Invisible illnesses – illnesses with no outwardly visible signs or symptoms – can be a frustrating and discouraging experience when it comes to navigating healthcare as a patient. Between short appointments, appearing outwardly healthy, and ever-changing health insurance for those in the job market, many people have difficulty managing chronic illnesses. What are some ways we can better manage a chronic or invisible illness? We talk with Meghan O'Rourke, author of The Invisible Kingdom: Reimagining Chronic Illness, about the complexities of dealing with a chronic illness, the importance of morals in healthcare, how those of us with illnesses can better advocate for ourselves in the doctor's office, and how doctors can make space for diverse patient experiences with invisible illnesses. For more information on O'Rourke's book, visit https://meghanorourke.com.

When it comes to climate change, anxiety is a common feeling among many of today’s youth. From fires to air quality, to hurricanes and floods, exposure to diseases, and more, the rising concentration of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere profoundly impacts children’s health today. So, what can we do to support our kids? We talk with Aaron Bernstein, MD, MPH, Interim Director of The Center for Climate, Health, and the Global Environment at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, a pediatrician at Boston Children’s Hospital, and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Bernstein shares with us what makes children uniquely vulnerable to climate change, identifies action steps communities should take to better the environment for our children, and, most importantly, how the solution to despair – is action.

Few people know the importance of finding your voice when you have heart failure better than Rhonda Monroe, who held a press conference from her hospital bed when she knew she needed better treatment - then went on to found her own advocacy organization. Joining her is Massachusetts General Hospital's James L. Januzzi, MD, who will touch on the challenges that come with heart failure, how to build strong relationships with your care team and the many ways that advocacy can lead to better care.  

What's it like to be a person of color with heart failure? James Young will discuss how his community and lifestyle played into his condition -- and how he got his health back on track. Michelle M. Kittleson, MD, PhD, from the Smidt Heart Institute at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center will address the need for greater awareness among underserved communities to boost prevention and early detection.

Ingrid Tablazon, a young medical student living with plaque psoriasis, joins us to talk about her journey -- from discovering itchy spots on her scalp at age 9 to what it takes to find the right doctor. She'll also touch on how to be an advocate for yourself throughout the treatment process. Then we'll hear from Steven R. Feldman, MD, PhD, a dermatology professor at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He'll share some common clues that a skin condition is really psoriasis and give advice on how to talk to your doctor if you think you might have it.

For more and more of us, the impacts of climate change got real in 2022 – from wildfires, to floods, to hurricanes and deadly heat waves. As we enter 2023, what actions can we take – in our own lives and communities – to tackle this global crisis? We talk to Ann-Christine Duhaime, MD, pediatric neurosurgeon and author of Minding the Climate: How Neuroscience Can Help Solve Our Environmental Crisis, about the changes we can make to have the biggest impact.

With the holidays being a time of celebration and cheer, it can often be difficult when our emotions don’t match. Why do so many of us – during a joyful time – tend to deal with feelings of sadness? And how do we manage those tough emotions? We sit down with clinical psychologist Seth J. Gillihan, PhD, to talk about managing seasonal expectations, understanding our vulnerabilities, and ways to find gratitude during difficult moments.

The journey to a multiple myeloma diagnosis can be a long one. That’s especially true for people of color, who are often diagnosed late in the course of the disease. Why does this happen? What can we do about it? We talk to Robert Brooks, who’s working to raise awareness of multiple myeloma after his own diagnosis. And we’ll hear from hematologist Craig Emmitt Cole, MD, about how we can improve diagnoses of -- and raise awareness about -- the condition among people of color. 

The U.S. has a huge problem with opioid use and addiction among inmates. We also have some of the highest crime recidivism  – or reoffence – rates in the world. We asked Brendan Saloner, PhD, associate professor of Addiction and Overdose at John Hopkins, to talk about how those two things are related. He also discusses the culture of incarceration, opioid use disorder, and comprehensive reentry support upon release from jail or prison.

This rare form of blood cancer causes plasma cells in your bone marrow to grow out of control. Kate H., who was diagnosed after a routine blood test, gives us insight into what it’s really like to live with this condition. Then Joseph Mikhael, MD, chief medical officer for the International Myeloma Foundation, joins us to talk about the cutting edge of multiple myeloma research and how well current treatments work.