Our Skin: A Personal Discovery Podcast

iHeartPodcasts
  • 4.7 (15)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Weekly

Hosted by Holly Frey of Stuff You Missed in History Class, Season 3 of Our Skin: A Personal Discovery Podcast expands the conversation to spotlight the real, unfiltered stories of people living with psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), and other conditions that show up on the skin—and what it means to navigate life in a body that others (and you!) don’t always understand. Each episode, we pull up a seat for people who’ve been there: through the appointments, the flare-ups, the questions, and the quiet moments in between. These are honest, practical conversations about what actually helps: how to advocate for yourself, how to leave a doctor’s office feeling heard and taken seriously, and how to navigate the hard parts without having to figure it all out on your own. Because here, you’re not learning the hard way; you’re learning from people who already have. Next, we zoom out to explore the wild, weird, and sometimes complicated history of skincare and treatment—from ancient remedies to modern breakthroughs that are still evolving. Because when we share our stories with people who understand them we create something bigger than awareness. We create community. A place where you’re not the only one in the room… and you never have to feel that way again.

  1. 3d ago

    Plants, Pageants, and Policy: Alisha Bridges on Psoriasis, Advocacy, and Building a Tribe

    Alisha Bridges was seven years old when a bout of chicken pox triggered psoriasis across 90% of her body — and she spent the next decade hiding it, until a beauty pageant, a department-store makeup counter, and a grandmother who refused to let her quit changed everything. In this episode, Alisha talks about turning shame into a platform, taking her story to Capitol Hill, and why mental health and diversity in research sit at the heart of her advocacy work. Plus, Holly digs into the surprisingly recent legal history that made it illegal to fire someone for having psoriasis — from an outrageous 1989 termination letter in the UK to the courtroom fight that finally forced American law to recognize chronic illness as the disability it actually is. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    39 min

  2. Season 3 Trailer

    Our Skin: A Personal Discovery Podcast... Season 3!

    If you've ever felt like no one in the room really gets what you're going through — this season is for you. Holly Frey of Stuff You Missed in History Class returns with Season 3 of Our Skin, expanding the conversation to include psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), and the full, complicated reality of living in a body that others don't always see clearly. Each episode, we pull up a seat for people who've been there — through the appointments, the flare-ups, and everything in between. Honest, practical conversations about how to advocate for yourself, leave a doctor's office feeling heard, and navigate the hard parts without figuring it all out alone.Then we zoom out — into the wild, weird history of how we've treated our skin, from ancient remedies to modern breakthroughs still being written. Because when we share our stories with people who understand them, we create something bigger than awareness. We create community. A place where you're never the only one in the room. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    2 min

  3. 09/25/2025

    Drive, Defy, and Define: Ivy Smith on Psoriasis, Stunt Work, and Self-Acceptance

    Model, actress, and stunt driver Ivy Smith first noticed psoriasis after the birth of her second child, but it took years, another pregnancy, and mounting pain before she finally got a diagnosis. In this episode, she opens up about battling stigma on set, the slow journey to show her skin with pride, and how adrenaline-fueled stunt driving became a surprising outlet. Plus, we rewind to the 1960s to uncover how a single classified ad led to the creation of the National Psoriasis Foundation–and forever changed the landscape of patient advocacy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    30 min

  4. 09/11/2025

    Clap Backs and Thick Skin: Victoria Voos on Psoriasis, Self-Advocacy, and Science

    Victoria Voos was in college when her psoriasis “went full rampage,” setting off a cascade of diagnoses—from psoriatic arthritis to insulin resistance—that could have been overwhelming. Instead, she built online communities, mastered the art of the clap back, and became a fierce advocate for herself and others. In this episode, she shares how clinical trials gave her both hope and hard data, the boundaries that keep her online space safe, and why humor is one of her best defenses. Plus, the surprising story of the science behind monoclonal antibodies—and how they’re changing treatment for psoriasis. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    35 min

  5. 08/28/2025

    Brave Skin: Lianne Hunter on Psoriasis, Parenting, and Finding Her Voice

    Diagnosed with psoriasis at age five, Lianne Hunter grew up learning to explain, defend, and sometimes hide her skin. Today, she’s built an online community, FixMyPsoriasis, and co-leads the Get Your Skin Out campaign, turning personal vulnerability into collective strength. Lianne opens up about raising her son with honesty and empathy, navigating tough moments in public, and why community is the key to living openly with psoriasis. And in our skin history segment, we uncover the story of Josh White—the groundbreaking blues guitarist whose psoriasis shaped both his career and a one-of-a-kind partnership with Ovation Guitars. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    36 min

  6. 08/14/2025

    Confidence Is the Cure: Allison Sowle on Psoriasis, Representation, and Showing Up Anyway

    When Allison Sowle showed up to a model casting with oozing eczema and no makeup, she didn’t expect to be chosen out of 30,000 people. But her message was clear: “I’m proud to be myself.” In this episode, Allison talks about claiming space in the modeling world, surviving without insurance, and the beauty of showing up as you are. Plus, we look back at some of the most bizarre and misguided psoriasis treatments in history. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    37 min

  7. 07/31/2025

    What Psoriasis Taught Me: Jess Tran on Slowing Down, Speaking Up, and Feeling Seen

    Jess Tran was 24, thriving in her career, and training as a powerlifter when a mysterious rash changed everything. It turned out to be guttate psoriasis—and it forced her to rethink everything from ambition to self-image. In this episode, Jess shares how she learned to listen to her body, why visibility can be both empowering and exhausting, and what she wants to change about the wellness industry. Plus, a scientific journey into the immune system—and the breakthrough that changed how we treat psoriasis today.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    33 min

  8. 07/17/2025

    Your Skin Does Not Define You: India Bolton on Motherhood, Psoriasis, and Finding Her Voice

    India Bolton was first diagnosed with guttate psoriasis in college. Years later, that diagnosis expanded—through two pregnancies, psoriatic arthritis, and months-long flare-ups that covered her body. In this episode, India opens up about parenting through chronic illness, how she found strength in community, and why her children are part of her motivation to keep showing up. Plus, we dive into the science and history behind one of the world’s most effective natural treatments for psoriasis: the Dead Sea. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    31 min
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Trailers

4.7
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Hosted by Holly Frey of Stuff You Missed in History Class, Season 3 of Our Skin: A Personal Discovery Podcast expands the conversation to spotlight the real, unfiltered stories of people living with psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), and other conditions that show up on the skin—and what it means to navigate life in a body that others (and you!) don’t always understand. Each episode, we pull up a seat for people who’ve been there: through the appointments, the flare-ups, the questions, and the quiet moments in between. These are honest, practical conversations about what actually helps: how to advocate for yourself, how to leave a doctor’s office feeling heard and taken seriously, and how to navigate the hard parts without having to figure it all out on your own. Because here, you’re not learning the hard way; you’re learning from people who already have. Next, we zoom out to explore the wild, weird, and sometimes complicated history of skincare and treatment—from ancient remedies to modern breakthroughs that are still evolving. Because when we share our stories with people who understand them we create something bigger than awareness. We create community. A place where you’re not the only one in the room… and you never have to feel that way again.

Information

  • Creator
    iHeartPodcasts
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    2026 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia
  • Show Website
    Our Skin: A Personal Discovery Podcast