We are two women diagnosed with autoimmune diseases in our early 20s. We were lucky enough to find eachother and find community and that is something we would like to bring to anyone else who may be in a similar place.
We are two women diagnosed with autoimmune diseases in our early 20s. We were lucky enough to find eachother and find community and that is something we would like to bring to anyone else who may be in a similar place.
In this eye opening episode, we pull back the curtain on the darker side of social media beyond the filters, trends, and endless scrolling. We explore how platforms are designed to keep us hooked by tapping into our brain’s dopamine system, why echo chambers are shaping the way we think, and how the constant comparison culture contributes to disordered eating and body image struggles.
But the impact isn’t only mental our physical health is taking a hit too. From “tech neck” to poor posture, we’ll discuss how hours of scrolling are affecting our bodies without us even realizing it.
This week, we’re reflecting on the things we wouldn’t buy again - the products, gadgets, and little indulgences that promised more than they delivered. It’s not about guilt or being perfect with money; it’s about learning what actually adds value to our lives and what just takes up space.
From impulse buys to overhyped trends, we’re sharing our honest experiences, a few laughs, and what we’re (still) learning about mindful spending along the way.
In this episode, Amy and Janessa explore the complex world of weed as a potential tool for managing chronic health conditions. We discuss how cannabis can be used medicinally -covering its benefits for pain and inflammation - while also shining a light on the important watch outs that shouldn’t be overlooked. Whether you’re curious or cautious, this episode hopefully offers a balanced look at both its promise and its pitfalls.
Also Amy is very sorry about her audio quality - she is trying to get it right in the new house... Next episode should hopefully be better!
We’re back, Wounded Healers family! After a little podcast break, we’re catching you up on all the metaphorical roses and thorns in our lives. This episode is full of heartfelt updates, we share the beautiful moments that have been blooming for us, as well as some of the harder ones we’ve been moving through.
With care, we briefly touch on the loss of a loved one to suicide and the loss of a pregnancy due to a missed miscarriage. We know these topics can be sensitive, so please take care while listening if you need to.
We are so grateful to be back behind the mic and reconnecting with this incredible community. Grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s catch up.
In this episode, Amy shares the latest advancements and medical interventions on the horizon for people living with Rheumatoid Arthritis. While managing RA can often feel like an uphill battle, there is hope on the horizon. Tune in to hear encouraging insights, emerging treatments, and what these developments could mean for the future of RA care.
Guided Meditation for Chronic Pain:
https://youtu.be/Fdr-jK4XrrM?si=bfvpb6EAXh-FFMx-
In this episode we talk about the promising autoimmune treatments that are in development.
Sources mentioned:
T-Cell Vaccine Studies
DEN‑181 Phase I Trial in Humans
Peptide–MHC Complex Vaccine in Animal Models
Preclinical Peptide-Based Vaccine Studies
Local Anti‑Inflammatory Gene Delivery
Immune tolerance induction with multiepitope peptide
RNAi & Epigenetic Gene Silencing
RNA interference-based gene therapy for successful treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Probiotics: Strains That Show Promise
Rheumatoid arthritis and the intestinal microbiome: probiotics as a potential therapy
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT)
Pre-clinical Mouse Study on FMT
Precision Medicine and Biomarker Testing
Stay informed about PrismRA or comparable predictive tests
You can search for trials involving new medications, immune therapies, diet studies, and more:
Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis comes with more questions then answers—and sometimes, it’s hard to know where to even start. In this episode, we explore how ChatGPT can be a powerful tool for asking the tough, nuanced questions about RA that we may not always feel comfortable bringing to the doctor or our loved ones.
But we don’t stop there. We also dive into one of the most emotionally complex parts of living with a chronic condition: explaining it to others. Whether it’s your boss, your child, your partner, or a skeptical friend, communicating what RA really feels like—without overwhelming or under explaining—can be a challenge.
Tune in as we test out how ChatGPT can help us frame these conversations, offer supportive language, and build bridges of understanding with those around us.
Resources:
United States Arthritis Foundation: https://www.arthritis.org/
United Kingdom Versus Arthritis: https://versusarthritis.org/
Amy asks Janessa the tough questions! Do you believe in the devil? Do you believe in hell? How do you feel about the gays? Do you now believe that sex belongs only in marriage? How are you reconciling science like the Big Bang and what it says in the bible?
Resources:
Oxford Academic
C.S Lewis' book Mere Christianity
In this episode part ( 1 of 2), Janessa shares her deeply personal and evolving journey with faith-a path marked by struggle, questioning, and ultimately transformation. What began as a battle with God has become an unexpected awakening, shifting her perspective from self-focused to compassion for others.
Quote:
"Preach the gospel at all times, and if necessary use words."-St. Francis of Assisi
Biblical story mentioned:
Genesis 32:22-32
We are both back - finally!
This weeks episode is all about how we can think about relaxation as a skill - something we can train ourselves in. We even featured a little mediation at the end. Please enjoy!
Join Janessa for the Wounded Healers first solo episode. This episode is intimate and short but drives home the essence of being a recipient, giver and or an observer of random acts of kindness. We explore stories from strangers about their experiences with kind strangers. We discuss the psychology of the impact of good deeds and the reminder of the interconnectedness of humanity.
HuffPost articles:
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/strangers-helping-someone-they-dont-know_n_5ae385fde4b055fd7fcbd035
In this episode Amy & Janessa dive into a thoughtful discussion inspired by Presence and Potential by Martha Creek. Join us while we explore practical ways to navigate disagreements-approaches that allow us to stand firmly in our own beliefs while honoring the humanity and perspective of others. It's about creating space for understanding without feeling the need to take on someone else's views.
Book link: Presence and Potential by Martha Creek.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CL4XQ36R/?bestFormat=true&k=presence%20and%20potential%20martha%20creek&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-pd-bk-d_de_k0_1_16&crid=8SMYKXCIT87H&sprefix=presence%20and%20pot
In this episode we dive into the stories of people who have lived exceptional lives, despite the odds being stacked against them. We hope you find it inspiring!
Please share any episode ideas you have with us @woundedhealerspodcast
In this heartfelt episode, Edouard opens up about losing a parent at a young age and the ripple effect that loss has had throughout his life. He reflects on how early grief shaped his relationships, personal identity, and outlook on the future, offering candid insights into resilience and growth in the face of deep loss.
In this episode Amy and Janessa dive into the benefits and pitfalls of strongly identifying with your illness and the power (not always positive) of chronic illness communities!
Request an episode topic: @woundedhealerspodcast
Imagine Amy & Janessa are stuck on dessert islands. They each can only bring 8 songs, 1 luxury item (cannot be used to escape) and 1 book. What would they bring ? what would you bring? Join them in this light hearted episode filled with random moments of awe and laughter.
We hope you guys are ready for a profound thought to start the year! In this episode we discuss the book Golden: The Power of Silence in a World of Noise by Justin Zorn & Leigh Marz.
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In this weeks episode Amy and Janessa discuss balancing ambition with a chronic illness - this was another listener request, thank you so much! Message us on Instagram to share any ideas you have @woundedhealerspodcast
Don't forget you can get 15% off any product from our sponsor Just Thrive with promo code WHP to support your gut health this festive season: https://justthrivehealth.com/
Our commercial break is brought to you by professional voice actor Emory Tibbetts. You can inquire about his services on IG @ emorytibbettsvo and on his website EmoryTibbetts.com
Big shout out to our listener Wendy for reaching out to us on IG (@Woundedhealerspodcast) with this thought provoking Time magazine article, "Self-Silencing Is Making Women Sick". Amy and Janessa discuss the serious repercussions out lined in this article and discuss ways we can navigate to ensure we are looking out for our health and wellbeing.
Time Magazine article "Self-Silencing Is Making Women Sick":
https://time.com/6319549/silencing-women-sick-essay/
Our Sponsor Just Thrive has given us a promo Code for any of their products: PROMO CODE: WHP for 15 % off any product https://justthrivehealth.com/
Our commercial break is brought to you by professional voice actor Emory Tibbetts.You can inquire about his services on IG @ emorytibbettsvo and on his website EmoryTibbetts.com
In today’s episode Amy shares a quick update on her RA treatment and some hospital calamity. Then we discuss managing and understanding the (what feels like near constant) fear and anxiety that we are all dealing with in our day-to-day lives - touching on False Evidence Appearing as Real, filling in the blanks, fear of failure and knowing there’s someone who’s always got your back.