The CF Together Podcast

This podcast is a re-release and first published on the 05/02/2024 as part of the CF Strong initiative. Host and fellow CF community member Brad Dryburgh explores the relationship between cystic fibrosis and mental health.

Joining Brad are six people in their 20s living with CF, who share honest, first-person perspectives on how CF has affected their mental wellbeing and the ways they navigate these experiences.

The conversation explores social anxiety, the pressure of explaining CF to others, the impact of CF on life choices, and the importance of finding strategies and support that work for you. The guests reflect on the emotional and less visible aspects of living with a lifelong condition, offering a range of perspectives from within the CF community.

The views, experiences or comments shared in these stories are not medical advice and may not reflect opinions or beliefs of CF Together. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions regarding your health. If you need any support, contact the National CF Support Line on 1300 CF HELP (23 4357) or follow HERE to access resources

The CF Strong Project through CF Together received funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

This podcast is a re-release and first published on 31/01/2024 for the CF Strong Project. 

Have you ever wondered how to balance a social life while living with cystic fibrosis (CF)? You are not alone. Hosted by Bradley Dryburgh, who lives with CF, delves into the perspectives of six young adults facing similar challenges. In this opening episode, Adam, Blake, Caitlin, Ellie, Sam, and Tayla share candid accounts of how they navigate a social life while managing their CF. From Adam's seamless integration of CF into friendships to Tayla's candid admission of hermit tendencies, each story offers a unique perspective into the delicate balance between health and social life, as a young person living with CF.

The views, experiences or comments shared in these stories are not medical advice and may not reflect opinions or beliefs of CF Together. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions regarding your health. If you need any support, contact the National CF Support Line on 1300 CF HELP (23 4357).

The CF Strong Project through CF Together received funding from the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.

Corey, a young actor living with CF, shares his story together with his mother, Melissa. This beautifully raw conversation explores how one family has navigated cystic fibrosis and the profound impact of living with and loving someone with CF.

Their story is one of resilience, hope and the unbreakable bond between a mother and son.

The views, experiences and comments shared in these stories are not medical advice and may not reflect the opinions or beliefs of CF Together. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions regarding your health.

If you need support, contact the National CF Support Line on 1300 CF HELP (23 4357) or follow the link below to access resources.

In this episode of Stronger Together, Kelly Exner, Clinical Services Manager, is joined by Adam Holmes from Community and Professor Keith Ooi for an insightful conversation about what it means to live a meaningful and fulfilling life while living with cystic fibrosis (CF).

Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities that come with CF, the importance of connection, purpose and wellbeing, and how people can build rich, rewarding lives while managing the realities of a chronic condition.

Whether you are living with CF, supporting someone who is, or interested in learning more about the lived experience of CF, this episode offers valuable perspectives, practical insights and inspiring stories from those dedicated to improving outcomes for the CF community.

Listen now and join the conversation on living well with CF. ????

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This episode of the CF Together podcast is a special re-release, originally published on 13 February 2021 as part of the CF Strong iniatitive.

Host Keegan Bakker, former radio presenter and now CEO of Audata sits down with Peter Oxford, producer of Showcase (the Australian Dance Championships) and cabin crew member for Virgin Australia.

Peter shares his experience of growing up living with cystic fibrosis (CF) and building a dynamic career in the dance industry. From running his own studio to travelling the world, his story reflects resilience, determination, and a commitment to inspiring young people including people living with CF.

In this episode of the Stronger Together series, Dr Keith and Adam are joined by Tamarah Katz, Senior Respiratory Dietitian at Sydney Children’s Hospital and researcher at the University of New South Wales.

With over 15 years’ experience working alongside families of children living with cystic fibrosis, Tamarah shares her insights into how nutrition in CF care is evolving. From the traditional “legacy” CF diet to the impact of CFTR modulators, she explores why it’s time to rethink how we approach food, health, and long-term wellbeing.

Tamarah also discusses her groundbreaking research focused on improving diet quality in children with CF, including developing new nutritional guidelines, understanding family perspectives, and co-designing practical, real-world dietary strategies.

This episode offers valuable guidance for parents, carers, and the broader CF community, while highlighting the future of nutrition in CF care and its role in supporting healthier lives.

Tamarah Katz latest research Consensus-based guidance for the nutritional management of children with cystic fibrosis on ELEXACAFTOR/TEZACAFTOR/IVACAFTOR - PubMed

Kate joins us at an exciting time for the organisation, bringing fresh energy, strong leadership, and a clear vision for the future of CF Together. In this conversation, we take a moment to get to know Kate, her background, what drives her, and why she’s so passionate about advancing progress for the CF community.

From strengthening connections to shaping what’s next, Kate shares her hopes for the future and what Stronger together really means in action.

Whether you’re part of the CF community, a supporter, or simply curious about where we’re headed, this is a great opportunity to meet the person leading our next chapter.

In the first episode of our Stronger Together series, Dr Keith Ooi and Adam Holmes are joined by Dr Bernadette Prentice for an open and informative conversation about Cystic Fibrosis Related Diabetes (CFRD) They also discuss the realities of treatment burden when living with CF, in particular the impact of modulator treatments.

They explore what CFRD is, how it’s diagnosed and managed, and the impact it can have on daily life. Adam shares his lived experience, while Dr Prentice emphasises that every person living with CF is unique, and that treatment plans work best when they are personalised to each individual’s circumstances and needs.

This episode is for people living with CF, families, carers, and anyone wanting to better understand the challenges and strengths within our community. It’s a conversation grounded in expertise, compassion, and connection reminding us that we are STRONGER TOGETHER

Dr Bernadette Prentice is a Paediatric Respiratory Physician in Sydney and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. She completed her Respiratory Medicine training at Sydney Children’s Hospital and The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and holds a Master’s of Public Health and a PhD in Cystic Fibrosis. Dr Prentice is a Conjoint Lecturer at the University of New South Wales, teaching medical students, and has received awards including the Thoracic Society of NSW/Vertex Paediatric Clinical Fellowship and a National Health and Medical Research Council Scholarship. She has published widely on children’s lung conditions, including CF, asthma, and chronic cough, and has presented her research at national and international conferences. Her clinical interests include children’s asthma, recurrent cough, and chest infections.

Professor Keith Ooi is a Professor of Medicine at the University of New South Wales and a Consultant Paediatric Gastroenterologist at Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick. An internationally recognised expert, he specialises in gastrointestinal, pancreatic, nutritional, and liver conditions in children, including paediatric gastroscopy and colonoscopy. A Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians and the American Gastroenterology Association, Prof Ooi has received numerous national and international awards for his clinical and research contributions. He holds a PhD for his work in cystic fibrosis and pancreatic diseases and is a world-leading researcher in CF, paediatric pancreatic disorders, and the gut microbiome, with over 200 publications and major research funding from NHMRC and NIH.

Adam Holmes is a musician who plays and teaches the Drums. He is the drummer for an Australian pop band called EGOISM from Sydney, New South Wales.

In this FINAL episode of the Living Longer series, Kelly Exner, Clinical Services Manager, looks back and shares valuable insights on navigating this next stage of life with cystic fibrosis (CF). Drawing on her clinical experience and deep connection to the CF community, Kelly explores the challenges, opportunities, and evolving needs that come with living longer.

She offers practical guidance on finding the right supports, building strong care networks, and advocating for your wellbeing while also acknowledging the emotional and personal aspects of this transition. This episode is a thoughtful and reassuring conversation for anyone seeking clarity, confidence, and connection as they move into this next chapter.

In this episode of the Living Longer with CF, Nardia, Jade and Louisa share their lived experiences of navigating careers while living with cystic fibrosis. They speak openly about balancing work with health needs, managing energy and treatment schedules, and how career goals can shift over time.

Through honest conversation, they explore workplace disclosure, advocating for flexibility, navigating setbacks, and redefining success in ways that support both wellbeing and purpose. This episode offers reassurance, insight, and connection for anyone navigating work and identity while living with CF.

The views, experiences or comments shared in these stories are not medical advice and may not reflect opinions or beliefs of CF Together. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions regarding your health. If you need any support, contact the National CF Support Line on 1300 CF HELP (23 4357).