What if your mental health struggles weren’t holding you back, but actually shaping you into a stronger, more intentional leader?

In this episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered, Lilly sits down with Lauren Perna, founder, multi-entrepreneur, storyteller, and Chief Community Officer of Chronic Boss. Together, they unpack what it really looks like to build a business while living with anxiety, depression, and the pressure to constantly do more.

From launching her agency during uncertainty to redefining success on her own terms, Lauren shares how she has learned to work with her mental health instead of against it, and why honoring your limits might be your greatest advantage.

You’ll hear why:

And perhaps most powerfully of all, Lauren explains why building a business that protects your nervous system is just as important as building one that grows your revenue.

This conversation is part founder story, part mental health reality check, and part permission slip to build a life that actually works for you.

If you’ve ever wondered:

This episode is for you.

1:16 Lauren’s “chronic boss” elevator pitch and living with anxiety and depression

Attend the Mentally Fit Founder Event May 14, 2026

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-evening-of-founder-stories-stories-reflection-and-guided-conversation-tickets-1986648187207

Connect with Lauren:

✨/ Mentally Fit Founder: https://mentallyfitfounder.com/ 

Connect with Chronic Boss:

🖤 / https://chronicboss.com/

 Connect with Lilly:

🖤 / https://lillystairs.com/

What if your chronic illness wasn’t a liability—but one of your greatest leadership advantages?

In this episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered, Lilly sits down with Jess March, pharmaceutical executive, patient advocate, mom, and longtime leader in the rare disease space. Together, they unpack what it really looks like to build a meaningful, high-impact career while living with multiple chronic conditions—and why lived experience belongs in the room where healthcare decisions get made.

Jess shares how waking up paralyzed at 29 with multiple sclerosis forced her to reimagine everything she thought her life would be—and how that journey ultimately sharpened her ambition, deepened her leadership, and transformed the way she thinks about work, advocacy, and impact.

You’ll hear why:

And perhaps most powerfully of all: Jess explains why chronic illness didn’t take her ambition away—it clarified it.

This conversation is part career conversation, part leadership lesson, and part reminder that chronic illness may change your path, but it does not define your potential.

If you’ve ever wondered:

Can I still be ambitious after a diagnosis?

This episode is for you.

In This Episode, We Cover:

 1:17 Jess’s MS diagnosis and waking up paralyzed at 29

Connect with Jess March

Mentions

Connect with Chronic Boss:

🖤 / https://chronicboss.com/

 Connect with Lilly:

🖤 / https://lillystairs.com/

What if chronic illness wasn’t a burden—but the foundation of a whole new economy?

In this episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered, Lilly sits down with Michelle Irving, chronic founder, career visionary, and the mind behind the term “the chronic economy.” Together, they unpack how millions of people living with chronic conditions are reshaping work, leadership, entrepreneurship, and the future of business—often without realizing it.

Michelle shares how being diagnosed with a life-threatening autoimmune condition forced her to redesign her career from the ground up—and how that journey led her to build two global businesses, advise executives, and create frameworks that help people pursue ambition without burning their bodies to the ground.

You’ll hear why:

And perhaps most jaw-dropping of all: Michelle takes one full week off every month—no meetings, no email, no guilt—and explains exactly how she built a business that doesn’t need her to survive.

This conversation is part big-picture vision, part practical roadmap, and part permission slip for chronic founders, professionals, and leaders who know there has to be a better way.

If you’ve ever wondered:

This episode is for you.

In this episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered, our host Lilly Stairs opens up about her journey from chronic illness patient to powerhouse advocate and entrepreneur. With colleague and friend Lauren Perna stepping in as interviewer, listeners get a raw, honest look at the experiences that shaped Lilly’s mission-driven career.

Lilly’s story begins with early diagnoses—psoriasis at age seven and OCD during her teen years—and takes a life-altering turn when she is diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and Crohn’s disease at 19. These challenges sparked her passion for patient advocacy at a time when the field was still largely undefined.

Throughout the episode, Lilly traces the evolution of her career: establishing herself in advocacy, launching her consultancy Patient Authentic to elevate patient voices in healthcare, and creating Chronic Boss, a community for ambitious women navigating chronic conditions while pursuing big goals.

The conversation highlights core themes of Lilly’s work—owning your narrative, prioritizing mental health, recognizing burnout, and redefining ambition through a chronic illness lens. It’s a powerful reminder that resilience and drive can coexist, and that women with chronic conditions deserve space to lead, build, and thrive.

Themes: 

OCD is widely misunderstood and often hidden in plain sight.

A lack of autoimmune awareness propelled her into patient advocacy.

Patient advocacy remains an emerging—and deeply needed—field in healthcare.

Lilly founded Patient Authentic to help organizations meaningfully engage patients.

Daily routines and boundaries are essential for chronic illness entrepreneurs.

Chronic Boss was built to empower ambitious women living with chronic conditions.

Owning one’s story creates personal and professional strength.

Burnout awareness is crucial for protecting mental health.

Timestamps:

Connect with Chronic Boss:

🖤 chronicboss.com

Connect with Lilly:

🖤 lillystairs.com

In this episode of the Chronic Boss Unfiltered Podcast, Our host Lilly Stairs sits down with Meg Block, the incredible powerhouse behind Boston Moms. Meg gets real about what it was like to build and scale a business in the middle of a global pandemic while battling the debilitating pain of trigeminal neuralgia. We dive into the messy middle — the sleepless nights, the pressure of motherhood, and the weight of carrying a brand on her back while her body was begging her to slow down.

Meg opens up about how deeply her identity became intertwined with her company, and the moment she realized that staying in constant hustle mode was costing her her health. Her decision to sell Boston Moms wasn’t a step back; it was a radical act of self-preservation and clarity.

This conversation is such a powerful reminder for every woman — especially my fellow chronic bosses — that caring for ourselves isn’t optional. It’s the foundation. Meg’s story is a testament to what happens when we choose connection, community, and our own wellbeing over the narrative that we have to do it all, all the time.

If you’re navigating chronic illness, entrepreneurship, or simply trying to keep all the plates spinning, Meg’s journey will speak straight to your soul.

Themes:

How Meg built Boston Moms in the middle of COVID chaos — and found purpose through the uncertainty.

Behind the scenes, she was carrying intense chronic pain from trigeminal neuralgia.

Growing a business while managing a chronic condition pushed her to her limits.

Self-care wasn’t a luxury — its a lifeline.

Community wasn’t just part of her mission; it was part of her own healing.

She had a powerful realization: her identity had become too wrapped up in her business.

Being a chronic boss isn’t about doing everything — it’s about proving to yourself that you can rise, even in the hard moments.

Chapters

Timestamps: 

00:00 Building Boston Moms Amidst Chaos

14:57 Navigating Chronic Pain and Motherhood

29:45 The Turning Point: Selling the Business

45:11 Self-Care and the Journey to Healing

29:04 Finding Balance: The Dangers of Identity in Work

30:38 The Summer of Mama: Prioritizing Family Over Work

33:26 Realizations and Reflections: What is Enough?

36:44 The Decision to Sell: Finding Peace in Transition

41:00 Navigating the Exit Process: Women in Business

47:20 Advice for Chronic Pain Warriors: Prioritizing Self-Care

51:14 Embracing the Journey: What it Means to be a Chronic Boss

Connect with Meg Block:

✨LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-saunders-block/ 

✨Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmegblock/ 

Connect with Chronic Boss:

🖤 chronicboss.com

Connect with Lilly:

🖤 lillystairs.com

This episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered brings a deeply resonant conversation between host Lilly Stairs and Amanda Goetz, a two-time founder and author of Toxic Grit. Together, they explore the collision of high ambition, chronic stress, and the wake-up calls that force leaders — especially women — to rethink how they’re operating.

Amanda shares her transformational health journey, including the moment she went from the boardroom to the ER, and how that experience cracked open a deeper understanding of burnout and the pressure to “do it all.” The discussion digs into character theory, a powerful tool for understanding the different roles we embody, and how embracing intentional imbalance can create a more sustainable, fulfilling rhythm of life.

Listeners will walk away with a redefined perspective on success — one that prioritizes intention over hustle, honors personal capacity, and encourages reclaiming time before the body demands it. This conversation is a refreshing, unapologetic call to rewrite the scripts that keep so many chronic bosses stuck in cycles of depletion.

What You’ll Learn:

Early signals of burnout must be recognized and respected to protect long-term well-being.

Character theory offers a framework for understanding the various identities individuals occupy throughout their lives.

Intentional imbalance allows space for shifting priorities based on season, energy, and personal needs.

Reclaiming time shouldn’t be reserved for weekends; it’s essential for daily fulfillment.

Smooth transitions between life roles require awareness, rituals, and boundaries.

Toxic grit is defined as hustling without clarity, alignment, or intention.

Success should never be one-dimensional — a holistic view is both healthier and more empowering.

Personal operating rhythms help build a grounded, sustainable lifestyle.

Examining the “scripts” shaping decisions leads to more agency and authenticity.

Timestamps:

00:00 — Introducing Amanda Goetz + The Story Behind Toxic Grit

01:54 — From the Boardroom to the ER: Amanda’s Health Crisis

07:35 — Burnout’s Warning Signs and Why They Matter

10:43 — Character Theory Explained

18:22 — How Intentional Imbalance Creates Space for What Matters

23:54 — Reclaiming the Five-to-Nine Beyond the Workday

28:34 — Rituals and Awareness for Transitioning Between Characters

34:03 — Understanding the True Meaning of Toxic Grit

37:24 — “Having It All” — But in the Right Season

43:18 — Practical Steps Toward Sustainable, Aligned Ambition

Connect with Amanda Goetz:

✨Toxic Grit Book: https://www.amazon.com/toxic-grit-have-actually-love/dp/146423325x 

✨LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandagoetz/ 

✨Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theamandagoetz/ 

✨Newsletter: https://amandagoetz.kit.com/posts

✨Website: https://www.amandagoetz.com/ 

Connect with Chronic Boss:

🖤 chronicboss.com

Connect with Lilly:

🖤 lillystairs.com

This solo episode digs into the transformative power of giving—especially for women navigating career growth, advocacy, and the realities of living with autoimmune conditions. Through personal stories and lived experience, the conversation explores how authentic, aligned giving can open doors, build community, and spark meaningful change. It also highlights the importance of protecting mental health and honoring boundaries, reminding listeners that giving is most impactful when it comes from abundance rather than obligation. By weaving together advocacy, business strategy, and self-care, the episode encourages women to lead with their values, share their stories, and use generosity as a catalyst for both personal and professional growth.

Themes:

Giving can be a powerful force for opportunity and change.

Authentic generosity thrives when it comes from abundance, not pressure.

Advocacy often begins with personal lived experience and expands into broader impact.

Community building is a cornerstone of meaningful, sustainable advocacy.

Showing up authentically can accelerate career growth and deepen connection.

Clear boundaries protect mental health and prevent burnout.

Empathy and intuition are powerful assets in business and leadership.

Self-care is part of the giving equation—pouring into yourself matters.

Infusing generosity into business strategy can drive deeper success and alignment.

00:00 — The Power of Giving

02:05 — Balancing Giving and Self-Care

05:44 — Reflection and Integration of Giving

Connect with Chronic Boss:

🖤 chronicboss.com

Connect with Lilly:

🖤 lillystairs.com

In this conversation of the Chronic Boss Unfiltered Podcast Tiffany Yu shares her inspiring journey as the founder of Diversability, a disability-owned community business. She discusses her personal experiences with disability, the evolution of her identity, and the importance of community in fostering disability pride. Tiffany reflects on the key moments that shaped Diversability from a student club into a global organization, and she highlights the impact of her TikTok series and the Anti-Ablism Manifesto in advocating for disability rights and inclusion. In this conversation, Tiffany Yu shares her journey of navigating life with a disability, her advocacy work, and the creation of her book, 'The Anti-Ablest Manifesto.' She discusses the importance of community, the impact of her content on the disability community, and her aspirations for the future. Tiffany emphasizes the need for action-oriented advocacy and the significance of finding magic in one's identity, while also addressing the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. What You’ll Learn: The importance of community in embracing one's identity.

The proverb 'the nail that sticks out gets hammered down' shaped her understanding of identity. Diversability started as a student club and evolved into a global organization. Key inflection points for Diversability included community events and leadership transitions. The pandemic prompted a shift to virtual events for Diversability. Tiffany's TikTok series on disability has gained significant traction and views. Content creation has connected Tiffany with others in the disability community. The Anti-Ablest Manifesto aims to empower individuals and organizations. Community is essential for personal growth and acceptance. Grief and gratitude can coexist in the journey of self-acceptance. Tiffany's book serves as a legacy for disability advocacy. The importance of action-oriented advocacy in creating change. Rediscovering joy and playfulness is vital for well-being. Finding their unique voice and community. Success is defined by self-acceptance and integrity.

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Tiffany Yu and Diversability

03:15 Tiffany's Personal Journey and Identity

10:31 The Evolution of Diversability

22:55 The Anti-Ablism Manifesto and TikTok Success

24:57 Navigating Life with a Disability

25:53 Creating Content for the Disability Community

28:12 The Journey to Writing a Book

30:34 The Anti-Ablest Manifesto: Purpose and Impact

35:45 Finding Magic in Disability

41:16 Legacy and Future Aspirations

Connect with Tiffany Yu:

✨Website: https://www.tiffanyyu.com/bio

✨ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@imtiffanyyu

✨Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imtiffanyyu

✨Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imtiffanyyu

Connect with Chronic Boss:

🖤 / https://chronicboss.com/ 

🖤 / instagram.com/chronicbossco/ 

🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/company/chronic-boss/ 

🖤 / https://www.tiktok.com/@chronicbossco

Connect with Lilly:

🖤 / https://lillystairs.com/ 

🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillystairs/ 

🖤 / https://www.instagram.com/lillystairs

In this insightful and empowering episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered, host Lilly Stairs sits down with Dr. Kara Wada — quadruple board-certified physician, autoimmune warrior, and founder of the Immune Confident Institute. As both doctor and patient, Kara bridges two worlds with empathy, expertise, and authenticity.

Diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome after years of symptoms and normal lab results, Kara experienced firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate chronic illness — even as a medical professional. What began as a personal health struggle has evolved into her mission to transform the patient experience and redefine what it means to thrive with autoimmunity.

Together, Lilly and Kara unpack the intersection of medicine, mindset, and self-advocacy. They discuss Kara’s Four Rs framework for healing, the “Perfect Storm” concept behind autoimmune disease, and how Kara built a values-driven medical practice rooted in compassion and connection. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and reclaiming your health on your own terms.

 What You’ll Learn:

(00:00) – Introduction

Connect with Dr. Kara Wada:

✨Website: https://www.drkarawada.com/

✨ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drkarawada

✨LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karawadamd/

✨Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkarawada/

Connect with Chronic Boss:

🖤 / https://chronicboss.com/ 

🖤 / instagram.com/chronicbossco/ 

🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/company/chronic-boss/ 

🖤 / https://www.tiktok.com/@chronicbossco

Connect with Lilly:

🖤 / https://lillystairs.com/ 

🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillystairs/ 

🖤 / https://www.instagram.com/lillystairs

“I make fun of it on stage. I call it the “Betes”. The pump doesn’t wear me—I wear the pump.”

In this hilarious and heartfelt episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered, host Lilly Stairs sits down with Ivana Bonetti, Italian-American stand-up comedian, storyteller, and proud Type 1 diabetic. A Boston native from the North End, Ivana brings her sharp wit and resilience to the stage—transforming her chronic illness into comedy gold.

Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 17, Ivana’s world shifted overnight. What began as a medical challenge became the foundation for her humor, advocacy, and perspective on life. From growing up in a food-loving Italian family to performing at legendary venues like the Laugh Factory and Apollo Theater, Ivana shares how she’s turned her “sweet” condition into a superpower.

Together, Lilly and Ivana dive into the healing power of laughter, the importance of representation in chronic illness spaces, and how comedy can bridge the gap between vulnerability and empowerment. This episode is a beautiful mix of humor, heart, and hard-earned wisdom—proof that even life’s toughest moments can be punchlines in disguise.

 What You’ll Learn:

Timestamps:

(00:00) – Introduction: Meet Ivana Bonetti, comedian, storyteller, and Chronic Boss.

 Connect with Ivana:

✨Instagram

✨Tik Tok

✨Youtube

Connect with Chronic Boss:

🖤 chronicboss.com

Connect with Lilly:

🖤 lillystairs.com