Stronger than Autoimmune

Desiree Werland

As an autoimmune warrior myself, I understand living with autoimmunity isn't easy. You are not alone, this podcast is to give hope to living with a chronic illness. I will interview individuals living with autoimmune disease along with experts, and businesses to help provide knowledge, and hope. As a health coach, I understand there is no cure for autoimmune disease but creating small changes like diet, stress management, movement and more can influence on how we feel. Join me to being Stronger than Autoimmune!

  1. Training Smarter, Not Harder – Working Out with Autoimmune Disease with Pj Glassey

    3d ago

    Training Smarter, Not Harder – Working Out with Autoimmune Disease with Pj Glassey

    In this powerful episode, we sit down with Pj Glassey, Owner and CEO of X Gym in Kirkland, Washington. With over 20 years leading X Gym and a degree in Exercise Science from Seattle Pacific University, Pj has pioneered a revolutionary approach to fitness that delivers serious results in minimal time. We dive deep into how people with autoimmune conditions can build strength, improve energy, and reclaim their bodies without triggering flares or burning out. Pj shares insights on X Gym’s signature training philosophy: high-intensity, 21-minute workouts done just twice a week using light weights, low reps, and constantly varied protocols designed for maximum effectiveness and safety. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, struggling with fatigue and joint pain, or looking for a sustainable way to stay active, this conversation is packed with practical strategies, science-backed wisdom, and inspiring takeaways for training smarter with autoimmune disease. Pj explains why traditional workout methods often fail those with autoimmune conditions and how X Gym’s innovative multi-protocol system helps clients see faster results while protecting long-term health. Learn more about XGym I started the Stronger Than Autoimmune podcast because I’m living with autoimmune disease and Mast Cell Activation Disorder myself. After struggling with chronic symptoms, fatigue, and the daily challenges that come with invisible illnesses, I realized how isolating and overwhelming this journey can feel — especially for women. I created this podcast to give others hope, share real stories of resilience, and spread awareness about autoimmune diseases that so often go misunderstood or misdiagnosed. My mission is to remind every listener that you are stronger than your diagnosis and that it’s possible to thrive, not just survive. If you have a product, service, or business that helps people with autoimmune conditions or chronic illness and you’d like to be a guest on the show, please email me at strongerthanautoimmune@gmail.com.

    49 min
  2. You Are Right Even When Experts Say You’re Not | Theresa Lyons, MS, MS, PhD

    May 6

    You Are Right Even When Experts Say You’re Not | Theresa Lyons, MS, MS, PhD

    Hey friend, welcome to Stronger Than Autoimmune. This week I’m joined by Theresa Lyons — Yale University trained scientist, medical strategist, autism mom, and fierce advocate for parents who refuse to be dismissed. Theresa shares the raw moment every parent dreads: knowing deep in your gut that something isn’t right with your child, only to be told “everything is fine.” She ignored her intuition once — and she’s still mad about it. That fire turned into fuel. She dove into the research, built a top-tier care team with functional medicine at the center, and now her daughter is thriving and their family is finally living the joyful life they dreamed of. In this powerful conversation, Theresa reveals: Why “normal” test results don’t always mean nothing is wrongHow to move beyond the limitations of ABA and find natural, joyful ways to connect and teach your childThe cutting-edge science every autism parent needs to knowHow to trust yourself as the expert on your own child — even when doctors, teachers, and therapists say otherwiseWhether you’re navigating an autism diagnosis or fighting for answers no one seems to hear, this episode is your reminder: You know your child best. You are not failing. You are the advocate your child needs. If you’re a parent who’s tired of being told to “just accept it,” press play. Theresa’s message is hope with a backbone — and exactly what so many families need to hear. 🎙️ Theresa Lyons, MS, MS, PhD is the founder of Lyons Behavioral Services and helps parents in over 18 countries combine real science with intuition to help their autistic children thrive. To learn more about Dr Lyons and her program: Science-Based Autism Guidance for Parents — by Dr. Theresa Lyons #StrongerThanAutoimmune #AutismParent #AutismAdvocate #ListenToYourIntuition #FunctionalMedicine #AutismScience #AutismMom #TrustYourGut #BeyondABA #ParentAdvocate #ChronicIllnessWarrior #SpecialNeedsParent #YaleScientist #AutismAwareness #YouAreRight

    49 min

  3. Feb 2

    Scaling Without Burnout: The Operator’s Edge™ with Ritchie Nkana

    Most leaders believe the bottleneck is their business.According to ex–banker turned performance strategist Ritchie Nkana, it’s not. It’s the Operator running it. In this powerful episode of Stronger Than Autoimmune, Ritchie shares how he went from a burned-out corporate banker moving millions for global banks to building Operator’s Edge™, a system that helps founders and executives scale energy, impact, and legacy — without sacrificing their health. We talk about: Why burnout isn’t a personal failure — it’s a systems failure The hidden cost high performers pay to “keep up” How identity, energy, and decision-making impact business growth Why health is a leadership strategy, not a side project How speaking can become a predictable growth engine, not just exposure Ritchie also breaks down his Brand→Stage™ Speaking Engine, showing how leaders can turn one powerful talk into real opportunities, clients, and influence — even in an AI-heavy world. If you’re scaling, leading, or carrying more than your body can sustain… this conversation may change how you operate forever. 🎧 Listen now and learn how to upgrade your operating system — without burning out. For the high-achieving woman who’s tired ofchoosing between her career her health and home: I open a small handful ofprivate 1:1 spots a few times a year. If you’re done with car naps, brain fog,and “pushing through,” click here to apply. I’ll personally review your caseand we’ll see if working together is the perfect fit. Applyfor 1:1 coaching For HR, People Ops, and leaders building smarterworkplaces: I run a limited number of corporate pilots each year focused onautoimmune and chronic-illness wellbeing (no extra headcount required). Want tocut presenteeism, boost retention of your top female talent, and lead the wayin energy-efficient teams? Click hereto book a short strategy call. Subscribeto the Stronger Than Autoimmune podcast for weekly strategies, realtalk, and actionable advice. Because health is real wealth, and every part ofyour life, including your career which relies on the status. New episodes everyweek: real strategies, zero fluff. Listen on [Spotify] | [Apple Podcasts] | [YouTube] About the Podcaster: CorporateAutoimmune Consultant | SHRM-SA Board Member | Functional Health Coach(Corporate Wellness + AIP certified) I help high-achieving women withautoimmune conditions reclaim their energy and ambition, and I help companieskeep that talent thriving instead of burning out. Health is real wealth, and your career depends on it.Let’s make thriving the rule, not the exception. Medical Disclaimer:This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does notconstitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare providerregarding your health needs and treatment options. Subscribe & Connect

    30 min

  4. Jan 19

    : 4 Science-Backed Ways Working Women With Autoimmune Can Regulate Energy

    Mid-January isn’t a motivation problem, it’s a regulation problem. In this episode of Stronger Than Autoimmune, Desiree Werland breaks down four science-backed tools designed specifically for working women with autoimmune disease who are managing careers, households, and invisible symptoms—without burning out or triggering flares. We’re talking about:✔ Why caffeine and willpower backfire for autoimmune bodies✔ How cold exposure, nutrient timing, gentle movement, and wind-down rituals support immune regulation✔ Practical strategies you can use at work without drawing attention✔ Research-backed approaches—not wellness trends or toxic productivity If you’ve ever had “normal labs” but crushing fatigue, brain fog, or mid-afternoon crashes—this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and learn how to support your body without sacrificing your career. 🔗 Private coaching: Individuals — Desiree Werland🏢 Corporate wellness & retention strategies: Employers — Desiree WerlandBecause you’re not lazy.You’re not broken.You’re regulating.

    10 min
  5. Your Mouth Might Be Fueling Your Autoimmune Symptoms (What Most Patients Are Never Told)

    Jan 11

    Your Mouth Might Be Fueling Your Autoimmune Symptoms (What Most Patients Are Never Told)

    What if part of your autoimmune or chronic illness picture has been hiding in plain sight—your mouth?For many people living with invisible illness, answers feel scattered, incomplete, or dismissed. This conversation brings clarity without fear. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Toni Engram, a biological dentist, integrative health coach, and founder of Flourish Dental Boutique in Richardson, Texas. After navigating her own autoimmune health challenges, Dr. Engram shifted her philosophy from symptom-focused dentistry to a whole-body, prevention-centered approach that honors the deep connection between oral health and systemic wellness. This episode is for: Individuals living with autoimmune disease, Lyme, chronic illness, or invisible illness who feel like something is being overlooked Professionals and employers interested in whole-person health, prevention, and sustainable performance Anyone curious about how oral health fits into a more integrative, supportive care model In this conversation, you’ll learn: How oral inflammation can interact with immune and nervous system health What “biological dentistry” means—and how it differs from conventional approaches Why patients with chronic illness often feel unheard in traditional care models What SMART certification and safer dental practices aim to support How airway health, breathing, and oral structure can influence overall wellbeing Questions to consider when assembling a truly collaborative healthcare team This episode is educational, empowering, and grounded—designed to help listeners ask better questions and feel more confident advocating for their health, without medical claims or fear-based messaging. Whether you’re managing an autoimmune condition personally or supporting people who are, this episode offers a broader lens on prevention, resilience, and informed choice. Dr. Toni EngramBiological Dentist | Integrative Health CoachFounder, Flourish Dental Boutique www.flourish.dental For Individuals with Autoimmune or Chronic Illness:If this episode resonated and you’re looking for support navigating energy, symptoms, or sustainable routines, explore 1:1 autoimmune health coaching designed to help you feel more supported—not overwhelmed. For Corporate & Organizational Leaders:If your organization cares about employee wellbeing, retention, and long-term performance, learn how autoimmune-aware health education and consulting can support teams managing invisible illness in high-pressure environments. Podcast Support CTA:Follow the show on Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs a more whole-body perspective on health. #AutoimmuneHealth#ChronicIllness#InvisibleIllness#LymeDisease#BiologicalDentistry#IntegrativeHealth#WholeBodyHealth#OralSystemicHealth#WomenInMedicine#HealthAdvocacy#PreventiveCare#WorkplaceWellbeing ⏱️ Episode Timestamps (Listener-Friendly)📣 Calls-to-Action (CTAs)🔎 Hashtags / Keywords (Spotify Search Optimized)

    45 min

  6. Jan 4

    Why Your New Year's Reset Feels Like a Flop Already (And How to Make It Autoimmune-Proof) – Normal Tired or Autoimmune Crash? What to Do When Resolutions Hit Brain Fog

    Three days into January, and your resolutions are mocking you with that wired-tired crash? Snoozing five times, three coffees by 10am, napping in your car, brain fog rereading emails, sound familiar? As a 32-48-year-old high-achiever in marketing, healthcare, or corporate mid-level, I've lived the flop: Normalizing exhaustion, joint pain, bloating, guilt over takeout, snapping at loved ones, and fearing flares cost your career. This episode pierces "everyone's tired" scripts: tired isn't normal, it's common and gives four science-backed tools for real, sustainable shifts without quitting your job or toxic positivity. No bubbly vibes, just hopeful realism fitting your hustle culture. ✓ Tool 1: 8-Min Energy Anchor – Vagus stimulation (Huberman Lab at hubermanlab.com) with hum (like Aerosmith's "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing") and eye trace to calm nerves, dodge 2pm crashes, and cut brain fog.✓ Tool 2: Blood Sugar Balancer – Pair carbs with protein to stabilize energy, end shaky irritability, and reduce flares.✓ Tool 3: Resolution Reframe Script – Shift "push through" guilt to grace (Gabor Maté at drgabormate.com), like closing 47 tabs on 2% battery.✓ Tool 4: Desk Drawer Reset – 5-min doodles for cortisol regulation, turning snaps to steady focus. That crash taught me we're adapting, not failing, let's flare-proof your year. Grab the free Flare-Proof Fresh Start Toolkit (with these tools expanded + planner) here: Fresh Start and Flare Free in 2026 For 1:1 coaching, book at desireewerland.com/privatecoaching. Individuals — Desiree Werland Corporates, email desiree@desireewerland.com for wellness or Employers — Desiree Werland#AutoimmuneWarrior #HashimotosHealing #ChronicFatigue #NervousSystemRegulation #WomenWithAutoimmune #NewYearAutoimmune #InvisibleIllness #ThyroidHealing #AutoimmuneAtWork #BurnoutPrevention

    11 min
  7. From Corporate Life to Elderberry Farming: Immune Boost Secrets with Russell Carter | Stronger Than Autoimmune Podcast

    12/29/2025

    From Corporate Life to Elderberry Farming: Immune Boost Secrets with Russell Carter | Stronger Than Autoimmune Podcast

    Dive into this inspiring episode of Stronger Than Autoimmune featuring Russell Carter, co-owner of Heartland Elderberry Farms in Northern Indiana. Russell shares his journey from corporate America to sustainable farming, growing six varieties of American elderberries for premium immune-supporting syrup, and managing over 450 beehives for raw honey. Explore natural remedies, beekeeping, regenerative practices, and how elderberries aid autoimmune health. Ideal for wellness seekers! About the Guest:Russell Carter is the co-owner of Heartland Elderberry Farms, located in Northern Indiana. Alongside his wife, he has built a vertically integrated farming operation specializing in cultivating six varieties of American elderberries. These nutrient-rich berries are crafted into premium elderberry syrup designed to support immune health. After leaving a career in corporate America, Russell pursued his passion for niche farming, combining innovation with tradition to bring high-quality, natural wellness products to families. In addition to elderberries, he manages a thriving beekeeping operation with over 450 beehives, producing the raw honey that sweetens Heartland’s elderberry syrup. Dedicated to transparency, sustainability, and uncompromising quality, Russell’s work reflects his mission to provide authentic, farm-grown wellness from the heart of the Midwest. Visit their website: https://www.heartlandelderberryfarms.com/ Timestamps:0:00 - From Corporate to Farming: A New Beginning4:26 - The Buzz About Beekeeping: A Sweet Hobby6:51 - Elderberries: A Family Tradition and Health Secret8:55 - The Quality of Elderberry Syrup: A Game Changer11:07 - Personal Experience with Elderberry: A Natural Remedy13:02 - Crafting the Perfect Elderberry Syrup: Ingredients Matter15:17 - Daily Rituals: How to Use17:36 - Sustainable Farming Practices in a Changing Climate21:22 - The Future of Farming: Regenerative vs Organic25:25 - Quality Over Certification: The Heartland Approach27:25 - The Health Benefits of Elderberries29:22 - Podcast Outro About the Host:Dez is the host of Stronger Than Autoimmune Podcast, an advocate for autoimmune disease awareness. She offers private coaching and corporate consulting services to support individuals with autoimmune conditions. Through her solo podcasts and programs, Dez helps people with autoimmune disease in the workforce continue to work and thrive both at home and at work. To learn more about the host: Desiree Werland #ElderberrySyrup #ImmuneBoost #AutoimmuneHealth #SustainableFarming #Beekeeping #RegenerativeAgriculture #NaturalRemedies #ElderberryFarms #PodcastEpisode #WellnessTips #StrongerThanAutoimmune

    30 min

  8. 12/28/2025

    TEASER EPISODE: Real Tools for Autoimmune Women to Feel Better in 2026) – Tired of Year-After-Year "Better But Not Great"? Let's Fix It

    As we head into New Year's, if your resolutions are already fading into that wired-tired crash, hitting snooze five times, chugging three coffees by 10am, napping in your car at lunch, or doom-scrolling "normal TSH but still exhausted", you're not failing! As a high-achieving professional like you, I've lived those flop years: Normalizing brain fog rereading emails three times, guilt over takeout, snapping at your partner, and fearing this invisible illness will steal your career and dignity. This teaser episode pierces those "everyone's tired" scripts: tired isn't normal, it's common and validates your autoimmune signals without shame. No toxic positivity, just two science-backed tools for real, sustainable shifts without quitting your job. ✓ Tool 1: 5-Min Vagus Nerve Anchor – Calm inflammation with a quick inhale-hold-exhale hum (like Aerosmith's "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing") and eye trace to dodge 2pm crashes and shaky irritability.✓ Tool 2: Symptom Reframe Script – Turn "I'm weak" guilt into empowering data, spotting triggers like stress to reduce flares. Pushing through until you can't? I've been there! Let's make 2026 your breakthrough. For the full flare-proof episodes dropping soon, subscribe now. Grab my free Flare-Proof Fresh Start Toolkit at desireewerland.com/newsletter. Ready for 1:1 coaching? Book at Individuals — Desiree Werland Corporates, email desiree@desireewerland.com for wellness to retain top talent or learn more here: Employers — Desiree Werland #AutoimmuneWarrior #HashimotosHealing #NewYearAutoimmune #ChronicFatigue #NervousSystemRegulation #WomenWithAutoimmune #InvisibleIllness #ThyroidHealing #AutoimmuneAtWork #BurnoutPrevention ✓ Tool 1: 5-Min Vagus Nerve Anchor – Calm inflammation with a quick hum and eye trace (Huberman Lab-backed) to dodge 2pm crashes and shaky irritability.✓ Tool 2: Symptom Reframe Script – Turn "I'm weak" guilt into empowering data (inspired by Dr. Mark Hyman), spotting triggers like stress to prevent flares. I've been there—pushing through until I couldn't. Let's make 2026 your turning point. Ready for 1:1 guidance? Visit desireewerland.com/privatecoaching. For corporate support to retain top talent, email desiree@desireewerland.com. #AutoimmuneWarrior #HashimotosHealing #NewYearAutoimmune #ChronicFatigue #NervousSystemRegulation #WomenWithAutoimmune #InvisibleIllness #ThyroidHealing #AutoimmuneAtWork #BurnoutPrevention

    6 min
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About

As an autoimmune warrior myself, I understand living with autoimmunity isn't easy. You are not alone, this podcast is to give hope to living with a chronic illness. I will interview individuals living with autoimmune disease along with experts, and businesses to help provide knowledge, and hope. As a health coach, I understand there is no cure for autoimmune disease but creating small changes like diet, stress management, movement and more can influence on how we feel. Join me to being Stronger than Autoimmune!

Information

  • Creator
    Desiree Werland
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    126
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Desiree Werland
  • Show Website
    Stronger than Autoimmune