Gin and Chronic, The Podcast

Alaina talks about COVID-19, differentiating between intuition and fear, and gratitude. Thanks to all of YOU for listening, validating our experiences, and creating such a beautiful community. Express your gratitude this week and keep moving towards your goals. https://iamsahararose.com/podcast/

Alaina and Claire discuss next chapters of Gin & Chronic and how they have been holding themselves back.

• Imposter Syndrome, perfectionism, and fear -- of judgement, of change, of failing -- have held them back.
• Alaina talks about wanting to pursue creative passions, Claire struggles with belonging in her program.
• Both discuss their insecurities and self doubt, and how sometimes milestones also hold them back.
• They invite each other (and all of you!) to join a challenge to overcome self-doubt.

(Plus, a bonus dating story from Claire!)

Guess who's back! Claire tells us about the ups and downs of her time away -- and you won't believe it! Both Claire and Alaina talk about mental illness, prioritizing your health, and leaving jobs. They also bring up the Build Back Better plan and vaccine mandates. They end with some positive stories of support and good doctors! Send us your Halloween costumes!

Alaina and Lizz talk about dealing with change and about other challenges they're experiencing at the moment.

• Alaina discusses how she introduced more change into her life and felt apathetic about it.
• Lizz explains how choice can feel exhausting, but feeling means you care and pulls you into the present.
• Set a timer to really feel without judgement and break the cycle.
• Shift expectations to goals - "write your plans in pencil" and allow them to change.
• "Wherever you go, there you are."
• If you are supporting someone else who is experiencing depression or anxiety, just be there. Check out Seize the Awkward if you need more insight.
• Lizz shares more information about maintaining her medication throughout her pregnancy.
• Alaina talks about her current struggle with disordered eating.
• Lizz brings up Ted Lasso in the contexts of panic attacks and how you can support someone experiencing one.
• Alaina and Lizz end with questions from all of you -- about burnout, resting, and childhood trauma.

• Follow Morgan Harper Nichols for inspiration!
• Stop Self Sabotage, by Dr. Judy Ho
• Check out Headspace for mindful movement
• "Ted Lasso," Apple TV

Alaina gives a quick update on her health and poses the question: who is researching our symptoms and side effects? Alaina explains how her health has changed since altering her medication and moving across the country. She addresses her questions and concerns around nausea, hormone cycles, and food habits, and encourages everyone to share information with our community.

Gin and Chronic welcomes Alaina's friend Nicole Zizzi to the podcast. She discusses her various physical and neurocognitive disorders: Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, POTS, Hip Dysplasia, recurring kidney stones, hemorragic ovarian cysts, depression, anxiety, ADHD, Austism Spectrum Disorder, OCD, PTSD, Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder, Dyslexia.

Nicole and Alaina talk about women's health, specifically as it pertains to Autism Spectrum Disorder, which is frequently not diagnosed in girls and women. They talk about the social implications of neurocognitive differences and the stigmas and assumptions that surrounded them. They assess how important it is to raise issues of intersectionality in these discussions. Nicole explains Ehlers-Danlos and POTS and her process for managing the illnesses. They end with a discussion about transforming hardships into art, academics, and advocacy.

Wait to hear how architecture fits into the chronic illness conversation!

Contact Nicole on Instagram or via email.

Check out her dance company, Evolve Dynamicz, for more information.

Alaina is back with a short episode, this time to share some revelations from her first weeks of school.

1 - Let's include ableism in our conversations about diversity!

2 - We can learn more about the effects of stress (and intergenerational stress) on chronic illness.

3 - It's important to share psychological information and open access to academic spheres.

4 - Stay critical!

Alaina welcomes her friend, roommate, and personal pharmacist, Danielle, to G&C! They talk about moving across the country, inappropriate comments from doctors, COVID-19 treatments, and the complexities of pharmacies so you can be your own best advocate!

Alaina and Claire discuss how they attempt to manage their time and many hobbies (whether successfully or not). They talk about procrastination, how to honor your own organizational style and preferred productivity hours, and the importance of prioritizing and setting boundaries. Always remember that what you see in others is not always the whole truth and that busy is not necessarily better!

Alaina is here with a short episode to check in on the G&C community. She shares her recent experience with medical leave and encourages everyone to take time to recognize where you have opportunity to grow and where you are holding yourself back.