This week, co-hosts Sophia and Bernadette take you inside Sophia’s third year at Headache on the Hill, a biannual advocacy event where patients, neurologists, researchers, and headache advocates travel to Washington, D.C. to meet directly with lawmakers and push for stronger federal migraine and headache policy!

In this episode, we share and react to powerful stories from 15 inspiring advocates that Sophia interviewed at Headache on the Hill. From a high school student fighting for the next generation facing migraine and a cluster headache patient navigating an often invisible condition, to a trigeminal neuralgia advocate and her dedicated partner, each voice highlights the strength and diversity of the headache community.

You’ll also hear expert insights from neurologists on how to access the right diagnosis and care, plus the life-changing wisdom that helps keep our community strong, supported, and, of course, Chronically Peachy!

Timestamps

00:00 — Welcome & intro to Chronically Peachy

00:43 — What is Headache on the Hill?

01:56 — The migraine funding gap & why advocacy matters

03:03 — This year's three legislative asks: Headache Act, Safe Step Act & Connect for Health Act

04:10 — Advocate stories: Keely, Isabella, Heather & Sharon

06:50 — Reflecting on hope, grief & finding purpose in pain

09:54 — Hearing from the medical community: Dr. Baha, Dr. Barbara & Isaac

11:35 — Reframing self-blame & the migraine threshold

14:07 — Migraine beyond head pain: nervous system dysfunction

16:28 — Beyond migraine: spotlight on all headache disorders

17:29 — Advocate stories: Michael (cluster headache), Lisa & Chris (trigeminal neuralgia)

20:01 — Caregiving, navigating the ER & intersectional barriers to care

22:15 — No place for Pain Olympics: every story belongs

24:26 — Life-changing advice from advocates: Alicia, Christy, Jacqueline, Mandy & Montana

26:08 — Learning to say no without apologizing

28:44 — Cheryl's chronically peachy secret: her "sugar honey iced tea" playlist

30:00 — Sophia reflects on her favorite moments from the event

31:43 — How to get involved with Headache on the Hill (in person & virtually)

33:10 — Outro & where to find us

Follow us on social media

🎙 Chronically Peachy IG: @chronicallypeachypod

✨ Bernadette’s IG: @ChronicAccounts

✨ Bernadette’s TikTok: @ChronicAccounts

✨ Bernadette’s Threads: @ChronicAccounts

🍑 Peachy Day website: www.peachyday.co

🍑 Peachy Day TikTok: @peachyday.co

🍑 Peachy Day IG: @peachyday.co

Music: honey jam by massobeats