What does it really take to compete as an athlete while living with a chronic illness? In this episode of The Healing Chronicles, Amanda sits down with Katie fresh off her competition at the ATHX Games in Birmingham. They explore the unique challenges and lessons that come with balancing chronic illness, training & performance and how movement can become a powerful form of medicine when approached with self-awareness and compassion. 🔑 In this episode, you’ll hear about: Katie’s experience...

In this candid, laugh-filled Q&A episode, we’re answering your questions—everything from how we met and started the podcast, to the hardest parts of living with Crohn’s and colitis that most people never see. We get real about: The invisible emotional toll of chronic illness (and the mindset shifts that change everything)The one piece of advice we’d give our younger selves after diagnosisDaily habits and rituals that have transformed our healthComfort foods that help during flaresHow move...

In this episode, I’m opening up about my own journey with colitis—how it began, what it took from me, and the unexpected ways it reshaped my life. For years, I let my diagnosis dictate what I believed I could and couldn’t do. I built a life around avoiding flare-ups, managing symptoms, and staying “safe.” But somewhere along the way, I realized I wasn’t just protecting my health... I was shrinking my world. In this deeply personal conversation, I share: The early signs I ignored and the turni...

What happens when a conventionally trained doctor becomes a patient herself? In today’s episode, we sit down with Dr. Kara Wada, a board-certified allergist, immunologist, and lifestyle medicine physician - who also happens to live with an autoimmune condition. Her journey from physician to “spoonie” transformed how she practices medicine and how she supports others navigating chronic illness. Together, we explore what it really means to become immune confident, a concept Kara developed that ...

In this special episode, we revisit one of the most powerful stories from Episode 2 - Katie’s deeply personal journey through chronic illness and transformation. What started as unexplained gut symptoms in her early teens spiralled into years of misdiagnoses, failed treatments, and physical and emotional exhaustion. From being told “it’s all in your head” to cycling through steroids and biologics, Katie shares the raw truth of what it’s like to live with celiac disease and Crohn’s—and what it...

In this episode, Katie & Amanda delve into the critical role of fiber in supporting gut health, stabilizing blood sugar, reducing inflammation, and preventing chronic diseases. Despite its importance, most people do not consume enough fiber. This conversation covers the benefits of fiber for those with chronic illnesses, debunking myths and discussing efficient ways to incorporate fiber into the diet. Emphasizing a personalized approach, the hosts also stress the importance of...

In this episode, Katie & Amanda dive into the often misunderstood role of protein in wellness, exploring its benefits beyond muscle building. They discuss how protein is crucial for gut repair, nervous system regulation, mood balance, digestive strength, and immune function. This episode breaks down: Debunking Protein MythsThe Importance of Protein for Gut HealthCommon Protein MisconceptionsChoosing Quality Protein Sourcesand Practical Tips for Protein Intake Support the show If yo...

In this episode, Katie sits down with John Buckland to discuss their personal health journeys, the psychological impact of chronic conditions, and challenges practitioners face in maintaining a flexible mindset. They explore their experiences from pre-diagnosis to now, emphasizing the role of mindset and flexibility in healing. The conversation offers raw honesty, insights, and practical tips on managing stress, overcoming mental barriers, and adapting to ever-evolving health journeys.&...

In this powerful episode, Michael Brovac, a speaker, coach, musician, and founder of CAM-O, shares his journey from battling the rare genetic condition IPEX syndrome to becoming a beacon of hope for those dealing with chronic illnesses. Michael discusses the trials of his early life spent in and out of hospital rooms, the loss of his younger brother Cameron, and the transformative conversation with his mentor that changed his life's trajectory. Through his work with CAM-O, Michael aims to tra...

If you’ve been told that food doesn’t matter, stress is just something to “manage,” and medication is your only option—you’re not alone. And you’re not getting the full picture. In honour of World IBD Day, we're sharing the truth we wish someone had told us after we were diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease. In this episode, we’re breaking down the critical—but often overlooked—factors that impact healing from inflammatory bowel disease: the role of nutrition, the power of nervous system...

In this episode, we are joined by Eline Duk, the founder of the Spoonies Community, a movement dedicated to raising awareness and offering support for those with chronic illnesses. Eline shares her personal story of navigating multiple chronic conditions, including her journey through a severe ankle injury, PTSD, and her shift to alternative therapies. The discussion touches on the psychology of pain, the importance of holistic healing, and the creation of a supportive, inclusive community. F...

In this episode, Jess Lewis, a PhD researcher and functional medicine practitioner, shares her transformative journey from being bed bound, to becoming an expert in mast cell activation syndrome and long COVID recovery. Leveraging her background in engineering and molecular biology, Jess applied a systems-based approach to heal herself and now guides others toward resilience. Join us as she discusses her unique healing method, the importance of mindset, the interconnectedness of symptom...

In this episode, Amanda & Katie sit down with Megan Kroeker, a licensed nurse practitioner and certified functional medicine provider, to explore the transformative power of functional medicine. With nearly 20 years of healthcare experience, Megan shares her insights on women's hormones, gut health, and the importance of addressing root causes rather than just symptoms. Megan delves into her transition from traditional to functional medicine, motivated by her own health challenges, ...

In this episode, somatic trauma practitioner and nervous system guide, Rose Covenant, shares her journey from chronic pain to profound healing. With certifications in integrative somatic trauma therapy and energy-based techniques, Rose discusses how true healing happens in the body, not just the mind. Through personal stories and professional insights, she delves into breaking free from old subconscious patterns, feeling truly safe in one's body, and the transformation possible when we ...

Meet John Buckland – The Man Behind the Science With over two decades of experience spanning elite sport, medical science, and advanced nutrition, John Buckland is the go-to expert for those ready to take control of their health and performance. From cancer recovery to athletic peak, John uses the life-changing power of peptides, nutrition and movement to deliver targeted, personalized strategies that get real results. He’s worked with Olympic champions, special forces operatives and individ...

SERIES: Everything We Wish We Knew at The Start (Part 2) Healing isn’t always smooth sailing—there are plenty of traps along the way that can slow you down or make you feel stuck. In this episode, we’re uncovering the most common traps people fall into—like obsessing over quick fixes, over-restricting their diet, or falling into the “all-or-nothing” mindset. We’ll share our personal experiences and stories from clients with these traps (and the messy lessons we learned) and give you pra...

SERIES: Everything We Wish We Knew at The Start (Part 1) This week, we’re diving into one of the biggest truths about healing—it’s messy, unpredictable and full of lessons you didn’t know you needed. We will be sharing our personal experience with setbacks (hello, flare-ups!) and why they aren’t the enemy—they’re the teachers. We’ll talk about reframing failure, finding resilience when you feel stuck and how to bounce back stronger after setbacks. Plus, you’ll get practical tips for sta...

Welcome to the heart of The Healing Chronicles Podcast, where it all began! In this episode, we’re sharing why we—Katie and Amanda—joined forces to create this space for real, raw conversations about healing. Together, we’re sharing the real reason this podcast exists—because we know exactly how isolating and overwhelming the healing process can be. We’re pulling back the curtain on our own journeys, the ups and downs, and what led us to create a space where you can feel seen, heard and suppo...

Your Journey to Healing Starts Here. In this very first episode, we’re kicking things off with an open heart and an honest chat. This is your safe space for everything healing. Whether it’s gut health, mental well-being or rebuilding your strength from the inside out. We’ll be sharing our stories of overcoming Inflammatory Bowel disease, why healing isn’t linear and what inspired us both to create this podcast. Expect raw conversations, lessons learned and expert tips to help you navigate you...