Living Well with Multiple Sclerosis

Overcoming MS
  • 4.4 (45)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

    Developing Tailored Mental Health support for people with MS with Eva Fragkiadaki | S8E4

    How can mental health support be better tailored to the real, lived experiences of people with MS? In this episode of Living Well with MS, we’re joined by Dr Eva Fragkiadaki, counselling psychologist and Senior Lecturer in Counselling Psychology at the University of the West of England. Her whose work focuses on developing personalised, evidence-based mental health interventions for people living with MS. Eva shares insights from her research into group-based psychological support, including her co-designed MyMS-Ally intervention. Together, we explore why traditional mental health approaches don’t always work for people with MS, the power of peer connection, and how concepts like identity, self-compassion and visibility of disability shape emotional wellbeing. This conversation will be especially valuable for anyone living with MS, supporting someone with MS, or interested in how mental health care can become more person-centred, inclusive and accessible. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways and Eva’s bio. 00:00 Introducing psychosocial interventions for MS 03:38 Researching group therapy and therapeutic change 06:07 Gender, representation and inclusion in MS research 08:19 What kinds of mental health support help in MS? 10:30 Why group interventions matter 12:47 Peer support, safety and community connection 15:10 Integrative and personalised therapy approaches 17:29 Visible and invisible disability in MS 20:15 Self-compassion and identity 22:23 Future directions for mental health care in MS   Learn more about Eva and her work Learn more about Eva’s research on mental health and MS 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.

    28 min

  2. FEB 4

    Bonus from the Archives: Lifestyle Choices for MS with Dr Aaron Boster S8 bonus

    Originally broadcast in 2020, this episode has been edited to remove out-of-date content and reuploaded in 2026 to ensure it remains relevant and useful.  In this episode of the Living Well with MS podcast, and we are pleased to welcome Dr Aaron Boster, an Ohio-based board-certified clinical neuroimmunologist specializing in MS. Given we are surrounded by temptations – from that delicious pint of ice cream to the lure of sleeping in instead of hitting the gym – we are happy to tap his expertise to help us understand how lifestyle choices impact MS and our overall health.

    31 min

  3. JAN 28

    Managing Autoimmunity with a Whole-Food Plant-Based diet with Karen Lee | S8E3

    How does gut health affect MS – and what role can diet really play in supporting the immune system? In this episode of Living Well with MS, Geoff is joined by Overcoming MS Program Facilitator Karen Lee – retired intensive care nurse, nutritionist, author and recipe developer. Karen shares her MS journey and explains, in clear and accessible terms, how gut health, inflammation and diet are connected in autoimmune conditions such as MS. They explore dysbiosis and “leaky gut”, why fibre and the microbiome matter, and how whole-food plant-based eating fits within the Overcoming MS dietary recommendations. Karen also talks about her new book Healing from the Inside Out and shares practical, fatigue-friendly tips for eating more plants – without overwhelm. Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio. 00:56 Welcome and introduction to Karen 01:49 Karen’s MS journey: diagnosis, optic neuritis and early changes 04:46 From intensive care nursing to nutrition, writing and teaching 09:32 Understanding the Overcoming MS diet recommendations 10:36 Why diet matters for immune health: nutrients, fats, fibre and the microbiome 17:57 Dysbiosis explained – and how it relates to autoimmunity and MS 22:02 “Leaky gut”: what it means and why inflammation matters 23:16 Inside Karen’s new book Healing from the Inside Out 26:46 How whole plant foods support overall health 29:50 Protein and plant-based diets: common concerns addressed 31:39 Practical tips for eating more plants and increasing variety 37:58 Favourite recipes, sauces and simple ways to add flavour 39:41 Batch cooking and freezing for low-energy days 41:26 Running the Taunton Half Marathon and fundraising for Overcoming MS   Order Karen’s latest book Healing from the Inside Out: Managing Autoimmunity with a Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet Support Karen’s fundraiser for Overcoming MS Learn more about Karen’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

    44 min

  4. JAN 21

    Bonus from the archives: In Conversation with Caroline Clarke | S8 bonus

    Host Geoff Allix speaks with Caroline Clarke, Chief Executive of the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and former trustee of Overcoming MS, about her MS journey, why she chose to follow the Overcoming MS Program, and the practical habits that help her manage stress while working in a high-pressure role.

    22 min

  5. JAN 14

    Highlights from the Living Well Live One day Event | S8E2

    This episode of Living Well with MS was recorded at Living Well Live, Overcoming MS’s one-day event held at the University of Warwick in November 2025, with people joining both in person and online. Host Geoff Allix shares conversations with community members, speakers and guests from across the MS sector, exploring what’s new in MS lifestyle research and the practical tools people are using to live well with MS. You’ll hear about the evolving evidence behind the Overcoming MS Program, why personalised approaches matter (including vitamin D), and the role of community connection in building confidence after diagnosis. Together, these conversations capture what makes Overcoming MS so powerful: the combination of evidence-based guidance and genuine community support. You’ll also hear how donations help fund trusted information, courses and spaces where people with MS – and those around them – can feel informed, connected and empowered. Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio. 00:00 Geoff Allix introduces the event and Overcoming MS 03:07 Linda Bloom & Alex Holden on the origins of Overcoming MS, community and purpose 11:21 Dr Jonathan White on MS research, treatment and the role of lifestyle medicine 12:44 Lina Nielsen on elite sport, MS and training at Olympic level 14:51 Lina Nielsen on exercise, mindfulness and neuroplasticity 17:00 Tessa Miles on resilience, preparation and the power of community 22:09 Dr Rachel Hunter on the nervous system, stress and self-management 24:12 Dr Rachel Hunter on how MS self-management has evolved 28:19 Community member Maureen Haith on her top takeaways from the day 33:25 Miriam Jordan Keane on how Overcoming MS is evolving 37:56 Neil Stanley on sleep, MS and practical tips for better rest 43:22 Rabiah Coon on laughter, mental health and coping with MS 49:19 Amy Thompson from MS Together on supporting young adults living with MS 50:54 Holistic MS care – combining medication, lifestyle and community 55:13 Advice for newly diagnosed people with MS – reassurance and practical guidance 57:48 Dominic Shadbolt,The MS Guide, on AI, innovation and the future of MS care 59:43 Eleanor Bate, Shift.MS, on peer-led community support and connection 01:06:31 Sarah-Jane Elliot, MS-UK on accessing support, resources and online activities   Learn more about MS Learn more about MS-UK Learn more about MS Together Learn more about the MS Guide New to Overcoming MS? Visit our introductory page 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.

    1h 8m

  6. JAN 7

    The Research on Lifestyle and MS with Rachel Johnson and Dr Jonny White | S8E1

    In this episode of Living Well with MS, Alex Holden (Chief Executive of Overcoming MS) is joined by Rachel Johnson, Overcoming MS’s Information and Research Manager, and Dr Jonathan White, the charity’s Medical Advisor and Program Facilitator. Together they explore what the latest evidence says about lifestyle and self-management in MS – and why it’s an increasingly exciting time for MS research and treatment. They also share what Overcoming MS is working on in 2026, including improved evaluation of our programmes, new symptom-focused resources, and progress towards achieving the PIF TICK quality mark for trusted health information.  Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio.  01:56 Meet Rachel Johnson: background in psychology, research methods and why she joined Overcoming MS  04:04 Jonny’s role and why sharing research clearly (and credibly) matters  05:33 Rachel’s priorities: improving information quality and evaluating impact  07:16 Supporting healthcare professionals to signpost trusted lifestyle resources  09:06 What’s coming up in 2026: evaluation findings, information strategy and symptom-based resources  11:05 Jonny’s 2026 highlights: Pathways, retreats and the BSLM lifestyle medicine module  14:24 How the Overcoming MS programme aligns with the latest lifestyle research  16:57 Making the programme practical: diet quality, Mediterranean-style eating and “big picture” habits  18:54 Talking to your MS team about lifestyle: confidence, language, and keeping your agenda clear  23:05 Why robust evaluation matters: pre-post surveys, validated measures and long-term follow-up  27:31 Getting involved in research: MS Register, university studies and opportunities shared via the Hub  31:41 What is PIF TICK and why it matters for trustworthy MS lifestyle information  36:04 What’s exciting in MS research right now: treatments, progressive MS, and novel therapies  40:13 Why credibility and clear communication are key to shifting the “no evidence” narrative  More info and links: Listen to the Talking with Skeptics webinar with Jonny and Yasmin Neves   Tell your health team about Overcoming MS resources for healthcare professionals  Sign up for the next free Pathway to Overcoming MS course   Join the MS Register in the UK  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.

    45 min

  7. 12/24/2025

    Choosing an MS Management Program with Juliet Delattre | S7E27

    In this episode of Living Well with MS, we’re joined by Juliet Delattre, a language teacher and digital nomad from the Netherlands who was diagnosed with MS in 2019.   Juliet shares the shock of being diagnosed after relatively mild symptoms, and what it was like searching for answers, navigating uncertainty, and deciding who to tell. We also talk about the role of lifestyle alongside medical care, how Juliet experimented with different approaches over time, and why she ultimately chose to follow the Overcoming MS Program.   Juliet speaks honestly about stress, study, travel and bereavement – and offers a compassionate reminder that there’s no single “perfect” way to live well with MS, only the approach that’s sustainable for you.   Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the topics and timestamps. Topics and timestamps 00:00 Juliette's diagnosis and initial shock  03:33 The emotional impact of MS  05:58 The decision to share: who to tell and why  08:30 Choosing a path: medication and lifestyle changes  11:09 Life after diagnosis: changes and adaptations  13:38 Travelling with MS  16:50 Trying different diets and why evidence mattered  19:17 Stress support: drawing, meditation, retreats and finding what’s sustainable  22:41 Studying with MS: a flare-up, disability support and difficult systems  24:24 Discovering Overcoming MS and choosing a path that “clicked”  26:50 Family support: making diet changes feel achievable  29:12 Exercise, confidence and changing mindset  32:05 Bereavement, stress and finding ways to cope  35:36 Embracing creativity and possibilities  More info and links Learn more about Joe Dispenza’s work on placebo and healing  Read Juliet’s blog on her drawings of her sensations in her body  Learn more about Vipassana meditation retreats  Read about the benefits of therapeutic journaling in time of stress  Try one of Juliet’s favorite 30-minute meditations  Read about hypnotherapy for MS  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.

    38 min

  8. 12/17/2025

    Webinar highlights – Ask Aaron Your Opportunity to speak to a Neurologist about Living Well with MS | S7E26

    In this episode of Living Well with MS, we’re sharing highlights from our Ask Aaron webinar – originally recorded as a live Overcoming MS webinar and now edited for the podcast to bring you the key insights, questions and takeaways in one place. Our guest is the dynamic and much-loved Dr Aaron Boster, a board-certified neurologist specialising in multiple sclerosis. Dr Boster answers a wide range of thoughtful, practical questions from the OvercomingMS community. From medications and MRI contrast scans to foot drop, vision changes, supplements and the latest research developments, he brings clarity, warmth and energy to every topic. If you’ve ever wished you could sit down with a neurologist who truly understands MS, this episode is for you. Watch this episode on YouTube. Topics and timestamps 05:08 Exciting developments in MS research 10:54 Subcutaneous injections of Ocrevus 14:27 Remyelination drug trials 22:02 Addressing fatigue in MS patients 30:14 Managing fatigue: strategies and treatments 31:04 Navigating disease-modifying therapies 31:04 Supporting loved ones with MS 35:09 Understanding MRI and gadolinium contrast 38:21 B-Cell depletion therapies and MS progression 40:42 Exploring functional mushrooms and supplements 44:35 The importance of vitamins and nutrition 52:15 Understanding neurofilament light chain 58:28 Foot drop solutions 59:29 Finding the right doctor 01:00:29 Hope for the future of MS More info and links Listen to other episodes featuring Dr Boster Check out Dr Boster’s popular YouTube channel covering all aspects of MS 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.

    1h 3m
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4.4
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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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