Iconically Ill

Laura Lyons
  • 5.0 (19)
  • Comedy
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Iconically Ill, I'm your host Laura Lyons, where I interview other disabled and chronically ill people with humor and heart over the clinical part.

  1. 1d ago

    We Talk Friedreich's Ataxia

    We talk Friedreich's Ataxia with Jennifer Gasner. Jennifer is a member of the International Memoir Writers Association, where she was member of the month in September 2023. Her writing has been published in Shaking the Tree, volumes 3 and 4, and in Six Feet Apart...In the Time of Corona. Her debut memoir, My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis, was published on September 7, 2023, and won a Red Ribbon from The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. The book was a Finalist for the National Indie Excellence Awards, the Reader's Favorite Book Awards, and the Eric Hoffer Awards in 2024. She was Author of the Month for April 2024 at San Diego Library and won several awards from The Chrysalis BREW Project, including Nonfiction Book of the Year in 2024. You can follow Jennifer at @jennygwriter on Instagram Show transcript bit.ly/3UKUymI

    40 min

  2. May 26

    We Talk Congenital Muscular Dystrophy

    We talk Congenital Muscular Dystrophy with Kelly Berger and Avery Roberts Kelly and Avery are dynamic, empowered, rare disease warriors and disability champions who share their stories, spark conversations, and build a world that listens and activates real change. Their spirited advocacy is bold, personal, and impossible to ignore. They both live with the ultra-rare form of congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD), Collagen 6. They've turned their lived experiences into powerful platforms for global change. The fierce changemakers are driving visibility, authentic representation, and access, championing the next generation for a brighter, more inclusive future. Their podcast, Wheel Talk gives a front row seat to bold conversations about the thriving disability community. The show amplifies voices, breaks down barriers, and celebrates the power of disability identity. It's where wit, wisdom, and wheels are all part of the party. Follow Kelly at @thekellyberger and Avery at @Avery.nicole916 and their podcast at @thewheeltalkpodcast on Instagram Show transcript bit.ly/3UKUymI

    42 min

  3. May 19

    We Talk Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Screenwriting

    We talk Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and screenwriting with Caitlin Rose Arcand. Caitlin is an award-winning screenwriter, producer and script exec. Her directorial debut feature, "Burn Baby Burn" (the chaotic gay mob movie), is currently in development after winning Best Feature Screenplay at Hollywood International Diversity, Best Feature Dialogue at Flight Deck Film Festival and Outstanding Achievement for a Feature Screenplay at the Massachusetts Independent Film Festival. She recently wrapped her directorial debut short "Starlyfe," to be released this spring. Previously, she produced the two award-winning queer short films, "Happy Hour" and "Oreo," in addition to working in production for Netflix, Luminant Media and Dirty Water Media. As a comedian and writer, Caitlin specializes in "the worst people you know," bringing to life all the unsavory characters that the East Coast has to offer. Her candid stories have been heard on stages all over the country, notably appearing at The North Carolina Comedy Festival, Solocom NYC, and The Portland Comedy Festival. In 2021, she was named one of CitiBank and Buzzfeed's Women to Watch for her women/LGBTQ+ centered humor platform, inspired by two sold-out years of Boston's only all-female comedy show, which she founded and hosted. Caitlin works in film and TV as a marketing & screenwriting executive through her company Arcand Entertainment & Creative.  Follow Caitlin @caitlinrosearcand on Instagram Show transcript bit.ly/3UKUymI

    44 min

  4. May 12

    We Talk Rheumatoid Arthritis

    We Talk Rheumatoid Arthritis with Jennifer Chassman Browne.  Jennifer has been an educator for over 25 years, and has experience working with students ranging from 3rd grade through the university level. Most of her work has been as an English, Creative Writing , and Social Studies teacher and a school leader. The majority of her leadership experience has been at the secondary level as an Assistant Principal, Associate Head, or Curriculum Director, where she has been focused on directing curricular programs and supporting teachers in developing instructional practices.  Jenn has lived with Rheumatoid Arthritis since she was six years old and has recently founded a non-profit aimed at developing education and understanding around issues related to ability and advocacy for those living with disabilities. More Than a T-Shirt Company is a project that develops and sells t-shirts and stickers with disability positive messages. The company donates proceeds to partner organizations including the Arthritis Foundation and Autism Speaks. Five years ago, Jenn founded New Ground Educational Consulting​. Her focus has been to develop and present workshops related to Inclusion and Belonging. She leads sessions on topics such as: Social Justice and Physical Space, Identity and Belonging, Implicit Bias, and The Weight of Disability for a variety of public and independent schools, non-profit organizations, and professional institutions. Jenn has been a featured guest on Pushing Limits, one of the only public radio shows focused on disability, and has also contributed columns to a variety of publications. Most recently, Jenn was the keynote speaker for the Pacific ADA Center's annual conference where she presented a session entitled, Beginning with Belonging; Reimagining the ADA. She has recently published a collection of poetry that includes pieces about living with a disability. Currently, Jenn is completing her book, See Us, Know US: Profiles of Disability which is a collection of profiles about people with disabilities. Each profile includes a portrait, a narrative biography, and an original poem written by Jenn for the person being profiled. Look for See Us, Know Us, which will be published in October. You can follow Jenn at @jenniferchassmanbrowne on Instagram. Show transcript bit.ly/3UKUymI

    54 min

  5. May 5

    We Talk Endometriosis and Writing

    We talk endometriosis and writing with Samara Breger. Samara is a writer and performer from Sleepy Hollow, New York. Her vampire Gothic, A LONG TIME DEAD, was named "the best Sapphic vampire book since...Carmilla" by the New York Times, as well as one of the best romances of 2023. She regularly performs musical improv in New York as well as around the country at comedy festivals. She lives in a little house with her wife and dog, both of whom are big fans of her work. Follow Samara at @yesjbreg on Instagram Show transcript bit.ly/3UKUymI

    41 min

  6. Apr 28

    We Talk Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS)

    We talk Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS) with Jay Trivedi. Jay is a 34 year old individual diagnosed at birth with an invisible disability known as Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS). This disability is very rare and it involves a genetic mutation impacting the respiratory system. There are approximately 2000 cases of diagnosis worldwide. Patients diagnosed require mechanical ventilation during sleep. However, some patients require mechanical ventilation 24/7. Each patient's diagnosis is different. Some other symptoms of the diagnosis can include poor eyesight, poor temperature controls, and cognitive delays in young children. Most patients with CCHS can live full and healthy lives. They can achieve an education, build a successful career in the job market, and have families. Although there is no cure for CCHS and very little research is being done, CCHS Family Network and The CCHS Foundation are working together to continue raising funds and encourage friends/family to donate so the money can help go towards research and education.   Although Jay has been living with this extremely rare and invisible diagnosis, it has never stopped him from achieving his two main goals, which are achieving an educational degree in Business Administration and gaining work experience needed to become successful in today's job market. Currently, he works full-time at one of the biggest retailers, Walmart. Jay is a volunteer advocate and member of two well-known disability organizations called The CCHS Foundation and Diversability Leadership Collective (DLC).  On a professional level, Jay is heavily active on LinkedIn where he networks with individuals who can resonate with his life experiences.  Follow Jay at jt.trivedi on Instagram Show transcript bit.ly/3UKUymI

    44 min

  7. Apr 21

    We Talk Bone Tumor

    We talk bone tumor with Rachel Kenaston. Rachel is an actor, comedian, artist and filmmaker. She earned a BFA in Theatre from Marshall University and studied at Upright Citizens Brigade, the Squirrel and Magnet Theater. She can be found performing and photographing improv, sketch & standup comedy around NYC or working at House of Yes as Artist Liaison. Rachel is a founding member of Maxipad Productions, Flower Power Comedy, and the sketch team, Pitchfork Patty.  Follow Rachel @rachelkenaston on IG/tiktok and rachelkenaston.com for her latest film & comedy projects  Show transcript bit.ly/3UKUymI

    49 min

  8. Apr 14

    We Talk OCD and Live Performing

    We talk OCD and live performing with Steve Whyte. Steve Whyte thought he had it all figured out until he left the womb. He was Elf #2 in the Old Greenwich Elementary School production of Twas The Night Before Christmas. Later, lured by the prospect of big money, Steve joined the improv world, and can be seen performing with The Armando Diaz Experience on Saturdays at 7:30 at the Magnet Theater in Chelsea. For money he edits video, and for fun he plays the drums. Follow Steve @steveinnyc on Instagram Show transcript bit.ly/3UKUymI

    50 min
See All (60)

5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Welcome to Iconically Ill, I'm your host Laura Lyons, where I interview other disabled and chronically ill people with humor and heart over the clinical part.

Information

  • Creator
    Laura Lyons
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2024
  • Show Website
    Iconically Ill

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