Hidradenitis SuppuraDIVAS

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In this candid and vulnerable episode of Hidradenitis Suppuradivas, hosts Brindley and Cydney are joined by Cara to dive into a conversation rarely discussed but incredibly important: what it’s really like to navigate postpartum life while living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

Joined by Brindley in the studio (with her 18-day-old newborn making a few adorable guest appearances), the hosts share raw experiences about pregnancy with HS, changing flare patterns, breastfeeding challenges, postpartum depression, and the complicated feelings around body image, pain, and new motherhood.

Together, they open up about:

• How HS symptoms can shift during pregnancy and postpartum
• Making difficult decisions around breastfeeding and flares
• Asking for help—and the guilt that comes with it
• What it means to show up as a mom when your body is hurting
• Teaching kids empathy, compassion, and honesty
• Why postpartum care for HS patients must include emotional support
• How community makes all the difference

This episode is full of laughter, real talk, tender moments, and the kind of honesty that reminds every HS mom: you are not alone, you are not failing, and your kids already think you’re enough.

Listen in for a conversation that validates, empowers, and uplifts anyone navigating motherhood with HS.

For more HS resources, tools, and support, visit hsconnect.org.

This podcast was made possible by our sponsor Moonlake, and past sponsors UCB and Sanofi.

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In this powerful and refreshingly honest episode of Hidradenitis Suppuradivas, hosts Brin and Cyd sit down with Cristina Curp, Chief Operating Officer of HS Connect, for a conversation every HS warrior needs to hear. Together, they unpack why the word “diet” can feel so triggering, the emotional weight so many carry around food, and how shifting the language to nutrition can open the door to healing rather than shame.

Cristina shares her personal journey of putting her HS into remission, the truth about bio-individuality, why “what works for me” is not a prescription for everyone, and how she guides people toward sustainable, compassionate approaches to eating. From food journaling and mindset work to hormone insights and realistic goal-setting, her expertise brings clarity to an often confusing topic.

The conversation also dives into food guilt, frustration, cultural expectations, family influences, and the pressure patients feel to “get it right.” Cristina’s grounded, human-centered approach reminds listeners that healing is not linear, nutrition is not morality, and you are not failing if someone else’s path looks different from your own.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by advice, ashamed of your eating habits, or unsure how nutrition fits into your HS journey, this episode offers validation, direction, and the reminder that you are not alone.

Listen now and explore more HS resources at hsconnect.org.

This podcast was made possible by our sponsor Moonlake, and past sponsors UCB and Sanofi.

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Clothing is something we all need every single day — but when you’re living with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), what you wear can affect far more than just your style. In this episode of Hidradenitis Suppuradivas, the hosts dive into the real, unfiltered relationship between HS, comfort, confidence, and clothing choices.

From sweat, drainage, friction, and flares to bras, underwear, fabrics, and the emotional weight of always “dressing to hide,” this conversation explores the constant calculations people with HS make before leaving the house. The Divas talk openly about trial-and-error fashion, why “wear loose clothing” isn’t helpful advice for everyone, and how comfort sometimes means redefining femininity, beauty standards, and expectations altogether.

This episode also touches on:

• Choosing comfort over appearance (and the freedom that can bring)
• Navigating underwear, bras, and fabrics with HS
• Why black feels like a safety net — and how to reclaim color on your own terms
• Letting go of shame around flares, scars, and drainage
• Dressing for your body, not other people’s comfort

Honest, funny, and deeply relatable, this episode is a reminder that you don’t owe anyone comfort but yourself — and that what you wear should support your body, not punish it.

Wear what feels good. Wear what feels like you.
 And if HS comes with you, that doesn’t mean you disappear.

This podcast was made possible by our sponsor Moonlake, and past sponsors UCB and Sanofi.

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In this powerful crossover episode of Hidradenitis Suppuradivas, Brindley and Cyd sit down with Parish and Joey—two familiar voices from HS Brotherhood—to talk openly about what it really means to date, love, and navigate masculinity while living with Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

Together, they unpack the real stuff most people never say out loud:
 • When (and whether) to disclose HS while dating
 • The emotional weight of intimacy, insecurity, and body image
 • Erectile dysfunction, fear, and the mental load HS creates
 • Redefining masculinity when your body forces you to slow down
 • Why men deserve safe spaces too.

This is one of the most honest, vulnerable, and relatable conversations we’ve had yet. Whether you’re navigating HS yourself or love someone who is, this episode will stay with you.

✨ Listen now and share with someone who needs to hear they’re not alone.

 Visit hsconnect.org for community support, resources, and upcoming group offerings.

This podcast was made possible by our sponsor Moonlake, and past sponsors UCB and Sanofi.

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In this powerful and deeply relatable episode of Hidradenitis Suppuradivas, hosts Brin and Cyd break down one of the most overwhelming parts of the HS journey: treatment decisions. From mistrust in the medical system to fear of needles, antibiotics, biologics, and surgery—nothing is off the table. Cyd shares her experience starting her very first treatment and the emotional weight that came with it, while Brin offers clarity, compassion, and evidence-based insight into why treatment can feel so complicated—and why hope still exists. 

Together, they unpack step therapy, navigating dermatologists, why antibiotics are used for inflammation rather than infection, and how newer biologics differ from older medications. They also dive into the realities of recall bias, the importance of tracking symptoms (hello, body-map apps!), and the truth about surgical options like deroofing—what they are, when they help, and why they may reduce recurrence dramatically. 

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, afraid, confused, or unsure where to begin with HS treatment, this episode will leave you feeling informed, supported, and empowered.

 Your body. Your journey. Your choice. We're just here to help you make the decision with confidence.

👉 Find more HS education, mental health tools, and community support at: hsconnect.org

This podcast was made possible by our sponsor Moonlake, and past sponsors UCB and Sanofi.

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Brindley and Cyd (@socialcydd) dive into the questions the HS community asks most — from how to get connected, to recognizing symptoms, to finding your voice as an advocate.

Together, they explore the real impact of storytelling in the HS space. How sharing your journey can change someone else's life, highlight gaps in care, and open doors not only for personal healing but also for the entire HS community. Cyd reflects on her own experiences speaking publicly, connecting with dermatologists, and realizing the true reach of her advocacy.

Brindley breaks down what early HS signs look like, when to see a dermatologist, and how to advocate for yourself in the exam room — especially when you’re unsure, unheard, or dismissed. They also discuss the misconceptions that persist in dermatology, why diagnosis matters for research and treatment development, and how empowering it is to finally put a name to what you’ve been living with.

You’ll also learn about HS Connect’s growing mentorship and advocacy training program, designed to support new and experienced advocates in sharing factual, safe, and community-centered education. (to apply: https://forms.gle/L7N4e7akXD2sMmzo8)

Whether you're newly exploring HS, learning to advocate for yourself, or looking for ways to uplift others in the community, this episode will remind you of one thing above all else:

Your voice matters. Your story matters. And you are not alone.

This podcast was made possible by our sponsor Moonlake, and past sponsors UCB and Sanofi.

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In this episode, Cyd and Brindley dive into one of the most stressful — and empowering — parts of life with HS: traveling. ✈️

From long airport walks and white hotel sheets to packing wound care supplies and keeping your comfort routine on the go, the Divas share their real-life travel hacks, emotional truths, and lessons learned from hitting the road (and the skies) with Hidradenitis Suppurativa.

Learn how to:

• Navigate airports and hotels when you’re flaring
• Advocate for yourself — from asking for pre-boarding to requesting wheelchairs
• Pack smart with travel-size HS essentials
• Stay comfortable in new environments (yes, even with white sheets!)
• Balance excitement, stress, and self-care while you explore the world

This episode is a reminder that HS may change how we travel — but it should never stop us from living fully, making memories, and finding joy in the journey. 🌍💜

👉 Listen now, and find additional resources and support at hsconnect.org

This podcast was made possible by our sponsor Moonlake, and past sponsors UCB and Sanofi.

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• How HS affects intimacy, confidence, and communication
• The emotional unpacking that comes with postpartum healing and body image
• Navigating vulnerability with partners—and learning to speak your truth
• Reclaiming your worth and redefining what intimacy truly means

For additional resources, visit hsconnect.org. 

This podcast was made possible by our sponsor Moonlake, and past sponsors UCB and Sanofi.

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The Hidradenitis SuppuraDivas are BACK for Season 4! In this premiere episode, hosts Brindley Brooks (Founder & CEO of HS Connect) and Social Cydd dive into one of the most relatable and comforting parts of HS life: binge-watching during flares.

Whether you're stuck in bed, couch-rotting, or simply needing real rest, the Divas share why TV can be a lifeline during recovery — and why we all need to release the guilt around taking downtime.

They unpack:

• Their current binge-worthy favorites — from Virgin River and Tulsa King to Vanderpump Rules, Good Girls, 90 Day Fiancé, The Morning Show and more

• How childhood experiences shape what feels “safe” and comforting to watch

• Why HS warriors deserve rest without apology

• How to communicate needs to partners, kids, and loved ones

• How guilt-free downtime can actually strengthen relationships and emotional health


The episode also gets real about:

• Asking for help

• Setting boundaries

• Parenting with HS and teaching your kids to understand your limitations

• Why healthy communication is essential for both flare days and everyday life

Season 4 kicks off with honesty, humor, and heartfelt reminders that rest is not weakness — and binge-watching during a flare is absolutely valid self-care. Bring your heating pad, turn on your comfort show, and hang out with your Divas.

For more HS resources, visit hsconnect.org

This podcast was made possible by our sponsor Moonlake, and past sponsors UCB and Sanofi.

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Brindley and Cyd wrap up Season 3 in this episode of Hidradenitis SuppuraDIVAS. 

DIVAS was renewed for three more seasons. Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss new episodes. 

@hsconnectorg

@socialcydd

This podcast was made possible by our sponsor Moonlake, and past sponsors UCB and Sanofi.