Lupus in Community

Fatimah B. Ali
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Mental Health
  • Monthly

The Lupus in Community Podcast is a supportive space for people living with lupus, caregivers, advocates, and anyone walking alongside the lupus community. Through honest conversations, real-life stories, and simple health education, we explore what it truly means to navigate lupus day by day. Each episode covers topics like flares, symptoms, mental health, wellness, relationships, faith, advocacy, navigating healthcare, and caring for the whole person — mind, body, and spirit. You’ll hear from people living with lupus, caregivers, health professionals, and community voices sharing practical insight, encouragement, and hope. This podcast exists to help you feel seen, supported, informed, and stronger — because no one should navigate lupus alone.

Episodes

  1. 3d ago

    More Than the Eyes Can See: Lupus, Stroke, and the Need to Be Believed

    More Than What You Can See: Lupus, Stroke, and the Need to Be Believed Description Lupus can look quiet. Someone can be showing up, smiling, getting through the day, with a history behind it that no one sees. This week, Dr. Fatimah Ali talks with Harmonie about the gap between how lupus looks and what it has risked. Harmonie lives with lupus at a low disease activity level and with a disability from a stroke. She shares what life looked like before her diagnosis at 34, what happened when lupus cerebritis affected her central nervous system, and what changed afterward: her career, her marriage, and how strangers read her. She also talks about finding Stroke Buddies, a support group for stroke survivors, and what she wishes people understood without having to ask. This episode is part of our October theme, Invisible Does Not Equal Mild. Read the companion essay and join the conversation on Substack: https://substack.com/@lupusincommunity Learn more about Stroke Buddies: https://www.strokebuddies.org/ Content note: this episode includes discussion of stroke, pregnancy loss, and divorce. This episode is for educational and informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes to your treatment, lifestyle, or self-care routine.

    More Than the Eyes Can See: Lupus, Stroke, and the Need to Be Believed

  2. Oct 12

    Diagnosed and Overwhelmed

    Diagnosed and Overwhelmed: LaShawnda's Story Months of fatigue, joint pain, and hair loss, and no answers. LaShawnda, a mother of four and a dental assistant, had always been the one who never got sick, so when her body changed, she knew something was wrong. In this episode, Fatimah talks with LaShawnda about what it takes to be heard when doctors can't find the cause. She shares how she researched her own symptoms, brought her findings to her care team, and kept pushing until she got a diagnosis. She talks about the mix of relief and "why now?" that came with it, and what it's like to take medication every day when you never had to before. If you're in the stretch before a diagnosis, or just after one, this conversation is for you. You can find LaShawnda Bowman on Instagram and Facebook as LaShawnda Bowman.

    Diagnosed and Overwhelmed

  3. Sep 1

    Building Strong Bones Through Chronic Illness

    In this special livestream replay, Fatimah Ali of Lupus in Community joins bone health educator Candy Price to discuss building strong bones while living with lupus and other chronic illnesses. They explore prednisone and bone-loss risk, vitamin D and sun safety, fatigue and rest, plus accessible strength, balance, and fall-prevention strategies. transcript_2026-08-31T19_17_36.961Z.txt For educational only; not individualized medical advice.

    Building Strong Bones Through Chronic Illness

  4. Aug 16

    Identity and Self-ConfidenceL What Happened after the Body Changed

    Episode description What happens to identity and self-confidence when illness changes the body? In this episode, Fatimah Ali is joined by Dr. Harriette Richard—psychologist, researcher, and three-time breast cancer survivor—for an honest conversation about illness, body changes, grief, visibility, and rebuilding a sense of self. Although their health journeys are different, Fatimah and Harriette share a familiar experience: learning how to navigate life when symptoms, scars, fatigue, mobility changes, treatment, or recovery affect how you see yourself—and how you believe others see you. Together, they explore: The grief of the “old you”Living with visible and invisible illnessSelf-confidence after scars, body changes, and altered abilityIsolation, uncertainty, and feeling disconnected from former rolesFaith, grounding, and emotional resilienceCreativity and self-expression during recoveryPost-traumatic growth without minimizing painHope and purpose while living with lupus, cancer survivorship, or chronic illnessThis episode is for anyone living with lupus, breast cancer, autoimmune disease, chronic illness, disability, or a health condition that has changed their relationship with their body and identity. Illness may change the body, but it does not erase your worth, voice, purpose, or capacity to become.

    Identity and Self-ConfidenceL What Happened after the Body Changed

  5. Jul 17

    Living Well, Not Perfectly With Autoimmune and Chronic Illness

    Living Well, Not Perfectly with Autoimmune and Chronic Illness | Featuring Simla Somturk What does it really mean to live well when your body doesn’t always cooperate? In this episode of the Lupus in Community Podcast, Dr. Fatimah Ali speaks with holistic nutrition and health coach Simla Somturk about redefining wellness while living with autoimmune disease and chronic illness. Together, they explore why wellness is not a fixed destination, but an evolving relationship with your body. They share personal experiences with lupus, autoimmune conditions, chronic fatigue, food sensitivities, and recovery, along with practical ways to support healing without chasing perfection. In this conversation, you’ll hear about: Why “living well” looks different in every season of chronic illnessHow to recognize progress beyond symptom-free daysThe role of nutrition, elimination diets, and bio-individualityThe difference between nourishing your body and pursuing food perfectionOrthorexia and the pressure to “do everything right”Managing stress, protecting sleep, and building sustainable habitsWhy comparison can undermine healing—and how listening to your body can restore confidenceWhether you’re living with lupus, another autoimmune disease, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers encouragement grounded in lived experience and science. Healing is rarely linear, but meaningful wellness is still possible. Guest: Simla Somturk, Holistic Health & Nutrition Coach Subscribe to Lupus in Community for more conversations that connect research, lived experience, and practical strategies for living well with chronic illness.

    Living Well, Not Perfectly With Autoimmune and Chronic Illness

  6. Jun 26

    After the Declutter — What Fills the Space?

    After a month of redefining strength — through adaptation, boundaries, rhythm, and nourishment — we close June with a conversation about what fills the space when you finally stop overgiving. Fatimah Ali is joined by Samantha Gregory, Self-Care Alchemist, for an honest conversation about breaking up with burnout, the connection between stress and autoimmune disease, and what it means to choose yourself — not someday, but now. This episode is for every woman who has been extracted from for too long and is ready to come home to herself. Find Lupus In Community on Substack, Instagram and YouTube & Samantha at Self Care Oasis on Substack and @MsSamanthaGregory on TikTok.  

    After the Declutter — What Fills the Space?

  7. Jun 22

    Adaptation You Can Eat

    Adaptation You Can Eat | Wellness Wednesday Cabbage doesn't transform in the light where everyone watches. It adapts sealed, dark, cut off from oxygen — and emerges as something living and nourishing. Fatimah Ali sits down with chef and self-taught fermenter Clare Heal (@sauerpuss, In Good Taste) to make sauerkraut from scratch and unpack what fermentation teaches us about adapting through chronic illness. Clare breaks down the science of wild fermentation, gut health basics for the lupus community, and a global tour of fermented staples — from sauerkraut and kimchi to West African dadawa and nono. Part of June's Redefining Strength arc: adaptation as a skill we learn, not a weakness we endure. Clare Heal — claireheal.substack.com | @sauerpuss Lupus in Community™ — Substack, YouTube, Instagram

    Adaptation You Can Eat

  8. Jun 14

    Come As You Are -A Chair Yoga Live on Substack

    Join Fatimah Ali, PhD and Sara Neufeld for a compassionate Chair Yoga Live focused on gentle movement, nervous system support, and honoring your body's needs. Created with the chronic illness community in mind, this conversation reminds us that wellness isn't about perfection—it's about presence. Come exactly as you are.

    Come As You Are -A Chair Yoga Live on Substack

  9. May 29

    Guided Nervous System Reset with Paul

    In today’s guided workshop, we explore how chronic illness and stress can hijack our nervous system, keeping us in a constant state of fight or flight. With simple movements and breathwork, we can activate our parasympathetic system, promoting relaxation and healing. Remember, it’s about connecting the body and mind—your wellness journey starts with small, mindful practices. Disclaimer: This episode is for education and information only not medical advise. It does not replace your medical advise so talk to your clinician before starting any new movement or exercise.

    Guided Nervous System Reset with Paul

  10. May 13

    Lupus and Pregnancy

    Lupus, pregnancy, and family is discussed in this episode with our guest Lakesha Moore-Calvin who graciously shared her journey—from early symptoms and diagnosis to navigating pregnancy with lupus.

    Lupus and Pregnancy
  • 10 Episodes

About

The Lupus in Community Podcast is a supportive space for people living with lupus, caregivers, advocates, and anyone walking alongside the lupus community. Through honest conversations, real-life stories, and simple health education, we explore what it truly means to navigate lupus day by day. Each episode covers topics like flares, symptoms, mental health, wellness, relationships, faith, advocacy, navigating healthcare, and caring for the whole person — mind, body, and spirit. You’ll hear from people living with lupus, caregivers, health professionals, and community voices sharing practical insight, encouragement, and hope. This podcast exists to help you feel seen, supported, informed, and stronger — because no one should navigate lupus alone.

Information

  • Creator
    Fatimah B. Ali
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Fatimah B. Ali
  • Show Website
    Lupus in Community