EpiccaTalks — Episode #1: What Is An Invisible Illness? + What I Learned When My Invisible Illness Was Made Visible

Welcome to the very first episode of the EpiccaTalks podcast, a show for anyone navigating daily life with an invisible illness. In this episode, host Cassie introduces herself, the podcast's mission, and lays the foundation for Season 1.

In this episode:

• The host of EpiccaTalks, Cassie, introduces herself and shares her personal journey with Lyme disease
• What exactly is an "invisible illness"? A breakdown of the definition and examples; from chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, lupus, and Lyme, to chronic migraines, POTS, MCAS, Crohn's, endometriosis, and long COVID, as well as mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD (and how these conditions often overlap)
• A personal story from summer 2023: after a two-week hospital treatment for Lyme disease, Cassie began walking with a cane as a precaution, and experienced firsthand how people's treatment of her changed once her illness became visible
• Reflections on why invisible illnesses deserve their own conversation, and what people with these conditions wish others understood

Release schedule: New episodes every other week on Fridays, 5:00 PM GMT / 9:00 AM PST

Connect: Follow @epiccatalks on Instagram for guest announcements, and share your own story via DM or comment.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical, mental health, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual circumstances.