The MS Gym Podcast

By Co-hosts: Brooke Slick & Jodi FelthamAlternative Health Health & Fitness

The MS Gym Podcast episodes

April 07Finding the Still in Mindfulness
In today's podcast, we delve into the topic of mindfulness with our guest Stephen Schettini. Stephen, AKA the inner monk, shares his experiences as a mindfulness coach and as a former Tibetan monk.
In our episode, he shares how mindfulness:
Differs from meditation
Creates self-awareness
Is bypassed by habitual behaviours
Draws us into authenticity
Allows us to feel the full spectrum of emotions
Helps those with a chronic illness
Provides realistic hope
Makes us aware of negative thinking patterns
Works best within a community
Becomes part of your daily rhythm
Visit schettini.com to learn more about Stephen Schettini and his work.
32 min
September 30, 2025When Restriction Rules The Plate
Today's topic uncovers an emotional aspect of my healing journey and I'm grateful to share my experiences with gut health coach, William Dickinson. William will help unpack disordered eating, restrictive diets and why your gut health may be the issue, not the food you're eating. In today's episode, we will also discuss:
The connection between chronic illness and digestive function
How compromised gut health intensifies the toxic effects of mercury and similar substances
The five primary functions of the gut
ARFID and fear-based eating habits
How restrictive diets can lead to nutritional deficiencies and isolation
How food can be a "moral" choice
The intersection of physiological and psychological symptoms
The stigma of a psychosomatic diagnosis
How healing can turn the world from black and white into color
The need for self-awareness and flexibility with food choices
Podcast Links for William Dickinson
Book a 1:1 consult
Take the Gut Health quiz
Website
YouTube
Get connected with The MS Gym
47 min
June 03, 2025The Brains Behind the Business
Join us for a special podcast episode with the CEO of The MS Gym, Ken Allen. In today’s interview we’ll learn about:
Ken and his career before The MS Gym
How he met founder Trevor Wicken
The MS Gym’s evolution and ethos
The The MS Gym product offerings
Its online growth and social media outreach
Who’s not a good fit for The MS Gym
Ken’s views about partnership and affiliates
The MS Gym’s program updates
Plans for MS Gym community events
41 min
May 13, 2025FALL-OSOPHY, My Trip through Life with MS - Our interview with author/MS advocate, Ardra Shephard
In today's episode, Jodi and I get to check in with Ardra Shephard about the engaging complexities of her intriguing new book, aptly titled, Fall-osophy, My Trip through Life with MS. You may think you already know Ardra from her award-winning blog, Tripping on Air, her social media content, or her popular podcast, but, trust us, if you REALLY want to know her, you need to place this revealing page-turner of a memoir on your shopping list. Until then Jodi, Ardra and I are going to give you a glimpse of what you can expect.
EPISODE NOTES:
Her personal journey on her blog and social media being only a fraction of what is captured in her book
The book making Ardra more 3D
Both newbies and veterans of MS will resonate with the content
This book is about way more than just a woman with MS
A movie in the making
Her goal with the book
Deciding what's humiliating
When her condition is finally given a label
The worst symptom of MS…fear or guilt
Looking cool while using mobility aids
Her first MS DMD
Dr. Muppet. What was he thinking?
Ardra's HSCT saga
Relief when your MS symptoms become visible
When co-workers question the validity of your condition
The “C” word. It's not what you think.
Reminding ourselves of our value
Being recognized for our contribution to relationships
Disability decor
Serenity is for quitters
On dating
Passing muster with potential in-laws
Instilling self worth in a loved one
Raising the bar for other MS advocates
The love story woven throughout the book
The unveiling of “The Banker”
Inspiring others to write their story
Giving the chronic illness community a voice
LINKS:
Video version of this interview on YouTube
Ardra's new book - FALL-OSOPHY, My Trip through Life with MS
Ardra on Instagram
Ardra's Blog, Tripping on Air
The Tripping on Air Podcast on YouTube
The MS Gym
1 hr 16 min
April 23, 2025The Unseen Weight of Chronic Illness
Take a journey overseas as we address the rarely discussed topic of mental health in the chronic illness community. Join our podcast guest Lynn as she shares about her:
Early childhood symptoms
Symptoms dismissed as anxiety
Numerous doctors appointments but yielding no results
Medical team delaying a diagnosis out of fear of legal action
Physiotherapist (sister) "diagnosing" her with MS
Mother's catastrophic reaction to diagnosis
Various MS medications
Struggle with mental illness and isolation
Loss of friends due to disease progression
New found love of baking
Story with The MS Gym
Numerous setbacks caused by infections
Travel plans with her family
"Why"
MS GYM LINKS:
THE MS GYM
Motivational Monday - Reconnecting with your WHY
30 min
April 02, 2025The Balancing Act of Good Health
Today's podcast guest, Danielle, shares about the challenges of balancing family, work and chronic illness. Danielle shares with us her:
First symptoms at 16 years old
Lack of diagnosis due to technology limitations
Symptom remission because of positive lifestyle changes
Being shuffled between medical professionals
Official diagnoses 11 years after initial symptoms
Choice of MS medications
Education and career
Journey through pregnancy
Favorite resource for mom's with young kids
Supportive church community
Work accommodations
Discovery of The MS Gym
Incorporation of "neural edge" into daily life
Mobility aids
Advice for the newly diagnosed and those in "limbo"
Goals for the future
Future family plans
MS GYM LINKS:
The MS Gym
Education - Threat Bucket
Book - "Some Days we.." by Julie A Stamm
24 min
March 05, 2025Serving Under the Umbrella of Advocacy
In today's podcast, we meet Michelle and explore her passion for advocacy, while she navigates her own health challenges.
Michelle will share about her:
Sudden, troublesome symptoms
Numerous diagnostic tests
Official MS diagnosis
Family history with MS
Post-secondary education and career
Passion to help vulnerable groups
Rollercoaster ride with different DMTs
Discovery of The MS Gym
Dedication to exercise
Volunteer opportunities
Ability to advocate for herself and others
Goals and achievements
THE MS GYM LINKS:
THE MS GYM
21 min
February 19, 2025Re-Routing the Road Map
Today's podcast guest, Missy, will inspire you, as she shares about her:
Troubling health concerns
Diagnosis with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Complications from RA medications
Unusual symptoms and MRI findings
Difficulty coping with life challenges
Walking struggles and MS diagnosis
Career and work accommodations
Difficult decision to "medically" retire
Support from family and church
Travel adventures with mobility aids
Journey to finding her new identity
Advice for living a healing lifestyle
Exciting upcoming family events
MS GYM LINKS:
THE MS Gym
Motivation Monday - Chemistry, butterflies and a rock
Motivation Monday - Overcoming your Crisis of belief - "I Won't"
Motivation Monday - Imperfect Action vs Perfect Inaction
36 min
February 05, 2025Fine-Tuning Your Focus
Let's travel down under to chat with Australian MS Gym member Kerry. Learn about her rare disease and journey of:
Being diagnosed with Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM)
Battling muscle atrophy
Living with a disease that has no treatment options
Embracing the Wahls protocol and experiencing symptom relief
Finding The MS Gym
Using her research skills to learn more about her disease
Traveling to the U.S. to attend the Wahls coaching program
Joining an international MS Gym Buddy Group to find community
Refocusing her schedule to manage family priorities
Training like an "athlete"
Planning goals and future travel plans
Self-care
36 min
January 08, 2025Get Out There... AND LIVE
Join us as we travel to the rainy lands of the UK to chat with our latest podcast guest, Sarah. We'll learn more about Sarah's journey with MS as she shares about her:
Early symptoms in childhood
Post-secondary education in Germany
Adventurous travel expeditions and volunteer work
Marriage and difficulties finding work
Catering business partnership with her parents
Flare of symptoms and ensuing diagnosis
Relatives with a previous MS diagnosis
Choice of DMT
Decision to travel to Mexico for HSCT
Improvements seen since the treatment
Signing up for The MS Gym
Mollii suit and reduction in MS symptoms
Support system and leisure activities
Determination
Future travel plans
Love for the outdoors and her dogs
Desire to live life to the fullest
The MS Gym Links
The MS Gym
25 min