Hi guys! Long time no see! (or hear). I recorded this episode from bed during a chronic illness flare, and I'm so glad I did! I had been wanting to talk about OCD for a while now, as it is something I have been dealing with for around 2 years. This episode is for anyone with OCD, PANS, PANDAS, or even just extreme anxiety who wants to better manage their condition. This is an amalgamation of everything I've learned over the past few years: what helped, what didn't, and how I coped, and I'm in a much better place now than I was when my OCD first onset! Particularly useful for those with other health conditions like hEDS, MCAS, PMDD, etc...

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

In honor of Thank You Public Health Day, here are five public health updates you should know! This episode was recorded over a month ago. Although a temporary funding bill was passed and signed into law on November 12, 2025, ending the government shutdown, many of the issues we discuss are still very real. In this episode, we talk about what was happening at the time and why these problems continue to matter.

We cover federal spending concerns, rising healthcare premiums, ongoing disability discrimination, food security challenges, and other public health issues that affect everyday Americans.

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

Welcome to The Sick Gaze Podcast! In this episode, we time-travel through centuries of wild medical myths, questionable “treatments,” and deeply rooted biases that have shaped women’s healthcare as we know it.

From the ancient idea of the “wandering womb” to Victorian “hysteria cures,” to the rise of douching ads and eugenics-fueled clitoridectomies, this episode dives into the bizarre and often horrifying ways women’s bodies have been misunderstood, medicalized, and controlled. We talk about how tuberculosis once became fashionable (“consumptive chic”), why doctors thought cycling caused bicycle face, how midwives were demonized as witches, and how childbirth shifted from community-centered care to sterile hospital rooms.

The three of us - Molly, Tayler @distaaybled, and Amy @amyrosaliee - are all chronically ill women who’ve experienced medical dismissal firsthand. So we decided to dig into the history that built the biases we still face today. Our conversation moves through time and theme, connecting the dots between superstition, sexism, and the modern medical system.

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

Hi everyone, and welcome to this quick episode. I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and share some of my journey with chronic illness. I live with rheumatoid arthritis and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, two conditions that have touched almost every part of my life. For me, illness hasn’t just been about navigating symptoms, treatments, or doctors’ offices. It’s been about confronting the larger systems of ableism and sexism that shape how people are seen, treated, and valued.

Living in a body that doesn’t always cooperate has forced me to redefine what makes me worthy: not productivity, not being “easy” or “convenient,” but the inherent value I hold as a person. That hasn’t been an easy lesson. It’s been a process of learning through frustration, sadness, resilience, and the slow unlearning of the belief that my worth is tied to how well I can perform for others.

By sharing my story, I aim to contribute to the ongoing development of this platform, fostering open and honest conversations about illness, identity, and care. This podcast is about making space for the messy truths of living with chronic conditions, and also about the power we find in telling our stories and building community.

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

In this episode, I sit down with medical writer Hailey Hudson, who first began experiencing symptoms of hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in her teens. By her twenties, her condition had progressed to the point where she could not eat without extreme pain, nausea, and fullness. She reflects on navigating a healthcare system that too often dismisses young women with GI issues as anxious teenagers rather than recognizing them as patients in need of genuine and urgent medical care. Hailey’s story underscores her resilience and her determination to forge a life shaped by both entrepreneurship and advocacy—pursued not only in spite of, but also because of, the limitations imposed by chronic illness. You can learn more about Hailey and her work at https://thehardworkingcreative.com/ or check her out on linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/atlantahealthcarewriter/

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

For years, Ada Port moved through the healthcare system without a diagnosis, despite living with persistent and life-altering symptoms.  Without a clear explanation, it was difficult to speak about her experience, especially when her pain was often minimized or overlooked by providers. Amid her deteriorating health and the absence of a diagnosis, Ada felt lost and confused, like the foundation of her sense of self was shattered. Ada made a promise to herself: once she had answers, she wouldn’t stay silent.

In this episode of The Sick Gaze, Ada shares her diagnostic journey through Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, endometriosis, and visceroptosis, even sharing the shocking reaction following her provider's order for her to do a Beighton Scale Exam at a young age. She reflects on what it means to live for years in the absence of medical clarity, and how gaining a diagnosis gave her the language and authority to begin advocating, not only for herself, but for others. 

Now a medical student, Ada is helping shape a more inclusive future for people with disabilities and those living with chronic illnesses in medicine, from both sides of the exam room. 

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

In today's episode, I sit down with Erica Falco, a woman living in Long Island, NY, with multiple chronic illnesses that greatly affect her daily life, including endometriosis, hEDS, POTS, MCAS, and gastroparesis. In this inspiring and heartfelt discussion, Erica elucidates the importance of building a strong support system, citing patience and resilience as key components of her method of managing and healing from her chronic illnesses. She gives "a love letter to the undiagnosed", remembering how alone and directionless she felt while searching for quality healthcare. She talks about how to find that team of providers who WILL give you the care you deserve, and how to foster hope when it feels like it's just too much.

Erica wants to build a community of spoonies supporting each other, so follow along on her journey on Instagram at @ericaafal

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

In this episode of The Sick Gaze, Tayler Goectau and I, Molly Dickerson, break down the alarming lawsuit filed by 17 states against Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act—a crucial civil rights protection for disabled people. We discuss why 504 matters, how it impacts everyone (not just disabled folks), and the motivations behind this legal attack. More importantly, we explore the dangerous implications if this lawsuit succeeds and what we can do to fight back through collective action.

📢 Get informed and take action:
📝 Read more about the lawsuit and its consequences:

• Distaaybled on Substack (you can find a script to call/email your legislators here as well)
• AAFA: Lawsuit’s Impact on Asthma & Food Allergies
• Texas Attorney General’s Complaint
• DREDF’s Call to Protect 504

✊ Contact your representatives and demand they protect 504:
🔗 Find Your Representative

Now is the time to act—our rights depend on it.

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

In the kickoff episode of Season 3 of the Sick Gaze, I sit down with Tayler Goectau.

Tayler (she/her) is a young, thin, white woman with medium-length brown hair who is in her 20s and navigating life as a Deaf, Disabled, and Autistic woman. After experiencing neglect, medical gaslighting, and lack of access to quality healthcare and accessibility growing up, she is now a Disability and Accessibility Advocate through her online platform, @distaaybled. She is passionate about raising awareness for conditions such as Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and comorbidities, rare diseases, and endometriosis while living with a permanent ostomy bag and learning how to thrive in a world not made for disabled and neurodivergent people. Tayler is always striving to break the stigma surrounding disabilities and expand conversations about accessibility. 

In today’s conversation, we explore Tayler’s journey of self-advocacy in healthcare and the power of claiming space. We discuss the challenges of navigating a world that deems her “not disabled enough” for certain accommodations while simultaneously making it impossible to meet the relentless demands of hustle culture. Tayler shares the unseen responsibilities of managing a chronic illness, the emotional and logistical toll of self-care, and the resilience required to push back against a healthcare system that often dismisses women’s pain. We also dive into the importance of speaking up—even when it’s uncomfortable—and the strategies she’s developed to ensure her voice is heard. 

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

In this episode of The Sick Gaze, Amy Weintraub shares how hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) has shaped much of her young adult life. She opens up about the difficulty of surgery after surgery as a young person, the emotional weight of adjusting expectations for both herself and those around her, and the challenges of navigating a healthcare system that often fails to listen to young women. From college struggles to self-advocacy, Amy’s story is one of resilience, adaptation, and the pursuit of a life that honors both ambition and limitation.

Follow Amy as she shares her chronic illness journey on Instagram @amyrosaliee

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

Why is women’s pain so often dismissed, downplayed, or outright ignored? In this special episode of The Sick Gaze, I’m sharing an episode I co-hosted with Emily Currey for WHAT IFF: Intersectional Feminist Futures, where we dive into the long and troubling history of how women’s pain has been misunderstood and mistreated in medicine. The special guest of today's episode is Dr. Sandra Slater, a professor of history and sexuality studies at the College of Charleston. You'll remember her from her previous episode on the podcast, S2 E2: Hard Truths about Chronic Illness, Vulnerability, and Escaping the Victim Mindset.

From the ancient concept of the “wandering womb” to modern-day medical gaslighting, we explore how gender bias, hysteria diagnoses, and systemic failures have shaped the experiences of women and people assigned female at birth seeking care. We also discuss the real-world consequences of this dismissal—delayed diagnoses, inadequate treatment, and the ongoing fight to be believed.

If you’ve ever had a doctor brush off your symptoms or felt like you had to prove your pain was real, this episode is for you. Let’s break down the history, challenge the narratives, and push for a future where all pain is taken seriously.

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

In this episode of The Sick Gaze, we sit down with Bek Meyers, a resilient nonbinary advocate navigating life with cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS), scoliosis, and frequent joint dislocations that Bek believes may be Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Bek shares their deeply personal journey, from the trauma of being dismissed during their first ER visit to the lasting impact of medical distrust and their avoidance of healthcare.

We dive into the realities of living with a rare and under-researched illness like CVS, highlighting the systemic gaps that leave patients feeling overlooked and unsupported. Bek candidly discusses the immense pressure to meet school, work, and friendship obligations while managing chronic pain and unpredictable symptoms.

Listeners will gain insights into how Bek copes during CVS episodes and practical ways to support those living with chronic illness. We also explore broader themes of healthcare reform and the urgent need to prioritize the experiences of people with rare and invisible disabilities.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to better understand chronic illness, build empathy, and advocate for a more inclusive healthcare system.

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

In this episode of The Sick Gaze, we talk with Alexis Bennett, a biracial woman living with lupus in the South. Alexis shares her journey of navigating the complexities of chronic illness while advocating for herself in a healthcare system that often overlooks women of color and young people. From recognizing red flags in medical settings to finding her voice during appointments, Alexis offers insights on how she champions her own care. Together, we explore the intersections of identity, geography, and chronic illness, and how Alexis transforms these challenges into strategies for self-advocacy. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on resilience, representation, and reclaiming agency in healthcare.

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

In this episode of The Sick Gaze, Caitlin Edahl shares her journey of living with Hashimoto’s and Graves’ disease and how it’s reshaped her understanding of health and self-care. Caitlin reflects on how when she was growing up, she internalized societal stigmas around needing help and viewed illness as something that happened to “other” people. Growing up with a home-remedy, Christian background where conversations about sickness weren't common and the belief in self-reliance was deeply rooted, she found herself hesitant to acknowledge her own health challenges. Since her recent diagnosis of these two conditions, she’s had to navigate the emotional weight of challenging stigmas and learning to prioritize her needs.

Caitlin talks about the physical and mental health effects of her conditions, from managing panic attacks to working through feelings of being a burden. She opens up about the journey of embracing herself as she is—food accommodations, medications, and all—and unlearning the idea that speaking up about her health means being “too much.”

This is a warm, thoughtful conversation about breaking free from internalized shame, embracing your truth, and finding strength in the process of healing.

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

In this episode, we sit down with MM Kibby, a non-binary college student navigating life with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) in Charleston, SC. MM shares the unique challenges they face on campus as someone who uses mobility aids, exploring the concept of dynamic disability.

Dynamic disability refers to a condition that can fluctuate in visibility and impact, meaning that some days may require the use of mobility aids, while others may not. MM opens up about the noticeable shift in how people perceive them based on whether they are seen with or without a mobility aid, highlighting the complex social dynamics and misunderstandings that often accompany invisible disabilities.

We also discuss MM’s relationships and how they navigate expectations—both from others and themselves—as they adapt to life with chronic illness. They share insights into mindset shifts and the self-acceptance journey, illustrating what it means to live authentically while facing ongoing health challenges. This episode offers a powerful reflection on resilience, self-advocacy, and the nuanced realities of dynamic disability.

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

In this episode of The Sick Gaze Podcast, I sit down with Shyla Hernandez, a 21-year-old Hispanic woman navigating life with an undiagnosed neuromuscular condition that brings stroke-like symptoms: mobility challenges, gastrointestinal issues, cognitive difficulties, and more. Shyla shares her journey through the healthcare system in Florence, where she faces repeated dismissal, often seen as just a "young, anxious woman." Together, we explore the challenges she faces not only due to her age and appearance but also because of racial biases that impact her credibility as a patient. Shyla opens up about the painful reality of needing accessibility devices despite not "looking sick" and the gaslighting she endures that makes her doubt her own experiences.

We discuss the exhausting balance of looking “well enough” to be presentable but not so well that her illness is discredited, and the frustration of feeling she can’t express emotion in appointments without it being used against her. Join us for an honest, compassionate conversation about the intersections of gender, race, and invisible illness in a healthcare system that too often overlooks marginalized voices.

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

In this episode of The Sick Gaze, I sit down with Lindsay Wasserman, a resilient 19-year-old navigating life with erythromelalgia and hypermobility. Lindsay shares her experiences as a college student managing chronic pain and physical limitations, all while striving for the “normal” college experience. She highlights the power of meaningful friendships, discussing how friends, even if they don’t fully understand her pain, can learn to recognize and respond to her needs in challenging moments. Lindsay’s story offers a profound perspective on the importance of empathy, patience, and adaptability in supporting loved ones with chronic illness.

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

YOUR CHRONIC ILLNESS FAIRY GODMOTHER HAS ARRIVED!!!!! In one of the most REAL episodes yet, I sit down with Dr. Sandra Slater, a professor of history and sexuality studies at the College of Charleston living with a variety of genetic chronic illnesses that have affected her throughout her whole life. Sandra shares her deeply personal story with many painful conditions, outlining her diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome as a teenager when she showed up to the doctors office with a full chest of hair. The stigma of gender nonconformity left her in shame spirals until she broke free of this mindset and has since embraced the beauty and unique nuances of her body and self. Reframing her sense of self from a "sick person" to a "person with sickness", she reveals how she has managed to break free of what she felt was a limiting mindset to embrace the true diversity of her life. In todays discussion, Sandra skillfully walks us along the line between vulnerability and individual responsibility, as well as grieving the old self versus living in self-pity. She takes us on her journey of acceptance for life's challenges and hardships, letting go of the common "martyr complex", and learning the self-validation that leads to empowerment. 

Thank you to Sandy for a great episode. This is SO relatable for us chronically ill folks, and I wish you were around as my chronic illness fairy godmother when I was first diagnosed!

NOTE: We do speak about female sexuality in this episode! ahhh scary! (Age warning: not for children's ears!) 

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

WELCOME TO THE FIRST EPISODE OF SEASON 2 OF THE SICK GAZE!!! So glad you're still here! In our kickoff episode of the new season, we are joined by Ezri Burton, a 19 year old woman living with vasovagal syncope and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, AKA POTS. Ezri shares her story of going from "gym girl" to living with condition that prevents her from being able to run a mile without nearly (or actually) passing out, and how she's been able to reclaim that athlete identity with a new and more inclusive perspective. Dealing with frequent medical dismissal of being told "all young girls deal with that because they are anxious", Ezri has had to cultivate resilience and learn how to advocate for herself to get the care she deserves and needs. Listen to this episode to hear some tips and tricks for managing POTS, friendships, and navigating healthcare. 

Resources: 
PUTTING AN END TO POTS PROGRESSION blog:
https://puttinganendtopotsprogression.com/my-full-story-defining-pots/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAaYGtqhjOS6lsCQtgQFjunaHNaNEi_nAlLTus_j26kvbQ9zn_oTrOXiCgPw_aem_8KRYfnU4uXbeWZDeU_0crw

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

In this powerful TENTH EPISODE (woot woot) of the Sick Gaze Podcast, I sit down with the incredible Juliet Hawkins for an illuminating discussion on living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, POTS, and mast cell activation syndrome. As both a CV nurse and a patient with chronic illnesses, Juliet offers a unique and valuable perspective on the critical importance of self-advocacy in healthcare.

We explore the value of strong friendships while dealing with chronic conditions,  highlight the necessity of speaking up and asking for what you need, and how important it is for providers to LISTEN TO THE PATIENT. Juliet provides keen insights into the often-overlooked patient experience, particularly in teaching hospitals where strict adherence to textbooks can overshadow the real-world needs of patients.

Join us as Juliet shares her compelling journey, offers strategies for effective self-advocacy (there are some REALLLYYYY GOOD tips in this episode) , and underscores the significance of truly listening to patients. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of navigating healthcare with chronic illnesses.

LINKS/RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Book: Taming the Zebra, its much more than hypermobility by Patricia Scott and Heather Purdin
- Link to presentation on EDS and vocal cord dysfunction: https://youtu.be/da0r6HZ7qHs?si=q2F6rFzIntPDYM0y

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

On today's episode of The Sick Gaze Podcast, we delve into the complex and often misunderstood world of endometriosis. Joining me today is the knowledgeable and resilient Endometriosis warrior, Amy Lainhoff, a 41 year old woman living in Charleston. Together, we uncover the pervasive medical misinformation surrounding this wildly under-researched and underfunded chronic condition. Amy shares her expertise and personal experiences, shedding light on the realities of living with endometriosis, the challenges in obtaining an accurate diagnosis, and the myths that continue to hinder effective treatment. Amy spent 12 years searching for a diagnosis and receiving the typical gynecological "treatments" that actually made her endometriosis SO MUCH WORSE. Navigating us in detail through endometriosis care pathways, Amy wants to save other people from the consequences of medical misinformation. As a mom, Amy speaks about hope and setting a strong model for her girls, as she is aware that this is something that could be present for them as well.  This episode aims to empower listeners with accurate information and advocate for better awareness and care for those affected by endometriosis. Truly a must-listen, don't miss this vital conversation on breaking down barriers and confronting the truth about endometriosis. This is truly a crucial listen for anyone suffering from endo, anyone who knows someone in chronic pain, and healthcare providers of every field and specialty. 

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

In this thought-provoking episode, we delve into the intricate realities of living with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) as a college student. Our guest today, Elise Mclain, grapples with the daily intricacies of this unseen illness,  sharing her journey through fluctuating heart rates, tachycardia, palpitations, and the persistent anxiety of discerning POTS symptoms from potentially life-threatening events.

We unravel the emotional and physical toll of managing a condition that eludes visible detection, focusing on the complexities of forming and nurturing relationships amidst such challenges. Our guest articulates the isolation of being in a stage of life where peers, professors, and even medical providers struggle to grasp the gravity of her condition.

The discussion extends to the vexing phenomenon of medical dismissal, where our guest recounts encounters with healthcare professionals who minimize her symptoms or do not fully respect POTS as a diagnosis. This narrative underscores broader issues surrounding the misconceptions and diagnostic hurdles often faced by individuals with invisible illnesses.

Join us for an enlightening dialogue that underscores resilience and the unrelenting need for self-advocacy. This episode serves as an invaluable exploration for those seeking deeper insight into the intricacies of POTS and the profound impact of unseen illnesses on the lives of young women.

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

Get ready for a no-holds-barred episode of The Sick Gaze! This time, I'm sitting down with the incredible Chardonnay Brown, a 37-year-old woman living with endometriosis, hypermobile ehlers-danlos syndrome, interstitial cystitis, pelvic floor dysfunction, and a whole cocktail of chronic conditions. And joining her for the ride is her awesome husband, Dan Brown.

Chardonnay doesn’t shy away from the tough stuff. With her signature blend of humor and rawness, she dives into the nitty-gritty of patient-doctor relationships, grappling with trauma, and battling mental health struggles that come with chronic illness. We talk about the absurdity of medical gaslighting, the controversy and stigma around opioid use, and how society weaponizes weight and appearance against those with invisible illnesses.

Char’s fierce spirit and raunchy sense of humor keeps the conversation lively and real. She and Dan walk us through their life managing a full time job: chronic illness! Char opens up about finding new perspectives on life after loss and learning to let go of old expectations.

Tune in for a hilarious, heartfelt, and unfiltered chat with Chardonnay and Dan Brown. It’s an episode you won’t want to miss – raw, real, and full of the resilient spirit that defines living with chronic illness.

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

In this episode of the Sick Gaze Podcast, I sit down with Stephanie Pittman, a 40 year old woman living with ankylosing spondylitis. A revolutionary and telling episode, Stephanie and I closely examine power dynamics influencing the patient-doctor relationship that limit space for openness, transparency, and healing. Stephanie's intelligence and vulnerability shines light on the damaging effects of racist and sexist medical stigmatizing on patient self-esteem.  Quote Stephanie: "I dismiss myself so that they can't dismiss me." We also explore ways to work around this, how to resist safely, and how to say no! Truly a favorite episode of mine, so thank you Stephanie! 

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

In this episode of the Sick Gaze, Olivia and I discuss all types of relationships, from partners to employers to physicians, and the benefits and trials of navigating each when factoring in chronic illness. We discuss medical dismissal and invalidation, and how to still hold on to hope. Olivias lighthearted sense of humor and heartwarming candor makes this episode a great one! Please enjoy. 

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

On this episode of the Sick Gaze, with special guest Diane Carroll, we dive deep into the complexities of chronic illness. We dissect what it means to live a "normal" life, allowing us to take a closer look at how often we define ourselves by what we do, not who we are. Referencing her experiences with lupus, Diane graciously and hilariously guides us through self-acceptance and embracing the diversity of rich lived experiences. Diane shares the deep challenges of living with lupus, kidney disease, and a kidney transplant, as well as encourages others to break free of the shame associated with disability. She shows us, along with all of the other amazing participants of this podcast, that through chronic illness, there can be suffering as well as liberation. We also examine racial disparities in kidney disease evals and treatments in the SC Lowcountry and the broader context of racial injustice in healthcare. Diane's resilience inspires us all to "just keep showing up". 

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

In this episode of The Sick Gaze, I sit down with Sarah Klotzbach, a young woman living in the South Carolina Lowcountry who is navigating life with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia syndrome, and Mast Cell Activation disorder.  Sarah guides us through her day-to-day life, sharing her relatives' understanding of illness from a devout Christian background, gender roles when living with illness, what productivity means when you're sick, and the performance of femininity and disability. We unravel the intricacies of power dynamics in the patient-doctor relationship, examining how these dynamics shape the healthcare experience for individuals with chronic conditions. She offers a candid exploration into the intersections of health, gender, and faith. I truly loved talking with Sarah, and this episode has a special place in my heart. Her honesty and emotion were so healing for me and for the younger version of me, who really needed to hear this at the time. 

Prepare to gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted challenges that individuals with chronic illnesses face, as we navigate through Sarah's story with empathy, compassion, and a commitment to fostering a more inclusive and understanding society.  For more from Sarah, follow @lovethyselfcollective on Instagram and LoveThyselfBySarah on Etsy. 

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

Welcome to the second episode of The Sick Gaze podcast! On this compelling journey, we embark on a mission to shatter the silence surrounding invisible illnesses, amplify patient stories of enduring chronic pain, and dismantle the barriers within healthcare that disproportionately affect them. Today's guest is the wonderful Sydney Severance, a 19 year old Charlestonian, College of Charleston student, and activist living with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, gastroparesis, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, and Dysautonomia. In this candid but lighthearted conversation with Sydney, she shares her history of illness, starting from being a totally healthy high school athlete to living in a dark room with no stimulus for years. Together, we dive into the complexities of societal perceptions of disability and how to manage changing friendships when people do not understand your life anymore. Sydney skillfully guides us through the nuances of living with illness when it's both invisible and visible, dealing with body image, and frankly, her gratitude and knowledge shine through. I really enjoyed doing this episode and speaking with Sydney. Through all of her loss and hardship, she has created purpose and a space for healing for others, not to mention she is just a lovely soul to be around!! Tune into this enlightening episode of The Sick Gaze to gain a deeper understanding of the invisible battles faced by many and to join the conversation on reshaping societal perceptions of chronic illness.

Follow @operationupright for more of Sydney's content!

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok! 

Welcome to the very first episode of The Sick Gaze podcast! On this compelling journey, we embark on a mission to shatter the silence surrounding invisible illnesses, amplify patient stories of enduring chronic pain, and dismantle the barriers within healthcare that disproportionately affect them. Today's guest is the amazing Alyssa Nickles, an artist from Charleston, SC, living with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Mast Cell Disease, and craniocervical instability. In this thought-provoking episode, join our candid conversation with Alyssa, who shares her personal experience living with a chronic illness. Together, we delve into the complexities of how society perceives and understands illness when it remains hidden from plain view and attempt to conceptualize disability from a different perspective. Alyssa skillfully guides the discussion through the nuances of living with an invisible illness, exploring the impact on mental health, relationships, and identity. She recounts instances where her symptoms were downplayed or overlooked by medical professionals, sparking a crucial conversation about the need for increased awareness and empathy within the healthcare system. Tune in to this enlightening episode of The Sick Gaze to gain a deeper understanding of the invisible battles faced by many and to join the conversation on reshaping societal perceptions of chronic illness.

Take care of your spoons! 
If you're interested in being interviewed for this podcast or want to let me know your thoughts on this episode, email me at thesickgaze@gmail.com and follow @thesickgazepod on Instagram and Tiktok!