Rarely Typical Podcast

Gerry Langan
  • 5.0 (16)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Rarely Typical, the podcast that dives into life with chronic illness, rare disease, and everything in between. Hosted by Gerry, a pulmonary arterial hypertension and heart failure advocate, this show offers honest conversations, candid opinions, practical tips, and a dose of hope to help you navigate the unpredictable. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or just curious, join me for real stories, expert insights, and a reminder that life can be beautiful—even when it’s rarely typical. itsgerrylangan.substack.com

  1. S3:E7, Living Strong with PAH: Walking, Mental Health, and Redefining Strength, with Eric Borstein

    12/05/2025

    S3:E7, Living Strong with PAH: Walking, Mental Health, and Redefining Strength, with Eric Borstein

    In this amazing episode, I sit down with my friend Eric Borstein, the founder of Where Is EB?, to talk about life with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension from a perspective the community does not often get to hear. PAH overwhelmingly affects women, so Eric walks us through what it has been like to navigate a rare disease in a demographic that rarely sees itself represented. Eric shares the story behind his diagnosis, the uncertainty that came with it, and the moment he realized he needed a path forward that felt empowering, not limiting. Walking became that path. We talk about how putting one foot in front of the other shifted his physical health, mental health, and outlook on what is possible while living with PAH. We also unpack the emotional weight of being a male patient in a predominantly female disease space, the pressure to appear strong, and how vulnerability became a lifeline. Eric opens up about mental health, identity, and the balance between being hopeful and being honest about the hard days. Whether you live with PAH or any chronic illness, love someone who does, or simply want to hear an inspiring and deeply human story about resilience and redefining strength, this conversation will stay with you. Thanks for joining me, EB, you’re the best! Links: Where is EB? | Eric’s Nonprofit Organization Follow Eric on Instagram here! Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional, just a professional patient. Rarely Typical is based on my personal experiences and is not intended to be medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns or decisions. Get full access to Rarely Typical at itsgerrylangan.substack.com/subscribe

    36 min

  2. 11/07/2025

    S3:E6, Traveling with PAH: How Experience Builds Confidence and Freedom, with Jenna

    In this episode of Rarely Typical, I sit down with my friend Jenna to talk all things traveling with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH). When you live with a rare disease, the idea of traveling can feel overwhelming — from packing medications and managing oxygen, to handling airports and unexpected flares. But over the years, both Jenna and I have learned how to make travel not only doable but genuinely enjoyable again. We share how our confidence has grown through experience, the lessons we’ve learned the hard way, and how we’ve each adapted our routines so we can continue exploring the world. You’ll hear our best practical tips for preparing for trips, managing hiccups on the go, and setting yourself up for success when things don’t go as planned. If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I could travel, but my illness makes it too complicated,” this episode will remind you that with the right preparation, intentionality and mindset, it’s absolutely possible. What You’ll Learn: * How to prepare for travel with medications, oxygen, and medical equipment * What to communicate with your doctor before travel * How experience helps reduce fear and builds travel confidence * Tips for finding joy and flexibility when things go off-plan Follow Jenna on Instagram at @travelingwithoutboundaries Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional, just a professional patient. Rarely Typical is based on my personal experiences and is not intended to be medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns or decisions. Get full access to Rarely Typical at itsgerrylangan.substack.com/subscribe

    30 min
  3. S3:E5, From Primary Care to Specialist: What to expect in Your Referral Journey, with Dr. Hountras and Stacy Hountras, NP

    10/31/2025

    S3:E5, From Primary Care to Specialist: What to expect in Your Referral Journey, with Dr. Hountras and Stacy Hountras, NP

    When you’re first diagnosed—or even when something just feels “off”—your journey often starts in your primary care doctor’s office. But what happens when your primary care provider suspects something more complex and refers you to a specialist? In this episode of Rarely Typical, I sit down with Dr. Peter Hountras and Stacy Hountras, NP, to break down what that process really looks like. We talk about how and why patients are referred to specialists (in my case a pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)) why tests often get repeated when you transition to specialty care, and what you can expect at those first few appointments. For patients and caregivers, this episode offers a clear roadmap to navigating referrals, and for providers, it’s a reminder of how overwhelming this process can feel for patients walking through it for the first time. If you’ve ever wondered: Why am I seeing another doctor? Why are they redoing my tests? What should I expect from this referral? — this episode will give you clarity and reassurance. Whether you’re a patient newly referred to a specialist, a caregiver helping someone through the process, or a provider wanting to improve the referral experience, this conversation is filled with practical insights and encouragement. Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional, just a professional patient. Rarely Typical is based on my personal experiences and is not intended to be medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns or decisions. Get full access to Rarely Typical at itsgerrylangan.substack.com/subscribe

    27 min
  4. S3:E4, Working with PAH: Balancing Career and Chronic Illness, with Chelsea + Lisa

    10/24/2025

    S3:E4, Working with PAH: Balancing Career and Chronic Illness, with Chelsea + Lisa

    In this episode of Rarely Typical, I sit down with friends in the PAH community, Chelsea + Lisa, to talk about what it really looks like to balance work and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. We share candid conversations about the challenges of managing symptoms, juggling frequent doctor’s appointments, and even recovering from surgeries—all while trying to maintain a career. We dive into the importance of workplace accommodations, the role of flexibility, and how to have honest conversations with employers about your needs. We also share practical advice for others navigating their own careers while managing PAH—reminders that you can still find purpose and meaning in your work, even if it looks different than you first imagined. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in the middle of your career, or supporting someone with PAH, this conversation offers both hope and tangible tools for making work more sustainable alongside chronic illness. Disclaimer: I’m not a medical professional, just a professional patient. Rarely Typical is based on my personal experiences and is not intended to be medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns or decisions. Get full access to Rarely Typical at itsgerrylangan.substack.com/subscribe

    32 min

  5. 10/17/2025

    S3:E3, 7 Years In: My Diagnosi-versary and the Lessons Along the Way

    Seven years ago, what I thought would be a quick trip to the ER turned into a life-changing moment—a diagnosis that would forever alter my life. In this special episode, I’m reflecting on my 7 year diagnosi-versary and the journey that’s unfolded since. I share how I first stepped into advocacy, what pushed me to use my voice, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way—both about myself and about living with a chronic, life-threatening illness. I also talk openly about facing mortality at a young age, and how answering the question, “What’s your goal?” shaped not only my advocacy but the way I choose to live my life every day. If you’ve ever wondered why I do what I do, or how I got started doing this, this episode is me sharing my heart with you. ✨ What you’ll hear in this episode: * Why I started advocating and what advocacy has taught me * The biggest lessons I’ve learned in 7 years of living with PAH * How facing mortality gave me clarity on my purpose * What I’ve discovered about hope, resilience, and legacy Disclaimer: I'm not a medical professional, just a professional patient. Rarely Typical is based on my personal experiences and is not intended to be medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns or decisions. Get full access to Rarely Typical at itsgerrylangan.substack.com/subscribe

    25 min

  6. 10/10/2025

    S3:E2, Finding Joy and Worship in the Mess with Brinnae Keathley from Red Rocks Worship

    What does it look like to choose worship in the middle of your storm? In this episode, I sit down with Brinnae Keathley from Red Rocks Worship to talk about finding joy in the middle of hardship, and how God meets us right in our mess. Brinnae shares her own journey of faith, music, and holding onto hope when circumstances don’t look like what you imagined. Together, we explore how worship isn’t about pretending everything is perfect, but about bringing our whole selves—pain, questions, and all—before God. This conversation is an encouragement for anyone walking through a difficult season, reminding us that joy can exist alongside grief and that God doesn’t wait for us to be “put together” before He shows up. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: * How worship can be a lifeline during times of suffering. * Why joy isn’t the absence of hardship, but something we can discover in the middle of it. * Practical ways to feel God in your mess instead of waiting until life feels “cleaned up.” * The power of honesty, vulnerability, and community in faith. Resources & Links: * Follow Red Rocks Worship here. * Listen to Red Rocks Worship on Spotify or Apple Music. * Check out Red Rock Worship’s upcoming tour here. * Connect with me on Instagram: @itsgerrylangan. Get full access to Rarely Typical at itsgerrylangan.substack.com/subscribe

    26 min

  7. 10/03/2025

    S3:E1 – Pregnancy, PAH, and Survival: Lisa’s Story

    In this powerful and deeply personal episode, I sit down with my friend Lisa to share a story that very few people — and even fewer medical professionals — truly understand. Lisa lives with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and a congenital heart defect, and she faced one of the most high-risk situations imaginable: pregnancy with PAH. Lisa walks us through her journey, from navigating her congenital heart defect to the moment she learned she was pregnant, and the critical role her PAH pregnancy specialist team played in saving her life and her baby’s. She opens up about the physical toll, the emotional rollercoaster, and the lasting impact on her body and family. While her story has a happy ending, Lisa is candid about the realities: this is not something she would recommend to others living with PAH because of the immense risks and sacrifices involved. Her honesty offers a rare, unfiltered look at why having the right medical team isn’t just important — it’s the difference between life and death. If you’ve ever wondered what pregnancy with PAH truly looks like, or why specialized care matters so much in rare diseases, this episode is a must-listen. Key Takeaways * Pregnancy with PAH is extremely high-risk and requires a medical team experienced in both PAH and maternal-fetal medicine. * Specialist care saves lives — Lisa credits her survival (and her baby’s) to her highly skilled, coordinated care team. * Long-term impact is real — pregnancy can have lasting effects on heart and lung health for people with PAH and can in worst case scenarios result in life-threatening situations for both the mother and the baby. * Personal choice matters — while Lisa’s story has a positive ending, she stresses that it’s not a path she would recommend due to the risks. Helpful Links * Pulmonary Hypertension Association – Pregnancy and PH * American Heart Association – Congenital Heart Defects * PAH Resources for Patients Get full access to Rarely Typical at itsgerrylangan.substack.com/subscribe

    35 min
  8. S2:E10, Clinical Trials and Courage with Shanna

    09/05/2025

    S2:E10, Clinical Trials and Courage with Shanna

    In the season 2 finale of Rarely Typical, I sit down with my friend Shanna, the person who first encouraged me to pursue a clinical trial. With experience in three different trials, Shanna brings wisdom, honesty, and encouragement to the table. We talk about: * How her clinical trial experiences shaped her journey with chronic illness * What to look out for and take notes on when researching trial opportunities * Why it’s important to fully understand what you’re getting into before committing * The role of courage, hope, and advocacy when considering trials Shanna’s story is a reminder that clinical trials aren’t just about research, they’re about real patients, real choices, and real lives. If you’ve ever wondered whether a clinical trial could be right for you, this conversation offers both practical tips and lived experience perspective. Thank you guys for another amazing season of Rarely Typical! I will be back on October 3rd with season 3! Disclaimer: I'm not a medical professional, just a professional patient. Rarely Typical is based on my personal experiences and guest personal experience and is not intended to be medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any medical concerns or decisions. Get full access to Rarely Typical at itsgerrylangan.substack.com/subscribe

    36 min
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About

Welcome to Rarely Typical, the podcast that dives into life with chronic illness, rare disease, and everything in between. Hosted by Gerry, a pulmonary arterial hypertension and heart failure advocate, this show offers honest conversations, candid opinions, practical tips, and a dose of hope to help you navigate the unpredictable. Whether you’re a patient, a caregiver, or just curious, join me for real stories, expert insights, and a reminder that life can be beautiful—even when it’s rarely typical. itsgerrylangan.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Gerry Langan
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Gerry Langan
  • Show Website
    Rarely Typical Podcast