What the EF

By What the EF

What's What the EF about?

A podcast for epilepsy WTF moments.

Thank you SK life science and Neurelis for sponsoring 2024!

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wtefpodcast/support

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What the EF episodes:

06.18.2024
Climbing the Corporate Ladder: Using stigma as stepping stones with Jessica Chappell
Jessica Chappell started as a clerk for a local store and is now a business analyst for that same corporation. Despite facing discrimination for her epilepsy, she used it as fuel to climb higher. Dreams of being a cop were...
06.11.2024
How to Train a Service Dog: Turning adopted cuties into legal sidekicks with Matt Bonfiglio
Meet the cutest guest ever, Bella! Her human, Matt Bonfiglio, tells us how he found her on Craigslist and realized she had the makings of a service dog. Seven years later, Bella is a pro at helping Matt manage his...
06.04.2024
Bear Hugs and Brainwaves: What's an infantile spasm? (and how to find support)
Kate Kostolansky, founder of Char Bear Keeps Dancing, and Dr. Christina Briscoe, pediatric epilepsy fellow, share insights on infantile spasms and epilepsy, emphasizing the importance of advocacy and education. Their conversation highlights the need for more support and resources for...
05.28.2024
Rhythm Resilience: Performing onstage with epilepsy with Tiana Goss
Tune in for singer-songwriter Tiana Goss's inspiring journey, as she navigates a new epilepsy diagnosis while chasing her dreams! From dazzling The Voice to lighting up LA stages, her passion and talent always shine bright. As she prepares to grace...
05.21.2024
Health Insurance Hellscape: Navigating new cities, jobs, and seizure injuries with Jeff Baltes
Meet Jeff Baltes, the epitome of resilience and humor! From relocating for accessible transportation to the horrendous hurdles of health insurance and employment, Jeff's story will have you laughing, crying, and cheering him on! Tune in for a rollercoaster of...
05.14.2024
Managing Motherhood: What's it like being a mom with epilepsy? with Meg Busing
Meet Meg Busing, nurse & epilepsy advocate, as she fearlessly shares her journey of parenting with epilepsy. From navigating pregnancy to juggling medication adjustments, she sheds light on the highs & lows of motherhood. Join her empowering community at Midwest...
05.13.2024
Educating for Empowerment: Seizure Training in Schools
NEW! Epi-Gem Episodes featuring gems in the Epilepsy Community! Starting with the *must-have* seizure training in schools! Meet Collin, our seizure educator extraordinaire, sharing how it transformed his school days. With Sarah, our inclusive education advocate, we dish out practical...
05.07.2024
Blitzing Barriers: Becoming a Division 1 athlete with epilepsy with CJ Harris
Defying the odds and breaking barriers! CJ Harris opens up about his journey as a Division 1 linebacker living with epilepsy. Despite facing discrimination from the NCAA against epilepsy meds, he's rewriting the playbook and inspiring us all! Available on: Spotify,...
02.20.2024
When cancer crashes the epilepsy party with Jessica Smith
Creator of Living Well With Epilepsy, Jessica Smith, shares what it’s like when cancer meets a chronic illness. Jessica and Landis chat and laugh about their experiences managing epilepsy and tumors; coping mechanisms and community; and why society feels more...
02.13.2024
When epilepsy meets a power couple with Charles and Dian Ellison
After having a seizure on-air, award-winning activist Charles Ellison was diagnosed with epilepsy and stepped down from his radio show to get a handle on his treatment with the support of his wife, Dian Ellison. This power couple shares with...
02.06.2024
Taking on stigma like a boss with Bee Martin Lee
CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation of America, Bee Martin Lee, spent most of her life feeling unsafe to disclose her epilepsy because of the stigma she faced in college, career, and family. Bee shares with LandisWiedner the tough conversation shehad...
01.30.2024
Searching for mental health care with Torie Robinson
Frustrated in your search for mental health care? You’re not alone! Torie Robinson, host of Epilepsy Sparks podcast, and Landis Wiedner chat and laugh about their quests for good therapists and experiences with various types of therapies, like cognitive behavior...
01.23.2024
Finding your path for advocacy with Dr. Takijah Heard
Dr. Heard has completed medical missions across the world and won the Mrs. Illinois pageant--all for epilepsy awareness. Listen to Dr. Heard's story of why she chose to be a pediatric epileptologist and her creative approach for epilepsy education. You'll...
01.16.2024
How to heal your whole self with Terra Ann
Wellness coach, Terra Ann, shares practices on how to heal our whole selves. Drawing from her own epilepsy journey, Terra Ann shares her practices of integrating food, lifestyle, and self-care into her every day. Great listen to keep up new...
01.09.2024
It's OK not to be OK with Kelly Cervantes
Bestselling author of NORMAL BROKEN, Kelly Cervantes, talks about what to do when life feels unsurvivable. She shares her experience and coping mechanisms--including feel like a deranged dancing chicken. WIN A SIGNED COPY OF NORMAL BROKEN 1. Follow and DM What the...
01.02.2024
Dudes and dating, part 2 with Brendan Wolfe
What the EF podcast starts off 2024 with an elusive topic: DATING. When do you tell a date you have epilepsy? What do we expect from potential partners? Landis Wiedner chats with epilepsy advocate Brendan, who brings new year energy...
11.30.2023
What the ELF - 5 tips to survive the holidays
We chat about our favorite coping strategies for surviving our favorite time of the year! Shop What the EF (and What the ELF!) merch and get a 15% off discount! Promo code: WTEF15 https://wtefpodcastshop.etsy.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/wtefpodcast/support
10.31.2023
What's a non-epileptic seizure? with Dr. Strom and Meagan Watson
If you’ve never heard of a non-epileptic seizure (NES), neither had we! Dr. Strom and Meagan clear up the confusion for us and explain why docs are reluctant to talk about NES. Available on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music,...
10.24.2023
Spotlighting teens living with epilepsy with Miles Levin
Being a teenager is hard enough. Being a teen with epilepsy is what filmmaker Miles Levin seeks to showcase in his short film Under the Lights. Miles shares why he made the film as well as his personal experience with...
10.17.2023
How does marriage work with epilepsy? with Tiffany Kairos
This week we chat with the queen of epilepsy advocacy, Tiffany Kairos, and ask the questions that can’t be answered in a doc’s office. Like…what does a marriage look like when epilepsy enters after the wedding day? Available on: YouTube, Spotify,...
10.10.2023
The guy behind the American Disabilities Act with Tony Coelho
Here’s something to tell your boss--the primary sponsor of the ADA also has epilepsy! We chat with Tony about his vigorous fight to get it passed and his mind-blowing journey with seizures. Available on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music,...
10.03.2023
Still surfing: water safety and epilepsy with Jared Muscat
This Tuesday, Landis chats with Jared Muscat about why he wouldn’t let epilepsy stop him from doing his favorite thing: surfing. Water safety is tricky when it comes to seizures, and Jared shares how to stay safe without giving up...
09.26.2023
The breakdown on SUDEP with Dr. Kim Pargeon
In this episode, we tackle an audience-requested topic: SUDEP. There are so many questions, and Dr. Kim Pargeon guides us through all of them. Available on your fave streaming services! YouTube, Spotify, Apple, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible Faves of the Week are...
09.19.2023
Support groups could be your new dating app with Abby & Colin Bodie
This episode has the world’s best meet-cute and what dating with empathy looks like. Calling in from Scotland, Abby and Colin share their love story and how it feels being with someone who truly gets it. Available on your fave streaming platform:...
09.12.2023
How to have a career and manage epilepsy with Jennifer Reyes
We kick off Seizen 3 with Jennifer Reyes on her strategies for the awkward convos at work about seizures or needing accommodations (which are legally required but hard to ask for). Grab a pen because you’ll want to write these...
06.27.2023
Do you believe in miracles? with Paige Figi
We lowkey fangirled meeting Paige Figi—the legit pioneer of legalizing CBD for medical use. She turned her home into a haven for people trying to get CBD access in Colorado. Nowadays, she’s throwing out the first pitch at a Yankees...
06.20.2023
Coach, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore with Alison Appleby
From pageants to archery, Alison Appleby has refuted the idea of “can’t” over and over again. We chat with Alison about the hurdles and help—especially from her adorable service dog, Brady--she faced with epilepsy and why these inspired her to...
06.13.2023
Like back in the 80s when bad meant good with Elliott DeVore
As if moving to a new city isn’t hard enough, Elliott DeVore was diagnosed with epilepsy just months later. Then undiagnosed. Then maybe diagnosed? We chat about the mind-numbing questions we all face. Like…do I even have it? Are these seizures...
06.06.2023
Barbecue sauce with John Bramblitt
After epilepsy made him go blind in college, John Bramblitt turned his sketching hobby into a painting career. (As one does.) But what surprised the hell out of us even more is John’s perspective on what it’s like living with...
05.30.2023
Believe in believe with Trevon Sundiata Ferguson
We chat with Trevon Sundiata Ferguson, a combat vet who was diagnosed with epilepsy in his 40s. He shares how he went from a “lightbulb that’s fading out” to the inspiring, motivational speaker—and the phenomenal athlete he is today. Available...
05.23.2023
I shouldn't bring an umbrella to a brainstorm with Lisa Lindahl
Lisa Lindahl is the inventor of the sports bra. ‘Nuff said. Lisa’s mom told her that epilepsy meant zero expectations of Lisa accomplishing anything. Instead, Lisa paved the way for female entrepreneurs and people living with epilepsy. We chatted with...
05.16.2023
Be curious, not judgmental with Madeleine Khamnei
Time after time, the word “epilepsy” got in the way of Madeleine Khamnei’s dreams. What did she do about it? She kept getting back up (sometimes literally), creating new goals, and continues to kick ass at them. We unpack it...
05.09.2023
Be a goldfish with Jeff Parent
We kick off Seizen 2 of with professional powerhouse Jeff Parent who’s a president of Toyota AND the Epilepsy Foundation of America Board. (no biggie.) We chat with Jeff about what it’s like when you, your dad, and two of...
02.28.2023
How this bad ass owned her epilepsy with Eli Corbett
Diagnosed with epilepsy as a teen, Eli did what many of us have done: hid it from everyone and pretended it’s not there. Years later as a practicing attorney, a higher up told her that if she wanted to be...
02.21.2023
The epilepsy elephant in the room with Natalie Beavers
Diagnosed at age 5, Natalie Beavers addresses the giant learning curve that ensued for her and her family. She shares how self-advocacy ultimately led to creating a safe environment for herself and the epilepsy community. We’re super grateful for Natalie...
02.14.2023
Dudes and dating with Dr. Brad Ingram
Perfect Valentine’s Day episode! As a pediatric epileptologist living with epilepsy, Dr. Ingram has a unique perspective—and one that doesn’t get a lot of attention: being a male living with epilepsy. He shares struggles he faced that never occurred to...
02.07.2023
So...can I have kids? with Dr. Alexa King
Dr. King educates us on that burning question that many of us female epileptics have...can I have kids, and if so, what is that going to look like for me? An epileptologist who specializes in women’s health, Dr. King shares her...
01.31.2023
Caretaking is sometimes letting go with Mary Laura Philpott
Bestselling author Mary Laura Philpott walks us through the moment that her and her family’s life was changed forever: her teenage son’s first seizure. She shares how she came to differentiate her experience as a mother and her son’s experience...
01.24.2023
Ef, I have epilepsy. Now what? with Kenzie O'Connell
Struggling to find a neurologist? You’re not alone. Kenzie O’Connell tells us about trying to find a doc that was the best fit for her and the stressors that surface going into any neuro appointment like: “Is this my fault?...
01.17.2023
Lights, Camera, Seizure! with Sarah Carlson
Sarah has a unique experience of how her epilepsy diagnosis came to light…literally. A former news anchor, Sarah had a seizure while on air, which ended up costing her job. During her two-year search for a diagnosis, Sarah also lost...
01.10.2023
Epilepsy is a superpower?! with DJ HAPA
Wanna stay motivated to keep those New Year’s resolutions? Just take a listen to this heart-to-heart with DJ HAPA. The DJ-advocate-educator-podcaster breaks down how epilepsy can be a gift that shapes who we are and how we approach the world...

What's What the EF about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

What the EF episodes:

Climbing the Corporate Ladder: Using stigma as stepping stones with Jessica Chappell

How to Train a Service Dog: Turning adopted cuties into legal sidekicks with Matt Bonfiglio

Bear Hugs and Brainwaves: What's an infantile spasm? (and how to find support)

Rhythm Resilience: Performing onstage with epilepsy with Tiana Goss

Health Insurance Hellscape: Navigating new cities, jobs, and seizure injuries with Jeff Baltes

Managing Motherhood: What's it like being a mom with epilepsy? with Meg Busing

Educating for Empowerment: Seizure Training in Schools

Blitzing Barriers: Becoming a Division 1 athlete with epilepsy with CJ Harris

When cancer crashes the epilepsy party with Jessica Smith

When epilepsy meets a power couple with Charles and Dian Ellison

Taking on stigma like a boss with Bee Martin Lee

Searching for mental health care with Torie Robinson

Finding your path for advocacy with Dr. Takijah Heard

How to heal your whole self with Terra Ann

It's OK not to be OK with Kelly Cervantes

Dudes and dating, part 2 with Brendan Wolfe

What the ELF - 5 tips to survive the holidays

What's a non-epileptic seizure? with Dr. Strom and Meagan Watson

Spotlighting teens living with epilepsy with Miles Levin

How does marriage work with epilepsy? with Tiffany Kairos

The guy behind the American Disabilities Act with Tony Coelho

Still surfing: water safety and epilepsy with Jared Muscat

The breakdown on SUDEP with Dr. Kim Pargeon

Support groups could be your new dating app with Abby & Colin Bodie

How to have a career and manage epilepsy with Jennifer Reyes

Do you believe in miracles? with Paige Figi

Coach, I don't think we're in Kansas anymore with Alison Appleby

Like back in the 80s when bad meant good with Elliott DeVore

Barbecue sauce with John Bramblitt

Believe in believe with Trevon Sundiata Ferguson

I shouldn't bring an umbrella to a brainstorm with Lisa Lindahl

Be curious, not judgmental with Madeleine Khamnei

Be a goldfish with Jeff Parent

How this bad ass owned her epilepsy with Eli Corbett

The epilepsy elephant in the room with Natalie Beavers

Dudes and dating with Dr. Brad Ingram

So...can I have kids? with Dr. Alexa King

Caretaking is sometimes letting go with Mary Laura Philpott

Ef, I have epilepsy. Now what? with Kenzie O'Connell

Lights, Camera, Seizure! with Sarah Carlson

Epilepsy is a superpower?! with DJ HAPA

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