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

Rachel
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated 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. 23h ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. Jul 31

    Ep:100: 100 Episodes Later: The Stories That Brought Us Together

    100 episodes. Thousands of conversations. One incredible community. We can hardly believe it—The SpoonFull Show (& SpoonFull of Strength) has reached 100 episodes! In this special celebration, Rachel and returning co-host Tina look back on where it all began, from wondering if anyone would listen to building a community that has connected Spoonies around the world. Throughout the episode, you'll hear heartfelt messages from former guests who have shared their journeys of chronic illness, disability, caregiving, advocacy, and resilience over the past two years. Together, we reflect on some of our favorite behind-the-scenes memories, the biggest lessons we've learned, a few rapid-fire questions (including dream guests and biggest fears!), and what the future may hold for the podcast. More than anything, this episode is a celebration of you, our listeners. Whether you've been with us since Episode 1 or you're joining us for the very first time, thank you for allowing us to be part of your journey. If there's one message we hope you take away from these first 100 episodes, it's this: You are never alone. Thank you for saving some spoons to celebrate this milestone with us. Here's to the next 100 episodes. Big thanks to our Spoonies who sent in messages. Give them a follow on Instagram here: Brenda Snow: https://www.instagram.com/brendalynettesnow/ Rebecca: https://www.instagram.com/aka.invis_able/ Mayra: https://www.instagram.com/ms_tink_a_bility/ Nicole: https://www.instagram.com/gastroparesisawareness2024/ Steven: https://www.instagram.com/steven_lopez_advocates/ Christina: https://www.instagram.com/therunciblespoonie/ Jenny: https://www.instagram.com/lifesapolyp/ Maggie: https://www.instagram.com/authormaggiebushway/ Karin: https://www.instagram.com/unseenyetunstoppable/ Diana: https://www.instagram.com/knowingbetter.livingbetter/ Emily: https://www.instagram.com/ems.stroke.of.lightning/ Christie: https://www.instagram.com/christiesproba/ Kait: https://www.instagram.com/alignedk8/ Miranda: https://www.instagram.com/undefinedbypots/ Kimberley: https://www.instagram.com/kj5mccarthy/ 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:100: 100 Episodes Later: The Stories That Brought Us Together

  5. Jul 29

    Ep. 99: Can AI Help You Navigate Chronic Illness?

    When you're living with chronic illness, appointments are short, specialists are booked months out, and it's easy to leave with more questions than answers. In this Spoonie Chat, Rachel and Tina explore how AI tools like ChatGPT are changing the way patients navigate their health. They share how they've used AI to understand confusing lab results, organize years of medical information, prepare for appointments, summarize complex research, and become stronger advocates for themselves. But they also have an honest conversation about the risks. Where should AI fit into your healthcare? When can it be helpful, and when should you put your phone down and call your doctor—or seek emergency care? This episode isn't about replacing medical professionals. It's about using technology wisely to fill the gaps, ask better questions, and feel more informed along the way. If you've ever opened ChatGPT after a doctor's appointment because you still had questions, this conversation is for you. 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. 99: Can AI Help You Navigate Chronic Illness?

  6. Jul 22

    Ep. 98: When Your Body Says Stop, With Michele Roys

    What happens when your body whispers… then nudges… then finally screams for you to slow down?In this powerful and deeply relatable conversation, author and chronic illness advocate Michele Roys shares the moments her body tried to get her attention — and the years she spent pushing through anyway. From high‑achiever life on four continents to being bedridden with trigeminal neuralgia, fibromyalgia, and Lyme disease, Michele opens up about the grief, denial, and internal negotiations so many of us know too well. Her story is raw, honest, and full of the kind of self‑compassion we all need more of. We talk about: • The emotional weight of hearing “but you look fine” • The tug‑of‑war moment that changed everything • Why slowing down can feel dangerous for high achievers • The guilt, grief, and identity loss that come with chronic illness • How pacing becomes self‑respect instead of restriction • Reframing rest, energy, and the stories we tell ourselves • Learning to listen to your body after years of ignoring it Michele’s journey is a reminder that healing isn’t about going back to who you were — it’s about learning to love the version of you that exists now. If you’ve ever pushed through pain, ignored warning signs, or felt guilty for resting, this episode will feel like a deep exhale. Michelle's website (To find her book and Podcast links): https://www.micheleroys.com/ 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. 98: When Your Body Says Stop, With Michele Roys

  7. Jul 15

    Ep. 97- Stuck in Survival Mode: The Fight‑or‑Flight Link to Autoimmune Illness with Dr. Brendan McLaughlin

    What if your autoimmune symptoms aren’t your body breaking down — but your body trying to protect you?In this eye‑opening conversation, integrative physician Dr. Brendan McLaughlin, author of The Autoimmune Revival, explains why so many people with autoimmune disease feel stuck in exhaustion, inflammation, and flare cycles… even when they’re “resting.” We explore:• How chronic stress and fight‑or‑flight disrupt the immune system• Why autoimmune disease is rising — and why people often collect multiple diagnoses• The difference between rest and true restoration • Why symptoms are messages, not failures• The role of circadian rhythm, light exposure, and nervous system regulation• What needs to happen before detoxing or treating root causes• How to rebuild trust with your body after years of dismissal or misdiagnosis Dr. Brendan blends clinical insight with lived experience, offering a hopeful, compassionate look at what’s possible when we stop suppressing symptoms and start understanding them. If you’ve ever felt dismissed, overwhelmed, or trapped in survival mode, this episode will help you feel seen — and remind you that your body is not the enemy. Follow Dr McLaughlin's work at https://aquarianhealthsolutions.com/ and here on Substack: https://substack.com/@drbmclaughlin?utm_source=top_search Dr. McLaughlin's Podcast, Aquarian Insights: https://open.spotify.com/show/5mwNisAWDDgMKjOh23l4Up?si=1de1ac66e7504f73 Find Dr. McLaughlin's book here: https://a.co/d/0bIdYQON 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. 97- Stuck in Survival Mode: The Fight‑or‑Flight Link to Autoimmune Illness with Dr. Brendan McLaughlin

  8. Jul 8

    Ep. 96: The Price We Pay to Feel "Just Okay" with Guest Co-Host Tina

    Living with a chronic illness doesn’t just cost energy ...it costs money, stability, and sometimes even the life you once imagined. In this week’s episode, Rachel and Tina open up about the financial burden of chronic illness: the bills no one warns you about, the insurance hoops, the lifestyle changes you never wanted to make, and the emotional weight of feeling like a financial burden on your family. From navigating disability benefits to stretching prescriptions, from moving homes for accessibility to choosing between groceries and medical care, this conversation is honest, validating, and full of practical tips. Rachel and Tina also share resources, assistance programs, and small strategies that can make a big difference when money and health collide. If you’ve ever felt alone in the financial side of chronic illness, this episode will make you feel seen and supported. 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

    Ep. 96: The Price We Pay to Feel "Just Okay" with Guest Co-Host Tina
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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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