Made Visible

On today's episode, we're covering the recent coronavirus outbreak and the impact that global health challenges can have on people with invisible and chronic illnesses. To get expert perspectives, I spoke with Hernando Garzon, MD, an emergency medicine physician with experience in disaster response and global health; Andrew Kessler, founder of Scough, a company that makes scarves and bandanas that function as masks; and John Boyle, president and CEO of the Immune Deficiency Foundation.

Learn more about Hernando, Andrew and John and check out the show notes here.

Follow Made Visible on Instagram.

We want to learn more about you! Tell us about you and what got you listening to Made Visible here.

Want to ask our host, Harper Spero a question? Send a voice memo here!

As an officer in the Marine Corps, Zach Iscol was mentored by people who emphasized the importance of taking care of your people...and that lesson came home with him. After his service ended, he saw the heavy toll of PTSD and other military-related trauma on veterans. In particular, the suicide rate among veterans drove him to action. On today's episode, Zach and I talk about how the Headstrong Project removes barriers for veterans seeking care, and the impact it's had for over 1,500 veterans in 7 years.

Learn more about Zach and check out the show notes here.

Follow Made Visible on Instagram.

We want to learn more about you! Tell us about you and what got you listening to Made Visible here.

When Aliza Licht was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015, she didn't tell anyone but close family. That changed in 2019, when she agreed to share her story in a TV segment for abc7NY. Only today's episode, Aliza and I talk about why, after keeping her story to herself for so long, she decided she wanted people to know the facts of her diagnosis. We also chat about how life has changed for her since cancer happened, and why she thinks everyone has a responsibility to take the initiative in their health.

Learn more about Aliza and check out the show notes here.

Follow Made Visible on Instagram.

We want to learn more about you! Tell us about you and what got you listening to Made Visible here.

Before being diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome at 24 years old, Lara Bloom endured 12 years of undiagnosed pain and mysterious symptoms. According to Lara, who is now the president and CEO of The Ehlers-Danlos Society, this experience isn't uncommon. On today's episode, Lara and I talk about why she's dedicated her career to EDS awareness, why it's important to her that The Ehlers-Danlos Society is in it for the long haul, and how her life changed when she stopped waiting for a cure for EDS.

Learn more about Lara and check out the show notes here.

Follow Made Visible on Instagram.

We want to learn more about you! Tell us about you and what got you listening to Made Visible here.

When Shannon Shores was diagnosed with a strain of HPV that can cause cervical cancer, it was an emotional and scary experience. But at the same time, it helped cement her new career path, validating her decision to build a product that would offer discreet and fast STD testing to people all over the country. On today's episode, we talk about how education and empowerment factor into the mission of samedaystdtesting.com, and why shame and judgement don't belong in conversations around sexual health.

Learn more about Shannon and check out the show notes here.

Follow Made Visible on Instagram.

Provide us with feedback on the podcast here.

Dr. Shari Auth has been a healer for over 20 years. Now, as co-founder of WTHN, she's helped thousands of people experience their first acupuncture treatment. On today's episode, we discuss why many people no longer see holistic medicine as a last resort, but instead view it as a first stop. We also talk about how WTHN makes acupuncture, herbs, and cupping accessible for a larger audience, the symptoms people seek to alleviate through acupuncture, and why regular wellness treatments are key.

Learn more about Shari and check out the show notes here.

Follow Made Visible on Instagram.

Provide us with feedback on the podcast here.

YouTubers Simon and Martina Stawski share many aspects of their lives with their audience, including how they approach Martina's diagnosis of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). On today's episode, I talk with Simon and Martina about how honest conversation plays a huge role in their team effort to manage EDS. We also talk about the ups and downs of managing a chronic illness, what they choose to share with their fans, and why the term "caregiver" doesn't feel like the right way to describe Simon's role.

Learn more about Allie and check out the show notes here.

Follow Made Visible on Instagram.

Provide us with feedback on the podcast here.

As deputy editor at Health.com, Esther Crain has developed features that reflect the hidden health experiences of people today. Focusing on women who have been misdiagnosed or diagnosed with invisible illnesses, she looks for stories that are relatable and help shine a light on different conditions and experiences with healthcare. On today's episode, we talk about what led to her interest in health publishing, the power of personal narrative, and how the humanity in stories can make them hit home.

Learn more about Esther and check out the show notes here.

Follow Made Visible on Instagram.

Provide us with feedback on the podcast here.

For the first few months after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, Jessie Ace felt like her life was over. But, as she learned how to advocate for herself as a patient and reframe her mindset, her experience changed. On today's episode, Jessie and I talk about what it was like to be diagnosed at age 22 and how she felt when she was suddenly labeled as having a disability. We also chat about her work as an illustrator, writer, and podcast host, and why she champions the term "enabled" vs. disabled.

Learn more about Jessie and check out the show notes here.

Follow Made Visible on Instagram.

Provide us with feedback on the podcast here.

Lara Parker deals with vagina problems (which is also the title of her book, coming in 2020). On today's episode, Lara I talk about why she started being upfront and open about how endometriosis and other conditions have affected her life, and why she feels a responsibility to tell her story. Whether she's talking about dating with penetrative sex off the table or giving advice to people who are navigating endometriosis, Lara talks candidly about her experience...because as she puts it, why wouldn't she?

Learn more about Lara and check out the show notes here.

Follow Made Visible on Instagram.

Provide us with feedback on the podcast here.