system. Learn how pro-inflammatory cytokines cross the blood-brain barrier before physical pain spikes, why your irritability might just save you from a major crash, and how to use your "salty brain" to take proactive care.

We are not doctors, just two chronic illness patients sharing our perspective, lived experience, and the ins and outs of navigating this journey.

Connect with Jen: https://www.instagram.com/jenthegracefuladvocate/?__pwa=1

Connect with Stasha: https://www.instagram.com/tenaciousinme/?__pwa=1

Join the Rheumatoid Arthritis Connect Group: connectgroups.arthritis.org/groups/rheumatoid-arthritis

Use code Gracefully_Jen for 20% off compression gloves with her affiliate link:

 https://www.graceandable.com/GRACEFULLY_JEN

Send us Fan Mail

Surviving Back-to-School Germs

Jen shares a practical, compassionate survival guide for parents facing the seasonal wave of school germs, especially when chronic illness makes every cold feel much bigger. This episode focuses on protecting your household without trying to create a bubble, and on letting go of guilt when sickness inevitably comes home.  In this episode:

• Jen frames back-to-school season as the annual “petri dish” cycle that many families know too well, especially those managing chronic illness.

• She explains why a standard school cold can become a major setback for a parent with a vulnerable immune system.

• She recommends an entryway “decontamination zone” with shoes off at the door, immediate handwashing, and keeping school-touch surfaces from spreading germs through the house.

• She suggests a clothing swap after school in high-flare or immune-compromised situations, with school clothes going straight into the hamper.

• She emphasizes practical kid-friendly handwashing routines, including making it fun and aiming for a full 20 seconds.

• She shares a “snugs over scrubs” approach when a child is sick—prioritize cuddles, hydration, and rest over household perfection.

• She offers low-pressure ways to comfort a sick child while protecting yourself, including masks or a blanket barrier.

• She encourages parents not to push themselves to 0% when caring for a sick kid, and to rest alongside them when possible.

• She addresses the emotional side of illness at home, reminding listeners that getting sick is not a parenting failure.

• She closes with preparedness advice: stock teas, emergency medications, disinfecting wipes, and freezer pops before illness starts.

We are not doctors, just two chronic illness patients sharing our perspective, lived experience, and the ins and outs of navigating this journey.

Connect with Jen: https://www.instagram.com/jenthegracefuladvocate/?__pwa=1

Connect with Stasha: https://www.instagram.com/tenaciousinme/?__pwa=1

Join the Rheumatoid Arthritis Connect Group: connectgroups.arthritis.org/groups/rheumatoid-arthritis

Use code Gracefully_Jen for 20% off compression gloves with her affiliate link:

 https://www.graceandable.com/GRACEFULLY_JEN

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of Broken But Still Breathing, Jen dives into the chaos of back-to-school season through the lens of chronic illness parenting. With humor, honesty, and plenty of practical advice, she shares how to protect your energy, delegate what you can, and build a school-year survival plan that actually works when your body doesn’t cooperate.

From setting radical priorities and creating a family “launch pad” by the door to stocking a flare-up survival kit and arranging a carpool tag team, this conversation is packed with realistic strategies for getting through the school year without burning out. Jenni also speaks directly to the quiet guilt many parents carry, offering a compassionate reminder that your kids don’t need perfection — they need you.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the pressure to do it all while managing your health, this episode will leave you feeling understood, encouraged, and a little more prepared for the road ahead.

Help support Stasha and Micah: https://gofund.me/4bb9665d7

We are not doctors, just two chronic illness patients sharing our perspective, lived experience, and the ins and outs of navigating this journey.

Connect with Jen: https://www.instagram.com/jenthegracefuladvocate/?__pwa=1

Connect with Stasha: https://www.instagram.com/tenaciousinme/?__pwa=1

Join the Rheumatoid Arthritis Connect Group: connectgroups.arthritis.org/groups/rheumatoid-arthritis

Use code Gracefully_Jen for 20% off compression gloves with her affiliate link:

 https://www.graceandable.com/GRACEFULLY_JEN

Send us Fan Mail

Broken But Still Breathing with Liv Loo

Jen sits down with Liv, owner of MoveToLiv, for a candid conversation about chronic illness, movement, burnout, and the pressure that comes with being seen as a “warrior.” Liv shares how growing up with rheumatoid arthritis and uveitis shaped her approach to adaptable movement, while Jen opens up about medication changes, self-advocacy, and the realities of living with an unpredictable body. We discuss what it really means to support disabled and chronically ill people well, why asking what someone needs matters more than labeling them, and how both women protect their energy while still showing up for their communities.

Key topics

• Liv Loo shares her background as the founder of MoveToLiv and explains how she creates adaptable movement for people with chronic illness, autoimmune conditions, and mental health challenges.
• Liv talks about being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at age 4 and uveitis at age 8, and how those experiences shaped her empathy and relationship with movement.
• Jen shares her own recent weight loss journey, including losing 68 pounds, and the tradeoff of losing strength and muscle in the process.
• The conversation explores the “warrior” label, including why it can feel affirming to some people and deeply pressuring or toxic to others.
• Liv explains how being viewed as a warrior can create an expectation to keep showing up, helping others, and staying inspirational even when she is exhausted or flaring.
• Both women talk about the importance of asking people how they want support rather than assuming that encouragement, advice, or labels will help.
• Jen shares her experience with medication changes, including pausing methotrexate around her grandson’s visit to reduce infection risk, and Liv discusses being on the same biologic for 19 years.
• Liv describes how she has decentered her rheumatoid arthritis from the center of her identity, keeping it as one part of who she is rather than the whole story.
• The episode gets practical about burnout, saying no, asking for more time, and recognizing when a project, partnership, or responsibility no longer fits your body or capacity.
• The conversation closes on “broken but still breathing” as a lens for grief, healing, resilience, and trusting that being in the middle of the mess still counts as survival.

https://www.instagram.com/movetoliv?igsi=MTdkZGU3aHhsYXZ1ag==

We are not doctors, just two chronic illness patients sharing our perspective, lived experience, and the ins and outs of navigating this journey.

Connect with Jen: https://www.instagram.com/jenthegracefuladvocate/?__pwa=1

Connect with Stasha: https://www.instagram.com/tenaciousinme/?__pwa=1

Join the Rheumatoid Arthritis Connect Group: connectgroups.arthritis.org/groups/rheumatoid-arthritis

Use code Gracefully_Jen for 20% off compression gloves with her affiliate link:

 https://www.graceandable.com/GRACEFULLY_JEN

Send us Fan Mail

Discover essential strategies for maintaining your energy as a Spoonie by setting respectful boundaries. This episode emphasizes mindful self-care, communication techniques, and the importance of emotional recovery to foster safety and balance.

• The concept of energy as a non-renewable resource and why protecting it matters

• Practical steps for recognizing current energy levels before commitments

• The three-second energy check-in: identifying tension and assessing task value

• The kindness, clarity, and closure framework for saying no effectively

• Reframing boundaries as guidelines, not walls, to support emotional safety

• Recognizing relationships that drain energy and how to practice gentle deprioritization

• The importance of self-compassion when enforcing boundaries and releasing toxic connections

• Weekly boundary action: start small, notice energy gains, and reinforce your limits

We are not doctors, just two chronic illness patients sharing our perspective, lived experience, and the ins and outs of navigating this journey.

Connect with Jen: https://www.instagram.com/jenthegracefuladvocate/?__pwa=1

Connect with Stasha: https://www.instagram.com/tenaciousinme/?__pwa=1

Join the Rheumatoid Arthritis Connect Group: connectgroups.arthritis.org/groups/rheumatoid-arthritis

Use code Gracefully_Jen for 20% off compression gloves with her affiliate link:

 https://www.graceandable.com/GRACEFULLY_JEN

Send us Fan Mail

Discover how to identify and cultivate safe spaces that truly understand and support the unique experiences of living with chronic illness. Learn practical tools for evaluating support groups, online communities, and friendships to protect your energy and foster genuine connection. In this episode:

• Red flags to watch for that drain your energy in support communities

• Green flags indicating a nourishing and validating environment

• How to evaluate whether a support space is truly safe

• Tips for finding or creating your own supportive community

• The importance of specific searches and leveraging online platforms

• Practical steps for testing and building nourishing relationships

We are not doctors, just two chronic illness patients sharing our perspective, lived experience, and the ins and outs of navigating this journey.

Connect with Jen: https://www.instagram.com/jenthegracefuladvocate/?__pwa=1

Connect with Stasha: https://www.instagram.com/tenaciousinme/?__pwa=1

Join the Rheumatoid Arthritis Connect Group: connectgroups.arthritis.org/groups/rheumatoid-arthritis

Use code Gracefully_Jen for 20% off compression gloves with her affiliate link:

 https://www.graceandable.com/GRACEFULLY_JEN

Send us Fan Mail

Discover practical ways to create emotional safety within yourself, especially if you're managing chronic health challenges. This episode emphasizes the importance of tuning into your body's signals and cultivating inner peace to support your overall well-being.

• Understanding the concept of emotional safety and its connection to physical safety

• How to listen to and interpret your body's cues for yes and no

• Simple techniques like breathing exercises to ground yourself and identify emotional signals

• The importance of honoring your inner responses without judgment

• Building a peaceful inner space as a foundation for external support systems

• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

We are not doctors, just two chronic illness patients sharing our perspective, lived experience, and the ins and outs of navigating this journey.

Connect with Jen: https://www.instagram.com/jenthegracefuladvocate/?__pwa=1

Connect with Stasha: https://www.instagram.com/tenaciousinme/?__pwa=1

Join the Rheumatoid Arthritis Connect Group: connectgroups.arthritis.org/groups/rheumatoid-arthritis

Use code Gracefully_Jen for 20% off compression gloves with her affiliate link:

 https://www.graceandable.com/GRACEFULLY_JEN

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode, Jen and Stasha discuss the challenging experience of fatigue, common RA symptoms, and practical tools to manage daily life. They explore the concept of the spoon theory, share useful gadgets, and highlight the importance of peer support and self-care strategies.

This show offers practical insights into managing RA symptoms, emphasizing self-awareness, community, and adaptive tools to maintain independence.

We are not doctors, just two chronic illness patients sharing our perspective, lived experience, and the ins and outs of navigating this journey.

Connect with Jen: https://www.instagram.com/jenthegracefuladvocate/?__pwa=1

Connect with Stasha: https://www.instagram.com/tenaciousinme/?__pwa=1

Join the Rheumatoid Arthritis Connect Group: connectgroups.arthritis.org/groups/rheumatoid-arthritis

Use code Gracefully_Jen for 20% off compression gloves with her affiliate link:

 https://www.graceandable.com/GRACEFULLY_JEN

Send us Fan Mail

Living with a chronic illness involves more than just physical symptoms; it requires resilience, advocacy, and understanding. In this episode, Jen and Stasha share their personal journeys, coping strategies, and practical advice for managing health challenges, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy and mental resilience.

This episode offers insight into the emotional and practical realities of living with chronic illness, empowering listeners to take control, advocate for themselves, and find humor amid the struggles.

We are not doctors, just two chronic illness patients sharing our perspective, lived experience, and the ins and outs of navigating this journey.

Connect with Jen: https://www.instagram.com/jenthegracefuladvocate/?__pwa=1

Connect with Stasha: https://www.instagram.com/tenaciousinme/?__pwa=1

Join the Rheumatoid Arthritis Connect Group: connectgroups.arthritis.org/groups/rheumatoid-arthritis

Use code Gracefully_Jen for 20% off compression gloves with her affiliate link:

 https://www.graceandable.com/GRACEFULLY_JEN

Send us Fan Mail

Chronic illness doesn’t always look like a comeback story. Sometimes it looks like trying to get through the day with a body that feels glitchy, a calendar full of appointments, and a brain that’s doing math on symptoms you can’t fully explain. We’re Jen and Stasha, and we’re inviting you into our waiting room where the humor is dark, the stories are real, and the goal is simple: feel less alone in the messy middle of disability and chronic disease.

We start by introducing ourselves and pulling back the curtain on our medical charts. We talk about the “uninvited guests” that have shaped our lives, including anxiety and panic, rheumatoid arthritis, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, PCOS, Sjogren’s, endometriosis, inflammatory neuropathy, familial hypercholesterolemia, alopecia areata, osteopenia, psoriasis, and osteoarthritis. We also name a feeling many listeners will recognize: getting a diagnosis can be both relieving and infuriating, because answers bring validation, but they also bring a new kind of grief and a long list of “what now.”

From there, we dig into the bigger picture of women’s health. Why does autoimmune disease so often pile up? How much does stress and the pressure to “do it all” affect our bodies? And what happens when we’re taught to treat discomfort as private, especially when period pain gets dismissed as normal even when it’s a sign of something bigger like PCOS or endometriosis?

If you’ve ever felt minimized, gaslit, or just exhausted by the whole system, you’ll hear yourself in this conversation. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs it, and leave a review so more people can find the waiting room. What’s one symptom you wish someone had taken seriously sooner?

We are not doctors, just two chronic illness patients sharing our perspective, lived experience, and the ins and outs of navigating this journey.

Connect with Jen: https://www.instagram.com/jenthegracefuladvocate/?__pwa=1

Connect with Stasha: https://www.instagram.com/tenaciousinme/?__pwa=1

Join the Rheumatoid Arthritis Connect Group: connectgroups.arthritis.org/groups/rheumatoid-arthritis

Use code Gracefully_Jen for 20% off compression gloves with her affiliate link:

 https://www.graceandable.com/GRACEFULLY_JEN