MSMS: The Many Stories of Multiple Sclerosis

Diagnosis can feel like someone has quietly swapped out the map of your life while you weren’t looking. On World MS Day, Colleen sits with that reality and talks about what can happen after hearing “you have MS” and how honesty matters more than forced optimism. 

Support the show

You can join Colleen and other  Australians living with MS in this podcast's Facebook group which was originally created to support those interested in HSCT and now exists to facilitate discussion on all issues relevant to MS.

Multiple Sclerosis and HSCT Australia - Facebook group

PS:  I'd appreciate your donation to help in maintaining this podcast - if you could buy me a coffee or two please (donate $5, it's not real coffee! thank you!) - Colleen

Buy Colleen a Coffee - thank you!

Disclaimer:
This podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
The views expressed in episodes of this podcast are those of the host or guest(s) and are not intended to replace professional medical advice.
No story told, view expressed or opinion voiced, written or otherwise shared in any episode of this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, including when related in an episode as a professional opinion or professional advice given.
Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions regarding your health or medical condition.
Content Warning:
Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable condition and the conversations and stories in all episodes of this podcast will contain reference to MS symptoms as well as situatio...

Colleen shares some of her thoughts, talking about what it feels like when people question disability when a person happens to look well, and how those “compliments” feel to a person with MS. Beginning with the 'invisible illness' issue ... something that needs talking about.

Feel free to share this episode, please do, and for the other episodes that have gone before - please listen to other people's stories.
And of course, if you'd like to share your own story on this podcast, you can contact Colleen via email at [email protected] 
This is also a link to buy me a coffee, I'd appreciate that (it's not real coffee, if you choose to contribute to help me keep this podcast alive I'll receive $5 from you, thank you!) 

Support the show

You can join Colleen and other  Australians living with MS in this podcast's Facebook group which was originally created to support those interested in HSCT and now exists to facilitate discussion on all issues relevant to MS.

Multiple Sclerosis and HSCT Australia - Facebook group

PS:  I'd appreciate your donation to help in maintaining this podcast - if you could buy me a coffee or two please (donate $5, it's not real coffee! thank you!) - Colleen

Buy Colleen a Coffee - thank you!

Disclaimer:
This podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
The views expressed in episodes of this podcast are those of the host or guest(s) and are not intended to replace professional medical advice.
No story told, view expressed or opinion voiced, written or otherwise shared in any episode of this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, including when related in an episode as a professional opinion or professional advice given.
Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions regarding your health or medical condition.
Content Warning:
Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable condition and the conversations and stories in all episodes of this podcast will contain reference to MS symptoms as well as situatio...

Colleen shares answers to some questions about life with MS, from Australians in the MS community.

If you're in the Facebook group attached to this podcast, please keep a look-out for future questions..

Support the show

You can join Colleen and other  Australians living with MS in this podcast's Facebook group which was originally created to support those interested in HSCT and now exists to facilitate discussion on all issues relevant to MS.

Multiple Sclerosis and HSCT Australia - Facebook group

PS:  I'd appreciate your donation to help in maintaining this podcast - if you could buy me a coffee or two please (donate $5, it's not real coffee! thank you!) - Colleen

Buy Colleen a Coffee - thank you!

Disclaimer:
This podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
The views expressed in episodes of this podcast are those of the host or guest(s) and are not intended to replace professional medical advice.
No story told, view expressed or opinion voiced, written or otherwise shared in any episode of this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, including when related in an episode as a professional opinion or professional advice given.
Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions regarding your health or medical condition.
Content Warning:
Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable condition and the conversations and stories in all episodes of this podcast will contain reference to MS symptoms as well as situatio...

In this special episode we step away from MS in support of another neurological condition - Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

As a part of the international #Podcasthon charitable initiative, Colleen has chosen to support MND by raising awareness of that condition, and speaks with Andrew Collins from MND NSW to learn what MND is, and about the services and care needed to support people impacted.

To learn more or find out what you can do to help, or to donate please visit the MND NSW website https://www.mndnsw.org.au/
 
Please consider supporting the work of MND New South Wales (or the national body in your country), and do help raise awareness by sharing this episode.

Support the show

You can join Colleen and other  Australians living with MS in this podcast's Facebook group which was originally created to support those interested in HSCT and now exists to facilitate discussion on all issues relevant to MS.

Multiple Sclerosis and HSCT Australia - Facebook group

PS:  I'd appreciate your donation to help in maintaining this podcast - if you could buy me a coffee or two please (donate $5, it's not real coffee! thank you!) - Colleen

Buy Colleen a Coffee - thank you!

Disclaimer:
This podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
The views expressed in episodes of this podcast are those of the host or guest(s) and are not intended to replace professional medical advice.
No story told, view expressed or opinion voiced, written or otherwise shared in any episode of this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, including when related in an episode as a professional opinion or professional advice given.
Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions regarding your health or medical condition.
Content Warning:
Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable condition and the conversations and stories in all episodes of this podcast will contain reference to MS symptoms as well as situatio...

Why MSMS needed to take a pause - and soon a dive into this year's  Podcasthon, coming next month. 

Podcasthon takes us on a path toward helping others who live with neurological disease, listen as Colleen explains.

If any episode of this podcast has meant something to you, if a story has helped you feel less alone or better understood, or maybe you learnt something through hearing someone else's MS experience, there are ways that you can help to continue this podcast. If you just share an episode with a friend, somebody you know who might find some value in it as well. That makes a huge difference, please share - to help another or to help raise awareness.

Support the show

You can join Colleen and other  Australians living with MS in this podcast's Facebook group which was originally created to support those interested in HSCT and now exists to facilitate discussion on all issues relevant to MS.

Multiple Sclerosis and HSCT Australia - Facebook group

PS:  I'd appreciate your donation to help in maintaining this podcast - if you could buy me a coffee or two please (donate $5, it's not real coffee! thank you!) - Colleen

Buy Colleen a Coffee - thank you!

Disclaimer:
This podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
The views expressed in episodes of this podcast are those of the host or guest(s) and are not intended to replace professional medical advice.
No story told, view expressed or opinion voiced, written or otherwise shared in any episode of this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, including when related in an episode as a professional opinion or professional advice given.
Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions regarding your health or medical condition.
Content Warning:
Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable condition and the conversations and stories in all episodes of this podcast will contain reference to MS symptoms as well as situatio...

Colleen reflects on a year of MS stories and shares gentle holiday wishes with an invite to future MS storytellers from across Australia to join the conversation.
Email msmspodcast at proton.me

Support the show

You can join Colleen and other  Australians living with MS in this podcast's Facebook group which was originally created to support those interested in HSCT and now exists to facilitate discussion on all issues relevant to MS.

Multiple Sclerosis and HSCT Australia - Facebook group

PS:  I'd appreciate your donation to help in maintaining this podcast - if you could buy me a coffee or two please (donate $5, it's not real coffee! thank you!) - Colleen

Buy Colleen a Coffee - thank you!

Disclaimer:
This podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
The views expressed in episodes of this podcast are those of the host or guest(s) and are not intended to replace professional medical advice.
No story told, view expressed or opinion voiced, written or otherwise shared in any episode of this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, including when related in an episode as a professional opinion or professional advice given.
Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions regarding your health or medical condition.
Content Warning:
Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable condition and the conversations and stories in all episodes of this podcast will contain reference to MS symptoms as well as situatio...

What if the cure for isolation isn’t a fact sheet but a voice that sounds like yours? Colleen opens up about why she created a space where people with multiple sclerosis can hear themselves reflected back—without any pressure to be anything other than themselves.

If you’ve been waiting for the “right time” to speak, consider this your nudge. You don’t need polish or perfect words; you only need your own experience. By sharing, you might give someone the relief of feeling understood on a hard day.

And if you’d rather just listen for now, that’s welcome too—connection doesn’t demand performance. Follow or subscribe for more real-world Aussie MS stories, share this with someone who needs to feel less alone. Ready to add your voice to the chorus? Reach out and let’s keep connecting one story at a time - [email protected]

Support the show

You can join Colleen and other Australians living with MS in this podcast's Facebook group which was originally created to support those interested in HSCT and now exists to facilitate discussion on all issues relevant to MS.

Multiple Sclerosis and HSCT Australia - Facebook group

PS: I'd appreciate your donation to help in maintaining this podcast - if you could buy me a coffee or two please (donate $5, it's not real coffee! thank you!) - Colleen

Buy Colleen a Coffee - thank you!

Disclaimer:
This podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
The views expressed in episodes of this podcast are those of the host or guest(s) and are not intended to replace professional medical advice.
No story told, view expressed or opinion voiced, written or otherwise shared in any episode of this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, including when related in an episode as a professional opinion or professional advice given.
Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions regarding your health or medical condition.
Content Warning:
Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable condition and the conversations and stories in all episodes of this podcast will contain reference to MS symptoms as well as situa...

In this episode Colleen introduces Amy (from Queensland's Sunshine Coast) and their conversation takes a look at MS decision‑making and the courage to choose a path that fits your temperament. Amy also talks with Colleen about her diagnosis, cost shock, her experience of Mavenclad side effects, community wisdom, and the quiet power of taking control. If you’re weighing your choices or how to live with less fear and more clarity, Amy’s story offers practical insight into considerations around risk and recovery.

Support the show

You can join Colleen and other  Australians living with MS in this podcast's Facebook group which was originally created to support those interested in HSCT and now exists to facilitate discussion on all issues relevant to MS.

Multiple Sclerosis and HSCT Australia - Facebook group

PS:  I'd appreciate your donation to help in maintaining this podcast - if you could buy me a coffee or two please (donate $5, it's not real coffee! thank you!) - Colleen

Buy Colleen a Coffee - thank you!

Disclaimer:
This podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
The views expressed in episodes of this podcast are those of the host or guest(s) and are not intended to replace professional medical advice.
No story told, view expressed or opinion voiced, written or otherwise shared in any episode of this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, including when related in an episode as a professional opinion or professional advice given.
Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions regarding your health or medical condition.
Content Warning:
Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable condition and the conversations and stories in all episodes of this podcast will contain reference to MS symptoms as well as situatio...

Ever wonder about the person behind the microphone?

We all have different chapters in our life story, one leads to another.

Living with MS adds an extra layer that can shape how those chapters unfold - sometimes unexpectedly, sometimes giving rise to an unknown strength.

In this special and personal Behind the Mic episode, Colleen shares more of her story, offering listeners a chance to hear more of her MS journey, plus gives some insight into how the podcast came to be.

If you’ve found connection in episodes of this podcast, or have your own story to share, listeners would love to hear from you. To arrange an interview, email Colleen at [email protected]. Please remember - our stories matter, your story matters.

Support the show

You can join Colleen and other Australians living with MS in this podcast's Facebook group which was originally created to support those interested in HSCT and now exists to facilitate discussion on all issues relevant to MS.

Multiple Sclerosis and HSCT Australia - Facebook group

PS: I'd appreciate your donation to help in maintaining this podcast - if you could buy me a coffee or two please (donate $5, it's not real coffee! thank you!) - Colleen

Buy Colleen a Coffee - thank you!

Disclaimer:
This podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
The views expressed in episodes of this podcast are those of the host or guest(s) and are not intended to replace professional medical advice.
No story told, view expressed or opinion voiced, written or otherwise shared in any episode of this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, including when related in an episode as a professional opinion or professional advice given.
Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions regarding your health or medical condition.
Content Warning:
Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable condition and the conversations and stories in all episodes of this podcast will contain reference to MS symptoms as well as situa...

Falling prey to a scam can happen to anyone, but for those living with multiple sclerosis, the risks can hurt more than our bank account. The uncertainty of MS can create vulnerabilities that scammers exploit. It’s important to stay hopeful about advances in treatment — but also to stay informed, so hope isn’t taken advantage of.

Note from Colleen:
This episode is about helping people with MS avoid falling victim to scams that promise “cures.” While much of what I share in this episode is my perspective, the fact is that scammers do prey on our hopes of overcoming MS and all its symptoms. We do need to remain alert to these dangers.

I truly hope this episode helps anyone considering an untested or advertised  treatment. Stay safe. 💛

Support the show

You can join Colleen and other  Australians living with MS in this podcast's Facebook group which was originally created to support those interested in HSCT and now exists to facilitate discussion on all issues relevant to MS.

Multiple Sclerosis and HSCT Australia - Facebook group

PS:  I'd appreciate your donation to help in maintaining this podcast - if you could buy me a coffee or two please (donate $5, it's not real coffee! thank you!) - Colleen

Buy Colleen a Coffee - thank you!

Disclaimer:
This podcast is not intended to replace professional medical advice.
The views expressed in episodes of this podcast are those of the host or guest(s) and are not intended to replace professional medical advice.
No story told, view expressed or opinion voiced, written or otherwise shared in any episode of this podcast is to be taken as medical advice, including when related in an episode as a professional opinion or professional advice given.
Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions regarding your health or medical condition.
Content Warning:
Multiple Sclerosis is an unpredictable condition and the conversations and stories in all episodes of this podcast will contain reference to MS symptoms as well as situatio...