Living Chronic: Ability At Work

Brandy Schantz

Welcome to Living Chronic: Ability at Work, the podcast where disability meets the future of work. Hosted by Brandy Schantz—a disabled veteran, workplace accommodation expert, workforce development leader, and author—this podcast challenges the way we think about disability in the workplace. Through honest conversations, expert insights, and lived experience, we explore what it really takes to build workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Each episode tackles the issues shaping today's workforce: disability inclusion, reasonable accommodations, AI and the future of work, chronic illness, veterans in the workplace, mental health, leadership, public policy, and the systems that help, or hinder, people with disabilities from reaching their full potential. You'll hear from HR leaders, policymakers, researchers, medical experts, business executives, advocates, and people living with disabilities who are redefining what work can look like. Whether you're an employer trying to create a more inclusive organization, an HR professional navigating complex accommodation decisions, a policymaker shaping the future of work, or someone living with a disability or chronic illness, this podcast offers practical strategies, thoughtful conversations, and a fresh perspective on one of the largest untapped talent pools in today's workforce. Because disability isn't a barrier to talent, barriers are built into the systems around it. Together, we can dismantle those barriers, build belonging, and create workplaces where ability is recognized, supported, and valued. Living Chronic: Ability at Work—changing the conversation about disability, one workplace at a time.

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  1. Episode 1

    Invisible Illness: A Deep Dive into Women's Health

    Send us Fan Mail In this conversation, Brandy Schantz and Emily Ann Mendenhall discuss the complexities of invisible illnesses, particularly in women's health. They explore the intersection of trauma and chronic illness, the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, and the biases that often affect patient care. Mendenhall shares insights from her research and her book, 'Invisible Illness,' emphasizing the need for comprehensive care models and greater empathy in medical practice. The discussion highlights the historical context of women's health issues and the importance of understanding the unique experiences of patients with invisible illnesses. Support the show

  2. Episode 2

    Unlocking Long COVID: Insights from Dr. Norman Gaylis

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Living Chronic, host Brandy Schantz speaks with Dr. Norman Gaylis, a board-certified rheumatologist who has become an expert in long COVID. Dr. Gaylis shares his serendipitous journey into researching long COVID, which began during the COVID pandemic when he was involved in developing a monoclonal antibody for patients suffering from post-COVID symptoms. He discusses the complexities of long COVID, including symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, and joint pain, and highlights the role of autonomic dysfunction in these patients. Through clinical research, Dr. Gaylis discovered significant dysautonomia in long COVID patients, leading to a better understanding of their symptoms and potential treatment options. Support the show

  3. Episode 3

    Living with Dysautonomia and Understanding Long COVID

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of "Living Chronic," Brandy Schantz delves into her personal journey with dysautonomia, shedding light on the latest research, treatment options, and systemic challenges faced by patients. She talks about Long Covid and related dysautonomia and how to navigate the healthcare system and treatment options. The discussion covers the biological basis of autonomic nervous system dysfunction, treatment strategies, and the importance of diagnosis and validation. Brandy also addresses the impact of workplace policies, the need for flexible accommodations, and offers advocacy tips for patients. This episode is a beacon of hope and validation for those dealing with post-viral autonomic issues. Support the show

See All Season 5 (3)

About

Welcome to Living Chronic: Ability at Work, the podcast where disability meets the future of work. Hosted by Brandy Schantz—a disabled veteran, workplace accommodation expert, workforce development leader, and author—this podcast challenges the way we think about disability in the workplace. Through honest conversations, expert insights, and lived experience, we explore what it really takes to build workplaces where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Each episode tackles the issues shaping today's workforce: disability inclusion, reasonable accommodations, AI and the future of work, chronic illness, veterans in the workplace, mental health, leadership, public policy, and the systems that help, or hinder, people with disabilities from reaching their full potential. You'll hear from HR leaders, policymakers, researchers, medical experts, business executives, advocates, and people living with disabilities who are redefining what work can look like. Whether you're an employer trying to create a more inclusive organization, an HR professional navigating complex accommodation decisions, a policymaker shaping the future of work, or someone living with a disability or chronic illness, this podcast offers practical strategies, thoughtful conversations, and a fresh perspective on one of the largest untapped talent pools in today's workforce. Because disability isn't a barrier to talent, barriers are built into the systems around it. Together, we can dismantle those barriers, build belonging, and create workplaces where ability is recognized, supported, and valued. Living Chronic: Ability at Work—changing the conversation about disability, one workplace at a time.

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