Ever felt like a fraud when it comes to your health? Like you’re not “sick enough” to ask for help, or that others have it worse?

In this episode, I sit down with Simon, a MEN1 patient advocate and NCUK ambassador, to unpack "the fraudulent feeling"—the struggle of living with an invisible illness while looking "fine" on the outside. 

We discuss: 
- How Simon went from a **diagnosis with no symptoms** to facing major health challenges 
- Navigating work, medical retirement, and the importance of self-advocacy 
- The **emotional toll** of MEN1 and why patients often feel like impostors 
- How to balance resilience with asking for help 
- Practical advice for creating a support network and working with your medical team 

Join the conversation and know that you’re not alone. 

Join my close MEN1 community for support & discussions here

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Simon is a NCUK ambassador and MEN1 patient advocate. He writes fantastic blog articles from time to time. Click the links below:

Finding a New Role in Life After Cancer

That Fraudulent Feeling

Are you sure MEN1 can’t be influenced?
When I stopped just 'settling' for symptom management, I began carving a path to somewhere I believed impossible in MEN1: symptom-free, surgery-free, and medication-free. If you’re curious to see how I’m making this happen, join my community here.

Disclaimer
I share my personal experience as a MEN1 patient. Nothing in this episode, including the opinions of my guests, is intended as medical or holistic advice. Please consult a qualified professional before making changes to your care.

Managing MEN1 can feel overwhelming, but are you approaching it the right way? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ruth Casey, a leading consultant endocrinologist and endocrine genetics expert, to uncover the key insights every patient needs to know.  

- How to build a strong relationship with your healthcare team  
- The biggest challenges doctors face in MEN1 care  
- Why being an active participant in your care matters  
- The role of genetic insights in managing MEN1  
- What happens behind closed doors in multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings  

Join us as we bridge the gap between doctors and patients, breaking down the barriers to better care and clearer communication.  

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Dr Ruth Casey is a Consultant Endocrinologist in Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and holds an academic position as a senior research associate in the Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge University. Dr Casey leads neuroendocrine tumour (NET) and endocrine cancer services in Cambridge encompassing both clinical practice and independently funded research.  She has a specialist research and clinical interest in, hereditary endocrine syndromes, NETs and SDH deficient tumours (phaeochromocytoma, paraganglioma and GIST).

Are you sure MEN1 can’t be influenced?
When I stopped just 'settling' for symptom management, I began carving a path to somewhere I believed impossible in MEN1: symptom-free, surgery-free, and medication-free. If you’re curious to see how I’m making this happen, join my community here.

Disclaimer
I share my personal experience as a MEN1 patient. Nothing in this episode, including the opinions of my guests, is intended as medical or holistic advice. Please consult a qualified professional before making changes to your care.

For decades, Neil endured surgery for kidney stones & unexplained symptoms without knowing the real cause. With no family history to guide doctors, his MEN1 diagnosis remained hidden for years. In this episode, Neil shares his extraordinary journey, the relief of finally getting answers, and how he took control of his health:

- The first signs of MEN1 that went unnoticed  
- Why his diagnosis took so long  
- Navigating MEN1 without a family history  
- His unique perspective on healthcare and treatment  

Listen now for an inspiring and eye-opening conversation.  

Are you sure MEN1 can’t be influenced?
When I stopped just 'settling' for symptom management, I began carving a path to somewhere I believed impossible in MEN1: symptom-free, surgery-free, and medication-free. If you’re curious to see how I’m making this happen, join my community here.

Disclaimer
I share my personal experience as a MEN1 patient. Nothing in this episode, including the opinions of my guests, is intended as medical or holistic advice. Please consult a qualified professional before making changes to your care.

What happens when a life-changing diagnosis turns your world upside down? Hannah shares her MEN1 journey—from fear and uncertainty to empowerment and strength:

- How she transformed her mindset, found the right support, and took control of her health.  
- The role of meditation, research, and humor in navigating MEN1.  
- Practical strategies to build confidence and self-advocate with doctors.

Are you sure MEN1 can’t be influenced?
When I stopped just 'settling' for symptom management, I began carving a path to somewhere I believed impossible in MEN1: symptom-free, surgery-free, and medication-free. If you’re curious to see how I’m making this happen, join my community here.

Disclaimer
I share my personal experience as a MEN1 patient. Nothing in this episode, including the opinions of my guests, is intended as medical or holistic advice. Please consult a qualified professional before making changes to your care.

What happens when MEN1 isn’t just your diagnosis—but a reality for your entire family? In this deeply personal episode, I sit down with my incredible mother, Amanda, to explore her journey as a wife, mother, and caregiver navigating MEN1.  

- The emotional impact of learning MEN1 runs in the family  
- Balancing care for a spouse and children with the condition  
- Facing her own health challenges while supporting others  
- The lessons, strength, and resilience gained through it all  

Her wisdom, honesty, and unwavering support have shaped my journey, and I hope this conversation brings comfort and insight to anyone facing similar challenges.  

Are you sure MEN1 can’t be influenced?
When I stopped just 'settling' for symptom management, I began carving a path to somewhere I believed impossible in MEN1: symptom-free, surgery-free, and medication-free. If you’re curious to see how I’m making this happen, join my community here.

Disclaimer
I share my personal experience as a MEN1 patient. Nothing in this episode, including the opinions of my guests, is intended as medical or holistic advice. Please consult a qualified professional before making changes to your care.

For over two decades, Tracy battled unexplained health issues, constant hospital visits, and misdiagnoses—until a single genetic test changed everything. In this raw and eye-opening episode, she shares: 

- The years of medical confusion and misdiagnosis 
- The unexpected way she finally discovered she had MEN1 
- The reality of living with multiple tumors and ongoing health challenges 
- How she stays strong, creative, and finds purpose despite it all 

Tracy’s story is one of resilience, persistence, and the power of self-advocacy. Whether you're a patient, a caregiver, or just someone seeking inspiration, this episode is a must-listen. 

Follow Tracy's journey here  

Are you sure MEN1 can’t be influenced?
When I stopped just 'settling' for symptom management, I began carving a path to somewhere I believed impossible in MEN1: symptom-free, surgery-free, and medication-free. If you’re curious to see how I’m making this happen, join my community here.

Disclaimer
I share my personal experience as a MEN1 patient. Nothing in this episode, including the opinions of my guests, is intended as medical or holistic advice. Please consult a qualified professional before making changes to your care.

What if one small genetic change could alter your entire health journey?

In this episode, I sit down with Brad, a genetics student with a personal connection to MEN1, to explore:

- How MEN1 mutations impact the body at a molecular level
- The surprising link between MEN1 and cancer development
- Why genetics is shaping the future of rare disease research
- What the latest scientific advancements mean for MEN1 patients

Join the community for deeper discussions: https://lizziedunn.ck.page/jointhecommunity

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Hi, I'm Brad, and I'm a second year Genetics student at the University of York. The MEN1 gene runs in my family, meaning I have potentially inherited the gene. Despite this, I have (so far) decided against being screened. My long term goal post-graduate is to go into research in MEN1. I have keen interests in genetics (obviously), microbiology and biochemistry (in particular the interactions between molecules, and how this links to things like cancer). I love talking, reading and researching all things biology, and enjoy simplifying the often complex topics to enable all to understand. I hope you enjoy listening to my story.
 
Reach out to Brad here

Are you sure MEN1 can’t be influenced?
When I stopped just 'settling' for symptom management, I began carving a path to somewhere I believed impossible in MEN1: symptom-free, surgery-free, and medication-free. If you’re curious to see how I’m making this happen, join my community here.

Disclaimer
I share my personal experience as a MEN1 patient. Nothing in this episode, including the opinions of my guests, is intended as medical or holistic advice. Please consult a qualified professional before making changes to your care.

When Claire was diagnosed with a fibroid, doctors told her surgery was the only real solution. But something inside her told her there had to be another way.

In this episode, Claire shares her deeply personal journey of self-healing, how she took back her power, and the unexpected lessons she learned about her body, mind, and energy along the way.

What if your body is speaking to you? Are you listening?

ABOUT OUR GUEST

Mum of three, yoga teacher, poet (author of In Light), navigating the latter half of my life by unlearning all that I thought was 'true', all that I thought was me and getting to know who I truly am at heart ❤️

Reach out to Claire here

Are you sure MEN1 can’t be influenced?
When I stopped just 'settling' for symptom management, I began carving a path to somewhere I believed impossible in MEN1: symptom-free, surgery-free, and medication-free. If you’re curious to see how I’m making this happen, join my community here.

Disclaimer
I share my personal experience as a MEN1 patient. Nothing in this episode, including the opinions of my guests, is intended as medical or holistic advice. Please consult a qualified professional before making changes to your care.

Is Big Pharma really helping us heal—or just keeping us dependent?

In this episode, I speak with Cass, a former strategist in global pharma and biotech, who’s now mentoring leadership teams across the industry. She brings a rare, honest perspective from the inside—one that challenged how I think about conventional medicine, drug pricing, and rare disease treatment.

We cover:

• What’s really driving decisions inside pharmaceutical companies
• Why prescription costs are so high (and where the money goes)
• The challenge of developing drugs for rare diseases like MEN1
• What patients often don’t see when it comes to profit vs care
• Why the alternative vs conventional medicine debate is flawed

This episode blends strategic expertise with a deep belief in human potential, especially powerful if you’re navigating rare disease as a patient and trying to make sense of the system.

About Our Guest

Cass began her career in pharma sales and strategy before moving into global consulting. Today, she coaches leadership teams in £10M–£100M pharmaceutical and biotech companies, helping to drive purpose-led growth while improving wellbeing and retention. She’s also a yoga teacher and firm believer in the power of self-determination and conscious health.

More about Cass here

Are you sure MEN1 can’t be influenced?
When I stopped just 'settling' for symptom management, I began carving a path to somewhere I believed impossible in MEN1: symptom-free, surgery-free, and medication-free. If you’re curious to see how I’m making this happen, join my community here.

Disclaimer
I share my personal experience as a MEN1 patient. Nothing in this episode, including the opinions of my guests, is intended as medical or holistic advice. Please consult a qualified professional before making changes to your care.

What would you do if life kept throwing one health crisis after another your way?

For Jane, it started with an undiagnosed burst appendix that nearly killed her—only to be followed by an aggressive breast cancer diagnosis. But instead of following the conventional route, Jane took matters into her own hands.

In this episode, she shares her powerful story of healing, the radical changes she made, and how she’s now cancer-free six years later.

Key Takeaways:

•  How Jane went from intensive care to cancer-free
•  The holistic approach she took, even when professionals called her reckless
•  Why food, environment & inner-work are critical in keeping Jane's health stable

ABOUT OUR GUEST
Following a burst appendix in May 2016, a triple positive breast cancer diagnosis in November 2017, and a few other health issues, Jane began to question whether there was a deeper connection between her health and how she was living. Her research into both conventional and holistic healing approaches led her to a radical shift in how she approached wellness—one that transformed her life.

This journey inspired her to create The Breathing Space programme: a practical guide to help others explore diet, lifestyle, emotional patterns, and environmental factors to support healing and prevent chronic illness. Jane is passionate about helping people feel good—especially when it means breaking free from the patterns that no longer serve them. Work with Jane:

The McCourt Method
@themccourtmethod

Are you sure MEN1 can’t be influenced?
When I stopped just 'settling' for symptom management, I began carving a path to somewhere I believed impossible in MEN1: symptom-free, surgery-free, and medication-free. If you’re curious to see how I’m making this happen, join my community here.

Disclaimer
I share my personal experience as a MEN1 patient. Nothing in this episode, including the opinions of my guests, is intended as medical or holistic advice. Please consult a qualified professional before making changes to your care.