When Nancy Iida’s son went off to college, she had to face a hard truth: she couldn’t control his seizures. That lesson deepened when her daughter was diagnosed with cancer and she herself battled Lyme disease.

Through it all, Nancy turned to art as a way to create peace in a life filled with uncertainty. In this episode, she shares how she’s learned to let go, find balance, and embrace the practice of resilience and laughter.

Check out Henry's Heroes Foundation: https://henrysheroesfoundation.org/

Thank you to our Community Partner Epilepsy Foundation of America and Sponsors SK life science and Neurelis for supporting peace in the epilepsy world!

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So, what's it like being married to someone with epilepsy? Steve and I get real about our relationship—how we met, the challenges we’ve faced, and the moments that make it all worth it. From seizure depression to the Kid Decision (to have kids or not?), and yes, even who gets the last French fry, we’re sharing it all.

Appreciate these folks giving this podcast their "I do's": Epilepsy Foundation of America, Neurelis, and SK life science.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when your epilepsy meds turn against you? Mere Davis found out the hard (and very painful) way. On her way to an epilepsy walk, a bad case of medication toxicity caused her to pass out, faceplant on the sidewalk, and start a long journey of medical treatment.

In this episode, Mere shares her story with wit and wisdom, breaking down what medication toxicity is, how to avoid it, and why you should always watch your step (literally).

A big shoutout to our Community Partner the Epilepsy Foundation of America and Sponsors SK life science andNeurelis for keeping the lights on and the mics hot so we can have important convos like this one.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever felt dismissed by a doctor? Author Ilana Jacqueline gets it. In this episode, she shares what medical gaslighting is, how to spot it, and *three game-changing tips* to stand your ground in the doctor’s office. She opens up about her own medical journey and how it led her to become a self-advocacy pro.

If you’ve ever struggled to feel heard in the doc’s office, tune into this convo and order Ilana’s book “Medical Gaslighting” for even more guidance.

Thank you to our Community Partner, Epilepsy Foundation of America, and Sponsors SK life science and Neurelis for making conversations like this possible.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you turn epilepsy into a motivator for growth and success? Justice Bartley, a former NBA player development coach, takes us courtside to share his journey from high school basketball to the NBA coaching staff—all while navigating life with epilepsy. Hear how Justice found the right support, embraced accountability, and transformed challenges into life lessons.

Plus, a sneak peek at his stealth startup and his mission to empower athletes with epilepsy with the 1in26 Athlete Foundation. 

Thank you to our Community Partner Epilepsy Foundation and Sponsors SK life science and Neurelis for making slam dunk convos like this possible.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Santa called, and he’s giving the reindeer the night off—because Mary from Beverly Dry Goods is here to sleigh your holiday parties with three ridiculously good mocktail recipes!

Learn how to turn everyday ingredients into holiday magic (without the hangover). Whether you’re naughty, nice, or somewhere in between, these drinks will have you saying, "What the ELF was I drinking before?" Get ready to jingle all the way to flavor town!

Check out Beverly Dry Goods in Chicago!

https://beverlydrygoods.com/

Want a bottle of Ritual Zero Proof? Take this 2-min survey, type your email address, and your entered to win!

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WTEF

Gift a Brave Bear this holiday seizen! https://bravebearsclub.com/

Want What the EF merch? Use discount code: WhatTheELF for 25% off!

https://wtefpodcastshop.etsy.com

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Ever heard of VNS Therapy but have no idea wtf it really is? You're not alone! Track star turned bodybuilding buff, Jenee Leger faced a major setback when seizures made a comeback in her late 20s. Tune in to learn how VNS Therapy helped control her epilepsy and how she went onto reclaim her fitness, recently becoming a marathoner! Jenee's even channeling her journey into advocacy and created the first epilepsy awareness 5K in her town of Lafayette, Louisiana.Thank you LivaNova for sponsoring! Thanks to our Community Partner Epilepsy Foundation of America and sponsors Neurelis and SK life science for making conversations like this possible.

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The VNS Therapy System is indicated foruse as an adjunctive therapy in reducing the frequency of seizures in patients 4 years of age and older with partial onset seizures that are refractory to antiepileptic medications.

Incidence of adverse events followingstimulation (>5%) were voice alteration, increased coughing, hoarseness, shortness of breath, sore throat and nausea. Infection is the most common side effectof the procedure.

See important safety information at VNSTherapy.com/safety

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When Bree began her advocacy journey, it was a doctor’s requirement before brain surgery. But what started as atherapeutic writing exercise quickly evolved into something much bigger—connecting with countless others on their epilepsy journeys.

In this episode, we explore why anger is often dismissed, why acceptance is sometimes seen as the only path, and how embracing both can be the key to sparking real change.

Check out Bree's Work!

Insta: @SoCal.Epilepsy

https://www.instagram.com/socal.epilepsy/

Podcast: What's Shakin

https://www.youtube.com/@whatsshakin615

Thank you to our Community Partner Epilepsy Foundation of America and sponsors SK life science and ⁠Neurelis⁠ for making conversations like this possible.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gear up for a double date you’ve never seen on Netflix: one police officer, one firefighter, each married to an epilepsy advocate. Illinois State Police Officer, Duane Chappell, and Chicago firefighter/EMT, Steve Paluck, share eye-opening insights about seizures in the field and the necessity of seizure safety training for first responders. Jessica Chappell (Duane’s better half) rejoins the podcast to share her experience as a Law Enforcement Seizure Safety Trainer and how to implement training in your community. Currently, seizure recognition and response training is not mandated for first responders. Let’s make some noise and change this!Seizure training for law enforcement in your community:https://www.epilepsy.com/programs/training-education/law-enforcementAsk your representatives to support the National Plan! Takes 2 minutes!https://www.epilepsiescaucus.org/takection

Learn more about the National Plan here:

https://www.epilepsiesactionnetwork.org/thenationalplan

What happened to Rhyker Earl:

https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/28/us/video/rhyker-earl-handcuffed-by-police-following-medical-emergency-digvid

Jessica's other bad ass episode! Climbing the corporate ladder with Jessica Chappell:

https://youtu.be/JaQfHLCRkJ4?si=AfUPuSEgp-2gHwPkThank you to our Community Partner Epilepsy Foundation of America and sponsors Neurelis and SK life science for making conversations like this possible.

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