Empowerment In Illness

Gwen Pike
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Weekly

This podcast is for those who know someone with an autoimmune disease or chronic illness, and for the warriors newly embarking on this journey. This space is about harnessing our power to fight and triumph over these battles. It’s about having a strong will, a resilient mindset, and the support of loved ones. We are committed to empowering, educating, and connecting individuals facing daily challenges due to chronic illnesses. We'll delve into the nuances of living with conditions like lupus and offer practical advice, all while nurturing a supportive community.

  1. 1d ago

    How Do You Take Care of Yourself When There's No One Else to Take Care of You?

    Chronic illness can change your independence, but it can also change the way you see the people you expected to be there when you needed them most. In this episode, we talk about expectations, what happens when loved ones don’t show up, and the difficult reality of needing help when there may be no one dependable to call. We also explore how to build a support system and create backup plans so your health and safety don’t depend entirely on one person. The Empowerment in Illness link: https://linktr.ee/EmpowermentInIllness   Need Helpand Don’t Have Anyone to Call? 211Dial 211Connects you with local community resources for needs such as food, housing, utilities, transportation, health care and other essential services. DisabilityInformation and Access Locator (DIAL)Use DIAL’s online directory to locate disability-related services in your community, including transportation, housing, legal assistance and other supports. ACL’s current help pages direct people with disabilities to the DIAL online locator. ACLSearch DIAL for disability services EldercareLocator800-677-1116Connects older adults, families and caregivers with local services including meals, home care, transportation and caregiver support. The current federal site also offers text, online chat and email assistance. Elder CareEldercare Locator Not sure what to say? “I live with a chronic health condition or disability and I don’t have anyone who can help me. I need assistance with ________. Can you help me find a local program or organization?” If that organization can't provide the help you need, ask: “Who should I call next?”

  2. Sep 27

    What I Miss Since I've Been Sick

    In this episode, we ask a simple but powerful question: What do you miss since you’ve been sick? Through personal reflections and the testimonies of chronic illness warriors, we explore the freedom, independence, identity, and everyday experiences that illness can quietly take away. This conversation reminds us that we can mourn what we’ve lost and still live fully in the life we have today. Empowerment in Illness Link: https://linktr.ee/EmpowermentInIllness

  3. Sep 20

    My Body Said Winter Is Coming

    As the seasons change, our bodies may start making a little more noise, and sometimes the best thing we can do is listen, prepare, and laugh along the way. In this episode, we talk about the “October Slide,” changing routines, shorter days, and those familiar aches and changes that may show up as colder weatherapproaches. Because winter is coming, warriors, but we like to watch drama, not star in our own series. Empowerment in Illness Link: https://linktr.ee/EmpowermentInIllness

  4. Sep 13

    Stop Trying to Fix Me

    In this episode of Empowerment in Illness, we talk about the difference between supporting someone with chronic illness and constantly trying to fix them. We explore the never-ending “Have you tried…?” suggestions, why people feel the need to offer solutions, and how well-meaning advice can sometimes start to feel like judgment. Most importantly, we talk about a better approach: instead of assuming what someone needs, simply ask, “How can I support you?” https://linktr.ee/EmpowermentInIllness

  5. Sep 6

    When The Pain Becomes Too Loud

    In this episode of Empowerment in Illness, we talk about what happens when lupus pain becomes so overwhelming that it feels louder than everything else around us. We remind our listeners that they are heard, seen, and not alone, then walk through some of the doors available for support. We also talk about ways to address the pain itself, including reviewing the healthcare team, exploring pain-management options, and reaching out for additional support when the burden becomes too much.

  6. Aug 30

    It's Natural, But Is It Safe?

    In this episode of Empowerment in Illness, we’re taking a closer look at supplements and asking an important question: just because something is natural, does that mean it’s safe for us? We’ll talk about what’s actually in that bottle, how supplements can interact with medications, and why “immune support” deserves a closer look when you’re living with lupus. This conversation isn’t about telling you to take supplements or avoid them, it’s about having the information you need to ask questions and make informed decisions about your health. Empowerment in Illness Linktree: https://linktr.ee/EmpowermentInIllness

  7. Aug 23

    The Alphabets of Lupus: Understanding the Lab Work

    In this episode, we're taking a closer look at all those alphabets our doctors order when we go for bloodwork and asking the question many of us have probably wondered, what are they actually looking for? We talk about why understanding a little more about our lab work can help us make sense of the conversations happening in the doctor's office without trying to become the doctor ourselves. The goal is simple, understand enough to ask questions, stay involved, and feel more confident about the information being used to make decisions about our health. Check out the link for EIL products: https://linktr.ee/EmpowermentInIllness

  8. Aug 16

    Protection You Didn't Know You Had

    In this final stop on the Lupus Roadmap, we explore Protection, the confidence to use your voice, trust yourself, set boundaries, and protect your peace while living with lupus. We talk about recognizing the signals your body gives you, working with your healthcare team, and using your Lupus GPS to make informed decisions when the road changes. The goal isn't a perfect journey, it's learning how to navigate your health with confidence while moving toward good days more often. Linktree: https://linktr.ee/EmpowermentInIllness

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About

This podcast is for those who know someone with an autoimmune disease or chronic illness, and for the warriors newly embarking on this journey. This space is about harnessing our power to fight and triumph over these battles. It’s about having a strong will, a resilient mindset, and the support of loved ones. We are committed to empowering, educating, and connecting individuals facing daily challenges due to chronic illnesses. We'll delve into the nuances of living with conditions like lupus and offer practical advice, all while nurturing a supportive community.

Information

  • Creator
    Gwen Pike
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    139
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Gwen Pike
  • Show Website
    Empowerment In Illness