That's So Chronic

Welcome to a special episode of That’s So Chronic! As the name of this episode would suggest, I’m taking you along with me as I get two doses of the Pfizer vaccine here in New Zealand. I take you along in a diary style format as I begin to work out if I can even get it, when I should get it, how to get it, and how I felt afterwards.

*This episode is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Please talk to a member of your medical team if you have any questions and before making any decisions for yourself or for others.*

This episode is a little different to anything I've created before as I'm literally just talking into my phone for most of the episode. But I really hope you enjoy a more laid back style, and get an insight into how my brain works (aka how impatient I truly am lol)

The zoom call about the Pfizer vaccine & people living with MS: youtube.com/watch?v=8k0-PV97DJE as well as more information here: msnz.org.nz/covid-vaccine-update-for-people-with-ms/ 

If you’re in NZ and you would like to book your vaccine, or you want to know more, head to: bookmyvaccine.nz 

The inspiration to document this (kinda huge!) moment for public health came from Morgan (@howtocoeliac) and her vlog: youtube.com/watch?v=gzAmQgV9OaA&t=5s

RNZ's article: 'Google it': Ill man horrified by vaccine advice: rnz.co.nz/news/national/450856/google-it-ill-man-horrified-by-vaccine-advice

Spotlight On is a regular (ish!) series here at That’s So Chronic where we get the opportunity to shine a light and chat a bit more in depth about something that’s in our That’s So Chronic world. If you enjoyed this episode, you might also enjoy a previous episode, Spotlight On: medicinal cannabis. 

If you have an idea for an upcoming Spotlight On episode, or you just want to let me know what you thought of this episode, you can send me a DM on instagram, I’m @thatssochronic 

Thanks again for all of your support! If you want to “shout That’s So Chronic a coffee!” you can find the info right here: https://www.jessbrien.com/shoutacoffee (um, thank you! You’re the actual best!!!)

@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.

Welcome to That’s So Chronic! I’m excited to be bringing you today’s interview with scientist and circus artist Evie Clayton. Evie was diagnosed with endometriosis, and today’s interview follows their journey to receiving that diagnosis (spoiler alert: it’s full of twists and turns!)

In this episode Evie talks us through the years of their symptoms being dismissed, an eventful few months with an ear nose and throat specialist, how they finally got a diagnosis (and the side effects that came with that surgery!), why they had to pull out of circus school, and Evie gives an insight in to being non binary and navigating the health system. 

You can find Evie on instagram: @hey.heyevie 

And you can also read Evie’s blog posts over on getwellcircus.com/journal/categories/evie (I highly recommend you have a read!!)

If you would like to connect further, you can find That’s So Chronic on instagram: @thatssochronic. I truly love hearing from you and seeing where you’re listening to the pod, so don’t be afraid to reach out! 

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you’ve pressed subscribe or follow, and left a review! That helps more people find TSC from around the world, and that, to be frank, would be really cool! 

@thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #thatssochronic

Want to share your story on That's So Chronic? Here's the application form: https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9 

Or have an idea for an upcoming That's So: episode? Let me know here: https://forms.gle/4RZbCiHARjV5gmcWA 

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! Um, so... IT’S OUR BIRTHDAY!!!! Yay! That’s So Chronic turns ONE this week so it was only fitting that this month’s That’s So: episode is all about the inspiration behind That’s So Chronic.

In this episode we learn about the moment my life took a random unexpected turn in September 2019, the moment the idea for That’s So Chronic happened, the journey of actually making the podcast, and where on earth we go from here! 

There is NO way this podcast would be happening if it wasn’t for all of YOU. Because of you guys listening at home, at work, on your walks, or wherever you may be listening from, means that I can keep connecting with people all around the world and share their stories. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you thank you thank you.

If you want to support the podcast, the best way you can do this is by pressing that big ol' subscribe or follow button, by leaving a review, and sharing the episodes with people who might enjoy them as well! Or, if you fancy, you could even “shout us a coffee” at jessbrien.com/shoutacoffee to help keep the work here at That’s So Chronic going, and keep these episodes completely free and accessible for everyone. We also hear from a few people who sent in birthday voice notes! I get a bit emotional! It's been a day!

As always, my DMs are always open over on Instagram, so make sure you’re following @thatssochronic

If you’re new around here (HI!) or if you’ve been here since the beginning (Hello!) you are the absolute best and I love you so much. Thank you! Have a lovely week!

Mentioned in this episode:

Trinity MRI

Kris Hallenga's (@howtoglitteraturd) episode on the Get The Scoop pod

Molly’s Pink Creative @mollyspink.creative 

Lola Berry’s podcast Fearlessly Failing

Shameless Media Co. 

SquadCast (psst, you can sign up using my affiliate link here: squadcast.fm/?ref=jessbrien)

Diagnosis on Netflix

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.

Welcome to That’s So Chronic! Today’s interview is with Tatjana T, and we are chatting all about her diagnosis of attention deficit disorder, or come commonly known as, ADHD.

Tatjana’s diagnosis is still super fresh, so after meeting for coffee and discussing how this episode could go, we decided this is a perfect opportunity to share the diagnosis process within the mental health system here in New Zealand.

In this episode we really explore the process from the moment she thought "hey that could be me" in 2019, to seeing multiple tiktoks in 2021 thinking "hey that could still be me", to then securing a psychologist appointment, receiving her diagnosis, and starting on medication.

The graphic that Tatjana mentions is by an artist who goes by @adhd_alien on instagram, and facebook.com/adhdalien on Facebook

If you’d like to know more about Tatjana, you can find her on instagram: @tatjanat.performer 

Thanks for listening to this interview of That’s So Chronic! Don’t forget to press subscribe on Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify, leave a review if you fancy, and as always, feel free to reach out over on instagram, I’m @thatssochronic.

@thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #thatssochronic

Want to chat even more? SEND IN A VOICE NOTE! Send me a message on the That’s So Chronic hotline. Just head to jessbrien.com/hotline 

Want to share your story on That's So Chronic? Here's the application form: https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9 

Or have an idea for an upcoming That's So: episode. Perhaps a book, film, podcast, article that discusses something in our TSC world? Let me know here: https://forms.gle/4RZbCiHARjV5gmcWA 

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.

Happy Tuesday everyone! Welcome back to That’s So Chronic. We’re back with our regular Tuesday interviews and today’s interview I think you’re gonna love.

I got to sit down with Alex Brocklehurst (she even made us a platter of goodies!) to chat about her diagnosis of cluster headaches - known to be one of the most painful types of headaches a person can endure.

In this episode Alex talks us through her diagnosis, she explains how the cluster headaches feel for her, how her medication works, and leaves us with an important message.

Content warning: there is a brief mention of suicide in this episode, and there is a trigger warning from Alex before that moment in the episode. 

If you’re new around here (hello!) make sure you’ve pressed that subscribe or follow button so you never miss an episode, and as always, feel free to reach out over on instagram, I'm @thatssochronic.

@thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #thatssochronic

Want to chat even more? SEND IN A VOICE NOTE! Send me a message on the That’s So Chronic hotline. Just head to jessbrien.com/hotline 

Want to share your story on That's So Chronic? Here's the application form: https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9 

Or have an idea for an upcoming That's So: episode? Let me know here: https://forms.gle/4RZbCiHARjV5gmcWA 

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.

*Please note: This episode was recorded in July, before the nationwide lockdown in New Zealand, so no bubbles were burst in the making of this episode.*

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

It’s the final day of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and we’re back in your ears to give you the down low on the final week! 

In this episode we pick up where we left off last Sunday and debrief the week that was for our NZ Paralympians. Of course there’s some fun facts that I’ve learnt along the way including the role of the guides in para sport, as well checking back in with Otago WheelLander and friend of the pod Lauren Dewhirst. I also have some burning questions about the Paralympic medals, and I thought who better to ask than Paralympic bronze medalist Rory McSweeney himself.

**Please note: due to the fast paced nature of piecing this episode together, there are a couple of sound issues that pop up... Please accept my apologies! But I thought you guys are so awesome you would be pretty forgiving!**

You can watch The Invisible Bond documentary for free right here: olympics.com/en/films/watch/the-invisible-bond-documentary 

Make sure you head to Paralympics NZ on Instagram @paralympicsNZ or Facebook facebook.com/paralympicsnewzealand to get the most up to date information

And that little favour I asked at the end of the episode… If you enjoyed these Paralympics episodes or learnt something about the Paralympics, I would really appreciate a message either on Instagram @thatssochronic, Facebook facebook.com/thatssochronic or email [email protected] with a short testimonial. I’m officially starting my campaign to get a media pass at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games you see, and every little piece of feedback is super helpful in trying to make that happen! 

See you on Tuesday as we start back with our regular Tuesday interviews!

Thanks for listening, you really are the best!! <3

"No one knows what you are capable of other than you. Don't listen to them. They don't know what you can do." - Nicole Murray

@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.

Good morning and happy Tuesday! It’s the last Tuesday of the month which can only mean one thing… It’s time for another That’s So episode. Today we’re chatting about the 2020 documentary film Rising Phoenix.

Rising Phoenix is a documentary directed by Ian Bonhôte and Pete Ettedjui, which follows 9 Paralympians and various other insiders as they reflect on the Paralympic Games and movement, including the success of London 2012 and the funding dramas during Rio 2016. 

In this episode we learn more about the thoughts behind the filmmakers’ vision, what you can expect throughout the doco, your thoughts after watching, and I get to ask New Zealand Paralympian Rory McSweeney how he felt in the lead up to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. I also attempt to speak French lol.

You can watch Rising Phoenix for FREE until September 5 on youtube: youtube.com/watch?v=-Wa0Ta1pqu4 

And on Netflix: netflix.com/title/81122408 

Don’t forget to come back on Sunday as we bring you another Tokyo 2020 Highlight & Hype episode recapping the week that was at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics! 

Make sure you’re following @thatssochronic over on instagram for all of the latest That’s So Chronic goings on, and if you’re new around here (hi! I see you!) hit that big subscribe or follow button, and if you fancy, please leave a review.

If you want to share a thought about this episode or an upcoming episode topic, send in a voice note! jessbrien.com/hotline 

Have a suggestion, or want to be involved in the That’s So: series? Fill out this google form: https://forms.gle/4RZbCiHARjV5gmcWA 

@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.

We don’t wish to alarm you but yes… We’re here in your podcast feed on a Sunday! What a day!

It’s day 5 at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games today and I am excited to bring you this Highlights & Hype episode recapping the first week at the Games for Team NZ (and also for people who live with MS because apparently I’m also extremely biased like that haha…) as well as letting you know what you don’t want to miss.

In this episode I got to sit down with Paralympic bronze medalist Rory McSweeney to get an insight into what goes on behind the scenes to represent New Zealand on the world stage, and friend of the podcast and Otago WheelLander Lauren Dewhirst to learn the ins and outs of wheelchair rugby. And then you hear from me, because I desperately need to chat about the opening ceremony with someone!

** Apologies for not mentioning the Wheelblacks' final game on Saturday against Denmark! It was amazing watch, with the final score NZ: 53 | DEN: 56 **

A huge thank you to Paralympics NZ (@ParalympicsNZ) for helping make this episode possible.

Join us here at That’s So Chronic on Tuesday for a special Paralympics That’s So episode, as well as next Sunday 5 September for a recap of the final week. 

The response has been incredible and I'm loving chatting to you all about the Paralympics, so as always you can always reach me over on instagram @thatssochronic

I would love to hear your thoughts on the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, so please feel free to send in a VOICE NOTE over on jessbrien.com/hotline - you might just be included in an upcoming episode!

@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.

We interrupt your usual That’s So Chronic content to make way for… A Tokyo 2020 Paralympics TAKEOVER! That’s right! It’s the opening ceremony TONIGHT in Tokyo and I could not be more excited. 4,400 para athletes from 160 countries are gearing up for their events and it’s set to be a Games like no other. 

Today’s episode - Spotlight On: Paralympics 101 - is an explainer episode so you can get to know the ins and outs of the Paralympics before tuning into the opening ceremony this evening and watching the events unfold over the next two weeks. 

In this episode we learn about the history, the classification system, the sports, the NZ team, what COVID means for the Games, and where and how you can watch. 

More information on Paralympics NZ: paralympics.org.nz and @paralympicsnz

Download the NZ Team app today! app.olympic.org.nz

NZ coverage: tvnz.co.nz/shows/paralympics 

Around the world coverage: paralympic.org/tokyo-2020/broadcast

The Paralympic Games sports list with fun informational videos: olympics.com/tokyo-2020/en/paralympics/sports

More information on the classifications: paralympic.org/classification as well as a list of classifications by sport: olympics.com/tokyo-2020/en/paralympics/games/classification 

Media releases referenced: paralympic.org/news/joint-statement-ipc-tokyo-2020-organising-committee-tmg-and-government-japan and paralympic.org/news/ipc-explore-classification-opportunities-10-sports-tokyo-2020 

The RNZ article: rnz.co.nz/news/sport/449370/paralympics-nz-increase-safety-protocols-ahead-of-games 

Andrew Parson’s quote, published by @C4Paralympics: twitter.com/C4Paralympics/status/1393951120926597120

Join us here at That’s So Chronic on Sunday 29 August & Sunday 5 September for recap and hype episodes with special guests, and Tuesday 31 August for a special Paralympics That’s So: episode!

I would love to hear your thoughts on the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, so please feel free to send in a VOICE NOTE over on jessbrien.com/hotline - you might just be included in an upcoming episode!

@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.

Welcome back to another episode of That’s So Chronic! Today I got to sit down with Penny Ashton to talk about her medical basket of goodies including epilepsy, asthma, immune thrombocytopenia, and diverticulosis. 

In this episode Penny talks us through her diagnoses, why she’s passionate about supporting the work of her friends at FACS NZ (Foetal Anti-Convulsant Syndrome New Zealand), the effects of her epilepsy medication (including when PHARMAC changed it) and how she manages her conditions. 

This episode was recorded on: 2 July 2021

** Please note there are a lot of swear words in this episode, for anyone with sensitive ears! **

I’ve known Penny for a while, and although we both live in NZ I seem to only see her when I bump into her in a random corner of the world, so it was wonderful to be in the same room together and chat about everything and anything.

You can find Penny on facebook: facebook.com/hotpinkpennyashton, instagram: @penash as well as on her website: hotpink.co.nz

More information about Foetal Anti-Convulsant Syndrome NZ: facsnz.com

We mention a few other episodes in this episode including:

Hayley & Premature Menopause at 14 (Primary Ovarian Insufficiency)

Emma & Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)

Eddy & 3 Brain Surgeries, Epilepsy & Type 1 Diabetes   

Carlyn & Hodgkin’s Lymphoma 

@thatssochronic | @jessssbrien | #thatssochronic

Want to chat even more? SEND IN A VOICE NOTE! Send me a message on the That’s So Chronic hotline. Just head to jessbrien.com/hotline 

Want to share your story on That's So Chronic? Here's the application form: https://forms.gle/csebLkwfwAjiLApK9 

Or have an idea for an upcoming That's So: episode? Let me know here: https://forms.gle/4RZbCiHARjV5gmcWA 

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.