The Spoonie Podcast

In August 2019, my life changed overnight. I went from a healthy, active, goal-oriented person in a career I loved to so sick I could barely get from the bed to the sofa, so fatigued that I had to nap after a shower. I went to doctor after doctor and there were almost no answers. Eventually I was diagnosed with post-viral myalgic encephalomyelitis and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Three and a half years later, I am still unable to work and have had periods during which I have been bedridden. With an illness that is so debilitating and has so little medical care available, learning to help myself has become necessary. This is where Emily Fraser’s The Spoonie Podcast comes in. She has cracked the code on helping ourselves cope, and consequently heal, through neuroscience. My illness is probably permanent, but I have learned that I can improve my daily functioning, and vastly increased my toolkit of ways to thrive despite my illness.

Emily is incredibly intelligent, honest, and kind speaking about chronic illness. She explains everything so clearly, and she makes me feel less alone in my struggle. Highly recommend for anyone dealing with chronic illness in need of support!

Emily’s podcast is nothing short of chicken soup for the soul! She tackles the good, the challenging, and the seemingly insurmountable when it comes to chronic illness. Expect practical tools to feel not fear your symptoms and a vital blueprint for navigating your best spoonie life. Each episode leaves you feeling simultaneously nourished and empowered. I love the transparency she shares with her own journey. It is equal parts raw, courageous, and inspiring. Her zest for life is contagious! She is a teacher, mentor, and hype girl all in one. Her podcast is a must listen - your head and heart will thank you!

I highly recommend this podcast for anyone that is struggling with a chronic health condition. Emily is a great host that speaks about her struggle and her health journey in a very inspirational, vulnerable, and calm manner, which helps me to better relate to her struggles in my own life. Also, she gives numerous strategies to help manage and prevent pain and other symptoms. After listening to any episode, I feel very inspired, hopeful, and encouraged to implement these strategies and changes into my own life.