The Chronically Positive Podcast

The Chronically Positive Podcast
  • 5.0 (2)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to The Chronically Positive Podcast! This podcast delves into the complexities of living with chronic illness. It’s not about forcing positivity or suggesting that a positive mindset is the solution—because we all know it’s not that simple. Instead, we focus on resilience, creativity, and finding meaning in our challenges. Each episode features inspiring stories from individuals who have turned their diagnoses into opportunities for growth and advocacy. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have lived with chronic illness for years, this podcast reminds you that your journey matters.

  1. Dateability: The Dating App for People with Disabilities & Chronic Illness

    09/30/2025

    Dateability: The Dating App for People with Disabilities & Chronic Illness

    You can watch this episode on YouTube In this episode of The Chronically Positive Podcast, I talk with sisters Jacqueline and Alexa, co-founders of Dateability— the first dating app created for people with disabilities and chronic illness. Jacqueline shares her personal journey navigating dating with chronic illness, from rejection and internalized ableism to finding empowerment through building an inclusive space. Alexa opens up about teaming up as sisters to launch the app, balancing accessibility, community, and entrepreneurship. 👉 Download Dateability: App Store: Google Play: Web App: 👉 Follow Dateability on Instagram

    31 min
  2. Crohn’s, Comedy, and Creating Your Own Spotlight with Anna Snapp S2 EP6

    07/08/2025

    Crohn’s, Comedy, and Creating Your Own Spotlight with Anna Snapp S2 EP6

    You can watch this episode on youtube In this episode, Anna Snapp joins me to share how she transformed years of medical trauma, mental health struggles, and invisible illness into powerful creative expression. From hospital stays and misdiagnoses to performing her story on stage for med students and Fringe Festival audiences alike, Anna’s journey is a reminder of the strength it takes to reclaim your narrative — and the healing that can come from being seen.🔗 Show Notes:Follow Anna on Instagram/TikTok: @theannasnappFollow the Chronically Positive Podcast: IG/TT @chronicallypositivepodJoin the Chronic4U Circle – Ila’s creative support group for people with chronic illness: https://chronic4u.com/pages/c4u-circle

    54 min
  3. My First Trip Abroad with a Chronic Illness: How I Survived Italy S2 EP5

    05/14/2025

    My First Trip Abroad with a Chronic Illness: How I Survived Italy S2 EP5

    You can watch the episode on YouTube here   In this episode of The Chronically Positive Podcast, I’m sharing my first experience traveling abroad with a chronic illness. I recently went to Italy, and while it was an incredible adventure, it came with its own set of challenges. From managing my health on the flight to navigating food, accessibility, and flare-ups, I’m talking all about how I made it through and the tips that helped me survive the trip. If you’ve ever wondered how to travel with a chronic illness, this episode is for you!

    29 min

  4. 05/08/2025

    Building Resilience Together: The Impact of Chronic Illness on Relationships | Ft. Olivia Haning

    You can watch this episode on youtube In this episode, I sit down with Olivia aka @chronicallyillandhot to discuss our experiences with chronic illness, focusing on the importance of community support, humor, and the emotional toll of living with conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and mast cell activation syndrome. We share personal stories about navigating chemical sensitivities, the impact chronic illness has on relationships, and the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare. We dive into the challenges and triumphs of living with these conditions, highlighting the need for understanding and support from loved ones.Olivia and I also discuss the complexities of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), including managing allergic reactions, dealing with dietary restrictions, and the emotional challenges that come with it. Throughout the conversation, we touch on how stress affects our health and the importance of finding positivity and support within the chronic illness community.00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Liv00:31 Liv's Journey with Chronic Illness02:44 Connecting Over Shared Experiences04:49 Challenges with Chemical Sensitivities09:29 High School Health Struggles12:08 Supportive Relationships25:48 Struggles with Misdiagnosis and Early Symptoms26:41 Weight Gain and Medication28:12 Living with POTS and Fainting Episodes29:54 Impact of MCAS on Daily Life31:45 Navigating Food-Related Challenges36:29 Coping Strategies and Stress Management44:56 Finding Positivity and Community Support49:49 Concluding Thoughts and Future HopesOlivia's socials:Instagram: @chronicallyillandhotTikTok: @chronicallyillandhot

    53 min
  5. What Happens When We Stop Funding Science: How Chronic Illness and Rare Disease Communities Could Be Left Behind

    03/25/2025

    What Happens When We Stop Funding Science: How Chronic Illness and Rare Disease Communities Could Be Left Behind

    This week on The Chronically Positive Podcast, I’m joined by a very special guest, my brother Elias. Elias is a rare disease researcher and we’re talking about something that impacts all of us: science funding. Recent cuts to research funding may feel distant, but they directly affect people living with chronic illness and rare disease. In this conversation, Elias explains how science funding actually works, what’s currently at risk, and why it matters for patients, clinicians, and the future of healthcare. We talk about how genetic research moves from the lab to treatment, and what could happen if we lose the next generation of scientists. Whether you live with chronic illness, care about innovation, or just want to understand what’s going on, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Disclaimer: Elias's views are his own and do not represent any institution or employer. Nothing in this episode is intended as medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for medical guidance.

    38 min
  6. Dating with Chronic Illness | Featuring my Boyfriend

    03/11/2025

    Dating with Chronic Illness | Featuring my Boyfriend

    In this episode, I sit down with my boyfriend, Matthew, to talk about the realities of love, support, and navigating life together with a chronic illness. We’re answering your questions, sharing personal stories, and tackling the tough topics—like feeling like a burden, managing household responsibilities, and maintaining intimacy. Whether you’re in a similar situation or just curious about how relationships evolve through health challenges, this episode is packed with real talk and honest insights. Don’t forget to follow and leave a review—it helps more people find these conversations! ⏳ Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Season Two! 00:16 Meet My Boyfriend, Matthew 01:03 Our Relationship Journey 03:01 First Date Stories 05:35 Living with Chronic Illness 09:28 Navigating Daily Challenges 17:24 Answering Your Questions 32:05 Navigating Feelings of Burden in Relationships 32:52 Communicating Needs and Emotions 34:59 Intimacy and Chronic Illness 38:29 Sharing Household Responsibilities 46:06 Managing Dates and Social Activities 49:41 Dealing with Pampering and Pity 51:28 Overcoming Anxiety and Fear 59:13 Conclusion and Reflections

    1h 1m
  7. Navigating Relationships and Intimacy with Chronic Illness | Featuring Danni Hertel

    03/04/2025

    Navigating Relationships and Intimacy with Chronic Illness | Featuring Danni Hertel

    Welcome to season two of the Chronically Positive podcast! This season, we're diving deep into the complexities of love, dating, and intimacy for those living with chronic illnesses. Today, we are joined by Danni Hertel, who shares her powerful story of navigating relationships while dealing with chronic illness. She discusses the impact of toxic relationships on her health, the importance of supportive partners, and the challenges of intimacy. From battling toxic relationships to finding her 'Goldilocks' partner, Danni's journey is both inspiring and eye-opening. Whether you're single, dating, or in a long-term relationship, there's something in this episode for you. Don't forget to rate, subscribe, and follow the podcast to help more people hear these essential stories. Tune in to hear Danni's incredible experiences and learn how to cultivate healthier, more supportive relationships. Danni's Instagram Danni's Bakery 00:00 Welcome to Season 2! 00:25 Introducing Danny's Story 01:36 Danny's Baking Journey 04:55 The Impact of Chronic Illness 06:38 Toxic Relationships and Health 12:44 Finding the Right Partner 17:18 Navigating Online Dating 19:17 When to Share About Your Illness 20:55 Navigating Social Interactions with Chronic Illness 24:01 Challenges of Alcohol and Chronic Illness 26:00 Family Connections and Health 33:24 Intimacy and Chronic Illness 40:31 Self-Acceptance and Relationships 44:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    46 min
  8. Trapped in His Own Body: Jake Haendel’s Unbelievable Survival Story Ep. 10

    02/02/2025

    Trapped in His Own Body: Jake Haendel’s Unbelievable Survival Story Ep. 10

    In this gripping episode, the 'Miracle Man' Jake Haendel shares his extraordinary journey of surviving stage four acute toxic progressive leukoencephalopathy, a rare brain disease that left him fully conscious but unable to move or speak for ten months. Jake opens up about his descent into addiction, the horrifying misdiagnosis of being brain dead, and his incredible recovery journey. We delve into his current endeavors, including his advocacy work, his new accessibility-focused app 'Ahoi,' and his tell-all podcast 'Blink.' Despite the sound issues, Jake's story is a powerful testament to resilience, hope, and making meaningful change. watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWW4IPFwy3M Listen to Jake's tell all podcast Blink https://open.spotify.com/episode/1f8x... https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...  / miraclman31   ‪@miraclman31‬   / miraclman31  https://www.instagram.com/blinkthepod...00:00 Introduction to Jake Haendel's Story 00:41 Technical Difficulties and Episode Setup 01:19 Jake's Life Before the Diagnosis 04:35 The Onset of Symptoms 06:41 The Hospital Experience and Diagnosis 14:51 Living with Locked-In Syndrome 28:56 The Turning Point: Communication and Recovery 36:58 Non-Verbal Conversations and Early Recovery 38:05 Relearning and Regaining Abilities 39:10 A New Outlook on Life 41:07 From Behavior Therapy to Marketing 50:24 Creating Ahoi: Revolutionizing Accessibility 59:59 Introducing Blink: A Personal Journey 01:09:42 Conclusion and Season 2 Teaser

    1h 11m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Chronically Positive Podcast! This podcast delves into the complexities of living with chronic illness. It’s not about forcing positivity or suggesting that a positive mindset is the solution—because we all know it’s not that simple. Instead, we focus on resilience, creativity, and finding meaning in our challenges. Each episode features inspiring stories from individuals who have turned their diagnoses into opportunities for growth and advocacy. Whether you're newly diagnosed or have lived with chronic illness for years, this podcast reminds you that your journey matters.

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