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  • Episode 7 - Bedridden: Finding a Way Forward
    2026/10/13

    Being bedridden felt like a prison, and I wouldn’t wish it on anyone.

    Two years ago, I spent nearly every day in a dark bedroom, unable to work, go to school, or do many of the things I loved. My migraines and light sensitivity were so severe that being in a lit room felt unbearable. I rarely left the house, and when I did, it was usually for a medical appointment with my sunglasses on.

    Today, I live independently and co-own a business dedicated to helping others with chronic illness. I couldn’t see any of this at the time.

    In this episode of The Chronic Fighter Podcast, I reflect on what helped me through that difficult season and how small habits that didn’t seem significant in the moment eventually led to meaningful changes in my life. I learned to take life one day at a time rather than worrying about an uncertain future, find little moments of joy, stay connected with friends, respect my limits, move through grief, and lean on my faith. When so much of my day was hard, even one good moment mattered.

    What You'll Hear in This Episode

    • 00:00 - Intro and Highlights
    • 01:26 - My Experience Being Bedridden with Chronic Illness
    • 02:50 - Managing Fear About the Future and Focusing on Today
    • 03:21 - Breaking Overwhelming Challenges into Manageable Steps
    • 05:11 - Finding Joy in the Little Things
    • 06:18 - Staying Connected and Prioritizing Relationships
    • 08:24 - Listening to Your Body and Redefining Productivity
    • 09:42 - The Chronic Fighter Coaching and Membership
    • 11:17 - Processing Grief Without Letting It Consume You
    • 13:21 - Remembering There Is Life Outside of Your Health Struggles
    • 14:16 - How My Faith Gave Me Peace and Hope
    • 15:03 - Finding Your Reason to Keep Going
    • 15:46 - Unexpected Opportunities That Came From Being Bedridden
    • 17:04 - Pick One Small Thing That Feels Possible Today
    • 17:38 - Closing Thoughts and Outro

    Biggest Takeaways

    ✔ Focus on today instead of trying to figure out your entire future. When everything feels overwhelming, focus on what’s possible right now.

    ✔Stay connected in ways that work for your health. Prioritize the things that bring you joy and the relationships where you can be fully yourself.

    ✔ Redefine what productivity looks like for you. Listening to your body can help you work with your energy instead of constantly pushing past your limits.

    ✔ Allow yourself to process grief without letting it take over. It’s healthy to validate your feelings while also knowing there’s more beyond your current situation.

    ✔ Hold onto hope, even when you can't see what's ahead. You may not know where this season is leading, but the small things you do now can shape what comes next.

    Resources Mentioned

    The Chronic Fighter: Health coaching, membership, and additional resources: https://thechronicfighter.com

    Atomic Habits by James Clear: A book about how small, consistent changes can lead to meaningful progress over time:https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits

    Business & Coaching Socials

    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechronicfighterco
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechronicfighterco
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechronicfighterco
    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thechronicfighterco

    Podcast Socials

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

    If You Enjoyed This Episode

    I'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to

    If you’re bedridden, struggling with your health, or feeling uncertain about your future, I hope this episode encourages you to focus on what’s possible for you today.

    Thank you for listening, and I'll see you in the next episode.

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    18 分
  • Episode 6 - The Reality of Invisible Illness
    2026/09/29

    People living with invisible illness often carry challenges others never see.

    In this episode of The Chronic Fighter, I sit down with Signe Libbon, who was diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (RA) at just three years old. For more than two decades, she has navigated chronic pain, surgeries, flare-ups, different medication regimens, and the unpredictability of living with RA.

    From a young age, Signe had to think about how her choices would affect her joints long term. That meant missing out on experiences like playing sports and grieving those limitations, while learning how to listen to her body, stay involved, and keep going after her goals. Signe shares personal stories about the day-to-day realities of RA, including how difficult standing can be and the rest and recovery that may follow an event.

    We also talk about friendships and relationships with chronic illness. Signe shares how she became more open about her health with friends, how much they showed up for her, and how she and her now-husband, Drew, learned to communicate about her symptoms so he could best support her.

    What stands out most in this conversation is the way Signe continues to live with so much joy and gratitude despite everything she has faced. A big part of that perspective comes from the role faith plays in her life.

    What You'll Hear in This Episode
    0:00 Coming Up
    2:10 Meet Signe Libbon
    3:06 Diagnosed With Rheumatoid Arthritis at Age 3
    5:22 Growing Up With RA & Medical Complications
    8:05 Managing Flares & Learning Your Limits
    11:04 The Reality of Invisible Illness
    14:34 Opening Up About Chronic Illness
    18:21 The Daily Impact of RA & Medication
    21:28 What People Don’t See Behind the Scenes
    26:26 Grieving What Illness Limits & Finding Gratitude
    37:07 Friendship, Support & Feeling Less Alone
    43:52 Dating With Chronic Illness
    53:14 PT & Managing RA
    58:44 Faith & Hope with Chronic Illness

    Biggest Takeaways
    ✔ Some chronic illnesses are invisible, making them harder for others to understand.Someone can look okay while still dealing with significant pain or symptoms.

    ✔ Respecting your limitations can help you keep doing the things you love. Accepting your limits doesn’t mean giving up. It means making adjustments so you can still participate in the things that matter to you.

    ✔ Treatment can change over the years. What helps manage chronic illness at one point may not work forever, and finding the right treatment can involve adjustments along the way.

    ✔ Opening up can make invisible illness feel less isolating. Letting trusted people know what you’re really experiencing gives them the opportunity to support you better.

    ✔ Grief and gratitude can exist at the same time. It’s healthy to grieve what chronic illness has changed or taken away while also recognizing and appreciating what you’re still able to do.

    ✔ Chronic illness doesn’t make you less worthy of love. Your person will love every part of you and see what you’ve been through as a source of strength and resilience, not a reason to walk away.

    ✔ There is hope in difficult circumstances. Even when chronic illness brings pain and uncertainty, faith can be a steady source of strength.

    Resources Mentioned
    The Chronic Fighter: Health coaching, membership, and additional resources: https://thechronicfighter.com

    Business & Coaching Socials
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechronicfighterco
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechronicfighterco
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechronicfighterco
    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thechronicfighterco

    Podcast Socials
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechronicfighterpod
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechronicfighterpod
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechronicfighterpod

    If You Enjoyed This Episode
    I’d love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who may need to hear it.

    Chronic illness can feel deeply isolating when so much happens behind the scenes, but opening up and allowing others to support you can make a meaningful difference. As Signe shares, we aren’t meant to do life alone.

    Thank you for listening, and I’ll see you in the next episode.

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    1 時間 7 分
  • Episode 5 - Reducing Medical Anxiety
    2026/09/15

    After years of doctor’s appointments, testing, and searching for answers, I developed a lot of medical anxiety. Certain parts of medical settings became triggers for me: hearing my legal name, getting my vitals taken, sitting under bright fluorescent lights, and wearing a hospital bracelet.

    In this episode of The Chronic Fighter Podcast, I share how I have learned to better support my body and manage medical anxiety so appointments feel more manageable. Rather than simply listing the tools that have helped me, I walk you through the entire experience of a doctor’s appointment, from getting ready at home and driving there to sitting in the waiting room, talking with your provider, and finally coming back home.

    If you ever feel anxious, overwhelmed, or on edge in medical settings, this episode is for you.

    What You'll Hear in This Episode
    00:00 - Intro and Overview of Medical Anxiety
    00:47 - Welcome to The Chronic Fighter Podcast
    02:05 - Common Triggers in Medical Settings
    04:10 - Preparing the Nervous System Before an Appointment
    06:04 - Getting Dressed: Choosing Comfort Over Fashion
    06:24 - Packing a Medical Appointment "Go Bag"
    07:01 - Preparing Your Mindset and Letting Go of the "Medical Mystery" Label
    09:54 - Calming the Nervous System on the Way to the Appointment
    11:14 - Managing Stress During the Appointment and Dealing with Harsh Lighting
    12:37 - Navigating the Check-In Process and Reminding Yourself You Are Safe
    13:26 - Communicating Your History to Providers and Advocating for Yourself
    14:59 - Planning a Post-Appointment Reward
    15:20 - Resetting and Unwinding Once You Get Back Home
    16:17 - Shifting Perspectives on Your Body and Rewriting Your Narrative
    17:11 - The Power of Hope and Closing Thoughts

    Biggest Takeaways
    ✔ Your body can remember difficult medical experiences. Even when you know you’re safe, your nervous system may still react to things it associates with past stress.

    ✔ You can prepare your body before an appointment. Tools like grounding, prayer, breathing, music, rest, or comforting items can help you feel calmer going in.

    ✔ Remind yourself that you are safe during the appointment. If your body starts to feel overwhelmed, use tools that help you feel grounded and regulated in the moment.

    ✔ Give yourself grace during the appointment. You don’t have to remember everything, explain everything perfectly, or have all the answers to the provider’s questions.

    ✔ Focus on what you can control. You can’t control the outcome of the appointment or whether you leave with every answer, but you can advocate for yourself and care for your body throughout it.

    ✔ Your body may need time to reset afterward. Give yourself time to slow down and do what makes your body feel like home after an appointment.

    Resources Mentioned
    The Chronic Fighter: Health coaching, membership, and additional resources: https://thechronicfighter.com

    Business & Coaching Socials
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechronicfighterco
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechronicfighterco
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechronicfighterco
    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thechronicfighterco

    Podcast Socials
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechronicfighterpod
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechronicfighterpod
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechronicfighterpod

    If You Enjoyed This Episode
    I'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

    Whether you’re navigating chronic illness yourself or supporting someone through it, I hope this episode is a reminder of how much connection, understanding, and support matter.

    Thank you for listening, and I'll see you in the next episode.



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    22 分
  • Episode 4 - Navigating Athletics and Friendships with Chronic Illness
    2026/09/01

    What is it really like to navigate chronic illness while being a college athlete, and what is it like to support a friend through it?

    In Episode 4 of The Chronic Fighter, I sit down with two of my best friends and former college soccer teammates, Carly and Syd. They saw firsthand how much my health changed throughout college, from playing collegiate soccer to becoming bedridden.

    We talk about the realities of balancing athletics and chronic illness, learning when to listen to your body, the power of opening up and letting others support you, the fear of being a burden, and what it really looks like to be there for a friend through different seasons.

    This conversation is a reminder that good friends see the person, not just the illness.

    What You'll Hear in This Episode
    01:25 – Welcome and introducing my friends, Carly and Syd
    03:44 – How my health changed from freshman to sophomore year of college
    09:58 – Opening up to my friends about my health
    16:28 – The impact of sharing my story online
    21:15 – How my torn labrum impacted my soccer career and health
    28:14 – How I had to fuel my body to play soccer
    35:45 – Behind the scenes of an athlete with chronic illness
    43:24 – What soccer meant to me
    49:34 – How my friends really felt about my health
    55:07 – Advice on how to support a friend with chronic illness
    1:04:39– What chronic illness has taught us
    1:06:41 – Looking back on our college experiences

    Biggest Takeaways
    ✔ Chronic illness can change from season to season. Your health, abilities, and needs can look completely different at different points in your life.
    ✔ You don’t always know what someone is going through. So much of what it takes to manage chronic illness happens behind the scenes, even when someone looks okay from the outside.
    ✔ Needing support doesn’t make you a burden. You don't have to hide what you're going through because you’re afraid of holding others back. Opening up about your health can help the people closest to you understand and support you better.
    ✔ Wins can look different with chronic illness. On a difficult health day, getting to the kitchen, eating a good meal, making dinner, or finding one small thing that brings you joy can be a win.
    ✔ Supporting a friend doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes the most meaningful support is simply reaching out, listening, and letting someone decide how much they want to share.
    ✔ It’s okay for your passions to evolve. What gives you a sense of purpose may look different throughout each stage of life, but finding something you care about can bring joy and direction, especially when other parts of life feel uncertain.

    Resources Mentioned
    The Chronic Fighter: Health coaching, membership, and additional resources: https://thechronicfighter.com

    Business & Coaching Socials
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechronicfighterco
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechronicfighterco
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechronicfighterco
    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thechronicfighterco

    Podcast Socials
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechronicfighterpod
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechronicfighterpod
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechronicfighterpod

    If You Enjoyed This Episode
    I'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

    Whether you’re navigating chronic illness yourself or supporting someone through it, I hope this episode is a reminder of how much connection, understanding, and support matter.

    Thank you for listening, and I'll see you in the next episode.

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    1 時間 11 分
  • Episode 3 - Understanding PNES: From 3 Seizures a Day to Reclaiming My Life
    2026/08/19
    PNES can be confusing, overwhelming, and scary, especially when you're experiencing symptoms for the first time.In this episode of The Chronic Fighter, I'm sharing my personal experience with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), from experiencing three or more seizures a day to rarely experiencing episodes today. I'll break down what PNES is, how it differs from epilepsy, what was happening in my body during episodes, and the tools and support that played a major role in both my short and long-term recovery. I'll also share what I've learned about navigating unpredictable symptoms without letting them take over my life. While this episode focuses on my experience with PNES, you don't have to have PNES to take something away from this conversation. Many of the concepts I share around nervous system regulation can apply beyond PNES to experiences like dysautonomia (POTS), anxiety, panic attacks, chronic stress, overstimulation, or feeling constantly on edge. This episode is everything I wish I had known when I first developed PNES. I hope it helps you better understand what's happening in your body, gives you practical tools to move forward, and reminds you that you are not alone in this.PNES is real, your symptoms are valid, and there is hope for moving forward.What You'll Hear in This Episode01:26 – What PNES is, the different terms used to describe it, and how it relates to FND03:41 – My first PNES episode and what it was like experiencing multiple long-lasting seizures05:53 – Getting evaluated, EEG testing, and understanding the difference between PNES and epilepsy07:00 – Why PNES is real, valid, and not simply "all in your head"07:44 – Recognizing my symptoms, auras, and early warning signs08:45 – Understanding how both physical and mental stressors can trigger PNES09:37 – Why excitement and positive changes can also overwhelm the nervous system10:40 – What happens in the body during a PNES episode and the role of survival mode11:53 – Why physical regulation can be more helpful than simply trying to "think positive"12:37 – Cold exposure, vagus nerve stimulation, distraction, and other tools I use15:55 – Breathing exercises, staying calm, and changing how we respond to episodes17:05 – Long-term recovery and finding a provider who understands PNES18:52 – Resources for finding PNES specialists19:21 – Addressing underlying health issues, lifestyle habits, and overall stress21:36 – The "stress bucket" analogy and why symptoms aren't always caused by one trigger22:28 – Learning to live my life without letting PNES dictate what I can do24:09 – My experience having PNES in public, while traveling, and at the airport25:31 – Practical safety tips and creating a behavioral response plan26:22 – Final thoughts and encouragementBiggest Takeaways✔ Your symptoms are real. PNES is a Functional Neurological Disorder. Unlike epilepsy, it isn't caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain, but there is a problem with how the brain and nervous system are functioning. ✔ Think of your nervous system like a "stress bucket." Physical and/or emotional stressors can build up over time, and often it’s multiple things adding up until your nervous system reaches its limit and an episode occurs. ✔ How you respond to symptoms matters. Staying as calm as possible and having people around you do the same can help avoid adding more stress to an already overwhelmed nervous system. ✔ Regulation tools can help both in the moment and over time. Tools like cold exposure, breathing, and vagus nerve stimulation can help when symptoms arise and support regulation between episodes. ✔ Find the right support. A provider who understands PNES can help you make sense of your symptoms and create an individualized plan for recovery. ✔ PNES doesn't have to dictate your life. Learning how to safely navigate symptoms while continuing to get out of the house and do the things you love can be a huge part of taking back control. Resources MentionedThe Chronic Fighter - Health coaching, membership, and additional resources: https://thechronicfighter.comNon-Epileptic Seizures - Find PNES providers by state: https://nonepilepticseizures.comFND Hope - Support and resources for Functional Neurological Disorder (FND): https://fndhope.orgNational Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) – Find specialized epilepsy centers for further evaluation and care: https://naec-epilepsy.orgBusiness & Coaching SocialsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechronicfightercoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechronicfightercoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechronicfightercoThreads: https://www.threads.net/@thechronicfightercoPodcast SocialsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechronicfighterpodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechronicfighterpodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechronicfighterpodIf You Enjoyed This EpisodeI'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with ...
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    28 分
  • Episode 2 - Raising a Child with Chronic Illness
    2026/08/15

    Living with chronic illness doesn't just affect the person who's sick. It affects the entire family.

    In this episode of The Chronic Fighter, I'm joined by my parents, Dan and Missy, to share our family's story from all three perspectives.

    For more than 20 years, they walked beside me through unanswered questions, countless doctor's appointments, hospital visits, and years of being told my symptoms were "just anxiety." We reflect on what it was really like navigating a healthcare system that couldn't see the full picture, the lessons we learned along the way, and why our journey inspired us to create The Chronic Fighter.

    We'll also talk about why purpose became such an important part of my healing, how we learned to navigate uncertainty, and the advice we'd give to both families and young people living with chronic illness today.

    If chronic illness has impacted your life, or the life of someone you love, this episode is for you.

    What You'll Hear in This Episode
    01:26 – Welcome and introducing my parents, Missy and Dan
    03:08 – My health journey and how my diagnoses finally connected
    06:57 – Navigating the healthcare system, functional medicine, and becoming my own advocate
    22:39 – The biggest misconceptions about my health, PNES, and nervous system tools
    28:13 – Why soccer and maintaining normalcy became such an important part of my healing
    30:35 – What my parents were going through behind the scenes and the emotional toll
    36:00 – Overcoming isolation, finding support, and building a community
    42:31 – Living with uncertainty, taking things one step at a time, and focusing on what we can control
    45:53 – Why my anxiety was misunderstood, handling academic pressure, and removing the "Type A" label
    49:49 – Managing missed school, accommodations, and communication with teachers
    54:45 – What changed when I finally stopped hiding my chronic illness and embraced my story
    59:56 – Advice for parents, caregivers, and young people living with chronic illness
    1:03:59 – Why we created The Chronic Fighter and our shared mission to help others

    Biggest Takeaways
    ✔ Chronic illness impacts the entire family. It’s just as important for caregivers to have a support system, as it is for the child.
    ✔ Trust yourself when advocating for your health or your child’s health. You know your situation and needs better than anyone else.
    ✔ Helping your child find their passion is vital for building an identity beyond their illness, and having a reason to get out of bed every day.
    ✔ Healing isn't linear. Flares and setbacks are part of the journey, and learning to respond to them without panic can keep one hard day from feeling like you’re starting over.

    Resources Mentioned
    The Chronic Fighter: https://thechronicfighter.com

    Business & Coaching Socials
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechronicfighterco
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechronicfighterco
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechronicfighterco
    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thechronicfighterco

    Podcast Socials
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechronicfighterpod
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechronicfighterpod
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechronicfighterpod

    If You Enjoyed This Episode
    I'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it.

    Whether you're living with chronic illness yourself or walking alongside someone who is, I hope this episode reminds you that you don't have to navigate this journey alone.

    Thank you for listening, and I'll see you in the next episode.

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    1 時間 11 分
  • Episode 1 - Chronic Illness Doesn't Have to Control Your Life
    2026/08/05

    For as long as I can remember, chronic illness has been part of my life.

    I've experienced everything from debilitating stomach pain and migraines to fainting episodes and non-epileptic seizures. For years, I felt alone, misunderstood, and unsure if I'd ever be able to live the life I dreamed of.

    But here's what I've learned:
    Your diagnosis does not define your future.

    In this very first episode of The Chronic Fighter, I'm sharing some of my story, why I started this podcast, and the mission behind creating a space for teens and young adults living with chronic illness.

    We'll talk about what it really means to become a "chronic fighter", not by pushing harder or ignoring your body's needs, but by learning to work with your body so you can build a meaningful life alongside chronic illness.

    If you've ever felt like life is on hold until you finally get answers, this episode is for you.

    What You'll Hear in This Episode
    00:00 – Welcome to The Chronic Fighter and my mission
    02:32 – Why I started this podcast
    03:49 – My personal journey living with chronic illness since birth
    05:34 – Why I created The Chronic Fighter coaching community
    07:20 – Why I stopped hiding my health struggles
    08:14– The trap of "destination addiction" and waiting for life to begin
    09:12 – The advice from my aunt that gave me the confidence to start this podcast
    10:19 – What you can expect from future episodes (solo episodes & guest interviews)
    11:21 – The three lessons I wish I'd learned sooner about living with chronic illness
    12:08 – Upcoming episodes and what's next

    My Three Biggest Lessons
    ✔ There will never be a perfect time. Life doesn't begin after healing, it happens alongside it.
    ✔ Self-trust matters more than having all the answers. You don't need permission to begin living your life.
    ✔ Being a fighter doesn't mean pushing through pain. It means learning how to support your body while continuing to pursue the life you want.

    What's Coming Next
    I'll be bringing you a mix of solo episodes and conversations with incredible guests who understand the realities of living with chronic illness from different perspectives.

    In the next few episodes, we'll explore:
    Raising a Child with Chronic Illness: Our Family’s Story
    Understanding PNES: From 3 Seizures a Day to Reclaiming My Life
    Navigating Friendships with Chronic Illness

    As the podcast continues, we'll cover topics including:
    Reducing medical anxiety
    Nervous system regulation
    Personalized nutrition
    Managing chronic illness flares
    Navigating the healthcare system
    Purpose and identity beyond chronic illness
    Practical tools to reclaim control

    Resources Mentioned
    The Chronic Fighter: https://thechronicfighter.com
    Jebeh Edmunds (Cultural Consulting): jebehedmunds.com

    Business & Coaching Socials
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechronicfighterco
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechronicfighterco
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechronicfighterco
    Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thechronicfighterco

    Podcast Socials
    TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thechronicfighterpod
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechronicfighterpod
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechronicfighterpod

    If You Enjoyed This Episode...
    I'd love for you to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who could use this reminder:
    You don't have to wait until you're healed to start living your life.

    Every small step forward matters, and I'm so grateful you're here. I can't wait to continue this journey with you.

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    13 分