The Chronic Fighter

Liv Winkler

The Chronic Fighter is a podcast for teens and young adults living with chronic illness, invisible illness, and unexplained symptoms who are ready to take their lives back.  Hosted by Liv Winkler, a health and nutrition coach with a lifetime of lived experience  with chronic illness, this podcast is the space she wishes she had growing up. For years, she always felt so different, going through things no one could explain. Yet she learned how to live a meaningful life: going to school, playing competitive soccer through college, and staying connected to life by learning how to make intentional lifestyle choices. Each episode shares empowering stories and science-backed tools to feel safe in your own body, build mental resilience, regulate your nervous system, navigate the healthcare system, advocate for yourself when you feel dismissed, and rediscover your purpose beyond your illness. We have honest conversations about the realities of chronic illness — the kind that are hard to fully understand unless you’ve lived it. No matter where you are in your health journey, you can start building a life you are excited about now.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Episode 1 - Chronic Illness Doesn't Have to Control Your Life

    For as long as I can remember, chronic illness has been part of my life. I've experienced everything from debilitating stomach pain and migraines to fainting episodes and non-epileptic seizures. For years, I felt alone, misunderstood, and unsure if I'd ever be able to live the life I dreamed of. But here's what I've learned: Your diagnosis does not define your future. In this very first episode of The Chronic Fighter, I'm sharing some of my story, why I started this podcast, and the mission behind creating a space for teens and young adults living with chronic illness. We'll talk about what it really means to become a "chronic fighter", not by pushing harder or ignoring your body's needs, but by learning to work with your body so you can build a meaningful life alongside chronic illness. If you've ever felt like your life is on hold until you finally get answers, this episode is for you. What You'll Hear in This Episode 00:00 – Welcome to The Chronic Fighter and my mission02:32 – Why I started this podcast03:49 – My personal journey living with chronic illness since birth05:34 – Why I created The Chronic Fighter coaching community07:20 – Why I stopped hiding my health struggles08:14– The trap of "destination addiction" and waiting for life to begin09:12 – The advice from my aunt that gave me the confidence to start this podcast10:19 – What you can expect from future episodes (solo episodes & guest interviews)11:21 – The three lessons I wish I'd learned sooner about living with chronic illness12:08 – Upcoming episodes and what's next My Three Biggest Lessons ✔ There will never be a perfect time. Life doesn't begin after healing, it happens alongside it. ✔ Self-trust matters more than having all the answers. You don't need permission to begin living your life. ✔  Being a fighter doesn't mean pushing through pain. It means learning how to support your body while continuing to pursue the life you want. What's Coming Next I'll be bringing you a mix of solo episodes and conversations with incredible guests who understand the realities of living with chronic illness from different perspectives. In the next few episodes, we'll explore: Raising a Child with Chronic Illness: Our Family’s StoryUnderstanding PNES: From 3 Seizures a Day to Reclaiming My LifeNavigating Friendships with Chronic Illness As the podcast continues, we'll cover topics including: Reducing Medical AnxietyNervous system regulationPersonalized nutritionManaging chronic illness flaresNavigating the healthcare systemPurpose and identity beyond chronic illnessPractical tools to reclaim controlResources Mentioned The Chronic Fighter: https://thechronicfighter.com Jebeh Edmunds (Cultural Consulting): jebehedmunds.com  Podcast Socials TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechronicfighterpod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechronicfighterpod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechronicfighterpod If This Episode Encouraged You... I'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use this reminder:  You don't have to wait until you're healed to start living your life. Every small step forward matters, and I'm so grateful you're here. I can't wait to continue this journey with you.

    Episode 1 - Chronic Illness Doesn't Have to Control Your Life

About

The Chronic Fighter is a podcast for teens and young adults living with chronic illness, invisible illness, and unexplained symptoms who are ready to take their lives back.  Hosted by Liv Winkler, a health and nutrition coach with a lifetime of lived experience  with chronic illness, this podcast is the space she wishes she had growing up. For years, she always felt so different, going through things no one could explain. Yet she learned how to live a meaningful life: going to school, playing competitive soccer through college, and staying connected to life by learning how to make intentional lifestyle choices. Each episode shares empowering stories and science-backed tools to feel safe in your own body, build mental resilience, regulate your nervous system, navigate the healthcare system, advocate for yourself when you feel dismissed, and rediscover your purpose beyond your illness. We have honest conversations about the realities of chronic illness — the kind that are hard to fully understand unless you’ve lived it. No matter where you are in your health journey, you can start building a life you are excited about now.