The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune

April Aramanda, Invisible Illness Club
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The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune

Are you struggling to stay positive and hopeful when dealing with your chronic illness? Has your illness impacted your relationship with family and friends? Are you struggling to find balance in your everyday life? In this podcast you will find real life solutions for stopping the cycle of overwhelm, communicating with the people in your life, and hope and encouragement to keep going despite your illness. My mission is to help you feel seen and heard in your day to day struggles, your community, and see yourself the way God sees you. Hi, I’m April. A wife, mom, and Jesus lover. I tried to make my life with an invisible illness fit into what my life used to be. I quickly realized that if I was going to have to live with a chronic illness, I needed to find a way to enjoy life again. I needed to breathe hope and life back into myself through learning how to live with my new reality, communicate with those around me, and see myself the way God sees me. If you are ready to learn how to live a hope filled life with your chronic illness, this podcast is for you! Grab your cup of coffee and listen in.

Episodes

  1. 4D AGO

    010 What to Do When You’re Sick on Top of a Chronic Illness

    In this episode of The Invisible Illness Club, we’re talking about the absolute worst combo—getting sick on top of your chronic illness. I’m sharing what it felt like when I got COVID this past February (spoiler: it was brutal), why being “extra sick” hits so much harder when you already live with limited energy, and what to actually do when you’re stuck in survival mode. We’re talking real rest, low-energy self-care, and the emotional toll no one talks about. Plus, I’m pointing you to my free Self-Care Toolkit—because sometimes brushing your teeth is the win. Memorable Quotes: “Rest isn’t giving up. Rest is resisting the pressure to perform when your body is screaming for help.” “Rest is my sport. I’m excellent at it. But this? This was emergency-response rest. Don’t-move-unless-the-house-is-on-fire rest.” “Being sick on top of chronic illness is hard in a way that most people just don’t get. But I do.” Links: Grab your copy of the Self Care Toolkit here Purchase my favorite grabber tool here Follow me at: Instagram: instagram.com/the_invisibleillnessclub TikTok: tiktok.com/@theinvisibleillnessclub Facebook: facebook.com/theinvisibleillnessclub Website: www.theinvisibleillnessclub.com

    8 min

  2. JUN 10

    009 Pilates for Chronic Pain and Recovery: Jessica McGarvey’s Journey from Injury to Empowerment

    What happens when the body you’ve always relied on breaks down? Jessica McGarvey knows this journey intimately. A former professional dancer turned Pilates instructor, Jessica opens up about her herniated disc injury, the long road to recovery, and how that season deepened her empathy for clients navigating invisible illness and postpartum healing. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain or struggling to find a movement practice that feels safe, this episode is packed with grace-filled wisdom, practical encouragement, and hope that healing is possible—even if it looks different than you planned. Memorable Quotes: I want each client to have a positive body movement experience when they come in to see me. I had very grandiose ideas of what recovery would look like—then I had to have a reality check. Pilates meets you where you are. I feel like my body’s had therapy after every session. Links: Jessica's website https://movewellfitness.co Her FB https://www.facebook.com/jessicamcgarveypilates Her Insta https://www.instagram.com/jessicamcgarveypilates Book a Discovery Call https://movewellfitnessllc.as.me/schedule/87161cd1

    26 min

  3. JUN 3

    008 Chronic Illness is a Full-Time Job (And That’s Why I Said No)

    If you’ve ever felt guilty for saying no, this one’s for you. Let’s talk about why living with chronic illness is a full-time job—and how setting boundaries can save your energy (and your sanity). Plus, I’ve got a brand-new resource to help: The Boundaries Reset Workbook. Memorable Quotes: “Chronic illness is a full-time job—with no PTO, no weekends, and no cupcakes in the break room.” “You don’t need to justify your no. Protecting your energy is reason enough.” “Your boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re survival. Especially when your body is already doing the most. Links:  📘 The Boundaries Reset Workbook – Download Now 👉 Your 5 star review helps us shine!: Apple Podcast or Spotify 📲 Come say hi on Instagram @the_invisibleillnessclub   Follow me at: Instagram: instagram.com/the_invisibleillnessclub TikTok: tiktok.com/@theinvisibleillnessclub Facebook: facebook.com/theinvisibleillnessclub Website: www.theinvisibleillnessclub.com

    6 min

  4. MAY 27

    007 Reclaiming Joy with Chronic Illness: Nicole Roth on Healing Hashimoto’s, Setting Boundaries, and Restoring Your Health

    In this episode, I’m joined by Nicole Roth—a Health Restoration & Joy Coach and longtime autoimmune warrior—who shares how she reclaimed her health and joy after years of living with Hashimoto’s. We talk about the power of mindset, the role of boundaries in healing, and how faith and nervous system regulation helped her shift from seeing herself as “sick” to stepping into her God-given purpose. This conversation is honest, hopeful, and filled with practical wisdom for anyone navigating life with chronic illness. Memorable Quotes: It seems so simple, but moving my body was one of the most profound things that happened to me. It gave me hope. And hope is everything. I didn’t even know I had shame until I realized every issue I was dealing with was rooted in it. You’re not alone. You’re not crazy. You didn’t make this stuff up. There is hope for a new tomorrow. Vulnerability in a safe space breaks shame like nothing I’ve ever seen. Links: nicoleroth.com https://www.facebook.com/sheabidesinjoy https://www.instagram.com/sheabidesinjoy https://www.youtube.com/@sheabidesinjoy Being the Beloved (Nicole's book) www.revelationwellness.org (Nicole recommends this resource for faith-based fitness and healing.) Unashamed by Christine Cane (The book that helped Nicole realize how deeply shame was affecting her health and relationships.)

    35 min

  5. MAY 20

    006 Running a Business from Bed with Chronic illness

    Let’s get real: not all entrepreneurs start their day with a latte and a color-coded calendar. Some of us start it from bed—with heating pads, pill bottles, and a to-do list that flexes with our energy. In this episode, I’m sharing how I run a business while managing chronic illness, why “business as usual” doesn’t work for spoonies, and how to create a work rhythm that honors your body. If you’ve ever felt like you can’t be both sick and successful, this episode will remind you—you absolutely can. Memorable Quotes: “My bank doesn’t care if I earn money from bed. Neither do my customers.” “You don’t need to wait until you feel better to start.” “You might be building something beautiful from a place of pain. But it’s still yours. And that’s freaking powerful.” Links Mentioned: Kit.com (Tools I use to run my business from bed) 👉 https://partners.kit.com/h70utcpvblfb   ClickUp (My task management ride-or-die)👉 https://bit.ly/42rOX80 Tailwind (Pinterest + Instagram scheduler I swear by)👉 https://tailwind.sjv.io/QO3yOx   Follow me at: Instagram: instagram.com/the_invisibleillnessclub TikTok: tiktok.com/@theinvisibleillnessclub Facebook: facebook.com/theinvisibleillnessclub Website: www.theinvisibleillnessclub.com

    5 min

  6. MAY 13

    005 When Your Labs Scare You: Navigating Kidney Issues with Chronic Illness

    I know this wasn’t the most uplifting episode—but I also know how lonely it feels to sit with scary lab results, unanswered questions, and a body that’s just not cooperating. So if you’re there right now too, please know: I see you. You’re not broken. You’re not failing. And you don’t have to face the unknown alone. Whether your kidneys are flaring, your labs are off, or your energy is hanging by a thread—you still belong here. You’re still worthy of rest, support, and softness. Memorable Quotes: I don’t have a bow to tie on this episode—just a body that’s tired, a heart that’s scared, and a voice that refuses to stay silent. You can be scared and strong at the same time. You can cry in the car and still keep showing up. This is the part of chronic illness no one prepares you for—the waiting, the worrying, the wondering if your body is betraying you. Links: 📥 Free Resource – The One-Minute Gratitude Practice (That Won’t Drain Your Energy): https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com/gratitude 📥 Free Resource – Rest & Refocus Workbook: https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com/rest 📰 Join The Unseen Sisterhood Newsletter: https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com/newsletter

    4 min

  7. MAY 6

    004 Grieving the Life You Had

    Today’s episode is for the ones who miss their old selves—the energetic version who stayed out late, made spontaneous plans, and didn’t have to count spoons just to take a shower. Chronic illness brings a grief that no one prepares you for. It’s not linear, it’s not loud—but it’s real. We talk about what this grief looks like, why it comes in waves, and how to cope with a life that looks nothing like you imagined. You are not failing—you’re adapting. And that’s powerful. Memorable Quotes: “You don’t have to be in mourning to be mourning. Grieving a version of yourself is still grief." “You’re not rebuilding your old life. You’re creating a new one—with wisdom, softness, and strength you didn’t ask for but absolutely have.” “Just because your life looks different doesn’t mean it’s less. You’re not failing—you’re adapting. That’s survival. And it’s dang impressive.” Links: Grab your copy of the Self Care Toolkit here Check out the website Follow me at: Instagram: instagram.com/the_invisibleillnessclub TikTok: tiktok.com/@theinvisibleillnessclub Facebook: facebook.com/theinvisibleillnessclub Website: www.theinvisibleillnessclub.com

    6 min

  8. APR 29

    003 Lonely but Not Alone: The Hidden Isolation of Chronic Illness

    Ever felt completely alone, even in a room full of people? This episode is all about that invisible ache—loneliness that isn’t about being physically alone, but about not feeling understood. When you’re living with a chronic illness, especially one others can’t see, that kind of isolation can run deep. I’m sharing a personal story that hit me hard and offering a few gentle, real-life ways to cope when you feel unseen. You are not too sensitive. You’re not dramatic. You’re human—and you deserve real connection. Memorable Quotes: “Loneliness isn’t always about being alone—it’s about not feeling understood.” “You deserve real connection—not just company. Not just people in the room, but people who actually see you and get you.” “I see you. And you belong here.” Links: Join The Unseen Sisterhood newsletter   Follow me at: Instagram: instagram.com/the_invisibleillnessclub TikTok: tiktok.com/@theinvisibleillnessclub Facebook: facebook.com/theinvisibleillnessclub Website: www.theinvisibleillnessclub.com

    5 min

  9. APR 22

    002 Finding Joy Through Gratitude

    In this episode, we’re talking about the power of gratitude—not as toxic positivity, but as a tool to find hope and joy even on the hardest days. You’ll learn how gratitude rewires your brain, helps shift your focus, and creates space for both the pain and the good. 💛 Memorable Quotes: “Hope and joy feel so out of reach sometimes. But gratitude doesn’t mean pretending everything’s fine or ignoring your pain. It can be both/and.” “Your brain already has a VIP list of everything that sucks. Gratitude reminds it, ‘Hey, there’s still some beauty here, too.’” “Living with a chronic illness is no joke—but you don’t have to walk through it without joy.” Follow me at: Instagram: instagram.com/the_invisibleillnessclub TikTok: tiktok.com/@theinvisibleillnessclub Facebook: facebook.com/theinvisibleillnessclub Website: www.theinvisibleillnessclub.com

    6 min

  10. APR 22

    001 Living with Chronic Illness: My Story & Why I Started This Podcast

    In this first episode, I share my journey to getting diagnosed with Ankylosing Spondylitis and Fibromyalgia after years of being dismissed. I also talk about why I started The Invisible Illness Club Podcast and what you can expect—real, honest conversations about chronic illness, faith, and finding joy in the hard moments. You’re not alone here! Memorable Quotes: Finally! Someone was taking me seriously and it wasn't even at my own appointment! We’re in this together, and I can’t wait to walk this journey with you. Links: Join The Unseen Sisterhood newsletter Follow me at: Instagram: instagram.com/the_invisibleillnessclub TikTok: tiktok.com/@theinvisibleillnessclub Facebook: facebook.com/theinvisibleillnessclub Website: www.theinvisibleillnessclub.com

    8 min

  11. SEASON 1 TRAILER

    Welcome to the Invisible Illness Podcast

    Are you feeling overwhelmed, unseen, or just plain exhausted from navigating life with a chronic illness? You’re not alone, and this podcast is here to remind you of that. Welcome to The Invisible Illness Club Podcast, a space where your struggles are acknowledged, your wins (big or small) are celebrated, and real-life solutions meet hope and encouragement. In this first episode, I’m sharing what you can expect from the podcast, a little of my own journey with chronic illness, and how faith, boundaries, and a little bit of humor have helped me find joy along the way. If you’re ready to stop feeling invisible and start living a hope-filled life—grab your favorite drink and listen in. 🔗 Subscribe to the podcast

    1 min

Trailer

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out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Are you struggling to stay positive and hopeful when dealing with your chronic illness? Has your illness impacted your relationship with family and friends? Are you struggling to find balance in your everyday life? In this podcast you will find real life solutions for stopping the cycle of overwhelm, communicating with the people in your life, and hope and encouragement to keep going despite your illness. My mission is to help you feel seen and heard in your day to day struggles, your community, and see yourself the way God sees you. Hi, I’m April. A wife, mom, and Jesus lover. I tried to make my life with an invisible illness fit into what my life used to be. I quickly realized that if I was going to have to live with a chronic illness, I needed to find a way to enjoy life again. I needed to breathe hope and life back into myself through learning how to live with my new reality, communicate with those around me, and see myself the way God sees me. If you are ready to learn how to live a hope filled life with your chronic illness, this podcast is for you! Grab your cup of coffee and listen in.

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