My Spoonie Sisters

Jen Weaver
  • 5.0 (17)
  • RELATIONSHIPS
  • BIWEEKLY SERIES

Welcome to My Spoonie Sisters! If you're wondering what a "Spoonie" is, it’s a term lovingly embraced by those living with chronic illnesses, based on the Spoon Theory. It’s all about managing our limited energy (or “spoons”) while navigating life’s challenges. Each week, join us to hear from your "Spoonie Sisters" host, co-hosts, and our inspiring special guests as we share real-life stories, tips, and encouragement. Whether you're here to learn, connect, or feel less alone, you’ll find a supportive space filled with understanding, laughter, and strength. Let’s journey through chronic illness together! Tune in and join the sisterhood!All guests featured or mentioned in this podcast will be listed for your convenience. Don't forget to rate and subscribe to My Spoonie Sisters and follow @MySpoonieSisters on Instagram for updates on new episodes and more. If you have a story to share or want to be featured on My Spoonie Sisters, please email MySpoonieSisters@gmail.com. We eagerly look forward to speaking and hearing from all our Spoonies!Disclaimer: While we are not doctors or healthcare Practitioners, we want to assure you that this podcast is a credible source of information. It's based on our guests' personal experiences and the strategies we've found effective for ourselves. However, everyone's body is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you have any health-related questions, it's always best to consult your Primary Doctor or Rheumatologist.Remember, our goal at My Spoonie Sisters is to connect people and provide them with the support and tools they need to live better lives.

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  1. EPISODE 1

    So, You're Newly Diagnosed Part 1

    Imagine the moment: sitting in a doctor's office, hearing those words for the first time – "You have a chronic illness." What follows isn't just medical treatment, but an emotional journey through fear, confusion, and eventually, finding your way forward. We've been in that exact seat, and in this heartfelt season opener, my Spoonie Sisters and I share the raw, unfiltered truth about our diagnosis experiences. Andi reveals how years of medical gaslighting led to a diagnosis only after a serious health crisis, while I found relief in finally having answers. Linnea opens up about the fear of following her mother's difficult RA journey, not realizing newer treatments would offer different possibilities. The conversation dives deep into what we desperately wish someone had told us early on. "This is not your great-grandmother's disease," I share, reflecting on how outdated perceptions of arthritis initially terrified me. Andi emphasizes the life-changing power of finding community after years of isolation: "I encourage people, please find sisterhood and brotherhood so you don't spiral in self-isolation." We tackle the challenges that follow diagnosis – from handling information overload to the frustration of constantly proving an invisible illness. "Just because I don't look ill doesn't mean I'm not ill," Andi explains, challenging the common misconception of what "sick" should look like. Whether you're newly diagnosed or years into your journey, this episode offers both practical guidance and emotional support. Our shared experiences create a roadmap for navigating the complex terrain of chronic illness with dignity, self-compassion, and even joy. Because as we discover together, chronic illness changes how you move through the world, but it doesn't have to define your capacity for connection and happiness. So, You’re Newly Diagnosed:  https://amzn.to/44Fpha Imperfectly You: https://amzn.to/4mgV5sC Redefining Fine:  https://www.amazon.com/Redefining-Fine-Journey-Self-Care-Unshakable/dp/1300976810 My Spoonie Sisters - YouTube My Spoonie Sisters Home - My Spoonie Sisters Send us Fan Mail Delivering Happy Mail around the world! We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment. Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses. About our organization | Cards2warriors Keep your spoons close and support system closer. Support the show Discount Codes: https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen20)GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% offWebsite: https://myspooniesisters.com/

    34 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    Patient Voices: When Champions Lead the Way

    For those living with rheumatic diseases, finding your voice can be as powerful as finding the right treatment. In this candid roundtable conversation, six extraordinary patient advocates—Chelsea, Stasha, Nya, Tanya, Jen, and Cheryl—pull back the curtain on their journeys from diagnosis to becoming Rheum Champions with the Rheumatology Research Foundation. Each champion brings a unique perspective to the table, having navigated conditions ranging from rheumatoid arthritis and lupus to Hashimoto's thyroiditis and PCOS. Their paths to advocacy began in different ways—through therapist recommendations during pandemic isolation, chance videos that caught attention, or the realization that their professional knowledge could help others struggling with the same conditions. What unites them is the courage to transform personal struggles into public purpose. The conversation takes us behind the scenes of the 2025 Rheumatology Research Foundation Investigators Meeting, revealing a surprisingly intimate environment where patients, researchers, and clinicians connect as equals. As Nya shares, "It helps us get to know rheumatologists as people more than just physicians." These connections humanize research and remind scientists of the lives their work ultimately touches. Jen describes the conference as "an antidote to hopelessness," where passionate researchers remain engaged and collaborative even after long days. Beyond the formal advocacy work, these champions highlight how the community becomes a powerful healing force. Whether interviewing researchers together, sharing favorite books for an impromptu book club, or simply understanding each other's dietary restrictions without explanation, these connections remind them they're "human beings alongside everything," as Cheryl beautifully puts it. Ready to transform your own experience into advocacy? The champions explain that becoming a Rheum Champion requires just a simple five-minute application. As Jen emphasizes, "It's not about having all the answers—it's about wanting to make a difference." Apply to be a #RheumChampion today! #RHEUMCHAMPION - The Rheumatology Lab Jen Weaver: https://www.instagram.com/gracefully_jen?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Cherly Crow: https://www.instagram.com/arthritis_life_cheryl?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Vlog Home - Arthritis Life Podcast Archives - Arthritis Life Send us Fan Mail Delivering Happy Mail around the world! We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment. Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses. About our organization | Cards2warriors Keep your spoons close and support system closer. Support the show Discount Codes: https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen20)GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% offWebsite: https://myspooniesisters.com/

    33 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    So, You're Newly Diagnosed Part 2

    Have you ever been casually told about a serious medical diagnosis you didn't even know you had? That jarring experience is just one of the many challenges we explore in this heartfelt conversation about navigating life after receiving a chronic illness diagnosis. We kick off by catching up on our summer experiences and current health challenges – from mysterious hip pain and shoulder inflammation to surprising diagnoses and upcoming surgeries. Each of us shares the reality of living with unpredictable bodies that sometimes feel like they're working against us rather than with us. One particularly powerful thread running through our discussion is the frustration of medical miscommunication. When doctors casually mention conditions they assume you already know about, or when diagnoses remain buried in medical charts without proper explanation, patients are left feeling confused and unsupported. We offer practical solutions for taking control of your healthcare journey, including using symptom tracking apps and preparing thoroughly for appointments. The conversation takes an inspiring turn as we explore the transformation from merely surviving with chronic illness to genuinely thriving. Andi & Linnea share the journey of intentional self-care, mindful stress management, and learning to work with the body rather than against it. This shift in mindset doesn't happen overnight but represents a crucial evolution in living well with chronic conditions. We proudly share our recently published books – interactive guides designed to support others on their chronic illness journeys with journaling prompts, affirmations, and creative exercises. These personal projects reflect our commitment to creating resources we wish we'd had when first diagnosed. Whether you're newly diagnosed or years into your chronic illness journey, this episode offers validation, practical advice, and the reminder that you remain a whole person worthy of compassion and joy, regardless of your medical conditions. Your diagnosis may change aspects of your life, but with the right support and mindset, you can create a meaningful life beyond the limitations of illness. Osteoarthritis Webinar with ANRF Webinar Registration - Zoom So, You’re Newly Diagnosed:  https://amzn.to/44Fpha Imperfectly You: https://amzn.to/4mgV5sC Redefining Fine:  https://www.amazon.com/Redef Send us Fan Mail Delivering Happy Mail around the world! We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment. Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses. About our organization | Cards2warriors Keep your spoons close and support system closer. Support the show Discount Codes: https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen20)GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% offWebsite: https://myspooniesisters.com/

    34 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    The Lupus Dietitian: Transforming Autoimmune Health

    What if you could transform your autoimmune health through nutrition and lifestyle changes? That's precisely what Tanya Freirich, The Lupus Dietitian, has done for herself and thousands of clients over her 15-year career. This illuminating conversation takes you deep into the intersection of nutrition and autoimmune disease management with someone who uniquely understands both sides. Tanya brings not only her professional expertise as a registered dietitian with advanced credentials but also her lived experience of navigating multiple autoimmune conditions, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis, ITP, and lupus, for over 11 years. We explore how inflammation manifests in the body—sometimes surprisingly through weight gain and fluid retention—and practical ways to address it through diet and lifestyle modifications. Tanya shares powerful insights about becoming the expert in your own body, tracking your responses to foods, and developing a personalized approach to wellness that honors your unique needs and circumstances. Perhaps most valuably, Tanya offers hope through her guiding principle of "progress, not perfection," acknowledging that the journey with autoimmune disease is like "walking a mile with a weighted vest." Her compassionate, realistic approach makes healthy changes accessible to everyone, regardless of budget or cultural background. She breaks down common barriers to wellness with practical solutions for eating nutritiously on a budget, creating optimal sleep environments, and making sustainable lifestyle shifts. Whether you're living with an autoimmune condition or supporting someone who is, this episode delivers practical wisdom, genuine encouragement, and a roadmap for transforming health challenges into opportunities for deeper healing and self-discovery. Ready to take the first step toward better health? This conversation is your starting point. Home | The Lupus Dietitian https://www.instagram.com/thelupusdietitian?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Link to the September Group and use the discount code for My Spoonie Sisters: SPOONIESIS20% discount off the September Group:  https://tanyafreirichnutrition.practicebetter.io/#/6199071639803308381092e7/bookings?p=6791142254576f7a7e3c15cf Send us Fan Mail Delivering Happy Mail around the world! We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment. Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses. About our organization | Cards2warriors Keep your spoons close and support system closer. Support the show Discount Codes: https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen20)GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% offWebsite: https://myspooniesisters.com/

    42 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    Finding Your Spoonie Super Power

    Have you ever considered that your chronic illness might have given you superpowers? Not the kind that let you leap tall buildings, but the real-life abilities that make you uniquely resilient, intuitive, and resourceful. In this heartfelt conversation, we explore the unexpected strengths that emerge when living with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Our guest shares how being diagnosed completely transformed her perspective, teaching her to value her incredible resilience – waking up each day to face a body that doesn't always cooperate, yet somehow finding ways to adapt and keep going. This quiet, persistent strength rarely gets recognized but represents an extraordinary form of courage. We dive deep into how our intuition sharpens after diagnosis, helping us make smarter decisions about everything from travel plans to work commitments. Years of managing unpredictable symptoms teach us to read the fine print, seek flexibility, and anticipate our needs in ways others might never consider. This isn't about limitation – it's about making choices that allow us to enjoy life more fully. The discussion takes fascinating turns through time management strategies (work smarter, not harder!), relationship wisdom (valuing positive connections while setting healthy boundaries), and career navigation with chronic illness. Our guest shares her remarkable journey from physically demanding hospital work to finding her purpose helping others with RA, writing for major health publications, and embracing multiple careers that accommodate her health needs. Perhaps most inspiring is the revelation that being underestimated because of chronic illness can become its own kind of superpower – creating motivation to exceed expectations and the satisfaction of surprising others with what you can accomplish. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been managing symptoms for years, this conversation offers a refreshing perspective on finding strength in unexpected places. Send us Fan Mail Delivering Happy Mail around the world! We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment. Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses. About our organization | Cards2warriors Keep your spoons close and support system closer. Support the show Discount Codes: https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen20)GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% offWebsite: https://myspooniesisters.com/

    54 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    Mind Over Misery Part1

    Chronic illness transforms not just our bodies, but our entire emotional landscape. What happens when persistent physical pain collides with mental health? How do we find joy when our bodies seem determined to hold us back? "Mind Over Misery" brings together a diverse panel of chronic illness warriors who open up about the rarely discussed emotional sides of their health journeys. From polymyositis and lupus to arachnoiditis and complex regional pain syndrome, these guests navigate vastly different diagnoses but share remarkably similar emotional challenges. The conversation begins with a profound exploration of grief – not as something to rush through, but as an intentional process essential for healing. As one guest powerfully frames it: "The level of pain needs to be matched by the level of intentionality." We hear how each person navigated the devastating loss of their former self and discovered unexpected gifts amid their suffering. As the discussion deepens, our guests share their personal toolkits for maintaining emotional equilibrium during symptom flares. From the endorphin rush of gentle movement to the comfort of loyal pets, these practical strategies showcase the resourcefulness chronic illness demands. Most striking is their collective wisdom about balancing optimism with honesty – finding ways to acknowledge suffering authentically while still nurturing hope and resilience. What emerges is a masterclass in transforming adversity into growth. Rather than pursuing toxic positivity, these warriors demonstrate something more nuanced: a hard-won ability to embrace both the darkness of chronic illness and the light of who they've become because of it. As one guest reflects, "I am thankful for my illnesses because they've made me a better person." Whether you're battling health challenges yourself or supporting someone who is, this episode provides invaluable insight into cultivating resilience when your body feels like it's betraying you. Ready to discover how to develop the mental fortitude that chronic illness demands? Listen now and walk away with strategies that can transform your relationship with pain. My Spoonie Sisters - YouTube My Spoonie Sisters Home - My Spoonie Sisters Send us Fan Mail Delivering Happy Mail around the world! We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment. Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses. About our organization | Cards2warriors Keep your spoons close and support system closer. Support the show Discount Codes: https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen20)GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% offWebsite: https://myspooniesisters.com/

    39 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    Mind Over Misery Part 2

    What happens when chronic pain intersects with mental health? Our panel of chronic illness warriors tackles this question head-on, revealing the emotional landscape behind physical suffering and the mindset shifts that transformed their journeys. Meet Steve, living with rare and painful arachnoiditis, who found renewed purpose as an advocate after his body began failing him. Listen to Stasia's powerful reframing of productivity – "sometimes just sitting and listening to birds is productive" – challenging our cultural obsession with constant activity. Rick shares his structured approach to resilience despite debilitating knee pain, while Lisa reminds us that emotional resilience ultimately comes down to choice in the face of uncontrollable circumstances. Together, they explore how chronic illness fundamentally reshapes self-worth, relationships, and identity. You'll hear candid admissions about wallowing (it's okay sometimes!), grief as necessary processing rather than pain itself, and the transformative power of finding purpose amid suffering. Their practical wisdom includes removing "I'm fine" from your vocabulary, setting time limits on pity parties, and preparing mentally for others' reactions to your invisible battles. This conversation goes beyond typical chronic illness discussions, diving into the psychological strategies that help warriors rise above their conditions. Whether managing pain yourself or supporting someone who does, you'll gain insight into the delicate balance between acknowledging suffering and choosing engagement with life despite limitations. Grab a cozy drink and join us for an honest, heartfelt exploration of how the mind can triumph over misery – not by denying pain, but by transcending it through purpose, community, and intentional mindset shifts. Steve Lovelace: https://www.instagram.com/arachnoiditis_unfiltered?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Rick Cram: https://www.instagram.com/rickcram?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Lisa Norris: https://www.instagram.com/autoimmunewarriorinfo?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Stasha Parker: https://www.instagram.com/tenaciousinme?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Send us Fan Mail Delivering Happy Mail around the world! We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment. Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses. About our organization | Cards2warriors Keep your spoons close and support system closer. Support the show Discount Codes: https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen20)GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% offWebsite: https://myspooniesisters.com/

    39 min

  8. EPISODE 8

    Unsolicited Chronic Illness Advice

    Have you ever been told that celery juice could cure your autoimmune disease? Or perhaps someone suggested that your joints aren't actually inflamed—they're just dehydrated? Welcome to the world of unsolicited health advice that every person with a chronic illness knows all too well. In this candid and often hilarious conversation, four women (Alison, Jen, Jewel, Linnea) with various chronic conditions share the weirdest, wildest, and most bewildering "cures" they've been offered by well-meaning friends, family members, and strangers. From the childhood friend who messaged after 20 years to suggest "eating right and exercising" would solve everything, to the truly outlandish experience of being led to a stranger's basement, given an apple, and anointed with oil to "pray away" rheumatoid arthritis—these stories will have you nodding in recognition or picking your jaw up off the floor. Why do people feel compelled to offer solutions rather than support? How does "medicine shaming" affect those who need medication to function? The conversation delves into how chronic illness becomes a masterclass in setting boundaries, educating others, and sometimes finding the humor in absurd situations. Experiences are validated, medical gaslighting is acknowledged, and fellow "spoonies" understand that wellness often requires multiple approaches working together, not miracle cures or quick fixes. Whether you live with chronic illness or love someone who does, this episode offers insight, comfort, and permission to respond to the next person who suggests dancing under the full moon with a smile, a boundary, or perhaps a witty comeback. Jen: https://www.instagram.com/gracefully_jen?igsh=MW9iMTl0ZXMwZ2dleg==Linnea: https://www.instagram.com/perfectlyimperfectlinnea?igsh=bGFyZzJqcGc0eG5mAlison: https://www.instagram.com/alisons1616?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==Jewel: https://www.instagram.com/thelipedemacushie?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Send us Fan Mail Delivering Happy Mail around the world! We have sent thousands of cards to isolated illness warriors, facilitated hundreds of pen pal relationships, and reached countless family members, caregivers, and medical professionals with messages of hope and acknowledgment. Join our mission to send 100,000 cards of support to patients with long-term illnesses. About our organization | Cards2warriors Keep your spoons close and support system closer. Support the show Discount Codes: https://www.graceandable.com/?bg_ref=980:nzTyG6c9zK (Use code GAJen20)GIANT Microbes | Gag Gifts, Teacher Gifts, Doctor Gifts, Gifts for Girlfriends and Boyfriends code SPOONIE20 for 20% offWebsite: https://myspooniesisters.com/

    45 min
See All Season 5 (23)

Trailer

5
out of 5
17 Ratings

About

Welcome to My Spoonie Sisters! If you're wondering what a "Spoonie" is, it’s a term lovingly embraced by those living with chronic illnesses, based on the Spoon Theory. It’s all about managing our limited energy (or “spoons”) while navigating life’s challenges. Each week, join us to hear from your "Spoonie Sisters" host, co-hosts, and our inspiring special guests as we share real-life stories, tips, and encouragement. Whether you're here to learn, connect, or feel less alone, you’ll find a supportive space filled with understanding, laughter, and strength. Let’s journey through chronic illness together! Tune in and join the sisterhood!All guests featured or mentioned in this podcast will be listed for your convenience. Don't forget to rate and subscribe to My Spoonie Sisters and follow @MySpoonieSisters on Instagram for updates on new episodes and more. If you have a story to share or want to be featured on My Spoonie Sisters, please email MySpoonieSisters@gmail.com. We eagerly look forward to speaking and hearing from all our Spoonies!Disclaimer: While we are not doctors or healthcare Practitioners, we want to assure you that this podcast is a credible source of information. It's based on our guests' personal experiences and the strategies we've found effective for ourselves. However, everyone's body is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. If you have any health-related questions, it's always best to consult your Primary Doctor or Rheumatologist.Remember, our goal at My Spoonie Sisters is to connect people and provide them with the support and tools they need to live better lives.

Information

  • Creator
    Jen Weaver
  • Episodes
    164
  • Seasons
    5
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 My Spoonie Sisters
  • Show Website
    My Spoonie Sisters