Recorded live at MS Australia’s 2025 Progress in MS Research Conference in Brisbane, Queensland, MS Neurosciences Nurse practitioner Jodi Haartsen’s brain health and self-care focused talk left audience members deeply moved and inspired.

Moving into a new year and marking the first Raw Nerve Podcast episode for 2026, we are pleased to share Jodi’s brilliant Community Day Keynote and her helpful tips for self-care, being kind to self and setting yourself up to live well with multiple sclerosis (MS) or support a family member or friend with MS.

Over 25 years of working alongside people living with MS, one truth has become clear to Jodi - brain health is about far more than medication or MRI scans. It’s about the everyday choices, connections, and mindsets that shape how people live well with their condition.

In this session, Jodi shares practical, evidence-based insights on what truly supports brain health, drawing on both science and the lived experiences of patients and carers. Through real stories and simple strategies, she explores how small, meaningful actions - from movement and mindset to sleep and social connection - can protect and strengthen the brain across the MS journey.

This is a conversation about empowerment, not prescription - and about how every person can take small steps toward better brain health and self-care, starting today.

Jodi understands that MS asks a lot of those living with the condition and presents many hurdles but reassures the audience that support is close at hand.

Warm, engaging, and down to earth, Jodi discusses setting up your environment to create the best and strongest version of yourself, why self-talk and strong mental health matters significantly, tips to gain emotional strength and optimise wellbeing, alongside many other pearls of wisdom and takeaways.

Visit our Support and Services page for contacts in your local area and check out MS Australia’s new Lifestyle Guide for people living with MS, launched on World MS Day 2025.

Our biennial Progress in MS Research Conference is Australia’s leading event exploring innovative research into the causes, prevention, improved treatments and ultimately a cure for MS.