The Invisible Condition Podcast

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Have you ever felt like the world just doesn't see you for who you truly are? 

In this episode, Lindsay shares her experience living with autism. Lindsay explains how she navigated the challenges of being misunderstood and misdiagnosed until she found acceptance and began advocating for herself and others with autism. Her story is a powerful reminder that our differences should be celebrated, not just accepted.

During our conversation, Lindsay talked about how music plays a role in her life, especially on difficult days. She finds that music helps manage her mood swings and anxiety, offering comfort when needed. Her determination and resilience shine as she discusses her efforts to educate and empower others about the daily challenges faced by people with invisible conditions like autism.

Lindsay's journey is a reminder of the strength found in facing life's challenges and using personal experiences to inspire and educate others.

Takeaways:

• Share Your Story: Embrace your experiences with autism or similar conditions and share them to foster understanding and support from others.
• Become an Advocate: Support autism awareness initiatives and engage in advocacy to enhance education and empowerment for those on the spectrum.
• Use Music for Wellness: Employ music as a therapeutic tool to manage stress and improve your emotional health.
• Develop Resilience: Focus on resilience by overcoming challenges learning from setbacks, and celebrating your achievements.
• Support Awareness Initiatives: Participate in platforms and events that raise awareness and promote inclusion for invisible conditions.
• Challenge Stigma: Work to change societal views on invisible conditions by advocating for respect and understanding, and fostering open discussions to reduce stigma.

Lindsay Malkinson- Bio

I was diagnosed with autism at 11 years old, though I started feeling different when I was 9. Alongside my role as an advocate for others on the autism spectrum, I work with Amare as a brand builder, focusing on gut health, mental health, and overall wellness.

A bit more about me: I’m a dog mom and love bringing positivity and light into the lives of others. I’m also grateful for every day, finding the good in each one, no matter the challenges. I truly enjoy my work, especially helping people feel their best from the inside out.

I work at a daycare because I love spending time with kids. I’ve also written a chapter in a best-selling book titled "Absolute Vision." My academic achievements include recently earning a 4.0 GPA in my Early Childhood Education Assistant Certification. I’ve got big dreams, including speaking on stages about autism to educate and empower others.

Life hasn’t been easy—I couldn’t walk for over a year and a half once, but giving up was never an option for me. I believe in resilience and always

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Are you someone who turns your toughest challenges into a force for positive change, not just for yourself but for others too? How do you find the strength to advocate for yourself and a more inclusive world, even when facing your invisible struggles?

Manpreet lives with multiple concussions, Lyme disease and other invisible conditions. At a young age, she became focused on making an impact in this world and is doing just that. The founder of Veza Global, a Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, & Belonging consultancy, working with the UN, Manpreet is focused on impact.

This episode explores how facing and sharing our struggles with invisible health issues can empower us and inspire change. It's about finding strength in vulnerability and the importance of advocating for a more understanding and inclusive world. Have a listen.

Takeaways:

• Embrace Open Dialogue: Understand the value of discussing tough topics openly to increase understanding and empathy in all areas of life.
• Value Vulnerability and Honesty: See the strength in admitting when you're unsure and the power of honesty in building stronger connections.
• Recognize the Power of Early Experiences: Early challenges can shape resilience and determination for a fulfilling life.
• Appreciate Caregiver Support: Caregivers are crucial in overcoming health challenges and offering emotional support and confidence.
• Understand the Impact of Conditions: Recognize how conditions like concussions and Lyme disease can impact life and work, stressing the need for understanding and accommodations.
• Prioritize Self-Advocacy: Learn the importance of advocating for yourself and the role of medical help in managing conditions.

Manpreet Dhillon- Bio

With over 20 years of experience in leadership, coaching, human resources, and change management, Manpreet focuses on creating systemic change to address institutionalized inequalities through representation from the communities being served. As a settler, born in Canada with parents from India, and someone living with invisible disease, Manpreet is a powerful advocate for others who live with it too.

Manpreet is a certified Personal and Executive Coach, Human Resources Professional, and Internal Auditor who uses her skills and expertise to create strong organizational cultures and provide economic empowerment to equity-deserving groups. Her experience in community development, knowledge transfer, project management, and gender mainstreaming sets her apart as an expert in the field. 

Manpreet ranked #15 globally on the 2020 EmPower Ethnic Minority Future Leaders list and is a contributing author to Chicken Soup for the Soul, Forbes, Thrive Global, and CHRP People Talk. 

She also serves as an Ambassador with the Women's Enterprise Center and was a Business Coach for the Entrepreneurs with Disabilities program. In

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Nick Koschnik, a physicist and business founder didn't let dyslexia hold him back. Instead, he turned it into his strength, creating StoriedWork.com to help others communicate their thoughts and ideas. 

We discuss how important it is to get help early on for dyslexia, and how great it is when people understand and accept everyone's unique way of thinking. Talking about why it's good to let people know you have dyslexia, how special reading programs can help, and how much difference a supportive friend, teacher, or leader can make.

Nick shares his thoughts on staying positive and using what makes you different to deal with life's ups and downs. We also discuss some tools that can turn what you say into written words, making it easier to share your ideas. Listen as we support those with dyslexia and celebrate the strength found in sharing stories and coming together.

Takeaways: 

• Embrace Neurodiversity: Recognize and value the unique perspectives and strengths that come from different ways of thinking, including dyslexia. Encourage environments, both professional and personal, that appreciate neurodiversity as a source of innovation.
• Leverage Technology for Communication: Explore and integrate AI tools like StoriedWork.com to facilitate clearer communication and idea sharing, especially for those who may struggle with traditional writing methods. These tools can help articulate complex ideas and enhance creative expression.
• Resilience through Challenges: View obstacles not as insurmountable barriers but as opportunities for growth and learning. Nick's story shows that overcoming difficulties can lead to developing resilience, perseverance, and unique problem-solving skills.
• Advocate for Early Detection and Support: Awareness and early diagnosis of dyslexia can significantly impact individuals' lives, offering them the support and strategies they need to succeed. Advocate for screening and educational programs that accommodate diverse learning styles.
• Promoting an Inclusive Environment: Creating supportive and inclusive settings that recognize and cater to neurodiversity is important. Take proactive steps to implement accommodations and foster an understanding culture.
• Highlight and Celebrate Successes: Share and celebrate stories of individuals with dyslexia and other neurodiverse conditions. These narratives can inspire others and help reduce stigma, encouraging a more inclusive and supportive society.

Nick Koshnick - Bio:
I am a dyslexic entrepreneur.

I have a PhD in Applied Physics from Stanford. When I was in my thirties, I started a new venture, raised money from Andreesen, Khosla Ventures, and Google, and sold it to a Fortune 200 company. Now I'm building a new company called "Storied" that helps people communicate their ideas.

Communicating idea

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• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-invisible-condition-podcast/id1703432562

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When Sydney Elaine Butler speaks, you can't help but be drawn into the raw and transformative power of their voice. As the founder of Accessible Creates, Sydney lives with autism, CPTSD, and fibromyalgia. Their conditions are not just a backdrop but a driving force behind their commitment to fostering disability-inclusive spaces. Their experiences bring hope, showcasing the balance between setting boundaries and leaning into self-care, all while pushing for change in professional settings that have for too long misunderstood and underserved those with invisible conditions.

Our conversation takes us through navigating multiple health conditions, the nuances of Complex PTSD, and the impact of early intervention and accommodations for autism. Sydney's open-hearted sharing of the strategies that help manage their health—be it through self-care routines or setting firm personal boundaries—offers listeners a firsthand look at the strength required to choose oneself daily. But it's not just about surviving; it's about thriving and using one's voice to pave the way for inclusive work environments and societal recognition of individual normalcy.

Sydney's story isn't just an individual triumph—it's a call for everyone who has ever felt marginalized or misunderstood. We wrap up with a powerful discussion on the necessity of self-advocacy and the creation of a compassionate support system.

Sydney's journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of community. Join us as we embrace the lessons and insights from someone who's reshaping the conversation on living with invisible conditions and changing the world, one inclusive step at a time.

Takeaways:

• Self-Advocacy and Choosing Yourself
• The Impact of Language and Words
• Ending the Stigma Through Conversation and Understanding
• Reflection and Personal Growth
• Creating Inclusive Environments
• Support and Understanding in Ending Stigma

Sydney Elaine Butler - Bio
It is Sydney’s understanding that their professional purpose must be to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to be successful regardless of barriers in their way and that they must as professionals remove these barriers. 

Sydney conducts training and consulting for other companies on how to be more Accessible and Inclusive from a Human approach and how to recruit and retain more diverse individuals through the lens of Intersectionality/Human Resources as well as other areas of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in an authentic manner at the company they founded called Accessible Creates due to understanding the barriers that exist within the workplace for diverse individuals. 

Sydney is also a Founding Member of InHeartSight (IHS) which is a diverse community of professionals from across Canada filling the gap in existing services for recent women immigrants. Where they are on a mission to ensu

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When the world demands high-speed living, can taking a moment to slow down help us speed up? Is there a root cause of anxiety and if so, what does that look like? 

Dr. Natasha Ghosh, a clinical counsellor, shares how the pressures of society can amplify our stress and how recognizing what's in our control can ultimately support our mental state.

Anxiety isn't just an individual struggle; it ripples through our families, affecting even the smallest members. As Dr. Ghosh and I share stories, we discuss how our coping mechanisms, from the foods we crave to the devices we can't seem to put down, can inadvertently influence those around us. 

We also consider the power of sharing our anxieties, whether with a friend, a therapist, or the quiet confidant of nature and how these vulnerable exchanges can lead to healing. Breaking through the noise of today emphasizes the vitality of presentness and the potential locked within our breath.

From the simple act of switching off notifications to the practice of breathwork, we highlight tools that invite calmness into our bodies and minds. 

• Recognizing Anxiety's Signals: Understand that anxiety is a signal from our body urging us to adjust when things aren't right. Pay attention to these signals as a first step toward management.
• The Impact of Slowing Down: Actively create moments of stillness in your daily routine to significantly lower anxiety levels. This includes practices like turning off notifications and prioritizing self-care.
• Breathwork for Calmness: Learn and apply proper breathing techniques to calm the fight or flight response, a key strategy in reducing anxiety and building distress tolerance.
• Building Self-Trust: Develop a deep trust in oneself through practices that enhance your ability to cope with anxiety, such as recognizing and releasing tension in the body.
• The Role of Support: Never underestimate the importance of seeking professional help or supportive networks when anxiety becomes overwhelming.
• Mindful Practices and Self-Care: Embrace practical methods such as prioritizing moments of relaxation, practicing deep breathing, and consciously slowing down to manage anxiety effectively.

Dr Natasha Ghosh is not your ordinary counsellor. With 20+ years of experience in psychology, a TEDx speaker and a dedicated educator, she is on a mission to empower others to live authentically, find clarity and make lasting change. 

Blending conventional and complementary therapies, Natasha's approach offers clients a unique path to deep healing and transformation.

Natasha brings with her a wealth of knowledge, inspiring audiences to live with purpose in a way that suits them. Her methods have helped countless people find emotional grounding, peace and a renewed sense of self.

Natasha is a mom of 2 girls who often wishes that not everything was a learning mome

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• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-invisible-condition-podcast/id1703432562

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Grief is a journey that many of us face, making us feel alone even though it's a common experience. This week, Deanne shares her deeply personal story of dealing with major losses: the death of her aunt, a miscarriage, her child's hospital stay, and changing jobs, all happening in just 45 days. She opens up about the unique way she found comfort through her podcast, "F'ing Up."

This episode dives into the personal nature of grief and loss, highlighting that everyone handles it differently. We talk about the moments grief catches us off guard, challenging the idea that time heals all wounds. We discuss the importance of letting those around us know how they can support us best, whether we need a good cry or someone to just be there quietly with us.

We acknowledge the deep emotions often kept hidden, the struggle to appear okay for the sake of our kids or socially, and how sharing our stories, while risky, can be freeing.

Takeaways:

• Grief is a Personal Journey: Everyone feels and deals with grief differently. It's a part of life that doesn't just disappear over time.
• Society Struggles with Grief: People often try to offer quick fixes or might avoid talking about grief. It's hard to discuss, but sharing personal stories can help.
• Listening is Key: Being there for someone, just listening, is much more helpful than trying to solve their grief for them.
• Owning Your Grief: It's okay to not be okay. Taking action, like starting a project or asking for help, can be a step towards coping.
• The Importance of Support and Boundaries: While support from friends and family is crucial, it's also necessary to communicate what you need from them.

Deanne Rhynard - Bio

Deanne Rhynard is a seasoned HR executive and startup advisor. She has an appreciation for understanding the human psyche and how that intersects with the career journey. 

Deanne hosts F'ing Up, a podcast dedicated to sharing the realities of the career journey through interviews with successful individuals, focusing on their tripping hazards along the way.

Most recently, Deanne was Chief People Officer at Performio, a fast-growing sales compensation software platform. Previously, Deanne held the role of Chief People Officer at Olo, Inc. Under her leadership, Olo grew its employee base by over 30x, and executed a successful IPO and two acquisitions. Prior to COVID, Deanne operationalized a workforce that was 65% remote, creating a unique value proposition in the tech market.

Deanne holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Walla Walla University. She lives in Washington State with her husband and three boys.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannerhynard/
https://www.finguppodcast.com/

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When Martin opened up about his late-recognized inattentive ADHD, it wasn't just a personal revelation—it was a story that resonated with many of us flying under the radar with our struggles. Our latest episode takes you through the ups and downs of his journey, from the draining work project to his diagnosis at 38, and the impact it has had on his life. Discover how Martin's candid conversation sheds light on the challenges of living with an invisible condition, the importance of community, and even the lighter moments like mixing up flight details that remind us we're all human.

Navigating the waters of personal health in the workplace can be like walking a tightrope, balancing the need for transparency with the risks that may come. Martin and I unpack this delicate conversation, reflecting on my own experiences with vulnerability and the instrumental role of self-advocacy. Weaving in the complexities of ADHD with personal anecdotes, including those that involve family and the humorous nuances of daily life, this episode emphasizes the profound strength we summon when choosing to share our stories.

Martin's role extends beyond his challenges to include nurturing an environment of openness with his children. Our conversation takes a turn towards the dynamics of relationships affected by ADHD and the critical importance of clear communication, even with the youngest in the family.

This episode not only examines the convergence of fatherhood and personal growth but also invites you into a world where a candid, hearty exchange can be the very catalyst for embracing life's unpredictability with a spirited chuckle.

Takeaways

• The Power of Community and Sharing
• Disclosing an invisible condition to employers is a personal decision
• Self-Advocacy and Personal Growth
• Impact on Family Dynamics
• The Dual Nature of Diagnosis

Martin Hauck - BIO
Martin's coach recently helped him identify his purpose and although it's not finished, the current draft looks and sounds like this:

Build cool things, with cool people and help people believe in themselves or find what they're looking for.

For the first decade of his career, he helped contractors and manufacturers find the parts they needed to keep their businesses running smoothly.

For the last decade of his career, he's helped tech companies like Rangle, Stackadapt, Coinsquare and Caseware find the people they need to grow and scale.

And now, (as of March 2023) he's re-joined the world of entrepreneurship by continuing to grow The People People Group (a 5,000 HR/Recruitment Slack community) and launching Purple Umbrella (a fractional People Ops consultancy) with his business partner Monica Sarkar.

In between all that, he's a geeky dad and ever-improving husband who runs on espresso and is always exploring something new who can talk your ear off about crypto, aliens, VR

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Summary:

In this episode, Tim Reitsma talks with Joshua Peterson about the realities of living with Crohn's disease, spotlighting the crucial role of advocacy and the need for tailored workplace accommodations. They share personal stories that underscore the strength found in building community and the transformative power of speaking out. 

Joshua emphasizes the significance of embracing one's story and advocating for oneself. He also highlights the role of employers in creating inclusive and supportive environments for employees with disabilities. 

From navigating the challenges of invisible conditions to empowering others to advocate for their needs, this conversation sheds light on the intersection of personal experience and collective action. 

Join us as we explore how embracing our stories can lead to meaningful change and support for everyone living with chronic illness, disabilities, and diseases, both apparent and non-apparent.

Takeaways:

• Shared Experiences Connect: Tim and Joshua's shared experiences with Crohn's disease form the foundation for a deeply relatable and insightful discussion, emphasizing the importance of connection and support among those with invisible conditions.
• Advocacy and Workplace Accommodations: Joshua's work in HR and his advocacy for workplace accommodations highlight the critical need for understanding and support for employees with disabilities, showcasing how technology like Disclo can bridge gaps between employees' needs and employers' capabilities.
• The Role of Faith: Both speakers touch on the role of faith in their lives, illustrating how personal beliefs can offer strength and a sense of community, especially when facing life's challenges.
• Impact of Invisible Conditions on Life and Work: The conversation sheds light on the profound impact invisible conditions like Crohn's disease can have on every aspect of life, including career development, family dynamics, and personal well-being.
• Importance of Self-Advocacy: Joshua's story underscores the importance of self-advocacy, especially in seeking accommodations and understanding rights within the workplace. It serves as a powerful reminder of the individual's role in managing their condition and advocating for their needs.
• Empowerment Through Sharing Stories: Both Tim and Joshua advocate for sharing personal stories to empower others, reduce stigma, and foster a supportive community for those living with invisible conditions. Their discussion highlights how storytelling can be a powerful tool for change and connection.

This episode not only provides valuable insights into living and working with Crohn's disease but also offers inspiration and practical advice for those navigating

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Summary:

In this episode of the "Invisible Condition" podcast, host Tim Reitsma talks with Angel, a registered nurse from British Columbia, who courageously shares her journey through recurrent pregnancy loss. Angel opens up about the emotional rollercoaster and physical toll these experiences have taken on her and her family. Her story transitions into a broader discussion on the invisible nature of miscarriage, highlighting the stigma and silence that often surrounds this painful subject. Angel's insights reveal the hurtful and insensitive comments that exacerbate the suffering of those grieving, underscoring a significant societal understanding and compassion gap.

Moving from personal narrative to advocacy, Angel discusses how her experiences fueled a transition in her career towards providing specialized support for women enduring miscarriage, pregnancy after loss, and the postpartum period. She emphasizes the importance of open conversations, education, and awareness to dismantle the stigmas associated with pregnancy loss. Angel also touches on loss's profound impact on both parents, advocating for the need to check in on families as a whole. Angels shares her vision for a future where pregnancy loss is normalized, and individuals feel safe to share their experiences, fostering a community of support and understanding that acknowledges and honours the complexity of navigating pregnancy loss.

This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of miscarriage and the importance of open conversations, compassionate support, and collective action toward healing and awareness.

Takeaways:

• Recurrent Pregnancy Loss is a Shared Journey: Angel's story highlights that the journey of miscarriage and pregnancy loss is not only a physical and emotional challenge for the individual but also deeply affects partners and families, underscoring the need for collective support and understanding.
• Breaking the Silence: The conversation emphasizes the importance of talking openly about miscarriage to combat the stigma and discomfort that often accompanies this experience. Sharing stories can create a more compassionate and informed society.
• Compassionate Support is Crucial: Angel discusses the significance of receiving and offering compassionate support during times of loss, including simple gestures like checking in, listening, and acknowledging the pain and loss experienced by individuals and families.
• Awareness and Education Can Change Perceptions: By educating ourselves and others about the realities of pregnancy loss, we can shift societal perceptions, reduce stigma, and foster a more supportive environment for those affected.
• Naming and Remembering Lost Babies: Angel shares how naming her angel babies was an integral

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Summary:
Dr. Maureen Michele Petersen discusses her book 'Reclaiming Life, A Guide for Parents of Chronically Ill Children' and the motivation behind writing it. She shares her personal experiences as a mother advocating for her chronically ill child and the importance of effectively disagreeing with medical professionals. We talk about advocacy and how to get curious when a patient isn’t confident with what the doctor is saying.

She also highlights the power of journaling, gratitude, and exercise in maintaining mental and emotional well-being. The conversation concludes with a discussion on ending the stigma surrounding invisible conditions.

Takeaways:

• Emotional Healing Through Writing: Dr. Petersen discusses the therapeutic process of writing her book and how documenting her family's journey provided significant emotional healing for herself, and aims to assist others going through similar experiences.
• Advocating for a Chronically Ill Child: Dr. Petersen emphasizes the importance of advocacy in the healthcare setting, sharing her insights as both a physician and a parent. She offers valuable advice on how to communicate effectively with medical professionals without entering conversations as confrontations but rather as collaborative discussions. Disagreements with medical professionals can be approached as conversations rather than battles, fostering trust and partnership. Advocacy requires courage and curiosity, both for parents advocating for their children and patients advocating for themselves.
• The Power of Emotional Control: We discuss the significance of managing emotions when advocating for a loved one. Dr. Petersen reflects on her experiences and stresses the importance of approaching situations with curiosity and an open mind to facilitate constructive dialogue.
• Asking for and Accepting Help: A key theme is the challenge caregivers face in asking for help. Dr. Petersen discusses the importance of acknowledging when support is needed and how accepting help can be a strength, not a weakness. This also allows others the opportunity to contribute positively to your journey.
• Personal Growth and Resilience: Dr. Petersen shares her journey towards personal growth and resilience, learned through the challenges of her daughter's health issues. She talks about the importance of self-care, including maintaining a morning routine, journaling, and exercising, to manage stress and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

This episode offers a profound look into the complexities of caring for someone with a chronic illness, providing practical advice, emotional support, and encouragement for caregivers to advocate effectively and take care of themselves in the process.

Dr. Maureen Michele Petersen - Bio

Maureen Michele Petersen, MD is an award-winning leader, life coach, author, and physician. As a general pediatrician and allergis

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