Model, actress, and stunt driver Ivy Smith first noticed psoriasis after the birth of her second child, but it took years, another pregnancy, and mounting pain before she finally got a diagnosis. In this episode, she opens up about battling stigma on set, the slow journey to show her skin with pride, and how adrenaline-fueled stunt driving became a surprising outlet. Plus, we rewind to the 1960s to uncover how a single classified ad led to the creation of the National Psoriasis Foundation–and forever changed the landscape of patient advocacy

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Victoria Voos was in college when her psoriasis “went full rampage,” setting off a cascade of diagnoses—from psoriatic arthritis to insulin resistance—that could have been overwhelming. Instead, she built online communities, mastered the art of the clap back, and became a fierce advocate for herself and others. In this episode, she shares how clinical trials gave her both hope and hard data, the boundaries that keep her online space safe, and why humor is one of her best defenses. Plus, the surprising story of the science behind monoclonal antibodies—and how they’re changing treatment for psoriasis.

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Diagnosed with psoriasis at age five, Lianne Hunter grew up learning to explain, defend, and sometimes hide her skin. Today, she’s built an online community, FixMyPsoriasis, and co-leads the Get Your Skin Out campaign, turning personal vulnerability into collective strength. Lianne opens up about raising her son with honesty and empathy, navigating tough moments in public, and why community is the key to living openly with psoriasis. And in our skin history segment, we uncover the story of Josh White—the groundbreaking blues guitarist whose psoriasis shaped both his career and a one-of-a-kind partnership with Ovation Guitars.

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When Allison Sowle showed up to a model casting with oozing eczema and no makeup, she didn’t expect to be chosen out of 30,000 people. But her message was clear: “I’m proud to be myself.” In this episode, Allison talks about claiming space in the modeling world, surviving without insurance, and the beauty of showing up as you are. Plus, we look back at some of the most bizarre and misguided psoriasis treatments in history.

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Jess Tran was 24, thriving in her career, and training as a powerlifter when a mysterious rash changed everything. It turned out to be guttate psoriasis—and it forced her to rethink everything from ambition to self-image. In this episode, Jess shares how she learned to listen to her body, why visibility can be both empowering and exhausting, and what she wants to change about the wellness industry. Plus, a scientific journey into the immune system—and the breakthrough that changed how we treat psoriasis today.

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India Bolton was first diagnosed with guttate psoriasis in college. Years later, that diagnosis expanded—through two pregnancies, psoriatic arthritis, and months-long flare-ups that covered her body. In this episode, India opens up about parenting through chronic illness, how she found strength in community, and why her children are part of her motivation to keep showing up. Plus, we dive into the science and history behind one of the world’s most effective natural treatments for psoriasis: the Dead Sea.

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DaQuane Cherry was once the kid who wore a hoodie to hide skin flare-ups in school. Now he’s an artist and advocate helping others feel seen. He reflects on his psoriasis journey, the power of small joys, and why loving yourself first isn’t a cliché—it’s essential. Plus, a deep dive into the history of La Roche-Posay’s legendary spring.

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We’re back! Welcome to Season 2 of Our Skin: A Personal Discovery Podcast with Holly Frey.

This season, we’re continuing the conversation about what it really means to live with psoriasis—through powerful, personal stories of resilience, self-advocacy, and finding freedom in the skin you’re in.

But we’re also zooming out. Each episode, we connect those lived experiences to the wild, weird, and sometimes toxic history of how we’ve treated our skin across centuries.

From ancient salves to modern science, Season 2 dives into the past to better understand the present—and to help us imagine a more compassionate, informed, and free future.

Let’s get into it.

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After being diagnosed with psoriasis as a teen, Joni Kazantzis has tried just about every treatment one can to get comfortable in her skin. Her blog, Just a Girl with Spots, became a platform for Joni to shed light on the struggles, triumphs, and everything in between. Listen in as we explore her dedication to helping others find their path to treating their own chronic illness, and strength in the support of others who get it. In our history segment, learn about the development of one of the most modern–and effective–treatments for psoriasis: biologics!

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Andrea Wool is the founder of Autoimmune Strong, a community for those with autoimmune disorders seeking exercise that heals rather than harms. Andrea shares her experience with chronic pain, fatigue, and her quest to find a sustainable, gentle approach to fitness. Diagnosed with fibromyalgia and multiple autoimmune diseases, she turned her struggles into a mission, helping others transform their relationship with exercise and health. Stepping back into history, we trace the evolution of our understanding of autoimmune conditions through the work of three pivotal doctors.

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