Calling In Sick

This week on Calling in Sick, we’re getting grounded, energized, and totally fascinated by the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). I’m joined by Dr. Jennifer Ashby — a TCM doctor at UCSF — to explore the intersection of Eastern and Western care for whole-person healing. We get into the foundational teachings of TCM, the biggest surprises patients experience when they first try it, and how it’s being used right now in hospital settings like UCSF (yes, really!!). We also talk: 📣 Why TCM is so much more than acupuncture & herbs 🧠 The reason why TCM doesn’t separate mind, body & spirit 🌊 Micro-changes that have macro impacts to our health 📦 Why what you think impacts how you feel Whether you’re new to holistic wellness or just tired of treating symptoms without addressing the why — this one’s full of grounding insight, accessible tools, and (as always) a little cozy chaos. Extra benefit... Dr. Ashby is one of the most relaxing humans I've had the pleasure of being around... she is Xanax in human form. Thanks for Calling In Sick with us 💛 xx,Alex 💬 Comment: Have you ever tried acupuncture, herbs, or any form of Eastern medicine? What was your experience? TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! 00:02:44 Alex’s Picks of The Week (Four Sigmatic Golden Latte, Coracle Water Bottle) 00:04:04 Welcome Dr. Jennifer Ashby 00:07:10 Dr. Ashby’s approach: Eastern and Western care for whole-person healing 00:32:30 Accessible tools for learning about TCM 00:42:50 Understanding cause and effect in health 00:46:10 Dr. Ashby asks my top 2-3 things for a healthy day 00:49:30 The Epic 8: 8 habits for longevity and well-being 01:07:15 Mastering habit changes for better health 01:13:30 One Brain Cell TV: Joe Coy, White Lotus 01:16:10 LOVE YOU GUYS! ---------------------------------------------------------------- Stay connected and follow social: • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568 • Substack - https://substack.com/@callinginsickpod? ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson -- https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ Alex’s Picks of the Week: ✨Four Sigmatic Golden Latte — https://amzn.to/4dM5LMg ✨Coracle Water Bottle — https://go.shopmy.us/p-18936532 Links from the Episode: • Lymphatic Class - https://www.dailyom.com/courses/science-based-lymphatic-drainage-rescue/ • Detox Class - https://www.dailyom.com/courses/drain-unhealthy-toxins-from-your-body/ • Dr. Ashby’s Epic 8 Class - https://www.drjenniferashby.com/epic-8-course-interest • Daily Om’s 3-Day Virtual Global Summit - https://live.dailyom.com/global-summit/ ✨Use code “3017” for 50% off all 3 days!! Guest Information: • Work with Dr. Ashby - https://www.drjenniferashby.com/ • Follow Dr. Ashby - https://www.instagram.com/drjenashby/?hl=en #podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness #SurvivalMode #IdentityShift #medicalgaslighting #womenshealth #zachspiritos #neurology #gastroenterology #immunology #selfadvocacy #medicalbias #clinicalstudy #clinicaltrial #vasculitis #mixedconnectivetissuedisease #ibd #irritableboweldisease #trauma #ptsd #mentalhealthmatters #traditionalchinesemedicine #easternmedicine #wholepersonhealth #accupuncture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Calling in Sick — this week you’re in for a little peak into my life. Saint Cooper, my husband and sporadic co-host, is back for round two of two brain cells and one microphone. He try to keep me emotionally grounded while I spiral through a whirlwind of updates. This episode is cozy chaos. We cover grief, gratitude, gut health, identity shifts, and TV trash — with a few laughs and “did we overshare?” moments sprinkled in. We talk about: 💉 What it’s actually like to participate in a clinical study ✈️ My first solo trip in years (and why it lowkey changed me) 🧠 A raw mental health check-in post-trial If you’ve ever been in a season of transition, medical mayhem, or re-entry into life after a hard thing... this one’s for you. Thanks for Calling In Sick with us 💛 xx, Alex (& Coop) 💬 Comment: Should we keep making chaos episodes like this? What should we name this subseries?! TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! (featuring St. Cooper) 00:05:43 Reflecting on my time in Philly during the clinical study 00:11:40 My first solo trip in years – the experience and what it taught me (and why I decided to bring my service dog) 00:17:20 Diving into my clinical study experience 00:30:20 What comes next after completing the clinical study 00:34:45 A mental health check-in 00:42:27 Alex’s (and Coop’s) Picks of the Week 00:47:28 One Brain Cell TV: Talking Succession & SLOMW 00:54:25 LOVE YOU GUYS! ---------------------------------------------------------------- Stay connected and follow social: • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod • Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568 • Substack -  https://substack.com/@callinginsickpod? ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ Alex’s Picks of the Week: ✨Orgain — https://go.shopmy.us/p-18572123 ✨Feel Good Foods — https://go.shopmy.us/p-18572074 #podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness #SurvivalMode #IdentityShift #medicalgaslighting #womenshealth #zachspiritos #neurology #gastroenterology #immunology #selfadvocacy #medicalbias #clinicalstudy #clinicaltrial #vasculitis #mixedconnectivetissuedisease #ibd #irritableboweldisease #trauma #ptsd #mentalhealthmatters  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Calling in Sick, I’m joined by Dr. Preston Roche—a psychiatry resident, former Air Force Academy track athlete, and viral medical content creator known as ⁠ ⁨@itspresro⁩ ⁠. Preston brings a blend of clinical insight and personal vulnerability and I share my experience with acute and chronic pain (including how I think about and manage CRPS). Together, we dive into the messy, misunderstood world of chronic pain, mental health, and medical bias. In this episode, we talk: 🧠 How today’s doctors learn about pain (chronic and acute), and how that compares to real life 📉 Why chronic pain can be dismissed in ER or hospital settings 🥼 Why patients struggle with seeking pain relief 💛 How to advocate for yourself and your pain (and why certain phrases may be working AGAINST you!)
 💊 What pain relief options can we have in our toolbox? ⚠️ The deep overlap between depression and pain (and why being in the hospital spikes this connection 👀 The Truth Behind the Chronic Pain and Illness Olympics Whether you’ve been dismissed by a doctor, told your symptoms are “in your head,” or just want to understand your body better—this one’s for you. You are not making it up. You are not alone. And you deserve care that actually cares. Thanks for Calling in Sick with us 💛xx,
Alex 💬 Comment: How has chronic illness impacted your mental health? TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! 00:02:00 Alex’s Picks of The Week 00:02:51 Interview with Preston Roche 00:07:55 How Pain is Taught to Today’s Doctors - from the class room to the hospital 00:11:30 Why is My Pain Questioned in the Hospital? 00:18:50 Have I Suffered Enough to Receive Pain Relief? 00:23:14 The Relationship between Doctors and Chronic Illness Patients 00:26:32 Why “I know my body best” and “I have a high pain tolerance” may get you dismissed by medical professionals 00:41:06 Hospitalization and In-Patient Pain and Mental Health Management 00:48:47 The different types of psychological pain 00:56:13 Why “it’s just anxiety” is a problem for people with chronic illnesses 01:00:01 Is it our fault to feel depressed, anxiety or pain?01:09:11 The Truth Behind the Sick and Pain Olympics 01:16:00 The One Brain Cell Segment 01:21:51 LOVE YOU GUYS! ---------------------------------------------------------------- Stay connected and follow social: • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568 • Substack - https://substack.com/@callinginsickpod? ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ Alex’s Picks of the Week: ✨Feet Warmies — https://getwarmertimes.com/collections/warmers/products/toe-warmers ✨Saje — https://go.shopmy.us/p-18164585 Resources on Understanding Pain and Pain Management: • https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2661581 • https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2673971 #podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness #SurvivalMode #IdentityShift #medicalgaslighting #womenshealth #neurology #selfadvocacy #medicalbias #prestonroche #psychiatry #chronicpainandmentalhealth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Calling in Sick, I’m joined by neuro-gastro-immunologist, Dr. Zachary Spiritos, an incredible voice in the fight to make invisible illnesses seen, heard, and helped.. Together, we unpack some of the most maddening, misunderstood, and under-discussed challenges in healthcare today—especially for women and people living with chronic conditions. From gut issues to gender bias, from misdiagnosis to self-advocacy, this conversation is packed with clarity, and compassion. In this episode, we talk: 🧠 What makes an illness “invisible”—and why they get dismissed 📉 Where the disparity in women’s health comes from ⚠️ The reality of medical gaslighting and how to respond 🥼 How to advocate for yourself in appointments, and have success! 💩 Why gut issues show up in so many chronic conditions—and what to do about it Whether you’ve been dismissed by a doctor, told your symptoms are “in your head,” or just want to understand your body better—this one’s for you. You are not making it up. You are not alone. And you deserve care that actually cares. This episode left me full of hope - for my own health, and the future of women’s health. Thanks for Calling in Sick with us 💛 xx, Alex 💬 Comment: Have you ever left a doctor’s appointment feeling dismissed or doubted? TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick!  00:02:15 Alex’s Picks Of the Week (IB Guard, Magnesium)  00:03:45 Meet Dr. Zachary Spiritos & understanding neuro-gastro-immunology  00:24:48 Where the disparity in women’s health comes from 00:29:00 The reality of medical gaslighting and how to respond  00:44:33 How to advocate for yourself in appointments, and have success! 00:47:34 What’s next for Dr. Zachary Spiritos  00:55:00 Dr. Zachary’s final recommendations 00:57:25 Thank you for listening!!!  ---------------------------------------------------------------- Stay connected and follow social: • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod • Facebook -  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568 • Substack -  https://substack.com/@callinginsickpod? ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ Episode Sponsor: LifeBoost Coffee! • First Time Customer (58% off): https://lifeboostcoffee.com/pages/healthy-coffee-ot2e-19-cp?ref=ALEXANDRAWILDESON • Subscribe and Save (Up to 48% off): https://lifeboostcoffee.com/pages/subscribe-save?ref=ALEXANDRAWILDESON • Use Code ALEXANDRA10 for 10% off!!! https://lifeboostcoffee.com/?ref=ALEXANDRAWILDESON Alex’s Picks of the Week: ✨IB Guard — https://go.shopmy.us/p-17801495 ✨Pure Encapsulation (Magnesium Supplementation) — https://bit.ly/PureSummerSale25 ** May 15th - May 26th, 15% off + always free shipping ***This offer is good for one order of any product combination and valid 5/15/25 through 5/26/25 at 11:59 p.m. PT. One-time use per customer. While supplies last.  #podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness #SurvivalMode #IdentityShift #medicalgaslighting #womenshealth #zachspiritos #neurology #gastroenterology #immunology #selfadvocacy #medicalbias  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Calling in Sick, we’re diving deep into a condition that’s often misunderstood, minimized, or completely missed: endometriosis. I’m joined by the wonderful Autumn Weimann (@grlwithbangs)—naturopathic doctor (@period.prep), clean beauty founder (@Banginhair.shop), and advocate for body-literate healing. Autumn shares her powerful story of navigating chronic pain and years of unanswered questions before being diagnosed with endometriosis, and taking her healing into her own hands. We trace her journey from feeling unheard in medical offices to becoming her own best advocate, healer, and educator. In this episode, we talk: 🩸 What endometriosis actually feels like (and why it’s so often missed) 💔 The emotional toll of misdiagnosis and mistrust in your body 🌿 Why Autumn pivoted into naturopathic medicine 💄 Launching a clean beauty brand grounded in hormone health 🧠 Reconnecting with your body when it’s been the source of so much pain Whether you’ve experienced chronic pain or just want to better understand your body, this episode is a must-listen. You deserve care that believes you, honors your intuition, and supports your whole self. Thanks for Calling in Sick with us this week 💛 xx,Alex 💬 Comment: What symptoms did you ignore that—looking back—were big warning signs? TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! 00:02:30 Alex’s Picks of The Week (Clean Beauty... see links below!!)00:03:40 Welcome, Autumn Weimann (her story: early symptoms to diagnosis)00:11:10 Why Autumn Became a Naturopathic Doctor, Diagnosis & The Period Prep 00:17:30 Why Boundaries Are *SO* Important 00:22:00 Challenging the Chronic Illness Identity Takeover 00:25:30 What Is The Period Prep Kit?!00:32:21 Biggest Misconceptions Around Endometriosis00:34:11 Alex Spilling the *Tea* on her Second Endo Surgery 00:37:36 How Endometriosis Impacts Fertility & Dreams of Motherhood00:48:00 Is Clean Beauty Really Clean?!00:58:57 Our Biggest Tips for Navigating YOUR Health01:03:01 One Brain Cell Pick of the week (Love on the Spectrum & Vanderpump Villa)01:07:31 Wrap Up, Endo Gala, and Thank YOU!01:10:28 THANK YOU & LOVE YOU GUYS! ---------------------------------------------------------------- Stay connected and follow social: • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568 • Substack - https://substack.com/@callinginsickpod? ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ Alex’s Picks of the Week: ✨Bangin’ Hair – https://www.banginhair.shop/product-page/banginhair-serum ✨HigherDose Infrared Hat - https://go.shopmy.us/p-14854531 Use code ALEXANDRA15 for 15% off #podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness #SurvivalMode #IdentityShift #ChronicIllnessCommunity #endometriosis #autumnweimann Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Calling in Sick, things are a little different — and a little chaotic. I was too discombobulated to record a solo episode, so Cooper (my husband) hopped on the mic with me. We laughed, we spiraled, and then we got real about why life has felt so hard lately: In this week’s episode, we talk: 💥 A nasty IVIG reaction 🚑 A surprise ER trip 🛑 A home invasion 💉 Starting a new oral chemo 🏡 Family visiting 🫠 And feeling... not like myself at all We talk about what it’s like when everything hits at once, and how chronic illness can make navigating life with a chronic illness that much harder. Even though it’s been overwhelming (to put it lightly), there’s something comforting about saying it all out loud — and laughing through the absurdity when we can. This episode is for anyone who feels like they’re in survival mode and missing the person they used to be. You’re not broken. You’re carrying more than most people can even imagine. Thanks for Calling in Sick with us this week! xx, Alex & Saint Coop 💬 Comment: what’s your number one tool for getting back to feeling like yourself? TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! (Featuring Cooper as Alex) 00:01:40 Alex’s Picks of The Week (you just have to watch this one if you want a laugh) 00:07:29 Thank you to our sponsor this week: Lifeboost! 00:09:05 Alex’s recent reaction to IVIG 00:13:57 Alex’s trip to the emergency room 00:19:55 Alex & Coop’s home invasion experience 00:25:20 Survival mode activated as a result of IVIG, ER trip & the home invasion 00:29:15 One Brain Cell Pick of The Week: Last One Laughing and One Other 00:31:00 Wrap UP, Giving yourself grace & what’s helping right now 00:33:42 LOVE YOU GUYS! ---------------------------------------------------------------- Stay connected and follow social: • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568 • Substack - https://substack.com/@callinginsickpod? ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ Episode Sponsor: LifeBoost Coffee! • First Time Customer (58% off): https://lifeboostcoffee.com/pages/healthy-coffee-ot2e-19-cp?ref=ALEXANDRAWILDESON • Subscribe and Save (Up to 48% off): https://lifeboostcoffee.com/pages/subscribe-save?ref=ALEXANDRAWILDESON Alex’s Picks of the Week: ✨ Duvet Robe — https://rebrand.ly/6tq0q7k✨ Ring Security Camera – https://amzn.to/3ErNp6b ✨ Lifeboats Coffee - https://lifeboostcoffee.com/?ref=ALEXANDRAWILDESON #podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness #SurvivalMode #IdentityShift #ChronicIllnessCommunity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hey sweet friends—no full episode this week, just a short 10-minute update from me. Between a rough IVIG reaction, an unexpected ER trip, and a literal attempted home invasion (yes, really), I’m throwing it back to a past episodes: Processing Your Chronic Illness—because wow, I need to listen to this one this week too!! This week on Calling in Sick, I’m diving into something that doesn’t get talked about enough: the identity shift that happens when you're living with a chronic illness — whether you have an official diagnosis or not.There’s a specific kind of grief that comes from realizing you're no longer the person you once were.The person who had endless energy.The person who didn’t have to think twice about plans, goals, or dreams.The person who didn’t wonder, "Do I look sick enough for people to take me seriously?"In this solo episode, I’m opening up about:💭 How chronic illness impacts your sense of self (even before a diagnosis)⚡ Why comparison — to others and to your old self — can feel so brutal🩺 The silent pressure to “look” sick enough for care🧠 How processing a chronic illness mirrors the stages of grief📚 Plus: My tips, tricks, and personal mindset shifts that have helped me find myself againIf you’ve ever looked in the mirror and thought, "I don’t even recognize my life anymore," — this one’s for you. You are not alone in this identity shift. You are not broken. You are just becoming someone new.Thanks for Calling in Sick with me again — xx, Alex 💛💬 Comment: What’s been the hardest part of your chronic illness identity shift? What part of your “old” self do you miss — and what new part of you are you starting to love?TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! 00:02:01 Alex's Picks of The Week (Mayfair Group Sweat Suits, Intelligent Change 5 Minute Gratitude Journal)00:04:02 One Brain Cell Segment: Below Deck 00:06:25 Processing your identity with a chronic illness intro00:12:11 Post-Diagnosis Prioritization00:12:11 Post-Diagnosis Prioritization00:19:46 The Challenges of Shifting Identity with Chronic Illness00:28:31 My Tips for Handling the Identity Shift00:45:41 My NUMBER ONE Tip for Handling the Identity Shift00:48:01 Thank You for Listening!Thank you to our sponsors this week: *Lifeboost - Visit www.lifeboostcoffee.com/?ref=ALEXANDRAWILDESON and use code ALEXANDRA10 for 10% off your order for a healthier coffee experience – decaf included – you’ll love.Alex's Picks of the Week: *Mayfair Group - Visit http://go.shopmy.us/p-16514050 and use code Alexandra15 for 15% off*Intelligent Change - Visit https://www.intelligentchange.com/ALEXANDRA10 and use code Alexandra10 for 10% off at checkout Stay connected and follow social:• Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/• TikTok — https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod• Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568• Substack — https://substack.com/@callinginsickpodPowered by: https://www.justmediahouse.com/Produced by: https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Calling in Sick, I’m getting real about something I never thought I’d question: Am I still ambitious?There was a time when I crushed my to-do list before lunch, never let an email sit unanswered, and found purpose in being productive. But now? I procrastinate. I forget things. I carry a running to-do list that I never finish. And between the brain fog, pain, meds, and fatigue… I started to wonder if I’d lost my drive entirely. But then it hit me… maybe ambition just looks different now.In this solo episode, I’m opening up about:💭 What it’s like to lose your “high-functioning” self💊 The quiet shame of feeling dulled by meds🔥 How chronic illness reroutes your ambition from speed to survival🌱 Why softness, slowness, and intention might be the new success📺 Plus: My current comfort-watch in the One Brain Cell segment (spoiler: it’s called warm hug in TV form)This one is for anyone navigating big identity shifts—especially if you’ve had to ask yourself: “Who am I without the hustle?” My answer? Darling... you’re not behind. You’re becoming.xx,Alex 💛💬 Comment: Do you feel like your ambition or drive has changed since getting sick? How have you redefined success?TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick00:00:35 Life Update: Becoming a Procrastinator!!00:02:58 Alex’s Picks of the Week: Hilma Supplements + DoBites00:06:11 The Old Version of Me: Urgency, Output, Identity00:08:25 Grief & the Unbecoming of the Old Alex00:11:00 Discovering the New Me -- Freedom After Grief00:17:30 Chronic Illness Management vs. Urgency00:20:20 One Brain Cell Segment: Love on the Spectrum00:23:59 THANK YOU!!!!----------------------------------------------------------------Stay connected and follow social:• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568• Substack - https://substack.com/@callinginsickpod?----------------------------------------------------------------Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/Alex’s Picks of the Week:✨ Hilma Supplements – gentle, clean symptom supporthttps://rebrand.ly/6tq0q7kUse code ALEXANDRA20 for 20% off!!✨ DoBites – functional, top-8 allergen-free snack bites for energy & focushttps://amzn.to/3G6bQGt#podcast #podcastclips #podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #SelfWorth #SuccessMindset #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #SickGirlLife #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #ChronicWarrior #FlareUpTips #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness #selfworth #selflove #success #hustleculture #ambition #drive #success #urgency Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Calling in Sick, I’m joined by the incredible Kwame Appiah—someone you might recognize from Love Is Blind (Season 4), but today, we’re going far deeper than reality TV.Kwame opens up about his real-life health journey: the early signs he ignored, the emotional toll of not having answers, and what it meant to finally get a diagnosis—and then face the hard work of rebuilding from there. We talk about the frustrations of navigating a broken healthcare system, the grief and grit that come wit h chronic illness, and how healing isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, relational, and deeply personal. My favorite part? Kwame’s take on gratitude, growth, and positivity. We also dive into how illness reshapes not just our bodies, but our relationships—with others and with ourselves.In this episode, we unpack:⚡️ The moment Kwame knew he couldn’t keep ignoring his body🌀 The emotional rollercoaster of chasing a diagnosis💬 How his relationship with Chelsea evolved through it all🧠 The shift from shame to self-trust📺 Plus: our favorite shows in this week’s One Brain Cell segment (spoiler: we couldn’t pick just one)This episode is vulnerable, honest, and a reminder that chronic illness doesn’t define you—but it can transform you.As always, sending my love!xx,Alex 💛💬 Comment Prompt:What’s one health lesson you had to learn the hard way—but now wouldn’t trade?Timestamps:00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! 00:01:18 Alex’s Health Update00:03:40 Alex’s Picks of the Week (Broc Shot, Loftie Alarm Clock)00:06:33 Introduction to Kwame Appiah (Season 4 of Love Is Blind)00:12:35 The moment Kwame knew he couldn’t keep ignoring his body00:17:57 The emotional rollercoaster of chasing a diagnosis00:38:13 How Kwame’s relationship with Chelsea evolved through it all00:48:25 Kwame’s take on gratitude, growth, and positivity00:55:00 One Brain Cell Segment: Our favorite shows (spoiler: we couldn’t pick just one)01:04:36 Thank you for listening! ----------------------------------------------------------------Stay connected and follow social:• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568• Substack - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568----------------------------------------------------------------Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/Alex’s Picks of the Week: (Both included in this week’s giveaway!)• Broc Shot – https://brocshot.com/?ref=ALEX15— 25% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER!— Your daily broccoli sprout shot for detox & anti-inflammatory love• Loftie Alarm Clock – https://byloftie.com/ALEXWILDESON— 15% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER!— Because waking up slowly is an act of self-care#podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #DuvetDay #RestWithoutGuilt #SelfCare #AutoimmuneDisease #SpoonieLife #SickGirlEra #CallingInSick #DisabilityAwareness #ChronicFatigue #InvisibleIllness #Burnout #RestIsProductive #HealthJourney #SpoonieSupport #FlareUpTips #MentalHealth #KwameAppiah #HealingJourney #InvisibleIllness #ChronicIllnessAwareness #SpoonieSupport #DiagnosisJourney #ChronicPain #SelfWorth #AutoimmuneDisease #EmotionalHealth #RelationshipGoals #MentalHealthMatters #HealingInPublic #HealthJourney Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Calling in Sick, we’re talking about something that’s both terrifying and beautiful: how to make new friends when you’re chronically ill. Let’s be real—chronic illness changes your social life. While some relationships run the distance, there are far too many that end… some fade out, some end loudly and some just stop making sense. But as painful as that can be, it also creates space. Space for people who get it. Who don’t need explanations. Who meet you where you are now.In this episode, I’m unpacking:🌿 How chronic illness can be a filter for real, aligned friendships💔 Why losing friends isn’t always a failure—it’s often a shift✨ How to make new friends that actually work for your energy, needs, and lifestyle🧃 What “low-spoon friendship” looks like and why it’s actually magic📱 Where to find spoonie friends who get youThis isn’t just about friendship breakups—it’s about friendship breakthroughs.Sending love (and new friend energy)!xx,Alex 💛💬 This week’s Comment Prompt: What is one thing you are putting on your “talking-points” list for chatting with new friends?Timestamps:00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! 00:05:24 Alex’s Picks of the Week (Prequel, Nécessaire)00:07:46 Making New Friends With A Chronic Illness 00:08:52 What Makes A Good Friend 00:11:20 The Importance of Friends 00:12:52 Anxiety Around Making New Friends00:19:35 How I’ve Been Able To Make New Friends This Year00:26:23 A New Friend Success Story 00:31:37 One Brain Cell Show Of The Week: Only Murders in the Building 00:33:15 Thank You For Listening! ----------------------------------------------------------------Stay connected and follow social:• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568• Substack - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568----------------------------------------------------------------Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/Alex’s Picks of the Week: OLDAlex’s Picks of the Week: • Prequel Reactive Skin Solutions: https://go.shopmy.us/p-15249470— CHECK BACK IN FOR A CODE!• Necessaries Body Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-15250836— CHECK BACK IN FOR A CODE!#podcast #podcastclips #CallingInSick #ChronicIllness #MakingFriendsWithChronicIllness #InvisibleIllness #SpoonieLife #FriendshipBreakups #LowSpoonHangs #DisabilityAwareness #ChronicPain #AutoimmuneDisease #SickGirlEra #HealthJourney #SpoonieSupport #NewFriendEnergy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices