Invisible Strength

Karin Wagner and Chris Burton

We discuss the realities of living with Lupus and other autoimmune diseases while exploring realistic solutions to improve our lives while navigating autoimmune diseases. 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. 2D AGO

    From House Fire & Domestic Abuse to Thriving: Bethany Stone's Invisible Strength Story

    From house fire at 16 + abusive marriage to unbreakable strength: Bethany Stone's raw story of trauma recovery & thriving.➡️ JOIN OUR FREE MONTHLY SUPPORT GROUPSLiving with chronic illness is hard. You don't have to do it alone.🔗 Book your spot here🌿 Struggling with autoimmune, flares, fear, or overwhelm? Invigorate helps you move to clarity, steadiness & a life that feels like YOU again.✅ https://www.invigorateyourjourney.comTimestamps:00:00 Intro & welcome01:19 Bethany today: Montessori → mindset coach02:25 Montessori philosophy explained05:19 Embodied learning for adults07:49 The 5 self-care buckets (emotional → intellectual)13:52 Control what you can in chaos19:41 Rewire your inner voice21:37 House fire at 16: life-changing shift31:25 Kindness received & given back36:34 Break the negativity cycle43:02 Invisible strength = the seed inside44:14 Connect with BethanyBethany shares:✅Surviving domestic violence & rebuilding worth✅5 buckets for balance & resilience✅Grace on hard days, boundaries, reframing stories✅Montessori tools for emotional awareness & growthPerfect if you're healing trauma, burnout, autoimmune challenges or seeking real hope. Connect & Grow🌿 Bethany's site: https://www.thrivingbynature.com➡️ Invigorate resources: https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com🎧 Subscribe for honest talks on invisible illness, resilience & thriving. Hit 🔔!Like if this hit home 💙Comment on your biggest takeawayShare with someone who needs thisSpecial thanks to co-hosts Chris Burton & Karin Wagner!#InvisibleStrength #TraumaRecovery #DomesticViolenceSurvivor #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneWarrior #SelfCare #MontessoriMindset #Resilience #ThrivingByNature #InvisibleIllness #EmotionalHealing #supportgroups ⚠️ Disclaimer: This is general education & shared experiences only—not medical advice. Consult your healthcare team before changes.

    37 min

  2. MAR 18

    Graves' Disease to AIP Success: Nicole Charles Makes Healthy Eating Delicious & Family-Friendly

    Discover how Nicole Charles turned her Graves' disease diagnosis into a superpower with Heal Me Delicious! In this inspiring Invisible Strength podcast episode, Nicole shares her raw journey: from being overworked and over-caffeinated in grad school, rapid weight loss, heart palpitations, and a lightning-fast diagnosis... to finding resilience through creativity in the kitchen during the pandemic. Learn how she made the Autoimmune Protocol (AIP) feel nourishing and joyful instead of restrictive: Reconnecting with her Trinidadian roots using cassava, plantains, yams & flavorful Caribbean techniques (without nightshades!)Creative ways to include nutrient-dense foods like liverSimple, affordable, one-pot & sheet-pan meals the whole family will actually eatHer realistic reintroduction process, pregnancy insights, and overcoming food fearPractical hacks: ground meat meals, meal planning, eating leftovers/soup for breakfast, and batch cookingWhether you're dealing with Graves', Hashimoto's, or any autoimmune condition, this conversation is packed with hope, real-talk resilience, and delicious inspiration that proves healthy eating doesn't have to feel like deprivation. 🔗 Find all of Nicole’s gluten-free, AIP-friendly recipes: https://healmedelicious.com/ Follow on Instagram: @healmedelicious Timestamps: 00:00 Intro & Nicole’s story before diagnosis 03:48 Food & fast-paced life in grad school 05:44 Slowing down & starting AIP during the pandemic 10:34 Making AIP creative & cultural 18:17 Reintroduction journey & lessons learned 23:23 Listening to your body & motherhood insights 31:55 Affordable & quick cooking hacks for busy families 40:15 What “Invisible Strength” means to Nicole 42:44 Rapid fire: favorite ingredient, go-to meals & dessert If this resonates, drop a comment: What’s one food or habit that’s helped your autoimmune journey? ❤️ ➡️ JOIN OUR FREE MONTHLY SUPPORT GROUPS: Living with chronic illness is hard. You don't have to do it alone. 🔗 Save your spot now! 🌿 Looking for Support Living With Chronic Illness? Invigorate helps people with chronic conditions move from fear & overwhelm → to clarity, steadiness, and a life that feels like YOU again. ➡️Discover resources, connections, and support here! 🎧 Subscribe for MoreHonest conversations about invisible illness, resilience, and thriving despite the hard days. Hit the 🔔 so you never miss an episode! #GravesDisease #AIPDiet #AutoimmuneProtocol #HealMeDelicious #ThyroidHealth #InvisibleIllness #ChronicIllness #GlutenFreeRecipes #FamilyMeals #AutoimmuneRecipes ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for general education and shared lived experiences only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes to your treatment or lifestyle.

    43 min
  3. Crohn’s in Kids: A Mom Shares the Hard Truth About Symptoms, Dismissal & Advocacy

    MAR 11

    Crohn’s in Kids: A Mom Shares the Hard Truth About Symptoms, Dismissal & Advocacy

    Imagine your child saying, “Eating hurts… but I still have to try.” That was Bridget’s daily reality as she navigated years of unexplained symptoms, medical dismissal, and the overwhelming fear of not knowing what was wrong. Eventually, her daughter was diagnosed with Crohn’s — but the journey to get there was anything but straightforward. In this powerful episode of the Invisible Strength Podcast, Bridget shares: ✨The earliest signs something wasn’t right — starting at 18 months ✨Why kids with chronic illness are often missed or misdiagnosed ✨What parents can do when doctors don’t listen The emotional toll of advocacy and how she avoided caregiver burnout ✨How she teaches her daughter confidence, boundaries & self-advocacy ✨The surprising silver linings that grew from their family’s hardest season This conversation is for anyone raising, loving, or supporting a child with chronic illness — or anyone who’s ever been dismissed in a medical setting. Bridget’s story is raw, real, and filled with hope. You’ll leave feeling seen… and reminded of your own invisible strength. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 01:35 – Early symptoms at 18 months 04:08 – When everything fell apart 07:40 – Medical dismissal & trusting your intuition 14:00 – The emotional toll of advocating 18:30 – Knowing when to seek a second opinion 22:00 – Caregiver burnout & rebuilding resilience 24:30 – Helping kids find their voice 29:10 – Balancing it all with siblings 32:00 – Navigating food, school, and lifestyle changes 38:30 – The power of flexibility and homeschooling 44:20 – Understanding anxiety & the gut-brain connection 47:10 – Advice for parents still in the thick of it 52:00 – What “Invisible Strength” means to Bridget ➡️ JOIN OUR FREE MONTHLY SUPPORT GROUPS: Living with chronic illness is hard. You don't have to do it alone. 🔗 Save your spot here! 🌿 Looking for Support Living With Chronic Illness? Invigorate helps people with chronic conditions move from fear & overwhelm → to clarity, steadiness, and a life that feels like YOU again. ➡️Invisible Strength 🎧 Subscribe for MoreHonest conversations about invisible illness, resilience, and thriving despite the hard days. Hit the 🔔 so you never miss an episode. 📲 Connect with Bridget on Instagram @Life with Pediatric Crohn’s📲 Follow us on Instagram @unseenyetunstoppable ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for general education and shared lived experiences only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes to your treatment or lifestyle.

    47 min

  4. FEB 25

    The Emotional Weight of Chronic Illness: Why You’re Exhausted, Anxious & Overwhelmed | Featuring Dr. Jessica Grove

    You're managing your symptoms, attending appointments, pushing through — but nobody warned you about the emotional weight of chronic illness. The grief. The identity loss. The trauma of just trying to get a diagnosis.In this episode of the Invisible Strength Podcast, licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Jessica Grove joins hosts Karin Wagner and Chris Burton to break down the psychological side of living with autoimmune disease and chronic illness — and the practical tools you can use TODAY to start healing.🔑 What you'll learn:✔ Why chronic illness is traumatic (even if no one calls it that)✔ The mind-body connection and how your nervous system drives flare-ups✔ How to stop the "push-crash cycle" that's destroying your energy✔ Grief work for the life you thought you'd have✔ Why toxic positivity makes things worse — and what to do instead✔ How to identify the hidden narratives keeping you stuck (like "I'm broken")✔ Self-compassion tools for exercise, nutrition, and daily life with chronic illness✔ When you're not ready for therapy — and where to start anyway💬 Whether you have lupus, MS, fibromyalgia, Crohn's, Hashimoto's, POTS, or any other chronic or invisible illness, this conversation is for YOU.👉 JOIN OUR FREE MONTHLY SUPPORT GROUPS:Living with chronic illness is hard. You don't have to do it alone.🔗 https://calendly.com/invigorateyourjo...🌿 WORK WITH US at Invigorate Your JourneyCoaching, community, and support for people navigating autoimmune + chronic conditions.🔗https://invigorateyourjourney.com/🔗 Connect with Dr. Jessica Grove:Website: healthandmedicalpsychology.comFree consultation available | Licensed in 43 states via PSYPACT📌 CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction to Chronic Illness and Psychology02:08 The Emotional Toll of Chronic Illness06:03 Approaches to Emotional Processing09:18 Understanding Medical Stress12:25 Coping with Unpredictability14:48 The Role of Therapy in Chronic Illness18:17 Daily Practices for Emotional Well-being20:04 Self-Compassion on Hard Days22:26 Long-term Success in Therapy24:56 Small Steps for Mental Health28:22 Recognizing the Need for Therapy30:37 Differentiating Stress and Trauma37:24 Challenging Negative Narratives🌿 Need Support Living With Chronic Illness?Invigorate helps people with chronic conditions move from fear & overwhelm → to clarity, steadiness, and a life that feels like YOU again.💙 Connection💧Guidance ✨Transformation ➡️https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com🎧 Subscribe for MoreHonest conversations about invisible illness, resilience, and thriving despite the hard days.Hit the 🔔 so you never miss an episode.#ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #InvisibleIllness #LupusWarrior #ChronicPain #MentalHealth #ChronicIllnessCommunity #NervousSystemHealing #InvisibleStrength #HealthPsychology #MindBodyConnection #AutoimmuneHealing #FibroWarrior #ChronicFatigue #InvigorateYourJourney #SelfCompassion #ChronicIllnessSupport #LivingWithLupus #HashimotosThyroiditis #AutoimmuneWellness⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for general education and shared lived experiences only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes to your treatment or lifestyle.

    41 min

  5. FEB 18

    Running Against the Odds: Marion Jones' Journey with NMO

    What does it take to rebuild your life after a rare autoimmune disease leaves you partially paralyzed during a global shutdown? Today’s guest, Marion Jones, shows us what invisible strength really looks like.Diagnosed with neuromyelitis optica (NMO) during the COVID-19 pandemic, Marion faced misdiagnosis, isolation, nerve damage, and the grief of losing the life she once knew. But her story doesn’t end there.Marion went from 30 seconds of walking to running 7 world-major marathons—New York, Chicago, London, Berlin, and soon Tokyo and Boston—raising awareness for rare diseases every mile of the way. 🏃🏾‍♀️✨She is now a powerful advocate, speaker, and upcoming author sharing her mission to inspire resilience, visibility, and hope for the chronic illness community.If you need a reminder that small steps can lead to unbelievable transformation, this episode is it. 💙⭐ IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN:✔️What it’s really like to be diagnosed with NMO during the pandemic✔️How Marion rebuilt strength after partial paralysis✔️Why she shifted from grief to gratitude✔️The mindset that carried her through 7 marathons in 2 years✔️How to balance chronic illness with career, ambition, and rest✔️Why advocacy matters—and how your story can help others✔️The meaning of “invisible strength” in the face of adversity🕒 CHAPTERS00:00 – Welcome + Intro to Marion Jones01:31 – The Diagnosis: Understanding NMO09:30 – From 30 Seconds to Marathons17:28 – Shifting Grief to Gratitude22:02 – Advocacy, Community & Chronic Illness Visibility31:50 – Marion’s Book + What’s NextSUPPORT MARION’S MARATHON MISSION: Help Marion raise funds for life-changing care at Lahey Hospital and Medical Center: https://www.givengain.com/project/mar...Every donation supports research, patient care, and rare disease advocacy.💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATIONWhat does your invisible strength look like today?Drop your thoughts in the comments—your story could inspire someone who needs it.🎧 LISTEN TO THE INVISIBLE STRENGTH PODCASTHosted by Karin Wagner & Chris Burton, ‪@baddestchaplain‬, spotlight real stories of resilience from people living with chronic illness and autoimmune diseases.🌿 Need Support Living With Chronic Illness?Invigorate helps people with chronic conditions move from fear & overwhelm → to clarity, steadiness, and a life that feels like YOU again.✨ Rebuild your life → 🌟 Top Picks → Support Groups → Coaching ↓ ➡️https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com💙 Connection💧Guidance ✨Transformation🎧 Subscribe for MoreHonest conversations about invisible illness, resilience, and thriving despite the hard days.Hit the 🔔 so you never miss an episode.⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for general education and shared lived experiences only. It is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes to your treatment or lifestyle.

    42 min

  6. FEB 11

    💜 Seizing Success with Epilepsy: Olivia Atkin’s Invisible Strength Journey

    💜 In this episode of the Invisible Strength Podcast, Olivia Atkin shares how a childhood epilepsy diagnosis reshaped her life—and ultimately fueled her work as an entrepreneur, TEDx speaker, and founder of Achieving Success. From navigating an invisible illness to working with the New York Giants, launching a business, and redefining success on her own terms, Olivia reminds us:You can build a life you love, even when your health rewrites the rules. If you live with epilepsy, chronic illness, or you’re chasing big goals while managing real challenges, this conversation will resonate deeply. 💙 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ How epilepsy shaped Olivia’s resilience and identity✔️ Why vulnerability is a leadership strength✔️ What people don’t see about invisible illness✔️ How to set goals without burning out✔️ Self-compassion practices for chronic illness✔️ The mindset shifts that helped Olivia thrive✔️ How to redefine success when life pivots✔️ Encouragement for anyone newly diagnosed Key Moments:00:00 Intro00:54 Diagnosis & Athletic Dreams07:24 The Drive Behind Her Success14:08 Bullying, Shame & Resilience20:23 Resetting Goals After Setbacks22:44 Military Spouse Life25:53 Boundaries & Work-Life Balance32:58 Balancing Health + Ambition40:05 Vulnerability as Strength ✨ Rebuild your life → 🌟 Top Picks → Support Groups → Coaching ↓ ➡️https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com💙 Connection through Monthly Free Support Groups: Save your spot here. 💧Guidance through individual and group coaching: Discover more here. ✨Transformation: Start here.🎧 Subscribe for More!Honest conversations about invisible illness, resilience, and thriving despite the hard days. Hit the 🔔 so you never miss an episode. Invigorate helps people move from fear and overwhelm → to clarity, steadiness, and a life that feels like YOU again.Explore tools, support groups, and coaching:https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com @AchievingSuccessWithOlivia Special thanks to Co-Host Chris Burton (@baddestchaplain) This podcast is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes to your care. ⚠️ Disclaimer This podcast is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes to your care.

    43 min

  7. FEB 4

    Rachel’s Story: Living With MS, Type 1 Diabetes & Finding Invisible Strength

    Rachel Hayden, host of the SpoonFull Podcast, shares her journey living with both MS and Type 1 Diabetes. From a six-year diagnostic search to navigating identity, energy, and mental health, Rachel opens up about the invisible strength required to live with multiple chronic illnesses. She reflects on learning to ask for help, pacing her energy, and rebuilding her sense of self—while raising compassionate kids and building community for spoonies everywhere. In This Episode:• MS & Type 1 Diabetes diagnosis journeys• Emotional and mental health challenges• Energy pacing, self-care, and realistic goals• How chronic illness reshapes identity & relationships• Why asking for help is honoring your body• Creating the SpoonFull Podcast & advocating for others Connect:SpoonFull Podcast – @TheSpoonFullShowKarin – @unseenyetunstoppableinvigorateyourjourney.com 🔔 Subscribe & ListenSubscribe for honest conversations about:✅Autoimmune disease✅Chronic illness life✅Medical gaslighting✅Healing, resilience & identity🌿 Could You Use Support Living With Autoimmune Disease?We help people move from fear and overwhelm → clarity, resilience, and hope.Explore tools, resources, and coaching designed for real life:👉 https://www.invigorateyourjourney.comP.S. You're NOT alone. ⁠Message us⁠ to discover how we can help you on your journey, or e-mail us at contact@invigorateyourjourney.com">⁠contact@invigorateyourjourney.com⁠Disclaimer: This episode shares lived experience and is not medical advice.

    39 min

  8. JAN 28

    She Gave Her Father a Kidney: A Powerful Family Story of Resilience | Invisible Strength Podcast

    A father. A daughter. One life-saving decision.In Season 5 of the Invisible Strength Podcast, hosts Karin Wagner and Chris Burton sit down with Paul and Tianna Butler to share an extraordinary true story of kidney disease, organ donation, faith, and resilience.Paul’s health declined quietly—until he was faced with kidney failure and the long, uncertain transplant waitlist. When the search for a donor began, his daughter Tianna made a life-changing choice: to donate her kidney and give her father a second chance at life.Together, Paul and Tianna open up about the emotional, physical, and spiritual journey of living with kidney disease, becoming a donor, and navigating life after transplant—with honesty, vulnerability, and hope.💙 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✔️ The role of family support during major health crises✔️ The emotional weight of being both a donor and recipient✔️ What to expect during the kidney transplant process✔️ Post-transplant care, recovery, and unexpected challenges✔️ How faith, prayer, and resilience shape the healing journey✔️ Why asking for help and community support truly matter✔️ The importance of kidney health awareness and preventionThis conversation shines a light on the thousands of people waiting for organ transplants—and offers hope to families walking a similar path.💡 Whether you’re living with chronic illness, supporting a loved one, or curious about organ donation, this episode is deeply moving, educational, and real.⏱️ Chapters (Watch What Matters Most to You)00:00 Introduction to a Family Journey01:11 Health Decline and Diagnosis05:09 The Decision for a Kidney Transplant08:36 The Search for a Donor13:00 Surgery Day: Anticipation and Emotions16:21 Post-Transplant Life and Adjustments17:37 Navigating Post-Transplant Care20:04 Coping with Uncertainty and Support Systems21:57 Physical Recovery and Regaining Strength23:53 Emotional Journey and Surprises24:46 Facing Health Challenges: The BK Virus26:31 The Gift of Life: Reflections on Donation28:20 Pressure and Responsibility of Recovery28:33 Life After Transplant: Returning to Normalcy29:49 Resilience Through Adversity30:43 Key Moments of Reflection33:07 The Importance of Awareness and Asking for Help🌿 Living With Autoimmune or Chronic Illness?We help people move from fear and overwhelm → to clarity, resilience, and hope.Access tools, resources, and coaching built for real life:➡️ https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com🔔 Subscribe for honest conversations about chronic illness, autoimmune life, organ donation, and invisible strength.💬 Comment below: What part of this story resonated with you most?🎧 Tune in, warm up, and remember — your knowledge is your Invisible Strength. Additional Kidney & Organ Donation Resources➡️ National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org➡️ Donate Life America: https://www.donatelife.net➡️ United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS): https://unos.org➡️ Living Donor Information: https://www.organdonor.gov⚠️ DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your care or treatment plan.

    42 min
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About

We discuss the realities of living with Lupus and other autoimmune diseases while exploring realistic solutions to improve our lives while navigating autoimmune diseases. 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

Information

  • Creator
    Karin Wagner and Chris Burton
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    67
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Karin Wagner and Chris Burton
  • Show Website
    Invisible Strength