The light fades, routines slow, and the quiet gets loud. We name the winter blues without sugarcoating them, then share what actually helps: sunlight rituals, happy lights you’ll remember to use, and small anchors that turn long dark days into something gentler and more human.

We compare notes from different climates—rain-soaked Pacific Northwest, high-desert cold, and Midwest grit—to show how environment shapes mood and energy. From opening the blinds wide and soaking up a fifteen‑minute sun patch to keeping a happy light on your desk, these simple actions add up. We talk about the drag of lost outdoor time, the mental toll of feeling left behind, and the permission to choose steadiness over hustle when your body and brain want warmth and rest.

Connection takes center stage. We make the case for an accountability circle designed for winter: friends who check in, spark belly laughs, and pull you back when turtling becomes a habit. You’ll hear practical prompts for asking for help, plus easy ways to give it—Cards for Warriors, quick voice notes, and tiny acts that make isolation softer for everyone. Creativity and comfort round things out with low‑stakes projects like watercolors and journaling, alongside freezer‑friendly cooking, soups, stews, fresh bread, and the kind of kitchen rituals that make the house smell like home.

If you’re bracing for the dark months, this conversation offers tools you can use today and a reminder that you don’t have to power through alone. Listen, save your favorite tips, and share this episode with someone who needs a brighter winter. If it helped, subscribe, leave a review, and tell us your go‑to winter reset.

Support Group: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/83rig1o/MySpoonieSisters

Andi’s book: https://amzn.to/3LrPl1t

Linnea’s book: https://amzn.to/47K9o2H

Jen’s book: https://amzn.to/4qRbB5e

Happy Light: https://amzn.to/3Xfqrol

Send us a text

Keep your spoons close and support system closer.

Support the show

Support:
https://rarepatientvoice.com/Myspooniesisters/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSisters
https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen10)

Website: https://myspooniesisters.com/

Discount Codes: GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off

Ever wish your bag could calm a flare before it starts? We empty our real spoonie survival kits and show exactly how we plan for pain spikes, long waits, and the kind of detours that come with chronic illness. From compact pain tools to mood-lifting comforts, you’ll hear how we choose items that solve predictable problems—then scale up for travel without hauling a suitcase.

We start with the everyday carry essentials: hand sanitizer, lens wipes, and multiple lip care options because dry mouth and dehydration hit hard. Ginger chews help with nausea and jitters, while compression gloves and lidocaine patches offer quick relief for aching hands and joints. We share why a sanitizer-pen is a genius hybrid, how a tiny bio stick helps settle the gut, and why two forms of Benadryl can be a lifesaver. Snacks matter just as much: roasted nuts, protein bars, and freeze-dried fruit keep energy stable when appointments run long. A favorite verse card in the wallet can reset a spiral faster than you’d think.

Then we move beyond purses to the systems that keep us steady at home and on the go. A nightstand or chair-side kit holds electrolytes, dry mouth lozenges, and a dedicated snack box so you don’t need to stand when flaring. Caregivers will find easy wins: labeled drawers, a ready-to-grab travel tote, and a weekly pill organizer that flips to show what’s been taken. For longer outings, we add a TENS unit, trigger point tool, multiple electrolyte formats (powders, chews, capsules, even pickle juice), and a bento-style snack so eating doesn’t feel like a chore. The goal is predictability, not perfection—small, smart choices that make hard days workable.

If you’re building your first kit or upgrading an old one, we’ve got practical packing lists, product ideas, and simple routines that reduce stress and decision fatigue. Tell us what we missed, share your favorite items, and help other spoonies build their own safety nets. Subscribe, leave a review, and drop your must-carry pick—what’s the one item you never leave home without?

Send us a text

Keep your spoons close and support system closer.

Support the show

Support:
https://rarepatientvoice.com/Myspooniesisters/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSisters
https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen10)

Website: https://myspooniesisters.com/

Discount Codes: GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off

Holiday joy doesn’t have to come with a meltdown. We open up about how to survive loud rooms, heavy schedules, and high expectations while living with chronic illness or limited energy. From early meal prep to quiet “time-out” routines, we share the small moves that make the season easier, calmer, and genuinely more fun.

We get practical about pacing: pies baked the day before, casseroles assembled ahead, and a simple oven timeline that stops last-minute chaos. We talk about stocking easy snacks, accepting help even when it’s not your way, and using tools like a toaster oven to spread the load. Caregivers get a strategy too—turn leftovers into complete frozen plates so a balanced meal is always within reach.

Overstimulation has a plan. We lean on box breathing, short walks, headphones, and a designated safe room to reset the nervous system. We also name the tough stuff: boundary pushback, PTSD triggers, and the relatives who just don’t get it. You’ll hear clear scripts to protect your energy without picking a fight, reminders that your body’s needs are valid, and proof that consistent boundaries create more energy for real connection. The theme is simple: choose peace, protect your spoons, and keep the love.

If this helped you feel seen—or gave you one tactic you can use this week—subscribe, share with a friend who needs it, and leave a quick review so more spoonies can find us. What’s your go-to reset when the room gets loud?

Send us a text

Delivering Happy Mail around the world!

We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment.

Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses.

About our organization | Cards2warriors

Keep your spoons close and support system closer.

Support the show

Support:
https://rarepatientvoice.com/Myspooniesisters/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSisters
https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen10)

Website: https://myspooniesisters.com/

Discount Codes: GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off

A snack can save your night—or sink tomorrow. We spin our community’s wheel of topics and dive into the art of balanced snacking for spoonies: how to crush cravings, steady energy, and keep flares at bay without giving up the foods you love. From salty crunch to chocolate fixes, we share the swaps and habits that actually stick.

We start with protein-first thinking and why it matters for brain fog, hunger swings, and mood. Edamame instead of chips, protein pretzels with hummus, and chocolate-forward bars that satisfy without the crash make a real difference. We dig into collagen as a silent helper—easy to add to coffee, tea, smoothies, sauces, and baking—for extra protein and skin support, especially if psoriasis is part of your story. Dessert stays on the table with quick wins like protein mug cakes, sweet potato and black bean brownies, and better-for-you candy dupes that still feel like a treat.

There’s also a frank talk about life logistics: shopping at big-box stores with mobility aids, the need for more accessible parking, calm-hour entry, and visible scooters. Saving spoons in the aisles means having energy to cook, rest, and live. Throughout, we hold a friendly line: fuel first, fun always. Keep your classics when they’re worth it, and build a pantry that mixes high-protein staples with joy-forward bites so you don’t have to white-knuckle every choice.

If you’re ready to snack smarter and feel better—without losing flavor—press play. Then share your favorite swap or snack question with us so we can test it on a future show. If this helped, follow, rate, and review the podcast, and send the episode to a friend who needs a steadier, tastier plan.

Send us a text

Delivering Happy Mail around the world!

We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment.

Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses.

About our organization | Cards2warriors

Keep your spoons close and support system closer.

Support the show

Support:
https://rarepatientvoice.com/Myspooniesisters/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSisters
https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen10)

Website: https://myspooniesisters.com/

Discount Codes: GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off

When Kathy Chester lost her eyesight in one eye on Mother's Day over twenty years ago, she had no idea this would be the beginning of her journey with multiple sclerosis. As a former gym owner and lifelong athlete, her first instinct was to "run it out"—pushing her body harder in hopes of defeating the disease through sheer determination. Today, that fighting spirit has evolved into something far more powerful.

Kathy joins us to share her transformation from newly diagnosed patient to empowered advocate as the host of the MS Disrupted podcast and coach for people living with chronic illnesses. Her philosophy challenges conventional thinking: instead of focusing on limitations, she asks "what am I willing to lose?"—a question that sparked her movement-focused approach to managing MS and rheumatoid arthritis.

The conversation delves into the complex emotional landscape of chronic illness, particularly the anxiety that often accompanies diagnosis and progression. All three speakers acknowledge the struggle to extend grace to themselves despite readily offering it to others. Kathy emphasizes the importance of connecting with people who truly understand this unique anxiety, noting that support from those with similar experiences provides validation that well-meaning but uninformed supporters cannot.

From practical advice about distinguishing between normal exercise soreness and disease symptoms to red flags when evaluating potential partnerships with health companies, Kathy offers invaluable insights gained through both personal experience and professional expertise. Her expanded support group acknowledges that autoimmune conditions often appear in clusters, creating spaces where people with multiple diagnoses can find comprehensive understanding.

Whether you're living with chronic illness, supporting someone who does, or simply interested in transforming how we approach health challenges, Kathy's disrupting philosophy offers a refreshing perspective. Connect with her through Instagram @msdisrupted or email [email protected] to learn about her one-on-one coaching opportunities and upcoming group sessions.

https://www.msdi

Send us a text

Delivering Happy Mail around the world!

We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment.

Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses.

About our organization | Cards2warriors

Are you living with a chronic illness and want to make your voice heard? Rare Patient Voice connects patients and caregivers with research opportunities—so you can share your experiences and get paid for your time! Your insights help drive real change in healthcare.

Let's Get Started - Rare Patient Voice

Keep your spoons close and support system closer.

Support the show

Support:
https://rarepatientvoice.com/Myspooniesisters/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSisters
https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen10)

Website: https://myspooniesisters.com/

Discount Codes: GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off

When life deals you a complicated hand of chronic illnesses, what do you do with it? For Erica Falco, the answer was clear – transform it into a mission of connection and hope for others walking similar paths.

At just 30 years old, this former elementary school teacher navigates a complex medical reality that includes stage 4 endometriosis (found throughout her body, even in her lungs), gastroparesis requiring a feeding tube, MCAS, POTS, Sjögren's, mitochondrial disease, and small fiber neuropathy. Yet instead of letting these conditions define her limits, Erica has channeled her experiences into creating beautiful moments of connection through her CareMail program.

The heartbeat of Erica's advocacy is sending cards, stickers, fidgets, and love notes to fellow "warriors" facing chronic illness, mental health challenges, or difficult circumstances. This simple act was born from her own hospital experiences, knowing how meaningful it is to receive something in the mail besides medical bills. The program has sparked touching connections, including daily email exchanges with an elderly woman who says Erica's correspondence has brought childlike joy back into her life after many difficult years.

Between managing medications through her feeding tube, attending multiple medical appointments, and navigating the challenges of healthcare systems that often dismiss complex patients, Erica finds small moments of joy through coloring, reading, and spending time with her beloved dog. Her advocacy is fueled by experiences with medical gaslighting and a desire to speak for those who struggle to advocate for themselves.

Looking ahead, Erica hopes to expand her reach, possibly through educational conferences and new social media platforms. "I want to minimize suffering because this world is so broken," she shares, highlighting her core motivation to ensure no one feels alone in their health struggles.

Want to support Erica's mission or request CareMail? Reach out to her on Instagram @ericaafal where she welcomes messages about your favorite colors, animals, and what might brighten your day during difficult times.

Send us a text

Delivering Happy Mail around the world!

We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment.

Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses.

About our organization | Cards2warriors

Are you living with a chronic illness and want to make your voice heard? Rare Patient Voice connects patients and caregivers with research opportunities—so you can share your experiences and get paid for your time! Your insights help drive real change in healthcare.

Let's Get Started - Rare Patient Voice

Keep your spoons close and support system closer.

Support the show

Support:
https://rarepatientvoice.com/Myspooniesisters/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSisters
https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen10)

Website: https://myspooniesisters.com/

Discount Codes: GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off

What happens when the medical establishment tells you your debilitating symptoms are "all in your head"? Dr. Diana Driscoll shares her journey from successful optometrist to disabled POTS patient and groundbreaking researcher. After a virus triggered debilitating autonomic dysfunction, she and her children faced severe health issues, prompting her to seek answers when traditional medicine failed them.

Dr. Driscoll developed the Driscoll Theory, identifying three critical factors in conditions like POTS: high intracranial pressure, cardiovascular inflammation, and vagus nerve dysfunction. Surprisingly, standard treatments often exacerbated patients' conditions.

Using her optometry skills, she identified subtle eye abnormalities indicating blood vessel damage, leading to the development of supplements like Parasym Plus that target the underlying issues affecting the autonomic nervous system. Now, her children live normal lives, proving recovery is possible.

Dr. Driscoll's message is one of hope for those facing invisible illnesses: "There's always a reason for illness." Through POTS Care and ongoing research, she continues to seek answers for patients worldwide, offering support for anyone fighting for validation and effective treatments.

• Dr. Diana Driscoll. Expert on POTS Syndrome. The Patient's Researcher
• https://drdianadriscoll.com/

Send us a text

Delivering Happy Mail around the world!

We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment.

Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses.

About our organization | Cards2warriors

Are you living with a chronic illness and want to make your voice heard? Rare Patient Voice connects patients and caregivers with research opportunities—so you can share your experiences and get paid for your time! Your insights help drive real change in healthcare.

Let's Get Started - Rare Patient Voice

Keep your spoons close and support system closer.

Support the show

Support:
https://rarepatientvoice.com/Myspooniesisters/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSisters
https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen10)

Website: https://myspooniesisters.com/

Discount Codes: GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off

Steve Lovelace didn't plan to share his recent health crisis on the Spoonie Sisters podcast, but sometimes the most powerful conversations happen unexpectedly. When Steve woke at 3:30 AM with unmistakable heart attack symptoms, he made a decision he now warns others against – driving himself to the emergency room. Despite his high pain tolerance developed through decades of chronic pain, the gravity of the situation was clear when doctors discovered a blood clot in one of his nine coronary stents.

This heart attack was just the beginning of a medical emergency trifecta that hit the Lovelace family within weeks. Between his son's broken wrist from a scooter accident and Steve's own emergency room visit for a severe laceration requiring nine stitches, the family faced a perfect storm of health crises. Yet through it all, Steve maintains his characteristic humor and resilience – qualities he credits to his Irish and Scottish heritage.

The conversation takes a sobering turn when Steve reveals the financial burden of his new blood thinner prescription. At $490 per fill (with the "generic" alternative just $2 cheaper), he now faces an impossible choice between life-saving medication and covering basic needs like food and utilities. This stark reality highlights the broken medication pricing system that forces vulnerable patients to make dangerous compromises with their health.

Despite these immense challenges, Steve finds strength in sharing his story through his podcast "Arachnoiditis Unfiltered" and in connecting with others who understand the chronic illness journey. His wisdom about focusing only on what you can control in your "three-foot circle" offers a powerful framework for anyone navigating difficult health circumstances. As both Steve and Jen remind listeners, finding community and even moments of laughter during dark times isn't just possible – it's essential for survival. Their conversation reminds us that no matter where we are in our chronic illness journey, we don't have to face it alone.

• Steve: https://www.instagram.com/splovelace?igsh=MTA4eHRxbDB0ZmcyZQ==
• Defying Limits: One Man's Battle with Arachnoiditis
• https://youtu.be/VfUyE12CpaE?si=_Odmk5dt4j_qJyJW
• Living Through a Heart Attack - My Spoonie Sisters

Send us a text

Delivering Happy Mail around the world!

We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment.

Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses.

About our organization | Cards2warriors

Keep your spoons close and support system closer.

Support the show

Support:
https://rarepatientvoice.com/Myspooniesisters/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSisters
https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen10)

Website: https://myspooniesisters.com/

Discount Codes: GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off

Ever Googled your symptoms only to fall down a rabbit hole of doom and gloom? You're not alone. When Asmaa was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2022, she desperately searched for someone who could tell her life wasn't over—someone who looked like her, talked like her, had a career, was getting married, but was 10 years ahead in their journey who could say, "Don't worry, you'll be fine." Instead, she found fear, anger, and non-acceptance online that affected her mental health more than the disease itself.

This pivotal moment became the spark for Lori Health, a groundbreaking platform connecting chronically ill patients with peer wisdom and evidence-based hacks. As Asmaa shares her journey from diagnosis to building the world's largest library of verified habits for chronic illness, we explore the profound gap in healthcare that leaves newly diagnosed patients feeling adrift and alone. With 500 million people worldwide living with autoimmune conditions—one in ten people in the UK—this isn't a small problem.

What sets this conversation apart is Asmaa's remarkable perspective on illness as opportunity. After leaving her high-profile career in luxury brands, moving countries, and dedicating herself to healing, she achieved a reduction in her MS lesions. Rather than keeping her discoveries to herself, she built a platform making this wisdom accessible to everyone—regardless of their ability to take time off work or relocate. Through Lori Health and the newly launched Lori Peers video matching service, she's creating the resource she needed most in her darkest hour: stories of hope.

Whether you're navigating a new diagnosis or supporting someone who is, this episode illuminates how community wisdom can transform the chronic illness experience from isolation to empowerment. As Asmaa beautifully puts it: "So many people would not change a thing... It's completely unrelated from how bad you are physically. It's all here—you decide how things are going to unfold."

• https://www.instagram.com/wearelori?igsh=MXg3ZTl0MDR1aGV5Mg==

Send us a text

Delivering Happy Mail around the world!

We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment.

Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses.

About our organization | Cards2warriors

Keep your spoons close and support system closer.

Support the show

Support:
https://rarepatientvoice.com/Myspooniesisters/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSisters
https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen10)

Website: https://myspooniesisters.com/

Discount Codes: GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off

Have you ever left your rheumatologist's office feeling like they were speaking an entirely different language? You're not alone. Medical terminology can be overwhelming, especially when you're newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and trying to make sense of your new reality.

This episode brings together a remarkable panel of experts who offer something truly unique – they're not just healthcare professionals who treat RA, they live with it themselves. Dr. Saimun Singla, an integrative pediatric rheumatologist, shares how her own RA diagnosis shaped her holistic approach to patient care, while Stefanie Remsen (known online as the "Rheumatoid Arthritis Coach") brings her perspective as both a nurse practitioner and someone who's navigated RA for over a decade.

Together, they break down confusing terms like DMARDs, biologics, and JAK inhibitors in simple, relatable language. You'll learn why your doctor might recommend one treatment over another, what "seronegative" actually means, and how to interpret those mystifying lab results. The panel explains the infamous "spoon theory" of energy management and tackles the often misunderstood concept of remission – is it really possible, and what does it look like?

Beyond just clarifying terminology, our guests offer practical advice on communicating with your healthcare team, including how to approach research you've done without creating tension. They emphasize that while medications play a crucial role, factors like diet, stress management, and sleep are equally important parts of the treatment puzzle that often go undiscussed in short medical appointments.

Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with RA for years, this episode will empower you with knowledge to better navigate your healthcare journey. Subscribe now and join our community of Spoonie Sisters who understand what you're going through.

Stef: https://www.instagram.com/rheumatoidarthritiscoach?igsh=NWJqYTFhMDJzMjd6

Dr. Saimun Singla: https://www.instagram.com/rheum.to.grow.tx?igsh=dWs1Zj

Send us a text

Delivering Happy Mail around the world!

We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment.

Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses.

About our organization | Cards2warriors

Are you living with a chronic illness and want to make your voice heard? Rare Patient Voice connects patients and caregivers with research opportunities—so you can share your experiences and get paid for your time! Your insights help drive real change in healthcare.

Let's Get Started - Rare Patient Voice

Keep your spoons close and support system closer.

Support the show

Support:
https://rarepatientvoice.com/Myspooniesisters/
https://www.etsy.com/shop/MySpoonieSisters
https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen10)

Website: https://myspooniesisters.com/

Discount Codes: GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% off