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

Rachel
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Weekly

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. 2d ago

    Ep. 108: When did Chronic Illness Become Cool?

    When Did Chronic Illness Become “Cool”? Social Media, Visibility & the Rise of the Chronic Illness Influencer Has chronic illness become trendy—or are people with chronic illness simply more visible than ever before? In this Spoonie Chats episode, Rachel is joined by her sister-in-law and co-host Tina to discuss an article titled “How Having a Disability Became Cool” and the conversation it sparked within the chronic illness community. Rachel and Tina talk about the rise of chronic illness influencers, the genuine connections and support people find through social media, and what happens when money enters the picture. Can someone make money from sharing their chronic illness experience and still be authentic? And what responsibility comes with having an audience that trusts you? They also explore the complicated side of seeing chronic illness represented online—how watching someone with the same diagnosis live a full, active life can be incredibly inspiring one day and leave you questioning your own limitations the next. Plus, Rachel shares reactions directly from the chronic illness community about whether disability has really become “cool”...or whether people who have spent far too long feeling unseen are finally finding their voices. 🎧 Join the conversation: Do you think chronic illness has become trendy, or are we simply becoming more visible? Connect with SpoonFull of Strength Instagram: @spoonfullofstrength TikTok: @spoonfull.of.strength 🛍️ Shop SpoonFull of Strength: SpoonFullofStrength.Etsy.com Use code PODCAST for 30% off your order.

    Ep. 108: When did Chronic Illness Become Cool?

  2. Oct 21

    Ep. 107: The Art of Being Seen with Artist Jillian Franko

    The Art of Being Seen | Jillian Franko What happens when the world starts seeing you for who you are, rather than what makes you different? This week on The SpoonFull Show, I'm joined by artist Jillian Franko, who was born with Larsen's Syndrome, a rare genetic condition affecting bone formation and structure. Jillian has faced physical challenges throughout her life, but she's never lost her passion for creating. With limited range of motion, she developed her own unique painting technique, using smaller individual panels that come together to form beautiful, larger pieces of artwork. In this episode, we talk about independence, finding creative ways to do things differently, and what it means to be recognized for something you love. Jillian also shares some incredible stories about her artwork, including paintings she created for Derek Hough and the Jonas Brothers. But one of my favorite parts of our conversation is Jillian's reminder to slow down and notice the beauty in everyday life. Sometimes the things we overlook are the very things worth appreciating. This is an episode you'll want to WATCH! Throughout our conversation, I'm sharing some of Jillian's incredible artwork. Catch the video version on Spotify or YouTube to see her paintings as we discuss them! Because as Jillian reminds us, doing things differently doesn't mean they're impossible. Connect with Jillian: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillianm_art/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jilliart_?lang=en Connect With Rachel @SpoonFull of Strength Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength Find chronic illness awareness apparel and more at: https://SpoonFullofStrength.Etsy.com Use code PODCAST for 30% off your order!

    Ep. 107: The Art of Being Seen with Artist Jillian Franko

  3. Oct 14

    Ep. 106: When Your Doctor Doesn’t Have the Answer with Dr. Erin Nance

    When Your Doctor Doesn't Have the Answer | Dr. Erin Nance What happens when you know something is wrong, but the doctors can't figure out what it is? This week on The SpoonFull Show, I'm joined by Dr. Erin Nance, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, author, TV host, and founder of TakeAwayMD. After experiencing her own medical mystery following COVID, Dr. Nance found herself on the other side of the exam room, searching for answers. That experience gave her a new perspective on something so many in the chronic illness community understand all too well: the frustration, uncertainty, and emotional toll of not having a diagnosis. We talk about misdiagnosis, why getting answers can be so difficult, especially for women, and the importance of feeling heard and believed by your doctor. But we also turn the conversation around. What do doctors wish patients understood? How can we advocate for ourselves without making the relationship feel like a battle? And how can patients and doctors work together when the answers aren't clear? Dr. Nance also shares the inspiration behind TakeAwayMD, an app designed to bring medical expertise and patient experiences together. One of my favorite parts of our conversation is her idea of finding your "North Star" doctor — someone who may not have all the answers but is willing to stay curious, listen, and keep looking with you. Because sometimes, the most important thing a doctor can say isn't "I know what's wrong." It's "I believe you, and we're going to keep trying." Whether you're still searching for a diagnosis or simply want a better relationship with your healthcare providers, I hope this conversation reminds you that your voice matters. CONNECT WITH DR. ERIN NANCE TakeAwayMD App & Website: https://takeawaymd.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorerinnance/ TikTok — Little Miss Diagnosed: https://www.tiktok.com/@littlemissdiagnosed TV Show — ER: Caught on Camera: Wednesdays at 9 PM on TLC; also on HBO Max Book — Little Miss Diagnosed: https://www.harpercollins.com/products/little-miss-diagnosed-erin-nance-md Dr. Nance's Website: https://www.nancemd.com CONNECT WITH SPOONFULL OF STRENGTH Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength SHOP SPOONFULL OF STRENGTH https://SpoonFullofStrength.Etsy.com Use code PODCAST for 30% off your order!

    Ep. 106: When Your Doctor Doesn’t Have the Answer with Dr. Erin Nance

  4. Oct 7

    Ep. 105: Live Until I Die with Adaptive Impact Co-Founder Dana Hunt

    Welcome to Season 8 of The SpoonFull Show! What does it mean to truly live when you know your time is limited? We're kicking off Season 8 with Dana Hunt, an adventurer, advocate, and co-founder of Adaptive Impact, who was diagnosed with ALS at just 38 years old. As ALS began taking away her ability to walk and do the things she loved, Dana discovered an unexpected sense of freedom through flight. That experience eventually led her to co-found Adaptive Impact, a nonprofit helping people with mobility challenges and terminal illnesses experience the freedom of adaptive paragliding and skydiving. In this conversation, Dana shares what it's like to lose physical abilities without losing yourself, how grief and gratitude can exist at the same time, and why she's determined to keep finding joy, adventure, and purpose in the life she has. From difficult conversations about fear and the future to plenty of laughter and unforgettable stories, Dana reminds us that a life-changing diagnosis doesn't mean life is over. Her motto says it all: “I want to live until I die.” Connect with Dana: Instagram: @imkickingthebucketlist Adaptive Impact: @adaptiveimpact Website: https://theadaptiveimpact.com If this conversation resonates with you, please follow The SpoonFull Show and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it. Connect with SpoonFull of Strength Instagram: @spoonfullofstrength TikTok: @spoonfull.of.strength Shop SpoonFull of Strength: Shop on Etsy Use code PODCAST for 30% off your order!

    Ep. 105: Live Until I Die with Adaptive Impact Co-Founder Dana Hunt

  5. Aug 26

    Ep. 104: When the Words Won’t Come: A Spoonie Conversation on Brain Fog

    This season finale of The SpoonFull Show is unlike any other... because nothing is edited. No cuts, no clean‑ups, no hiding the pauses, lost words, or moments where our brains simply clock out. What you hear is exactly what happened, and honestly… it’s the perfect way to talk about brain fog. In this episode, Rachel and her sister‑in‑law Tina dive into what brain fog actually feels like, the word‑searching, task‑forgetting, mid‑sentence disappearing acts, and the emotional weight that comes with it. They share how brain fog affects conversations, confidence, daily routines, and why it can feel so frustrating even when you try to laugh it off. You’ll hear real stories about forgotten grocery items, lost timelines, misused words, and the invisible grief of not being able to multitask like you used to. They also break down what makes brain fog worse (fatigue, stress, heat, pain, overstimulation) and the practical tools that help... timers, lists, reminders, routines, humor, and asking for support. If you’ve ever felt embarrassed, overwhelmed, or misunderstood because of brain fog, this episode will make you feel seen, validated, and a little less alone. Watch the SpoonFull of Strength Instagram and TikTok pages for updates about next season — exciting things are coming. 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.

    Ep. 104: When the Words Won’t Come: A Spoonie Conversation on Brain Fog

  6. Aug 19

    Ep. 103: When Pain Becomes Your Purpose with Lyndsay Soprano

    When Pain Becomes Your Purpose with Lyndsay Soprano ⚠️ Content note: This episode includes discussion of suicidal ideation. Please take care of yourself while listening. If these topics are difficult for you, you can skip over minutes 15:40 to 20:00. What happens when pain becomes such a constant part of your life that you have to find a new reason to keep moving forward? In this episode of The SpoonFull Show, I'm joined by Lyndsay Soprano, who lives with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), one of the most painful conditions known. Lyndsay opens up about the physical and emotional toll of chronic pain, the trauma that shaped her journey, and the moments when the darkness became almost impossible to carry. We also talk about suicidal ideation, why having people who truly understand can make all the difference, and how simply talking about the darkest moments can help break the isolation that chronic pain creates. But this conversation isn't only about the hard stuff. Lyndsay shares how she found purpose in her pain, the importance of finding your "why," the power of friendship and community, and why laughter and a little dark humor can sometimes be exactly what gets you through another day. Most importantly, Lyndsay reminds us that you are not alone—and there is always hope, even in the darkest moments. Lyndsay Soprano is a bold, unfiltered voice in the chronic pain and trauma recovery space—transforming unimaginable suffering into unstoppable advocacy,  as she dives into the realities of living in—and rising from—chronic pain, trauma, and invisible illness. Find Lyndsay and her podcast, Giving Pain Purpose, at https://givingpainpurpose.com/ Follow her on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/givingpainpurpose/ 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.

    Ep. 103: When Pain Becomes Your Purpose with Lyndsay Soprano

  7. Aug 12

    Ep. 102: Your Home Should Support You, Not Exhaust You with Organizer, Claire Shoolin

    What if your home could actually help conserve your spoons instead of using them up? In this season finale of The SpoonFull Show, I’m joined by Claire, founder of The Uncluttered Soul, for a conversation about chronic illness, clutter, grief, and creating a home that works for the life you’re actually living...not the life you thought you’d have. We talk about what “decluttering for Spoonies” really looks like when energy and mobility are limited, why traditional organizing and productivity advice often falls short, and how small changes can reduce the everyday friction that quietly drains our energy. Claire also introduces us to the idea of “fantasy self clutter”—the things we hold onto because they represent who we used to be, or who we thought we would become. We talk about the grief that can come with changing abilities, letting go of expectations, and giving ourselves permission to create spaces that support who we are now. And, of course, Claire shares practical tips for making your home more accessible and functional without spending a fortune or trying to make everything perfect. This is a conversation about decluttering, but it’s really about so much more: self-compassion, acceptance, conserving your spoons, and making room for the life you have now. Find Claire and The Uncluttered Soul at https://www.theunclutteredsoul.co/ or email: hello@theunclutteredsoul.co Sign up for a free discovery call online! 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 entire order. Just a quick reminder—everything shared here is based on personal experiences. Please consult your doctor for your own care.

    Ep. 102: Your Home Should Support You, Not Exhaust You with Organizer, Claire Shoolin

  8. Aug 5

    Ep. 101: The Art of Surrender: Rethinking Chronic Pain and Creativity with Lorraine Ansell

    What if pain isn’t something to battle… but something to understand? In this deeply honest conversation, Rachel sits down with author and creator Lorraine Ansell, whose lifelong journey with hypermobile Ehlers‑Danlos syndrome reshaped everything she thought she knew about pain, pacing, and self‑compassion. Together, they explore what it means to surrender—not as giving up, but as learning to listen to the body’s cues with curiosity instead of resistance. Lorraine shares how creativity became her anchor, a place where her mind could rest and her pain could soften. From crafting and writing to redefining daily rhythms, she offers gentle, practical ways to move through chronic pain without losing yourself in it. If you’ve ever wished for “just five minutes without pain,” or wondered how to live a full, meaningful life in a body that hurts, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. Topics we explore: Recognizing pain when it’s been your “normal” since childhood Why fighting pain often makes it louder The power of surrender and self‑awareness Creativity as regulation, expression, and relief Pacing, planning, and honoring your body’s rhythms Finding humor, softness, and joy in the midst of chronic illness Follow Lorraine on Instagram and TikTok at @livinglavoiceart, and find her book The Surrender Agenda on Amazon at: https://a.co/d/0bJslgBT 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.

    Ep. 101: The Art of Surrender: Rethinking Chronic Pain and Creativity with Lorraine Ansell
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6 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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