Chronic Boss Unfiltered is the podcast where ambition meets women’s health. Hosted by Lilly Stairs—two-time founder and three-time autoimmune patient—this show dives deep into what it really takes to build a business or climb the career ladder while living with chronic illness. Each week, Lilly sits down with powerhouse women who are chasing big dreams while navigating flare-ups, fatigue, and everything in between. Expect raw, unfiltered conversations that move from the hospital bed to the boardroom, giving you both inspiration and practical insights to balance health and ambition.
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Chronic Boss Unfiltered is the podcast where ambition meets women’s health. Hosted by Lilly Stairs—two-time founder and three-time autoimmune patient—this show dives deep into what it really takes to build a business or climb the career ladder while living with chronic illness. Each week, Lilly sits down with powerhouse women who are chasing big dreams while navigating flare-ups, fatigue, and everything in between. Expect raw, unfiltered conversations that move from the hospital bed to the boardroom, giving you both inspiration and practical insights to balance health and ambition.
Turning Pain Into Punchlines: Life As A Comedian With Type 1 Diabetes with Ivana Bonetti
Chronic Boss Unfiltered
30 minutes
2 weeks ago
Turning Pain Into Punchlines: Life As A Comedian With Type 1 Diabetes with Ivana Bonetti
“I make fun of it on stage. I call it the “Betes”. The pump doesn’t wear me—I wear the pump.”
In this hilarious and heartfelt episode of Chronic Boss Unfiltered, host Lilly Stairs sits down with Ivana Bonetti, Italian-American stand-up comedian, storyteller, and proud Type 1 diabetic. A Boston native from the North End, Ivana brings her sharp wit and resilience to the stage—transforming her chronic illness into comedy gold.
Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at 17, Ivana’s world shifted overnight. What began as a medical challenge became the foundation for her humor, advocacy, and perspective on life. From growing up in a food-loving Italian family to performing at legendary venues like the Laugh Factory and Apollo Theater, Ivana shares how she’s turned her “sweet” condition into a superpower.
Together, Lilly and Ivana dive into the healing power of laughter, the importance of representation in chronic illness spaces, and how comedy can bridge the gap between vulnerability and empowerment. This episode is a beautiful mix of humor, heart, and hard-earned wisdom—proof that even life’s toughest moments can be punchlines in disguise.
What You’ll Learn:
How Ivana transformed her Type 1 diabetes diagnosis into comedic inspiration
The cultural role of food in her Italian-American upbringing—and how she navigates it with diabetes
Why support from family and community is essential for chronic illness management
How humor builds resilience and breaks down stigma
The lessons chronic illness teaches about adaptability, identity, and authenticity
Why embracing your story—messy parts and all—can empower both you and your audience
What it means to be a Chronic Boss when your life literally depends on balance
Timestamps:
(00:00) – Introduction: Meet Ivana Bonetti, comedian, storyteller, and Chronic Boss. (04:47) – Navigating Life with Type 1 Diabetes: Diagnosis, shock, and self-discovery. (10:08) – From Medicine to Microphone: The career pivot that changed everything. (14:54) – Building a Comedy Career: Finding her voice, her audience, and her punchlines. (19:54) – Living with Diabetes: Daily management and emotional resilience. (25:00) – Comedy as Advocacy: Turning medical moments into laughter and awareness. (30:11) – The Secret Sauce of a Chronic Boss: Humor, heart, and unshakable grit.
Connect with Ivana:
✨Instagram
✨Tik Tok
✨Youtube
Connect with Chronic Boss:
🖤 chronicboss.com🖤 Instagram🖤 LinkedIn🖤 TikTok
Connect with Lilly:
🖤 lillystairs.com🖤 LinkedIn🖤 Instagram
Chronic Boss Unfiltered
Chronic Boss Unfiltered is the podcast where ambition meets women’s health. Hosted by Lilly Stairs—two-time founder and three-time autoimmune patient—this show dives deep into what it really takes to build a business or climb the career ladder while living with chronic illness. Each week, Lilly sits down with powerhouse women who are chasing big dreams while navigating flare-ups, fatigue, and everything in between. Expect raw, unfiltered conversations that move from the hospital bed to the boardroom, giving you both inspiration and practical insights to balance health and ambition.
