Beyond My Diagnosis with Michele Weston

Michele Weston
  • 5.0 (3)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH

Welcome to Beyond My Diagnosis, the podcast that brings real conversations, real stories, and real breakthroughs in health, healing, and hope. I’m your host, Michele Weston—Holistic Health and Wellbeing Coach—and I'm here to help you look past the symptoms and into the deeper story of living with your chronic condition.Each week, we go beyond the chart and challenge the status quo of conventional care. From powerful patient journeys to expert insights in functional medicine and integrative practitioners, using mindset and lifestyle medicine, you’ll get the tools and inspiration to become the most informed, empowered version of yourself.This is not just about managing illness—it’s about reclaiming your health, your voice, and your life.Let’s get curious. Let’s get courageous. And let’s go Beyond My Diagnosis.

  1. 1D AGO

    Do I Have ADHD? Could I? Understanding the Signs in Adults

    Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever asked yourself that question—even quietly—you are not alone. In this solo episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston explores what ADHD really looks like in adults and why so many people go undiagnosed for years. ADHD is often associated with children. But that’s a misconception. “It is a misconception that ADHD doesn’t affect adults.” Michele shares her personal experience living with ADHD and walks through how it can show up differently in adulthood—especially when layered with chronic or neurological conditions like MS. This isn’t about labeling yourself. It’s about understanding your patterns. Because when you understand what’s going on, you can begin to work with your brain instead of against it. 💡 Inside this episode, you’ll learn: Why ADHD doesn’t disappear in adulthood—it evolvesWhat “time blindness” is and how it impacts your daily lifeWhy you may procrastinate or struggle to get startedHow executive functioning affects planning, focus, and follow-throughThe difference between distraction and hyperfocus—and why both existHow emotional sensitivity and rejection show up in adultsWhy ADHD is often mistaken for laziness or lack of motivationHow it can impact work, finances, and relationshipsWhy proper diagnosis matters—and what ADHD can be confused with 🧠 What’s really happening ADHD is not about willpower. It’s about how your brain processes time, attention, and behavior. “Executive functioning is the ability to plan, remember instructions, and carry out tasks to completion.” When that system is challenged, it can feel like you’re constantly behind, overwhelmed, or second-guessing yourself. ⚠️ Important reminder This episode is about awareness—not self-diagnosis. Many ADHD symptoms overlap with: AnxietyDepressionBurnoutOther neurological or developmental conditionsThat’s why it’s important to talk to a qualified professional if this resonates with you. 🛠️ Practical ways to support yourself Michele shares simple, realistic strategies you can start using: Use reminders, alarms, and digital tools to stay on trackBuild structure into your day to reduce overwhelmPractice mindfulness and self-awarenessWork with a coach, therapist, or ADHD specialistSupport your brain with sleep, movement, and nutritionHer message is clear: You are not lazy.  You are not broken. You just need the right tools. 🔗 Stay Connected with Michele Weston micheleweston.substack.com

    46 min

  2. APR 29

    What It’s Really Like to Live with an Autoimmune Disease in Your 50s

    Send us Fan Mail What does life really look like when you’re living with a chronic autoimmune condition in your 50s? In this deeply personal solo episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston opens up about her own journey living with multiple sclerosis for over 25 years—and what it actually means to navigate aging, identity, relationships, and health in midlife. This isn’t a clinical explanation. It’s real life. Michele breaks down what autoimmune diseases are, how they impact the body, and why women are disproportionately affected—while also sharing the emotional and social realities that often go unspoken. “Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells.” But this episode goes far beyond definitions. Michele talks about: The emotional impact of receiving a diagnosis and asking “why me?”How identity shifts over time, especially from your 30s into your 50sThe reality of managing symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and inflammationWhy autoimmune conditions are not a “death sentence,” but require lifestyle changesThe role of environmental triggers, stress, and hormonesWhat happens when support systems change over timeThe loneliness and isolation that can come with invisible illnessHow relationships, dating, and life plans may shift unexpectedlyWhy self-care, advocacy, and building the right medical team mattersThe importance of adapting your lifestyle instead of resisting itMichele also shares her own story—working intense 60+ hour weeks before her diagnosis, navigating uncertainty, and ultimately redefining her life, career, and priorities. “Who am I now? What does my life look like at 50, 60, 70?” This episode is about facing those questions honestly. It’s about recognizing that living with a chronic condition means adapting—not giving up. From navigating menopause and increased symptoms to managing flare-ups and redefining what’s possible, Michele offers both education and reassurance. You are not alone. And you are not your diagnosis.

    46 min

  3. APR 22

    Imposter Syndrome Isn’t About Confidence: The Hidden Patterns Keeping Women Playing Small

    Send us Fan Mail What if imposter syndrome has nothing to do with confidence? In this powerful episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston sits down with licensed psychotherapist, certified hypnotherapist, and coach Shelley Martinez to unpack what’s really happening beneath the surface of imposter syndrome—especially for high-achieving women in midlife and those living with chronic or invisible conditions. This is not a surface-level conversation about “just believe in yourself.” Shelley brings nearly 30 years of experience to explain why imposter syndrome is rooted in identity, subconscious patterns, and nervous system conditioning—not a lack of capability. “It’s that sense of feeling like a fraud… and waiting for someone to find out you’re not as capable as they think.” Together, Michele and Shelley explore how brilliant, accomplished women can appear confident on the outside while internally struggling with self-doubt, overthinking, and the fear of being “found out.” Inside this episode, you’ll learn: Why imposter syndrome is not actually a confidence issueThe connection between high-functioning anxiety and self-doubtHow invisible illness can intensify identity strugglesWhy women discount their success and attribute it to luckHow early experiences shape lifelong patterns of self-perceptionThe role of the nervous system in keeping you in survival modeWhy perfectionism and “superwoman” expectations keep women stuckThe difference between coaching and therapy in addressing these patternsWhy group support can accelerate healing and awarenessA powerful 3-step framework: Reframe, Regulate, RewireShelley explains that imposter syndrome becomes a learned habit—a default mental pattern that keeps your brain scanning for mistakes and reinforcing self-doubt. “Whatever you do the most becomes your default. Imposter syndrome is a habit—and any habit can be changed.” Michele also shares her own experience navigating imposter syndrome in her career and how she consciously shifted her mindset to step into her expertise and own her success. This episode is a reminder that you are not broken. You’ve been conditioned. And you have the power to change that. 🔗 Connect with Shelley Martinez https://www.shelleymartinez.com/ Shelley Martinez is a licensed psychotherapist, certified hypnotherapist, and coach with nearly 30 years of experience. She combines neuroscience, subconscious tools, and practical techniques to help women create lasting change at the root, not just manage symptoms on the surface. Her work focuses on helping high-achieving midlife women, both corporate professionals and entrepreneurs, move from secretly feeling like a fraud to trusting their decisions, owning their voice, and showing up with confidence that feels real, not performed.

    46 min

  4. APR 15

    Why Consistency Matters More Than Motivation in Midlife Health

    Send us Fan Mail You don’t need more health information. You need a way to actually follow through. In this episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston sits down with midlife consistency consultant Cara-Michele Nether to talk about the real reason so many women struggle with their health goals—and it’s not lack of knowledge. It’s consistency. Cara-Michele shares how busy, high-performing women often already know what to do when it comes to their health. The challenge is making those habits stick in real life, especially while balancing careers, family, and everything else life demands. This conversation dives into how to stop starting over, build sustainable self-care routines, and use consistency as a source of energy instead of pressure. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: Why motivation isn’t enough to sustain healthy habitsThe real reason women struggle with consistency in midlifeHow to make self-care work in a full, demanding scheduleSimple ways to follow through without overwhelmHow to turn self-care into an energy source instead of another taskWhy small, repeatable actions matter more than big changesHow to stop the cycle of starting and stoppingIf you’ve ever said, “I know what to do, I just don’t do it,” this episode is for you. 🔗 Connect with Cara-Michele Nether https://strengthvitalitywellness.com/ Cara-Michele Nether is a midlife consistency consultant, owner of Strength and Vitality Wellness, and founder of the Strength and Vitality Accelerator. For over 20 years, she has worked with midlife women who don’t need more information about health—they need a way to consistently follow through. She helps busy professional women turn self-care into a sustainable part of their lives so they can feel clear, capable, and confident. Cara-Michele is also the author of Fuel Your Engines and a sought-after podcast guest and speaker on midlife health and wellness. 🔗 Stay Connected with Michele Weston micheleweston.substack.com

    53 min

  5. APR 8

    Holistic Health That Actually Works: Simple Habits to Build Energy and Prevent Burnout

    Send us Fan Mail What if improving your health didn’t require doing everything at once… but simply starting with one thing? In this episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston sits down with health and wellness coach Tess Cheng to explore how sustainable lifestyle changes can help you build energy, reduce stress, and feel better, especially when living with a chronic condition. This conversation goes beyond nutrition and dives into what holistic health really means. It’s not about dieting or perfection. It’s about understanding how sleep, stress, movement, and connection all work together to support your well-being. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to “fix” your health, this episode will help you simplify your approach and focus on what actually works in real life. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: Why nutrition alone isn’t enough for long-term healthThe difference between dieting and creating a sustainable food planHow to build habits that fit your schedule and lifestyleWhy doing one thing at a time leads to better resultsSimple ways to incorporate movement into your daily routineHow breathwork can reduce stress and improve focusThe role of mindset in creating lasting health changesWhy personalized wellness matters more than one-size-fits-all solutionsBeing certified holistic health and wellness coaches, Michele and Tess also share real-life strategies for managing busy schedules, reducing overwhelm, and creating habits that feel good instead of forced. “It’s not just one thing… sleep, stress, movement, and connection all work together.” This episode is your reminder that your health journey doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to be intentional. 🔗 Connect with Tess Cheng https://glowithtess.com/ Tess Cheng is a certified health and wellness coach with over 13 years of experience helping ambitious women build sustainable energy, focus, and resilience. With a Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from NYU, she supports entrepreneurs and high-performing professionals in creating simple habits that prevent burnout and fit real life. She is also a contributing author to Confident You: The Raw Conversations, where her chapter focuses on sustainable habits for energy, focus, and health. 🔗 Stay Connected with Michele Weston micheleweston.substack.com Instagram @beyondmydiagnosis.podcast  Threads @micheleadvocates4health

    45 min

  6. APR 1

    Over 50 with Chronic Illness: Finding Joy, Strength, and Movement Every Day

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really mean to live well after 50, especially with a chronic illness? In this heartfelt solo episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston reflects on aging, movement, nourishment, and finding joy in the journey, even when living with a condition like Multiple Sclerosis. This is an honest and empowering conversation about what it means to listen to your body, adapt to change, and embrace the life you have today. Michele shares her personal experiences with weight loss, MS, aging, and learning to take ownership of her health. She reminds us that while our bodies change, our ability to grow, move, and find joy does not disappear. As she shares, “healthy aging isn’t about slowing down to stop. It’s about choosing where your energy goes, nourishing your body, and moving because it feels good.” This episode is for any woman navigating midlife, chronic illness, or simply looking to reconnect with her body in a more compassionate and intentional way. What You’ll Learn in This Episode • Why movement becomes more important as we age  • How to shift your mindset around aging and chronic illness  • The importance of listening to your body and honoring change  • How to create a new “recipe” for health and prevention  • Why slowing down and eating mindfully matters  • The role of gratitude in long-term wellness  • How to stay strong, mobile, and independent as you age  • Why joy, connection, and intention are essential for healthy living

    28 min

  7. MAR 25

    Bariatric Nutrition, Inflammation, and Emotional Eating | How to Fix Your Relationship with Food

    Send us Fan Mail What’s really causing inflammation, weight struggles, and chronic health issues? In this powerful episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston sits down with registered dietitian Nancy Lum, RD, LDN to unpack the truth about nutrition, processed foods, and the emotional patterns that shape how we eat. This conversation goes far beyond traditional diet advice. Nancy shares what she sees every day in her clinical work, helping patients navigate bariatric surgery, digestive issues, and long-standing eating habits that are difficult to break. Together, we explore how inflammation develops, why highly processed foods are at the root of so many chronic conditions, and how small, intentional changes can completely shift your health and energy. Nancy also explains the importance of understanding your body, slowing down while eating, and creating a balanced approach to food that is sustainable long-term. If you’ve ever struggled with emotional eating, weight management, or knowing what to eat for your health, this episode will give you clarity and practical tools you can start using immediately. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • The real difference between dietitians and nutritionists • How processed foods contribute to inflammation and chronic disease • Why emotional eating and habits are so hard to break • What bariatric patients need to know before and after surgery • How portion sizes and eating speed impact digestion and weight • Why the gut is considered the “second brain” • How to identify real food vs highly processed food • The correct order to eat foods for better digestion and satiety • Why slowing down while eating is critical for your health About the Guest Nancy Lum, RD, LDN is a licensed, registered dietitian specializing in GI health, bariatric nutrition, and weight loss. She is the founder of the GI & Bariatric Nutrition Center and has over 19 years of experience helping patients improve their health through sustainable nutrition strategies. Nancy has led bariatric nutrition programs at major hospitals and works with patients managing digestive disorders, emotional eating, and long-term weight challenges. She integrates clinical nutrition with behavioral strategies to help clients create lasting change. Learn More About the GI & Bariatric Nutrition Center https://nutrition5.com/

    58 min

  8. MAR 18

    Multiple Sclerosis Support: Holistic Care, Community, and Living Well with MS

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really look like to live well with Multiple Sclerosis? In this powerful and informative episode, we sit down with Dr. Deneb Bates, ND and Yadira LaMazza, MSW from the International Multiple Sclerosis Management Practice (IMSMP) to explore a holistic, compassionate, and community-driven approach to MS care. Dr. Bates shares how naturopathic medicine, nutrition, and botanical therapies can support people living with MS, emphasizing the concept of food as medicine and empowering patients to take an active role in their health. Yadira brings a deeply human perspective, sharing the impact of support groups and counseling in helping individuals navigate the emotional and social aspects of living with MS. From newly diagnosed patients to long-standing communities, her work highlights the importance of connection, identity, and belonging. Together, this conversation bridges science, support, and strategy to help individuals living with MS feel more informed, empowered, and supported. If you or someone you love is navigating Multiple Sclerosis, this episode offers both practical insight and hope. Learn more about IMSMP: https://imsmp.org/ Meet the IMSMP Team: https://imsmp.org/our-team  What You’ll Learn in This Episode: • What a holistic approach to Multiple Sclerosis care looks like • How nutrition and botanical medicine support MS wellness • The role of naturopathic medicine in chronic illness • Why emotional support and community are critical for MS patients • How support groups help people feel seen, heard, and understood • The importance of identity, connection, and mental health when living with MS • Practical ways to feel more empowered in your health journey About the Guests Dr. Deneb Bates, ND Dr. Bates is a Naturopathic Doctor at IMSMP specializing in holistic care for individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis. With a background in biochemistry, ethnobotany, and culinary medicine, she integrates nutrition, botanical medicine, and lifestyle strategies to support wellness. She is passionate about helping patients take an active role in their health through a comprehensive, whole-person approach. Yadira LaMazza, BA, MSW Yadira is a clinical social worker who has been supporting the MS community for decades. She founded the Center’s first women’s MS support group in 2006, which continues to thrive today. She also leads groups for newly diagnosed individuals and gay men, providing compassionate guidance and support for navigating life with MS.

    48 min
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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to Beyond My Diagnosis, the podcast that brings real conversations, real stories, and real breakthroughs in health, healing, and hope. I’m your host, Michele Weston—Holistic Health and Wellbeing Coach—and I'm here to help you look past the symptoms and into the deeper story of living with your chronic condition.Each week, we go beyond the chart and challenge the status quo of conventional care. From powerful patient journeys to expert insights in functional medicine and integrative practitioners, using mindset and lifestyle medicine, you’ll get the tools and inspiration to become the most informed, empowered version of yourself.This is not just about managing illness—it’s about reclaiming your health, your voice, and your life.Let’s get curious. Let’s get courageous. And let’s go Beyond My Diagnosis.

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