Embracing the Dance in Functional Medicine with Tiffany Kaloustian

In this episode of the Lupus Speaks Podcast, host Shedrica Shant’e sits down with Tiffany Kaloustian, a functional and integrative health practitioner, to discuss her transformational healing journey with lupus.

After years of being dismissed by doctors, Tiffany took her health into her own hands—turning to functional medicine, holistic healing, and self-advocacy to regain control of her well-being.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ The struggle of delayed diagnosis and why self-advocacy is essential.
✔️ How functional and holistic medicine helped Tiffany manage lupus symptoms naturally.
✔️ The connection between trauma and autoimmune disease—and why healing is more than just medicine.
✔️ Faith, community, and mindset shifts that played a role in her journey.
✔️ Lifestyle and dietary changes that allowed her to transition off medications.

Tiffany’s story is a powerful reminder that healing is possible when we take charge of our health, listen to our bodies, and explore holistic approaches.

Resources & Links:🌿 Connect with Tiffany Kaloustian:
🔗 Website: Embracing the Dance
📲 Instagram: @tiff_ara_kal

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#LupusSpeaksPodcast #LupusAwareness #FunctionalMedicine #HolisticHealing #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneWarrior #SelfAdvocacy #HealingJourney #LupusWarrior

In this insightful episode of theLupus Speaks Podcast, we welcomeShamekka Marty, a dedicated advocate, mom, and lupus warrior. Shamekka shares her powerful journey from being a caregiver for her mother with lupus to receiving her own lupus diagnosis at 30.

Her experiences have fueled her passion forpatient advocacy, healthcare reform, and data privacy within the chronic illness community.

Shamekka sheds light on the challenges of growing up as a caregiver, the emotional and physical toll of lupus, and the importance of understanding and navigating the healthcare system.

She also emphasizes the role ensuring individuals with chronic illnesses have control over their medical information.

Throughout the conversation, we discuss:

• The significance of patient advocacy and how individuals can take charge of their healthcare journey.

• Mental health awareness in the lupus community and the importance of seeking support.

• The intersection of data privacy and healthcare, including the risks and benefits of genetic testing.

• Upcoming advocacy initiatives and resources designed to support lupus patients and caregivers.

Shamekka’s story is a testament to resilience, empowerment, and the strength of community support.

Whether you are living with lupus, caring for someone with a chronic illness, or passionate about healthcare advocacy, this episode provides valuable insights and inspiration.

Where to Find Shamekka Marty:

🌍 Website:www.shamekkamarty.com
📲 Instagram & TikTok:@prettysicklupuschick

Tune in now to gain a deeper understanding of lupus advocacy, data privacy, and the mental health challenges faced by lupus warriors.

Connect with Us:

Subscribe to the Lupus Speaks Podcast for more inspiring stories and expert insights.

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok @LupusSpeaks, and join our community for ongoing support and advocacy efforts.

🎧Listen Now!

Lupus, advocacy, healthcare, patient experience, chronic illness, resilience, caregiving, data privacy, autoimmune diseases, Shamika Marty, ethical hacking, patient advocacy, lupus awareness, health education, mental health, support groups, community resources, genetic testing, lupus advocacy.

Whew! January had me in a CHOKEHOLD, y’all. Between the snow, my kids being sick, and my body acting up, I had to remind myself—rest is productive too. If you’re already feeling like you’re behind this year, let me tell you right now: you are NOT behind. We’re moving at our own pace, and that’s okay. 💜

In this episode, I’m giving you a real-life check-in—the highs, the challenges, and how we’re keeping this Chronicpreneur movement going.

I’ll be sharing how I’m managing my energy while building my business, why community matters, and what’s coming up inside the Chronicpreneur Inner Circle.

✨ Inside this episode:

📩 Let’s Connect!
👉 DM me on Instagram @lupusspeaks and let me know your biggest win this month!
👉 Ready for more support? Book a strategy call with me to map out your next move!
👉 Want to join the Chronicpreneur Inner Circle and grow with a supportive community? Email me at [email protected] to get on the waiting list for founding members!

🎧 Tune in now and let’s keep this movement going! 🚀

Breaking Free from People-Pleasing

In this powerful episode of the Lupus Speaks Podcast, I’m sharing something deeply personal from my therapy journey: how people-pleasing behaviors can stem from trauma responses and the emotional toll it takes—especially for those of us living with chronic illness like lupus.

As Lupus Warriors, we often find ourselves caught between prioritizing our health and meeting the needs of others. It’s easy to get lost in the cycle of people-pleasing, but the cost to our mental and emotional well-being can be steep. In today’s episode, I’ll break down:

This episode is packed with valuable insights to help you recognize and break free from people-pleasing habits. If you're ready to take steps toward setting boundaries and prioritizing your self-care, this episode is for you.

Mentioned in This Episode:

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!

Hey, Lupie Boss! 🌸

In today’s episode, we’re diving into something that can completely shift the way you manage your lupus and chase your personal and professional goals: Mindset.

Whether you’re managing your health, running a business, or simply navigating everyday life with lupus, your mindset is the foundation of it all.

In this episode, I share my own journey of shifting from a victim mentality to a growth mindset—and how this shift has been a game-changer for both my health and my business. I’ll share practical tips on how you can reframe your thoughts and take action in a way that aligns with your goals.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

This episode is packed with Lupie Gems to help you unlock the power of your mindset and make your lupus journey one of empowerment and growth.

Main Topics Covered in This Episode:

Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:

Call to Action:

If this episode sparked something in you, don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and leave a review. Let me know how you’re shifting your mindset and what changes you’re making in your life. Let’s keep the conversation going over on Instagram at @lupusspeaks—use the hashtag #LupusSpeaks to join the discussion.

Remember, you're a Lupie Goal Getter, and this journey is about progress, not perfection. Let’s build the life and business you deserve while taking care of YOU first!

Thanks for tuning in, Lupie Boss!
Keep shining and taking action on your dreams—one small step at a time. 🌸

Building Community and Setting Boundaries

Show Notes

In today’s episode of Lupus Speaks, Shedrica Shant’e dives deep into the transformative power of community and connection in the new year. The holidays have passed, and as we embrace the fresh start of 2025, it’s time to reflect on the importance of surrounding ourselves with the right people who uplift, inspire, and support us.

Living with lupus or any chronic illness can sometimes feel isolating, but finding your tribe can make all the difference in how you navigate life’s challenges and celebrate your victories.

Join me as we discuss actionable tips for identifying and nurturing relationships that align with your values and goals. We’ll explore the power of boundaries, how to create spaces where you feel truly supported, and what to do when it’s time to build your own community from scratch.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen existing relationships or start fresh with a new circle, this episode will equip you with the tools to do so intentionally in 2025.

We’ll also introduce the Lupus Speaks Wellness Bingo, a fun and interactive way to track your wellness and business goals throughout the year.

This episode is packed with encouragement, strategies, and resources to help you make 2025 your most connected year yet.

Links & Resources Mentioned:

Lupus Speaks Wellness Bingo: Download your free bingo card to track your 2025 goals. Get Your Card Here

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Your feedback helps us continue to bring empowering content to the lupus warrior community.

Stay tuned for next week’s episode—let’s continue to thrive together!

In this episode of Lupus Speaks, Shedrica Shant’e reflects on her podcasting journey, sharing why she started, the tools that have supported her, and the importance of consistency and planning. As she prepares for a well-deserved break, Shedrica highlights the power of community and offers words of encouragement for aspiring podcasters: start with what you have, stay true to your vision, and take it one step at a time.

Links to Tools Mentioned:

• ​ Riverside.fm – Record Your Podcast with Ease
• ​ Podcast Microphone – TONOR TC-777 USB Mic
• ​ Headphones – Audio-Technica ATH-M20x
• ​ Tripod – UBeesize 67” Camera/Phone Tripod

Tune in for all this and more in this jam-packed episode of

⁠Lupus Speaks Monthly Audio Newsletter!⁠

Click the links to all the things mentioned in the episode below:

⁠Lupus Speaks Digital Biz:

For Digital Products & Freebies

⁠⁠Lupie Boss Academy Facebook Group⁠⁠

The Girlfriend's Guide To Lupus By: Amanda Chay⁠

To be Featured on the show please send me an ⁠email ⁠ for event submissions and general inquires.

⁠[email protected]⁠

*Please Note you Must include the flyer with the details of your event.

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https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/gAWZvePfjOb

In this episode of Lupus Speaks, Shedrica Shant’e dives into the art of planning with intention. As the year comes to a close, she reflects on how planning has been a cornerstone in managing life with lupus, balancing motherhood, and building a business.

Shedrica shares the tools and methods she uses—both paper and digital—that have helped her stay organized and focused, even through the ups and downs of chronic illness.

You’ll hear practical tips on how to:

Whether you’re a planner newbie or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with inspiration and actionable advice to help you step into the new year with clarity and confidence.

Episode Description:

"Navigating the Holidays with Lupus: Reflection, Support, and Self-Care"

The holiday season is here, and while it’s a time of joy, it can also feel overwhelming—especially for lupus warriors and those managing chronic illnesses. In this episode, we dive into how to navigate this reflective season with intention, self-care, and grace.

Here’s what you’ll take away:

This episode is your midweek refuel, packed with encouragement and practical tips to help you close out 2024 strong and step into 2025 with clarity and confidence.

Episode Summary: Faith Over Lupus: Navigating Resilience, Community, and Purpose with Tommia B

In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Tommia B, the visionary behind The Brave Ball Lupus Gala and founder of The Brave Inc. Diagnosed with lupus at just 19, Tommia shares how her faith, resilience, and passion for community have shaped her journey.

We discuss the challenges of living with lupus, the importance of creating spiritual routines, and how open communication strengthens relationships during tough times.

Tommia also opens up about her transition from teaching to event planning, the inspiration behind The Brave Ball, and how she uses her testimony to uplift and empower others. This episode is full of wisdom, encouragement, and actionable advice for anyone living with lupus or navigating chronic illness.

🎉 About The Brave Ball
The Brave Ball Lupus Gala is a special event honoring everyday lupus warriors, raising awareness, and fostering community. Don’t miss this inspiring evening of celebration and connection!

📅 Event Details:
Date: December 13, 2024
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: 56-B Selig Drive SW, Atlanta, GA 30336

🎟️ Purchase Tickets Here: Brave Ball Lupus Gala

🌟 Connect with Tommia B

📣 Don’t forget to follow the podcast for more inspiring stories and resources!