A Friend for the Long Haul: A Long Covid Podcast

Welcome to season 2 episode 6 of A Friend for the Long Haul - A Long Covid Podcast! This episode features my friend, Laura Thomas. Laura and I met in an Austin, Texas-based long covid support group, and started talking when she found out that I had moved from Texas because I discovered that my MCAS symptoms improved out of state. Laura hosts a podcast called Rescued By A Dog, which features stories of dogs saving their people. In this episode, Laura and I discuss: How we met and our long covid experiences Moving out of state in an attempt to see any improvement in our symptoms Acknowledging the privilege we both had to be able to move Low dose Naltrexone, Paxlovid, anesthesia, and ketamine therapy (none of this is medical advice!) What we call "zero dignity moments" with chronic illness EMDR, brain retraining, staying present "Resentment rebellion" Lymphatic massage The story behind Rescued by a Dog Find Rescued by a Dog on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0t6XikdERybsS3wwwaJb6j?si=c1654161e4504d1e And Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rescued-by-a-dog/id1648960693 Support the podcast via Laura's Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/RescuedbyaDogPodcast Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow, and share A Friend for the Long Haul if you can. And if you're feeling extra generous, leave a review. Your support helps get this in front of more earballs and helps me bring more episodes. You can listen to the A Friend for the Long Haul Long Covid Theme Songs playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=7948dbf2222c4392 If you'd like to support this low budget/high love podcast, you can check out my Bonfire shirt for silly long covid apparel where I'm raising money for a pro license of Zoom (as of right now, I can only record 30-40 minutes at a time and then we have to hang up and come back. Not great for conversational flow!): https://www.bonfire.com/store/a-friend-for-the-long-haul/ or my Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3MYBB5G0P7YUD?ref_=wl_share Thanks again for listening!

Welcome to season 2 episode 5 of A Friend for the Long Haul - A Long Covid Podcast. This episode features Lola Germs, a self-described "pandemic communicator + disabled guy w AuDHD + a funky rare genetic disease." We met on Instagram and once we got to talking we realized we share a lot of weird funky health stuff and our life and work trajectories have been similar in a lot of ways. Lola shares information about the pandemic in a way that's inclusive, creative, and accessible - which is not an easy thing to do, especially with such complex information! We talk about what led her to creating her YouTube channel, important things like the warmest socks you can get, the fact that I didn't sweat for almost two years, how illness impacts self-identity, how gratitude can be weird, the confidence required to care for yourself in modern society, and then we venture on to righting the wrongs of the medical industrial complex, her hopes for the future, climate change, the need for popular science communicators, and the future of space travel. I'm an old lady and I was ready to adopt LG by the end of this episode. Truly. I love smart people with hearts like this, and it's a privilege to get to have these conversations! Find Lola Germs on social media: Lola's YouTube channel - https://www.youtube.com/@LolaGerms Instagram - instagram.com/lola.germs TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@lolagerms and LinkTree with resources - https://linktr.ee/lolagerms Support Lola's work on ko-fi ko-fi.com/lolagerms or by simply subscribing on YouTube and interacting in the comments. Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow, and share A Friend for the Long Haul if you can. And if you're feeling extra generous, leave a review. Your support helps get this in front of more earballs and helps me bring more episodes. You can listen to the A Friend for the Long Haul Long Covid Theme Songs playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=7948dbf2222c4392 If you'd like to support this low budget/high love podcast, you can check out my Bonfire shirt for silly long covid apparel where I'm raising money for a pro license of Zoom (as of right now, I can only record 30-40 minutes at a time and then we have to hang up and come back. Not great for conversational flow!): https://www.bonfire.com/store/a-friend-for-the-long-haul/  or my Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3MYBB5G0P7YUD?ref_=wl_share Thanks again for listening!

Welcome to season 2 episode 4 of A Friend for the Long Haul - A Long Covid Podcast! Join me for a conversation with Merel and JC. Merel leads the Long Covid Choir, and JC is a member. Discover how this unique community has brought joy and support to those living with the debilitating effects of Long Covid. In this episode, we delve into the origins of the choir, how to join, and what to expect from the weekly sessions. Learn about some support group events and Merel's work with Long Covid Kids groups, and the things that bring us joy. We also discuss our experiences navigating healthcare systems in the US, England, and Norway. Whether you're living with Long Covid or simply curious about this inspiring community, this episode offers hope, connection, and a glimpse into the power of music. Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow, and share if you can. And if you're feeling extra generous, leave a review. Your support helps get this in front of more earballs and helps me bring more episodes. You can listen to the A Friend for the Long Haul Long Covid Theme Songs playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=7948dbf2222c4392 If you'd like to support this low budget/high love podcast, you can check out my Bonfire shirt for silly long covid apparel where I'm raising money for a pro license of Zoom (as of right now, I can only record 30-40 minutes at a time and then we have to hang up and come back. Not great for conversational flow!): https://www.bonfire.com/store/a-friend-for-the-long-haul/ or my Amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3MYBB5G0P7YUD?ref_=wl_share

Welcome to season 2 episode 3 of A Friend for the Long Haul - A Long Covid Podcast! In this episode I chat with Jess London. Jess created an app called TurnTo, which curates the latest research, lived experiences, tips, and insights - so you can find new answers in what's called your "daily drop." It is currently live in Cerebral Palsy, Long Covid, ME/CFS, and Parkinson’s. I was on the early release team for the Long Covid/ME app, and Jess and I got on so well from the start, I wanted to chat with her to learn more about her intention for the app. The app is totally free so this isn't some sort of paid promotion - I'm always so curious about how people manage to pull off these endeavors and I genuinely find TurnTo very helpful. I was also very curious about how they could build something like this and offer it at no cost. Jess had ME/CFS and her children have Cerebral Palsy, so this app is a true passion project for her. We discuss the creation of the app, their plans for the future, my amazing ability to name things, Jess's ME/CFS experience, and how the development team works to safeguard the app from those charlatans who work in cahoots (or creepy links, trolls, bullies, false info, and shameless self promotion for profit.) Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow, and share if you can. And if you're feeling extra generous, leave a review. Your support helps get this in front of more earballs and helps me bring more episodes. You can listen to the A Friend for the Long Haul Long Covid Theme Songs playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=7948dbf2222c4392 If you'd like to support this low budget/high love podcast, you can check out my Bonfire shirt for silly long covid apparel where I'm raising money for a pro license of Zoom (as of right now, I can only record 30-40 minutes at a time and then we have to hang up and come back. Not great for conversational flow!): https://www.bonfire.com/store/a-friend-for-the-long-haul/ or my amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3MYBB5G0P7YUD?ref_=wl_share As always, thanks for listening!

Welcome to season 2 episode 2 of A Friend for the Long Haul - A Long Covid Podcast! Thank you for being here! Join me as I chat with Joe Glasgow, who you may know from his Instagram or TikTok. You may also be subscribed to his Substack, Chronically Creating. If you're not, you should be. Each week, Joe offers a prompt and a quote to those of us who may feel we've lost our creative spark due to chronic illness. Joe and I discuss his Covid "journey," his history in comedy, travel, and podcasting, and how that led to him creating such relatable reels and content about long Covid. I also have a huge MCAS reaction in the middle of recording, which is always fun. I had a great time talking with Joe, and and I'm going to admit that I was nervous about recording because I don't always feel like my brain can keep up and he's so funny and quick, but I managed to make him laugh which left me feeling very pleased with myself lol. Usually, I have a hard time listening back to episodes but I genuinely enjoyed hearing this one, so I hope you enjoy it. Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow, and share if you can. And if you're feeling extra generous, leave a review. Your support helps get this in front of more earballs and helps me bring more episodes. Update for season 2! From this episode, the end of pod questions change! But not question 2, which will always remain, and you can listen to the A Friend for the Long Haul Long Covid Theme Songs playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=7948dbf2222c4392 If you'd like to support this low budget/high love podcast, you can check out my Bonfire shirt for silly long covid apparel where I'm raising money for a pro license of Zoom (as of right now, I can only record 30-40 minutes at a time and then we have to hang up and come back. Not great for conversational flow!): https://www.bonfire.com/store/a-friend-for-the-long-haul/ or my amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3MYBB5G0P7YUD?ref_=wl_share As always, thanks for listening!

Welcome to season two of A Friend for the Long Haul - A Long Covid Podcast! Thank you for being here! For episode one, join me as I sit down with Katrina and Corey, the founders of Covid Safe Colorado. Covid Safe Colorado is a grassroots organization dedicated to providing high-quality masks to vulnerable communities in the state. Learn about their journey from starting a mask bloc to building a supportive network of volunteers. In this episode, we delve into the challenges and triumphs of pandemic activism, the importance of community-led initiatives, and the personal impact of long Covid. Katrina and I also share our experiences as "pacing buddies," exploring how mutual support can help navigate the complexities of chronic illness. If you're considering starting a mask bloc on your own, Corey and Katrina share their lessons learned and offer advice and resources to help you get started. Don't miss this conversation about compassion and the power of collective community care. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share for more episodes. And if you're feeling extra generous, leave a review. Your support helps me keep bringing you episodes. Resources mentioned in this episode: How to Start a Mask Bloc, a collaborative zine by Fight COVID NOLA, Mask Up Pittsburgh, Mask Bloc ATX, World Wide Mask Map, Masks for London, Mask Block UCD, Mask Bloc LA, and Charlotte Mask Bloc, found at Worldwide Mask Bloc Directory – Find your local Mask Bloc Covid Safe Colorado's website and Instagram Care Work: Dreaming Disability Justice by Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha Katrina's podcast, Dreaming Back to the Earth Don't forget to check out the podcast's playlist. Each guest is asked to share their long covid theme song: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=7399eb50bf8a4a9d

Season 1 Episode 17 In this final episode of the podcast for season 1, I got to chat with Sophie, the founder and Creative Director of Berlin Buyers Club. From their website: "Berlin Buyers Club was born in March 2023 with three goals: 1. To spread awareness of Long Covid and adjacent diseases in a way that is relatable and accessible to younger people, as well as anyone else who feels drawn to the vibe. 2. To encourage people to get involved in advocating for Long Covid & ME/CFS research, treatments, preventatives, and cures. 3. To offer a safe space for people with Long Covid, ME/CFS, and PSSD and their allies. If you can relate to any of this, if you'd like to help us spread the message, if you're interested in normalizing discussion about Long Covid and the need for treatments and preventatives, if you want clean air... Then you're a part of the Club too! Welcome." Sophie and I discussed her experience with long covid, how she came to start BBC, how it has impacted her, and yes, we talk about how cool it was to see Violet Affleck wearing some of the Berlin Buyer's Club merch! We talk about what healthcare has looked for each of us in our respective countries of residence, ways to channel our anger, and advocacy efforts. I hope you'll tune in! Hit subscribe and leave us a rating to let us know what you think! We're here for you, friends. And thanks again to Sophie for joining me! Be sure to follow me on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/afriendforthelonghaul⁠ for updates and unhinged content. My website is: ⁠https://sites.google.com/view/friendforthelonghaul⁠ Sophie's Instagram is: https://www.instagram.com/sophsoph.psd/ And the Insta for Berlin Buyer's Club is: https://www.instagram.com/berlin_buyers_club/ Don't forget to check out the pod playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=c5c70f678a7d4d4d

Season 1 Episode 16: Damn it, Amy! Join me as I chat with Amy, a writer, social worker, long covid & ME/CFS advocate, and the brilliant mind behind The Tonic (https://amythetonic.substack.com/) – a refreshing blend of wellness resources and stories for those battling chronic illness. In this episode, we discuss: How to break free from the achievement trap and find validation on your terms. Amy's personal journey with long covid, including her fight for long-term disability. The inspiring story behind The Tonic, and how it injects laughter and hope into chronic illness journeys. Whether you're a long hauler yourself, or supporting someone who is, this episode is for you. #LongCovid #Hope #ChronicIllness #TheTonic P.S. Looking for more resources on long covid and ME/CFS? Check out Amy's blog, The Tonic! Mentioned in this episode: Amy's HealthRising piece on Long Covid and Disability: https://www.healthrising.org/blog/2023/03/02/my-long-covid-disability-journey/ Pain Free You on YouTube with Dan Buglio: https://www.youtube.com/@PainFreeYou Amy Hamilton at Core Connections Counseling: https://www.coreconnectionscounselling.com/ Hit subscribe and leave us a rating to let us know what you think! We're here for you, friends. And thanks again to Dr. Laurie Nadel for joining me! Be sure to follow me on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/afriendforthelonghaul⁠ for updates and unhinged content. My website is: ⁠https://sites.google.com/view/friendforthelonghaul⁠ Don't forget to check out the pod playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=c5c70f678a7d4d4d

Episode 15: The Five Gifts - Discovering Hope, Healing and Strength When Disaster Strikes This week on A Friend for the Long Haul, I welcome a fellow traveler on the path of chronic illness! Dr. Laurie Nadel, a renowned journalist and therapist, joins us to share her incredible journey. Dr. Nadel has battled chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and COPD, and understands the physical and emotional toll of long-term illness. We'll delve into her amazing career, her own struggles with chronic illness, trauma, and loss - and her dedication to helping Long Haulers. Some history from Dr. Nadel's website that I think you'll just eat up: "After an internship with the London Daily Mirror, she worked at Reuters Television in London where she became the first woman news writer. Returning to New York, she became the first woman news writer-producer at ABC News, working with correspondents and cameramen around the world. A member of the Writers Guild of America, Nadel produced news about the Vietnam war and the anti-war movement, Watergate and the Nixon-McGovern presidential election when President Nixon won a second term." "In 1988, after a long battle with chronic fatigue syndrome, Nadel was laid off while she was medically disabled. As she started to improve with the help of meditation, hypnotherapy and Chinese medicine, she rebooted her journalism career by writing for airline magazines and Men’s Fitness. Around this time, she returned to graduate school to earn two doctorates in psychology and clinical hypnotherapy. These credentials opened the way for her to focus on behavioral health topics and led to her writing several psychology books." In this episode, you'll learn: How Dr. Nadel's experience with CFS shaped her work as a therapist. Her unique approach to healing, incorporating elements of psychology, hypnotherapy, and indigenous wisdom. The "Five Gifts" from her book, explained as they relate to Long Haulers (she's committed to offering long-term support for women who endure permanent chronic health difficulties since the first wave of COVID in 2020. With Dr. Noah Greenspan’s Pulmonary Wellness Foundation, she helped launch the longest ongoing support program for Long Covid patients. Practical tools and strategies for building resilience and finding hope amidst chronic illness Dr. Laurie also takes us through some ways to trust our bodies and our guts in an effort to find our inner wisdom and inner healer, and shares some of her favorite meditation techniques. Whether you're a Long Hauler, someone with ME/CFS, or facing any chronic health battle, this episode is a beacon of strength and support. Don't miss Dr. Laurie Nadel's inspiring story and advice! P.S. Check out Dr. Laurie Nadel's book, "The Five Gifts," for an "emergency Go-Kit" for your heart and mind. You can find it on Amazon here but she's also written 7 other books! You can find Dr. Laurie's website at: https://www.laurienadel.com/ On the Services page, you can find a video meditation journey she speaks of in this episode: https://www.laurienadel.com/services-events.html Dr. Laurie's Reiki and energy healing for animals and their human companions page is: https://animalreikiplanet.com/ Find out more about the Pulmonary Wellness Foundation here (btw, this isn't an ad, they're just good folks!) This episode also has a special message from Lior Ocean, my friend and guest from episode 5, who is looking to expand their services to long haulers by offering a sliding scale and even free sessions. Hit subscribe and leave us a rating to let us know what you think! We're here for you, friends. And thanks again to Dr. Laurie Nadel for joining me! Be sure to follow me on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/afriendforthelonghaul⁠ for updates and unhinged content. My website is: ⁠https://sites.google.com/view/friendforthelonghaul⁠ Don't forget to check out the pod playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K

Episode 14: I Got Bit by the Zombie and I'm not Telling You This week's episode of A Friend for the Long Haul - a Podcast for Long Covid Friends features Jacob. Listening to the very beginning, I realized that I refer to Jacob as "him." Their pronouns are they/them, and I'd like to acknowledge that and apologize for making assumptions. YOU KNOW WHAT YOU DO WHEN YOU ASSUME. I'm just gonna add a list of where you can find them now, because they are lovely and I am an old lady and if my three sons grow up with even half of Jacob's empathy and ability to show compassion to others as well as himself I will have done a good a pretty fine job. They've actually made it really easy: https://jacjack.carrd.co/ has all platforms linked and I'm probably about to copy them. You'll see their content first on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@midwestsidegunn I started following Jacob when a few of their videos started making the rounds in the long covid community. Jacob does not have long covid, but received a zine from a friend who does and that zine started making them think about how messed up it sounds. They started learning (imagine, a person not affected by your condition starting to listen and learn about it to protect themself and to protect their community!) and then started becoming more vocal about being covid conscious on social media. In this episode, we discuss: what led them to becoming more vocal about covid their pandemic experience integrity in the chronic illness and disability space tone policing and being Black in the covid conscious community the intersection of covid justice/activism & disability justice with all of the other major sociopolitical things happening right now (Palestine, Sudan, Congo, etc) Disco and the importance of Donna Summer and so much more <3 In addition, Jacob made us a disco playlist that I've been bopping around to for about a week and you'll love it. Links below: Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/playlist/disco-innit/pl.u-JPAZZK2IX0ygP4 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0efn9oT1r09C72k7j0yoog?si=854d1adbb0214201 THAT'S RIGHT JACOB IS SO CONSIDERATE THEY TOOK THE TIME TO MAKE THE PLAYLIST ON TWO PLATFORMS BECAUSE YOU MIGHT HAVE PREFERENCES AND THEY UNDERSTAND THAT Hit subscribe and leave us a rating to let us know what you think! We're here for you, friends. Be sure to follow me on Instagram at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/afriendforthelonghaul⁠ for updates and unhinged content. My website is: ⁠https://sites.google.com/view/friendforthelonghaul⁠ Don't forget to check out the pod playlist on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K