Arthritis Life

Cheryl Crow
  • 5.0 (52)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Arthritis life features real patient stories, expert advice, life hacks and more to help you feel more empowered and less alone. Host Cheryl Crow shares her insights from both as a rheumatoid arthritis patient for over twenty years and as an occupational therapist, a health profession that focuses on empowering people with health challenges to function in their daily lives. This podcast also includes reflections on how you can have the best quality of life possible despite chronic pain, anxiety and other challenging parts of chronic illness. My goal is to help you manage REAL life with arthritis, beyond joint pain. Let's get started!

  1. Rheumer Has It: Weight, GLP-1 and Arthritis

    18H AGO

    Rheumer Has It: Weight, GLP-1 and Arthritis

    They also discuss safe, realistic strategies that support joint health, including tailored exercise and strength training, plus the emerging evidence on GLP-1 medications (like semaglutide/Ozempic/Wegovy) for people with obesity and arthritis. The key message: obesity is a treatable chronic condition, and care should be compassionate, individualized, and evidence-based. *Content note/ trigger warning: This episode includes discussion of body weight, obesity, BMI, and weight-loss medications (including GLP-1 drugs).  We approach this topic from a stigma-free, evidence-based perspective, as well as lived experience, but we know conversations about weight can be sensitive or activating, especially for those with a history of weight stigma, eating disorders, or body image challenges. Listener discretion encouraged. Episode at a glance:Weight and arthritis: inflammation + joint load (OA and inflammatory arthritis)Why adipose tissue can worsen pain and disease activityBMI limits: muscle loss, fat distribution, and rheumatoid cachexiaExercise myth-busting: movement helps when it’s tailored and gradualStrength training for knee support and better joint mechanicsGLP-1 medications (semaglutide, tirzepatide): what research shows so farStigma-free framing: obesity is chronic, not a personal failurePractical next steps and trusted resources (Arthritis Research Canada webinar)Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels (including Rheumer Has It) was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    38 min
  2. Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Medications, and Hope from Dr. Julius Birnbaum

    FEB 12

    Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Medications, and Hope from Dr. Julius Birnbaum

    Dr. Birnbaum also addresses common early fears, including confusion about autoimmune disease and anxiety around immunosuppressive medications, reframing treatment as dialing down an overactive immune response rather than taking away your immune system.  Throughout the episode, he encourages self-advocacy, realistic hope, and partnership with your care team, and shares insights from his book“Living well with autoimmune diseases”  A Rheumatologist's Guide to Taking Charge of Your Health. The takeaway is empowering and hopeful: we’re living in a “golden era” of RA care, with more effective treatments and real reason to believe a full, meaningful life is possible alongside this diagnosis. Episode at a glance:00:20 Dr. Burnbaum's Background and Passion for Arthritis & Neurology05:19 The Diagnostic Process in Rheumatology08:59 Understanding Inflammatory Arthritis15:22 Explaining Autoimmune Diseases and Inflammation23:11 The Role of Immunosuppressive Therapies28:16 Personalized Treatment Plans in Rheumatology30:50 Understanding Diagnostic Criteria and Nuances31:31 Dealing with Diagnostic Ambiguity32:57 Empowerment Through Patient-Doctor Partnership38:10 Practical Tips for Patient Empowerment46:03 Realistic Hope and Coping Strategies56:34 Concluding Thoughts and ResourcesMedical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    58 min
  3. Rheumer Has It: How to Build Sustainable Exercise Habits With Arthritis

    FEB 5

    Rheumer Has It: How to Build Sustainable Exercise Habits With Arthritis

    Listeners will learn how to reframe movement as something personal, enjoyable, and adaptable, because sustainable behavior change comes from doing what fits your life, not from chasing perfect routines. The biggest benefits come from starting small, not from hitting rigid guidelines like 10,000 steps or 150 minutes per week.     Episode at a glance: Why movement matters (and what counts): How physical activity supports pain, stiffness, fatigue, mood, and mental health, and why movement doesn’t have to mean gym workouts, strict guidelines, or 10,000 steps to be beneficial.  How to move with arthritis - realistically: Practical guidance on starting (or restarting) movement during flares, fatigue, anxiety, or depression, including pacing, rest vs. movement, muscle soreness vs. joint pain, and why short “movement snacks” can be both effective and sustainable.  How to make it stick: Building lasting movement habits by keeping them personal, flexible, enjoyable, and supportive, plus a walkthrough of the free, arthritis-friendly Just One Move resource, including flare-friendly options and habit-building tools.Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels (including Rheumer Has It) was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    40 min
  4. The Power of Poetry, Storytelling and Art in Life with RA

    JAN 29

    The Power of Poetry, Storytelling and Art in Life with RA

    Tori also highlights the vital role of creative expression, through painting and poetry, in coping with chronic illness and reclaiming parts of her life. Listeners will be inspired by her powerful poems, descriptions of her artistic adaptations, and advice for living a meaningful, purpose-driven life despite chronic health challenges. This episode is particularly resonant for those recently diagnosed with RA and looking for ways to find healing and joy in their new reality. Episode at a glance:00:00 Welcome and Introduction00:20 Tori's Background and Diagnosis Journey10:49 Creative Expressions as a Lifeline13:36 Poetry and Personal Reflections18:09 Cultural and Familial Challenges24:40 Redefining Healing and the Hero's Journey25:57 The Rollercoaster of Life with RA27:28 Creativity as a Form of Healing28:35 Adapting Artistic Practices32:52 The Power of Letting Emotions Out33:35 A Poem: Not That Girl37:59 Words of Wisdom for the Newly Diagnosed45:33 Conclusion and Where to Find MoreMedical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    46 min
  5. Busting Fibromyalgia Myths with Dr Christine Stamatos

    JAN 22

    Busting Fibromyalgia Myths with Dr Christine Stamatos

    Dr. Stamatos explains why fibromyalgia is absolutely real, how it commonly overlaps with inflammatory diseases like RA, and what’s actually happening in the brain, nerves, and spinal fluid of people with fibromyalgia. She offers practical guidance for telling the difference between an RA flare and a fibromyalgia flare, explains why opioids often make fibromyalgia pain worse, and reframes treatment as a whole-person, multi-tool approach, not a single pill, diet, or supplement.  This conversation is especially powerful if you’ve ever felt dismissed, blamed, or overwhelmed by mixed messages about pain, fatigue, brain fog, sleep, or mental health. You’ll walk away feeling validated, better informed, and more confident in navigating life with both conditions. Episode at a glance:Why fibromyalgia is a real, biologically based condition (and what the science actually shows)  How common fibromyalgia is in people with RA and other chronic illnesses  What functional MRI, nerve studies, and spinal fluid research reveal about fibromyalgia pain  Why opioids often worsen pain sensitivity in fibromyalgia instead of helping  How trauma, prolonged untreated pain, and stress can “turn on” fibromyalgia  Practical ways to tell the difference between RA inflammation vs fibromyalgia pain  The critical role of sleep, mental health, and stress regulation in pain management  Why fibromyalgia treatment is a constellation of strategies, not a magic fix  A compassionate explanation of catastrophizing — and how to work with uncertainty  How to explain fibromyalgia to friends and family (including the Spoon Theory)  Trusted resources for learning more, including The Chronic Pain Reset by Dr Afton HassettMedical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels (including Rheumer Has It) was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    39 min
  6. You’re Not Alone: What I’ve Learned from 200 Stories of Hope, Uncertainty, and Finding Your New Normal

    JAN 15

    You’re Not Alone: What I’ve Learned from 200 Stories of Hope, Uncertainty, and Finding Your New Normal

    Cheryl shares the origin story of the podcast, how it has evolved over time, and why storytelling remains at the center of her mission: helping people feel less alone, more informed, and more empowered to live well alongside chronic illness. Cheryl then walks through nine core themes that keep resurfacing across these conversations, including: validation and belonging, coping with uncertainty, the power of community, navigating medication decisions, redefining “normal,” and why self-compassion, acceptance, identity, and joy still matter after diagnosis.  This episode is an honest reflection on what it really means to “thrive” with arthritis, not as a one-size-fits-all outcome, but as a deeply personal, evolving process rooted in realistic hope, credible information, and human connection.  Episode at a glance:01:31 The Origin Story of the Podcast06:27 Challenges and Reflections on Running the Podcast13:50 Nine Core Themes from 200 Episodes14:04 Theme 1: You Are Not Alone17:12 Theme 2: The Challenge of Uncertainty20:28 Theme 3: The Power of Community22:41 Theme 4: The Importance of Credible Education26:35 Theme 5: Emotional Medication Decisions29:01 Theme 6: Redefining Normal30:52 Theme 7: Acceptance and Self-Compassion32:58 Theme 8: RA as a Whole Life Condition33:59 Theme 9: Identity, Purpose, and JoyMedical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    39 min
  7. Running with Bionic Hips: Carrie Bradshaw's Marathon Milestone

    12/11/2025

    Running with Bionic Hips: Carrie Bradshaw's Marathon Milestone

    Cheryl and Carrie discuss Carrie's diagnosis of hip dysplasia which led to osteoarthritis, her hip replacement surgeries in 2022 and 2023, and her experience running the Boston Marathon. Carrie emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, having a strong support and care team, and setting mini goals during recovery.  They also candidly talk about the emotional struggle with post-marathon blues and how time, support, and new goals helped Carrie overcome it. Overall, Carrie aims to give hope to others facing similar medical challenges. Episode at a glance:Carrie’s Arthritis and Double Hip Replacement Journey: Cheryl and Carrie discuss Carrie’s arthritis diagnosis and how that led to having double hip replacements.Carrie’s Experience Running the Boston Marathon: Carrie shares her experience of running in the Boston Marathon in April 2025. The Importance of Self-Advocacy and a Support Team: Cheryl and Carrie discuss the importance of advocating for yourself and having a strong support system to help you overcome challenges.Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    56 min
  8. Rheumer Has It: The Science of Exercise & RA

    12/04/2025

    Rheumer Has It: The Science of Exercise & RA

    Together, they break down common myths about fragility, rest, and “wear and tear,” while explaining why tailored exercise programs are not only safe but essential. Dr. Andonian also offers practical guidance for managing fatigue, using slow progression, and finding trustworthy exercise resources. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand how movement can improve whole-body health with RA. Episode at a glance:1. Exercise is far more than “movement” - it directly supports immune health, slows accelerated aging, and improves disease activity in RA. Dr. Andonian explains how aerobic and strength training influence inflammation, cellular metabolism, and mitochondrial function in ways that go far beyond joint comfort.2. RA is a whole-body immune disease, so exercise must be tailored, not avoided. Listeners learn why joints are actually a secondary issue in RA, why “too fragile to exercise” is a myth, and how the right mix of aerobic, strength, and mobility work can support the cardiovascular, respiratory, and immune systems.3. There is no one-size-fits-all exercise plan; successful programs must be personalized. Dr. Andonian breaks down how arthritis type, disease location, comorbidities, and fatigue shape exercise prescriptions, and why slow progression and “exercise snacks” are essential for many patients.Medical disclaimer: All content found on Arthritis Life public channels (including Rheumer Has It) was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Episode SponsorsRheum to THRIVE, an online course and support program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. See all the details and join the program or waitlist now!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    26 min
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5
out of 5
52 Ratings

About

Arthritis life features real patient stories, expert advice, life hacks and more to help you feel more empowered and less alone. Host Cheryl Crow shares her insights from both as a rheumatoid arthritis patient for over twenty years and as an occupational therapist, a health profession that focuses on empowering people with health challenges to function in their daily lives. This podcast also includes reflections on how you can have the best quality of life possible despite chronic pain, anxiety and other challenging parts of chronic illness. My goal is to help you manage REAL life with arthritis, beyond joint pain. Let's get started!

Information

  • Creator
    Cheryl Crow
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    205
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2020, Cheryl Crow & Arthritis Life
  • Show Website
    Arthritis Life

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