Live Well with Arthritis

Emily Johnson

Science, support, and stories helping you to live well with arthritis. The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast brings you expert advice, science-backed tips, and inspiring stories to help you manage your condition and feel better every day. --- Hosted by Emily Johnson, bestselling author, founder of Live Well with Arthritis, and creator of Arthritis Foodie, the Live Well with Arthritis podcast offers science-based advice, expert interviews, and lived experience to help you live a healthier, happier life with arthritis. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed, have been managing arthritis for years, or are seeking answers to ongoing symptoms, each episode explores practical ways to reduce inflammation, improve daily life, and feel more in control of your condition. With inflammation as a key focus, this podcast covers all types of arthritis, from osteoarthritis to rheumatoid, psoriatic, and more. Emily and her guests share science-backed strategies, meaningful stories, and encouragement for navigating the challenges of living with arthritis. Get small, but impactful tips, advice and implementable steps that make a real difference. --- Follow: @livewellwitharthritis@arthritisfoodieJoin the Live Well with Arthritis Course waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist Buy my books: Beat Arthritis NaturallyEat Well with ArthritisView all links: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie*Not medical advice, for full disclaimer click here.

  1. #14 Root Causes & Remission: A Rheumatologist's Guide to Healing with Dr. Micah Yu

    3D AGO

    #14 Root Causes & Remission: A Rheumatologist's Guide to Healing with Dr. Micah Yu

    Episode 14: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast #14 Root Causes & Remission: A Rheumatologist's Guide to Healing with Dr. Micah Yu In this enlightening episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes Dr. Micah Yu (MD), a quadruple board-certified integrative rheumatologist specialising in rheumatology, integrative, and functional medicine. As both a doctor and a patient living with arthritis, Dr. Micah brings a rare, personal perspective to autoimmunity. He explains how to bridge the gap between traditional symptom suppression and a root-cause approach to achieve true, whole-person healing. Dr Micah also wrote the foreword for Emily's first book Beat Arthritis Naturally, and signed off the content. Topics covered: Integrative Rheumatology Lived Experience: Dr. Micah’s journey with arthritis and finding remission.Combining Care: Conventional rheumatology and lifestyle medicine.Integrative vs. Functional: Differences in these medical approaches.Science of Inflammation Triggers: Avoiding non-negotiables like ultra-processed foods and high salt.Social Impact: Why isolation and toxic relationships are pro-inflammatory.Epigenetics: How environment and genetics impact arthritis development.Functional Medicine Healing Toolkit Root Causes: Screening for hidden triggers like gut dysbiosis.Vagus Nerve Hacks: Resetting the nervous system with breathwork and more.Movement: The science of myokines and why weightlifting helps. About the podcast: With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis. Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis. Emily is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis. Episode Links: Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist FREE Workbook: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/signup-free-download Dr. Micah Yu @myautoimmunemd Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myautoimmunemd/Website: https://www.myautoimmunemd.com/Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodieFurther Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

    43 min
  2. #13 Movement as Medicine: How Kerrie-Anne’s Methods Relieve Chronic Pain

    FEB 8

    #13 Movement as Medicine: How Kerrie-Anne’s Methods Relieve Chronic Pain

    Episode 13: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast #13 Movement as Medicine: How Kerrie-Anne’s Methods Relieve Chronic Pain In this transformational episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes movement expert, author and creator of Move At Your Desk method, Kerrie-Anne Bradley. Drawing on her personal journey with pain, as well as helping clients with arthritis and spinal injuries, she explains how movement can reduce the inflammatory load and chronic pain. This episode provides a compassionate, evidence-based toolkit for anyone who finds traditional exercise intimidating or painful during an arthritis flare. Topics covered: Chronic Pain 'Shame Cycle': Why pushing through pain often backfires and how to signal safety to your nervous systemActive Couch Potato Risk: Why 30 mins of exercise cannot offset the inflammatory effects of sitting for 10+ hoursBody Literacy: Skills to read your body’s signals and manage joint-related aches before they escalateBone-Focused Movement: Why focusing on the space between the ball-and-socket joints is more soothing for the brain than traditional muscle-focused workouts4-Step Framework: A practical protocol for chronic pain: Check-in, Move a little, Re-check, and ScheduleGuided Arthritis-Friendly Moves: Thoracic Infinity Signs, Seated Hinging, and Side-Bends (see YouTube!)Unilateral Breathing: Targeting stuck areas to release tensionClient Success: Real-life stories of people with osteoarthritis regaining mobility after surgery or flares About the podcast: With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis. Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis. Emily is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis. Episode Links: Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist Kerrie-Ann Bradley @kerrieannebradleymoves Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerrieannebradleymoves/Website: https://www.kerrie-annebradley.com/Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodieFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie/ Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

    39 min
  3. #12 Winter Arthritis Pain Relief: How to Stay Flare-Free in Cold Weather

    FEB 1

    #12 Winter Arthritis Pain Relief: How to Stay Flare-Free in Cold Weather

    Episode 12: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast #12 Winter Arthritis Pain Relief: How to Stay Flare-Free in Cold Weather Struggling with joint stiffness in cold weather? This is your ultimate survival guide for managing arthritis in winter. Host Emily Johnson dives deep into why cold weather impacts joint pain, explaining the biological reasons why dropping temperatures lead to stiff joints and increased inflammation. Emily shares her personal success story of staying flare-up free and healthy all season (so far!). With the science behind that 'treacle' feeling in your joints to the vital role of Vitamin D for immune health, this episode is packed with steps to help you to reduce arthritis pain during the winter season. Topics covered: The Science of 'Winter Joints': Understanding synovial fluid viscosity and more.Morning Mastery: Tips for reducing morning stiffness before you get out of bed.The Vitamin D & K2 Connection: Why Vitamin D3 supports immune health and how to properly absorb it.Immune-Boosting Nutrition: Power of Sulforaphane, and five foods to help support immunity.Emily’s Winter Toolkit: 5-Tip takeaway to help you prevent arthritis flares and sickness. About the podcast: With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis. Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis. Emily (Arthritis Foodie) is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis. Episode Links: Live Well with Arthritis: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arthritisfoodie Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie References: PMC9354962, PMID: 39773699, PMC1001254, PMC10842779, PMC6213178

    40 min
  4. #11 Hormones and Arthritis: Emily’s Period Pain Strategies and More

    JAN 25

    #11 Hormones and Arthritis: Emily’s Period Pain Strategies and More

    Episode 11: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast #11 Hormones and Arthritis: Emily’s Period Pain Strategies and More In this 20-minute episode of The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast, host Emily Johnson navigates the complex relationship between your hormones and joint pain... with a particular attention on periods. Drawing from her current nutritional therapy studies and her own lived experience, Emily shares how hormonal shifts can 'add fuel to the fire' of arthritis inflammation. Discover the science behind why your pain levels change, Emily's personal toolkit for managing period flares, and the surprising role testosterone plays in male joint health. Topics covered: The Four Pillars of Pain: The four possible instigators that increase pain during your periodThe 'Joint Bodyguard': How testosterone levels can influence the risk of arthritisThe Adipose Connection: How body fat around the middle can create more inflammationEmily’s Essential Remedies: From a TENS machine to CBD to fast-acting pain reliefAnti-Inflammatory Nutrition: Supporting your system with omega-3s, magnesium, and ironStress Relief: How managing cortisol and maximising rest can helpAbout the podcast: With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis. Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis. Emily (Arthritis Foodie) is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis. Episode Links: Live Well with Arthritis: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arthritisfoodie Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie References PMC9354962 PMID: 39773699 PMID: 6859063 PMID: 23585131 PMC1001254

    18 min
  5. #10 Route to Recovery: Navigating Chronic Fatigue with Lauren Windas

    JAN 18

    #10 Route to Recovery: Navigating Chronic Fatigue with Lauren Windas

    Episode 10: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast #10 Route to Recovery: Navigating Chronic Fatigue with Lauren Windas In this episode, host Emily Johnson is joined by registered nutritionist, naturopath, and author Lauren Windas to tackle one of the most misunderstood symptoms of living with arthritis: chronic fatigue. As the co-founder of Ardere, Lauren brings both professional expertise and personal insight into how we can reclaim our energy. Drawing on her own journey, Lauren explains the complex science behind Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) and its significant overlap with inflammatory conditions. She explains why fatigue is more than just 'being tired' and offers a route to recovery. Topics covered: Lauren’s Story: Overcoming post-viral fatigue to supporting othersScience of Fatigue: The 3 Ps (Predisposition, Precipitating triggers, & Perpetuating factors)Medical Mishaps: Why standard tests often miss nervous/immune dysregulationGut-Brain Link: How the gut and neuroinflammation influence brain fog & joint painNavigating Healthcare: How to advocate for yourself and your symptomsStrategies for Recovery: Tips on pacing, mitochondrial support, and mindset About the podcast: With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis. Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis. Emily (Arthritis Foodie) is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis. Episode Links: Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist Lauren Windas @laurenwindasnutritionist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenwindasnutritionist/?hl=enWebsite: https://www.laurenwindas.com/Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09BHFZGTY?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzarthriti-21 Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodieFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie/ Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

    51 min
  6. #9 Yoga for Every Body: Dr. Steffany Moonaz on Reducing Arthritis Pain

    JAN 11

    #9 Yoga for Every Body: Dr. Steffany Moonaz on Reducing Arthritis Pain

    Episode 9: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast #9 Yoga for Every Body: Dr. Steffany Moonaz on Reducing Arthritis Pain In this transformative episode, host Emily Johnson sits down with Dr. Steffany Moonaz, the founder of Yoga for Arthritis and a leading research director and professor at the Southern California University of Health Sciences. Dr. Moonaz bridges the gap between ancient mindfulness and modern neuroscience to explain how yoga can be a powerful clinical tool for managing arthritis. Drawing on decades of research, her own personal journey with arthritis, and her book Yoga Therapy for Arthritis: A Whole-Person Approach to Movement and Lifestyle she explains how we can 'rewire' our brain's response to pain. This episode offers a compassionate, evidence-based approach to movement that focuses on finding joy in the body again. Topics covered: Neuroscience of Pain: Why 'pain is necessary, but suffering is optional.'Stress-Pain Cycle: Using breathwork to 'downshift' the nervous system during flares.Healing Directions: How meditation (top-down) and movement (bottom-up) reduce pain signals.Yoga 'Meals' vs. 'Snacks': Simple ways to fit 5-minute movement breaks into your day.Ahimsa (Non-Harming): How to safely adapt poses for your specific joint limitations.Yoga Therapy: Why a personalised approach is the gold standard for chronic pain.Personal Journey: How her dance background and own diagnosis shapes patient care.Finding Support: Tips for finding a safe, inclusive, and qualified yoga teacher. About the podcast: With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis. Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis. Emily is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis. Episode Links: Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist Dr Steffany Moonaz @drmoonaz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmoonaz/Website: https://www.arthritis.yoga/Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodieFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie/ Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

    46 min
  7. #8 Food, Fibre & Inflammation: How Diet Shapes Arthritis with Dr Michael Greger

    12/21/2025

    #8 Food, Fibre & Inflammation: How Diet Shapes Arthritis with Dr Michael Greger

    Episode 8: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast #8 Food, Fibre & Inflammation: How Diet Shapes Arthritis with Dr Michael Greger In this expert-led episode, host Emily Johnson is joined by world renowned physician, author, and nutrition researcher Dr Michael Greger, bestselling author of How Not to Die, How Not to Age, and How to Survive a Pandemic, and founder of science-based nonprofit charity NutritionFacts.org. Together, they explore the role nutrition plays arthritis, unpacking common misconceptions about genetics, inflammation, and how lifestyle choices can influence joint health. Drawing on decades of research and clinical evidence, Dr Greger explains how diet, particularly fibre-rich, whole plant foods can support the immune system, gut microbiome, and inflammatory pathways involved in arthritis, osteoarthritis, and autoimmune disease. Topics covered: What inflammation means in arthritisGenetics vs environment and lifestyle risk factorsGut health, fibre, and immune healthPlant-based diets and inflammatory conditionsFood poisoning, gut infections, and autoimmune arthritisFibre, key anti-inflammatory foods and simple changesThe role of sleep, stress, and movementTaking ownership of long-term health About the podcast: With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis. Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis. Emily (Arthritis Foodie) is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis. Episode Links: Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist Dr Michael Greger @MichaelGregerMD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelgregermd/@nutrition_facts_org: https://www.instagram.com/nutrition_facts_org/Website: https://nutritionfacts.org/Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodie Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

    30 min
  8. #7 A Rheumatologist’s Guide to Arthritis with Dr Julekha Wajed

    12/14/2025

    #7 A Rheumatologist’s Guide to Arthritis with Dr Julekha Wajed

    Episode 7: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast #7 A Rheumatologist’s Guide to Arthritis with Dr Julekha Wajed In this informative episode, host Emily Johnson sits down with NHS consultant rheumatologist Dr Julekha Wajed (also known as Dr Julie) to unpack what arthritis really is, why early diagnosis matters, and how modern treatment approaches support people to live full, active lives with arthritis. Drawing on 10+ years of clinical experience, Dr Julie explains how arthritis is diagnosed, and why a personalised, whole-person approach (medication, lifestyle strategies, and shared decision-making) leads to the best long-term outcomes. This episode addresses common fears around diagnosis and medication, providing reassurance and hope for anyone navigating arthritis care. Topics covered: Early warning signs and symptoms of inflammatory arthritisWhy early diagnosis can improve outcomes and reduce long-term joint damageHow arthritis is diagnosed, including blood tests, imaging, and clinical assessmentModern treatment plans, including DMARDs and biologics, and how they are individualisedAddressing medication fears, side effects, and common misconceptionsThe role of lifestyle factors such as movement, rest, stress management, and nutrition alongside medical careThe importance of trust, communication, and partnership between patients and their rheumatology teamWhat “living well with arthritis” means from a rheumatologist’s perspectiveA hopeful real-world case study showing how early diagnosis and the right treatment can transform quality of lifeAbout the podcast: With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis. Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis. Emily (Arthritis Foodie) is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis. Episode Links: Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist Dr Julekha Wajed @arthritis_dr Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritis_dr/Website: https://www.nuffieldhealth.com/consultants/dr-julekha-wajedEmily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodieFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie/ Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

    42 min

About

Science, support, and stories helping you to live well with arthritis. The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast brings you expert advice, science-backed tips, and inspiring stories to help you manage your condition and feel better every day. --- Hosted by Emily Johnson, bestselling author, founder of Live Well with Arthritis, and creator of Arthritis Foodie, the Live Well with Arthritis podcast offers science-based advice, expert interviews, and lived experience to help you live a healthier, happier life with arthritis. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed, have been managing arthritis for years, or are seeking answers to ongoing symptoms, each episode explores practical ways to reduce inflammation, improve daily life, and feel more in control of your condition. With inflammation as a key focus, this podcast covers all types of arthritis, from osteoarthritis to rheumatoid, psoriatic, and more. Emily and her guests share science-backed strategies, meaningful stories, and encouragement for navigating the challenges of living with arthritis. Get small, but impactful tips, advice and implementable steps that make a real difference. --- Follow: @livewellwitharthritis@arthritisfoodieJoin the Live Well with Arthritis Course waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist Buy my books: Beat Arthritis NaturallyEat Well with ArthritisView all links: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie*Not medical advice, for full disclaimer click here.