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The Invisible Condition Podcast
Ending the stigma of invisible disabilities, chronic illnesses, and non-apparent conditions, one story at a time.
At Invisible Condition, we elevate voices, educate workplaces, and encourage curiosity. This podcast is for individuals living with invisible conditions and the leaders responsible for creating disability-inclusive spaces.
It's up to us to break the barriers of fear and judgment. Hear from real people, living with non-apparent conditions, on how we can end the stigma and create inclusive workplaces.
Join host Tim Reitsma, who lives with Crohn’s Disease, arthritis, and anxiety, as he invites guests to share their stories publicly. Together, we’ll tackle the stigmas of shame, fear, and the notion of “being different” – when we are all normal.
Topics covered include:
- Strategies for effective self-advocacy and securing the accommodations you need.
- Insights into disability inclusion practices that make workplaces more equitable.
- Breaking down stigmas surrounding chronic illnesses, neurodiverse conditions, and non-apparent disabilities.
- Understanding and advocating for invisible disabilities in the workplace.
- Addressing mental illness and creating a culture of support.
Invisible Condition Defined: A non-apparent illness or condition, whether physical or mental, that isn’t visible from the outside. This includes autoimmune disorders, mental illness, neurodiverse conditions (like ADHD or Autism), chronic illnesses, cancers, trauma, and brain injuries.
By sharing openly and vulnerably, we empower each other to eliminate stigma and build understanding.
Episodes
48 episodes
Creating a Disability Inclusive World: Conversation with Tiffany Yu, Author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto
"I kept getting the question, ‘How can we show up better for the disability community?’ And depending on who you are, the answer is different. That’s why I wrote a book about it. I hope this book can contribute to the conversation, not just abo...
Kait Redefines Balance: Living with Miserable Malalignment Syndrome
What does it take to keep going when your health impacts everything, from work to hobbies to simply getting through the day? Kait shares her journey with Miserable Malalignment Syndrome, a rare condition that’s led to years of chronic pa...
Balancing Life, Work, and Caregiving: A Personal Reflection - Journal Entry No. 10
“Being a caregiver isn’t easy. Please give yourself grace, be patient with yourself, and reach out for support. You don’t have to do it alone.”SummaryIn this heartfelt journal entry, Tim Reitsma (me), founder of InvisibleCondi...
Finding a Way Forward: Navigating Stuckness and the Journey of Acceptance - Deanna deBara
What if the challenges of living with autoimmune conditions could actually lead to personal growth and strength? That’s the journey Deanna deBara shares in this conversation. Living with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and rheumatoid arthritis, Deanna ...
A Case of the What Ifs - Journal Entry No. 9
SummaryI don't write things in a journal, I record them and sometimes I publish them... They are random thoughts, often unedited and sometimes make sense (to me).In this journal entry, I (Tim) explore the concept of 'what ...
Crohn’s Disease, Leadership, and Breaking Stigma - Ted Fleming, Founder of Partake Brewing
Imagine being diagnosed with a chronic condition that changes your entire life—and instead of letting it hold you back, you use it as fuel to build a successful company. That’s exactly what Ted Fleming did. As the founder of Partake Brewing, Te...
From Pain to Purpose: Lyme Disease, Self-Advocacy, and Finding your Voice - Kenzie Vath
Summary:Imagine struggling with your health for over a decade, visiting doctor after doctor, only to be dismissed as dramatic or told that it’s all in your head. That was Kenzie Vath’s reality before she finally received a diagnos...
Finding Moments of Joy - Journal Entry No. 8
In this episode of the Invisible Condition podcast, I share my personal journey of balancing life with a chronic illness, managing stress, and pursuing education. Reflecting on the challenges of health and academic demands, I emphasize the impo...
Disclose Barriers, Provide Solutions: How to Empower Employees and Employers - Nate Toevs
Summary:In this episode of The Invisible Condition Podcast, Nate Toves from Neil Squire discusses the critical role of workplace inclusivity for individuals with disabilities. He emphasizes the importance of disclosing barriers, r...
I Can Finally Burp: Living with No-Burp Syndrome - Henry’s Story
Imagine going through life without the ability to burp. You might think it’s no big deal but did you know, on average, we burp 10-20 times a day to release the air we take in?In this episode, Henry shares his life with no-burp syndrome, ...
How to Find Answers About Your Health Condition - Jess Dove London
Imagine travelling halfway across the globe to learn about a treatment that would benefit your child. Endless research, countless unanswered questions, and the frustration of feeling like you're the only one fighting for solutions. How do you k...
What is Effective Self-Advocacy: Reflections and Actions - Journal Entry No. 7
What advice would you offer someone who is struggling to advocate for themself?What does it truly mean to advocate for yourself, and why is it often such a challenging journey? Living with Crohn's and arthritis has taught m...
Invisible Disabilities in the Workplace: Trust, Inclusion and Advocacy - Debbie Pearmain
Have you ever wondered how to successfully navigate the workplace with an invisible disability? Join us as we chat with Debbie Pearmain, an HR expert and leadership development coach, who shares her invaluable insights on self-advocacy and buil...
When Doctors Don’t Believe You: Living with Endometriosis - Katie Donlevie
What happens when the medical system fails to acknowledge your pain, and how do you find the strength to keep advocating for yourself? This episode promises an intimate and powerful conversation with Katie, founder of Revive and Thrive Coaching...
Self-Advocacy, Colonoscopy Results, and Manic Muffins - Journal Entry No. 6
Hey, it's Tim! Just wanted to share a bit about my recent adventures with Crohn's disease. So, I had a scope done recently and, surprise! Mild inflammation in multiple spots. Yeah, it's a bit frustrating, but I'm choosing to stay hopeful. After...
Migraines and Concussions: Advocating for Diagnosis and Treatment - Dr. Briar Sexton
Can chronic migraines and concussions be as debilitating as severe strokes or daily dialysis? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Briar Sexton, a dedicated physician from British Columbia, to dive into the profound impact these invisible condi...
Seizures, Surgeries and Living Authentically: Talking About Epilepsy - Jonathan Tuteur
You have your first few seizures and people tell you not to share your diagnosis of epilepsy because they are afraid for you. Afraid of the potential shame and discrimination you will face. While this is well-intentioned, you do the opposite.
How to Talk About Suicide Openly and Compassionately - Tara Adams
When was the last time you had a conversation with your colleagues, friends or family about suicide awareness and prevention? Today’s episode has a content warning as my guest and I talk about a complex and serious topic - Suicide awarene...
Living with Long COVID: Diagnosis, Hope, and Acceptance: Ally
In this episode, I'm joined by Ally, who shares her firsthand experience with long COVID. Since her diagnosis, Ally has faced numerous challenges, from persistent symptoms that just won’t go away to major life changes that have reshaped her dai...
Different Not Less: Living with Autism - Lindsay Malkinson
Have you ever felt like the world just doesn't see you for who you truly are? In this episode, Lindsay shares her experience living with autism. Lindsay explains how she navigated the challenges of being misunderstood and misdiagno...
Concussions, Lyme Disease, and Building a Global Impact Company - Manpreet Dhillon
Are you someone who turns your toughest challenges into a force for positive change, not just for yourself but for others too? How do you find the strength to advocate for yourself and a more inclusive world, even when facing your invisible str...
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Redefining Strengths: Thinking Differently with Dyslexia - Nick Koshnick
Nick Koschnik, a physicist and business founder didn't let dyslexia hold him back. Instead, he turned it into his strength, creating StoriedWork.com to help others communicate their thoughts and ideas....
Choosing Me: From Diagnosis to Advocate - Sydney Elaine Butler
When Sydney Elaine Butler speaks, you can't help but be drawn into the raw and transformative power of their voice. As the founder of Accessible Creates, Sydney lives with autism, CPTSD, and fibromyalgia. Their conditions are not just a backdro...
The Root Cause of Anxiety: Hurry up and Slow Down - Dr. Natasha Gosh
When the world demands high-speed living, can taking a moment to slow down help us speed up? Is there a root cause of anxiety and if so, what does that look like? Dr. Natasha Ghosh, a clinical counsellor, shares how the pressures o...
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Navigating Grief and loss - Deanne Rhynard
Grief is a journey that many of us face, making us feel alone even though it's a common experience. This week, Deanne shares her deeply personal story of dealing with major losses: the death of her aunt, a miscarriage, her child's hospital stay...
