Living Well with Multiple Sclerosis

Overcoming MS
  • 4.4 (48)
  • 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. 1d ago

    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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Jul 1

    Bonus from the Archives: Using exercise to build neuroplasticity with Dr Gretchen Hawley | S8 Bonus

    Can exercise help your brain and body adapt when you’re living with MS? In this episode of Living Well with MS, host Geoff Allix speaks with Dr Gretchen Hawley, a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist, about movement, neuroplasticity and living well with MS. Dr Hawley explains how exercise can support strength, balance, walking and everyday confidence. She shares why movement quality, repetition and rest all matter, and how functional exercises can help with daily activities such as stairs, getting into a car or standing up from the floor. The episode also explores fatigue, heat sensitivity and how to adapt exercise to your own symptoms and energy levels. 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.

  6. Jun 24

    MS, race and representation: why inclusive support matters | S8E19

    MS is not a “white person disease”. In this episode of Living Well with MS, host Geoff Allix speaks with Minnie St. Claire, a Canadian entrepreneur, digital content creator and advocate living with multiple sclerosis and bipolar disorder.  Minnie shares her MS journey, including early symptoms, years of denial, relapse, treatment decisions and learning to take her health seriously. She also talks about managing more than one chronic condition, building resilience, using therapy tools, finding BIPOC peer support, and creating routines that protect her mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing.  The conversation explores Canada’s disability benefits system, financial independence while receiving support, working from home with MS, meal planning, movement, hormonal changes, healthcare gaps for people of colour, and why inclusive research and representation matter.  Minnie’s perspective is honest, practical and rooted in lived experience.  Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio.  01:59 Minnie’s first MS symptoms and diagnosis journey 03:00 Denial, relapse and learning to take MS seriously 06:22 Navigating Canada’s complicated disability benefits system 09:23 Managing MS, bipolar disorder and mental health needs 12:39 Choosing self-care, rest and boundaries without guilt 14:42 Why ten minutes of movement can still count 17:51 Meal planning, vegetables and making healthy food easier 20:11 Adding fish and trying new plant-based options 21:25 Therapy tools, peer support and stress management 23:40 Scheduling stillness, faith and creative self-care 24:57 Building an online business while managing MS 27:41 Turning transferable skills into flexible income streams 28:56 Hormones, mood changes, sleep and symptom tracking 31:41 Healthcare trust, race and choosing the right doctor 35:02 Why inclusive MS research and resources matter 36:57 Finding friendship, mentorship and support online 39:50 Education, confidence and advocating for your body  Connect with Minni  Most active on youtube.com/minnieoncam  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. Jun 17

    MS questions you’ve always wanted to ask a neurologist with Dr Aaron Boster | S8E18

    Dr Aaron Boster, an award-winning, board-certified MS neurologist, answers practical questions from the Overcoming MS community on symptoms, treatment and living well with multiple sclerosis.  The conversation covers supplements, fatigue, menopause and HRT, gut health, inflammation, DMTs, stable MRI scans with worsening symptoms, weather sensitivity, bladder and bowel issues, swallowing problems, Epstein-Barr virus and cancer risks linked to MS medications.  With warmth, clarity and energy, Dr Boster explains complex topics in a way that feels useful and reassuring, while encouraging people with MS to work closely with their healthcare team and take an active role in their care.  This episode is a webinar highlights special – 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.   Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio.  02:52 Supplements, food quality and MS health 05:42 When symptom-specific supplements may be useful 07:18 Six practical ways to reduce MS fatigue 10:06 What the Octave MS test may show 13:23 Menopause, HRT and MS progression risk 17:18 How inflammation works in multiple sclerosis 20:24 Gut health, microbiome changes and MS symptoms 24:41 Practical bowel strategies for constipation in MS 27:07 Do DMTs still help older people with MS? 27:55 Stable MRI scans but worsening MS symptoms 31:23 Objective tests neurologists can use to track MS 35:28 DMT myths, pharma concerns and clinical trials 40:35 Why heat and cold can worsen MS symptoms 43:17 Bladder symptoms and practical treatment options 43:52 Swallowing problems and when to seek help 44:20 Epstein-Barr virus and future MS prevention research 45:22 Cancer risk, Ocrevus, Mavenclad and context  Listen to other Living Well with MS episodes featuring Dr Boster   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.

  8. Jun 10

    Beyond lesions: what advanced MRI may reveal about MS | S8E17

    MRI scans are a familiar part of MS care – but what are they actually showing, and what might future scans reveal? In this episode of Living Well with MS, host Geoff Allix speaks with MRI physicist Bhavana Solanky from the Queen Square MS Centre at University College London, where she develops advanced MRI markers to better understand multiple sclerosis.  Bhavana explains how MRI is used to diagnose and monitor MS, from spotting new lesions to helping clinicians understand disease activity over time. She also explores how different types of MRI scans work, why the same scanner can produce several kinds of images, and how advanced techniques such as sodium MRI and spectroscopy are helping researchers look beyond visible lesions.  The conversation also covers why research volunteers are so important and how future scans could become faster and more comfortable.  Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio.  01:20 Meet MRI physicist Bhavana Solanky  01:57 Using MRI like a giant camera  02:46 Why MRI shows more than an x-ray  03:33 From astrophysics to MS research  05:17 How MRI scans create brain images  07:48 How active MS lesions can appear  08:25 Why MRI matters for MS diagnosis  09:50 The main MRI scans used in MS  12:35 One scanner, several different image types  13:28 Advanced MRI, sodium scans and spectroscopy  16:51 Why volunteers are vital to MS research  18:39 What sodium MRI research is finding  20:39 Why sodium MRI is not about dietary salt  22:10 Faster scans and future MS research  24:33 Why monitoring scans remain important  Learn more about Bhavana’s work and career  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.

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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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