Talking Head Pain Global Healthy Living Foundation

In this episode of Talking Head Pain, Sarah is joined by Christa, a death doula and community care facilitator navigating the complex intersections of chronic illness and queer identity for Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) individuals. Together, they explore Christa's journey through the debilitating impacts of migraine and endometriosis, highlighting the profound role of community care and self-advocacy in managing chronic conditions. This conversation sheds light on the resilience required to live authentically while coping with chronic pain, offering insights and solidarity to those on similar paths.
Among the highlights in this episode:
01:16: Christa highlights the significance of Pride Month and discusses the pain associated with queer history, emphasizing that existence as queer people of color with disabilities is an act of resistance
03:01: Christa describes how migraine attacks have been a longstanding issue since high school, often overlooked due to other health challenges, and particularly exacerbated by hormonal changes
06:14: Christa talks about the professional challenges posed by migraine, affecting their ability to work on screens and requiring time off, which impacted her past employment
07:01: Sarah and Christa discuss the complexities of managing multiple chronic illnesses, including the crucial timing of medication to handle migraine symptoms effectively
08:36: Christa explains how transitioning to self-employment has allowed them to manage their health better, accommodating their migraines and other chronic conditions more effectively
10:22: Christa reflects on the cultural and familial challenges of addressing chronic conditions within immigrant families, highlighting the gap between generational approaches to health and wellness
13:46: Christa discusses the evolution of their support systems and the challenges of initiating conversations about needs and support with loved ones, especially during significant life transitions
18:07: Christa discusses the importance of creating care plans, especially within the context of chronic illness and disability
22:20: Christa emphasizes the importance of workplace accommodations for chronic illnesses and advocates for better understanding and support from employers
27:36: Christa shares personal strategies for dealing with bad days due to chronic conditions, emphasizing the importance of resting and listening to one’s body
Contact Our Hosts:
Joe Coe, Director, Chief Value, Growth, and Therapeutic Solutions Officer, Country Manager, Canada at GHLF: jcoe@ghlf.org
Sarah Shaw, Associate Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at GHLF: sshaw@ghlf.org
A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to podcasts@ghlf.org  
Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of Talking Head Pain, Joe speaks with Dr. Christopher Gottschalk, Director of Headache Medicine and the Headache Medicine Training Program at Yale University, Connecticut, live from the American Headache Society's scientific meeting. Dr. Gottschalk shares insights from a new study revealing how prolonged use of anti-CGRP drugs can reduce prodromal symptoms and the occurrence of headaches. He discusses the evolving understanding of migraine phases and the broader impacts of treatment on quality of life and cognitive function. Join Joe and Dr. Gottschalk as they discuss these significant advancements in migraine treatment and education.
Contact Our Hosts:
Joe Coe, Director, Chief Value, Growth, and Therapeutic Solutions Officer, Country Manager, Canada at GHLF: jcoe@ghlf.org
Sarah Shaw, Associate Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at GHLF: sshaw@ghlf.org
A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to podcasts@ghlf.org  
Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of Talking Head Pain, Joe is live from the American Headache Society's scientific meeting with Alicia Duyvejonck, a nurse practitioner at Genesis Headache Clinic in Davenport, Iowa. Together they discuss a research poster to which they both contributed titled "Person-Centric Communications in Migraine: Delphi-Like Consensus on Best Practice." This study, conducted using the Delphi consensus model, involved headache neurologists, nurse practitioners, psychologists, and advocacy community representatives, focusing on enhancing communication between patients and health care professionals in migraine care. They emphasize the importance of person-centric communication and individualizing treatment, highlighting key recommendations for both providers and patients to improve understanding and reduce migraine stigma.Join Joe and Alicia as they explore how effective communication is essential in managing this heterogeneous condition and fostering shared decision-making.
Contact Our Hosts:
Joe Coe, Director, Chief Value, Growth, and Therapeutic Solutions Officer, Country Manager, Canada at GHLF: jcoe@ghlf.org
Sarah Shaw, Associate Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at GHLF: sshaw@ghlf.org
A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to podcasts@ghlf.org  
Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of Talking Head Pain, Joe is live from the American Headache Society's scientific meeting with Dr. Mario Peres, President-Elect of the International Headache Society. Dr. Peres, hailing from São Paulo, Brazil, discusses the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in migraine diagnosis and management. They discuss how AI tools are being developed to improve diagnostic accuracy, which is crucial for effective treatment. Dr. Peres emphasizes the importance of validating these AI models to ensure they provide reliable and useful outcomes. 
Join Joe and Dr. Peres as they delve into the future of migraine care, emphasizing technology's role in enhancing patient self-management and care strategies.
Contact Our Hosts:
Joe Coe, Director, Chief Value, Growth, and Therapeutic Solutions Officer, Country Manager, Canada at GHLF: jcoe@ghlf.org
Sarah Shaw, Associate Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at GHLF: sshaw@ghlf.org
A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to podcasts@ghlf.org  
Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special episode of Talking Head Pain, Joe speaks with Dr. Nada Hindiyeh, Director of Headache Medicine at Metrodora Institute and CMO at Haven Headache & Migraine Center, and Dr. Lauren Natbony, Founder and CEO of Integrative Headache Medicine of New York. Recorded live at the American Headache Society’s (AHS) Annual Scientific Meeting in San Diego, CA, they discuss the complex interrelations between migraine, autonomic disorders such as POTS, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). They highlight the importance of a holistic approach to treatment and the innovative work being done to create special interest groups within the AHS to address these issues. Join them as they share insights and advances in treating these interconnected conditions.
Contact Our Hosts:
Joe Coe, Director, Chief Value, Growth, and Therapeutic Solutions Officer, Country Manager, Canada at GHLF: jcoe@ghlf.org
Sarah Shaw, Associate Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at GHLF: sshaw@ghlf.org
A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to podcasts@ghlf.org  
Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Talking Head Pain, Sarah welcomes Katrina, a patient advocate navigating multiple conditions including migraine and endometriosis. They discuss Katrina's journey — from years of misdiagnosis to finally finding a doctor who would listen and offer effective migraine treatment options. Katrina and Sarah dive into the overlap of endometriosis and migraine advocacy, highlighting the challenges and breakthroughs along the way. This discussion provides insights into the daily realities of shared decision-making with your health care team, the journey to diagnosis, and the importance of self-advocacy.
Among the highlights in this episode:
02:05: Katrina describes the onset and progression of their migraine attacks, providing insights into the symptoms that go beyond a typical headache
03:58: Katrina shares their journey from misdiagnosis to finally getting a correct diagnosis and effective treatment plan, emphasizing the pivotal role of a neurologist
04:25: Sarah and Katrina discuss the overlap of endometriosis and migraine, and the challenges of being heard and properly diagnosed
07:26: Katrina and Sarah discuss the impact of advocacy in navigating health care and the importance of self-advocacy in chronic illness management
08:53: Katrina reflects on how their advocacy in endometriosis has empowered them in other areas such as migraine
14:41: Sarah and Katrina discuss the emotional and physical toll of chronic illness and the societal pressures that affect how people manage their health
19:11: Katrina expresses their approach to health management amidst advocacy fatigue
20:29: Closing thoughts on the importance of prioritizing personal health and the collective need for better health care understanding and support
Contact Our Hosts:
Joe Coe, Director, Chief Value, Growth, and Therapeutic Solutions Officer, Country Manager, Canada at GHLF: jcoe@ghlf.org
Sarah Shaw, Associate Director, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at GHLF: sshaw@ghlf.org
A podcast episode produced by Ben Blanc, Associate Director, Digital Production and Engagement at GHLF.
We want to hear what you think. Send your comments, or a video or audio clip of yourself, to podcasts@ghlf.org  
Catch up on all our episodes on our website or on your favorite podcast channel.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.