In this episode of the ICU Podcast, we explore how humor and gratitude can become powerful tools for coping with chronic vestibular disorders. Living with dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance can often feel isolating and overwhelming—but laughter and thankfulness can help restore balance to both body and mind. Research shows that humor can lower blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, boost immune function, and even trigger endorphins—our body’s natural painkillers. Similarly, practicing gratitude has been linked to better sleep, improved mood, and enhanced overall well-being. Our guests—a vestibular patient who’s found resilience through laughter, and health coach Hilary Russo, creator of the “HIListic” approach to mindful self-compassion—share how humor and gratitude have transformed their healing journeys and offer practical ways to bring more lightness and appreciation into everyday life.

Guest Bios

Mary Ziegler was once reliable, hard-working, and a dedicated wife and mother. But when Meniere's disease and vestibular migraine hit, she had to leave her job and stop driving. One of the things Mary misses the most is helping other people. She misses parties with friends and family. But she has devised ways to dwell in joy and gratitude. She likes being a VeDA Ambassador because it allows her to help people in Chicago, where she lives, and all over the world. She is grateful for her family and friends, and for the doctors who recognize her as an expert in her condition.

Hilary Russo is a certified trauma-informed holistic mental health practitioner and health coach, one of only 50 certified Havening Techniques® Trainers globally, and one of the first 100 Certified Havening Practitioners in the United States. Due to her work in Havening and trauma-informed care, Hilary is a recommended referral partner with the nationally recognized Amen Clinics for brain health. Her extensive background in media and military life gives her a unique perspective on working with secondary trauma, chronic stress, and burnout.  She is the host of the globally top-rated podcast HIListically Speaking® and creator of the HUG it Out® Method, which reminds you to access self-healing through Humor, Understanding, and Gratitude and be a Pioneer Practitioner™of your own life. Connect with Hilary at hilaryrusso.com, on social @hilaryrusso, or on her Substack, The Brain Candy Blueprint.