Calling In Sick

This week on Calling in Sick, we’re diving deep into a condition that’s often misunderstood, minimized, or completely missed: endometriosis. I’m joined by the wonderful Autumn Weimann (@grlwithbangs)—naturopathic doctor (@period.prep), clean beauty founder (@Banginhair.shop), and advocate for body-literate healing.

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Hey sweet friends—no full episode this week, just a short 10-minute update from me. Between a rough IVIG reaction, an unexpected ER trip, and a literal attempted home invasion (yes, really), I’m throwing it back to a past episodes: Processing Your Chronic Illness—because wow, I need to listen to this one this week too!!

This week on Calling in Sick, I’m diving into something that doesn’t get talked about enough: the identity shift that happens when you're living with a chronic illness — whether you have an official diagnosis or not.

There’s a specific kind of grief that comes from realizing you're no longer the person you once were.

The person who had endless energy.

The person who didn’t have to think twice about plans, goals, or dreams.

The person who didn’t wonder, "Do I look sick enough for people to take me seriously?"

In this solo episode, I’m opening up about:

💭 How chronic illness impacts your sense of self (even before a diagnosis)

⚡ Why comparison — to others and to your old self — can feel so brutal

🩺 The silent pressure to “look” sick enough for care

🧠 How processing a chronic illness mirrors the stages of grief

📚 Plus: My tips, tricks, and personal mindset shifts that have helped me find myself again

If you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, "I don’t even recognize my life anymore," — this one’s for you. You are not alone in this identity shift. You are not broken. You are just becoming someone new.

Thanks for Calling in Sick with me again — xx, Alex 💛

💬 Comment: What’s been the hardest part of your chronic illness identity shift? What part of your “old” self do you miss — and what new part of you are you starting to love?

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick!

00:02:01 Alex's Picks of The Week (Mayfair Group Sweat Suits, Intelligent Change 5 Minute Gratitude Journal)

00:04:02 One Brain Cell Segment: Below Deck

00:06:25 Processing your identity with a chronic illness intro

00:12:11 Post-Diagnosis Prioritization

00:19:46 The Challenges of Shifting Identity with Chronic Illness

00:28:31 My Tips for Handling the Identity Shift

00:45:41 My NUMBER ONE Tip for Handling the Identity Shift

00:48:01 Thank You for Listening!

Thank you to our sponsors this week:

*Lifeboost - Visit www.lifeboostcoffee.com/?ref=ALEXANDRAWILDESON and use code ALEXANDRA10 for 10% off your order for a healthier coffee experience – decaf included – you’ll love.

Alex's Picks of the Week:

*Mayfair Group - Visit http://go.shopmy.us/p-16514050 and use code Alexandra15 for 15% off

*Intelligent Change - Visit https://www.intelligentchange.com/ALEXANDRA10 and use code Alexandra10 for 10% off at checkout

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This week on Calling in Sick, we’re tackling something that makes every chronic illness patient’s life harder—medical bills. The system is confusing, overwhelming, and expensive—and let’s be real, most of us just swipe our card and hope for the best. But what if I told you that hospitals and insurance companies are overcharging you—constantly? That’s why I’m sitting down with Daniel Lynch, co-founder of Medical Billing Gurus, to break down:

💰 The #1 mistake people make when they get a medical bill

🚨 How to fight back against surprise charges & denials

📉 How to negotiate your bill (yes, you CAN lower it!)

🧾 Why the same procedure can cost $500 or $5,000—depending on who’s paying

If you’ve ever looked at a medical bill and thought, WTF is this?, this episode is for you. Knowledge is power—and this conversation will help you pick the right insurance plan for you, and potentially save you thousands.

Have you ever fought a medical bill and won? Drop your story in the comments or DM me on IG (@callinginsickpod)!

As always, sending love!xx,Alex

Timestamps:

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Alex’s Picks of the Week: UPDATE

• ABC: https://flagship.shop/alexandrawildeson/products-v2/231581

• ABC: https://go.shopmy.us/p-12706973

#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #medicalinsurance #medicalconditions #healthinsurance #medicalbillingservices #medicalbilling #medicalbillingcompany #healthinsuranceexplained

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In this week’s episode of Calling in Sick, I share my how-to guide on navigating travel with a chronic illness. Travel is supposed to be a relaxing and enjoyable break from “real life,” but when you’re dealing with a chronic illness, it can be incredibly overwhelming. From anxiety about how “able” you are, to internalized pressure on having the “perfect” get away, and realizing the impact of brain fog on planning… you are not alone in these worries! Not to forget the mental gymnastics of battling guilt for being stressed! If you want your next trip to go a bit smoother, look no further! Tune in to this week’s episode to hear what you need to pack in your suitcase versus your carry on and my top 5 most important things to travel with. You’ll leave this episode feeling more prepared and less anxious for your next trip. And as always, thanks for joining me for another Monday of Calling in Sick!

xx,

Alex

Timestamps:

00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick!

Stay connected and follow social:

• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/

• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod

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#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #callinginsick #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #flareup #traveling #chronicillness

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What do I know for sure about chronic illness, you ask?? Literally NONE of it makes sense. As someone who’s been sick for 25 years, you think I would have it all perfectly figured out - what triggers me, what medications work for me, how to talk about my illness with other people - but NOPE, a lot of the time chronic illness still feels a bit like a mystery to me, so how are other people, especially those without chronic illness, supposed to get it??

From flare ups that appear out of nowhere to “doing everything right” and still getting knocked down, this episode dives into the chaos and contradictions of living with chronic illness.

What I get into this week:

⚠️ How this past week’s flare up has totally rocked me and what’s next

🤕 My TOP 4 reasons that chronic illnesses just don’t make sense!

⛔️ The different things “flare up” can mean

📝 How I remind myself what healing a chronic disease really means 

xx,

💬 Comment: What’s something about your chronic illness that makes zero sense — but you’ve learned to live with anyway? Drop it below!

TIMESTAMPS:

Intro:

00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick!

00:00:44 Life catchup + what we are talking about this week

00:04:10 Alex’s Picks of the week (Conrad compression socks, Cadence travel containers)

4 Reasons Chronic Illnesses make NO sense:

00:07:01 The unpredictability of chronic illness

00:11:44 Why we can’t compare ourselves to other people (even if they have the same disease!!)

00:15:33 Why it feels like nobody fully understands chronic illness 

00:16:20 How I define a flare-up

00:19:57 The goal of healing a chronic illness

Conclusion:

00:24:51 One Brain Cell Show: Wife Swap: The Real Housewives Edition (Bravo)

00:26:45 Thank you for listening!

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Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/

Alex’s Picks of the Week:

The items that that are a must have for your go-bag (hospitals, infusions and travel)!

✨Comrad compression socks - https://go.shopmy.us/p-28820619

— use “ALEXWILDESON20” for 20% off at checkout!!

✨Cadence travel containers - https://go.shopmy.us/p-29547777

#ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneLife #InvisibleIllness #ChronicIllnessWarrior #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #SpoonieCommunity #ChronicPain #ChronicIllnessAwareness #MentalHealthMatters #HealingJourney #ChronicIllnessDoesntMakeSense #DisabilityAwareness #LifeWithChronicIllness #ChronicPainRelief #FightingFatigue #SpoonieSupport #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson #BrainFog #FlareUp #InvisibleDisability #AutoimmuneDisease #HealthJourney #WellnessMindset #SelfCareRoutine #HealingNotCured #ChronicIllnessAcceptance #RestIsProductive #ChronicWarrior #UnpredictableBody #MindBodyHealth #SpoonieTips #AutoimmuneCommunity  #ChronicIllnessSupport

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I girlbossed too close to the sun 😵‍💫 (forcing a flare for diagnostics + having a little too much fun!!) — so I’m calling in sick for real this week and giving my body the rest it needs. While I take a breather (and a heating pad nap), I’m revisiting one of my all-time favorite episodes.

This conversation with Dr. Zachary Spiritos, a neuro-gastro-immunologist and advocate for women’s health, changed the way I think about medicine, bias, and being believed.

We talk about why so many women’s symptoms are dismissed, how to actually advocate for yourself in appointments, and what invisible illness really means. If you’ve ever been told “it’s all in your head” — this episode is your reminder that it’s not.

What we cover:

Whether you’re fighting to be taken seriously, learning to listen to your body, or just craving validation that you’re not alone — this one still hits.

Thanks for Calling in Sick with us 💛

Comment: What’s one thing you wish more doctors understood about women’s health?

TIMESTAMPS: 

Intro

00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! 

00:02:15 Alex’s Picks Of the Week (IB Guard, Magnesium) 

My Interview with Dr. Spiritos

00:03:45 Meet Dr. Zachary Spiritos & understanding neuro-gastro-immunology 

00:24:48 Where the disparity in women’s health comes from

00:29:00 The reality of medical gaslighting and how to respond 

00:44:33 How to advocate for yourself in appointments, and have success!

Final Thoughts

00:47:34 What’s next for Dr. Zachary Spiritos 

00:55:00 Dr. Zachary’s final recommendations

00:57:25 Thank you for listening!!! 

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Alex’s Picks of the Week:

This week's picks are for all my friends whose tummy hurts!!

✨IB Guard — ⁠ https://amzn.to/47nlDSC

✨Pure Encapsulation (Magnesium Supplementation) — ⁠ https://amzn.to/47nlHlk

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#podcast #podcastclips #chronicillness #autoimmunedisease #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #spoonielife #HealthJourney #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #MedicalJourney#DisabilityAwareness #SurvivalMode #IdentityShift #medicalgaslighting #womenshealth #zachspiritos#neurology #gastroenterology #immunology #selfadvocacy #medicalbias

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After 25 years, I’m still constantly wondering if my childhood diagnosis is even right, which has a LOT of implications. Like am I taking the right meds, am I seeing the right doctors, why am I not feeling better. So when my doctors offered a *potential* way to get a more definitive answer, I was quick to say HELL YES…even though that meant literally making myself flare up. In this episode of Calling in Sick, I get real about what it’s like to go off your meds to try get that final, definitive answer.

This week I talk about:

The TL;DR? After spending most of my life living in the grey without a clear diagnosis, I’m letting logic take a backseat to hope. If you’ve ever felt like a detective in your own body, chasing every clue and doing whatever it takes to uncover the truth, I think you’ll like this episode.

As always, sending my love.

xx,

Comment: Would you ever go off your meds to get a clearer diagnosis, or is that totally off limits? Drop your thoughts in the comments!!! I am dying to know if I’m the only one who would give a hell yes to this madness…

TIMESTAMP:

Intro:

00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick!!

00:01:10 What today’s episode is really about

00:03:05 Alex’s Picks (Our Place Cookware Set, Zevo Fruit Fly Trap)

I Forced the Flare:

00:05:18 What made me force a flare up

00:12:21 The real reason I said yes

00:23:30 All of this may be for…nothing

Conclusion:

00:26:11 One Brain Cell Show: Is it Cake? (Netflix)

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Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/

Alex’s Picks of the Week:

This week’s picks are coming straight from my house to yours - 2 of my current favorite nontoxic house items!!

✨Our Place Cookware Set - https://go.shopmy.us/p-28091714

✨ Zevo Flying Insect Trap - https://go.shopmy.us/p-27239252

#CallingInSickPodcast #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllness #InvisibleIllness #AutoimmuneLife #ChronicPainCommunity #HealthJourney #FlareUp #LupusWarrior #MixedConnectiveTissueDisease #PrednisoneTaper #SpoonieHumor  #PatientAdvocate #SpoonieLife #ChronicFatigue #BrainFog #SpoonTheory #ChronicIllnessAwareness #ChronicLife #HealthPodcast #ChronicIllnessPodcast #DisabilityAwareness #AlexWildeson #ChronicIllnessSupport #WellnessPodcast #SpoonieStories  #MedicalMystery #HealthAnxiety #IBDWarrior #AutoimmuneAwareness #PatientExperience  #LivingWithIllness #SpoonieStruggles #DiagnosisJourney

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This week on Calling in Sick, I sit down with Oli Mittermaier, Co-Founder of CIT clinics, to unpack how ketamine therapy is reshaping treatment for mental health and chronic pain. When we hear ketamine therapy, most of us have an immediate reaction: you might feel like it’s taboo and all you can think about is “drugs are BAD,” perhaps you’ve tried Ketamine therapy and it had a life changing impact on your health, or maybe you are genuinely curious what it is and how it can be used in a clinical setting and if you are a good candidate for it. No matter where you are coming from, if you listen with a bit of an open-mind, this episode is for you!  

This week we dive into:

Tune in for a mind-expanding discussion!

xx,

💬 Comment: What’s one therapy, practice, or experience that actually surprised you in your healing journey?

TIMESTAMP:

Intro:

00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick!

00:00:07 What prompted me to try Ketamine therapy + my experience

00:07:21 Preconceived notions of Ketamine

00:10:19 Alex’s Picks (Relief Pack, CBD Living Roll-on)

An Introduction to Ketamine Therapy:

00:12:10 Meet Ali Mittermaier - Oli’s story with Ketamine therapy

00:20:22 Mental health is more than just symptoms and a diagnosis

00:35:28 Oli’s 10 Non-Negotiatibles of Well-Being

00:41:26 Not every Ketamine therapy experience is equal

00:49:33 What Ketamine actually does to the brain + how it makes you feel

00:01:08 The future of Ketamine

01:10:46 How to know if you’re a good candidate 

01:17:17 How to get involved even if you aren’t ready to try Ketamine therapy or do it somewhere different

Conclusion:

01:17:17 Oli’s One Brain Cell Show & my One Brain Cell Show (Kurzgesagt)

00:38:22 Thank you for listening!

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Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/

Alex’s Picks of the Week

My favorite 2 items that are always available for me

✨Relief Pack — https://www.releafpack.com/product-page/rock-on

— 6ANN gives you a 25% discount at checkout!

✨CBD Living Roll-On — https://cbdliving.com/products/cbd-roll-on-freeze-1500-mg

— I use the 1,500 mg CBD Roll-On Freeze

#KetamineTherapy #PsychedelicMedicine #MentalHealthAwareness #ChronicPainRelief #Neuroplasticity #TraumaHealing #MindBodyConnection #CITClinics #HealingJourney #YouAreNotYourDiagnosis #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson #SpoonieSupport #AnxietyHelp #DepressionRecovery #SelfCompassion #MindfulnessPractice #BrainHealth #PsychedelicHealing #AlternativeTherapies #HolisticHealth #IntegrativeMedicine #HealingFromWithin #ResilienceBuilding #KetamineForPTSD #ChronicPainCommunity #MentalHealthPodcast #TraumaInformedCare #NeuroscienceOfHealing #StressRelief #WellnessPodcast #InnerPeace #ReframingHealing #HealingTrauma #AgencyOverAnxiety #MentalHealthInnovation #KetamineJourney #CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson

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In this week’s episode of Calling in Sick, I’m opening up about how being “a pleasure to have in class” growing up has morphed into a deep need to be a PERFECT patient!!! I share how I try get my therapist to laugh during appointments like I’m some stand-up comedian and why I love to hear “your so tough” like I’m a Navy Seal.

The reality is that the clash of this constant need to people please mixed with my chronic illnesses has led me to….lie to my doctors. I come clean on the extents I’ve gone through to be perfect, how it’s backfired, and answer the subsequent, polarizing question: is it ever OK to lie to your doctor?

Plus, I drop my TOP 3 TIPS for breaking free from “perfect patient” mode. If you’ve ever downplayed symptoms, performed for a laugh mid-appointment, or craved your provider’s approval… you’re not alone, and we can quit this very sick game together. So here’s to us, becoming not so perfect!

xx,

💬 Comment: Have you ever downplayed symptoms or lied to your doctor to seem like the ‘perfect patient’? Drop your confession below 

TIMESTAMP:

Intro:

00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick!

00:24:00 Clinical Study Update & The Surprise I pulled off this week!!!

The Perfect Patient Trap & How to Escape it:

00:05:06 Qualities of a people-pleasing, perfect patient

00:06:03 Why I NEED to be the perfection patient

00:08:14 My recovery from people-pleasing

00:14:30 A story of how I lied to my doctor

00:16:55 3 tips to challenge your desire to be the perfect patient

00:19:20 Your permission to be imperfect

Conclusion:

00:20:20 Alex’s Picks of the Week (Los Angeles Apparel, Soludos)

00:22:51 One Brain Cell Pick…for spooky season! (Haunted Hotel - Netflix)

00:25:18 Thanks for Calling in Sick with me!

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Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/

Alex’s Picks of the Week:

In honor of reminiscing this week for Saint Cooper’s birthday, here are my nostalgic picks for you!!

✨Los Angeles Apparel - https://go.shopmy.us/p-25899517

✨Soludos - go.shopmy.us/p-27019178

#CallingInSickPodcast #AlexWildeson #PerfectPatient #ChronicIllness #SpoonieSupport #SpoonieCommunity #ChronicLife #AutoimmuneDisease #InvisibleIllness #PeoplePleasing #PatientAdvocacy #MedicalGaslighting #HealthcareTips #DoctorVisits  #PatientEmpowerment #LyingToYourDoctor #MentalHealthMatters #ChronicPain #PatientStories #DoctorOfficeConfessions #RadicalAcceptance #AccountabilityMatters #TraumaHealing #TherapyHumor #PrednisoneLife #FlareUps #ChronicFatigue #IBD #InvisibleDisabilities #SpoonieSisters #HealthEquity #SelfAdvocacy #HonestPatient #PeoplePleaserRecovery  #HealthBoundaries

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Is “gut health” just another buzzy wellness trend, OR is it a real component of chronic illness that we may be able to change?? In this episode of Calling in Sick, I sit down with Dr. Stephanie Culler, microbiome PhD, cancer researcher, and co-founder/CEO of Persephone Biosciences, to cut through the hype and bring you the real Gut Microbiome 101.

Intro:

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