Living Well with Multiple Sclerosis

Overcoming MS

Welcome to Living Well with MS, the podcast from the Overcoming MS charity. In each episode, your host Geoff Allix explores a different aspect of the Overcoming MS Program in greater depth by talking with experts and people with MS about health lifestyle changes. New episodes are published on Wednesdays and feature interviews with scientists, neurologists, fitness specialists, diet experts, stress reduction professionals. The podcast also features inspirational, real-life stories from people with multiple sclerosis following the Overcoming MS program, about the challenges and victories of managing symptoms through lifestyle modification.

  1. 5d ago

    Culture, community and MS with Kebba Jow | S8E26

    In this episode of Living Well with MS -- where we explore topics relating to living a full and healthy life with multiple sclerosis -- we are pleased to welcome Kebba Jow as our guest! Kebba is an author and motivational speaker with MS who uses Overcoming MS pillars to live will. Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio. 00:00 Introduction to Keba Jow's Journey 06:09 Living Well with MS: A New Perspective 07:42 The Overlooked Mental Health Aspect of MS 11:44 Cultural Beliefs and the Struggle with Western Medicine 14:13 The Role of Faith in Overcoming Challenges 17:08 Finding Purpose Through Speaking and Writing 21:19 Facing Life's Challenges with MS 23:29 The Importance of Community Support 26:41 Reaching Out: Overcoming Isolation 27:50 Finding Hope and Positivity 30:04 Advice for the Newly Diagnosed Learn more about Kebba’s work Follow Kebba on TikTok Follow Kebba on Instagram New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

  2. Aug 19

    Webinar Highlights – Medication with Dr Jonny White | S8E25

    In this episode of Living Well with MS -- where we explore topics relating to living a full and healthy life with multiple sclerosis -- we are pleased to welcome Dr Jonny White as our guest! Jonny lives with MS and is an Overcoming MS Facilitator and the charity’s medical advisor. Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio. 01:13 Understanding Steroids and Their Role in MS Relapses 03:55 Disease Modifying Therapies: An Overview 05:51 First Generation DMTs: Interferons and Copaxone 09:49 Second Generation DMTs: Advancements and Efficacy 15:34 High Efficacy DMTs: Tysabri and Beyond 20:15 Emerging Treatments and Their Implications 25:37 Symptom Management: Addressing Fatigue and Spasticity 29:48 The Role of Lifestyle in MS Management 34:45 Future Directions in MS Treatment 36:11 Understanding Myelination and Remyelination 41:11 Exploring the Role of Epstein-Barr Virus in MS 44:02 Navigating Treatment Options and Clinical Trials 51:29 Making Informed Decisions Post-Diagnosis New to Overcoming MS? Visit our introductory page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

  3. Aug 12

    Taboo Symptoms of MS: Bladder, Bowels, and Sexuality with Ciara O’Meara | S8E24

    In this episode of Living Well with MS -- where we explore topics relating to living a full and healthy life with multiple sclerosis -- we are pleased to welcome Ciara O’Meara as our guest! Ciara is a professor of nursing who lives with MS and has research interests in taboo MS symptoms such as bladder and bowel issues and sexual issues related to the condition. Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio. 00:00 Introduction to Ciara O'Meara and Her Journey 03:53 Balancing Professional Life and Personal Well-being 05:50 Addressing Bladder Issues in MS 10:01 Understanding Bowel Symptoms in MS 13:29 Exploring Sexual Health and MS 18:09 Advocacy and Communication in MS Care Follow Ciara on Instagram Connect with Ciara on LinkedIn Learn more about Noreen Barker’s work New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

  4. Jul 29

    Webinar Highlights — Psychological – what it really means to live with MS with Laura Crowder | S8E23

    In this episode of Living Well with MS -- where we explore topics relating to living a full and healthy life with multiple sclerosis -- we are pleased to welcome Laura Crowder as our guest! Laura is a health coach and Overcoming MS facilitator. In this webinar replay she unpacks the psychological impact of an MS diagnosis and practical strategies for improving mental wellbeing.   Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio 01:06 Introduction to Living with MS 01:07 Mental Health Strategies for MS 02:14 Understanding the Psychological Impact of MS 07:15 Navigating Emotions After Diagnosis 11:26 Understanding Multiple Sclerosis 13:05 Mind-Body Connection and Its Importance 20:49 Practical Strategies for Mental Wellbeing 28:41 Community Support and Resources 36:06 Q&A Session and Closing Remarks Check out other episodes featuring Laura New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

  5. Jul 22

    MS diagnosis: how facing fear changed my life with MS | S8E22

    An MS diagnosis can bring fear, uncertainty and difficult questions about the future.  In this episode of Living Well with MS, Geoff Allix speaks with Patrick Bevan, who spent 16 years hiding from his multiple sclerosis diagnosis before embracing a lifestyle approach that transformed how he thinks about living with MS.  Patrick shares how fear, anxiety and denial shaped his decisions for years, why a relapse became the catalyst for change, and how exercise, healthy eating, community and self-compassion helped him regain a sense of control.  They also discuss living with ADHD alongside MS, the challenges of building sustainable habits, and why connecting with others can make such a difference after diagnosis.  Whether you're newly diagnosed with MS or have been living with it for many years, Patrick's honest reflections offer hope, practical encouragement and a reminder that a diagnosis does not define your future.  Keep reading for the key episode takeaways and Patrick’s bio.   00:00 Patrick's MS diagnosis and the beginning of his journey  03:34 Living with hidden fear for sixteen years  05:18 Why fear delayed lifestyle changes and treatment  07:02 The turning point that changed everything  10:19 Challenging public perceptions of living with MS  11:39 How fear shaped work, confidence and relationships  13:18 Living with both ADHD and multiple sclerosis  15:00 Finding motivation through the Overcoming MS Exercise Circle  18:03 Which lifestyle changes were easiest—and hardest—to sustain  21:11 Balancing entrepreneurship with protecting long-term health  25:02 Patrick's advice for anyone newly diagnosed with MS  Connect with Patrick on LinkedIn  Learn more about Change Alchemy  New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

  6. Jul 15

    Supporting someone with MS: a physiotherapist's perspective | S8E21

    Supporting someone with MS can be rewarding, but it also brings challenges. In this episode of Living Well with MS, Geoff Allix speaks with physiotherapist, mindfulness teacher, coach and Overcoming MS Program Facilitator-in-training Susan Czyzo about supporting people living with multiple sclerosis while also looking after your own wellbeing. Drawing on both her professional experience and her personal perspective as a family supporter, Susan explores why sustainable lifestyle habits matter, how coaching can help people make lasting changes, and why movement, mindfulness and self-compassion all have a place in living well with MS. They also discuss the growing evidence for lifestyle approaches alongside MS treatment, the importance of personalised care, and why healthcare professionals should remain open to conversations about healthy lifestyle choices. Whether you're living with MS yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode offers thoughtful, practical insights into building resilience, hope and wellbeing over the long term. Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio. 01:49 Meet Susan and her holistic approach to wellbeing 06:25 Why the Overcoming MS programme stood out 08:29 Lessons from becoming an Overcoming MS Program Facilitator 11:16 Lifestyle, evidence and conversations with healthcare professionals 12:21 Moving beyond fixing towards empowering people 16:15 How coaching helps people create lasting healthy habits 19:50 Supporting a loved one through an MS diagnosis 23:09 What living well with MS really means 27:50 Looking ahead as part of the Overcoming MS community Listen to Stories of Hope from the Overcoming MS community New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

  7. Jul 8

    Stress reduction for MS: can tapping calm the nervous system? | S8E20

    Can tapping help calm MS stress and anxiety? In this episode of Living Well with MS, host Geoff Allix speaks with Lauren Fonvielle, an Emotional Freedom Techniques, or EFT, Trainer, about tapping as a tool for stress reduction, emotional awareness and nervous system regulation.  Lauren explains what EFT is, why it is sometimes called tapping, and how it combines gentle pressure on acupressure points with acknowledging thoughts and emotions out loud. She shares how tapping helped her manage anxiety and panic attacks, and discusses how the practice may help people feel calmer, more grounded and better able to process difficult emotions.  The conversation also explores the science behind EFT, how it may fit into the Overcoming MS stress reduction pillar, when to seek support from a trained practitioner, and why tuning into your own words and feelings matters.  Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio.  01:54 Lauren and her path to EFT 03:24 What EFT tapping is, and why emotions matter 05:44 The science of tapping and calming the nervous system 08:42 Starting EFT and finding the right words 09:49 How quickly tapping may help you feel calmer 10:39 Longer-term benefits and processing past emotional experiences 12:08 Using EFT daily or in stressful moments 12:40 When to seek support from a practitioner 13:21 How tapping fits with mindfulness and meditation 14:41 EFT, physical pain and emotional contributors 16:24 Research into EFT, stress and PTSD 17:55 Client breakthroughs and emotional shifts through tapping 20:29 Lauren’s advice for anyone curious about tapping  Read about the evidence for tapping  Learn more about the Mindshift Community   Connect with Lauren on Instagram  Follow Lauren’s YouTube Channel  New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

Ratings & Reviews

3.6
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Welcome to Living Well with MS, the podcast from the Overcoming MS charity. In each episode, your host Geoff Allix explores a different aspect of the Overcoming MS Program in greater depth by talking with experts and people with MS about health lifestyle changes. New episodes are published on Wednesdays and feature interviews with scientists, neurologists, fitness specialists, diet experts, stress reduction professionals. The podcast also features inspirational, real-life stories from people with multiple sclerosis following the Overcoming MS program, about the challenges and victories of managing symptoms through lifestyle modification.

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