Beyond My Diagnosis with Michele Weston

Michele Weston
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Welcome to Beyond My Diagnosis, the podcast that brings real conversations, real stories, and real breakthroughs in health, healing, and hope. I’m your host, Michele Weston—Holistic Health and Wellbeing Coach—and I'm here to help you look past the symptoms and into the deeper story of living with your chronic condition.Each week, we go beyond the chart and challenge the status quo of conventional care. From powerful patient journeys to expert insights in functional medicine and integrative practitioners, using mindset and lifestyle medicine, you’ll get the tools and inspiration to become the most informed, empowered version of yourself.This is not just about managing illness—it’s about reclaiming your health, your voice, and your life.Let’s get curious. Let’s get courageous. And let’s go Beyond My Diagnosis.

  1. 5d ago

    What happens when autoimmune disease meets real life?

    Send us Fan Mail A diagnosis is one thing. Living with it every day is something entirely different. In this deeply personal solo episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston shares what she's learned after more than 25 years of living with multiple sclerosis and decades of working as a patient advocate and healthcare navigator. From navigating healthcare barriers and managing symptoms to finding purpose, meaningful work, and personal fulfillment, Michele explores what happens after the diagnosis—when chronic illness becomes part of everyday life. This conversation is for anyone living with: Multiple sclerosis (MS)LupusRheumatoid arthritis (RA)Psoriatic arthritisGraves' diseaseFibromyalgiaOther autoimmune or chronic health conditions 💡 In This Episode, Michele Discusses: How to navigate healthcare systems and advocate for yourselfCommon barriers to care for people with chronic illnessWhy patient advocacy mattersHow autoimmune disease impacts work and career choicesFinding purpose after a life-changing diagnosisManaging fatigue, brain fog, and fluctuating energyRedefining success after chronic illnessBuilding resilience and emotional well-beingWhy asking for help is not failureHow to pace yourself and protect your energyRebuilding confidence and self-sufficiencyTurning lived experience into advocacy and support for others 🧠 One of the Biggest Questions Michele Explores How do you rebuild your identity after diagnosis? Michele shares that many people living with chronic illness struggle with redefining who they are when life no longer looks the way they expected. She discusses: Redefining achievementAdjusting expectationsFinding meaningful goalsPursuing purpose while honoring your body's limitsCreating a life that works with your condition instead of against it"You need to encourage yourself to think about how can I be independent." ⚡ Managing Energy and Avoiding Burnout One of the most practical sections of the episode focuses on recognizing when you're pushing too hard. Michele discusses warning signs such as: Persistent fatigueWorsening autoimmune symptomsDisrupted sleepIncreased anxietyDepressionFrequent flare-upsShe encourages listeners to build routines, use tools like calendars and reminders, pace themselves, and learn how to say "no" when necessary. "No is not a dirty word." ❤️ Purpose Matters Research continues to show that people living with chronic illness often experience greater psychological well-being when they find meaning and purpose despite adversity. For Michele, purpose came through: Patient advocacyCoachingEducationMentoringSharing stories through Beyond My DiagnosisAnd she encourages listeners to explore their own path toward fulfillment, whether through work, volunteering, creativity, family, or community involvement. 🔗 Resources Mentioned in This Episode Immune Confident Institute Founded by Kara Wada Immune Confident Institute International Multiple Sclerosis Management Practice (IMSMP) IMSMP Program Positive Psychology Resources Martin Seligman Positive Psychology Center at University of Pennsylvania Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn Center for Mindfulness and MBSR Resources Narrative Medicine Created by Rita Charon Columbia Narrative Medicine Program

    42 min

  2. Jun 3

    Can Summer Heat Trigger Autoimmune Flare-Ups? Living with MS, Lupus, and Autoimmune Disease in Hot Weather

    Send us Fan Mail If you live with multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Sjögren's syndrome, psoriasis, Graves' disease, or another autoimmune condition, you've probably wondered why your symptoms sometimes feel worse during the summer months. In this solo episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston explores the connection between autoimmune disease, heat sensitivity, humidity, dehydration, UV exposure, and fatigue. Drawing from more than 25 years of living with multiple sclerosis, Michele shares practical strategies she's learned to help manage symptoms and enjoy summer without living in fear of a flare-up. This episode is packed with actionable tips, personal experiences, and resources to help you navigate hot weather with greater confidence and comfort. In This Episode, Michele Discusses: Why heat sensitivity affects many people with autoimmune diseasesUthoff's Phenomenon and its impact on MS symptomsHow heat can temporarily worsen neurological symptomsThe connection between humidity, barometric pressure, and joint painUV photosensitivity and lupus flare-upsWhy dehydration increases inflammation and fatigueSummer fatigue versus neurological fatigueCooling strategies for people with MSThe benefits of cooling vests and cooling accessoriesHow to plan outdoor activities around heat and humidityHydration, electrolytes, and summer wellnessSunscreen, clothing, and skin protection tipsHow autoimmune diseases respond differently to weather changesThe impact of climate and rising temperatures on autoimmune conditionsWhat Is Uthoff's Phenomenon? One of the most important topics Michele discusses is Uthoff's Phenomenon, a temporary worsening of neurological symptoms caused by increases in body temperature. For many people living with multiple sclerosis, even small increases in core body temperature can trigger: Extreme fatigueBrain fogBlurred visionWeaknessNumbnessTinglingDifficulty processing informationBalance and mobility challengesThe good news? These symptoms are often temporary and improve once the body cools down. Resources Mentioned in This Episode American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA)  https://autoimmune.org/National Multiple Sclerosis Society  https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Lupus Foundation of America  https://www.lupus.org/Lupus Photosensitivity & Sun Safety  https://www.lupus.org/resources/photosensitivity-and-lupusArthritis Foundation  https://www.arthritis.org/American Academy of Dermatology (Sun Protection & Skin Health)  https://www.aad.org/ ☀️ Michele's Summer Heat Survival Tips Stay hydrated • Replace electrolytes • Limit exposure during peak heat hours • Wear lightweight clothing • Use cooling products such as cooling vests, scarves, or wraps • Protect your skin with sunscreen and UV-protective clothing • Listen to your body and rest when symptoms increase. The information shared in this episode is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice from your healthcare provider.

    33 min

  3. May 27

    The The Weight-Loss Dance: GLP-1 Medications, Obesity, and the Truth About Long-Term Weight Loss

    Send us Fan Mail Are GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, Zepbound, and the newest experimental obesity drugs changing the future of weight loss? Or are they simply another tool in a much bigger journey? In this honest, educational, and deeply personal episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston sits down with licensed social worker Tammy St. Clair to talk about what they call “The Weight-Loss Dance”—the lifelong reality of managing obesity, maintaining weight loss, and learning how to create sustainable lifestyle change. Both Michele and Tammy bring lived experience to this conversation. Tammy worked in a bariatric surgery office for 10 years, has maintained over 100 pounds of weight loss for two decades, and now supports clients navigating obesity, emotional eating, behavior change, and long-term weight management. Michele shares her own 16-year journey after bariatric surgery and the ongoing realities of maintaining weight loss while living with chronic illness. Together, they unpack the growing conversation around: GLP-1 medicationsObesity as a chronic medical conditionBariatric surgeryWeight stigma and shameLifestyle change versus “diet mentality”Why maintaining weight loss is often harder than losing it“Losing the weight is so much easier than maintaining your weight loss.” This episode explores the science, the emotions, and the mindset behind long-term obesity treatment in a way that is compassionate, realistic, and empowering.  Inside this episode, Michele and Tammy discuss: What new obesity medications like GLP-1s and GIPs actually doThe newest experimental weight loss drug and why researchers are excitedWhy obesity is not about laziness or lack of willpowerHow hormones affect hunger, appetite, insulin, and metabolismWhy long-term maintenance is harder than rapid weight lossThe difference between “diet mentality” and lifestyle changeHow bariatric surgery and medications are tools—not magic fixesWhy emotional eating and behavior patterns still matterThe emotional impact of weight stigma and shameWhy obesity should be treated as a chronic medical conditionThe importance of realistic expectations and long-term supportWhy mindset, self-awareness, and daily choices matter 🧠 One of the most powerful themes in this episode This isn’t about finding a “magic pill.” It’s about learning how to live differently. “It becomes lifestyle and it’s learning that.” Tammy explains that many people can lose weight temporarily through diets, restriction, or short-term programs—but maintaining weight loss requires ongoing behavioral change, emotional work, and support systems. Michele and Tammy also discuss the shame many people experience around obesity and weight loss medications. “This is a medical diagnosis and it takes a village to work this through.” They emphasize that obesity is not simply a matter of discipline or pushing away from the table. Research continues to show that genetics, hormones, metabolism, emotional health, and brain chemistry all play a role. GLP-1 medications, Ozempic, Wegovy, and obesity treatment Michele and Tammy explain how medications like: OzempicWegovyZepboundGLP-1sGIP medications…work by helping regulate appetite, insulin response, metabolism, and other hormonal systems connected to obesity and weight management. The conversation also explores: Why some people lose more weight than othersWhy medications can improve cholesterol, blood sugar, inflammation, and A1C levels even without dramatic weight lossWhy side effects and medical supervision matterThe future of obesity medicine and genetic research The reality of “The Weight-Loss Dance” One of the most relatable moments in the episode comes when Michele explains that every day still involves conscious choices. Not perfection. Choices. “Every day, every meal, I get to make a decision.” This episode is not about quick fixes. It’s about sustainability, compassion, education, and understanding that managing obesity is often a lifelong journey—not a temporary one. 🔗 About Tammy St. Clair Tammy St. Clair is a licensed social worker with extensive experience supporting individuals navigating obesity, bariatric surgery, behavior change, emotional eating, and long-term weight management. She worked in a bariatric surgery office for 10 years and has personally maintained over 100 pounds of weight loss for more than 20 years. Tammy combines professional expertise with lived experience to help clients better understand the emotional, behavioral, and medical realities of obesity treatment. 🔗 Stay Connected with Michele Weston micheleweston.substack.com

    43 min

  4. May 20

    How Your Story, Stress, and Breath Impact Chronic Illness, Brain Health, and Emotional Wellness

    Send us Fan Mail What if healing starts by listening to your story? In this deeply powerful episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston sits down with transformational speaker, brain-body business alignment strategist, and wellness coach Lisa Charles to explore the connection between chronic illness, stress, nervous system regulation, storytelling, emotional healing, and self-awareness. This conversation goes far beyond traditional wellness advice. Together, Michele and Lisa unpack how unresolved stress, emotional pain, trauma, and disconnection from self can impact the body, relationships, mindset, and overall well-being. “Wellness is not simply checking the boxes on what I eat or how I move. It’s all degrees of the ways that I show up in the world.” Lisa shares how brain-body connectivity, intentional breathing, storytelling, and deep listening can help people reconnect to themselves, regulate stress, and better navigate life with chronic conditions. This episode is especially meaningful for anyone living with: Autoimmune diseaseChronic stress or burnoutEmotional overwhelmAnxiety or nervous system dysregulationIdentity shifts after diagnosisFeelings of isolation or emotional exhaustion  Inside this episode, Michele and Lisa discuss: Why storytelling is deeply connected to healing and wellnessHow chronic illness changes your identity and perspectiveThe connection between stress, emotions, and physical healthWhy women often minimize their own stories and experiencesHow unresolved pain can continue affecting the nervous systemWhy listening is more healing than “fixing”The role of compassion, empathy, and vulnerability in growthHow emotional responses shape communication and relationshipsThe connection between breathwork and nervous system regulationSimple breathing techniques to calm stress quicklyWhy self-awareness is critical for healing and transformationOne of the biggest takeaways Lisa explains that true wellness is “inside-out wellness”—the connection between brain, body, emotions, relationships, stress, and how we show up in life. “You are united as one being within those components.” Michele also shares deeply personal reflections on chronic illness, identity, emotional healing, and learning to ask not just “Why me?” but also “Why not me?” after diagnosis. “It wasn’t done to you. It was done.” This conversation is thoughtful, vulnerable, healing, and incredibly human. Breathwork and nervous system healing One of the most practical parts of this episode is Lisa’s discussion around breathing and stress regulation. She shares: The “sigh breath” technique for calming stress quicklyThe “hum breath” to help regulate the nervous systemWhy intentional breathing helps shift the body out of survival modeHow just a few conscious breaths can change your emotional state“Breathing is life. You don’t breathe, you don’t live.”  Connect with Lisa Charles https://www.yescoachlisa.com/ Lisa Charles is a former federal prosecutor turned transformational speaker and Brain-Body Business Alignment Strategist. As the creator of Make Your Mission Your Money Source™, she helps purpose-driven leaders align their brain, body, and business to unlock clarity, confidence, and cash flow—without burnout. Through her work, Lisa empowers CEOs, creatives, and changemakers to lead with purpose, live in alignment, and build meaningful, profitable brands rooted in authenticity and wellness.

    47 min

  5. May 13

    What if depression doesn’t just affect your emotions… but your body too?

    Send us Fan Mail In this solo episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston explores the very real physical symptoms of depression—especially for those living with chronic autoimmune or neurological conditions like MS. This conversation goes beyond the common understanding of depression as sadness or hopelessness and dives into how depression can manifest physically through fatigue, pain, digestive issues, headaches, inflammation, and more. “The research shows that depression can manifest as physical pain too.” Michele shares insights from years of living with MS and explains why people with chronic conditions may experience depression differently—and why these symptoms are often overlooked. This episode is not about self-diagnosing. It’s about awareness, understanding, and recognizing when your body may be trying to tell you something. 💡 Inside this episode, Michele discusses: Why depression is more than emotional sadnessThe connection between chronic illness, inflammation, and depressionHow fatigue and low energy can signal more than stressWhy depression may lower your pain toleranceThe link between depression and body aches, back pain, and headachesHow gut health and digestive issues may affect mental healthWhy depression can literally change how you see the worldThe relationship between stress, inflammation, and neurological healthWhy talking about mental health should not be tabooThe importance of seeking professional support and treatment 🧠 Physical symptoms Michele explores include: Persistent fatigue or exhaustionMuscle aches and chronic painBack pain and headachesDigestive issues and stomach discomfortBrain fog and concentration issuesChanges in vision perception or “grayness”Increased inflammation responses“Pain is another way your brain communicates.” Michele also explains how emotional distress can show up physically in the body and why addressing mental health is just as important as addressing physical health. ⚠️ An important reminder This episode is informational and reflective—not medical advice. Michele encourages listeners to: Speak with their doctor or medical providerExplore psychotherapy or counseling if neededPay attention to patterns in both physical and emotional symptomsRemember that seeking help is not weakness“It’s never embarrassing to talk about depression.” 🌿 What Michele wants listeners to remember You are not alone. Depression can happen alongside chronic illness, life stress, grief, burnout, hormonal changes, and inflammation. And support matters. Whether through therapy, medical care, lifestyle changes, mindfulness, or trusted conversations, healing starts with acknowledging what’s happening. 🔗 Stay Connected with Michele Weston micheleweston.substack.com

    18 min

  6. May 6

    Do I Have ADHD? Could I? Understanding the Signs in Adults

    Send us Fan Mail If you’ve ever asked yourself that question—even quietly—you are not alone. In this solo episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston explores what ADHD really looks like in adults and why so many people go undiagnosed for years. ADHD is often associated with children. But that’s a misconception. “It is a misconception that ADHD doesn’t affect adults.” Michele shares her personal experience living with ADHD and walks through how it can show up differently in adulthood—especially when layered with chronic or neurological conditions like MS. This isn’t about labeling yourself. It’s about understanding your patterns. Because when you understand what’s going on, you can begin to work with your brain instead of against it. 💡 Inside this episode, you’ll learn: Why ADHD doesn’t disappear in adulthood—it evolvesWhat “time blindness” is and how it impacts your daily lifeWhy you may procrastinate or struggle to get startedHow executive functioning affects planning, focus, and follow-throughThe difference between distraction and hyperfocus—and why both existHow emotional sensitivity and rejection show up in adultsWhy ADHD is often mistaken for laziness or lack of motivationHow it can impact work, finances, and relationshipsWhy proper diagnosis matters—and what ADHD can be confused with 🧠 What’s really happening ADHD is not about willpower. It’s about how your brain processes time, attention, and behavior. “Executive functioning is the ability to plan, remember instructions, and carry out tasks to completion.” When that system is challenged, it can feel like you’re constantly behind, overwhelmed, or second-guessing yourself. ⚠️ Important reminder This episode is about awareness—not self-diagnosis. Many ADHD symptoms overlap with: AnxietyDepressionBurnoutOther neurological or developmental conditionsThat’s why it’s important to talk to a qualified professional if this resonates with you. 🛠️ Practical ways to support yourself Michele shares simple, realistic strategies you can start using: Use reminders, alarms, and digital tools to stay on trackBuild structure into your day to reduce overwhelmPractice mindfulness and self-awarenessWork with a coach, therapist, or ADHD specialistSupport your brain with sleep, movement, and nutritionHer message is clear: You are not lazy.  You are not broken. You just need the right tools. 🔗 Stay Connected with Michele Weston micheleweston.substack.com

    46 min

  7. Apr 29

    What It’s Really Like to Live with an Autoimmune Disease in Your 50s

    Send us Fan Mail What does life really look like when you’re living with a chronic autoimmune condition in your 50s? In this deeply personal solo episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston opens up about her own journey living with multiple sclerosis for over 25 years—and what it actually means to navigate aging, identity, relationships, and health in midlife. This isn’t a clinical explanation. It’s real life. Michele breaks down what autoimmune diseases are, how they impact the body, and why women are disproportionately affected—while also sharing the emotional and social realities that often go unspoken. “Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells.” But this episode goes far beyond definitions. Michele talks about: The emotional impact of receiving a diagnosis and asking “why me?”How identity shifts over time, especially from your 30s into your 50sThe reality of managing symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and inflammationWhy autoimmune conditions are not a “death sentence,” but require lifestyle changesThe role of environmental triggers, stress, and hormonesWhat happens when support systems change over timeThe loneliness and isolation that can come with invisible illnessHow relationships, dating, and life plans may shift unexpectedlyWhy self-care, advocacy, and building the right medical team mattersThe importance of adapting your lifestyle instead of resisting itMichele also shares her own story—working intense 60+ hour weeks before her diagnosis, navigating uncertainty, and ultimately redefining her life, career, and priorities. “Who am I now? What does my life look like at 50, 60, 70?” This episode is about facing those questions honestly. It’s about recognizing that living with a chronic condition means adapting—not giving up. From navigating menopause and increased symptoms to managing flare-ups and redefining what’s possible, Michele offers both education and reassurance. You are not alone. And you are not your diagnosis.

    46 min

  8. Apr 22

    Imposter Syndrome Isn’t About Confidence: The Hidden Patterns Keeping Women Playing Small

    Send us Fan Mail What if imposter syndrome has nothing to do with confidence? In this powerful episode of Beyond My Diagnosis, Michele Weston sits down with licensed psychotherapist, certified hypnotherapist, and coach Shelley Martinez to unpack what’s really happening beneath the surface of imposter syndrome—especially for high-achieving women in midlife and those living with chronic or invisible conditions. This is not a surface-level conversation about “just believe in yourself.” Shelley brings nearly 30 years of experience to explain why imposter syndrome is rooted in identity, subconscious patterns, and nervous system conditioning—not a lack of capability. “It’s that sense of feeling like a fraud… and waiting for someone to find out you’re not as capable as they think.” Together, Michele and Shelley explore how brilliant, accomplished women can appear confident on the outside while internally struggling with self-doubt, overthinking, and the fear of being “found out.” Inside this episode, you’ll learn: Why imposter syndrome is not actually a confidence issueThe connection between high-functioning anxiety and self-doubtHow invisible illness can intensify identity strugglesWhy women discount their success and attribute it to luckHow early experiences shape lifelong patterns of self-perceptionThe role of the nervous system in keeping you in survival modeWhy perfectionism and “superwoman” expectations keep women stuckThe difference between coaching and therapy in addressing these patternsWhy group support can accelerate healing and awarenessA powerful 3-step framework: Reframe, Regulate, RewireShelley explains that imposter syndrome becomes a learned habit—a default mental pattern that keeps your brain scanning for mistakes and reinforcing self-doubt. “Whatever you do the most becomes your default. Imposter syndrome is a habit—and any habit can be changed.” Michele also shares her own experience navigating imposter syndrome in her career and how she consciously shifted her mindset to step into her expertise and own her success. This episode is a reminder that you are not broken. You’ve been conditioned. And you have the power to change that. 🔗 Connect with Shelley Martinez https://www.shelleymartinez.com/ Shelley Martinez is a licensed psychotherapist, certified hypnotherapist, and coach with nearly 30 years of experience. She combines neuroscience, subconscious tools, and practical techniques to help women create lasting change at the root, not just manage symptoms on the surface. Her work focuses on helping high-achieving midlife women, both corporate professionals and entrepreneurs, move from secretly feeling like a fraud to trusting their decisions, owning their voice, and showing up with confidence that feels real, not performed.

    46 min
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About

Welcome to Beyond My Diagnosis, the podcast that brings real conversations, real stories, and real breakthroughs in health, healing, and hope. I’m your host, Michele Weston—Holistic Health and Wellbeing Coach—and I'm here to help you look past the symptoms and into the deeper story of living with your chronic condition.Each week, we go beyond the chart and challenge the status quo of conventional care. From powerful patient journeys to expert insights in functional medicine and integrative practitioners, using mindset and lifestyle medicine, you’ll get the tools and inspiration to become the most informed, empowered version of yourself.This is not just about managing illness—it’s about reclaiming your health, your voice, and your life.Let’s get curious. Let’s get courageous. And let’s go Beyond My Diagnosis.

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