Made Visible

I moderated a panel discussion at ReelAbilities Film Festival on The Quiet Epidemic, an eye-opening film about Lyme disease that highlights the emotional toll of patients’ journeys with the illness and the scientific facts of the disease.  During the panel I spoke with the film’s Emmy-winning producer Chris Hegedus, who helped the directors bring this topic to light, 19-year-old Julia Bruzzese, a patient with Lyme disease featured in the film who bravely shared her story because she knew it could help other patients, and Julia’s dad, Enrico Bruzzese, who has been her caregiver and biggest supporter. This episode also includes my recent conversation with past guest and the film’s executive producer, Ally Hilfiger, who talks about her own Lyme story and how important it was for the film to include both real, digestible science and a patient’s story for viewers to connect with. The Quiet Epidemic reminds us how important it is to educate about a devastating tick-borne disease like Lyme, which is growing more and

Author and patient advocate Ilana Jacqueline experienced medical gaslighting from a young age. At age 19 she was diagnosed with Hypogammaglobulinemia, a rare immunodeficiency.  While navigating young adulthood with an invisible illness, Ilana also faced lots of medical gaslighting, encountering doctors who shamed her out of seeking care. Ilana has devoted her career to patient advocacy. Through her work, as well as public speaking, social media, and writing books (Surviving and Thriving with an Invisible Chronic Illness, and the upcoming Medical Gaslighting: A Guide to Help You Recognize It, Prevent It, and Fight For Your Life) Ilana helps patients survive and thrive with chronic illness, and spot and combat deadly medical gaslighting. If you have experienced medical gaslighting, you’re not alone, and Ilana is in your corner.   For more information about Ilana Jacqueline, visit our website at madevisiblestories.com/podcast Please note: This podcast is intended to provide information and education and is not i

Melissa is a functional fitness instructor, photographer, and Lupus warrior. After living her whole life in pain, Melissa was finally diagnosed with Lupus in 2006. She began a variety of treatments that helped combat her symptoms, but the physical and mental toll of pain and treatment left Melissa in a place of exhaustion, depression and self-pity. A few years later, Melissa shifted gears and adopted an approach to managing her pain that included nutrition and lifestyle changes, as well as medical observation when needed. Melissa also shifted her mindset, creating obtainable goals, avoiding all-or-none thinking, and listening to her body. Melissa has drawn from her transformation to build a career in holistic nutrition and wellness, helping her clients embrace their individuality and be in charge of their own stories. For more information about Melissa Coulier, visit our website at madevisiblestories.com/podcast Please note: This podcast is intended to provide information and education and is not intended to

Akiva Zablocki is a former healthcare consultant and the founder of the Hyper IgM foundation. When Akiva’s son Idan was just eight months old, he was diagnosed with Hyper IgM, an incredibly rare genetic mutation that severely compromises the immune system. After three years of diligent research and advocacy, Akiva and his wife were able to obtain a life-saving bone marrow transplant for Idan. Through this experience, Akiva connected with other Hyper IgM patients and their families all around the world, as well as many doctors and immunologists working to help those patients. This growing community led Akiva to found the Hyper IgM Foundation, which has become a much-needed way for patients and families to connect and share resources that were previously so difficult to find for such a rare illness. Akiva continues to work tirelessly to support his fellow Hyper IgM families and help them feel less alone. For more information about Akiva Zablocki and his family’s journey, visit our website at madevisiblestories.

Join me for a very special episode where I sit down with my best friends, Melissa Aives and Danielle Scaramellino, as we reflect on a life-changing moment eleven years ago when I underwent a life-threatening surgery, introducing my friends to a world of uncertainty about my health.  Despite our close bond, they had never witnessed this side of me, leading to an adjustment and redefinition of our friendship. Discover the power of vulnerability, the importance of asking for support, and the lessons we've learned about adapting, prioritizing health, and building a strong support system. This heartfelt episode is a testament to the enduring strength of true friendship and the growth that comes from understanding and compassion. For more information about Melissa Aives and Danielle Scaramellino visit our website at madevisiblestories.com/podcast Please note: This podcast is intended to provide information and education and is not intended to provide you with a diagnosis or treatment advice. You should consult with

Jamie Nicole is a highly regarded certified health coach dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through complementary medicine and holistic health lifestyle changes. Her passion for health and wellness was sparked when she witnessed the transformative power of holistic health in her own life.  After being diagnosed with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and later fighting for a narcolepsy diagnosis, Jamie became aware of the lack of representation and access to support for BIPOC individuals with autoimmune conditions. Determined to make a difference, she started engaging in conversations and leading the way for BIPOC individuals suffering from debilitating symptoms. Her story offers hope, understanding, and inspiration to anyone facing similar health challenges while shedding light on the experiences and limitations that many BIPOC individuals encounter on their healing journeys. For more information about Jamie Nicole visit our website at madevisiblestories.com/podcast Please note: This podcast is int

Kate Milligan is an Emmy-nominated producer, writer, speaker, storyteller, and founder of 1 Girl Revolution: a multimedia platform dedicated to highlighting the authentic stories of everyday women and girls who are changing the world through their lives. Diagnosed with Job’s Syndrome at a young age, Kate faced years of uncomfortable symptoms that doctors couldn't identify or treat. However, with her mother's unwavering advocacy and self-directed research into dietary solutions, Kate found her path to improved health and confidence. Join her as she explores the power of determination, community support, and limited resources, highlighting the unique impact of conditions like Job’s Syndrome and the personal nature of healing journeys. For more information about Kate Milligan visit our website at madevisiblestories.com/podcast Please note: This podcast is intended to provide information and education and is not intended to provide you with a diagnosis or treatment advice. You should consult with a licensed or re

Dr. Truong is a pulmonary and critical care trained physician with 12 years of experience as assistant professor at Emory Midtown Hospital. Since August of 2020, he and Dr. Adviteeya Dixit have been running the Emory Post-COVID clinic where they care for patients with lingering symptoms from their COVID infection.   Dr. Truong’s passion for helping people get the care they deserve and recover from post-COVID physical and mental symptoms is undeniably inspiring. To provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic, he further explores the distinctions between long COVID, active COVID, and other medical diagnoses, as well as avenues for seeking both conventional and alternative medical treatments.. Dr. Truong acknowledges the importance of celebrating the fact that we saved more lives than we lost.  For more information about Dr. Alex Truong visit our website at madevisiblestories.com/podcast Please note: This podcast is intended to provide information and education and is not intended to provide you with a di

Marina Khidekel created Hugimals World, a TIME Best Inventions- winning line of weighted stuffed animals that "hug you back" to ease anxiety and bring calm. Prior to becoming a founder, Marina was a health & wellness journalist. She previously worked at Arianna Huffington’s workplace well-being enterprise SAAS startup Thrive and held senior editorial roles at Women’s Health, Glamour and Cosmopolitan. She openly discusses the strategies she employed to manage her mental wellness while launching her brand. While starting a business inevitably presents numerous difficulties, the experience ultimately strengthens both the entrepreneur and the business itself.   For more information about Marina Khidekel visit our website at madevisiblestories.com/podcast Please note: This podcast is intended to provide information and education and is not intended to provide you with a diagnosis or treatment advice. You should consult with a licensed or registered healthcare professional about your individual condition and ci

Erica Domesek, founder of P.S. - I Made This and ELD Creative discusses mental health struggles, creative inspiration, and the support systems needed to navigate tough times. Erica reflects on her eating disorder in college and her experience with postpartum depression, ADHD and anxiety, emphasizing that recovery and support may look different for everyone. She talks about her journey from the fashion industry to creating her DIY lifestyle brand  and appearing on The Today Show, Rachael Ray, The Martha Stewart Show, E! News, and many others to encourage people to get creative with the items in their own home. She also talks about the importance of therapy and medication, finding the right care team and how daily routines can help manage anxiety.   For more information about Erica Domesek visit our website at madevisiblestories.com/podcast   Please note: This podcast is intended to provide information and education and is not intended to provide you with a diagnosis or treatment advice. You should consult with

Melissa Bernstein, co-founder of Melissa & Doug, discusses her struggles with existential depression and how she uses writing and creating to cope. She also talks about the importance of embracing all emotions, utilizing daily practices for resilience, and creating her latest company, Lifelines, to help people be more present and get more in touch with their senses and emotions.      For more information about Melissa Bernstein and Lifelines, visit our website at madevisiblestories.com/podcast   Please note: This podcast is intended to provide information and education and is not intended to provide you with a diagnosis or treatment advice. You should consult with a licensed or registered healthcare professional about your individual condition and circumstance. This podcast aims to change the conversation around invisible illnesses, and we need your help! Support our mission by sharing this episode and leaving a review! Join the conversation and connect with us online!   Website: madvisiblestories.com

A brief reminder about Mental Health Awareness Month and the tribute to my friend, Phil Kohn.    Join the monthly Made Visible Writing Session on May 24th here. 

We’re 3+ years into the COVID-19 pandemic and it’s impossible to deny that life still doesn't feel quite the same as pre-pandemic. We’re all saddled with the trauma of a life-threatening illness, the isolation and fear we experienced. In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, clinical psychologist Dr. Michelle Chung helps us navigate this new world in a healthier way. In this episode, Dr. Chung discusses the many hidden traumas people incurred during the pandemic, including losing relationships, worsened social skills, and of course, the long-term effects of all the stress and emotions. She shares some of the coping strategies she uses with her patients, as well as some great advice for processing trauma and stress in other parts of life.   For more information about Dr. Chung and Psychology In Practice, visit our website at madevisiblestories.com/podcast.   Please note: This podcast is intended to provide information and education and is not intended to provide you with a diagnosis or treatment advice. You

Surely we’ve all heard someone say, “Oh, I’m so OCD!” at least once in our lives. But what is it really like to live with this clinical diagnosis? How is everyday life managed, and how often does it affect people and their ability to live an uninterrupted, fulfilled life? In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, Allison Raskin, noted podcaster, writer, and mental health advocate, joins the podcast this week to shed light on these questions. As a content creator, Allison has been able to share her methods and experiences in hopes of supporting to those who are feeling lost or misunderstood as a result of mental illness.    For more information about Allison and her journey, visit our website at madevisiblestories.com/podcast.   Please note: This podcast is intended to provide information and education and is not intended to provide you with a diagnosis or treatment advice. You should consult with a licensed or registered healthcare professional about your individual condition and circumstance.   This podcast

This episode provides an in-depth look into my life navigating a rare primary immunodeficiency, Hyper IgE Syndrome after ten years of not being diagnosed and almost three decades of hiding my condition. I share all the bumps along the way to launching Made Visible, and the how and why behind the show.    For more information about my journey, what I'm up to next, or to sign up for writing classes, visit our website at madevisiblestories.com/podcast.   Please note: This podcast is intended to provide information and education and is not intended to provide you with a diagnosis or treatment advice. You should consult with a licensed or registered healthcare professional about your individual condition and circumstance.    Support our mission by sharing this episode and leaving a review! Join the conversation and connect with us online! Website: madvisiblestories.com Facebook: madevisiblestories Instagram: @madevisiblestories

Dating on an app is challenging. But have you experienced dating on mainstream apps while also living with a disability, chronic, or invisible illness? After disclosing that she was disabled on mainstream dating apps, Jacqueline Child would often be ghosted and disappointed in the dating experience. Jacqueline and her sister Alexa decided it was time to develop Dateability, an app that eliminates the worry of being misunderstood, ghosted, or berated with questions, focusing instead on a user base that is inclusive and informed. In this episode, Jacqueline and Alexa speak about the importance of launching their app together, the value they each provide and why they think it’s so important to create opportunities for people with disabilities and invisible illnesses to safely connect.   For more information about Jacqueline and Alexa's venture, visit our website at madevisiblestories.com/podcast.   Please note: This podcast is intended to provide information and education and is not intended to provide you with

Almost all of us will assume a caregiving role for a close loved one at some point in our lives. When is the correct time to start mentally preparing? Do you think you'd feel comfortable administering treatments that deeply affect your loved one's quality of life? How do these people balance caregiving and their careers? Kate Washington, author of Already Toast: Caregiving and Burnout in America provides insight into the world of caregiving. Kate details her experience as a caregiver to her ill (former) husband, and explains the sheer number of caregivers in the United States; how to introduce systemic policies to benefit these overworked, often struggling people; and to offer advice to those who have already experienced burnout.    For more information about Kate Washington and her experience, visit our website at madevisiblestories.com/podcast   Please note: This podcast is intended to provide information and education and is not intended to provide you with a diagnosis or treatment advice. You should cons

Have you ever tried meditation to help manage chronic pain? After realizing that meditation, mindfulness, and compassion practices are transformational in how we relate to what is happening to us, Dr. Christiane Wolf found a passion in teaching it to others. Internationally known as a Mindfulness and Insight Meditation teacher, she explains the connection between chronic pain and mindfulness and how it can help people who are silently struggling. Through her years of education and experience with the mind-body connection, she believes that everyone can benefit from the practice of mindfulness, regardless of their background or current struggles.   For more information about Dr. Christiane Wolf and her journey, visit our website at madevisiblestories.com/podcast   Please note: This podcast is intended to provide information and education and is not intended to provide you with a diagnosis or treatment advice. You should consult with a licensed or registered healthcare professional about your individual conditi

In this episode, Dr. Stella Safo, a board-certified HIV primary care physician and the founder of Just Equity For Health, talks about healthcare redesign and equity. She discusses her personal journey into healthcare and how her commitment to social justice led her to found her company. She also dives into the stigma surrounding HIV and chronic illnesses, and the work she's done to advocate for equitable care delivery across all sectors of medicine. Join us as we explore Dr. Safo's journey to becoming a healthcare advocate and her dedication to making healthcare accessible for all.   For more information about Dr. Stella Safo and Just Equity For Health, visit our website at madevisiblestories.com/podcast   Please note: This podcast is intended to provide information and education and is not intended to provide you with a diagnosis or treatment advice. You should consult with a licensed or registered healthcare professional about your individual condition and circumstance.   Support for this episode comes from

Step into the life of Isaac Zablocki as he shares his personal journey of living with dysgraphia - a neurological condition that affects one’s ability to write. Isaac opens up about how his experience with dysgraphia has helped shape his professional career as the co-founder of ReelAbilities, a groundbreaking film festival that celebrates the talents of people with disabilities and champions for their representation on screen.   For more information about Isaac and ReelAbilities, visit our website at madevisiblestories.com/podcast   Please note: This podcast is intended to provide information and education and is not intended to provide you with a diagnosis or treatment advice. You should consult with a licensed or registered healthcare professional about your individual condition and circumstance.   Join the next Made Visible Writing Class! An 8-week writing class for people living with or affected by invisible illness. Write, share and connect with others in a safe and supportive space. This class will also