Episode 4: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

#4 Anti-Inflammatory Eating: How Gut Health Impacts Arthritis with VJ Hamilton

In this episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes registered nutritionist and autoimmune expert VJ Hamilton to explore the critical role of nutrition and gut health in managing arthritis. With a background in biochemistry, immunology, and nutritional therapy, VJ shares practical, evidence-based strategies to help reduce inflammation for happier joints.

Exploring her own journey with autoimmune disease and those of her clients, VJ details how dietary choices, nutrient density, and gut microbiome balance influence inflammation, fatigue, and joint pain. She also shares inspiring case studies of clients who have transformed their health through anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle changes.

Topics covered:

• VJ’s personal autoimmune journey and how it's shaped her career
• The link between gut health, leaky gut, and arthritis symptoms
• How bacteria imbalances and oxalate buildup can contribute to joint inflammation
• Anti-inflammatory nutrition essentials: omega-3s, polyphenols, and more
• Foods and lifestyle habits to limit: sugar, ultra-processed foods, and alcohol
• The power of small, sustainable changes for long-term symptom relief
• Case study: a client with rheumatoid arthritis who became symptom-free
• Practical tips for observing gut-related issues and supporting your immune system through nutrition

About the podcast:

With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, the podcast will feature expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.

Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.

Emily is a bestselling author, founder of Live Well with Arthritis, and creator of Arthritis Foodie.

Episode Links:

Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist

VJ Hamilton @theautoimmunitynutritionist:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theautoimmunitynutritionist/?hl=en
• Website: https://theautoimmunitynutritionist.com/
• Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Bl4s4oGo8j6OlhzPHNISF

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodie
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie/

Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

Episode 3: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

#3 Understanding Modern Pain Science: From Nociception to Self-Management

In this insightful episode, host Emily Johnson sits down with NHS chronic pain consultant and lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr Deepak Ravindran to explore the evolving science of chronic pain, and what it means for people living with arthritis today.

Drawing from the latest pain research and real-life case studies, Deepak explains how our understanding of pain has evolved — it’s not just a physical signal, but a complex, brain-generated protective experience that can be influenced through a whole-person, lifestyle-integrated approach combining medical care with nutrition, sleep, movement, stress management, and more.

Topics covered:

• The modern distinction between nociception and pain, and why this matters in arthritis
• How immune and nervous system interactions can amplify pain sensitivity
• The “wear and repair” mindset: why joints can still heal and adapt at any age
• A five-pillar framework for calming inflammation and improving function
• Rethinking medications: their benefits, limits, and role within integrative care
• The importance of self-management, realistic timelines (12 weeks–6 months), and sustained behaviour change
• Case study: a woman with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis who regained control through small, structured changes in lifestyle

About the podcast:

With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, the podcast will feature expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.

Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.

Emily is a bestselling author, founder of Live Well with Arthritis, and creator of Arthritis Foodie.

Episode Links:

Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist

Dr Deepak Ravindran @DrDeepakRavindran:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdeepakravindran/?hl=en
• Website: https://deepakravindran.co.uk/
• Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pain-Free-Mindset-Control-Overcoming-Chronic/dp/1785043390/

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodie
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie/

Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

Episode 2: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

#2 From Flares to Fitness: How @anotherdaywithra Moves with RA

For the second episode of The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast, host Emily Johnson sits down with Ali DiGiacomo, certified personal trainer, advocate, and influencer known as @anotherdaywithra, who lives with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Ali shares how she went from limited mobility to coaching others with chronic illness. From living, training, and traveling with RA, to breaking medication stigma and finding strength through movement. Her inspiring story proves that arthritis doesn’t mean the end of activity, but the start of moving differently to support our health.

Topics covered:

• Early experiences with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and years of misdiagnosis
• Transitioning from limited mobility to becoming a personal trainer
• Building community and using social media to reduce isolation and share honest, balanced perspectives (and that viral video!)
• The role of movement in improving stiffness, energy, and mood, with an emphasis on accessibility and modification
• Addressing medication realities, stigma, and why it's not 'one-size-fits-all'
• Her strategies for traveling while managing medications
• Tips for partners, friends, and family to better support someone with arthritis
• How online advocacy and connection has made an impact
• Key takeaways on integrating practical routines, positive mindset, and community

About the podcast:

With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, the podcast will feature expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.

Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.

Emily is a bestselling author, founder of Live Well with Arthritis, and creator of Arthritis Foodie.

Episode Links:

Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist

Ali DiGiacomo @AnotherDaywithRA:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anotherdaywithra/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anotherdaywithra?lang=en
• Website: https://www.anotherdaywithra.com/

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodie
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie/

Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie