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 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, 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

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

This week on Calling in Sick, we’re talking about one of the most underrated tools in the chronic illness toolbox: the intentional duvet day. If you’ve ever felt guilty for resting, questioned if you're "sick enough" to slow down, or struggled to explain why you need a full day in bed after a good day—this episode is for you. I unpack why these days are essential for long-term management (not lazy days!), how to spot your “check engine lights” before a crash, and how I’ve learned to communicate my need for deep rest without feeling like a burden.So tune in to hear:✨ My favorite Duvet Day skincare & hydration essentials (hello dewy skin girlies!)🛏️ What a Duvet Day actually is (and how to make it restorative, not just reactive)🎁 Why receiving care is not a weakness—and how to reframe the guilt💡 How to explain your needs to others using Spoon Theory & the Stoplight Framework📺 One Brain Cell rec of the week: Drive to Survive and why I’m suddenly a motorsport girlie nowFor this week, put your latest hyper-fixation during duvet days in the comments section!! I need some new recs ;) As always, thank you for listening and resting with me 💛xx,AlexTimestamps:00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick!00:02:30 Alex’s Life & Health Updates of the Week00:12:33 Alex’s Picks of the Week (Filterbaby, Doré)00:15:45 What is a Duvet Day & how to keep it intentional?00:19:20 Reframing Duvet Days00:27:05 How to communicate that you need support (Spoon Theory, Stoplight Analogy)00:32:05 One Brain Cell TV Show: Drive to Survive00:34:52 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:• FilterBaby Faucet Water Filter: https://go.shopmy.us/p-14894038— ALEXANDRAW10 for $10 off!• Dore Facial Serum: https://go.shopmy.us/p-14894003— ALEXANDRA10 for 10% off!#podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #DuvetDay #RestWithoutGuilt #SelfCare #AutoimmuneDisease #SpoonieLife #SickGirlEra #CallingInSick #DisabilityAwareness #ChronicFatigue #InvisibleIllness #Burnout #RestIsProductive #HealthJourney #SpoonieSupport #FlareUpTips #MentalHealth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Calling in Sick, we’re diving deep into a topic that I think so many of us—especially those with chronic illness—struggle with: the link between productivity and self-worth. I’ll be honest, old habits die hard, and my first Monday back after treatment? Yeah… I went full steam ahead. And guess what? It didn’t go well. But that got me thinking: why is it so hard to detach my value from what I do? Why does rest feel like failure, even when I know better?So, in this episode, I’m unpacking:🔥 The cycle of overwork, crashing, and repeat (why do we do this?!)⚖️ Why chronic illness makes productivity so complicated (and what we can do about it)🧠 The identity shift of redefining successI want to hear from you! Drop a comment:💬 What’s one "glimmer" from your week that helped shift how you view self-worth? As always, sending love!xx,AlexTimestamps:00:00:00 Welcome to Calling In Sick! 00:02:30 Housekeeping: Community building & my “Glimmers” of the Week00:09:55 Alex’s Picks of the Week: HigherDOSE Infrared PEMF Mat & PMD Clean Pro Brush00:14:20 Falling back into old habits (I tried to jump back into the deep end and nearly hospitalized myself)00:20:30 My new definition of success, self-worth & productivity00:25:47 One Brain Cell Recommendation: Traitors (+ an unexpected lesson I learned from it!)00:29:54 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://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:• HigherDose, PEMF Go Mat: https://go.shopmy.us/p-14388157— ALEXANDRA15 for 30% off!• PMD, Clean Pro Brush: https://go.shopmy.us/p-14386954— ALEXANDRA30 for 30% off!#podcast #podcastclips #podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #SelfWorth #SuccessMindset #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #SickGirlLife #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #ChronicWarrior #FlareUpTips #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Calling in Sick, I’m getting real about the mental gymnastics of navigating chronic illness—especially when you're constantly balancing fear of flaring, fear of failing, and the never-ending cycle of medical uncertainty.February was a lot, even for a girl who’s been sick her whole life. From 2 rounds of chemotherapy, to surgery, to 5 days of IVIG, to balancing work and content creation while managing life, this month really put my “pivoting” skills to the test. And that got me thinking…How do we live fully while managing predictable unpredictability? How do we take risks when we know there’s a chance our bodies might betray us?So, in this episode, I’m sharing:🩺 How I handled IVIG & what I did differently this time⚖️ My “guardrails” for protecting my body & energy😰 The fine line between being cautious vs. being held back by fear💡 How chronic illness has shaped my mindset on risk, failure, and success📺 My latest comfort binge (hello, One Brain Cell segment debut!)And because I know I’m not alone in this, I’d love for y’all to drop a comment:💬 What’s the hardest thing you’ve ever skipped because you feared flaring (but weren’t actively in a flare)?As always, sending love!xx,AlexTimestamps:00:01:10 Alex’s Health Update00:06:05 Alex’s Picks of the Week (Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel, Thrive Causemetics Eyebrow Gel)00:09:45 Cautious Optimism: Learning to balance hope with the realities of chronic illness.00:14:10 Fear of a Flare-Up: The anxiety that comes with feeling too good—when will the other shoe drop?00:19:30 Bucket 1: During a Flare-Up – Guardrails & essential tools/strategies to survive tough days00:22:40 Bucket 2: Moving the Guardrails Off – When (and how) to test new limits after a flare up00:25:25 Bucket 3: The New Normal + Key Takeaways – Finding balance, redefining health, and what’s working for me00:28:50 Talking about Netflix’s Running Point with my 1 remains brain cell 00:34:15 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://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:• Dr. Dennis Gross, Alpha Beta Ultra Gentle Daily Peel: go.shopmy.us/p-6636477• Thrive, Liquid Brow Brow Gel: https://prf.hn/click/camref:1100l4a7ye#podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #FearOfFlaring #IVIG #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #SickGirlLife #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #ChronicWarrior #FlareUpTips #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices