Move It or Lose it - The Podcast

In a change from our regularly scheduled programming, today I had the pleasure of being interviewed by my wonderful colleague, Mollie Witt. We discussed our journey together, as she has been a personal training client of mine for nearly a year. She shared how our training sessions have transformed her life following her MS diagnosis.

We talked about my passion for podcasting and memorable moments and emotional stories from podcast guests, before going on to talk about our new Disrupting MS Together program.

Disrupting MS Together aims to empower individuals living with MS through functional movement and coaching. I’m excited about the group workouts and the supportive environment we’re creating, and I believe that by fostering a sense of community, we can help each other thrive.

As we wrapped up our conversation, I shared a story from my own experience that reinforced my commitment to staying active and encouraging others to do the same. It’s all about authenticity and connection, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my journey with you all.

DISCLAIMER

The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Links and resources:

Learn more about Disrupting MS Together

Check out the new MS Disrupted Merch

If you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more here

You can find Kathy Chester at:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Connect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

Here are some additional products that help Kathy beat the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.

Koldtec - Cool Head Wrap
KOLD10

To save $10 off every item in-store.
2 items = $20 savings
3 items = $30 savings

https://www.koldtec.com/

Cold bean bag Releafpack
15% discount use code Disrupt15

https://www.releafpack.com 

In the second part of my conversation with former Michigan football player Brian Wallace, Brian shared his journey of coming to terms with his diagnosis and the emotional turmoil that accompanied it. He opened up about the initial fear and embarrassment he felt, especially as someone who had always been athletic.

He expressed the difficulty of disclosing such personal news, particularly in a work environment. For nearly a decade, he kept his condition private, only revealing it when it became unavoidable.

Throughout our conversation, we touched on the loneliness that often accompanies chronic illness. However, Brian has recently found his voice on social media, with his TikTok channel. Initially hesitant, he discovered that sharing his story not only helped him but also connected him with others facing similar challenges.

He discussed the duality of his experience with MS - what it has taken away from him and what it can never take. He emphasized that while the disease has impacted his physical abilities, it cannot erase his accomplishments or the essence of who he is.

As we wrapped up, Brian expressed his desire to start a podcast to further advocate for those with MS and to educate others about the realities of living with the disease. He is passionate about breaking down the stigma and ignorance surrounding MS, and I am excited to see where this journey takes him.

DISCLAIMER

The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Links and resources:

Learn more about Disrupting MS Together

Connect with Brain Wallace on TikTok

If you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more here

Find out more about the DMAT Fitness Training program

You can find Kathy Chester at:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Connect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

Here are some additional products that help Kathy beat the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.

Koldtec - Cool Head Wrap
KOLD10

To save $10 off every item in-store
2 items = $20 savings
3 items = $30 savings

https://www.koldtec.com/

Cold bean bag Releafpack
15% discount use code Disrupt15

https://www.releafpack.com 

Brian Wallace is a former Michigan football player, who shared his incredible journey with multiple sclerosis. His story is not just about sports; it's about resilience, determination, and the power of movement, especially for those of us living with MS.

In the first of a two-part interview, Brian talked about growing up in a loving household, playing various sports, particularly hockey and football. His high school years were marked by recruitment from prestigious colleges, and he ultimately chose to play for the University of Michigan, where he had the opportunity to learn from legendary coaches like Bo Schembechler and Gary Moeller.

As we discussed his diagnosis, Brian recounted the troubling symptoms he experienced leading up to it. After finally learning he had MS, instead of feeling defeated, he felt a sense of relief. Knowing what he was up against allowed him to take control of his health and future.

Throughout our conversation, we touched on the importance of movement and how it can serve as a form of medicine. Brian's journey exemplifies the idea that even when faced with limitations, there are always ways to adapt and keep moving. His story is a testament to the belief that we can redefine our capabilities and find new ways to thrive, regardless of the challenges we face.

Don't miss Part Two, coming tomorrow.

DISCLAIMER
The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Links and resources:

Learn more about Disrupting MS Together

Connect with Brain Wallace on TikTok

If you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more here

Find out more about the DMAT Fitness Training program

You can find Kathy Chester at:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Connect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

Here are some additional products that help Kathy beat the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.

Koldtec - Cool Head Wrap
KOLD10

To save $10 off every item in-store:
2 items = $20 savings
3 items = $30 savings

https://www.koldtec.com/

Cold bean bag Releafpack
15% discount use code Disrupt15

https://www.releafpack.com 

Did you know that vibration therapy can help with cognitive function and motor skills? Recently I had the pleasure of speaking to Ethan Pollak who has developed a revolutionary device that is making waves in the rehab space for MS and stroke patients, amongst many others.

As experienced weightlifters, Ethan and his co-founder, Cole, realized that many people struggle to engage certain muscles during workouts. They decided to create a product that could replicate the benefits of muscle tapping. After extensive research, they developed the Pulse Device, which uses vibration technology to improve performance and recovery.

However, feedback from physical therapists and users has shown that it can aid in rehabilitation for conditions such as ACL recovery, stroke recovery, and pain relief, particularly for MS patients experiencing symptoms like pins and needles.

Listen to learn about the mechanism used in the Pulse Device, its application for various health conditions, including Multiple Sclerosis, and upcoming features aimed at enhancing the experience of users.

DISCLAIMER
The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Links and resources:

Learn more about Disrupting MS Together

Visit Pulse Device
Connect with Pulse Device on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube   

If you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more here

Find out more about the DMAT Fitness Training program

You can find Kathy Chester at:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Connect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

Here are some additional products that help Kathy beat the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.

Koldtec - Cool Head Wrap
KOLD10

To save $10 off every item in-store.
2 items = $20 savings
3 items = $30 savings

https://www.koldtec.com/

Cold bean bag Releafpack
15% discount use code Disrupt15

https://www.releafpack.com

Lydia Guerrero founded Infusion Wear with a mission to create affordable adaptive wear, specifically designed for individuals undergoing medical treatments. Lydia was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2011, and her DMT infusion process was made more uncomfortable by having to struggle with clothing that was either too tight or cumbersome.

After seeing an adaptive sweatshirt online that was priced at $140, she realized there was a gap in the market for affordable, functional clothing. With her husband's support, she took matters into her own hands, literally sewing zippers into sweatshirts to make her infusion experience more comfortable. Lydia's grassroots approach not only filled a personal need but also aimed to help others facing similar challenges.

In my conversation with Lydia, we talked about the emotional impact of receiving her MS diagnosis, the motivation behind creating adaptive clothing, and the collaborative effort with family and friends to bring her vision to life. We also discussed the importance of creating affordable, high-quality adaptive wear for those with medical needs and the exciting plans for the future of Infusion Wear.

DISCLAIMER
The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Links and resources:

Sign up for the 10 Weeks to Disrupt MS Program

Follow Infusion Wear on Instagram

Visit Infusion Wear

If you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more here

Find out more about the DMAT Fitness Training program

You can find Kathy Chester at:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Connect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

Here are some additional products that help Kathy beat the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.

Koldtec - Cool Head Wrap
KOLD10

To save $10 off every item in-store.
2 items = $20 savings
3 items = $30 savings

https://www.koldtec.com/

Cold bean bag Releafpack
15% discount use code Disrupt15

https://www.releafpack.com 

In part two of my conversation with Dr. Summer, we dive deep into her journey of becoming a physician after facing significant life challenges, including a divorce and becoming a single parent to her two boys. As we covered in the first part of this conversation, Dr. Summer was misdiagnosed with MS before receiving the correct diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica (NMO).

After attending undergrad in Missouri and med school in Pennsylvania, Summer's path to becoming a physician was unconventional, marked by personal trials and triumphs. She shares her experience of transitioning to a power wheelchair and how it affected her work and interactions with patients.

Summer emphasizes that being a physician is not just about treating physical ailments but also about understanding the emotional and spiritual aspects of health. This perspective is crucial, especially for patients dealing with chronic conditions like MS and NMO.

Towards the end of our discussion, Dr. Summer shares her insights on the healthcare system and the challenges faced by both patients and providers. She addresses the frustrations of navigating insurance and the pressures that come with high patient loads. Despite these challenges, she remains committed to her patients and finds joy in her work.

DISCLAIMER
The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Links and resources:

Sign up for the 10 Weeks to Disrupt MS Program

Follow Dr. Summer on TikTok
Visit Summer Banzhaf, DO at Fairfield Medical Center

If you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more here

Find out more about the DMAT Fitness Training program

You can find Kathy Chester at:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Connect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

Here are some additional products that help Kathy beat the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.

Koldtec - Cool Head Wrap
KOLD10

To save $10 off every item in-store.
2 items = $20 savings
3 items = $30 savings

https://www.koldtec.com/

Cold bean bag Releafpack
15% discount use code Disrupt15

https://www.releafpack.com 

I recently enjoyed speaking with the incredible Dr. Summer about her remarkable story. I’ve been following her journey on TikTok, and I was eager to dive into her experiences with neuromyelitis optica (NMO), a condition that was initially misdiagnosed as multiple sclerosis (MS). Summer's resilience and determination to overcome her challenges are truly inspiring.

In the first part of a two-part interview, Summer shared her journey from being misdiagnosed with MS to receiving the correct diagnosis of NMO. She explained that NMO is often confused with MS due to their similarities, but it has distinct characteristics that can lead to more severe symptoms. Summer described her initial experiences with various treatments, including Gilenya and Tysabri, and how they didn’t work for her condition. It was only after multiple attacks that her doctors reconsidered her diagnosis and adjusted her treatment plan.

During our conversation, we discussed Dr. Summer's journey through misdiagnosis and the impact of her condition on her medical career, the emotional challenges of living with a chronic illness and the fear of unpredictability, advances in treatment options for NMO and the hope they bring to patients, and the power of resilience and determination in overcoming health challenges.

DISCLAIMER
The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Links and resources:

Sign up for the 10 Weeks to Disrupt MS Program

Follow Dr. Summer on TikTok
Visit Summer Banzhaf, DO at Fairfield Medical Center

If you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more here
Find out more about the DMAT Fitness Training program

You can find Kathy Chester at:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected] 

Connect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

Here are some additional products that help Kathy beat the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.

Koldtec - Cool Head Wrap
KOLD10

To save $10 off every item in-store.
2 items = $20 savings
3 items = $30 savings

https://www.koldtec.com/ 

Cold bean bag Releafpack

15% discount use code Disrupt15

https://www.releafpack.com 

In Episode 118 of the Move It or Lose It Podcast I sit down with my lovely friend, Lisa Norris, who is thriving while living with another autoimmune disease—Lupus. We dive into the challenges and triumphs of accepting our diagnoses and moving forward to live a badass life despite the obstacles. Lisa shares her abundance of gratitude and reveals how she uses diet and exercise to disrupt her disease, offering invaluable advice to those newly diagnosed. Join us for an inspiring conversation as we discuss the power of mindset, the importance of staying active, and how to live life to the fullest with an autoimmune disease. Whether you’re dealing with lupus, multiple sclerosis, or any other chronic condition, this episode is packed with insights that will empower you on your own health journey. Don’t miss it!
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of the Move It or Lose It Podcast!
Want to follow or get in touch with Lisa?
Instagram: @autoimmunewarriorinfo

DISCLAIMER
The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Follow me (Kathy) on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and my website for daily inspiration, fitness tips, and a whole lot of fun!
Website: https://msdisrupted.com
Facebook:   / msdisrupted 
Instagram:   / msdisrupted 
TikTok:   / msdisrupted 

Here are some additional products that help Kathy deal with beating the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.

Koldtec - Cool Head Wrap
KOLD10

To save $10 off every item in-store.
2 items = $20 savings
3 items = $30 savings

https://www.koldtec.com/

Cold bean bag Releafpack
15% discount use code Disrupt15

https://www.releafpack.com

This episode is a return visit for Robbie Gillett, a talented poet who lives with MS. We talked about Robbie's initial struggles with his diagnosis and how it led him to writing poetry as a form of therapy and self-expression. With the support of his wife, who encouraged him to share his work, Robbie has used his poetry to raise awareness and provide hope to others.

Robbie talked about his upcoming projects including a show and book titled "I Don't Like Poetry," which challenges stereotypes and perceptions about poetry.

Robbie's message to newly diagnosed individuals is to reach out and connect with others in the MS community, emphasizing the support and understanding that can be found through shared experiences. His upcoming book release in September will further showcase his talent and dedication to raising awareness about MS and mental health.

DISCLAIMER
The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Links and resources:

Sign up for the 10 Weeks to Disrupt MS Program

Connect with Robbie on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook
Buy Robbie's book, Thoughts of a Warrior: Beneath the Tracksuit
Watch The Painter And The Poet on YouTube
Listen to Robbie's music on Spotify

Listen to Robbie's previous appearances on the Move It Or Lose It podcast: Episode 085 Part One and Episode 085 Part Two

If you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more here

Find out more about the DMAT Fitness Training program

You can find Kathy Chester at:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Connect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

Here are some additional products that help Kathy deal with beating the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.

Koldtec - Cool Head Wrap
KOLD10

To save $10 off every item in-store.
2 items = $20 savings
3 items = $30 savings

https://www.koldtec.com/

Cold bean bag Releafpack
15% discount use code Disrupt15

https://www.releafpack.com

Recently I had a fantastic conversation with Kelli Gastis, an author and fellow MS warrior. Kelli shared her journey of being diagnosed with MS at 25 and how she navigated through various treatments, including natural remedies.

We talked about Kelli's busy life before her MS diagnosis, working in the fashion industry and teaching dance and aerobics. She shared her initial symptoms of tingling and the journey to diagnosis, highlighting the challenges and uncertainties she faced.

Eventually, Kelli transitioned from traditional medication to natural remedies, guided by a homeopathic doctor to explore different approaches to managing her health.

Now Kelli has written about her experiences in a book, "Fabulous in Flats," which is available on Amazon and has received rave reviews within the MS community.

In our discussion, Kelli emphasized the need for an open mind when looking at ways to manage MS. Her advice to newly diagnosed individuals was to try different approaches and not be afraid to explore alternative treatments.

DISCLAIMER
The information in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

Links and resources:

Sign up for the 10 Weeks to Disrupt MS Program

Visit Kelli Gastis
Buy Fabulous in Flats: How I've Learned to Thrive While Living With an Autoimmune Illness by Kelli Gastis
Connect with Kelli on Facebook and Instagram

If you're interested in having Kathy speak at your event, learn more here
Find out more about the DMAT Fitness Training program

You can find Kathy Chester at:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Connect with @msdisrupted on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok

Here are some additional products that help Kathy deal with beating the Heat and Migraines.  Take advantage of the coupon code.

Koldtec - Cool Head Wrap
KOLD10

To save $10 off every item in-store.
2 items = $20 savings
3 items = $30 savings

https://www.koldtec.com/

Cold bean bag Releafpack
15% discount use code Disrupt15

https://www.releafpack.com