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The human brain might be the most sophisticated “machine” we know, but sometimes it does things we never asked it to do. That’s where today’s conversation goes: into the quiet, real-world truth of living with epilepsy, beyond the movie-version moment of a seizure and into the other 99% of life that people rarely see.

We’re joined by Jane Rogers, author of the memoir Laughing Through the Storm, who has lived with epilepsy for more than 30 years. Jane breaks down what unpredictability really feels like when some seizures come with no warning, turning everyday tasks like stairs, crossing a street, or even cooking into a risk assessment. We also talk about the emotional weight of staying silent, the shock people show when you’re upfront about epilepsy, and the subtle ways stigma appears when others talk down to you. Jane shares how she learned to advocate for herself by calling it out calmly and directly, and how that honesty can change a room.

We also get practical about seizure triggers, stress, sleep routines, and the toll of epilepsy medication side effects like migraines, grogginess, and brain fog. Jane highlights the kind of support that actually helps: loved ones who track symptoms, partners who take on driving and heavy errands, and small adjustments that lower stress without shrinking your life. And we dig into the heart of her message: why humor became her best tool when meds weren’t enough, and how laughter can keep hope alive during the hardest seasons. Jane also shares where to find her work at laughingthestorm.com and how proceeds support Epilepsy Ottawa.

If this story makes you think of someone carrying a hidden storm, share the episode with them, then subscribe and leave a review so more people can find these conversations. What part of living with epilepsy surprised you most?

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