A graphic designer helps her family run their 90-year-old hoagie shop, shares winning a national grilled cheese competition, fostering over 30 cats, accidentally breaking into a stranger’s apartment, and her long journey to getting diagnosed with Chronic Lyme, a controversial illness she sheds light on.
Living with chronic Lyme disease and the need for specialized care and awareness in the medical community.
The significance of small businesses and the pressure of carrying on family legacies.
The joys and challenges of fostering cats and finding them suitable homes.
Deep dives
A Journey with Lyme Disease
The speaker shares her personal experience with Lyme disease, which started with chronic symptoms like nausea and a chronic cough. She went through numerous doctors before finally being diagnosed with Lyme disease. At first, she was skeptical of the diagnosis because she didn't recall a tick bite or seeing the characteristic bull's eye rash. However, she decided to try antibiotic treatment, which initially improved her condition. But later, after experiencing a concussion, she realized she had chronic Lyme disease, which has profoundly impacted her life. Despite the challenges, she remains positive and has found support within the chronic Lyme disease community.
Running a Multi-Generational Hoagie Shop
The speaker discusses her family's hoagie shop, which has been in operation for over 90 years. She talks about her grandparents and parents being involved in running the business, and the possibility of her eventually taking over. While she initially resisted the idea, she acknowledges that life can be unpredictable, and she may find herself running the shop in the future. She shares anecdotes about customers' fond memories of the shop and the importance of preserving the culture of local food establishments.
Cat Fostering and Funny Mishaps
The speaker recounts her experience with fostering cats, initially in New York City. She describes the challenges of dealing with an influx of cats and the joy of finding them suitable homes. She also shares funny mishaps, such as accidentally walking into someone else's apartment and inviting a stranger to see the kittens she was fostering. She reflects on her love for cats and the funny situations that arise from her involvement in fostering.
The Importance of Small Businesses and Family Legacy
The podcast episode explores the significance of small businesses and family legacy. The host interviews a guest who is part of a sandwich shop that has been running for almost 100 years. They discuss the pressure and responsibility that comes with carrying on the family business, as well as the dreams and desires of the younger generation. The guest shares how her parents took over the business out of obligation, and their own dreams were put aside. They also talk about the challenges faced by small businesses, especially during the pandemic, and the strong bonds that are formed between customers and family-owned establishments.
Living with Chronic Lyme Disease and Raising Awareness
Another key topic discussed in the podcast episode is the guest's experience living with chronic Lyme disease. They highlight the lack of awareness and understanding surrounding the disease within the medical community. The guest emphasizes the importance of specialized care and testing to accurately diagnose and treat Lyme disease, which can present with over 300 symptoms and mimic other conditions. They share their own journey with the illness and advocate for raising awareness to ensure that others receive proper treatment. The conversation delves into the challenges faced and the impact it has had on the guest's life.
A graphic designer who moved home and is helping her family run their 90-year-old hoagie shop tells Gethard about winning a national grilled cheese competition and the sandwich that sent her to the hospital, fostering over 30 cats, accidentally breaking into a stranger’s apartment, and her long journey to getting diagnosed with Chronic Lyme, a controversial illness she helps shed some light on. Then, she and Geth trade taco recommendations.
Laughing Together’s Comedy In the Name of Mental Health, featuring Chris Gethard along with Eddie Pepitone, Christi Chiello, Aparna Nancherla, and Nicole Byer (what a lineup!) will be held on September 7th at the Anaheim Convention Center and is FREE to attend. Visit https://laughingtogether.org for more information and/or to make a donation.