That's So Chronic

Hi! Welcome to That’s So Chronic. Today I am chatting with Anna Reeve (she’s a powerhouse! Model, instagrammer, blogger, co-founder of Pals & an amazing Mum to The Reeve Nuggets) to talk all about all things alopecia universalis.

When Anna was 7, she was diagnosed with alopecia universalis - an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, resulting in complete body hair loss. 

In this episode, Anna discusses when she began losing her hair, the journey to acceptance, how a very successful modelling career shaped her life, and breaks down the latest wig technology for us. She then ends with an inspiring message for anyone with alopecia, and some advice for those who don’t have hair loss.

If you don’t already, make sure you follow Anna on instagram: @annareeve_ 

Have something to say? Feel free to reach out on instagram! I’m @thatssochronic. I love seeing all of your messages, it really inspires me to keep sharing these stories.

@thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #thatssochronic

If you liked this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and tell everyone you know! That helps TSC get into more ears around the world, to hopefully spread awareness, and more importantly… hope. 

Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi! Welcome to That’s So Chronic. Today I am chatting with Bianca Smeekes from Neurospark. On the 22 of February 2011, Bianca was in the city during the horrific Christchurch Earthquake. Following this she was diagnosed with vulvodynia, fibromyalgia, and central sensitization syndrome - all very generalised diagnoses.

In this episode Bianca shares her health journey, breaks down what those diagnoses mean, how she took control of her pain, and then she helps me understand what on earth Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) and the Lightning Process is all about, as well as the work she does with Neurospark.

I mention this in the episode, but I would not have been able to have this conversation even 18 months ago. It’s only now after interviewing so many incredible people for That’s The Chronic that I have a bit more of an open mind and am willing to talk about neurological pain in the way Bianca explains. 

Find out more about Bianca and Neurospark at @neuro.spark on instagram, or at neurospark.co.nz

I’m curious… Have you ever tried NLP or Lightning Process? Or perhaps you just have something to say? Feel free to message me on instagram @thatssochronic I would love to hear from you!

@thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #thatssochronic

If you liked this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and tell everyone you know! That helps TSC get into more ears around the world, to hopefully spread awareness, and more importantly… hope. 

Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi! Welcome to That’s So Chronic. Today I’m chatting with musical theatre graduate Mackenzie Norton to talk all about boobs, and in particular her breast reduction surgery that she had at the end of 2019. Which, randomly, all started at the clinic next door to the airbnb that I'm currently staying in in Christchurch!

In this episode Mackenzie explains the years of pain and discomfort from dancing and - well - just living a life with big boobs, how costume fittings were filled with tears and anxiety, the process of getting the surgery, and the surprisingly difficult recovery period. 

When Mackenzie and I were meeting to talk through this episode one really important thing shone through. Mackenzie knows her privilege. She understands that this was her own decision, not determined by a sinister diagnosis, and she is incredibly grateful for the support from her family.

...And I’m incredibly grateful that she decided to share her story with That’s So Chronic today! 

Find out more about Mackenzie on instagram: @mackenziesboobs 

Mackenzie also mentions Emma Guns, who you can follow here: @emmaguns 

If a breast reduction surgery is something you are considering, I encourage you to chat to a medical professional before making any decisions.

I love getting your messages! So feel free to reach out on instagram:

@thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #thatssochronic

If you liked this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and tell everyone you know! That helps TSC get into more ears around the world, to hopefully spread awareness, and more importantly… hope. 

Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

HERE IT IS! (Hi, welcome to That’s So Chronic!) This is the episode I have been really excited to share. Today I am chatting with my friend Rachel, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) back in 2008. Since diagnosis she has been on a variety of DMTs (disease modifying therapies) and in 2017 she went to Singapore to do the Stem Cell Transplant (aHSCT - Autologous Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation) I know! This is a big episode! 

In this episode Rachel chats briefly about her diagnosis and what followed, but then she gets into all of the juicy stuff about aHSCT, from deciding to go to the procedure itself to the recovery after, and EVERYTHING in between. She also answers some of your questions that you sent in on instagram.

On a personal note: this was one of the first ever interviews I recorded and I think it could be up there as one of my favourites. It feels really special to bring you Rachel’s story. We met on the neurology ward at one of the many hospitals we have been to, and she has been an inspiration ever since.

Check out Rachel’s blog here: msodyssey.blogspot.com

If aHSCT is something you are considering for your MS, I encourage you to chat to your medical team before making any decisions.

I love getting your messages! So feel free to reach out on instagram:

@thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #thatssochronic

If you liked this episode, you might also enjoy our interview with Sam Smith all about his MS diagnosis. Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and tell everyone you know! That helps TSC get into more ears around the world, to hopefully spread awareness, and more importantly… hope. 

Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi! Welcome to That’s So Chronic! Today, it’s all about Crohn’s Disease with Claire Chitham. You might recognise her as Waverley on Shortland Street, Aurora on Outrageous Fortune, or more recently as Penny on TVNZ’s Fresh Eggs.

In this episode Claire talks about what it was like to be diagnosed with Crohn’s at only 13 years old, a hospitalisation while working on Shortland Street that changed her life and inspired a lifestyle change, and what health means for her.

...Also, at the end she even gives us a little insider info on her upcoming book. Iiii know! Very exclusive!

Follow Claire on instagram: @clairechitham 

Find out more about Good For You TV: goodforyoutv.co.nz and follow on instagram: @goodforyoutv

If you liked this episode, have a listen to some of our others! And don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and tell everyone you know! That helps TSC get into more ears around the world, to hopefully spread awareness, and more importantly… hope. 

@thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #thatssochronic

Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi! Welcome to That’s So Chronic. Today I bring you an episode from my kitchen table with The Rock FM’s Lee Weir. We chat all about his Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis - the ups, the downs, and the everything in between.

In this episode Lee talks about his diagnosis, how his diet and exercise regime led him to be his GP’s star pupil, the setbacks lockdown had on his health, and of course, we HAD to talk about his Guinness World Record for having the most tattoos of a single cartoon character on the body. 

Follow Lee on instagram: @westielee or check out his blog: www.lifeactualee.weebly.com

Lee talks about the Manage My Health app which you can have a look at here: https://www.managemyhealth.co.nz/m/ 

Lee’s Medical ID Bracelet: https://www.myidentity.co.nz/women/lee-medical-id-bracelet/ 

And just a warning: if you have sensitive ears there are a few swear words in this episode (a little more than usual!)

@thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #thatssochronic

If you liked this episode, feel free to have a listen to some of our others! Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and tell everyone you know! That is a huuuge help to me, and if you've done that already... THANK YOU! It helps TSC get into more ears around the world, to hopefully spread awareness, and more importantly… hope. 

Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi! Welcome to That’s So Chronic and happy Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Today I sat down with a cup of tea and a chocolate chip cookie to chat with the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation’s latest ambassador Sarah Gandy. You might recognise her from the radio (The Hits Breakfast Show, ZM) or perhaps you’ve seen her in a magazine or on the telly spreading awareness about breast cancer. Most recently, alongside her friend and the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation, Sarah has brought the Change & Check campaign changing rooms and workplaces around New Zealand.

In today’s episode we chat about boobs… in particular her boobs, but also why it’s so important that you check YOUR boobs. We discuss in depth Sarah’s breast cancer diagnosis, what chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation looks like, the support she had throughout her treatment, and, of course, the inspiration behind the Change & Check campaign.

Follow Sarah on instagram: @sarahontheradio

Or Helen Addis who Sarah mentioned: @thetittygritty

Order your Change & Check stickers HERE! www.breastcancerfoundation.org.nz/landing/october-awareness or it's Sarah's link in her instagram bio

The support crew website: supportcrew.co

Find out more about Eckhart Tolle here: eckharttolle.com

And the NZ Breast Cancer Foundation here: breastcancerfoundation.org.nz

A gentle CONTENT WARNING: While Sarah is extremely positive and energetic, we do talk about death and the realities of cancer. If you are not feeling strong enough to listen on your own today, I recommend listening when you’re ready with someone you trust.

TW: death/dying

This is the week my laptop completely died mid edit lol, so if you liked this episode, have a listen to some of our others! And don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review and tell everyone you know! That helps TSC get into more ears around the world, to hopefully spread awareness, and more importantly… hope. 

@thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #thatssochronic

Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi! Welcome to That’s So Chronic. Today’s episode is all about endometriosis with secondary school drama teacher and endo warrior Adele Louise Tunnicliff. Adele had quite the journey to get to her diagnosis which included a whole lot of pain, surgery and passing out. Adele was so generous with what she shared in the episode… so generous in fact she even brought me pictures of her scans! I feel so honoured to share her story with you all today on the pod.

In this episode Adele talks about her diagnosis in depth, how she navigates the public health system, the symptoms she lives with and how endometriosis affects her relationships and mental health.

Adele mentions a favourite endo-instagrammer who is: @theendojournal

And the gynaecologist from Melbourne I mention is Dr Joseph Sgroi: @drjosephsgroi

While I will always try to publish correct information, I am aware that the research and knowledge around endometriosis is constantly changing and I am still learning. Feel free to let me know if you have anything extra to share!

If you liked this episode, have a listen to some of our others! And don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review and tell eeeeveryone you know. That helps TSC get into more ears around the world, to hopefully spread awareness, and more importantly… hope. 

@thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #thatssochronic

Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi! Welcome to That’s So Chronic. Today’s episode is with the incredible Morgan McKenzie Moore from How To Coeliac. Since being diagnosed with coeliac disease Morgan has moved to London and has been baking up a gluten free storm all while building an online community of over five thousand. Her most recent project has been recreating all of NZ’s iconic biscuits and making them gluten free.

In this episode Morgan talks about her diagnosis, the inspiration behind her online community How To Coeliac, how having the coronavirus is still affecting her taste buds, and offers a message of hope to those who have been diagnosed with coeliac disease but still want to go out to restaurants and travel the world. She also fondly describes a pizza she had in Rome which will leave your mouth watering! 

You can follow Morgan on instagram: @howtocoeliac, on youtube: https://tinyurl.com/youtubehowtocoeliac  and on her blog: www.how-to-coeliac.com for recipes, info and hilarious videos.

If you liked this episode don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review and tell everyone you know! That helps TSC get into more ears around the world, to hopefully spread awareness, and more importantly… hope. 

@thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #thatssochronic

Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi! Welcome to That’s So Chronic’s Spotlight On: series! This is where I dive a little deeper into a topic that’s in our TSC community. Today… it’s all about medicinal cannabis. I interviewed Sophia, who was diagnosed with crohn’s disease when she was 15, and Dr Anna Harvey from the Cannabis Clinic Auckland. Both of these interviews were extremely informative and eye opening and I feel grateful that they were so generous in sharing. I knew nothing about medicinal cannabis going into this episode, and now I feel really educated. I hope you do too.

You can find out more about the Cannabis Clinic here: https://cannabisclinic.co.nz/ and @cannabis.clinic on instagram.

If you’re in New Zealand ENROL TO VOTE HERE: https://vote.nz/ 

If you liked this episode please let me know, and if you want to continue the conversation drop me a DM on instagram @thatssochronic. If there’s something else you would like a spotlight shone on do let me know. I had a lot of fun and I can’t wait to make more episodes. 

Wherever you’re listening from don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review and tell everyone you know! That helps TSC get into more ears around the world, to hopefully spread awareness, and more importantly… hope. 

@thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #thatssochronic

Disclaimer: Here at That's So Chronic we are sharing personal stories and are not advocating any type of treatment, therapy, procedure or intervention. Everyone is unique so please seek professional medical advice before making any decisions for yourself or for others.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.