Invisible Strength

Karin Wagner and Chris Burton
  • 5.0 (1)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 1D AGO

    Living with Cerebral Palsy: Independence, Resilience & Invisible Strength

    What does it really mean to live with cerebral palsy—and build a life rooted in independence, resilience, and self-worth? In this episode of the Invisible Strength Podcast, Karin Wagner and Chris Burton sit down with Shelly to share her powerful journey of growing up with cerebral palsy, navigating bullying and anxiety, and learning how to advocate for herself in a world that often underestimates people with disabilities. From early medical challenges and multiple surgeries to redefining independence on her own terms, Shelly opens up about the mindset that helped her keep going—even through setbacks. This episode is for anyone living with chronic illness, supporting someone who is, or learning how to navigate life’s unexpected challenges with strength and self-compassion. 💬 In This Episode, We Cover: Living with cerebral palsy and navigating daily lifeBuilding independence while knowing when to ask for helpOvercoming bullying, anxiety, and self-doubtThe importance of self-advocacy with chronic illnessWhy your worth is not something you have to earn❤️ Key Takeaway: Your strength is real—even when it’s invisible. 👍 Like this video if it resonated 💬 Comment your biggest takeaway or share your story 🔔 Subscribe for more real conversations on chronic illness & living well 🌿 More Support & Resources: Explore resources, coaching, and tools to help you live well with chronic illness: 👉 www.invigorateyourjourney.com 🌿 JOIN OUR FREE MONTHLY SUPPORT GROUPS Living with chronic illness is hard. You don’t have to do it alone. ➡️ Save your spot here: https://calendly.com/invigorateyourjourney/new-meeting Invisible Strength isn’t just something you feel—it’s something you live every day. Now you can wear it as a reminder of everything you’ve overcome. 👉 Shop the collection: https://invigorate.secure-decoration.com/ 🎧 Listen on Podcast: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & more #ChronicIllness #CerebralPalsy #InvisibleStrength #ChronicIllnessWarrior #DisabilityAwareness #AutoimmuneSupport #Resilience #MentalHealthMatters #chronicillnesssupport  ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.

    27 min

  2. APR 8

    Her Dad Was Diagnosed with Lupus… This Is How She Fought Back 💜 | Invisible Strength

    What happens when someone you love is diagnosed with lupus? In this powerful episode of the Invisible Strength Podcast, Tanisha shares her journey as a former football captain turned lupus advocate—navigating fear, uncertainty, and strength as her dad battles this autoimmune disease. From watching a parent struggle… to finding purpose through pain… this conversation is for anyone living with lupus, supporting someone who is, or trying to understand what it really means to face an invisible illness. 💜 In this episode, you’ll learn: ✨What it’s like to support a loved one with lupus ✨The emotional toll of caregiving and uncertainty ✨How community and communication change everything ✨Finding purpose through pain and showing up anyway If you or someone you love is living with lupus or another autoimmune disease—you are not alone. 🌿 READY FOR MORE SUPPORT? If you're navigating autoimmune disease, trauma, or burnout and want clarity, steadiness, and real hope: ➡️ Invigorate resources: https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com 🎧 JOIN THE COMMUNITY Subscribe for real, honest conversations about invisible illness, resilience, and thriving 👉 Hit the 🔔 so you never miss an episode 💙 Like if this resonated 💬 Comment your biggest takeaway 📤 Share this with someone who needs encouragement today 🌿 JOIN OUR FREE MONTHLY SUPPORT GROUPS Living with chronic illness is hard. You don’t have to do it alone. ➡️ Save your spot here: https://calendly.com/invigorateyourjourney/new-meeting Whether you're dealing with flares, fear, burnout, or feeling stuck—this is your space to be seen, heard, and supported. Special thanks to co-hosts Chris Burton, ‪@baddestchaplain, & Karin Wagner! #LupusAwareness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicIllnessSupport ⚠️ Disclaimer: This content is for education and shared experiences only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare team before making changes.

    47 min

  3. APR 1

    How to Live Fully with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Grief, Energy & Invisible Strength | Keri Pratt

    Living with rheumatoid arthritis or an autoimmune disease can feel overwhelming, isolating, and exhausting—but it doesn’t mean your life can’t still be meaningful. In this episode of Invisible Strength, Keri Pratt shares her journey navigating RA, Hashimoto’s, seizures, and more—and how she’s learning to grieve who she was while becoming someone new with purpose, resilience, and hope. If you’ve ever wondered: “I miss who I used to be.” “Why is my body fighting me?” “Can I still live a full life like this?” This conversation will meet you where you are. We talk about redefining what a “full life” looks like, adapting without giving up what you love, and finding strength in the middle of uncertainty. 🌿 Join our FREE monthly support groups:https://calendly.com/invigorateyourjourney/new-meeting You don’t have to navigate chronic illness alone. This is a space for support, encouragement, and real connection. 💙 In this episode, you’ll learn: • How to process grief without letting it define you • What “living fully” actually looks like with chronic illness • How to manage energy, flares, and recovery • Simple ways to adapt your lifestyle and still do what you love • How to rebuild identity, strength, and hope 🌿 More support & resources:https://www.invigorateyourjourney.com ⚠️ Disclaimer: This podcast shares personal experiences and is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider before making changes.

    40 min

  4. MAR 25

    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

  5. 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
  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
See All (70)

Ratings & Reviews

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
    70
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Karin Wagner and Chris Burton
  • Show Website
    Invisible Strength