Join our SpoonFull Instagram page at: https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/

In Part 1 of this uplifting episode, Rachel and Tina dive into the question, “What’s the greatest gift you’ve given your body?” From the power of positive self-talk to the importance of setting boundaries, they explore how grace, affirmations, and compassion can help us better care for ourselves—especially while living with chronic illness.

In Part 2, we welcome rare disease advocate Jenny, the founder of Life’s a Polyp. Jenny shares her powerful journey with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP), Short Bowel Syndrome, and medical PTSD after surviving eight surgeries and living with an ileostomy for six years. She opens up about how she turned her pain into purpose—creating a children’s book, launching the NORD FAP Research Fund, and raising awareness through her advocacy shop. Her story is one of fierce resilience, community-building, and hope.

Go to https://www.lifesapolyp.com/ to find Jenny's podcast, shop and important information on Life's a Polyp.

Check out Jenny's children's book, Life's a Polyp: with Zeke and Katie here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1946512559?ref=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_QJATKJX3VHCW983TVQDF&ref_=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_QJATKJX3VHCW983TVQDF&social_share=cm_sw_r_ffobk_cso_cp_apin_dp_QJATKJX3VHCW983TVQDF&bestFormat=true&titleSource=avft-a&previewDoh=1

Follow Jenny on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/lifesapolyp/

This episode is sponsored by Spicey,  Clean heat therapy for every body in pain ❤️‍🔥Find them on Instagram here:

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/getspicey/⁠⁠

Get 15% off at Spicey by clicking here:⁠⁠⁠https://getspicey.com/products/heating-patch-for-cramps-pain-patch-for-soreness-universal-heat-patch-pack?ref=SPOONFULLOFSTRENGTH⁠⁠⁠

In part 1 of this episode, Rachel and Tina dive into the question: Is your mental health being ignored? They share personal experiences, discuss the emotional toll of chronic illness, and explore what needs to change when it comes to integrating mental and physical healthcare.

In part 2, we’re joined by Laura, founder of Let’s Talk UTI and the UTI Health Alliance, the only U.S.-based advocacy organization focused on urinary tract infections. Laura shares her nearly 60-year journey with chronic UTIs and how her lived experience inspired her to create a platform to educate, empower, and drive change. She talks about the power of speaking up, finding support through social media, and the urgent need to improve how UTIs are diagnosed and treated.

Get more information on UTIs at:

https://www.letstalkuti.org/

Find Laura on Instagram at:

https://www.instagram.com/letstalkuti/

And Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/letstalkuti

This episode is sponsored by Spicey,  Clean heat therapy for every body in pain ❤️‍🔥Find them on Instagram here:

⁠https://www.instagram.com/getspicey/⁠
Get 15% off at Spicey by clicking here:
⁠⁠https://getspicey.com/products/heating-patch-for-cramps-pain-patch-for-soreness-universal-heat-patch-pack?ref=SPOONFULLOFSTRENGTH⁠⁠

In Part 1 of this episode, Rachel and Tina dive into the question: Who's really in charge of your medical care? From fighting with insurance companies to chasing down referrals and managing a pile of appointments, we explore what it means to be the CEO of your own health—whether you wanted the job or not. We also share tips for advocating for yourself in a system that doesn’t always make it easy.

In Part 2, we welcome Claire, a passionate advocate living with vestibular and hemiplegic migraine. Claire shares her long road to diagnosis, how her symptoms challenged expectations—especially since she doesn’t get headaches—and what she wishes more people understood about migraine. Her story is honest, powerful, and proof that chronic illness is never one-size-fits-all.

Follow Claire's journey on Instagram at:

https://www.instagram.com/the_migraine_leopard/

This episode is sponsored by Spicey,  Clean heat therapy for every body in pain ❤️‍🔥Find them on Instagram here: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/getspicey/⁠

Get 15% off at Spicey by clicking here:

⁠⁠https://getspicey.com/products/heating-patch-for-cramps-pain-patch-for-soreness-universal-heat-patch-pack?ref=SPOONFULLOFSTRENGTH⁠⁠

In this two-part episode of SpoonFull of Strength, Rachel and Tina dive into a powerful question: “What makes you feel seen in a world that often doesn’t get it?” Part 1 explores the reality of invisible illness—what it feels like to constantly prove your pain, the emotional toll of feeling unseen, and personal stories that so many in our Spoonie community will relate to.

In Part 2, we welcome Jessica Graham—a certified somatic trauma resolution guide, Brainspotting practitioner, meditation teacher, and author of Good Sex: Getting Off Without Checking Out and Being (Sick) Enough: Thoughts on Invisible Illness, Childhood Trauma, and Living Well When Surviving Is Hard. Jess specializes in complex PTSD and post-traumatic growth and has taught internationally at places like the Esalen Institute. Their work has been featured in Women’s Health, GOOP, Bustle, and more, and they appear in The Great Courses’ Masters of Mindfulness. In addition to their therapeutic work, Jess is an award-winning actor, filmmaker, and acting teacher, bringing creativity and deep compassion to everything they do.

This episode is for anyone who has ever wondered, Am I sick enough? and for everyone craving validation in a world that doesn’t always understand invisible pain.

Buy Jessica's book here: Use code SPOONFULL for 25% off and free shipping!⁠https://www.northatlanticbooks.com/shop/being-sick-enough/

Follow Jessica here:

https://www.instagram.com/jessicaclarkgraham/

https://www.tiktok.com/@jessicaclarkgraham

https://substack.com/@jessicagraham

This episode is sponsored by Spicey,  Clean heat therapy for every body in pain ❤️‍🔥Find them on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/getspicey/

Get 15% off at Spicey by clicking here:

⁠https://getspicey.com/products/heating-patch-for-cramps-pain-patch-for-soreness-universal-heat-patch-pack?ref=SPOONFULLOFSTRENGTH⁠

In this episode, Rachel and Tina dig into the world of clinical trials—what they are, how they work, and why they matter—especially in the rare disease and chronic illness space. To help us separate fact from fiction, we’re joined by two incredible experts who bring decades of experience to the table.

Kerry Biron is a clinical development leader with over 25 years of experience in global clinical operations. She’s helped bring multiple FDA-approved treatments to market, with a focus on rare and orphan diseases. Kerry is also a Spoonie herself, living with Psoriatic Arthritis and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

Nova Silver, RN, MBA, brings over 35 years of experience in clinical development and operations. A former VP of Clinical Operations at Fortress Biotech, Nova has worked across a range of therapies including gene therapy, CAR-T, and small molecule development. Her unique background includes both nursing and teaching mathematics at Harvard.

Whether you’ve considered participating in a trial or are just curious how treatments make it to patients, this conversation will leave you more informed—and maybe even a little inspired.

Find clinical trials at: www.clinicaltrials.gov

This episode is sponsored by Spicey,  Clean heat therapy for every body in pain ❤️‍🔥Find them on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/getspicey/

In Part 1 of this episode, Rachel and Tina dive into a topic that doesn’t get talked about enough: toxic positivity. What happens when you're constantly trying to “stay strong” or “look on the bright side”—even to your own detriment? Rachel opens up about how she sometimes turns toxic positivity inward, and together they explore how this mindset can unintentionally delay healing and affect mental health in the chronic illness community.

In Part 2, we’re joined by Melissa, a registered nurse who specializes in autoimmune rare disorders—and who found herself unexpectedly on the other side of the chart when she was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. What started as a routine EKG turned into a heart-stopping moment (literally), eventually leading to a cardiac ablation. Now, Melissa is on a mission to help other women understand the deep connection between hormones, thyroid health, and the warning signs we often overlook. Her focus? Empowering women to advocate for their own health through perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.

This two-part episode will make you think about the language we use with ourselves—and the power of truly listening to your body.

Follow SpoonFull on Instagram at:

https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/

Follow Melissa on Instagram at:

https://www.instagram.com/melissa_thyroid_rn/

and also at: https://www.instagram.com/elemental_nurses/#

And on Facebook at:

https://www.facebook.com/people/Elemental-Nurses/61573718195310/

This episode is sponsored by Spicey,  Clean heat therapy for every body in pain ❤️‍🔥Find them on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/getspicey/

 Bonus Episode: The Diagnosis Struggle – Medical Gaslighting & Patient Power

Between Season 3 and 4, we're bringing you a powerful bonus two-part episode that dives deep into the real-life chaos of the diagnostic journey.

In Part 1, Rachel and Tina get real about medical gaslighting—the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways patients are dismissed, misheard, or told "it's all in your head." From endless referrals to the emotional exhaustion of chasing answers, they unpack the frustration of being bounced between specialists, handed vague explanations, and constantly fighting to prove their pain is real.

In Part 2, we welcome our fellow Spoonie and special guest Tilly Rose, author of Be Patient. Tilly spent over 20 years as a so-called "medical mystery" before receiving diagnoses like Addison’s Disease and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Her memoir is a raw, witty, and powerful look at what happens when the healthcare system forgets the human behind the patient chart. Be Patient pulls the curtain back on the inner workings of the healthcare system—highlighting both its failings and its heroes—and makes a bold call for change. Through storytelling and advocacy, Tilly is using her voice to speak up for patients everywhere.

Follow Tilly's journey on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/thattillyrose/

Use these links to purchase Tilly's book:

Order BE PATIENT (free worldwide shipping): https://blackwells.co.uk/bookshop/product/Be-Patient-by-Tilly-Rose/9781780726229

Order BE PATIENT UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Be-Patient-Laughter-Hospital-Curtain/dp/B0CXK6XDNG/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=1FGRBU999UI33&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.5Dks7Y1UNnyBacVhgUlrrw.Ke1Cd6DNaQvJVIfp8jVqFpPn7GtlOiRVPfa8l5I4Cns&dib_tag=se&keywords=be+patient+tilly+rose&qid=1747329860&sprefix=be+patient%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-1

Visit Tilly's website, That Patient Collective:  https://www.thatpatientcollective.com/

Tilly Rose's website is a platform dedicated to sharing patient stories and experiences, offering a perspective of life behind the hospital curtain. It serves as a space for individuals to connect, share their journeys, and advocate for change in the healthcare systemis a platform dedicated to sharing patient stories and experiences, offering a perspective of life behind the hospital curtain. It serves as a space for individuals to connect, share their journeys, and advocate for change in the healthcare system

 We’ll be announcing Season 4 soon, so make sure you’re following us on Instagram @spoonfulofstrength for updates and sneak peeks!

Season 3 Finale: Reflecting, Re-Capping, and Soul Healing

In the first half of our Season 3 finale, Rachel and Tina celebrate their first full year of the SpoonFull of Strength podcast! We look back at some of our favorite moments, highlight a few unforgettable Spoonies we've had the honor to meet, and share the biggest lessons we've learned over the past year. Plus, we re-cap the Top 5 most popular episodes from our very first year!

In the second half, Rachel leans on Tina to dive into her journey with soul healing — the practice of aligning your body, mind, and spirit to promote better overall health. Tina shares what she's learned, how it’s helped her chronic illness journey, and how anyone can start their own path toward deeper healing.

As we wrap up Season 3, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to all our listeners, our fellow Spoonies, and our amazing Instagram community. Your strength, support, and stories inspire us every single day. We can’t wait to see where Season 4 takes us — but for now, we’re sending love and spoons your way! 💙🥄

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY SALTY PROVISIONS: Salty Provisions was created to bring clean, high-quality sea salts and seasoning blends to those who care about real ingredients, inspired by a love for Norwegian Sea Salt and a mission to make gourmet cooking accessible. Their handcrafted, award-winning salts are free from artificial additives, fillers, and anti-caking agents, making them perfect for anyone—including those with POTS who need to increase their sodium intake. POTS warriors love our Norwegian Sea Salt Capsules, Savory Electrolyte Broth, and Salted Maple Electrolyte Latte, helping them manage symptoms without relying on processed foods. Find them at WWW.DOYOULOVESALT.COM and on Instagram/Facebook ⁠@saltyprovisions⁠. Use code SPOONFULL for 20% off your order!

In this powerful two-part series of SpoonFull of Strength, we explore the heart of communication, resilience, and perspective through the lens of chronic illness.

Part 1 features Rachel and Tina as we dive into the often challenging—but incredibly important—topic of talking to children about chronic illness. We break down communication tips based on age, share helpful books that can support these conversations, and discuss how to gently involve kids in your chronic illness journey while still preserving their sense of security and understanding.

Part 2 introduces you to Ashley, a remarkable woman living with ALS. She opens up about her earliest symptoms, the emotional weight of receiving a diagnosis with no cure, and the ways her perspective on life has transformed since. Ashley shares the deep gratitude she feels for her support system—including her beloved service dog, Revna Jean—and how she's finding strength and beauty even in the hardest moments.

This is a deeply moving and inspiring episode that reminds us of the power of honesty, support, and grace through life’s most difficult challenges.

Follow Ashley on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/athena_ash_/

Read her poetry here: https://www.spilledpoems.com/

Buy her book here: Spilling the Tea volume 2 https://a.co/d/8LSrVbd

Here are some links for books to discuss chronic illness with children:

Why Does Mommy Hurt?: Helping Children Cope with the Challenges of Having a Caregiver with Chronic Pain, Fibromyalgia, or Autoimmune Diseasehttps://a.co/d/hg1E5Lo

My Mama Has Chronic Pain: A simple explanation of chronic pain from a child's point of view (The My Mama Series)https://a.co/d/h0CN2aD

What Happens When Someone I Love Doesn't Feel Good: A Book About Chronic or Terminal Illness That Won't Go Awayhttps://a.co/d/1PtRZuc

This episode is sponsored by Spicey — the universal heat patch for fast, targeted relief. Check them out at getspicey.com and follow along on Instagram @getspicey.

In this two-part episode of SpoonFull of Strength, we dive into the world of physical therapy and the patient experience.

In Part 1, Rachel and Tina sit down with physical therapists Kyle (a general and sports PT) and Jessica (a neuro specialist) to talk about the unique challenges Spoonies face in physical therapy. From the importance of pacing to the need for personalized care, Kyle and Jessica offer valuable insight—and practical advice—on how to find the right physical therapist who understands chronic illness.

In Part 2, we talk with Anna, a resilient warrior from Australia living with Lyme disease. After five years of being dismissed and misdiagnosed, Anna shares her journey to finally getting answers, and how a holistic approach has helped ease her symptoms. Her story is a powerful reminder of the importance of being heard and the strength it takes to advocate for yourself.

Follow Anna's journey here on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/me_vs_lyme/

🎙️ This episode is sponsored by Spoonie Sister Shop – a chronic illness awareness brand creating cute, comfy apparel and gifts made for spoonies, by a spoonie. Founded by Michelle in 2018 after her own health journey, the shop is all about helping you wear your strength and raise awareness in a way that feels true to you. Whether you're living with a chronic condition or supporting someone who is, there's something meaningful waiting for you at Spoonie Sister Shop.

✨ Shop now at SpoonieSisterShop.Etsy.com
📱 Follow @SpoonieSisterShop on Instagram, TikTok, Threads, and Facebook
💌 Want 10% off your next order? Join the email list!

Spoonie Sister Shop—because awareness should be empowering, comfortable, and made with heart. 💕🥄