I’m excited to welcome back Dr. Elizabeth Volkmann. Dr. Volkmann takes a truly holistic approach to care, focusing on the whole person rather than just the disease. She also has a wonderful new Instagram page filled with helpful, informative content that you won’t want to miss. As always, it was an absolute delight talking with her.

I’m pleased to welcome back Yoga for Scleroderma and Cheryl Albright. Yoga for Scleroderma was one of my very first podcast episodes. At that time, Lori—who has since passed—graciously joined us and was deeply grateful for the work being done. Her presence and spirit remain an important part of this story. I want to thank Cheryl for taking the time to return and share updates on what’s happening with Yoga for Scleroderma today. Cheryl’s mission is simple yet powerful: helping people feel the most comfortable in the body they were given. That statement speaks volumes about who she is and the work she does.

Today’s guests are Cheryl Ferguson and Trish Markey, two women connected by their experiences with scleroderma. Cheryl is the mother of a daughter with scleroderma, and Trish is a scleroderma warrior herself. Each chose to explore an antibiotic-based approach and became involved with the Road Back Foundation along the way. This episode is meant to share personal experiences, not medical advice—so please check with your physician before making any changes to your care. Now, let’s hear their stories.

Today’s topic is one I’ve wanted to discuss for a very long time and one that’s particularly troubling to me: calcinosis. I was absolutely thrilled when Dr. Ariane Herrick agreed to join me for this conversation. She is incredibly knowledgeable on the subject and shared such valuable insight and information about this challenging condition. I’m so grateful for her time and expertise

Today, I’m joined by two incredible guests: Ted Haugh, who was finally diagnosed with systemic sclerosis in 2022 after symptoms began back in 2016 and five doctors later; and his wife, Erin, who not only cares for Ted but also lost her mother to scleroderma when she was just 17.

Together, they share their powerful journeys and perspectives. Let’s listen to their stories.

Today’s guest is Dr. Kathryn Torok, a pediatric rheumatologist at the University of Pittsburgh and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, where she directs the Pediatric Craniofacial Scleroderma Clinic. Scleroderma in children is rare, about five in 100,000 develop localized disease, and only about one in a million develop systemic disease. It's crucial to treat to target as early as possible. I learned so much from Dr. Torok about how scleroderma affects children and the best approaches to care.

Today’s guest is Dave Hanson, who shares his journey from his first confusing symptoms to finally receiving a diagnosis. It all began in the fall of 2019, when Dave started experiencing unusual symptoms — painful cramps and a vague but unsettling feeling that something wasn’t right. By early 2020, just before the pandemic, he noticed swelling in his hands and went to the ER. With no signs of Raynaud’s, doctors initially diagnosed him with psoriatic arthritis.

It would take another year before he received the correct diagnosis: diffuse cutaneous scleroderma.

Today’s guest is the incredible Dr. Sara Reardon, a renowned pelvic floor physical therapist, author, and founder of V-Hive, a groundbreaking app for pelvic health. I wanted to have Dr. Reardon on the show because nearly 80% of people living with scleroderma are women, and many face challenges such as urinary issues and fecal incontinence topics we don’t talk about enough. Dr. Reardon offers thoughtful, practical, and empowering ways to address these concerns. Her book, Floored, is full of helpful guidance, and even at 66, I found myself learning so many things I wish I’d known years ago. 

Today I sit down with Dr. Reza Movahed, an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who’s making a real impact in the scleroderma community. As scleroderma patients we  know how this disease affects the mouth. Dr. Movahed helps patients regain function and comfort, and the surprising role sleep plays in maintaining oral health. Dr. Movahed was a crowd favorite at our July conference.

Today’s guest is Dr. Laura Hummers, a rheumatologist and co-director of the Scleroderma Clinic at the Johns Hopkins Scleroderma Center. In our conversation, we dive into the different phenotypes observable characteristics of scleroderma, as well as the three major antibodies commonly found in patients and how they aid in diagnosis. This episode is packed with valuable insights and information you won’t want to miss.