The SpoonFull Show- A Chronic Illness Podcast by SpoonFull of Strength

Rachel

The SpoonFull Show (formerly SpoonFull of Strength) is hosted by Rachel, who has lived with Multiple Sclerosis for 10 years and Type 1 Diabetes for more than 25. Each episode blends heartfelt Spoonie conversations with insightful expert interviews, exploring what it really means to live with chronic illness. From the struggles of diagnosis and the mental load of daily symptoms, to the victories of advocacy, resilience, and finding joy, this podcast offers community, encouragement, and the reminder that even a spoonful of strength can carry you through.

  1. Ep. 95- Finding Answers: A Journey Through Dizziness and Discovery with Author Rachel Weaver

    1d ago

    Ep. 95- Finding Answers: A Journey Through Dizziness and Discovery with Author Rachel Weaver

    What if the answers you’ve been searching for finally arrived after nearly two decades? In this inspiring conversation, Rachel sits down with author Rachel Weaver to explore her eighteen‑year journey of constant dizziness, and the unexpected path that led her toward healing. Together, they talk about the long stretch of uncertainty, the courage it takes to keep trying when nothing makes sense, and the small sparks of hope that carried Rachel forward. She shares how writing her memoir Dizzy helped her make meaning out of years of symptoms, isolation, and trial‑and‑error, and how a surprising discovery about glucose regulation ultimately transformed her life. This episode is a reminder that even when the road feels endless, breakthroughs can come from the most unexpected places. If you’re searching for answers, holding onto hope, or simply trying to make each day a little more livable, this conversation will meet you right where you are. Follow Rachel Weaver On her website: Rachelweaver.net Find her book on her website or online at: https://a.co/d/0eJ6eNeo Follow SpoonFull of Strength to see podcast clips and release info at: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength⁠ Looking for chronic illness apparel? Check out The SpoonFull Shop at ⁠https://spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com⁠ Use code PODCAST for 30% off your total order. Just a quick reminder—everything shared here is based on personal experiences. Please consult your doctor for your own care.

    35 min
  2. Ep. 94: When They Say It’s All in Your Head with Julsey Roach

    Jun 24

    Ep. 94: When They Say It’s All in Your Head with Julsey Roach

    This week on The SpoonFull Show, Rachel sits down with licensed clinical professional counselor Julsey Roach, founder of Capon Counseling, for a powerful conversation about medical gaslighting, chronic illness, and the toxic pressure to “heal before living.” Drawing from both her professional work and personal experience navigating conditions including EDS, Lyme disease, Crohn’s, POTS, and a brain cyst, Julsey shares what it’s really like to constantly be dismissed, doubted, and told symptoms are “all in your head.” Together, Rachel and Julsey explore the emotional toll of not being believed, how medical trauma can impact self-trust, and why so many women begin putting their lives on hold while searching for answers. They also discuss practical ways to advocate for yourself in medical settings, rebuild confidence in your own body, and begin finding purpose and joy even while living with chronic illness. If you’ve ever questioned yourself, felt dismissed by doctors, or struggled with the feeling that you need to “get better” before you can truly live, this episode is for you. Follow Julsey Roach and find free resources here: website: https://www.caponcounseling.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caponcounseling/ Follow SpoonFull of Strength to see podcast clips and release info at: Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength⁠⁠ Looking for chronic illness apparel? Check out The SpoonFull Shop at ⁠⁠https://spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com⁠⁠ Use code PODCAST for 30% off your total order. Just a quick reminder—everything shared here is based on personal experiences. Please consult your doctor for your own care.

    36 min
  3. Ep. 93: Healing Has 4 Legs: Pets, Chronic Illness and Emotional Healing

    Jun 17

    Ep. 93: Healing Has 4 Legs: Pets, Chronic Illness and Emotional Healing

    In this heartfelt episode of The SpoonFull Show, Rachel welcomes back former co-host and fellow Spoonie, Tina, for an honest conversation about the connection between pets and healing. Together, they share personal stories about the animals who have supported them through chronic illness, cancer, anxiety, grief, and the emotional ups and downs of daily life. From dogs sensing panic attacks before they happen to the comfort of unconditional love on difficult days, Rachel and Tina explore how pets can provide emotional support, purpose, routine, and companionship when we need it most. They also talk openly about the harder side of pet ownership, including financial stress, caregiving challenges, and the heartbreak of losing a beloved pet. Whether your pet has been your comfort during flare days, your motivation to keep going, or simply your quiet companion through life’s hardest moments, this episode is a reminder that healing sometimes comes with four legs and a wagging tail. 🐾 Follow Tina on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/tina_h311/ Follow SpoonFull of Strength to see podcast clips and release info at: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength⁠ Looking for chronic illness apparel? Check out The SpoonFull Shop at ⁠https://spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com⁠ Use code PODCAST for 30% off your total order. Just a quick reminder—everything shared here is based on personal experiences. Please consult your doctor for your own care.

    30 min
  4. Ep. 92- Trapped Between Sick and Well with Amy Kurtz

    Jun 10

    Ep. 92- Trapped Between Sick and Well with Amy Kurtz

    What happens when you finally start getting “better”… but emotionally, you still don’t feel okay? In this episode of The SpoonFull Show, Rachel sits down with patient advocate, health coach, and bestselling author Amy Kurtz to talk about her powerful new book, But You Look Fine: Trapped in the Hell Between Sick and Well and How to Break Free. Amy shares her experience navigating chronic illness, medical trauma, nervous system dysregulation, and the emotional aftermath that can come with healing. Together, they discuss the pressure to be the “good patient,” learning to work with your doctors instead of abandoning your own intuition, and how trauma can disconnect us from our bodies and sense of self. They also explore:The “Shadowlands” between sick and wellMasking and people-pleasing in chronic illnessNervous system responses to traumaSelf-compassion and rebuilding trust with yourselfMeditation, sound healing, and nervous system regulationWhy healing isn’t about becoming the “old you” again This is an honest, validating conversation for anyone living with chronic illness, autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue, medical gaslighting, or the emotional weight of surviving in a body that’s been through a lot. Find out more about Amy and pick up a copy of her book at https://amykurtz.com/ Follow Amy on social media at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_amykurtz/ Follow SpoonFull of Strength to see podcast clips and release info at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength Looking for chronic illness apparel? Check out The SpoonFull Shop at https://spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com Use code PODCAST for 30% off your total order. Just a quick reminder—everything shared here is based on personal experiences. Please consult your doctor for your own care. 00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Book 02:17 Amy's Health Journey and First Book 04:02 The Discovery of Medical Trauma Brain 07:08 Living in the Shadowlands of Chronic Illness 10:10 The Disconnect and Masking in Chronic Illness 13:14 The Importance of Authenticity in Patient-Doctor Relationships 15:45 Building a 50-50 Partnership with Healthcare Providers 21:08 Empowering Patient-Doctor Relationships 26:28 Navigating the Healing Journey 30:48 Understanding Trauma and Chronic Illness 35:46 Metaphors of Healing: Riding the Waves of Life 44:53 closing.mp4

    46 min
  5. Ep. 91: The Bachelorette’s Michelle Young: The Part People Don’t See

    Jun 3

    Ep. 91: The Bachelorette’s Michelle Young: The Part People Don’t See

    In this episode of The SpoonFull Show, Rachel sits down with former teacher, speaker, activist, and The Bachelorette star Michelle Young for an honest conversation about navigating life with chronic illness, including POTS and overlapping health struggles. Michelle opens up about the quiet realities of living with chronic illness, the challenges of trying to understand what was happening in her body, and what it’s been like balancing major life moments — including her wedding and honeymoon — while dealing with ongoing health issues behind the scenes. Together, Rachel and Michelle talk about identity shifts, emotional health, learning to slow down, and the parts of chronic illness that people often don’t see. Whether you’re living with POTS, chronic illness, autoimmune disease, invisible illness, or simply trying to understand someone who is, this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone. Find out more about Michelle and her foundation at: https://michelleyoungofficial.com/ Follow Michelle on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelleyoung/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleyoung Follow SpoonFull of Strength to see podcast clips and release info at: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength⁠ Looking for chronic illness apparel? Check out The SpoonFull Shop at ⁠https://spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com Just a quick reminder—everything shared here is based on personal experiences. Please consult your doctor for your own care.

    44 min
  6. Ep. 90: More Than Awareness: The Power of Disability Advocacy

    Apr 22

    Ep. 90: More Than Awareness: The Power of Disability Advocacy

    In this episode, Rachel is joined by Kelly and Avery, hosts of Wheel Talk, a podcast led by two women living with congenital muscular dystrophy. Together, they explore what it really means to live with a rare disease, how their relationship with their diagnosis has evolved over time, and the powerful shift from viewing disability as a limitation to embracing it as identity. We also dive into the barriers that still exist — socially, medically, and culturally — and what true advocacy looks like in everyday life. Kelly and Avery share the inspiration behind their podcast, the impact they’re already making, and the conversations they’re working to normalize within the disability community. This episode is honest, empowering, and a reminder of the importance of representation, visibility, and lived experience. Wheel Talk With Kelly & Avery Podcast: http://ladieslivingrare.com/wheel-talk-podcast https://www.facebook.com/TheWheelTalkPodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thewheeltalkpodcast https://www.youtube.com/@TheWheelTalkPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@thewheeltalkpod creators.spotify.com/pod/show/the-wheel-talk-podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wheel-talk-with-kelly-and-avery-podcast/id1836473324 Connect with Kelly Berger https://www.instagram.com/thekellyberger/ https://www.facebook.com/thekellyberger/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/thekellyberger/ Connect with Avery Roberts: https://www.instagram.com/avery.nicole916/ https://www.facebook.com/averyroberts916 https://www.linkedin.com/in/averyroberts916/ Follow SpoonFull of Strength for podcast clips and updates at https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/ And on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength Looking for chronic illness merch? Visit SpoonFull of Strength’s Etsy shop at www.spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order.

    39 min
  7. Ep.89: Pill Bottles & Power: From Side Effects to Self-Advocacy

    Apr 15

    Ep.89: Pill Bottles & Power: From Side Effects to Self-Advocacy

    In this episode of The SpoonFull Show, Rachel is joined by Kimberley for an honest and empowering conversation about navigating medications while living with chronic illness. From decoding side effects to managing multiple prescriptions, they explore the often invisible mental and emotional load that comes with being a “professional patient.” Together, they discuss the turning point where taking medication becomes more than following instructions—it becomes about understanding, questioning, and advocating. This episode dives into: The anxiety and overwhelm of researching medications The balance between being informed and emotionally overloaded Practical lessons every spoonie learns (tracking symptoms, avoiding interactions, navigating insurance) How to advocate with providers and ask the right questions The role of chronic illness communities in sharing knowledge This episode is a reminder that patients deserve to be informed, heard, and empowered in their care. Follow Kim on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/kj5mccarthy/ And, on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/kim.mccarthy.98 Taking a vacation? Contact Kim for assistance, including planning an accessible vacation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueskyandwateradventures/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kj5mccarthy Or find her online at : https://kimmccarthy.inteletravel.com/booktravel.cfm Follow SpoonFull of Strength for podcast clips and updates at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/⁠And on TikTok at: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength⁠Looking for chronic illness merch? Visit SpoonFull of Strength’s Etsy shop at ⁠www.spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com⁠ Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order.

    42 min
  8. Ep. 88: The Gut Health, Chronic Illness Connection

    Apr 8

    Ep. 88: The Gut Health, Chronic Illness Connection

    Gut health is often talked about in the chronic illness space—but rarely explained in a way that actually connects the dots. In this episode, Rachel is joined by Liz Roman, a Board-Certified Functional Nutritional Practitioner specializing in gut health, hormone balance, and autoimmune conditions. After being told her symptoms were “normal” despite dealing with fatigue, brain fog, skin issues, and more, Liz uncovered the root causes of her own health struggles—and now helps others do the same. Together, they explore gut health through the lens of chronic illness, including: Why gut issues are so common in chronic illness The connection between the gut and immune system Symptoms you may not realize are gut-related Why so many people feel stuck and aren’t getting better This conversation is both informative and validating—especially for anyone who feels like their symptoms don’t fully make sense or hasn’t found answers yet. If you’ve ever wondered how your gut might be impacting your overall health… this episode is for you. Follow Liz on Instagram at: @thepoopqueen  Schedule a free consult with her team: fitmom.co/liz Book labs + review: https://fitmom.co/labs  Free Constipation Cure Guide: https://fitmom.co/ccg Podcast - The Health Revival Show: https://open.spotify.com/show/5HUm3k84HHsDNM9FgnBB8J?si=c7f48c1cc9a94225  Follow SpoonFull of Strength for podcast clips and updates at https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/ And on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength Looking for chronic illness merch? Visit SpoonFull of Strength’s Etsy shop at www.spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order.

    47 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The SpoonFull Show (formerly SpoonFull of Strength) is hosted by Rachel, who has lived with Multiple Sclerosis for 10 years and Type 1 Diabetes for more than 25. Each episode blends heartfelt Spoonie conversations with insightful expert interviews, exploring what it really means to live with chronic illness. From the struggles of diagnosis and the mental load of daily symptoms, to the victories of advocacy, resilience, and finding joy, this podcast offers community, encouragement, and the reminder that even a spoonful of strength can carry you through.

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