Low Battery Club

Sam Cherry
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

Low Battery Club is a podcast about navigating adulthood with chronic illness — from flare days and doctor’s appointments to friendships, dating, and everything in between. Hosted by Sam Cherry, a former psychology major with a tendency to overthink (and turn everything into a deep talk), the podcast explores the messy, unexpected, and complicated connection between mental and physical health. Expect honest conversations, listener stories, a little oversharing, and plenty of reminders that you’re not the only one running on low battery.

Episodes

  1. Aug 3

    ep. 11: i’m answering your biggest chronic illness questions…

    time for my first ever q&a!!! in this episode, i’m answering five of your questions about living with chronic illness and sharing my most honest thoughts, reactions, and advice. so, if you want to hear me talk about: my favorite chronic illness-friendly activities & hobbies finding a job that works with my health conditions dealing with POTS symptoms in the summer & so much more then this episode is for you! also: if you’ve previously asked me a question and i haven’t answered it yet, don’t worry— i’ll be recording a pt. 2 of this episode soon! and if you haven’t asked me a question yet but would still like to, you can do so here! topics (with timestamps): 00:56 introducing the low battery club member of the week!! 03:27 three tips for managing POTS symptoms in the summer 13:29 how i balance work and rest 20:17 my favorite POTS-friendly activities 24:37 being creative & finding hobbies while chronically ill mentioned resources: ⚡️rehydration recipes  ⚡️my summer compression picks  ⚡️she persisted podcast connect with me: 🪫⁠tiktok⁠  🪫⁠instagram⁠  🪫⁠youtube⁠ 🪫email me! 🪫⁠anonymous form (share your story!)⁠  🪫⁠guest application (be on the pod!)⁠ a little note: if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review— it helps more people find the show! disclaimer: the information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. the host is not a licensed medical professional. always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or health routines.

  2. Jul 17

    ep.10: five things i’ve learned from being chronically ill

    after being diagnosed with more than five chronic illnesses over the past three years, i've become all too familiar with how chronic illness and chronic pain can change every part of your life. while we often focus on the physical symptoms, i wanted to explore the emotional side of the journey: how has chronic illness impacted my mental health? my outlook on life? my relationships– including the relationship I have with myself? in this episode, i'm sharing five of the biggest lessons I've learned from living with chronic illness. we'll talk about navigating grief, protecting your energy with healthy boundaries, shifting your mindset, and finding ways to stay grounded through the unpredictability of chronic illness. these are the reminders and mindset shifts that have helped me cope with chronic illness while building a life that still feels meaningful and joyful. whether you've recently been diagnosed, have been living with a chronic illness for years, or love someone who is, i hope this episode reminds you that your diagnosis is only one part of your story. chronic illness may change your life—but it doesn't have to define who you are. topics (with timestamps): 00:58 how chronic illness can completely change your perspective 05:09 chronic illness, grief & learning to let go 08:58 how chronic illness changes relationships & support systems 16:43 why healthy boundaries can actually help your symptoms 22:40 the power of your inner dialogue when living with chronic illness 29:01 a chronic illness quote that's changed the way I see my journey mentioned resources: ⚡️lana’s ride monologue connect with me: 🪫⁠tiktok⁠  🪫⁠instagram⁠  🪫⁠youtube⁠ 🪫email me! 🪫⁠anonymous form (share your story!)⁠  🪫⁠guest application (be on the pod!)⁠ a little note: if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review— it helps more people find the show! disclaimer: the information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. the host is not a licensed medical professional. always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or health routines.

  3. Jul 4

    ep.9: what my new medical mystery taught me about our healthcare system

    the one where i finally explain my month-long break from the podcast... (spoiler alert: i have an autoimmune disease!) in this episode, i'm sharing the story behind my mysterious new symptoms, my recent diagnosis, and what this experience has taught me about our healthcare system. if you live with a chronic or invisible illness, you know that finding answers about what's happening in your body is often much harder than it should be. as someone who's navigated this process more than once (i've also recently been diagnosed with pots, hEDS, and mals), i know firsthand the challenges of simply being a patient. this episode explores my recent diagnostic journey, how it affected me mentally, and the ways it's reshaped my perspective on healthcare, self-advocacy, and living with uncertainty. this episode is for everyone who's ever been told "everything looks normal," even when your body is telling you otherwise. 🤍 topics (with timestamps): 00:00 saying hi! 01:44 getting medical care with a chronic illness 03:43 my recent autoimmune symptoms 07:46 finding the right doctor 10:30 how searching for answers can affect you mentally 12:30 self-advocacy as a patient 17:17 my thoughts on our healthcare system 19:55 chronic illness & mental strength 21:36 my diagnosis & final thoughts mentioned resources: ⚡️avise testing ⚡️more about my current med connect with me: 🪫⁠tiktok⁠  🪫⁠instagram⁠  🪫⁠youtube⁠ 🪫email me! 🪫⁠anonymous form (share your story!)⁠  🪫⁠guest application (be on the pod!)⁠ a little note: if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review— it helps more people find the show! disclaimer: the information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. the host is not a licensed medical professional. always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or health routines.

  4. May 31

    ep.8: chronic illness & mental health: 5 small changes that make a big difference

    if you're looking for five simple, memorable ways to support your mental health while living with chronic illness, you're in the right place. in today's episode, I'm sharing the often overlooked aspects of your mental health that you can influence— even when chronic illness makes it feel like so much of your agency has been taken away. drawing from my own experience living with POTS and hEDS, a psychology degree, and my genuine passion for talking into a microphone for 35 minutes, i’ll walk you through practical mindset shifts and habits that have helped me navigate the mental side of chronic illness. my hope is that you'll leave this episode feeling seen, understood, and encouraged to take the small but meaningful steps toward better mental health that you deserve.💗 topics (with timestamps):  00:00 intro & why i care about mental health 05:52 what therapy has taught me about my emotions 12:59 finding the right support system for you 18:29 trusting your instincts with your chronically illness  24:33 rumination, hypervigilance, & chronic illness 28:49 setting goals & finding your purpose again mentioned resources: ⚡️last week’s episode connect with me: 🪫⁠tiktok⁠  🪫⁠instagram⁠  🪫⁠youtube⁠ 🪫email me! 🪫⁠anonymous form (share your story!)⁠  🪫⁠guest application (be on the pod!)⁠ a little note: if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review— it helps more people find the show! disclaimer: the information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. the host is not a licensed medical professional. always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or health routines.

  5. May 18

    ep.7: why chronic illness can make your mental health worse

    if you’re navigating chronic illness, you probably know firsthand how deeply your mental health can be affected by your physical health. struggling with both isn’t easy—and you’re definitely not alone. but in order to support and improve our mental health, we first need to understand why it may be suffering in the first place. what’s happening biologically, psychologically, and even socially that can make chronic illness feel so mentally overwhelming? in this episode, i’m combining my own experience with chronic illness with my degree in psychology to break down the many factors that can contribute to worsening mental health. from nervous system stress to grief, isolation, and identity shifts, there’s often a lot influencing how you feel that you may not even realize. awareness is the first step toward healing—and understanding what you’re carrying can help you move through it with more compassion for yourself. topics (with timestamps):  00:00 life updates & your anonymous question!! 03:59 chronic illness, mental health, & self-validation 08:04 a psychology model for understanding mental health 11:12 how chronic illness affects our biology 15:36 the psychology behind chronic illness 23:31 relationship dynamics & chronic illness  29:19 sociocultural impacts on chronic illness  34:12 final thoughts & a preview of next week’s ep!! mentioned resources: ⚡️silly lily foundation ⚡️multipath model ⚡️stress + the nervous system ⚡️psychological strain of chronic illness ⚡️health disparities in the u.s.  ⚡️chronic illness + financial burden ⚡️ep.2: coping with chronic illness in your 20s ⚡️ep.3: no one warns you how lonely chronic pain is ⚡️ep.4: the invisible mental load behind chronic illness connect with me: 🪫⁠tiktok⁠  🪫⁠instagram⁠  🪫⁠youtube⁠ 🪫email me 🪫⁠anonymous form (share your story!)⁠  🪫⁠guest application (be on the pod!)⁠ a little note: if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review— it helps more people find the show! disclaimer: the information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. the host is not a licensed medical professional. always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or health routines.

  6. May 6

    ep.6: my POTS journey — symptoms, seizures, & finding answers

    today is the day: i’m finally sharing my full journey with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). in this episode, i break down everything—from what i believe triggered it, to the strange early symptom that stumped every doctor, to the long road to getting diagnosed. i also open up about the emotional side of living with a chronic condition like this. whether you think you might have POTS, have already been diagnosed, or care about someone who has it, i hope this episode helps you feel more informed—and less alone. living with POTS can feel incredibly niche and isolating. my goal with this episode is to make that experience a little more understood🤍 topics (with timestamps):  00:56 a huge misconception about POTS 07:51 what triggered my POTS  12:13 non-epileptic seizures  18:20 my POTS symptoms   20:31 getting misdiagnosed  23:33 POTS testing + diagnosis  26:47 the emotional side of dr’s appointments 28:42 what it felt like getting diagnosed  32:10 my current medical mystery  connect with me: 🪫⁠tiktok⁠  🪫⁠instagram⁠  🪫⁠youtube⁠ 🪫email me! 🪫⁠anonymous form (share your story!)⁠  🪫⁠guest application (be on the pod!)⁠ a little note: if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review— it helps more people find the show! disclaimer: the information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. the host is not a licensed medical professional. always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or health routines.

  7. Apr 27

    ep.5: how to know when your body needs a rest day

    when your chronic illness shows up with symptoms every day, it can feel almost impossible to know when to push yourself—and when to rest. that’s exactly what we’re unpacking in this week’s episode. we’re diving into the personal and societal pressures that keep us from truly recharging— even when our bodies are asking for a break. then, we’ll look at the science behind why rest is essential for managing chronic conditions (spoiler: it’s not optional). finally, i’ll share my favorite ways to tell when your body needs a rest day. if you find yourself overexerting and ignoring your symptoms (same), this episode is your guide to breaking that cycle. managing chronic illness can feel like a constant balancing act— and this episode is here to help you find your footing. topics (with timestamps):  00:21 how i ended up in the ER this week 02:52 your responses on rest days & rare disease awareness 05:47 what society gets wrong about chronic illnesses 10:06 internal pressures around taking a rest day  13:57 external & societal pressures around taking a rest day 16:52 the science behind why our bodies need rest   21:00 how to tell if you need more rest for your chronic condition 31:42 my final thoughts & more! mentioned resources: ⚡️cowden syndrome ⚡️importance of sleep with a chronic illness ⚡️chronic pain & sleep article  ⚡️chronic illness & rest article  ⚡️deep rest article ⚡️the science of rest article ⚡️rest as a form of recharging research ⚡️activity pacing research  ⚡️long covid & inflammation research ⚡️pots & inflammation research ⚡️anti-inflammatory benefits of sleep connect with me: 🪫⁠tiktok⁠  🪫⁠instagram⁠  🪫⁠youtube⁠ 🪫email me! 🪫⁠anonymous form (share your story!)⁠  🪫⁠guest application (be on the pod!)⁠ a little note: if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review— it helps more people find the show! disclaimer: the information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. the host is not a licensed medical professional. always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or health routines.

  8. Apr 19

    ep.4: the invisible mental load behind chronic illness

    we talk about the physical symptoms of chronic illness– but what about the mental ones? so many of us are dealing with invisible illnesses, and the emotional & mental effects of our conditions can go equally unnoticed.  in my fourth ever podcast episode (yay!), i’m talking all about the mental load of chronic illness. managing chronic illness can be a balancing act: you’re always having to balance your self-care against your social life, your hobbies against your symptom flares, and your actual passions & interests against the chronic condition that’s taking up mental space 24/7.  so how do we balance it all without burning out?! that’s exactly the question i’m trying to answer in this episode– along with reading a bunch of your super insightful chronic illness comments!  there’s no doubt that there is a significant mental burden that comes with being chronically ill. my hope is that this episode validates you in your feelings & reminds you that you’re not alone💗 topics (with timestamps):  00:00 intro 01:13 the biggest shift in my chronic illness journey 06:49 balancing relationships with chronic illness 11:58 mental isolation & chronic illness 14:18 secret stressors behind low symptom days 17:06 how chronic illness can affect identity & personality 20:50 most common emotions triggered by chronic illness  25:36 creative ways to cope when your illness has you down mentioned resources: ⚡️mental drain tiktok connect with me: 🪫⁠tiktok⁠  🪫⁠instagram⁠  🪫⁠youtube⁠ 🪫email me! 🪫⁠anonymous form (share your story!)⁠  🪫⁠guest application (be on the pod!)⁠ a little note: if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps more people find the show! disclaimer: the information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. the host is not a licensed medical professional. always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or health routines.

  9. Apr 9

    ep.3: no one warns you how lonely chronic pain is

    living with chronic pain is surprisingly common– and yet why do we feel so alone?  in this episode, we’re talking about why living with chronic pain can be such an isolating experience. from navigating my own symptoms with hypermobile ehlers-danlos syndrome to the emotional weight of not being fully understood, i’m opening up about the parts of chronic pain that people don’t always see. we get into why getting diagnosed can feel unexpectedly lonely (and what the research says about it), plus the realities of living with chronic pain in your 20s– when your life doesn’t look the way you thought it would. i also talk about what it’s like to manage chronic pain alongside chronic illness, and how it can impact your relationships, social life, and sense of identity. toward the end, i share three gentle, realistic ways to support your mental health when you’re in pain– especially on the days that feel the hardest. if you’ve ever felt alone in your pain, this episode is for you. your experience is real, and you deserve support 🤍 topics (with timestamps):  00:21 my symptoms hypermobile ehlers-danlos syndrome 03:24 how chronic pain can be an isolating experience 07:50 why getting diagnosed can feel lonely (& what the research says) 12:17 the realities of living with chronic pain in your 20s 14:13 having chronic pain along with chronic illness  18:52 how chronic pain affects your social life & identity 20:17 three ways to help your mental health when you’re in pain mentioned resources: ⚡️cdc research ⚡️chronic pain study ⚡️women & chronic pain ⚡️people of color & chronic pain ⚡️mental health resources connect with me: 🪫⁠tiktok⁠  🪫⁠instagram⁠  🪫⁠youtube⁠ 🪫email me! 🪫⁠anonymous form (share your story!)⁠  🪫⁠guest application (be on the pod!)⁠ a little note: if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps more people find the show! disclaimer: the information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. the host is not a licensed medical professional. always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or health routines.

  10. Mar 30

    ep.2: coping with chronic illness in your 20s: relationships, anxiety, goals & more

    your 20s are supposed to be the “best years of your life”… so what happens when you’re navigating chronic illness at the same time?🪫 in this episode, i’m talking about parts of being chronically ill in your 20s that no one really prepares you for. i open up about comparing myself to other people, balancing my relationships and my chronic illnesses, dealing with anxiety, and being intentional with my (limited) energy. plus, i give my take on setting goals and making timelines when your body is unpredictable— and the self-love mindset that’s helped me navigate my diagnoses🤍 if you’re chronically ill in your 20s, this episode is for you. you’re not behind and you’re not alone. topics (with timestamps):  00:00 intro  01:24 symptom flares & feeling misunderstood  05:48 being chronically ill in your 20s 07:56 finding your identity & comparing yourself to others 10:27 relationships: being intentional & dealing with anxiety  21:44 setting goals & making timelines 25:18 my self-love mindset  26:37 outro  connect with me: 🪫⁠tiktok⁠  🪫⁠instagram⁠  🪫⁠youtube⁠ 🪫⁠anonymous form (share your story!)⁠  🪫⁠guest application (be on the pod!)⁠ a little note: if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps more people find the show! disclaimer: the information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. the host is not a licensed medical professional. always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or health routines.

  11. Mar 25

    ep.1: my chronic illness story + why i started this podcast

    this is officially the very first episode of the low battery club 🪫 how did i go from traveling the country after college… to navigating chronic illnesses, multiple surgeries, and moving back home? in this episode, i share my story—how my health journey unfolded, how i was diagnosed with POTS (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) and hEDS (hypermobile ehlers-danlos syndrome), and how everything led me to create this podcast. if you’re dealing with chronic illness or pain in your 20s—you’re not alone. this space is for you 🤍 topics (with timestamps): 00:00 intro 00:47 early symptoms of POTS & hEDS 14:40 getting diagnosed with POTS 21:29 recent surgery & health updates 22:37 why i started this podcast 24:24 what’s the low battery club? 29:21 outro connect with me: 🪫tiktok  🪫instagram  🪫youtube 🪫anonymous form (share your story!)  🪫guest application (be on the pod!) a little note: if you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review—it helps more people find the show! disclaimer: the information shared on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. the host is not a licensed medical professional. always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, medications, or health routines.

  • 11 Episodes

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Low Battery Club is a podcast about navigating adulthood with chronic illness — from flare days and doctor’s appointments to friendships, dating, and everything in between. Hosted by Sam Cherry, a former psychology major with a tendency to overthink (and turn everything into a deep talk), the podcast explores the messy, unexpected, and complicated connection between mental and physical health. Expect honest conversations, listener stories, a little oversharing, and plenty of reminders that you’re not the only one running on low battery.

Information

  • Creator
    Sam Cherry
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Sam Cherry
  • Show Website
    Low Battery Club