The Chronically Courageous with Bonni Howard

Feeling hopeless and stuck in the thoughts that you may never heal? I felt the same way until I met this week’s guest, Rachel Barber. Rachel had exhausted all options, combining techniques from both Eastern and Western medicine. She was at her wits end and in a major state of depression at the thought of having to live the rest of her life being sick. 

This week Rachel shares her incredible story of perseverance and determination. She tells us how she went from having fibromyalgia, SIBO, mitochondrial dysfunction, hypoglycemia, and more to achieving a level of health and happiness beyond her wildest dreams. 

Rachel is the founder of Total Healing, a program designed to help the sick self heal and take back their lives through the power of the mind. She has established a following of over 41,000 on Instagram, where she shares her story and the testimonials of other women she has healed. 

Skeptical? I was too, but please keep an open mind and listen to this episode to hear about a method of healing that may be the solution you’ve been searching for.   

Some things that you’ll learn:

• About Rachel (1:23)
• What Rachel’s life was like before she became chronically ill (2:34)
• Rachel’s view on the connection between trauma and chronic illness (3:33)
• About her symptoms and diagnoses (4:37)
• How Rachel began healing (10:05)
• Her personal journey with brain rewiring (12:18)
• About the Total Healing Program (26:36)
• 
  

Some questions Bonni asks Rachel:

• What did you do to try to find answers and what did you try? (5:55)
• What was that point of surrender when you said “I’m willing to do whatever it takes”? (11:00) 
• What is your life like now? (14:08) 
• How do your relationships impact your healing? (15:49)
• What are some things people can start doing today to feel better? (19:22)
• How would brain rewiring heal someone with physical degeneration? (21:58)
• What are some of the things that you’ve been able to heal people from? (23:10)
• What made you feel like you needed to teach others the methods of healing you learned? (25:53)

Connect with Rachel:

https://www.instagram.com/therachelbarber/

Connect with Bonni:

https://www.instagram.com/thechronicallycourageous/

https://www.facebook.com/bonni.howard

[email protected] 

Show Resources:

• Total Healing Program: https://lovemymiddle.mykajabi.com/totalhealing
• Heal Documentary: https://www.healdocumentary.com/purchase.html
• Louis Hay: https://www.louisehay.com/
• Joe Dispenza: https://drjoedispenza.com/

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

While getting ready to have her first book published, two years ago, Janna Lopez felt that something was off. At the age of 51, she learned that this feeling was not imagined, rather it was the result of having several lesions on her brain caused by Multiple Sclerosis.

In this episode, Janna uses her gift for verbal expression to convey the emotions that accompanied her diagnosis, how she has learned to manage her illness, and how she is moving forward with courage and purpose.

Janna is a published author, public speaker, midlife coach, and podcast host. Formerly, she was a successful magazine publisher and a communications consultant serving small businesses, non-profits, and multi-million dollar companies. Her life’s work has revolved around the art of expression through words and images. 

Janna has a beautiful way of seeing the world and believes that in this time of a global pandemic, "it is the mundane that will save us". Her way of seeing the beauty in the simplest of things was a breath of fresh air in a time of great complexity.

What You’ll Learn:

• About Janna (2:22)
• How Janna came to find out she had Multiple Sclerosis (5:00)
• What happened when Janna first met with a neurologist (9:07)
• Janna’s perspective on who you are vs. what you do (32:06)

Some Questions Bonni asks Janna:

• What do you think have been the gifts in getting this diagnosis and how has it changed you? (11:38)
• How has your diagnosis affected your identity and how you see yourself in the world? (12:36)
• What have you done to keep yourself on a positive path post diagnosis? (16:10)
• What do you do to handle the emotional side of your diagnosis? (22:37)
• What would you tell your younger self knowing what you now know? (23:56) 
• What advice would you give to other people who have been recently diagnosed? (25:36)
• What would you define as courageous? (28:40)
• What’s your answer now when someone says, “who are you”? (39:04)

Connect with Janna:

https://www.jannalopez.com/

Connect with Bonni:

https://www.instagram.com/thechronicallycourageous/

https://www.facebook.com/bonni.howard

[email protected] 

Show Resources:

Janna’s Book, “Me, My Selfie and Eye” https://www.amazon.com/Me-My-Selfie-Eye-Conversation-ebook/dp/B083G2J7PQ/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=janna+lopez&qid=1578510891&sr=8-1

Eyedentity Talk with Janna Lopez Podcast: https://www.jannalopez.com/eyedentity-talk-with-janna-lopez/

My Mundane Facebook Group:  

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2951698238245582/

Organ Delight Supplement:

https://www.drrons.com/p/27-Organ-Delight-grassfed-New-Zealand-freeze-dried-organs-glands-180-capsules.aspx

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

EP. 006 The Chronically Courageous Podcast

Jini didn’t always respect her need for rest and renewal and for years she ignored her body’s signals. She went on to earn her Master's degree in Counseling followed by the study of various healing modalities at the Southwest Institute of Healing Arts. 

Like many chronic illness warriors, she remained invalidated and undiagnosed for years after the onset of her symptoms. Her persistence finally led her to multiple diagnoses including myalgic encephalomyelitis, hemochromatosis, and late stage neurological Lyme disease.

In addition to her health challenges, she endured several life-altering traumas, including the recent loss of her home and its contents in the Paradise, California Camp Fire.  

In this episode, Jini and Bonni discuss the correlation between trauma and health. Jini explains how she uses “The Work” of Byron Katie, as one of several ways to maintain her loving heart and keep a grateful outlook. 

Today Jini is a highly awakened soul, who shares her gifts through writing, teaching, and energy work. Her primary objective is to help others discover thier gifts and to assist in raising the collective vibration of the world.

What You’ll Learn:

• What Jini finally figured out after 45 years (5:50)
• The traumas that Jini has endured (6:11)
• What she’s learned through her chronic illness journey (14:2)
• Jini’s perspective on the Covid-19 pandemic (15:19)
• What Bonni and Jini have learned about being courageous. (17:05)
• The Byron Katie technique used to manage our thoughts and feelings (18:59)
• The most valuable lesson that Jini has learned (28:26)
• Services Jini offers through Eighth Chakra (31:35)

Questions Bonni asks Jini:

• What was your life before chronic Illness? (4:01)
• What kind of toll did trauma take on you? (9:19)
• What’s your secret to still smiling and being so full of love after so much trauma? (10:27)
• What have you been diagnosed with and what are your symptoms? (11:01)
• What advice would you give other people who are going through chronic illness? (18:48)
• After everything you’ve been through, what do you feel is the purpose of it all? (26:08)

Connect with Jini:

https://www.facebook.com/healingwithhigherself/

Connect with Bonni:

https://www.instagram.com/thechronicallycourageous/

https://www.facebook.com/bonni.howard

[email protected] 

Show Resources:

Jini’s published article in The Mighty: https://themighty.com/2017/08/moving-slowly-chronic-illness/

The Work of Byron Katie: 

https://thework.com/instruction-the-work-byron-katie/

Learn more about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis:

https://www.meaction.net/about/what-is-me/

Learn more about Hemochromatosis:

https://www.hemochromatosis.org/#overview

Learn more about Lyme Disease: 

https://globallymealliance.org/about-lyme/diagnosis/stages/

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

Dating can be challenging under any circumstances, but chronic illness can add another level of complexity.  Many people have questions about when it’s appropriate to bring up the subject of chronic illness and what to share in a new relationship. 

This week Bonni and her fiancé, David Pinkus, discuss how they navigated dating early in their relationship. They talk about some of their challenges and how they've accommodated their differences in ability without having to sacrifice the things that are important to them. 

What You’ll Learn:

• The purpose behind this week’s episode (1:30)
• Bonni’s earlier experience of dating with chronic illness ( 2:09)
• David’s perspective on how Bonni handles her illness (9:20)
• The adaptations the couple makes to accommodate their differences in ability (11:20) 
• The trials and tribulations of traveling with chronic illness (14:20)
• One thing that David finds most attractive about Bonni (17:35)
• The couple's feelings about Bonni having to use a cane (21:15)
• The qualities that David admires in Bonni (33:45)
• A little secret about this episode (40:20)
• Dating advice from Bonni to her fellow chronic illness warriors (50:09)

Some Questions Bonni asks David:

• What were your thoughts when I first told you about my situation? (3:40)
• Do you think I should have shared about my chronic illness early on or should I have waited? (6:11)
• There are plenty of healthier women to choose from, why did you pick me and why do you stay? (6:55)
• Was there ever a time when it all seemed like too much? (9:01)
• What was the hardest thing for you to see me go through? (15:37) 
• What have you learned about someone living with chronic illness that you didn’t know before we dated? (23:25)
• What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about dating? (30:20)
• Do you see any benefits to dating someone with chronic illness? (36:25) 

Connect with Bonni:

[email protected] 

https://www.facebook.com/bonni.howard

https://www.instagram.com/thechronicallycourageous/

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

EP. 004 The Chronically Courageous Podcast

Title: Bonni Howard | A Vulnerable Announcement 

This week Bonni makes a special, highly vulnerable announcement regarding her health and how it impacts her ability to put out a weekly podcast. Since May is Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month, she also talks about how being born with this genetic condition has affected her life.

What You’ll Learn:

• About The Chronically Courageous (0:01)
• The impact that starting a podcast has had on Bonni (1:19)
• Bonni’s vulnerable announcement (2:59)
• About Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (4:12)

Connect with Bonni:

[email protected] 

https://www.facebook.com/bonni.howard

https://www.instagram.com/thechronicallycourageous/

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

EP. 003 The Chronically Courageous Podcast

Title: Dawn Hassmann | Finding my Voice

Dawn Hassmann has had chronic health issues since the age of three. She was initially misdiagnosed, but, through self-advocacy, she found answers. Being diagnosed with multiple autoimmune conditions, she is dedicated to advocating for both herself and others as a leader of the Lupus LA support group.  

In this episode, we hear about how early childhood trauma caused Dawn to feel as though she didn’t have a voice. She explains how pursuing an education in EFT Tapping, and later becoming a certified EFT practitioner, helped her manage her health and find her voice. You won’t want to miss Dawn’s inspiring story! 

What You’ll Learn:

• About The Chronically Courageous (0:01)
• What events and symptoms led Dawn to multiple autoimmune diagnosis (3:15)
• How Dawn refers to her conditions and why (7:32)
• The importance of being your own advocate (20:35)
• The link between autoimmune conditions and trauma (23:22) 
• How Bonni benefited personally from EFT tapping (38:37)
• When Dawn’s autoimmune lab work came back normal and why she believes it did (42:30)

Questions Bonni asks Dawn:

• How did you feel when you first got diagnosed? (9:25)
• How is Covid affecting you and how are you responding to differently than someone who hasn’t had chronic illness would? (13:41)
• What are the things you’ve done that have helped you? (16:43)
• How do you think going through this has changed you and what are some of the gifts you’ve received from it? (25:20)
• What advice would you give your younger self? (28:17) 
• What is EFT tapping and what can it do for us? (30:30)
• Where can we learn more about tapping and reach you? (45:49) 
• What makes you chronically courageous? (49:38) 

Connect with Dawn to learn more about EFT tapping

https://www.dawnhypnotherapy.com/

[email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/DawnHypnotherapy/

Contact Dawn and mention The Chronically Courageous podcast for a discount on EFT Tapping. 

Connect with Bonni:

[email protected] 

https://www.facebook.com/bonni.howard

https://www.instagram.com/thechronicallycourageous/

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

Yvette McCue was working twelve hour days, while taking care of her ailing father and three children. It was in her nature to put everyone’s needs ahead of her own, until her health took a dramatic downward turn. The tables were then turned, as she was forced to rely upon a wheelchair for mobility and the help of her family and friends for basic daily needs. 

In this episode, we learn how Yvette found healing through a variety of modalities, including Qigong. She shares her inspiring story of transformation and her newfound purpose, as a certified Qigong instructor. We discuss how chronic illness changes one’s perspective and the gratitude she now has for things she was moving too fast to notice before. 

What You’ll Learn:

• About The Chronically Courageous (0:01)
• How Yvette began her healing journey (7:34)
• When Yvette started to see a shift toward healing (13:22)
• The importance of slowing down and pacing ourselves (18:20)
• The advice Yvette received on retraining her body to walk (19:08)
• The benefits of Qigong and Yvette’s upcoming class offerings (43:58)

Questions Bonni asks Yvette:

• What was your life like before getting sick? (4:09)
• What did it take to finally get you to stop and realize that you needed to take care of yourself? (11:30)
• How do you feel like this chronic illness experience changed you? (21:40)
• How is your perception different about the Covid-19 pandemic? (24:49)
• Can you take us through how we can remain calm when anxiety hits? (30:33)
• What brings this new version of Yvette the most happiness and fulfillment? (33:57)
• What advice would you give your younger self before your chronic illness journey? (37:00)
• What are the biggest things that have helped you get to where you are now? (39:00)
• Besides Qigong, what other things have helped you to heal? (46:37)
• Are there any supplements that you take that you find helpful? (47:34)

Connect with Yvette to learn more about and to sign up for her Qigong class.  

https://www.instagram.com/qigong_healwithin/

[email protected]

Connect with Bonni:

[email protected] 

https://www.facebook.com/bonni.howard

https://www.instagram.com/thechronicallycourageous/

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

As someone who was told my symptoms were “all in my head” for over 40 years, I have so much empathy, compassion, and love in my heart for others who have been through a similar journey. I want to be a voice for people with chronic illness and rare diseases so that they feel more validated and better understood.

The Chronically Courageous podcast will be a safe place where people can feel a sense of community and inspiration. The show will also provide resources for living more fully. 

I’m your host, Bonni Howard, and just like many of you listening to this podcast, I’ve lived with chronic pain and other life-altering symptoms from the time I was a child. I did my best to push through my pain. I became a mom, built a successful career, and led an active life until I could no longer ignore my symptoms. It took over 40 years, but I finally got my diagnoses and have spent the past five years learning to accept, embrace, and live the life I’ve been given with courage, passion, and purpose. 

My mission is to embrace and uplift those living with chronic illnesses and rare diseases, as well as their loved ones, so that we can all move toward a more fulfilled and happy life. 

In this first episode, I take the guest seat as my fiancé, David, takes over as host. 

I did this because I feel it’s important that you understand my journey, and why launching this podcast is so close to my heart. We discuss things such as the emotional toll of having chronic, rare illnesses, the importance of self advocacy, how my career aspirations were affected, and how I intend to use my experience to help others. 

I experience pain and a variety of other symptoms daily. That said, every moment of pain will have been worth it if I can use my experience to help you to feel supported, heard, validated, and put on a path to living your best life!

I look forward to taking this journey with you and I will continue sending you love, happiness, and healing every step of the way.

What You’ll Learn:

• About The Chronically Courageous (0:01)
• My journey with chronic illness and who this podcast is intended for (3:20)
• My primary symptoms and the secondary symptoms from lack of validation (10:47)
• My life now and the challenges of my journey (23:20)
• The conditions I’ve been diagnosed with (31:00)
• My perspective on COVID19 and the potential implications of contracting it (35:48)
• Why strength training is essential with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (43:25)

Questions David asks:

• Why is a zebra the symbol of rare disease? (5:03)
• When did you start to experience symptoms of your illnesses? (6:15)
• When did you first feel heard and receive your first diagnosis? (13:44)
• What led up to that moment of pain you mentioned in the intro? (18:13)
• Bonni, who are you today? (29:38)

Connect with Bonni:

[email protected] 

https://www.facebook.com/bonni.howard

https://www.instagram.com/thechronicallycourageous/

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