Gin and Chronic, The Podcast

In this special edition G&C episode, Alaina and guest Maggie interview their dads to learn more about how they perceive their role in their daughters' illnesses -- with some drinks, laughs, and tears along the way!

• In honor of Father's Day, Alaina and Maggie get to know their dads even better with some icebreakers and stories.
• Both Dave and Monty recap their daughters' diagnoses and consider their role in how their families cope with them.
• They end with their advice for other parents out there and agree that sometimes a little humor is the best way forward.

ED Trigger Warning. Claire is off for the day, so you get all Alaina on this episode! We are revisiting last week's topic's around body image and digging more into this complex issue.

• Alaina shares that her struggles with body image have impacted her friendships, career choices, and romantic relationships.
• Alaina thinks there is no coincidence to the way the "ideal" female body has evolved throughout history. It is a way of oppressing certain classes, religious and racial groups -- and women in general.
• Our energy is being wasted.
• Men are not completely immune to social expectations either.
• It helps Alaina to put all this in context and explain all her ups and downs in her relationship with her body.
• Expectations around women are further perpetuated by our lack of knowledge around women's health.
• Alaina shares a lot of personal information about her own hormone cycle and a condition called athletic amenorrhoea, which has longer impacts on bone and heart health. We should be learning about that.
• Alaina also discusses the need to let go of disordered eating as part of her identity.
• She goes through tips from you all about how to help your self image.
• Don't forget to be careful with your language! Don't contribute to this system and perpetuate these standards!

Alaina and Claire apparently have a lot to say on the topic of body image! They discuss the social and psychological implications around the perception of "healthy" bodies and try to work through their own struggles on this topic.

• Alaina is melting and Claire is delivering babies!
• Claire expresses her frustration at finding a dress for her brother's wedding and tries to come to terms with what feels like a "healthy" body for her.
• Social media is currently inundated with this information -- keeping it ever on our minds!
• How should we use the words "healthy" and "fat"? Why do they have so much connotation?
• Our bodies change so much every day. We need to eat to fuel it (especially with chronic illness)!
• "Beautiful" bodies change with generations, culture, media, etc.
• What's most frustrating is that body image is very connected to a sense of worthiness.
• We risk our lives to fit into societal standards, especially those of us with chronic illness.
• Beauty standards are designed to further solidify societal roles and hierarchies through food access and fitness culture.
• We also need to understand relationships with food and the social role it plays in our lives, and have to consider work culture and food access, as well.
• The Body Positivity Movement is not enough. We need neutrality. (Go listen to Jameela Jamil!)
• Claire has been trying to be more mindful in her movement and eating and is practicing the 20-20 rule.
• Alaina is learning more about Ayurveda, which focuses on balance. (Check out Sahara Rose!)
• Ultimately, listen to your bodies and find personal balance (Shout-out to Amanda Brabec, too).
• Be grateful for your beautiful healthy body. If you are ill, we are truly sorry for the expectations put upon you. You are still worthy of love and acceptance!

Alaina and Claire talk friendships! (Insert cheesy friendship lines here.) How do friendships change with chronic illness? What are the qualities of a good friend? When is it appropriate to leave a friendship? Are Alaina and Claire even friends?!

• Alaina expresses concern about her current network of friendships and is learning how to maintain a smaller circle of friends (while Claire makes fun of her).
• She also discusses the anxiety of texting (ie. the WORST form of communication) and catching up with people during this time.
• Claire acknowledges that it takes a lot of energy to maintain friendships and that friendships ebb and flow based on time and place.
• It's hard to be a good friend sometimes when you're working through your own illness!
• Alaina reflects on how she used to be much less vulnerable and was forced to open up. She had to learn that vulnerability is part of being a good friend!
• Claire mentions the importance of sharing interests with friends (and Alaina questions their friendship...)
• Claire prioritizes empathy, shared beliefs, but also some differences in her friendships.
• Alaina thinks you need different friends for different things.
• Claire agrees people shouldn't give up friendships for romantic partners and Alaina admits she had to learn that lesson.
• Claire explains that she has also been caught up in toxic friendships and wonders what qualities are red flags in a bad friendship. For Alaina it's people who aren't emotionally aware or willing to apologize well. Also, people who always relate stories to themselves too often.
• Claire explains that she found herself in toxic friendships where people discourage other friendships, talk about each other, or aren't understanding. She advises to stay away from groups that expect you to change yourself for them.
• Seek friends that will help you to become the person you want to be and who will grow with you.
• Be yourself first and foremost and authentic friendships will come.
• Now you're all in the family!

Alaina and Claire take a moment just to check in and share how they are both coping with their illnesses now.

• Claire returned to the place where she was diagnosed and she finished her 5-mile run!
• Alaina tried her best to order Chipotle.
• Rather than pick a topic this week, we're updating everyone on how we are coping with our illnesses these days.
• Alaina gives a summary of the saga surrounding her tests and treatment and discusses her recent decision to take medical leave. This brings up a lot of emotions and challenges!
• Claire is setting boundaries and working to manage her time and her health.
• We are truly so grateful for all your support, encouragement, and all your communication.

Alaina and Claire discuss all things travel! They share stories about their own adventures and give tips on traveling with chronic illness.

• Alaina and Claire take you through their day together in person, which includes real-live drinks, errands, and TikTok.
• We contemplate the ambiguity of mask-wearing at the moment.
• Claire explains why travel makes her so anxious and talks about her trip to Ireland and how she prepared for it.
• Alaina admits she's nervous about traveling again for the first time post-diagnosis.
• Some tips for travel:
  • Talk to your doctor.
  • Travel with someone you trust.
  • Understand your medication schedule and how to get extras if needed.
  • Stay hydrated!
  • Invest in travel insurance.
  • Be aware of your mental health.
  • Save helpful phone numbers.
  • Filter water, if needed.
  • Bring sunscreen.
  • Walk around on the plane.
• Claire makes a mental note to re-set her pump.
• Alaina reminds everyone that people are good and the world is beautiful!

Welcome guest, Maggie Sharma, who takes us on a journey through her Type 1 and Necrobiosis Lipoidica diagnoses.

• Huge shoutout to our supporters, especially Kayla Mills - merchandise expert, entrepreneurial boss, and inspirational queen!
• Also shoutout to body-inclusive brands: check out Aerie and Senita for high-quality brands that feature real women.
• Now, introducing Maggie Sharma, who had a classic - and now notorious - meet cute with our own Claire!
• Maggie tells us about her childhood diagnosis. Wondering how the Pink Panther relates? Us too!
• She talks through the stages of her acceptance and understanding of her illness and the ups and downs along the way.
• Claire and Maggie discuss how a focus on A1C affects your mental health as well.
• Maggie then explains how important the right doctor is and how to determine if you're in a positive relationship with your provider or not. Claire adds her thoughts around holistic care.
• Maggie explains how she is handling her diagnoses now and, again, we realize the ineffectiveness of insurance companies and the benefits of therapy.
• Alaina and Claire wrap up with some personal anecdotes and a toast to Maggie!

In this special edition G&C episode, Alaina and Claire interview their moms to understand their experience with their daughters' illness and to give them a chance to share some embarrassing details!

• Alaina and Claire introduce their moms Cheryl and Patty!
• Disclaimer: We want to recognize all those who are also celebrating unconventional maternal figures in their lives as well. We are happy to share our moms with you!
• Alaina and Claire start with trivia and more truths are revealed!
• Our moms explain how they show us they care.
• We hear our diagnoses stories from the moms' perspective and learn how they handle (or not!) the emotional stress of our illnesses.
• Stick around for our moms' final pieces of advice... how is Claire like a toilet?! (The best accidental metaphor ever!)

Alaina and Claire discuss celebrities that have chronic illness and consider how those celebs could do more to impact our communities.

• Claire has started her new job and Alaina is back in the dance studio!
• Alaina also shares about Daniel's Music Foundation, an organization promoting music and dance education for people of all abilities!
• Claire shares her concerns about Beyond Type 1, which was started by Nick Jonas, who also has Diabetes.
• What can celebrities do to use their power, influence, and resources to make a difference?
• Once celebrities have unlimited resources, do they then lose the connection to the rest of the public community?
• Visibility is important and inspiring for those with chronic illness.
• Alaina wonders if it seen as more admirable to hide your illness or to share about it.
• There aren't many celebrities with CML, but Alaina shares a list of celebrities with various chronic illnesses. (https://www.elle.com.au/health-fitness/celebrities-who-are-sick-20755)
• Claire and Alaina talk about celebrities who are presenting their chronic illness well (looking at you, Demi, Theresa May, and Sonia Sotomayor!)
• As a reminder: Chronic Illness can happen to anyone.
• Let's get our government officials on Medicare/ Medicaid!
• Why are human rights connected to politics?
• And you can't talk about celebs without talking about T Swift!
• Send us your celebrities!

Alaina and Claire talk about how their chronic illnesses impact their careers, both positively and negatively.

• Teaser Alert - guests and more surprises coming soon!
• Claire has been giving vaccines! She discusses the infrastructure around vaccination and the fear of needles.
• Alaina asks Claire how her illness impacted her decision to go into the medical field.
• Claire talks about overcoming her teachers' negative feedback and following her inclination to be in a caregiver role.
• Listening to "signs" from the universe - Is it meant to be? Is it the right time? Is there something better?
• Alaina talks about how her illness seems to be inhibiting her career moves and how she feels she has little control of these situation.
• Reminder: We are not our productivity. We are worth more than our tasks.
• Claire asks Alaina what she feels is holding her back.
• Alaina discusses her search for herself and how she feels limited by geographic boundaries and insurance coverage.
• Reminder 2: We can't be effective workers if we are not taking care of ourselves.
• Don't worry, we are manifesting universal healthcare!
• We all deserve to do the work we want! Access to careers should be expanded.
• P.S. Good job Influencers! You are breaking the system!