The SpoonFull Show- A Chronic Illness Podcast by SpoonFull of Strength

Rachel

The SpoonFull Show (formerly SpoonFull of Strength) is hosted by Rachel, who has lived with Multiple Sclerosis for 10 years and Type 1 Diabetes for more than 25. Each episode blends heartfelt Spoonie conversations with insightful expert interviews, exploring what it really means to live with chronic illness. From the struggles of diagnosis and the mental load of daily symptoms, to the victories of advocacy, resilience, and finding joy, this podcast offers community, encouragement, and the reminder that even a spoonful of strength can carry you through.

  1. Ep. 91: The Bachelorette’s Michelle Young: The Part People Don’t See

    4d ago

    Ep. 91: The Bachelorette’s Michelle Young: The Part People Don’t See

    In this episode of The SpoonFull Show, Rachel sits down with former teacher, speaker, activist, and The Bachelorette star Michelle Young for an honest conversation about navigating life with chronic illness, including POTS and overlapping health struggles. Michelle opens up about the quiet realities of living with chronic illness, the challenges of trying to understand what was happening in her body, and what it’s been like balancing major life moments — including her wedding and honeymoon — while dealing with ongoing health issues behind the scenes. Together, Rachel and Michelle talk about identity shifts, emotional health, learning to slow down, and the parts of chronic illness that people often don’t see. Whether you’re living with POTS, chronic illness, autoimmune disease, invisible illness, or simply trying to understand someone who is, this conversation is a reminder that you are not alone. Find out more about Michelle and her foundation at: https://michelleyoungofficial.com/ Follow Michelle on social media:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelleyoung/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@michelleyoung Follow SpoonFull of Strength to see podcast clips and release info at: Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength⁠ Looking for chronic illness apparel? Check out The SpoonFull Shop at ⁠https://spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com Just a quick reminder—everything shared here is based on personal experiences. Please consult your doctor for your own care.

    44 min
  2. Ep. 90: More Than Awareness: The Power of Disability Advocacy

    Apr 22

    Ep. 90: More Than Awareness: The Power of Disability Advocacy

    In this episode, Rachel is joined by Kelly and Avery, hosts of Wheel Talk, a podcast led by two women living with congenital muscular dystrophy. Together, they explore what it really means to live with a rare disease, how their relationship with their diagnosis has evolved over time, and the powerful shift from viewing disability as a limitation to embracing it as identity. We also dive into the barriers that still exist — socially, medically, and culturally — and what true advocacy looks like in everyday life. Kelly and Avery share the inspiration behind their podcast, the impact they’re already making, and the conversations they’re working to normalize within the disability community. This episode is honest, empowering, and a reminder of the importance of representation, visibility, and lived experience. Wheel Talk With Kelly & Avery Podcast: http://ladieslivingrare.com/wheel-talk-podcast https://www.facebook.com/TheWheelTalkPodcast/ https://www.instagram.com/thewheeltalkpodcast https://www.youtube.com/@TheWheelTalkPodcast https://www.tiktok.com/@thewheeltalkpod creators.spotify.com/pod/show/the-wheel-talk-podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wheel-talk-with-kelly-and-avery-podcast/id1836473324 Connect with Kelly Berger https://www.instagram.com/thekellyberger/ https://www.facebook.com/thekellyberger/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/thekellyberger/ Connect with Avery Roberts: https://www.instagram.com/avery.nicole916/ https://www.facebook.com/averyroberts916 https://www.linkedin.com/in/averyroberts916/ Follow SpoonFull of Strength for podcast clips and updates at https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/ And on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength Looking for chronic illness merch? Visit SpoonFull of Strength’s Etsy shop at www.spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order.

    39 min
  3. Ep.89: Pill Bottles & Power: From Side Effects to Self-Advocacy

    Apr 15

    Ep.89: Pill Bottles & Power: From Side Effects to Self-Advocacy

    In this episode of The SpoonFull Show, Rachel is joined by Kimberley for an honest and empowering conversation about navigating medications while living with chronic illness. From decoding side effects to managing multiple prescriptions, they explore the often invisible mental and emotional load that comes with being a “professional patient.” Together, they discuss the turning point where taking medication becomes more than following instructions—it becomes about understanding, questioning, and advocating. This episode dives into: The anxiety and overwhelm of researching medications The balance between being informed and emotionally overloaded Practical lessons every spoonie learns (tracking symptoms, avoiding interactions, navigating insurance) How to advocate with providers and ask the right questions The role of chronic illness communities in sharing knowledge This episode is a reminder that patients deserve to be informed, heard, and empowered in their care. Follow Kim on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/kj5mccarthy/ And, on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/kim.mccarthy.98 Taking a vacation? Contact Kim for assistance, including planning an accessible vacation Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blueskyandwateradventures/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kj5mccarthy Or find her online at : https://kimmccarthy.inteletravel.com/booktravel.cfm Follow SpoonFull of Strength for podcast clips and updates at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/⁠And on TikTok at: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength⁠Looking for chronic illness merch? Visit SpoonFull of Strength’s Etsy shop at ⁠www.spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com⁠ Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order.

    42 min
  4. Ep. 88: The Gut Health, Chronic Illness Connection

    Apr 8

    Ep. 88: The Gut Health, Chronic Illness Connection

    Gut health is often talked about in the chronic illness space—but rarely explained in a way that actually connects the dots. In this episode, Rachel is joined by Liz Roman, a Board-Certified Functional Nutritional Practitioner specializing in gut health, hormone balance, and autoimmune conditions. After being told her symptoms were “normal” despite dealing with fatigue, brain fog, skin issues, and more, Liz uncovered the root causes of her own health struggles—and now helps others do the same. Together, they explore gut health through the lens of chronic illness, including: Why gut issues are so common in chronic illness The connection between the gut and immune system Symptoms you may not realize are gut-related Why so many people feel stuck and aren’t getting better This conversation is both informative and validating—especially for anyone who feels like their symptoms don’t fully make sense or hasn’t found answers yet. If you’ve ever wondered how your gut might be impacting your overall health… this episode is for you. Follow Liz on Instagram at: @thepoopqueen  Schedule a free consult with her team: fitmom.co/liz Book labs + review: https://fitmom.co/labs  Free Constipation Cure Guide: https://fitmom.co/ccg Podcast - The Health Revival Show: https://open.spotify.com/show/5HUm3k84HHsDNM9FgnBB8J?si=c7f48c1cc9a94225  Follow SpoonFull of Strength for podcast clips and updates at https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/ And on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength Looking for chronic illness merch? Visit SpoonFull of Strength’s Etsy shop at www.spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order.

    47 min
  5. Ep. 87: Parenting with Chronic Illness: Showing Up, Adjusting, and Letting Go of Guilt

    Apr 1

    Ep. 87: Parenting with Chronic Illness: Showing Up, Adjusting, and Letting Go of Guilt

    What does parenting look like when your body doesn’t always cooperate? In this episode, Rachel is joined by Kristina for a real and honest conversation about parenting with chronic illness. Together, they talk about the emotional and physical challenges of raising kids while navigating unpredictable symptoms, low energy, and flare days—and the pressure to still “do it all.” They dive into the invisible load that comes with parenting while sick, the guilt that so many parents carry, and how our expectations of what a “good parent” looks like often have to shift. Kristina shares her experience of learning to communicate openly with her child, asking for help, and finding new ways to show up...even on the hardest days. This episode is a reminder that parenting with chronic illness may look different than you imagined, but that doesn’t make it any less meaningful. If you’ve ever felt like you’re not doing enough… this conversation is for you. Follow Kristina on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/kmps95/ Follow SpoonFull of Strength for podcast clips and updates at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/⁠ And on TikTok at: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength⁠ Looking for chronic illness merch? Visit SpoonFull of Strength’s Etsy shop at ⁠www.spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com⁠ Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order.

    37 min
  6. Ep. 86: Trust Yourself, Not the Label: The Danger of “It’s Just Stress”

    Mar 25

    Ep. 86: Trust Yourself, Not the Label: The Danger of “It’s Just Stress”

    In this episode, Rachel explores what happens when patients are labeled instead of listened to — and why trusting yourself can be one of the most important decisions you make. Rachel is joined by Ali Moresco, Founder of Moresco Public Relations + Communications. She specializes in healthcare PR rooted in lived experience. After navigating her own complex health journey, she now advocates for patients with chronic and often misunderstood conditions. She is known for amplifying patient voices and has secured national media placements in outlets like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes. Ali shares her journey through unexplained symptoms, medical dismissal, and ultimately, learning to trust her intuition when answers weren’t coming easily. What began as being told “it’s just stress” turned into a much deeper and more complex health story — one that reshaped not only her life, but her career. Together, this conversation dives into medical gaslighting, the challenges many patients face when advocating for themselves, and how those experiences can impact both identity and long-term health. It also explores how Ali has turned her lived experience into meaningful work, helping shift the way healthcare stories are told and ensuring patient voices are not overlooked. Ali Moresco is the Founder of Moresco Public Relations + Communications, where she specializes in healthcare PR rooted in lived experience. After navigating her own complex health journey, she now advocates for patients with chronic and often misunderstood conditions. She is known for amplifying patient voices and has secured national media placements in outlets like The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes. This episode is a reminder that when it comes to your body — you are not wrong. Follow Ali on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/alitmoresco/ Website: https://www.amorescopr.com/ LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexandramoresco/ Follow SpoonFull of Strength for podcast clips and updates at https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/ And on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength Looking for chronic illness merch? Visit SpoonFull of Strength’s Etsy shop at www.spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order.

    34 min
  7. Ep. 85: Getting Stronger with Chronic Illness: What Strength Really Means

    Mar 18

    Ep. 85: Getting Stronger with Chronic Illness: What Strength Really Means

    What does it really mean to get stronger with chronic illness? In this episode, Rachel is joined by Charu — a mom of two living with autoimmune hepatitis and PBC — to talk about redefining strength in the chronic illness community. Together, they explore: • How the definition of “strength” changes after diagnosis • The balance between pushing forward and knowing when to rest • Starting small with movement — even 10-minute walks • Strength training while managing fatigue and medication side effects • Modifications like chair-based exercises and bodyweight movements • Maintaining strength vs. constantly trying to improve • Flare days, guilt, and learning flexibility • Meditation, body scans, and calming the nervous system when physical movement isn’t accessible This conversation is not about pushing harder. It’s about meeting your body where it is and finding sustainable ways to support your physical and mental health. As always, consult your medical provider before starting new exercise routines. Follow Charu on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/a.spoonful.0f.joy/ If you’re interested in body scan mindfulness exercises, here are a few recommendations from Charu: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7mceqGJnxVGWzKBfCSYJR2?si=x4fcSXFdQFCRHk4dKT2B6Q&t=14 YouTube: https://youtu.be/3X-_qx9Txto?si=te3Tt3E8C2kbOnzc Follow SpoonFull of Strength for podcast clips and updates at ⁠https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/⁠ And on TikTok at: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength⁠ Looking for chronic illness merch? Visit SpoonFull of Strength’s Etsy shop at ⁠www.spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com⁠ Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order.

    34 min
  8. Ep. 84: The Burden of Chronic Illness with Author Jackie Norton

    Mar 11

    Ep. 84: The Burden of Chronic Illness with Author Jackie Norton

    What does it mean to become disabled after living as an able-bodied person? In this episode, Rachel is joined by author Jackie Norton to talk about her memoir Burden: A Year of Journals from Someone Living with Chronic Illness. After developing long COVID in 2021, Jackie’s life changed dramatically — leading to diagnoses including POTS, dysautonomia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and mast cell activation syndrome. Together, we explore: • The shock of sudden disability • Body grief and identity shifts • People-pleasing and learning to set boundaries • The loneliness of early diagnosis • Building community in chronic illness This conversation is honest, validating, and deeply human.If you’ve ever felt like a burden — you are not alone. Follow Jackie on Instagram and TikTok @jackieenorton Find her book here: Amazon https://a.co/d/0gSDZjKv Barnes and noble barnesandnoble.com/w/burden-jackie-norton/1147916190?ean=9798999491305 Follow SpoonFull of Strength for podcast clips and updates at https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/ And on TikTok at: https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength Looking for chronic illness merch? Visit SpoonFull of Strength’s Etsy shop at www.spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com Use code PODCAST for 25% off your entire order.

    37 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The SpoonFull Show (formerly SpoonFull of Strength) is hosted by Rachel, who has lived with Multiple Sclerosis for 10 years and Type 1 Diabetes for more than 25. Each episode blends heartfelt Spoonie conversations with insightful expert interviews, exploring what it really means to live with chronic illness. From the struggles of diagnosis and the mental load of daily symptoms, to the victories of advocacy, resilience, and finding joy, this podcast offers community, encouragement, and the reminder that even a spoonful of strength can carry you through.

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