Invisible Strength

Karin Wagner and Chris Burton

We discuss the realities of living with autoimmune and chronic conditions while exploring realistic solutions to improve our lives. We discuss helpful tips and tricks to manage symptoms and proactively improve our health trajectory. We're here for support, laughs, and grace as we figure out these diseases together! www.invigorateyourjourney.com

  1. Chasing Goals, Not Ghosts: Mireille Siné on Running 200 Miles with Lupus

    6d ago

    Chasing Goals, Not Ghosts: Mireille Siné on Running 200 Miles with Lupus

    Lupus put her in the ICU in college. She came back to run 14 marathons, 5 ultras, and 200 miles from Boston to NYC. Run coach Mireille Siné on training with autoimmune disease — flares, fatigue, and the mindset shift that changes everything. In this episode of Invisible Strength, Karin and Chris talk with Mireille Siné — certified run coach, AIP nutrition coach, and the first Black woman to run 200 miles from Boston to New York City. Mireille shares her full story: the college stress that preceded her lupus diagnosis, the blood clot that took three ER visits to catch, chemotherapy and medical leave, and the slow, deliberate comeback that started with a quarter-mile run. We get practical: how Mireille structures training around flares with her stoplight protocol, why sleep is her non-negotiable recovery anchor, how she approaches nutrition and meal prep for inflammation, and how to tell normal training fatigue from the start of a flare. Plus the mental game — why "you're not gonna get anywhere chasing a ghost," and what invisible strength means to her. ✨ FREE QUIZ: Not sure where to start on your own health journey? Take our free quiz → https://invigorateyourjourney.com/quiz/ ⏱️ CHAPTERS 00:02 Meet Mireille 02:02 Training with compassion 04:08 The lupus diagnosis story 09:14 Coming back: the first mile 13:04 Self-doubt and setbacks 16:01 The marathon that means the most 22:01 Sleep, nutrition, community 26:54 Coaching autoimmune athletes 30:23 The stoplight protocol for flares 34:14 Fatigue vs. flare: how to tell 35:39 "Chasing a ghost" — the mindset shift40:44 What invisible strength means42:25 What's next for Mireille 🌱 Community, resources & coaching: https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com 🏃🏾‍♀️ Mireille: ‪@heycoachmireille‬ and https://www.coachedbymireille.com/ 🎧 Subscribe for real conversations around: Lupus, autoimmune disease, chronic illness, healing, fatigue, mindset, movement, resilience, and invisible illness support. 💬 COMMENT BELOW: What's something people don't understand about living with chronic illness? #Lupus #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #InvisibleIllness #LupusWarrior #LupusAwareness #HealingJourney #ChronicFatigue #ChronicIllnessSupport #AutoimmuneSupport #InvisibleStrengthPodcast ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.

    36 min
  2. Jun 3

    From the Soccer Field to the Doctor's Office: Baylee Simmelink on Growing Up with Celiac Disease

    When Baylee Simmelink was nine years old, she was sick every night before bed — stomach cramps, vomiting, real pain. For a while, the adults around her thought she was just trying to avoid bedtime. Sound familiar? For so many people living with chronic and invisible illness, getting someone to believe you is half the battle. In this episode of Invisible Strength, Karin sits down with Baylee — a college soccer player at Northwest Missouri State University and elementary education major — who was diagnosed with celiac disease at age 9. Baylee shares what it was like growing up gluten-free before there were options, navigating birthday parties and school snacks with a “special drawer” her mom arranged with the teacher, and pushing through the intimidating world of college dining halls as a Division II athlete. Her mom also has celiac, which gave Baylee something most newly diagnosed people don’t have: someone who truly gets it. This one is for anyone who has ever cried in a restaurant because there was nothing on the menu they could eat. Anyone raising a child with celiac. Anyone who has had to advocate for themselves when they were terrified to do it. Baylee’s journey — from a tearful nine-year-old in a doctor’s office to a college soccer player managing her condition with confidence — is a reminder that the hard things we’re forced to go through often become the things that shape us most. Listen and hit subscribe now! Start here ➡ Take the free 2-min Your Journey Quiz 🌐 Check out Community Resources HERE. ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.

    23 min
  3. Can You Live a Full Life With Lupus? Emma's Honest Answer | Invisible Strength Podcast

    May 27

    Can You Live a Full Life With Lupus? Emma's Honest Answer | Invisible Strength Podcast

    Lupus nearly took everything from Emma in her early 20s.She was hospitalized, struggling to walk, losing her hair, and unsure what her future would look like. Doctors didn’t know if life would ever feel “normal” again.23 years later?She’s a mom, works full-time, runs for her mental health, and has learned how to live WITH lupus instead of constantly fighting against her body.In this episode, Emma gets brutally honest about: What lupus REALLY feels likeThe invisible side of chronic illness nobody seesWhy “pushing through” made things worseHer biggest lupus flare-up triggersThe mental battle of looking “fine” when you’re notRunning, movement, and rebuilding trust with her bodyThe grief, fear, and resilience that come with autoimmune diseaseIf you’re living with lupus, chronic illness, autoimmune disease, fatigue, burnout, or invisible illness… this conversation will make you feel less alone.⏱️ WATCH IF YOU’VE EVER:✔️ Wondered if life can still be meaningful after diagnosis✔️ Felt misunderstood because you “don’t look sick”✔️ Struggled with flare-ups, exhaustion, or body changes✔️ Tried to balance health, work, relationships, and goals✔️ Needed hope from someone who truly gets it💜 FREE RESOURCES & SUPPORTTake your journey quiz, download a free guide, explore top community picks, and shop Invisible Strength merch:https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com🎧 Subscribe for real conversations around:Lupus, autoimmune disease, chronic illness, healing, fatigue, mindset, movement, resilience, and invisible illness support.💬 COMMENT BELOW:What’s something people don’t understand about living with chronic illness?#Lupus #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #InvisibleIllness #LupusWarrior #LupusAwareness #HealingJourney #ChronicFatigue #ChronicIllnessSupport #AutoimmuneSupport #InvisibleStrengthPodcast⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.

    39 min
  4. Celiac Warrior & UT Austin Track Star: Logan Popelka’s Gluten-Free Journey to the Olympic Trials

    May 13

    Celiac Warrior & UT Austin Track Star: Logan Popelka’s Gluten-Free Journey to the Olympic Trials

    University of Texas Austin track & field star Logan Popelka shares how he turned a celiac disease diagnosis at age 15 into elite athletic success — including a near-qualification for the U.S. Olympic Trials. Diagnosed with no obvious symptoms, Logan opens up about navigating a strict gluten-free lifestyle while competing at the highest level. From high school social challenges to fueling as a Division I athlete, this conversation is packed with practical advice and real hope. What You’ll Learn: How Logan went gluten-free in high school and handled social pressureTraining, recovery, and fueling strategies as a celiac athleteRestaurant tips, cross-contamination safety, and college dining hall hacksHis favorite gluten-free brands, pasta, cauliflower crust pizza & baking tipsThe powerful discipline, faith, and “invisible strength” that fuel his successWhether you’re newly diagnosed with celiac disease, a gluten-free athlete, or living with any autoimmune condition, Logan’s story will motivate and equip you to thrive. Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & Logan’s unexpected celiac diagnosis04:54 – Training & recovery as a celiac Division I athlete08:05 – Advice for beginners feeling left out10:20 – Eating out safely & restaurant strategies15:16 – Favorite gluten-free brands & baking25:25 – Running at the Olympic Trials29:20 – Faith and mindset shifts30:56 – Practical tips: labels, dietitians & educating others💬 Comment or Review: What’s your biggest challenge going gluten-free? Share below! Don’t forget to show your support: 👍 Leave a 5-star rating & review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify 🔔 Subscribe so you never miss an episode 🌐 For free resources, workbooks, coaching & community support visit: ➡️ https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com Hosts: Karin Wagner & Chris Burton (@baddestchaplain) Guest: Logan Popelka – UT Austin Track Athlete & Celiac Warrior #CeliacDisease #GlutenFree #GlutenFreeAthlete #CeliacWarrior #Autoimmune #InvisibleStrength #ChronicIllness #GlutenFreeLife #OlympicTrials #AthleteWithCeliac ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.

    35 min
  5. May 6

    From Devastated Freshman Athlete to Thriving Lupus Warrior | Invisible Strength Podcast

    Faith Ring was a driven college swimmer when lupus turned her world upside down. Faith shares how she adapted her training, diet, and mindset — including lessons from Katie Ledecky — and learned to put her health first without quitting her dreams. Raw, honest, and full of practical tips for anyone navigating autoimmune disease while chasing big goals.This episode is for anyone living with autoimmune disease, chronic illness, or navigating life after a life-changing diagnosis.Chapters:00:00 – Intro: Minnesota Lupus Warrior & College Swimmer01:52 – Life before diagnosis as a Type-A athlete02:15 – Massive 180: Diet changes (less dairy/red meat, frequent small meals)04:39 – Katie Ledecky POTS inspiration + internal vs external health07:05 – Military family mindset: Learning to put yourself first10:47 – Letting go of control + back injury crisis13:51 – Journaling advice for high-achievers with chronic illness17:48 – How support networks actually help (not just “have people”)22:22 – Practical routines: Prepping for events, gradual changes, naps33:47 – Faith, 1 Corinthians 13, and reframing anger at God39:57 – What “Invisible Strength” really meansDon't Forget to Show Your Support:👍 Like this video if it resonated💬 Comment your biggest takeaway or share your story🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations on chronic illness & living well🌿 Connection, Guidance, & Supportive Resources:Explore free workbooks and workshops, coaching, and tools to help you live well with chronic illness: ➡️ https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com#RheumatoidArthritis #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicIllness #GymnastLife #InvisibleStrengthPodcast #RAAwareness #MentalHealth #athletestories Special thanks to co-hosts Karin Wagner and Chris Burton,  @baddestchaplain  ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.

    42 min
  6. Apr 22

    Alabama Gymnast Paityn Walker on Competing with Rheumatoid Arthritis | Invisible Strength Podcast Ep. 72

    🌟NEW INVISIBLE STRENGTH EPISODE!🌟 In this episode of the Invisible Strength Podcast, host Karin Wagner sits down with University of Alabama gymnast Paityn Walker to share her powerful story of competing at an elite level while living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Paityn opens up about the sudden onset of severe joint pain, her diagnosis at just 19, and what it’s been like navigating a chronic autoimmune disease while training and competing in Division I gymnastics. From being unable to walk during preseason to learning how to manage flare-ups, rebuild her mindset, and redefine success, her story is a raw look at resilience, identity, and invisible strength. In this episode, we cover: ➡Competing as a Division I gymnast with RA ➡Sudden diagnosis and early symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis➡Flare-ups, treatment, and daily physical challenges ➡Mental health, grief, and identity after diagnosis ➡Nutrition and lifestyle shifts for inflammation management ➡Learning to listen to the body and rebuild confidence This episode is for anyone living with autoimmune disease, chronic illness, or navigating life after a life-changing diagnosis. Don't Forget to Show Your Support:👍 Like this video if it resonated 💬 Comment your biggest takeaway or share your story 🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations on chronic illness & living well 🌿 Connection, Guidance, & Supportive Resources: Explore support groups, coaching, and tools to help you live well with chronic illness: ➡️ www.invigorateyourjourney.com Invisible Strength isn’t just something you feel—it’s something you live every day. Now you can wear it as a reminder of everything you’ve overcome.➡️ Shop the collection here! #ChronicIllness #CerebralPalsy #InvisibleStrength #ChronicIllnessWarrior #DisabilityAwareness #AutoimmuneSupport #Resilience #MentalHealthMatters #chronicillnesssupport ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.

    42 min
  7. Apr 15

    Living with Cerebral Palsy: Independence, Resilience & Invisible Strength

    What does it really mean to live with cerebral palsy—and build a life rooted in independence, resilience, and self-worth? In this episode of the Invisible Strength Podcast, Karin Wagner and Chris Burton sit down with Shelly to share her powerful journey of growing up with cerebral palsy, navigating bullying and anxiety, and learning how to advocate for herself in a world that often underestimates people with disabilities. From early medical challenges and multiple surgeries to redefining independence on her own terms, Shelly opens up about the mindset that helped her keep going—even through setbacks. This episode is for anyone living with chronic illness, supporting someone who is, or learning how to navigate life’s unexpected challenges with strength and self-compassion. 💬 In This Episode, We Cover: Living with cerebral palsy and navigating daily lifeBuilding independence while knowing when to ask for helpOvercoming bullying, anxiety, and self-doubtThe importance of self-advocacy with chronic illnessWhy your worth is not something you have to earn❤️ Key Takeaway: Your strength is real—even when it’s invisible. 👍 Like this video if it resonated 💬 Comment your biggest takeaway or share your story 🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations on chronic illness & living well 🌿 More Support & Resources: Explore resources, coaching, and tools to help you live well with chronic illness: 👉 www.invigorateyourjourney.com 🌿 JOIN OUR FREE MONTHLY SUPPORT GROUPS Living with chronic illness is hard. You don’t have to do it alone. ➡️ Save your spot here: https://calendly.com/invigorateyourjourney/new-meeting Invisible Strength isn’t just something you feel—it’s something you live every day. Now you can wear it as a reminder of everything you’ve overcome. 👉 Shop the collection: https://invigorate.secure-decoration.com/ 🎧 Listen on Podcast: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more #ChronicIllness #CerebralPalsy #InvisibleStrength #ChronicIllnessWarrior #DisabilityAwareness #AutoimmuneSupport #Resilience #MentalHealthMatters #chronicillnesssupport  ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.

    27 min

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About

We discuss the realities of living with autoimmune and chronic conditions while exploring realistic solutions to improve our lives. We discuss helpful tips and tricks to manage symptoms and proactively improve our health trajectory. We're here for support, laughs, and grace as we figure out these diseases together! www.invigorateyourjourney.com