CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In this enlightening episode of the Sick and Seeking podcast, I have a candid conversation with Ali Moresco about her unexpected journey with chronic illness, particularly focusing on tick-borne diseases. Ali shares her personal experiences navigating the healthcare system and underscores the vital role of advocacy and support in her journey. 

We address common misconceptions about tick-borne illnesses, the importance of accurate testing, and how service animals can enhance the management of chronic conditions.

Join us for this heartfelt exploration of community, resilience, and the transformative power of turning personal trials into advocacy work.

Conversation Highlights:

• The Reality of Chronic Illness: Ali opens up about how a tick bite drastically altered her life, bringing to light the seriousness of tick-borne diseases and the challenges they present.
• Importance of Advocacy: We emphasize the critical role advocacy plays in navigating healthcare and encourage listeners to seek help when needed.
• Misunderstanding Tick-Borne Diseases: Ali clarifies that many tick-borne diseases present with flu-like symptoms, and less than 30% of Lyme disease cases exhibit the characteristic bullseye rash.
• The Role of Service Animals: We highlight how her service dog, Scout, has been instrumental in managing her condition, providing both physical and emotional support.
• Addressing Long COVID: We also touch on POTS as a long-term complication of COVID-19 and discuss the broader implications of the pandemic on chronic health issues.
• The Journey of Grieving: Ali reflects on the emotional journey of grieving one’s former self while adapting to the realities of chronic illness and the importance of community support.

Quotes:

"Ticks carry hundreds of diseases."

"POTS is essentially long COVID."

"We need more knowledge sharing."

Connect with Ali:

Website | Instagram  

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT

Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In this episode of the Sick and Seeking Podcast, I interview Erica Hornthal, a dance and movement therapist, about the powerful connection between movement and emotional expression. We explore how dance movement therapy goes beyond traditional dance, highlighting its significance in mental health and self-awareness.

Erica shares her insights on the mind-body connection, emphasizing the need for a rich movement vocabulary and the importance of giving oneself permission to move freely. Our conversation reveals movement’s therapeutic potential in processing emotions, fostering deeper self-connection, and promoting healing. We also discuss the intricate relationship between trauma and the body, advocating for a holistic approach to self-acceptance amid chronic pain.

Join us as we unpack the transformative power of movement therapy and its role in emotional healing and self-discovery.

Conversation Highlights:

• The concept that “dance movement therapy finds us, not the other way around.”
• How dance serves as a rhythmic expression of emotion, reflecting our mindset.
• The significance of embracing our individuality in movement.
• The process of emotional release through movement and creating safe spaces for expression.
• The connection between trauma and the physical body, advocating holistic approaches to healing.
• How chronic pain management can improve through body trust and awareness.

Quotes:

“Dance is just another form of expression.”

“Tears are a natural part of the healing process and should not be shamed.” 

“Trauma and somatics have to go hand in hand.”

“Your pain doesn't have to be your identity.”

Connect with Erica:

Website | Instagram

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT

Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

As I sit with the heaviness of the devastation caused by the Eaton and Palisades Fire here in SoCal, I felt deeply moved to create and share this meditation and gentle movement practice with you. This tragedy has impacted so many, including people I know who have lost their homes or who are mitigating smoke damage, and it has left a profound ache in my heart.

The Eaton Canyon Fire in Altadena, CA destroyed what I consider my local community, a place that is a mere 15-min drive from my house. Witnessing the pain and loss has been overwhelming and it's taken me a few days to feel resourced and ready to help people with what I love to do most: guiding people back to their bodies in a slow, gentle, and loving way.

Finding our way back to feeling our bodies in times of pain, difficulty, grief and sadness may feel impossible, and this is completely reasonable. We sometimes must numb away from our inner world to continue moving on with our lives. And you may need to stay there awhile. 

But in time, when you're ready, this is a practice to begin melting that icy, numbing hold so that you can process all that is shoved down, unattended to and waiting to be lovingly felt and compassionately witnessed. This may feel scary, but it can be done one gentle breath, one small loving touch, one small movement at a time. 

Sending the signal to your body: 

You are safe.

You are loved. 

You are safe.

You are loved. 

In this time of uncertainty and grief, I hope this meditation and practice offers a moment of peace, grounding and healing. Take your time with you; move slowly. Don't rush. Let your body have moments to breathe and rest while navigating these challenging times. 

This is my love letter of support to all of us navigating these difficult emotions and honoring the beauty and resilience of my local Altadena and Pasadena communities that has given so much to me.

Sending love, light, and comfort to everyone affected, and may we continue to find ways to support and uplift one another through this time.

With Love,

Leslie

---
The words in this meditation were directly taken from or inspired by my two mentors: Erin Pace of the Responsive Body Practice and Michaels Boehm author and creator of the Wild Women's Way. 

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT

Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In this episode of the Sick and Seeking Podcast, I have an intimate conversation with Tessa Muldoon, also known as the Spoonie Ninja. Tessa shares her inspiring journey through chronic illness, particularly the management of dermatomyositis and other autoimmune diseases. Our discussion explores the emotional complexities of living with invisible illnesses, the impactful role of IVIG treatment, and the significance of self-advocacy and community support. Tessa emphasizes how sharing personal stories can foster connections and promote understanding in the face of chronic health challenges.

Conversation Highlights:

Tessa's Health Journey: Tessa shares her health struggles starting in 2012 with severe itching, leading to her diagnosis of dermatomyositis.

Understanding Invisible Illness: We explore the challenges of living with an invisible illness, often invisible to others.

Transformative IVIG Treatment: Tessa explains how IVIG has significantly improved her quality of life.

The Spoon Theory: This concept is discussed as a useful tool for energy management for those with chronic conditions.

Humor as a Coping Mechanism: The importance of humor in coping with chronic illness is highlighted as a key source of resilience.

Multiple Diagnoses and Impacts: Tessa shares her experience with multiple diagnoses, including congestive heart failure, and links them to her birth defect and autoimmune issues.

The Importance of Advocacy: We talk about how self-advocacy and education empower those managing chronic conditions and promote awareness.

Emotional Impacts on Loved Ones: The emotional strain on families and caregivers is discussed, stressing the significance of supportive networks.

Redefining Independence and Empowerment: Tessa emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy in empowering individuals in the chronic illness community.

Creating Community through Storytelling: Sharing personal stories fosters a sense of belonging and mitigates isolation.

Quotes:

"IVIG is life-saving."

"It's like liquid gold."

"I had to be very intentional about protecting my energy."

"My goal is to help at least one person."

Connect with Tessa:

Instagram | TikTok

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT

Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In this episode of the Sick and Seeking Podcast, I share a ‘fly on the wall’ style conversation with my two chronic illness soul-sisters: Stacie and Yoli. We candidly discuss the complexities of living with chronic illnesses and mental health challenges. Our conversation sheds light on the essential role of friendship and community support in navigating these health battles.

Join us for this insightful discussion that highlights the resilience required to manage chronic illnesses and the importance of self-advocacy, body awareness, and finding humor amidst struggles.

Conversation Highlights:

Stacie's TMS Journey: Stacie shares her experience with TMS or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation treatment, emphasizing its positive impact on her chronic pain and mental health.

Yoli's Battle with Endometriosis: Yoli opens up about the challenges of endometriosis and the misconceptions she faces while seeking medical opinions.

Leslie's Ayurvedic Practices: Leslie provides an update on her health and how incorporating Ayurvedic practices has influenced her self-care routine.

The Emotional Toll: The trio discusses the emotional challenges associated with living with chronic conditions, including grief and isolation.

The Power of Self-Advocacy: They emphasize the importance of standing up for oneself in healthcare and seeking multiple perspectives when navigating their health journeys.

Building Connections: The conversation highlights the vital role of community and connection in healing, including the joys and difficulties of maintaining relationships.

Finding Humor: They explore how humor can be a powerful tool for coping with the realities of chronic illness life.

Quotes:

"A lot of people with chronic illnesses don't completely understand that there's a mental health aspect that goes along with it." - Stacie M

"If I'm already at rock bottom, there's only one way up." - Yoli Jimenez

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT

Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In today’s episode of the Sick and Seeking Podcast, I sit down with Casey Butterfield, a practitioner of the Alexander Technique and somatic movement educator who helps people recognize and release tension in their body. Together, we discuss the importance of body awareness, the impact of chronic pain, and how the Alexander Technique can help individuals use their body in the most functional, optimal way. Casey shares her personal journey through pain, which ultimately led her to discover the Alexander Technique.

Conversation Highlights:

Understanding the Alexander Technique: Casey explains how this practice helps individuals use their bodies efficiently and without pain.

Chronic Pain's Impact: We discuss how chronic pain can affect overall quality of life, work, and daily activities.

The Role of Body Awareness: Understanding how to move effectively begins with heightened body awareness.

The Importance of Touch: We explore how touch can create deeper connections to body awareness and healing.

Lessons from Infants: Infants learn to move through trial and error, informing how adults can reconnect with their movement.

Posture and Movement: We delve into the connection between posture and movement, and how practice can improve both.

The Head-Body Connection: The head plays a critical role in movement, and restoring this connection enhances body function.

Somatic Practices: These practices can help restore healthier movement patterns that many lose due to sedentary lifestyles.

Knowledge Equals Empowerment: Understanding body mechanics can lead to pain relief and improved well-being.

Quotes:

“We can move with more ease and freedom just by knowing a different way about how our body works.” - Casey Butterfield

Connect with Casey:

Website| Instagram

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT

Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In this episode of the Sick and Seeking Podcast, I have a heartfelt discussion with Vanessa Fierstadt, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of the Kintsugi Grief Center. Together, we explore the deep and often complex themes of grief, loss, and healing, drawing from Vanessa’s personal experience as a young widow and her commitment to supporting others through their grief journeys.

Join us for this enriching conversation that navigates the intricate landscape of grief, providing insights and support for anyone experiencing loss.

Conversation Highlights:

Vanessa’s Path to Grief Work: Vanessa shares how her own experience with loss inspired her to dedicate her life to grief support.

The Mission of Kintsugi Grief Center: We discuss how this organization was created to bridge the gap in available resources for those navigating grief.

Understanding Grief as a Lifelong Process: We talk about how grief evolves and shifts over time, highlighting its persistent reality.

Societal Stigma: We touch on the discomfort surrounding discussions of death and grief in society.

Anticipatory Grief: Vanessa emphasizes the significance of anticipatory grief as a valid and intricate experience.

Pet Loss: We address how the loss of pets is often overlooked in grief discussions, and the deep emotional bonds we have with animals.

The Physical Manifestation of Grief: We explore how grief can affect the body and overall health.

Acknowledging Emotions: It's crucial to express grief and honor all feelings, including anger, as a natural part of the healing journey.

Continuing Bonds: Vanessa provides insights on how grief does not erase our connections to loved ones.

Emerging New Self: We talk about how grief can lead to new realizations and aspects of ourselves that come to light post-loss.

The Importance of Community: We discuss the vital part that therapy and group support play in the healing process.

Quote: 

“I’m one of the people who believe that we grieve for the rest of our life, but that it changes shape and it changes weight and it changes size. It doesn’t go away.” -Vanessa

Connect with Vanessa:
Website | Instagram

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT

Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

In this episode, I have a revealing conversation with Dr. Bill Rawls, who shares his inspiring journey from chronic illness to wellness through a targeted herbal protocol. Dr. Rawls emphasizes the crucial need to identify and address the root causes of illness while prioritizing cellular health. He explains that our symptoms stem from stressed cells and that true healing involves helping these cells recover.

Join us for this enlightening discussion that bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern scientific understanding of health!

Conversation Highlights:

The Role of Cellular Health: Dr. Rawls emphasizes that to achieve wellness, we must focus on the root causes of illness and the health of our cells. He shares how symptoms are merely manifestations of cellular stress.

Microbes and Chronic Illness: We dive into the impact of microbes on our health, discussing the concept of micro-dormancy, where these pathogens can linger and reactivate during stressful times.

The Healing Power of Herbs: Dr. Rawls highlights the exceptional cell-protecting and antimicrobial properties of herbs, which have been utilized for centuries. He explains how herbs can aid in cellular protection and overall wellness.

Nutritional Insights: He underscores the importance of incorporating whole foods, vegetables, and herbs into our diets to compensate for the nutritional deficiencies caused by modern farming practices.

Practical Wellness Strategies: Dr. Rawls provides practical tips for maintaining optimal health, which include filtering water, using air purifiers, and managing stress effectively.

Quote:

"Drugs don't affect cellular stress, so they don't promote healing. The herbs that I'm referring to block all these cellular stress factors." - Dr. Bill Rawls

Connect with Dr, Bill:
Website | Instagram | Community

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT

Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

Welcome to Season 3, Episode 3 of the Sick and Seeking Podcast! In this enlightening episode, I sit down with Dr. Shivani Gupta to delve into the ancient Indian system of health and healing known as Ayurveda. 

Dr. Shivani outlines how Ayurveda is a holistic lifestyle that aims to harmonize the body, mind, and spirit.

Join us for this insightful conversation that bridges ancient wisdom and modern health practices!

Conversation Highlights:

• Understanding Ayurveda: Dr. Gupta details how Ayurveda serves as a lifestyle practice that prioritizes alignment between the body, mind, and spirit.
• The Six Pillars of Elemental Design: We explore the essential components of Ayurvedic practice: knowing your dosha (mind-body constitution), living in harmony with nature, ensuring gut health, adhering to a Sattvic diet, engaging in self-care, and incorporating healing spices into your routine.
• Dr. Gupta's Personal Journey: She shares her own path to discovering Ayurveda, highlighting the critical roles of sleep and gut health within this traditional medicine.
• The Importance of Gut Health: Our conversation emphasizes the foundational significance of gut health and how dietary choices affect overall wellness. We discuss the widespread normalization of poor gut health and stress the need to pay closer attention to our dietary habits.
• Mindful Eating and Health: The episode also touches on the concept of mindful medicine, exploring how supplements, herbs, and spices can support well-being. We wrap up with a look at Fusionary Formulas—Dr. Gupta’s line of products designed to enhance wellness.

Quotes:

"Ayurveda is a lifestyle. It is a practice."

"We must live in rhythm with nature if we want to have balanced and great health.” -Dr. Shivani Gupta

Dr. Shivani has also provided a special code just for YOU, my listeners: use SICK AND SEEKING to get 15% off at FusionaryFormulas.com!

Connect with Dr. Shivani:
Website | Instagram

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT

Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer

CLICK HERE TO SEND ME A MESSAGE. I love to hear from my listeners --Leslie

Welcome to Season 3 of the Sick and Seeking Podcast!

On this Episode, Priscilla Elzen, host of Hand Me The Megaphone Podcast, shares her personal journey with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and the challenges she faced in her 9-year wait for a diagnosis. She discusses the impact of childhood trauma, her busy lifestyle, and the lack of education and awareness around PCOS.

Priscilla also shares her personal experience navigating Lyme’s disease, and mold illness – emphasizing the need for holistic and personalized care, advocating for oneself and seeking alternative healthcare options. 

Conversation Highlights:

• Learn why it's crucial to be your own advocate when seeking a diagnosis and treatment for health conditions like PCOS.
• How social media can offer support and information for health challenges.
• Understanding the different manifestations of PCOS.
• The gaps in the current medical system regarding women’s health
• Importance of considering lifestyle, mental health, and trauma in women’s health.
• Recognizing the emotional challenges that come with chronic illness and the common desire for quick fixes.
• Understand the significance of a personalized approach to health and wellness.

Quote:

“...the average woman goes nine years undiagnosed with PCOS. That's how long it takes from onset of symptoms to diagnosis.” -Priscilla Elzen

 “Just getting knowledge and voices from other women and collectively raising, I think even within my own family, it's an honor to know that my sisters are going to fight a little harder because their sister's been diagnosed. And I would hope they would.” 
-Priscilla Elzen

Connect with Priscilla:
Website | Instagram 

🌟 Connect with Leslie and Sick and Seeking Community: 🌟
Website | YouTube | Facebook | Instagram

Join an Embodied Movement Class or Wild Women's Circle!
🔥 CLICK HERE for details 🔥

🌟 FREE Support Group: Chronic Conditions - Coffee & Connection🌟
--> For people who are managing a long term health issue
-->We meet on ZOOM once a month at 12pm PT

Like The Show? Show Your Support With a Donation!

Sick and Seeking Disclaimer