Chronic Boss Unfiltered

Lilly Stairs
  • 5.0 (15)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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Chronic Boss Unfiltered is the podcast where ambition meets women’s health. Hosted by Lilly Stairs—two-time founder and three-time autoimmune patient—this show dives deep into what it really takes to build a business or climb the career ladder while living with chronic illness. Each week, Lilly sits down with powerhouse women who are chasing big dreams while navigating flare-ups, fatigue, and everything in between. Expect raw, unfiltered conversations that move from the hospital bed to the boardroom, giving you both inspiration and practical insights to balance health and ambition.

  1. JAN 27

    The Chronic Economy is the $100B Market Hiding in Plain Sight with Michelle Irving

    What if chronic illness wasn’t a burden—but the foundation of a whole new economy? In this episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered, Lilly sits down with Michelle Irving, chronic founder, career visionary, and the mind behind the term “the chronic economy.” Together, they unpack how millions of people living with chronic conditions are reshaping work, leadership, entrepreneurship, and the future of business—often without realizing it. Michelle shares how being diagnosed with a life-threatening autoimmune condition forced her to redesign her career from the ground up—and how that journey led her to build two global businesses, advise executives, and create frameworks that help people pursue ambition without burning their bodies to the ground. You’ll hear why: 30%+ of the workforce lives with chronic conditions—and why calling them a “burden” is wildly outdated The chronic economy is already worth billions (and still invisible to most leaders) Most chronically ill professionals are overcompensating, not underperforming Sustainable work isn’t about accommodations—it’s about redesigning how work gets done AI may actually make chronic work strategies mainstream for everyone And perhaps most jaw-dropping of all: Michelle takes one full week off every month—no meetings, no email, no guilt—and explains exactly how she built a business that doesn’t need her to survive. This conversation is part big-picture vision, part practical roadmap, and part permission slip for chronic founders, professionals, and leaders who know there has to be a better way. If you’ve ever wondered: Can I be ambitious and chronically ill? Is it possible to build a business or career that actually works with my body? What does sustainable success really look like? This episode is for you. In This Episode, We Cover: 4:11 What the chronic economy is—and why it’s just getting started 13:05 Chronic founders, entrepreneurship, and redefining ambition 20:07 Boundaries, pricing, and saying no without burning bridges 25:03 Why “performing wellness” is draining talent at work 27:32 How AI is changing capacity, admin, and leadership 40:01 What it really means to be a chronic boss Connect with Michelle Irving ✨ Websites: https://www.chronicillnessatwork.com/ ✨ http://careerandchronicillness.com/ ✨ LinkedIn - @michelleirvingofficial ✨Instagram: @michelleirvingofficial Mentions Leadership Series: https://www.careerandchronic.com/chronicleadership (Feb 2026) Ambition Program: https://www.careerandchronic.com/ambition

    51 min

  2. 12/09/2025

    Meet the Woman Behind the Mic: From Hospital Bed to CEO with Lilly Stairs

    In this episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered, our host Lilly Stairs opens up about her journey from chronic illness patient to powerhouse advocate and entrepreneur. With colleague and friend Lauren Perna stepping in as interviewer, listeners get a raw, honest look at the experiences that shaped Lilly’s mission-driven career. Lilly’s story begins with early diagnoses—psoriasis at age seven and OCD during her teen years—and takes a life-altering turn when she is diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and Crohn’s disease at 19. These challenges sparked her passion for patient advocacy at a time when the field was still largely undefined. Throughout the episode, Lilly traces the evolution of her career: establishing herself in advocacy, launching her consultancy Patient Authentic to elevate patient voices in healthcare, and creating Chronic Boss, a community for ambitious women navigating chronic conditions while pursuing big goals. The conversation highlights core themes of Lilly’s work—owning your narrative, prioritizing mental health, recognizing burnout, and redefining ambition through a chronic illness lens. It’s a powerful reminder that resilience and drive can coexist, and that women with chronic conditions deserve space to lead, build, and thrive. Themes:  OCD is widely misunderstood and often hidden in plain sight. A lack of autoimmune awareness propelled her into patient advocacy. Patient advocacy remains an emerging—and deeply needed—field in healthcare. Lilly founded Patient Authentic to help organizations meaningfully engage patients. Daily routines and boundaries are essential for chronic illness entrepreneurs. Chronic Boss was built to empower ambitious women living with chronic conditions. Owning one’s story creates personal and professional strength. Burnout awareness is crucial for protecting mental health. Timestamps: 00:00 — Introduction 01:59 — Early Health Journey: Psoriasis and Childhood Resilience 04:06 — Mental Health in Focus: Understanding OCD 08:32 — Age 19: Diagnoses That Shifted Everything 12:21 — The Spark of Patient Advocacy 14:02 — Building a Career Rooted in Advocacy 18:00 — The Launch of Patient Authentic 21:44 — Patient Authentic’s Mission and Impact 24:32 — The Creation of Chronic Boss 27:32 — Empowering Ambitious Women with Chronic Illness 29:29 — Entrepreneurship, Flexibility, and Balance 33:38 — Burnout, Boundaries, and Mental Health 36:24 — What’s Next for Chronic Boss   Connect with Chronic Boss: 🖤 chronicboss.com 🖤 Instagram 🖤 LinkedIn 🖤 TikTok   Connect with Lilly: 🖤 lillystairs.com 🖤 LinkedIn 🖤 Instagram

    44 min

  3. 12/02/2025

    The Exit That Saved Me: Building & Selling a Business Through Chronic Pain with Meg Block

    In this episode of the Chronic Boss Unfiltered Podcast, Our host Lilly Stairs sits down with Meg Block, the incredible powerhouse behind Boston Moms. Meg gets real about what it was like to build and scale a business in the middle of a global pandemic while battling the debilitating pain of trigeminal neuralgia. We dive into the messy middle — the sleepless nights, the pressure of motherhood, and the weight of carrying a brand on her back while her body was begging her to slow down.   Meg opens up about how deeply her identity became intertwined with her company, and the moment she realized that staying in constant hustle mode was costing her her health. Her decision to sell Boston Moms wasn’t a step back; it was a radical act of self-preservation and clarity. This conversation is such a powerful reminder for every woman — especially my fellow chronic bosses — that caring for ourselves isn’t optional. It’s the foundation. Meg’s story is a testament to what happens when we choose connection, community, and our own wellbeing over the narrative that we have to do it all, all the time. If you’re navigating chronic illness, entrepreneurship, or simply trying to keep all the plates spinning, Meg’s journey will speak straight to your soul. Themes: How Meg built Boston Moms in the middle of COVID chaos — and found purpose through the uncertainty. Behind the scenes, she was carrying intense chronic pain from trigeminal neuralgia. Growing a business while managing a chronic condition pushed her to her limits. Self-care wasn’t a luxury — its a lifeline. Community wasn’t just part of her mission; it was part of her own healing. She had a powerful realization: her identity had become too wrapped up in her business. Being a chronic boss isn’t about doing everything — it’s about proving to yourself that you can rise, even in the hard moments. Chapters Timestamps:  00:00 Building Boston Moms Amidst Chaos 14:57 Navigating Chronic Pain and Motherhood 29:45 The Turning Point: Selling the Business 45:11 Self-Care and the Journey to Healing 29:04 Finding Balance: The Dangers of Identity in Work 30:38 The Summer of Mama: Prioritizing Family Over Work 33:26 Realizations and Reflections: What is Enough? 36:44 The Decision to Sell: Finding Peace in Transition 41:00 Navigating the Exit Process: Women in Business 47:20 Advice for Chronic Pain Warriors: Prioritizing Self-Care 51:14 Embracing the Journey: What it Means to be a Chronic Boss   Connect with Meg Block: ✨LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghan-saunders-block/  ✨Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsmegblock/    Connect with Chronic Boss: 🖤 chronicboss.com 🖤 Instagram 🖤 LinkedIn 🖤 TikTok   Connect with Lilly: 🖤 lillystairs.com 🖤 LinkedIn 🖤 Instagram

    52 min

  4. 11/25/2025

    Toxic Grit: Why Your “Success” Might Actually Be a Panic Attack with Amanda Goetz

    This episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered brings a deeply resonant conversation between host Lilly Stairs and Amanda Goetz, a two-time founder and author of Toxic Grit. Together, they explore the collision of high ambition, chronic stress, and the wake-up calls that force leaders — especially women — to rethink how they’re operating. Amanda shares her transformational health journey, including the moment she went from the boardroom to the ER, and how that experience cracked open a deeper understanding of burnout and the pressure to “do it all.” The discussion digs into character theory, a powerful tool for understanding the different roles we embody, and how embracing intentional imbalance can create a more sustainable, fulfilling rhythm of life. Listeners will walk away with a redefined perspective on success — one that prioritizes intention over hustle, honors personal capacity, and encourages reclaiming time before the body demands it. This conversation is a refreshing, unapologetic call to rewrite the scripts that keep so many chronic bosses stuck in cycles of depletion.   What You’ll Learn: Early signals of burnout must be recognized and respected to protect long-term well-being. Character theory offers a framework for understanding the various identities individuals occupy throughout their lives. Intentional imbalance allows space for shifting priorities based on season, energy, and personal needs. Reclaiming time shouldn’t be reserved for weekends; it’s essential for daily fulfillment. Smooth transitions between life roles require awareness, rituals, and boundaries. Toxic grit is defined as hustling without clarity, alignment, or intention. Success should never be one-dimensional — a holistic view is both healthier and more empowering. Personal operating rhythms help build a grounded, sustainable lifestyle. Examining the “scripts” shaping decisions leads to more agency and authenticity. Timestamps: 00:00 — Introducing Amanda Goetz + The Story Behind Toxic Grit 01:54 — From the Boardroom to the ER: Amanda’s Health Crisis 07:35 — Burnout’s Warning Signs and Why They Matter 10:43 — Character Theory Explained 18:22 — How Intentional Imbalance Creates Space for What Matters 23:54 — Reclaiming the Five-to-Nine Beyond the Workday 28:34 — Rituals and Awareness for Transitioning Between Characters 34:03 — Understanding the True Meaning of Toxic Grit 37:24 — “Having It All” — But in the Right Season 43:18 — Practical Steps Toward Sustainable, Aligned Ambition   Connect with Amanda Goetz: ✨Toxic Grit Book: https://www.amazon.com/toxic-grit-have-actually-love/dp/146423325x  ✨LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandagoetz/  ✨Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/theamandagoetz/  ✨Newsletter: https://amandagoetz.kit.com/posts ✨Website: https://www.amandagoetz.com/    Connect with Chronic Boss: 🖤 chronicboss.com 🖤 Instagram 🖤 LinkedIn 🖤 TikTok   Connect with Lilly: 🖤 lillystairs.com 🖤 LinkedIn 🖤 Instagram

    42 min

  5. 11/18/2025

    The Business Strategy No One Talks About…That Built My Entire Career

    This solo episode digs into the transformative power of giving—especially for women navigating career growth, advocacy, and the realities of living with autoimmune conditions. Through personal stories and lived experience, the conversation explores how authentic, aligned giving can open doors, build community, and spark meaningful change. It also highlights the importance of protecting mental health and honoring boundaries, reminding listeners that giving is most impactful when it comes from abundance rather than obligation. By weaving together advocacy, business strategy, and self-care, the episode encourages women to lead with their values, share their stories, and use generosity as a catalyst for both personal and professional growth.   Themes: Giving can be a powerful force for opportunity and change. Authentic generosity thrives when it comes from abundance, not pressure. Advocacy often begins with personal lived experience and expands into broader impact. Community building is a cornerstone of meaningful, sustainable advocacy. Showing up authentically can accelerate career growth and deepen connection. Clear boundaries protect mental health and prevent burnout. Empathy and intuition are powerful assets in business and leadership. Self-care is part of the giving equation—pouring into yourself matters. Infusing generosity into business strategy can drive deeper success and alignment. 00:00 — The Power of Giving 02:05 — Balancing Giving and Self-Care 05:44 — Reflection and Integration of Giving   Connect with Chronic Boss: 🖤 chronicboss.com 🖤 Instagram 🖤 LinkedIn 🖤 TikTok   Connect with Lilly: 🖤 lillystairs.com 🖤 LinkedIn 🖤 Instagram

    18 min

  6. 11/11/2025

    The Car Accident that Changed Everything: Tiffany Yu on Rewriting Disability and the Anti-ableism Movement

    In this conversation of the Chronic Boss Unfiltered Podcast Tiffany Yu shares her inspiring journey as the founder of Diversability, a disability-owned community business. She discusses her personal experiences with disability, the evolution of her identity, and the importance of community in fostering disability pride. Tiffany reflects on the key moments that shaped Diversability from a student club into a global organization, and she highlights the impact of her TikTok series and the Anti-Ablism Manifesto in advocating for disability rights and inclusion. In this conversation, Tiffany Yu shares her journey of navigating life with a disability, her advocacy work, and the creation of her book, 'The Anti-Ablest Manifesto.' She discusses the importance of community, the impact of her content on the disability community, and her aspirations for the future. Tiffany emphasizes the need for action-oriented advocacy and the significance of finding magic in one's identity, while also addressing the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. What You’ll Learn: The importance of community in embracing one's identity. The proverb 'the nail that sticks out gets hammered down' shaped her understanding of identity. Diversability started as a student club and evolved into a global organization. Key inflection points for Diversability included community events and leadership transitions. The pandemic prompted a shift to virtual events for Diversability. Tiffany's TikTok series on disability has gained significant traction and views. Content creation has connected Tiffany with others in the disability community. The Anti-Ablest Manifesto aims to empower individuals and organizations. Community is essential for personal growth and acceptance. Grief and gratitude can coexist in the journey of self-acceptance. Tiffany's book serves as a legacy for disability advocacy. The importance of action-oriented advocacy in creating change. Rediscovering joy and playfulness is vital for well-being. Finding their unique voice and community. Success is defined by self-acceptance and integrity.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Tiffany Yu and Diversability 03:15 Tiffany's Personal Journey and Identity 10:31 The Evolution of Diversability 22:55 The Anti-Ablism Manifesto and TikTok Success 24:57 Navigating Life with a Disability 25:53 Creating Content for the Disability Community 28:12 The Journey to Writing a Book 30:34 The Anti-Ablest Manifesto: Purpose and Impact 35:45 Finding Magic in Disability 41:16 Legacy and Future Aspirations   Connect with Tiffany Yu: ✨Website: https://www.tiffanyyu.com/bio ✨ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@imtiffanyyu ✨Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/imtiffanyyu ✨Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imtiffanyyu   Connect with Chronic Boss: 🖤 / https://chronicboss.com/  🖤 / instagram.com/chronicbossco/  🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/company/chronic-boss/  🖤 / https://www.tiktok.com/@chronicbossco   Connect with Lilly: 🖤 / https://lillystairs.com/  🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillystairs/  🖤 / https://www.instagram.com/lillystairs

    40 min

  7. 11/04/2025

    The Four Rs to Rebuild Your Health After Autoimmune Diagnosis with Dr. Kara Wada

    In this insightful and empowering episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered, host Lilly Stairs sits down with Dr. Kara Wada — quadruple board-certified physician, autoimmune warrior, and founder of the Immune Confident Institute. As both doctor and patient, Kara bridges two worlds with empathy, expertise, and authenticity. Diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome after years of symptoms and normal lab results, Kara experienced firsthand how challenging it can be to navigate chronic illness — even as a medical professional. What began as a personal health struggle has evolved into her mission to transform the patient experience and redefine what it means to thrive with autoimmunity. Together, Lilly and Kara unpack the intersection of medicine, mindset, and self-advocacy. They discuss Kara’s Four Rs framework for healing, the “Perfect Storm” concept behind autoimmune disease, and how Kara built a values-driven medical practice rooted in compassion and connection. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, authenticity, and reclaiming your health on your own terms.    What You’ll Learn: How Kara’s journey from physician to patient reshaped her approach to medicine Why Sjogren’s syndrome is often missed — and how to advocate for answers The multifactorial nature of autoimmune disease and the “Perfect Storm” concept How Kara’s Four Rs framework empowers patients to take back control of their health The importance of aligning your career and purpose with your personal values Why community and mentorship are essential for women in healthcare and entrepreneurship How authenticity and vulnerability foster deeper trust between doctors and patients Timestamps: (00:00) – Introduction (02:40) – From Physician to Patient: Kara’s unexpected diagnosis and personal awakening (05:38) – Understanding Sjogren’s Syndrome: Misdiagnosis, symptoms, and stigma (08:42) – Women and Autoimmunity: Why women’s health is often overlooked (11:43) – Shifting Perspectives: How chronic illness deepened Kara’s empathy as a doctor (14:42) – Building a Patient-Centered Practice: The birth of the Immune Confident Institute (20:34) – The Perfect Storm Concept: What triggers autoimmunity and how to manage it (33:01) – The Four Rs Framework: A roadmap for healing and empowerment (38:54) – Entrepreneurship with Purpose: Balancing medicine, business, and motherhood (45:45) – Authenticity in Healthcare: The power of sharing your story Connect with Dr. Kara Wada: ✨Website: https://www.drkarawada.com/ ✨ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drkarawada ✨LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karawadamd/ ✨Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkarawada/   Connect with Chronic Boss: 🖤 / https://chronicboss.com/  🖤 / instagram.com/chronicbossco/  🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/company/chronic-boss/  🖤 / https://www.tiktok.com/@chronicbossco   Connect with Lilly: 🖤 / https://lillystairs.com/  🖤 / https://www.linkedin.com/in/lillystairs/  🖤 / https://www.instagram.com/lillystairs

    41 min

  8. 10/28/2025

    Turning Pain Into Punchlines: Life As A Comedian With Type 1 Diabetes with Ivana Bonetti

    “I make fun of it on stage. I call it the “Betes”. The pump doesn’t wear me—I wear the pump.” In this hilarious and heartfelt episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered, host Lilly Stairs sits down with Ivana Bonetti, Italian-American stand-up comedian, storyteller, and proud Type 1 diabetic. A Boston native from the North End, Ivana brings her sharp wit and resilience to the stage—transforming her chronic illness into comedy gold. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 17, Ivana’s world shifted overnight. What began as a medical challenge became the foundation for her humor, advocacy, and perspective on life. From growing up in a food-loving Italian family to performing at legendary venues like the Laugh Factory and Apollo Theater, Ivana shares how she’s turned her “sweet” condition into a superpower. Together, Lilly and Ivana dive into the healing power of laughter, the importance of representation in chronic illness spaces, and how comedy can bridge the gap between vulnerability and empowerment. This episode is a beautiful mix of humor, heart, and hard-earned wisdom—proof that even life’s toughest moments can be punchlines in disguise.  What You’ll Learn: How Ivana transformed her Type 1 diabetes diagnosis into comedic inspiration The cultural role of food in her Italian-American upbringing—and how she navigates it with diabetes Why support from family and community is essential for chronic illness management How humor builds resilience and breaks down stigma The lessons chronic illness teaches about adaptability, identity, and authenticity Why embracing your story—messy parts and all—can empower both you and your audience What it means to be a Chronic Boss when your life literally depends on balance Timestamps: (00:00) – Introduction: Meet Ivana Bonetti, comedian, storyteller, and Chronic Boss. (04:47) – Navigating Life with Type 1 Diabetes: Diagnosis, shock, and self-discovery. (10:08) – From Medicine to Microphone: The career pivot that changed everything. (14:54) – Building a Comedy Career: Finding her voice, her audience, and her punchlines. (19:54) – Living with Diabetes: Daily management and emotional resilience. (25:00) – Comedy as Advocacy: Turning medical moments into laughter and awareness. (30:11) – The Secret Sauce of a Chronic Boss: Humor, heart, and unshakable grit.  Connect with Ivana:   ✨Instagram ✨Tik Tok ✨Youtube   Connect with Chronic Boss: 🖤 chronicboss.com 🖤 Instagram 🖤 LinkedIn 🖤 TikTok   Connect with Lilly: 🖤 lillystairs.com 🖤 LinkedIn 🖤 Instagram

    31 min
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About

Chronic Boss Unfiltered is the podcast where ambition meets women’s health. Hosted by Lilly Stairs—two-time founder and three-time autoimmune patient—this show dives deep into what it really takes to build a business or climb the career ladder while living with chronic illness. Each week, Lilly sits down with powerhouse women who are chasing big dreams while navigating flare-ups, fatigue, and everything in between. Expect raw, unfiltered conversations that move from the hospital bed to the boardroom, giving you both inspiration and practical insights to balance health and ambition.

Information

  • Creator
    Lilly Stairs
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Chronic Boss Unfiltered