Calling In Sick

I can’t believe it… we’re nearing the end of 2024! So this week, we’re Calling in Sick to ditch the pressure of traditional New Year’s resolutions and create a plan that actually works — chronic illness style. The end of the year can feel like a mixed bag of emotions: gratitude, grief, hope, and even exhaustion. And guess what? That’s totally okay. In this episode, I’m sharing how to reflect, reset, and set meaningful goals — without the toxic positivity or all-or-nothing mindset.I’m breaking down my Annual Audit & New Year Action Plan, a guided process for looking back with compassion and moving forward with purpose. We’ll chat about redefining success, embracing small wins, and designing routines that work on both high- and low-energy days. It’s all about setting intentions that honor your reality while still creating space for growth.Grab a notebook, get cozy, and let’s build out next year in a way that feels good — one small step at a time. Sending so much love, light, and strength as we step into this new year together!xx,AlexPS: Join the group-chat on Instagram to participate in the 21-day challenge here!https://www.instagram.com/j/AbaZDVK6W9TE9fyg/Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! 00:04:08 - Alex Health Updates 00:09:20 - New 21 Day Challenge00:11:42 - Alex’s Picks of the Week00:13:45 - Facing the New Year & End of Year Highlight Reels with a Chronic Illness00:21:15 - Setting Goals: Cooper and My Year End Audit00:27:12 - What I Learned in 202400:33:08 - Building a New Year Intentions Action Plan, Chronic Illness Edition00:39:00 - Why Reflecting on Your Last Year is Important00:41:35 - Biggest Episode Takeaways00:43:25- 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----------------------------------------------------------------Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson -- https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/Shop this Episode: https://shopmy.us/collections/1104872Alex’s Picks of the Week:1. Vermont Nut Free Chocolate -- https://go.shopmy.us/p-112629492. Modern Picnic -- https://go.shopmy.us/p-11262877#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #chronicillnessidentity #chronicpain #newyearsresolutions #newyears #holidays #endofyear #intentionsetting Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we’re Calling in Sick for the very first episode dedicated to PAIN—one of the most universal yet misunderstood experiences in the chronic illness community. Chronic pain is complex, persistent, and deeply personal, which is why I’m kicking off a special series exploring this topic.In this week’s episode, I open up about my personal journey with pain, from childhood episodes to managing chronic pain as an adult. I break down the different types of pain, explain why it’s so challenging to diagnose and treat, and highlight the often-overlooked impact chronic pain has on mental health.I also share practical tips for describing pain more effectively to healthcare providers and walk you through 5 essential pain-management toolboxes that have helped me along the way.Finally, I’m launching a 21-Day Challenge designed to help us all build new tools for managing pain together. Join me on Instagram (@alexandrawildeson) for this journey toward better understanding, compassion, and self-care.Sending love, hugs, and thanks for Calling in Sick with me!xx, AlexTimestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick!00:02:15 Alex’s Health Update00:06:12 Alex’s Thoughts on BlueCrossBlueShield Surgical Anesthesia Policy (now redacted)00:10:01 Alex’s New Year Audit and Goal Making Ritual00:11:33 Alex’s Wellness Picks of the Week00:14:10 What even is Chronic Pain and Why is it SO hard to treat and understand?00:21:10 How to Describe YOUR Pain00:23:24 What are the different types of pain?00:25:20 Chronic Pain’s impact on Mental Health00:28:08 Tips for Managing Pain - Holistic Management00:30:18 Tips for Managing Pain - At-Home Management00:31:41 Tips for Managing Pain - Psychological / Psychosomatic00:33:44 Tips for Managing Pain - Western Pain Management00:38:18 Tips for Managing Pain - Guided Therapy00:40:32 What to Expect in Future Pain Episodes00:42:15 Alex’s 21-Day Chronic Pain Challenge00:45:28 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----------------------------------------------------------------Powered by Just Media House — https://www.justmediahouse.com/Produced by Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/Shop this Episode — https://shopmy.us/collections/746944#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #chronicillnessidentity #chronicpain #painmanagement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Calling in Sick, I sit down with Alex Gray (@alexogray), UK-based TV presenter, actress, and founder, to reflect on her journey with chronic illness. We unpack the toll of hustle culture on health, the disorienting feeling of being a stranger in your own body, and the challenges of navigating life without a clear diagnosis. We explore how chronic illness reshapes relationships - the weight of masking our reality, facing disbelief and misunderstanding, and learning to pick our battles while still finding compassion for ourselves and others. Our conversation also touches on how chronic illness transforms identity and mental health, from the exhaustion of constant perseverance to discovering strength in slowing down and living authentically. One Monday, double the Alex, triple the laughter — join for an honest conversation about life and relationships while being chronically ill. Sending everyone love and hugs - and thanks for Calling in Sick with me!xx, AlexTimestamps:00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! 00:02:55 Alex’s Health/Life Update00:13:05 Alex’s Wellness Picks of the Week00:16:50 Introduction to Alex Gray (@alexogray), UK-based TV presenter, actress, and founder00:25:30 Alex’s first symptoms00:32:15 Alex’s journey to diagnosis00:51:00 Alex’s feelings around her chronic illness diagnosis01:02:45 Friendship & chronic illness01:06:15 Family & chronic illness01:15:00 Masking your chronic illness01:24:04 Roses & Thorns of chronic illness01:38:40 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----------------------------------------------------------------Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #chronicillnessidentity #celiacdisease #alexogray #alexgray Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of Calling in Sick, I go into depth on how to navigate the holiday season with a chronic illness. It is *so* easy to over do it, when everyone around you is baking Pinterest worthy desserts and listing all the things they’re thankful for… like their health. We have to think through the logistics of traveling (if you haven’t, go watch episode 11 for more tips), socializing, and saving our spoons. We have to figure out how to effectively communicate boundaries with everything from our emotions to food sensitivities or allergies (keep that pecan pie AWAY!). Beyond that, this time of year is full of emotions, good and bad. We reflect on the year as a whole, how this season would be different if our health was better and comparing ourselves to peers and family that just don’t struggle the same way. From my thoughts on why this joyful season can be challenging as a sick chick to my how-to’s on navigating gatherings and spoon usage, I talk about it ALL in this holiday survival guide. Sending everyone my love, hugs and a spare spoon this holiday season - thanks for Calling in Sick with me this Thanksgiving! xx, AlexTimestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! 00:02:25 Alex’s Health Update00:13:45 Alex’s 21 Days to Less Anxiety Challenge 00:15:15 Alex’s Wellness Picks of the Week00:18:22 Navigating the holiday season with a Chronic Illness00:20:50 Combatting the energy toll of the holidays00:25:30 Holiday-specific travel tips00:27:55 Reflection during the holiday season00:36:20 Internalized perception during the holiday season00:46:30 Proactive communication with others00:53:50 My #1 tip for thriving this holiday season00:56:00 Recouping after the holidays01:00:05 Thank you for listening! ----------------------------------------------------------------Thank you to the sponsors for this episode: For a limited time, use the code “CallingInSick” for 25% off your first session on Malla.co. Malla is here to help you thrive!----------------------------------------------------------------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----------------------------------------------------------------Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #traveltips #holidayseason Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of Calling in Sick, I’m joined by comedian and content creator, Joe Glasgow (@joeglasgowshow). We talk about his plunge into the chronic illness life and how leaning into creativity and comedy has shaped how he has processed and navigated the sick life. Tune in to hear about our symptom “upgrades,” how we navigate being “two faced” and an enlightening discussion on what brings all these different disease profiles together into one community. Joe said it best during the episode, the world may not be curated for the chronically ill… but the chronic ill social media space is, and so is this episode. So get ready for your face to hurt from smiling and laughing so hard during this episode… and as always, thanks for joining me for another Monday of Calling in Sick! xx, AlexTimestamps:00:00:00 Welcome back to another episode of Calling In Sick! 00:05:57 Alex’s Wellness Picks of the Week00:08:08 This episode of Calling In Sick is sponsored by Malla00:10:15 Introduction to Joe Glasgow (@joeglasgowshow)00:12:00 Joe’s BC/AC (before Covid/after Covid)00:17:45 Alex & Joe’s current headspace00:25:40 Disease upgrades/downgrades00:31:25 Living in the gray space00:36:15 Social anxiety00:39:07 Chronic illness content creation00:48:45 Creating children’s books00:53:00 How creativity builds a full life for those with chronic illness00:57:18 Thank you for listening! ----------------------------------------------------------------Thank you to the sponsors for this episode: For a limited time, use the code “CallingInSick” for 25% off your first session on Malla.co. Malla is here to help you thrive! ----------------------------------------------------------------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----------------------------------------------------------------Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #callinginsick #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #flareup #darkhumor ---------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s solo episode of Calling in Sick, I dive into the reality of processing and shifting our identity due to a Chronic Illness, whether you have an official diagnosis or not. I talk about the struggles that come from comparing ourselves to others and how we define self-worth, especially relative to our life before getting sick. The discussion also sheds light on how often we feel misunderstood and feel like we have to “look sick” in a particular ways to get care. Most importantly though, I touch on how processing a chronic illness looks and feels a lot like the grief curve. As always, I offer anecdotes of my own journey with processing my new identity and share some tips and tricks that have helped me navigate these topics. My hopes are this episode has you nodding “me too!” and that you can walk away feeling comfort that you are not alone in this journey. Thanks for Calling in Sick with me again - xx, AlexTimestamps: Introduction00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick00:03:40 Alex’s health update00:07:40 Alex’s mental health update00:11:20 Alex’s recent wins00:14:00 Alex’s Wellness PicksThe Chronic Illness Identity Shift00:17:50 Post-diagnosis prioritization00:25:25 The challenges of the chronic illness identity shift00:34:10 My tips for handling the identity shift00:51:20 My NUMBER ONE TIP for handling the identity shiftOutro00:53:30 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----------------------------------------------------------------Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #callinginsick #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #flareup #chronicillnessidentity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Calling in Sick, I sat down with the incredibly funny and sweet Alexandra Kopko. You may know her from her TikTok @alexandrawideeyes, where she uses her incredibly relatable sense of humor to create educational and absolutely hysterical content about living and thriving with a chronic illness. We talk about navigating your way to a diagnosis in your 20s and the funny-not-funny snafus that arose along the way - like doctors that don’t believe you and grieving your precious healthy self. I hope you this Monday’s episode makes you laugh as much as I did — my face actually hurt from smiling and laughing so much. Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to another episode of Calling In Sick!00:01:30 Alex’s Catch Up and Health Status00:08:00 Alex’s Wellness Picks00:11:45 Introducing Alexandra Kopka (@alexandrawideeyes)00:16:30 Alex’s Diagnosis Story00:36:30 Getting doctors to take you seriously 00:45:20 Using comedy to cope with chronic illness00:49:30 Health anxiety00:55:40 Chronic illness on social media01:09:50 The “Spoon-ion”01:13:00 Are their negative repercussions to joking about chronic illness?01:18:30 Thank you for listening! ----------------------------------------------------------------Thank you to our sponsors this week:Malla - Go to Malla.co and use code “CallingInSick” for 25% off your first session. Malla is here to help you thrive! ----------------------------------------------------------------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----------------------------------------------------------------Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #callinginsick #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #chronicillnesscomedy #flareup #darkhumor #comedypodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Calling in Sick, I’m sharing my tips and tricks for navigating a hospital stay or ER visit, which we all know can be an overwhelming experience. I wanted to make a practical guide for anyone with chronic illness faced with a trip to the ER or hospital after I spent 72 hours in the hospital last week getting IVIG for an autoimmune flare up. I share my top 5 tips, which cover everything from what to wear and bring, to how to advocate for yourself and what to say to friends and family who want to help during and after your hospital stay. Get ready for a real conversation on how to navigate the system like a pro. Plus, I’ll teach you how to give your medical history like an elevator pitch so you’re taken seriously and get the care you need. Whether you’re packing your go bag, preparing for a surprise stay, or helping someone in your life through the experience, this episode will help you feel more prepared, supported, and less alone. I’m hoping you have a high spoon and low symptom week - thanks for calling in sick with me again this week!Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick!00:02:00 My recent ER trip/hospitalization00:15:00 Intro to my top 5 tips for ER & hospital trips00:15:42 1 - How to present yourself 00:17:00 2 - What to bring (ER)00:25:50 2.5 -What to bring (hospital)00:28:30 3 -What to say (medical history elevator pitch)00:35:15 4 - How to pull in your care circle00:39:40 5- How to care for yourself after00:41:45 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----------------------------------------------------------------Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #callinginsick #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #emergencyroomtips #hospitalstaytips #hospitalization #chronicillnessflareup #navigatingyourhospitalstay  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week I got to sit down with my friend, and personal Functional Practitioner, Aubree Steen! We got to chat about the foundational elements of Functional medicine - everything from how providers get their credentials to the hand map analogy that describes the key pillars of functional medicine. We also discussed today’s supplement culture… who actually needs supplements, why functional medicine uses them, how to safely navigate buying and taking supplements, and of course, we myth bust some misconceptions along the way. I hope y’all enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed making it. Happy Monday - hope you’re having a good sick day ;) Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! 00:06:20 Introduction to Functional Nurse Practitioner, Aubree Steen & Functional Medicine00:18:30 The Hand Metaphor00:29:30 Myth Busting Supplement Culture 01:09:00 Where to buy your supplements01:13:00 Lifestyle: you cannot out-supplement a bad lifestyle01:22:00 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----------------------------------------------------------------Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #callinginsick #functionalmedicine #supplementculture #biohacking #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Calling in Sick! This week I had the honor of chatting with Olympic rock climber, Jesse Grupper. His energy is absolutely infections, and his story of getting to the Olympics is inspiring to say the least. We talk about how although no one day defines a lifetime, it’s the things we do daily that make a difference. Tune in to hear Jesse’s protocol for managing his chronic illness (ulcerative colitis), which includes integrating Western medicine, finding the humor in shitty situations, intuitive lifestyle changes, mindfulness and optimism training. I walked away from this conversation with a deep appreciation for how humans truly do have the capacity of achieving what we might think is the impossible.Timestamps:00:00:00 Welcome back to a *spicy* episode of Calling In Sick! 00:02:30 Introduction to Olympian Jesse Grupper (Ulcerative Colitis // IBD)0011:15 Jesse’s diagnosis story 00:30:25 The spoon theory00:33:20 Jesse’s mindfulness practice00:42:30 Jesse’s Autoimmune protocol 00:47:40 How Jesse’s communicates his needs00:54:20 Connecting with other Olympians with Chronic Illness00:59:30 Jesse’s favorite mantra01:00:20 How Jesse relaxes and heals post-competition 01:09:50 Optimism training01:15:00 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----------------------------------------------------------------Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/Hosted by: Alex Wildeson -- https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/#chronicillnesssupport #livingwithchronicillness #livingwithautoimmunedisease #callinginsick #ulcerativecolitis #iritableboweldisease #olympics #jessegrupper Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices