The Spoonie Podcast

In this powerful re-airing of an interview originally featured on the Holistish Podcast with host Lianne Balazsi, Emily Fraser dives deep into her journey from high-achieving perfectionist to becoming bedridden after a traumatic brain injury—and how she turned that breakdown into a breakthrough.

Emily opens up about the emotional toll of chronic illness, the frustration of being dismissed by doctors, and how the nervous system became her compass for healing. She shares the hard truths about medical gaslighting, identity loss, and the messy middle of recovery—offering hope and validation to anyone feeling stuck or misunderstood.

Whether you're new to your healing journey or deep in the weeds, this episode reminds you: you're not broken, and you don’t have to heal alone.

🔔 What You'll Learn:

→ The backstory of how Emily went from educator to disabled after a life-changing concussion
→ The emotional layers of chronic illness: grief, identity loss, and self-trust
→ The power of nervous system regulation in real, lasting healing
→ How high-achieving traits like people-pleasing can sabotage recovery
→ Why performing healing or chasing the “right” treatment can keep us stuck
→ What PRP injections and body-based modalities taught her about somatic trust
→ How trauma bonding with providers can delay progress—and how to reclaim agency
→ Why community is a crucial (and often missing) piece in the healing journey

Want to learn how to find freedom from chronic pain and fatigue?

Register for my free training: https://go.thespooniementor.com/free/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thespooniementor

Website: https://www.thespooniementor.com/

In this powerful episode, we sit down with a TSP alum, Shiloh Gray, who went from barely making it through the day to managing markets, getting married, and living in alignment with their body. Through the lens of their deeply personal story, they share what it's really like to live with a chronic illness—and how learning to pace, regulate their nervous system, and receive support changed everything.Whether you're currently navigating chronic fatigue, burnout, or invisible illness—or you support someone who is—this episode is filled with insights, inspiration, and hard-won wisdom about what true healing looks like.

In this episode, we explore:

• What pacing actually looks like (and why it’s misunderstood)
• The role of nervous system regulation in chronic illness recovery
• How small wins (like sitting upright or walking to the mailbox) become life-changing
• The emotional reality of living with invisible illness
• The life milestones they never thought were possible—and how they made them happen
• Why community and accountability are essential for long-term healing

Perfect for listeners who are:

• Living with ME/CFS, long COVID, or chronic fatigue
• Experiencing burnout, adrenal issues, or nervous system dysregulation
• Curious about pacing, nervous system healing, or TSP (The Support Program)
• Looking for real, hopeful stories of transformation

Meet Oliver Phoenix, a somatic coach, yoga teacher, & movement artist who works with queer and neurodivergent folks to help them live with greater ease (& joy!) as their most authentic selves.In this empowering conversation, we talk about reconnecting with your body through somatic practices—especially for those living with chronic illness, neurodivergence, and trauma.

Together, we unpack what somatic work really means, why it’s gaining popularity, and how it can help you escape the boom-bust cycle of flare-ups and crashes.

You’ll learn how to use body-based tools to support your nervous system, develop interoceptive awareness, and stop ignoring the subtle signs your body sends before burnout hits.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• What somatics are and how they help with chronic pain, fatigue, and flare-ups

• The importance of interoceptive awareness (aka: listening to your body's cues)

• How to reframe pain and build safety in your body gently and effectively

• The connection between authenticity, movement, and healing

  
  

Get Daily Somatic Movement Prompts in May: https://neurotransmissions.substack.com/s/may-we-move 

Book 1:1 Somatic Coaching: https://theoliverphoenix.com/contact

Want to learn how to find freedom from chronic pain and fatigue? Register for my free training: https://www.thespooniementor.com/free/ 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thespooniementor

Website: https://www.thespooniementor.com/

Ever wondered how you can travel the world as a spoonie without triggering a flare-up? In this episode, I share my 16-day journey through Europe—Barcelona, Mallorca, and Paris—while managing chronic illness and navigating international travel. From essential travel tips to mindset shifts, I dive deep into the strategies that allowed me to thrive, not just survive, while exploring new places and experiencing a life-changing adventure.

In this episode, I cover:

1. My pre-trip preparation (check out the previous episode for more details)

2. The challenges and joys of flying with a hidden disability

3. How I used pacing and mindful rest to prevent flare-ups while sightseeing

4. My go-to strategies for managing energy and fatigue during travel (from grounding exercises to using crystal bracelets)

5. How embracing a “thriving spoonie” mindset allowed me to let go of fear and experience more joy

6. Key moments in Barcelona, Mallorca, and Paris that tested my limits and taught me important lessons about self-care, intuition, and boundaries

7. Practical tips for managing anxiety, back pain, and other common spoonie symptoms while traveling

8. How I’ve learned to expand my capacity over time and set new goals for self-improvement in both travel and life

Whether you’re a spoonie who loves to travel or someone who’s been afraid to take the plunge, this episode will offer you inspiration, practical advice, and the confidence to start planning your next adventure with ease. No matter what challenges you face, you can still explore the world on your terms.

• Want to learn how to find freedom from chronic pain and fatigue? Register for my free training: https://www.thespooniementor.com/free/ 

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/thespooniementor

• Website: https://www.thespooniementor.com/

I’m sharing how I’m preparing for a two-week trip to Europe as a spoonie — from the excitement (and nerves!) to the mindset shifts, packing essentials, and pacing strategies that help me travel with more ease.

You'll hear:

1. How I’m adjusting to the time zone before my flight

2. What’s in my carry-on and flare-up kit (heatwraps, electrolytes, meditations + more)

3. How I’ve planned rest into my itinerary (including spa days and slow café mornings)

4. The simple ways I’m supporting my nervous system and asking for help

5. How ChatGPT helped me prep with spoonie-friendly travel tips and pacing ideas

   
   

Whether you’re planning your own trip or just dreaming of future adventures, I hope this episode reminds you that travel is possible — even with chronic illness — when you honor your body, plan ahead, and lead with compassion. 💛

Want to learn how to find freedom from chronic pain and fatigue? Register for my free training: https://www.thespooniementor.com/free/ 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thespooniementor

Website: https://www.thespooniementor.com/

In this episode, I chat with the inspiring Eline Duk, a chronic pain coach and disability advocate who is the founder of The Spoonies Community.

After two major accidents, she was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).

We explore how she has learned to live well alongside her chronic health conditions, and the incredible journey of discovering somatic work and holistic healing.

Stay connected with Eline here:

1. https://thespooniescommunity.com/

2. https://www.instagram.com/thespooniescommunity/

Want to learn how to find freedom from chronic pain and fatigue? Register for my free training: https://www.thespooniementor.com/free/ 

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thespooniementor

Website: https://www.thespooniementor.com/

I had a full circle moment last week and needed to share it with all of you! If you're feeling stuck on your recovery and needing some motivation, this is for you.

Free Workshop: https://go.thespooniementor.com/free

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thespooniementor

Website: https://www.thespooniementor.com/

In this episode, I share where I've been for the last several months and share why I'm back. xoxo

Sign Up for my free flare-up freedom workshop:

https://go.thespooniementor.com/free/

Today I'm answering frequently asked questions about my live group mentorship program, the Thriving Spoonie Pathway.

Save 45% on enrollment until MAY 29!

Join here: https://www.thespooniementor.com/tsp

I recorded a conversation with three amazing members of my group mentorship program: the Thriving Spoonie Pathway.

They share where they were before they joined, how their life has changed since then, and what helped them make the decision to join.

TSP is a live group experience that will help you find freedom from debilitating fatigue and unpredictable symptoms in under 16 weeks!

Visit https://www.thespooniementor.com/tsp for more details!

Want to learn how to find freedom from chronic pain and fatigue? Register for my free training: https://www.thespooniementor.com/free/ 

Thriving Spoonie Pathway (Live Group Program for Spoonies): https://www.thespooniementor.com/tsp

Instagram: https://instagram.com/thespooniementor

Website: https://www.thespooniementor.com/