Living Well with Multiple Sclerosis

Overcoming MS
  • 4.4 (48)
  • Mental Health
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Living Well with MS, the podcast from the Overcoming MS charity. In each episode, your host Geoff Allix explores a different aspect of the Overcoming MS Program in greater depth by talking with experts and people with MS about health lifestyle changes. New episodes are published on Wednesdays and feature interviews with scientists, neurologists, fitness specialists, diet experts, stress reduction professionals. The podcast also features inspirational, real-life stories from people with multiple sclerosis following the Overcoming MS program, about the challenges and victories of managing symptoms through lifestyle modification.

  1. 2d ago

    Bonus from the Archives: Journaling as a path to healing with Mari McCarthy | S8 Bonus

    Mari L. McCarthy is an award-winning and international bestselling author whose books Journaling Power: How to Create the Happy, Healthy Life You Want to Live and Heal Yourself with Journaling Power have introduced people around the world to the power journaling has to help heal the body. After losing feeling and function in the right side of her body in 1998, Mari was diagnosed with MS. Undaunted, she took up a daily journaling practice which over time helped improve her MS symptoms to the extent that she is now an accomplished recording artist with three full-length albums. Mari’s website, CreateWriteNow.com, is the platform she runs to share her methods, expertise and passion for journaling. Originally broadcast in 2020, this episode has been edited to remove out-of-date content and reuploaded in 2026 to ensure it remains relevant and useful.

  2. Sep 30

    Webinar highlights ECTRIMS highlights 2025 with Brett Drummond and Karen Campbell | S8E30

    In this episode of Living Well with MS -- where we explore topics relating to living a full and healthy life with multiple sclerosis -- we are pleased to welcome Brett Drummond and Karen Campbell. Brett is from MSTranslate and hosts the European Committee for Treatment and Research In Multiple Sclerosis (ECTRIMS) patient day and podcast. Karen is a nurse and MS researcher who lives with MS and attended the conference this year. Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio. 00:00 Introduction to ECTRIMS 2025 and Speakers 02:02 Overview of ECTRIMS Conference Highlights 02:41 Brett's Insights on MS Research 09:07 Emerging Treatments and Therapies for MS 15:10 The Role of Viruses in MS 18:28 Lifestyle Modifications and Rehabilitation in MS 20:03 Biomarkers and Their Importance in MS 24:24 Engaging the MS Community in Research 28:24 Karen's Perspective as a Patient and Researcher 33:55 Q&A Session: Addressing Community Questions Watch the original presentation here Connect with Ciara on LinkedIn New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

  3. Sep 23

    Ageing with MS with Veronique Gauhier Simmons | S8E29

    In this episode of Living Well with MS -- where we explore topics relating to living a full and healthy life with multiple sclerosis -- we are pleased to welcome Véronique Gauthier-Simmons as our guest! Véronique is a yoga and breathwork teacher who lives with MS and the author of Taming the Walrus: Inner Intelligence, Yoga, and the Science of Healthy Ageing. Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio. 02:05 Journey with MS: Reluctance, Learning, and Transformation 05:25 The Unexpected Love for Yoga 07:16 Taming the Walrus: Insights from the Book 15:25 The Importance of Interoception 19:55 Movement for Healthy Aging: Strength, Stretching, and Speed 26:08 Breathwork: A Tool for Wellbeing 32:09 The Necessity of Deep Rest 34:42 Longevity: Quality of Life Over Quantity 37:38 Healing: Wholeness and Inner Alignment 39:54 Final Thoughts for Those Recently Diagnosed with MS Check out other Living Well with MS episodes featuring Veronique S6E10 Webinar Highlights: Accessible Movement for the Overcoming MS Community with Véronique Gauthier-Simmons S6E18 The latest research in exercise for MS with Dr Robert Motl S5E31 Webinar Highlights Breathwork with Véronique Gauthier-Simmons S5E11 Exercise at home with Véronique Gauthier-Simmons S1E6 The Overcoming MS guide to getting fit with Véronique Gauthier-Simmons Read the study on arm strengthening as diabetes prevention Read the study on yoga rats and inflammation Download a Free Sample of Taming the Walrus: Inner Intelligence, Yoga, and the Science of Healthy Ageing   New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

  4. Sep 16

    Webinar Highlights Expert Insights Physical Activity with Heather O'Neil and Lyndsey Housden | S8E28

    In this episode of Living Well with MS -- where we explore topics relating to living a full and healthy life with multiple sclerosis -- we are pleased to welcome Healther O’Neil and Lyndsey Housden as our guests! Heather and Lyndsey live with MS and are program facilitators for the Overcoming MS charity. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways and Dr Brayer’s bio. 00:55 Understanding MS and Its Impact on Physical Activity 06:18 Physical Activity's Impact on Brain Health 08:36 Exercise as a Disease Modifying Intervention 15:36 Benefits of Regular Physical Activity 18:29 Practical Guidelines for Exercise 24:57 Tailoring Exercise for MS: Personalization is Key 25:50 Balance Training: Tools and Techniques 32:22 Assistive Devices for Exercise: What Works? 34:42 Increasing Heart Rate with Limited Mobility Learn more about exercise and MS View all our past webinars New to Overcoming MS? Visit our introductory page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, you can leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

  5. Sep 9

    Making healthy choices sustainable with Zillah Smart | S8E27

    In this episode of Living Well with MS -- where we explore topics relating to living a full and healthy life with multiple sclerosis -- we are pleased to welcome Zillah Smart as our guest! Zillah is a nutritional therapist and trainee facilitator for Overcoming MS who lives with MS and follows the program. Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio. 00:58 Introduction to Zilla Smart and Her Journey 04:04 Zilla's Diagnosis and Initial Reactions 08:30 Discovering Lifestyle Changes and Overcoming MS 13:43 Implementing Lifestyle Changes: Diet, Stress, and Exercise 17:16 Balancing Family Life with Overcoming MS 21:12 Encouraging Healthy Choices in Children 26:03 Adapting Lifestyle Changes Through Life Stages 30:07 The Importance of Sleep for MS Management 38:18 Final Tips for Sustainable Lifestyle Changes zillahsmartnutrition.com New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

  6. Sep 2

    Bonus from the archives: Pilates and MS - Building strength for everyone with Rachel Changer | S8 Bonus

    Welcome to the Living Well with MS podcast, where we are joined by Rachel Changer. Rachel is a Pilates instructor and neurological physiotherapist with a master’s diploma in neurological rehabilitation.  Originally broadcast in 2020, this episode has been edited to remove out-of-date content and reuploaded in 2026 to ensure it remains relevant and useful. 01:05 Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, your background, and your experience working with people with MS?  03:03 What is Pilates? And what are the differences between Pilates and other practices?  08:49 What are the benefits of Pilates for people with MS?  13:11 What are the downsides?  14:17 How do you choose the right Pilates instructor or class? Can you do it on your own?  17:17 How can you modify Pilates for all levels of ability?  20:23 Does Pilates work as an online activity? Can you do it without much equipment?  29:35 Do you have any other thoughts to encourage or inspire people for their fitness and exercise regime for people with MS?  32:04 When following an exercise regime, when do you think that you should also check in with a medical provider, if you've got any symptoms that might be exercise related?  34:32 Can you share a final thought with our audience on what motivates or inspires you as a human being?

  7. Aug 26

    Culture, community and MS with Kebba Jow | S8E26

    In this episode of Living Well with MS -- where we explore topics relating to living a full and healthy life with multiple sclerosis -- we are pleased to welcome Kebba Jow as our guest! Kebba is an author and motivational speaker with MS who uses Overcoming MS pillars to live will. Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio. 00:00 Introduction to Keba Jow's Journey 06:09 Living Well with MS: A New Perspective 07:42 The Overlooked Mental Health Aspect of MS 11:44 Cultural Beliefs and the Struggle with Western Medicine 14:13 The Role of Faith in Overcoming Challenges 17:08 Finding Purpose Through Speaking and Writing 21:19 Facing Life's Challenges with MS 23:29 The Importance of Community Support 26:41 Reaching Out: Overcoming Isolation 27:50 Finding Hope and Positivity 30:04 Advice for the Newly Diagnosed Learn more about Kebba’s work Follow Kebba on TikTok Follow Kebba on Instagram New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

  8. Aug 19

    Webinar Highlights – Medication with Dr Jonny White | S8E25

    In this episode of Living Well with MS -- where we explore topics relating to living a full and healthy life with multiple sclerosis -- we are pleased to welcome Dr Jonny White as our guest! Jonny lives with MS and is an Overcoming MS Facilitator and the charity’s medical advisor. Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio. 01:13 Understanding Steroids and Their Role in MS Relapses 03:55 Disease Modifying Therapies: An Overview 05:51 First Generation DMTs: Interferons and Copaxone 09:49 Second Generation DMTs: Advancements and Efficacy 15:34 High Efficacy DMTs: Tysabri and Beyond 20:15 Emerging Treatments and Their Implications 25:37 Symptom Management: Addressing Fatigue and Spasticity 29:48 The Role of Lifestyle in MS Management 34:45 Future Directions in MS Treatment 36:11 Understanding Myelination and Remyelination 41:11 Exploring the Role of Epstein-Barr Virus in MS 44:02 Navigating Treatment Options and Clinical Trials 51:29 Making Informed Decisions Post-Diagnosis New to Overcoming MS? Visit our introductory page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

See All (253)

4.4
out of 5
48 Ratings

About

Welcome to Living Well with MS, the podcast from the Overcoming MS charity. In each episode, your host Geoff Allix explores a different aspect of the Overcoming MS Program in greater depth by talking with experts and people with MS about health lifestyle changes. New episodes are published on Wednesdays and feature interviews with scientists, neurologists, fitness specialists, diet experts, stress reduction professionals. The podcast also features inspirational, real-life stories from people with multiple sclerosis following the Overcoming MS program, about the challenges and victories of managing symptoms through lifestyle modification.

Information

  • Creator
    Overcoming MS
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    253
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Overcoming MS. All Rights Reserved.
  • Show Website
    Living Well with Multiple Sclerosis

You Might Also Like