Calling In Sick

This week on Calling in Sick, I’m joined by the one and only Dr. Karan Rajan (@dr-karan-explores) — NHS surgeon, educator, and one of the most trusted voices cutting through health misinformation on TikTok. This episode is all about the emotional and medical consequences of constant dismissal and gaslighting — especially for women and people with chronic illness. When you’re told “it’s just anxiety” over and over again, it’s no wonder so many patients turn to the internet in search of answers. And unfortunately? The internet doesn’t always get it right.

We’re digging into:

💭 Why “you’re just anxious” has become medicine’s favorite (and a dangerous) catch-all

🧠 How being dismissed by doctors leads patients toward TikTok, Instagram, and wellness rabbit holes

🔍 Why some unlicensed “experts” thrive online — and how to navigate health content without shame or pseudoscience

🗣️ Real advice for self-advocacy at medical appointments

💚 The one thing Dr. Karan wishes medicine had more of

Whether you’ve walked out of a doctor’s office questioning your reality, or found yourself spiraling through symptoms, supplements, and side effects — this episode is your reminder: You’re not alone. You’re not dramatic. You’re not just anxious.

xx,

Alex

This week, let us know... What’s a moment you knew something was wrong — but no one believed you?

TIMESTAMPS: 

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

00:02:40 Alex’s Picks of the Week

00:05:50 Introduction to Dr. Karan Rajan

00:21:15 How being dismissed by doctors leads patients toward TikTok, Instagram, and wellness rabbit holes

00:34:15 Why “you’re just anxious” has become medicine’s favorite (and a dangerous) catch-all

00:44:50 Why some unlicensed “experts” thrive online — and how to navigate health content without shame or pseudoscience

00:54:30 Viral medical misconceptions 

01:12:30 One Brain Cell Shows: The Sandman

01:16:00 Thank you for listening! 

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Alex’s Picks of the Week:

✨Lotus Wei — https://www.lotuswei.com/alexandrawildeson

✨Clevr Strawberry Matcha — https://clevrblends.com/AWILDESON

— AWILDESON for 15% off all orders!!!

✨YumeRest Duvet — https://go.shopmy.us/p-21120056

#podcast #medicalgaslighting #chronicillness #callinginsick #anxietymisdiagnosis #selfadvocacy #healthjourney #doctorstories #alexwildeson #spoonielife #autoimmunedisease #dismissedagain #womenshealth #patientadvocacy #selfadvocacymatters #justanxious #tiktokmedicine #medicalbias #healthmisinformation #callinginsickpodcast

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Welcome back to Calling in Sick — and buckle up because this week? Saint Cooper is back!!! We're calling these the Chaos Episodes™, because that's exactly what it is: one part love story, one part medical update, and several parts unhinged.

This week we’re diving into:

☕️ My caffeine addiction & our beige flags for each other

It’s chaotic, it’s cozy, it’s just what you expect from Calling in Sick. So thanks for hanging with us again — don’t forget to DM us your couch recs and tell us where you stand on the pet insurance debate.

xx,

💬 Comment: What’s your take on pet insurance?!

** GIVEAWAY ON SOCIALS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE HIDDEN DISABILITY SUNFLOWER PROJECT **

Giveaway includes HDS gear + airline gift card! 

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Alex’s Picks of the Week:

✨Grove Co. — https://go.shopmy.us/p-20737557

— ALEXANDRA25 for 25% off all orders +$75!!!

#podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness #SurvivalMode #IdentityShift #medicalgaslighting #womenshealth #selfadvocacy #medicalbias #vasculitis #mixedconnectivetissuedisease #ibd #irritableboweldisease #trauma #ptsd #mentalhealthmatters #findjoy #glimmers #guiltforjoy #endometriosis #lupus #MS #chronicfatiguesyndrome #eds 

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Welcome back to another week of Calling in Sick! The past two episodes were all about setting boundaries with ourselves so we can choose joy more often. And this week? Let’s just say I’m still paying off my Spoonie Jail invoice… and unfortunately, there’s no early release for good behavior. 😅

✨Typology Paris Self-Tanning Trio — https://go.shopmy.us/p-20574989

✨True Botanicals Glow Drops — https://go.shopmy.us/p-20403404

——— Buy at The Detox Market Online and Get 15% off at checkout with code ALEXWILDDETOX15

✨Olive & June Press-On Nails — https://go.shopmy.us/p-15896419

✨Paint by Numbers (Paint Anywhere) — https://go.shopmy.us/p-20403274

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I’m back on the mic this week after a little solo pod pause — and I’m kicking things off with something I’ve been thinking about (and living) a lot lately: joy guilt.

You know that old rule: “If you’re too sick to go to school, you’re too sick to have fun?” Yeah, that one. Turns out, it doesn’t translate to life with chronic illness. But we still carry it — and it quietly shapes how we see ourselves, how we mask, and how we justify joy when we’re supposed to be struggling.

In this episode, I dig into:

You don’t need to earn your joy. You don’t have to be falling apart to rest. You are not required to apologize for your life, your sparkle, or your softness. So f*@k it — I’m having fun. And I hope you will too.

Thanks for Calling in Sick with me 💛

xx,

💬 Comment : Have you ever felt like you had to downplay your joy just to be taken seriously?

TIMESTAMPS:

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! (Baby I’m Back for a SOLO!!)

00:02:55 Alex Life Updates!

00:4:08 Alex’s Picks of the Week! (discount code & links below)

00:6:12 Why does having fun feel WRONG when you’re chronically sick?!

00:11:02 How to shed the guilt we feel when we have fun!

00:14:16 Why it’s important to live a full life, in my humble opinion ;)

00:15:42 My number one tip for spending happy spoons!!

00:19:40 One Brain Cell TV: Conan O’Brian Award Ceremony

00:22:22 LOVE YOU GUYS!

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

Alex’s Picks of the Week:

✨Ursa Major’s Facial Wipes — https://go.shopmy.us/p-19427967

✨Oliva Flora’s Entire Face Care Set — https://go.shopmy.us/p-19668471

———- callinginsick10 for 10% off at checkout!

#podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness #SurvivalMode #IdentityShift #medicalgaslighting #womenshealth #selfadvocacy #medicalbias   #vasculitis #mixedconnectivetissuedisease #ibd #irritableboweldisease #trauma #ptsd #mentalhealthmatters #findjoy #glimmers #guiltforjoy 

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This week on Calling in Sick, I’m joined by the one and only, Sasha Pieterse-Sheaffer — who you might know from her starting role in Pretty Little Liars or Inherent Vice. Today, Sasha spends her time as an actor, podcaster, founder, advocate, and fellow chronic illness warrior. We sat down and talked about her real life plot twist: getting diagnosed with PCOS and epilepsy, navigating autoimmune symptoms, and redefining herself while the world was watching.

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

00:01:44 Alex’s Picks of the Week (Merit, SuperGoop)

00:03:01 Introduction to Sasha Pieterse-Sheaffer (PCOS & epilepsy)

00:10:20 What it was like getting sick in the public eye, without a formal diagnosis

00:34:43 Motherhood, identity shifts, and the “new you” that chronic illness brings

00:49:10 The mantras, mindsets & moments that get her through the hard stuff

01:12:12 Thank you for listening! 

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This week on Calling in Sick, we’re getting grounded, energized, and totally fascinated by the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). I’m joined by Dr. Jennifer Ashby — a TCM doctor at UCSF — to explore the intersection of Eastern and Western care for whole-person healing.

We get into the foundational teachings of TCM, the biggest surprises patients experience when they first try it, and how it’s being used right now in hospital settings like UCSF (yes, really!!).

We also talk:

📣 Why TCM is so much more than acupuncture & herbs

🧠 The reason why TCM doesn’t separate mind, body & spirit

🌊 Micro-changes that have macro impacts to our health

📦 Why what you think impacts how you feel

Whether you’re new to holistic wellness or just tired of treating symptoms without addressing the why — this one’s full of grounding insight, accessible tools, and (as always) a little cozy chaos. Extra benefit... Dr. Ashby is one of the most relaxing humans I've had the pleasure of being around... she is Xanax in human form.

Thanks for Calling In Sick with us 💛

xx,Alex

💬 Comment: Have you ever tried acupuncture, herbs, or any form of Eastern medicine? What was your experience?

TIMESTAMPS:

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

00:02:44 Alex’s Picks of The Week (Four Sigmatic Golden Latte, Coracle Water Bottle)

00:04:04 Welcome Dr. Jennifer Ashby

00:07:10 Dr. Ashby’s approach: Eastern and Western care for whole-person healing

00:32:30 Accessible tools for learning about TCM

00:42:50 Understanding cause and effect in health

00:46:10 Dr. Ashby asks my top 2-3 things for a healthy day

00:49:30 The Epic 8: 8 habits for longevity and well-being

01:07:15 Mastering habit changes for better health

01:13:30 One Brain Cell TV: Joe Coy, White Lotus

01:16:10 LOVE YOU GUYS!

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Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/

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

Alex’s Picks of the Week:

✨Four Sigmatic Golden Latte — https://amzn.to/4dM5LMg

✨Coracle Water Bottle — https://go.shopmy.us/p-18936532

Links from the Episode:

• Lymphatic Class - https://www.dailyom.com/courses/science-based-lymphatic-drainage-rescue/

• Detox Class - https://www.dailyom.com/courses/drain-unhealthy-toxins-from-your-body/

• Dr. Ashby’s Epic 8 Class - https://www.drjenniferashby.com/epic-8-course-interest

• Daily Om’s 3-Day Virtual Global Summit - https://live.dailyom.com/global-summit/

✨Use code “3017” for 50% off all 3 days!!

Guest Information:

• Work with Dr. Ashby - https://www.drjenniferashby.com/

• Follow Dr. Ashby - https://www.instagram.com/drjenashby/?hl=en

#podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness #SurvivalMode #IdentityShift #medicalgaslighting #womenshealth #zachspiritos #neurology #gastroenterology #immunology #selfadvocacy #medicalbias #clinicalstudy #clinicaltrial #vasculitis #mixedconnectivetissuedisease #ibd #irritableboweldisease #trauma #ptsd #mentalhealthmatters #traditionalchinesemedicine #easternmedicine #wholepersonhealth #accupuncture

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Welcome back to Calling in Sick — this week you’re in for a little peak into my life. Saint Cooper, my husband and sporadic co-host, is back for round two of two brain cells and one microphone. He try to keep me emotionally grounded while I spiral through a whirlwind of updates. This episode is cozy chaos. We cover grief, gratitude, gut health, identity shifts, and TV trash — with a few laughs and “did we overshare?” moments sprinkled in.

We talk about:

If you’ve ever been in a season of transition, medical mayhem, or re-entry into life after a hard thing... this one’s for you.

Thanks for Calling In Sick with us 💛

xx,

💬 Comment: Should we keep making chaos episodes like this? What should we name this subseries?!

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! (featuring St. Cooper)

00:05:43 Reflecting on my time in Philly during the clinical study

00:11:40 My first solo trip in years – the experience and what it taught me (and why I decided to bring my service dog)

00:17:20 Diving into my clinical study experience

00:30:20 What comes next after completing the clinical study

00:34:45 A mental health check-in

00:42:27 Alex’s (and Coop’s) Picks of the Week

00:47:28 One Brain Cell TV: Talking Succession & SLOMW

00:54:25 LOVE YOU GUYS!

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• Substack -  https://substack.com/@callinginsickpod?

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Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/

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

Alex’s Picks of the Week:

✨Orgain — https://go.shopmy.us/p-18572123

✨Feel Good Foods — https://go.shopmy.us/p-18572074

#podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness #SurvivalMode #IdentityShift #medicalgaslighting #womenshealth #zachspiritos #neurology #gastroenterology #immunology #selfadvocacy #medicalbias #clinicalstudy #clinicaltrial #vasculitis #mixedconnectivetissuedisease #ibd #irritableboweldisease #trauma #ptsd #mentalhealthmatters 

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This week on Calling in Sick, I’m joined by neuro-gastro-immunologist, Dr. Zachary Spiritos, an incredible voice in the fight to make invisible illnesses seen, heard, and helped..

Together, we unpack some of the most maddening, misunderstood, and under-discussed challenges in healthcare today—especially for women and people living with chronic conditions. From gut issues to gender bias, from misdiagnosis to self-advocacy, this conversation is packed with clarity, and compassion.

In this episode, we talk:

🧠 What makes an illness “invisible”—and why they get dismissed

📉 Where the disparity in women’s health comes from

⚠️ The reality of medical gaslighting and how to respond

🥼 How to advocate for yourself in appointments, and have success!

💩 Why gut issues show up in so many chronic conditions—and what to do about it

Whether you’ve been dismissed by a doctor, told your symptoms are “in your head,” or just want to understand your body better—this one’s for you. You are not making it up. You are not alone. And you deserve care that actually cares. This episode left me full of hope - for my own health, and the future of women’s health.

Thanks for Calling in Sick with us 💛

💬 Comment: Have you ever left a doctor’s appointment feeling dismissed or doubted?

TIMESTAMPS:

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

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

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!

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:

✨IB Guard — https://go.shopmy.us/p-17801495

✨Pure Encapsulation (Magnesium Supplementation) — https://bit.ly/PureSummerSale25

** May 15th - May 26th, 15% off + always free shipping

***This offer is good for one order of any product combination and valid 5/15/25 through 5/26/25 at 11:59 p.m. PT. One-time use per customer. While supplies last. 

#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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This week on Calling in Sick, things are a little different — and a little chaotic. I was too discombobulated to record a solo episode, so Cooper (my husband) hopped on the mic with me. We laughed, we spiraled, and then we got real about why life has felt so hard lately:

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This week on Calling in Sick, I’m getting real about something I never thought I’d question: Am I still ambitious?

There was a time when I crushed my to-do list before lunch, never let an email sit unanswered, and found purpose in being productive. But now? I procrastinate. I forget things. I carry a running to-do list that I never finish. And between the brain fog, pain, meds, and fatigue… I started to wonder if I’d lost my drive entirely. But then it hit me… maybe ambition just looks different now.

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

💭 What it’s like to lose your “high-functioning” self

💊 The quiet shame of feeling dulled by meds

🔥 How chronic illness reroutes your ambition from speed to survival

🌱 Why softness, slowness, and intention might be the new success

📺 Plus: My current comfort-watch in the One Brain Cell segment (spoiler: it’s called warm hug in TV form)

This one is for anyone navigating big identity shifts—especially if you’ve had to ask yourself: “Who am I without the hustle?” My answer? Darling... you’re not behind. You’re becoming.

xx,

Alex 💛

💬 Comment: Do you feel like your ambition or drive has changed since getting sick? How have you redefined success?

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick

00:00:35 Life Update: Becoming a Procrastinator!!

00:02:58 Alex’s Picks of the Week: Hilma Supplements + DoBites

00:06:11 The Old Version of Me: Urgency, Output, Identity

00:08:25 Grief & the Unbecoming of the Old Alex

00:11:00 Discovering the New Me -- Freedom After Grief

00:17:30 Chronic Illness Management vs. Urgency

00:20:20 One Brain Cell Segment: Love on the Spectrum

00:23:59 THANK YOU!!!!

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Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/

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

Alex’s Picks of the Week:

✨ Hilma Supplements – gentle, clean symptom support

https://rebrand.ly/6tq0q7k

Use code ALEXANDRA20 for 20% off!!

✨ DoBites – functional, top-8 allergen-free snack bites for energy & focus

https://amzn.to/3G6bQGt

#podcast #podcastclips #podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #SelfWorth #SuccessMindset #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #SickGirlLife #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #ChronicWarrior #FlareUpTips #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness #selfworth #selflove #success #hustleculture #ambition #drive #success #urgency

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