Living Chronic
Welcome to the Living Chronic Podcast, where we have real, raw, and honest conversations about life with chronic illness and disability. Hosted by Brandy Schantz, a disabled veteran and chronic illness advocate, this podcast explores the realities of navigating work, healthcare, and everyday life while managing a disability or chronic condition.
Each episode features insightful discussions with medical professionals, disability advocates, and individuals sharing their personal journeys. We tackle topics such as workplace accommodations, navigating the healthcare system, mental health, and breaking down societal barriers that often hold disabled individuals back.
Whether you're living with a chronic condition, supporting a loved one, or looking to create a more inclusive world, Living Chronic is here to provide knowledge, inspiration, and a sense of community.
Join us as we change the conversation around chronic illness—because thriving with a disability is not only possible but powerful.
Subscribe now and be part of the movement!
Episodes
66 episodes
Healing Trauma Through Dual Brain Psychology
In this conversation, Brandy Schantz interviews Dr. Frederick Schiffer, a psychiatrist and author, about his work in dual brain psychology. They discuss the concept of dual brain psychology, which posits that each hemisphere of the brain can su...
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Season 3
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Episode 19
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44:16
Living with Crohn's & Surviving Humira Induced Lupus-Suzy's Journey
In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz speaks with Suzy Burnett, a mother and advocate living with Crohn's disease and drug-induced lupus. They discuss Susie's journey with her illness, the therapeutic power of writing, the impor...
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Season 3
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Episode 18
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33:01
Has Medicine Lost Its Mind?
In this conversation, Brandy Schantz and Dr. Robert C. Smith discuss the ongoing crisis in mental health care, emphasizing the role of primary care physicians in addressing mental health issues. They explore the lack of training in medical educ...
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Season 3
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Episode 17
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52:50
Medication Management in Chronic Disease
In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz and Heather Boughey discuss their challenging experiences with chronic illnesses, particularly Crohn's disease and rheumatoid arthritis. They share personal stories about navigating the complexi...
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Season 3
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Episode 16
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57:38
Surviving the Unsurvivable: Jeremy's Journey
In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz interviews Jeremy Tammone, a veteran who shares his harrowing experience of being shot and the profound impact it has had on his life. Jeremy recounts the night of the incident, his miraculous s...
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Season 3
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Episode 15
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38:55
Finding Purpose Beyond Achievement with Brian Lowery
In this conversation, Brandy Schantz and Professor Brian Lowry explore the intersection of achievement and meaning, particularly in the context of chronic illness and identity. They discuss how personal experiences shape our understanding of se...
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Season 3
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Episode 14
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34:42
Empowering Patients Through Advocacy
In this conversation, Brandy Schantz and Natalie Hayden discuss their advocacy work with the Crohn's Colitis Foundation, sharing personal experiences and the importance of community support. They emphasize the significance of knowledge and educ...
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Season 3
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Episode 13
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39:01
Unlocking the Power of Reflexology
In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz interviews N'Jadika Olatunde, an expert in reflexology and holistic healing. They discuss the significance of reflexology, the role of the nervous system in health, and the connection between gu...
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Season 3
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Episode 12
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49:13
Understanding the Role of Diet in IBD Management
In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz speaks with Ashley Hurst, a registered dietitian specializing in Crohn's and ulcerative colitis. They discuss the importance of nutrition in managing IBD, the emotional challenges faced by patie...
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Season 3
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Episode 11
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48:43
Unraveling Chronic Illness: POTS Awareness, the Gut-Brain Connection, and the Power of Community with Beth Biss
In this conversation, Brandy Schantz and Beth Biss discuss the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, particularly in relation to conditions like POTS and dysautonomia. They explore the role of social media in raising awareness and fac...
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Season 3
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Episode 10
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47:12
Healthcare advocacy and the unpredictability of health with Laura Packard
In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz speaks with Laura Packard, founder of Health Care Voices and a cancer survivor, about the importance of healthcare advocacy. They discuss the challenges faced by patients navigating the healthca...
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Season 3
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Episode 9
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32:18
John Register, US Army Veteran & Paralympic Silver Medalist talks about resilience, inspiration, and living with a disability
In this conversation, Brandy Schantz interviews John Register, a Paralympic silver medalist and motivational speaker, about his journey from a world-class athlete to overcoming the challenges of disability. They discuss the dual nature of inspi...
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Season 3
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Episode 8
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45:27
Keith C. Ellis, PhD, discusses his innovative approach to Long Covid treatment
In this conversation, Brandy Schantz speaks with Dr. Keith Ellis about his research on long COVID, particularly focusing on the microclots hypothesis. They discuss the challenges faced by patients, the lack of clear diagnostic criteria, and the...
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Season 3
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Episode 7
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55:17
Transforming Corporate Culture Through Disability Employment
In this conversation, Brandy Schantz and Dr. Kirk Adams discuss the importance of disability inclusion in the workforce. They explore the untapped potential of individuals with disabilities, the transformative impact of inclusive hiring practic...
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Season 3
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Episode 6
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45:27
Navigating Chronic Illness: A Global Perspective
In this conversation, Brandy Schantz and Anna Knight explore the shared experiences of individuals living with chronic illnesses, emphasizing the global nature of these challenges. They discuss the rise of dysautonomia and the importance of awa...
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Season 3
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Episode 5
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57:58
Advocacy and Support for Patients
In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz speaks with Dr. Tara Palumbo, a seasoned medical professional who now navigates the complexities of healthcare as a patient. They discuss the evolution of healthcare over the past three decades,...
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Season 3
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Episode 4
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50:08
The Hidden Struggles of Disabled Workers
In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz discusses her personal journey with chronic illness and the importance of vocational rehabilitation services. She shares her struggles with Crohn's disease and other health issues, emphasizing t...
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Season 3
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Episode 3
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25:46
The Importance of Rest and Self-Care in Managing Chronic Illness Finding New Ways to Cope: Beyond Alcohol
In this conversation, Brandy Schantz speaks with Emma Polette about her journey with chronic illness and her focus on healing. They discuss the importance of practicing Ahimsa, the philosophy of yoga, and the need for self-compassion. Emma shar...
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Season 3
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Episode 2
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46:33
Season 3 is coming soon
Brandy Schantz shares her journey of living with chronic illness and the challenges she faced in getting a proper diagnosis. After experiencing severe reactions to medication, she was diagnosed with drug-induced lupus and an unknown neurolo...
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Season 3
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Episode 1
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20:06
Interview with Rachel Myers
In this episode, Brandy Schantz interviews Rachel Myers, a breast cancer survivor and coach for women going through the same journey. Rachel shares her personal story of being diagnosed with triple positive breast cancer and undergoing surgery,...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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22:25
Disability in the workplace
In this episode of Living Chronic, Brandy Schantz discusses the challenges faced by disabled individuals in the workforce and the need for better inclusion and support. She highlights the lack of awareness about resources and programs available...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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27:19
Interview with June Heston, Veteran Advocate, Non-Profit Executive, widow of the late Brigadier General Mike Heston
June Heston, a burn pit advocate and the wife of the late Brigadier General Mike Heston, shares her journey and advocacy work for burn pit victims. She discusses the challenges of getting disability claims approved and the lack of support from ...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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38:12
Breast Cancer Survivor, Army Veteran, and Chronic Warrior Stephanie Humphrey
Stephanie Humphrey shares her journey of living with chronic illness, surviving breast cancer, and navigating the VA healthcare system. She discusses the challenges of being diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age and the importance of ea...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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53:24
Interview with Anna Knight
In this conversation, Brandy speaks with Anna, a chronic illness patient and caregiver. They discuss the challenges of being a caregiver while also dealing with their own chronic illnesses. They share their experiences of role reversal, financi...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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40:22
Interview with Dr. Caplan, author of "The doctor-approved Cannabis Handbook"
Dr. Benjamin Caplan discusses the benefits of cannabis in medicine and how it can be used as an alternative to traditional medications. He emphasizes the importance of education and empowerment for patients to make informed decisions about thei...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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38:11