Long Covid Podcast

Join Dr. Henry Mahncke, a neuroscientist and brain training pioneer, alongside Dr. Gitendra Uswatte, a rehabilitation psychologist, as they unveil transformative strategies for combating Long Covid brain fog. They discuss the brain's remarkable plasticity and its potential to recover cognitive functions through targeted training. Learn how their innovative approach blends cognitive exercises with real-world tasks, leading an impressive 80% of participants back to work. This discussion challenges misconceptions about brain health and emphasizes its crucial link to overall well-being.

In this episode, Jackie is joined by Theresa Aristarco who shares her Long Covid recovery story. Theresa's journey from an active software engineer to battling long-haul COVIDNavigating complex medical challenges and invisible symptomsThe critical role of mental health in recoveryOvercoming vestibular issues and physical limitationsFinding hope and healing through physical therapy, medication, and supportEpisode Themes:Long COVID recoveryMental health and healingThe importance of community and vulnerabilityNon-linear recovery processMemorable Quotes:"I was never going to get better alone""Progress isn't linear, recovery isn't linear""I'm only recently starting to say I'm not sick anymore"Links:Theresa's website: theresaaristarco.comLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/theresaaristarcoSubstack: theresaaristarco.substack.comMessage the podcast! - questions will be answered on my youtube channel :) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herePodcast, website & blog: www.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook @LongCovidPodcastInstagram Twitter @LongCovidPodFacebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listPlease get in touch with feedback, suggestions or how you're doing - I love to hear from you, via socials or LongCovidPodcast@gmail.com**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Karen Wright from Sage Health and Wellness shares her powerful recovery story from Long COVID, offering hope and practical wisdom for those still struggling with chronic illness.• Karen was a busy NHS physiotherapist involved in developing Long COVID services before becoming ill herself in autumn 2021• Her severe case left her unable to speak at times, care for her children, or maintain basic daily activities• Understanding and accepting true rest became fundamental to her recovery journey• Finding her energy baseline through careful observation of triggers like food, light sensitivity and conversation was crucial• Small, consistent actions over time led to gradual improvement including nutrition changes and gentle movement• An unexpected thyroid cancer diagnosis revealed how some of her persistent symptoms may have been related to cancer rather than Long COVID• Karen's recovery insights led her to launch Sage Health and Wellness to support others through education programs• Self-acceptance emerges as a core message: "You're valuable as you are, whatever your productivity looks like" Links:Connect with Karen at Sage Health & Wellness: www.sagehealthandwellness.co.ukMessage the podcast! - questions will be answered on my youtube channel :) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herePodcast, website & blog: www.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook @LongCovidPodcastInstagram Twitter @LongCovidPodFacebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listPlease get in touch with feedback, suggestions or how you're doing - I love to hear from you, via socials or LongCovidPodcast@gmail.com**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Dr. David Putrino shares his expertise on Long Covid, approaching it through the lens of comprehensive rehabilitation and personalized medicine rather than one-size-fits-all treatments. He explains how identifying the specific drivers behind common symptoms leads to more effective intervention strategies.• Rehabilitation medicine encompasses far more than exercise recovery, including energy conservation strategies, mobility aids, and psychological support• Different symptoms like fatigue can have various causes (sleep disruption, autonomic dysfunction) requiring distinct treatment approaches• Techniques used for elite athletes to optimize mitochondrial function may benefit Long Covid patients through similar biological pathways• Stabilizing symptoms through pacing apps and basic interventions creates a foundation for more targeted treatments• Gender differences in Long Covid prevalence (65-70% women) may relate to protective effects of testosterone• Treatments must be personalized based on precise understanding of underlying mechanisms rather than symptom categories alone• Research is uncovering multiple drivers including persistent pathogens, autoimmunity, reactivated infections, and DysautonomiaFor those experiencing Long Covid symptoms, finding clinicians who understand these complex mechanisms and can identify your specific drivers is critical to receiving effective treatment.Links: https://icahn.mssm.edu/research/cohenhttps://longcovid.physio/https://www.youtube.com/@CoRESinaiMessage the podcast! - questions will be answered on my youtube channel :) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herePodcast, website & blog: www.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook @LongCovidPodcastInstagram Twitter @LongCovidPodFacebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listPlease get in touch with feedback, suggestions or how you're doing - I love to hear from you, via socials or LongCovidPodcast@gmail.com**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Jules Rogers returns to the podcast to discuss the essential role of boundaries in chronic illness recovery and everyday wellbeing, sharing how learning to protect our energy can be transformative.• Boundaries are conscious protections we put in place to maintain our energy and ensure we're not giving beyond what feels right• Different types include physical, emotional, material, mental, and time boundaries• Setting boundaries becomes crucial when dealing with chronic illness as a way to preserve energy for healing• The biggest barriers to maintaining boundaries are guilt, discomfort, and the belief that putting yourself first is selfish• Jules created a powerful recovery mantra: "Is this going to help me heal?" as a guiding decision-making tool• Even small boundaries can be beneficial - consistency matters more than size• Boundaries naturally evolve throughout recovery and life as our needs and capacities change• Starting with boundaries around the most energy-depleting activities provides the greatest benefit• Learning to say no without over-explaining ("That doesn't work for me") can be more effective• The skill of setting boundaries learned during illness becomes a valuable tool for living well after recoveryJules' blog on boundaries: https://www.julesrogerslifecoach.com/post/10-boundaries-i-ve-put-in-place-so-i-can-live-a-balanced-healthy-and-joyful-lifeJules recovery story: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1835170/episodes/15344396Message the podcast! - questions will be answered on my youtube channel :) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herePodcast, website & blog: www.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook @LongCovidPodcastInstagram Twitter @LongCovidPodFacebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listPlease get in touch with feedback, suggestions or how you're doing - I love to hear from you, via socials or LongCovidPodcast@gmail.com**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Dr. David Clarke shares his 40-year journey as a medical consultant specializing in neuroplastic conditions—real physical symptoms generated by the brain in response to stress, trauma, or emotional challenges. He explains how these conditions affect 20% of adults and 40% of doctor visits, yet remain frequently misdiagnosed despite being highly treatable.• Neuroplastic symptoms are physical manifestations created by the brain in response to stress or trauma• These conditions affect strong individuals carrying burdens they've normalized, not "weak" or "neurotic" people• Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can create lasting impacts through stressful personality traits, triggers, and unrecognized emotions• Brain circuits physically change with chronic stress and can change back with appropriate treatment• The brain creates all sensations—even with physical injuries, pain signals originate in the brain• Long Covid and similar conditions may involve neuroplastic mechanisms that maintain symptoms after initial triggers• Recovery includes reframing self-perception from weakness to strength, setting boundaries, and processing emotions• Transformation extends beyond symptom relief to improved relationships and becoming "who you were meant to be"Visit Symptomatic Me to take a 12-item questionnaire assessing for neuroplastic symptoms, and check out "The Story Behind the Symptoms" podcast where Dr. Clarke interviews patients about their recovery journeys.Symptomatic.MeMessage the podcast! - questions will be answered on my youtube channel :) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herePodcast, website & blog: www.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook @LongCovidPodcastInstagram Twitter @LongCovidPodFacebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listPlease get in touch with feedback, suggestions or how you're doing - I love to hear from you, via socials or LongCovidPodcast@gmail.com**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Alishia shares her powerful Long Covid recovery journey—from a highly active farm worker to being couch-bound for over a year, and ultimately back to health through finding safety in her body.• Worked long weeks in manual farm labour & enjoyed being active before catching Covid in 2020• Experienced extreme anxiety, heart palpitations, shortness of breath after first infection• Second COVID infection in 2021 led to complete debilitation with 15+ symptoms• Functional medicine doctors provided multiple diagnoses & supplement protocols without improvement• Discovered mind-body work through Dan Buglio and Dr. Sarno• Somatic tracking meditation, self-Reiki, creating feelings of safety helped• Learned to set boundaries, let go of perfectionism, & practice self-compassion• Gradually reintroduced short walks & yoga sessions, surrounding them with joy• Session with coach Rob Ensor helped eliminate remaining symptoms• Now works as a mind-body coach & works part-time in farming• Maintains balance between activity & rest, continuing to practice boundaries & self-careIf you're struggling with Long Covid or ME/CFS, remember that wherever you are in this moment, you are completely lovable right now—your worth isn't tied to your productivity or ability to function.Links: Alisha website Dan Buglio - 24 ways to feel safeRob EnsorMessage the podcast! - questions will be answered on my youtube channel :) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herePodcast, website & blog: www.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook @LongCovidPodcastInstagram Twitter @LongCovidPodFacebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listPlease get in touch with feedback, suggestions or how you're doing - I love to hear from you, via socials or LongCovidPodcast@gmail.com**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Rachel Rock shares her powerful Long Covid recovery story, detailing her journey from initial illness to healing through understanding and supporting her autonomic nervous system.• Contracted COVID in May 2022 & developed long COVID whilst attempting to train for a cycling event• Discovered she was experiencing Dysautonomia & significant blood pressure regulation issues• Used tracking tools including Welltory app to gather data about HRV & autonomic nervous system function• Built recovery on four pillars: autonomic nervous system regulation, functional medicine, dietary changes & trauma processing• Worked with practitioners including Dr. Lydia Knutson who combines chiropractic medicine with energy healing techniques• Addressed previously unresolved childhood trauma through EMDR therapy & made profound connections to physical symptoms• Successfully completed bike ride by consciously downregulating instead of pushing through physical challenges• Learned to recognize bodily signals that indicate nervous system dysregulation• Found community connections with fellow long COVID sufferers around the world through online classes & support groups• Continues daily practices to maintain ANS health even after recoveryLinks:Rachel's websiteRachel's LinkedInLydia Knutson episodeLong Covid Breathing courseWork with JackieEd YongRecovery themes episodeJames Nestor "Breath"Message the podcast! - questions will be answered on my youtube channel :) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herePodcast, website & blog: www.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook @LongCovidPodcastInstagram Twitter @LongCovidPodFacebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listPlease get in touch with feedback, suggestions or how you're doing - I love to hear from you, via socials or LongCovidPodcast@gmail.com**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Karl Robottom shares his remarkable journey from Long Covid symptoms to running marathons, offering hope and practical insights for those still struggling with the condition.• Former PE teacher whose active lifestyle was completely derailed by Long Covid despite having only mild initial Covid symptoms• Experienced breathlessness, severe fatigue, significant weight gain, dysautonomia, and cognitive difficulties that placed him in the bottom 7% nationally on tests• Endured 18 months of inconclusive medical testing before being referred to a Long Covid clinic• Found relief through cold water immersion, beginning with morning swims in a natural seawater pool in Devon• Developed a comprehensive recovery protocol including breathing techniques, yoga nidra, electrolytes, and fasting• Breakthrough came through participating in a clinical trial using Simproof, which he later supplemented with homemade kefir• Gradually returned to exercise through careful listening to his body, eventually completing his first marathon• Now training for a 45-mile challenge around Bristol, marking the complete circle of his recoveryIf you've found hope or inspiration from Karl's story, please consider sharing this episode with someone who might be struggling with Long COVID. Your support helps us reach more people who need to hear these recovery stories.More info & support Karl on the Green Man Ultra Marathon Bristol - 45 miles - week beginning 26/5/25:https://www.justgiving.com/page/k-robottom-1717842870657?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CLMessage the podcast! - questions will be answered on my youtube channel :) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herePodcast, website & blog: www.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook @LongCovidPodcastInstagram Twitter @LongCovidPodFacebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listPlease get in touch with feedback, suggestions or how you're doing - I love to hear from you, via socials or LongCovidPodcast@gmail.com**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**

Cold water immersion - friend or foe?One of the things that helped Jackie the most in her recovery - cold water immersion - and one of the most commonly asked questions from listeners.But it doesn't work well for everyone. In this episode, Jackie dives into the science behind the power of cold water, as well as discussing her own expertise and her own journey - why did it work for her? And how could you make it work for you?As always - this isn't medical advice - always speak to a trusted medical professional before considering cold water, or indeed any new treatment.Links:Join breathing courses: www.LongCovidBreathing.comWork with me options: https://www.longcovidpodcast.com/workwithmeMy Insight Timer profile (free): www.Insightttimer.com/longcovidpod Message the podcast! - questions will be answered on my youtube channel :) For more information about Long Covid Breathing courses & workshops, please check out LongCovidBreathing.com (music credit - Brock Hewitt, Rule of Life) Support the show~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The Long Covid Podcast is self-produced & self funded. If you enjoy what you hear and are able to, please Buy me a coffee or purchase a mug to help cover costsTranscripts available on individual episodes herePodcast, website & blog: www.LongCovidPodcast.comFacebook @LongCovidPodcastInstagram Twitter @LongCovidPodFacebook Creativity GroupSubscribe to mailing listPlease get in touch with feedback, suggestions or how you're doing - I love to hear from you, via socials or LongCovidPodcast@gmail.com**Disclaimer - you should not rely on any medical information contained in this Podcast and related materials in making medical, health-related or other decisions. Please consult a doctor or other health professional**