Share

cover art for Hashimotos, Alopecia, Author Jenny Berk on Body Image, Chronic Illness Parenting, and Zombies A Chronic Illness Podcast

Invisible Not Broken - Chronic Illness Podcast Network

Hashimotos, Alopecia, Author Jenny Berk on Body Image, Chronic Illness Parenting, and Zombies A Chronic Illness Podcast

The Body Image Blueprint: Your Go-To Guide for Radical Self-Reverence By Jenny Eden Berk MSEd Show Notes Don't Miss A Thing!

Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates.

Email Address Sign Up

We respect your privacy.

Thank you!

What is your disorder? *

Hashimotos and Alopecia areata

At what age did your disorder become a daily issue? *

15

Who were you before your illness became debilitating? *

I was frustrated but managing.

What would you do if you were not dealing with your invisible illness? *

I'd have the energy to match what is in my head to do and I would not be self-conscious about my hair

What would you like people to know about your daily life? *

That you can thrive with chronic illnesses

What would make living and moving in the world easier for you? *

a cure for both of these ailments

Do you have any life hacks? *

trying to find them! Meditation

What kind of support do you get from family or friends? *

I get a lot of support from my community, my friends and my family.

What is your best coping mechanism? *

meditation

What are you the most concerned about and the hopeful for in the future? *

that there will be more effective treatments

What is your favorite swear word?

fuck

Is there anything you want to make sure we talk about during the interview? Like an organization you want to promote or something specific that you deal with.

my business - Jenny Eden Coaching

What is the hardest and/or best lesson your condition has taught you?

that I am resilient - much more so than I thought.

What is the best purchase under $100 that helped your life

using the Purple Carrot in home meal delivery service ($78 a month)

More episodes

View all episodes

  • Vulnerability, Resiliency, and Advocacy with Tim Reitsma

    47:06
    Monica Michelle is joined by consultant and podcast host Tim Reitma.Tim lives with Crohn's Disease.In this episode, Monica and Tim discuss: Tim’s resiliency through managing his Crohn’sThe importance of self-advocacy, especially in the workplace Tim’s podcast why he shares stories of those with invisible illness TIMESTAMPS00:47 - Tim's diagnosis 06:31 - How and why Tim applies self advocacy15:41 - Why Tim started his podcast22:42 - Invisible condition etiquette31:00 - What HR can do better for employees with invisible illness39:31 - Tools Tim uses to care for his Crohn’s outside the homeThe full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com
  • Tech and Disability: What VR Offers the Disabled Community with Sunny Ammerman

    01:10:27
    Monica Michelle is joined by artist and disability advocate Sunny AmmermanSunny lives with Septo-optic dysplasia, panhypopituitarism, Optic Nerve Hypoplasia, and is missing a membrane in the brain called the "septum pellucidum".In this episode, Monica and Sunny discuss: Sunny’s complex disorders and how she copes with themEverything VR provides from accessible gaming, social platforms and the potential for better online education.Various VR/AR games and their gameplay Sunny’s VR support groupTIMESTAMPS00:45 - What VR/AR offers for chronically ill and disabled folks11:57 - Sunny’s conditions and how she copes with them17:55 - Features that make VR games accessible or inaccessible as well as different games and their play experiences37:13 - The social aspects of virtual gaming51:32 - What opportunities VR has for the future1:04:49 - Sunny’s VR support group The full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com
  • Reporting on Chronic Illness and Disability with Journalist Julia Metraux

    39:16
    Monica Michelle is joined by Journalist Julia Metraux.Julia lives with vasculitis, mild to moderate hearing loss, and has experienced long COVID.In this episode, Monica and Julia discuss: Julia's diagnosis with vasculitis and how it influences her journalistic lensHow community impacts the mental health of those with chronic illnessHow Julia and Monica find positives and negatives in the internet spaces for chronically ill and disabled folksThe politics of how government, businesses, and celebrities influence the chronic illness community TIMESTAMPS00:32 - Julia's diagnostic journey07:02 - Julia’s work reporting on the online community of chronic illness 16:32 - The effect of Internet communities on chronically ill and disabled folks26:46 - How Julia’s illness impacts her work, both in what she writes about and how she manages her lifestyleThe full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com
  • Author of “Pain: The Ultimate Mentor,” Physiotherapist Kevin Hunt

    31:29
    Monica Michelle is joined by author & physiotherapist Kevin Hunt.Kevin lives with chronic pain.In this episode, Monica and Kevin discuss: Kevin’s philosophy of pain management as a physiotherapist who experiences chronic pain. The Hexagon Model, a life-management tool for focusing on what’s important to you.Kevin’s idea behind his new book.Using pain as a guide.TIMESTAMPS00:34 - Kevin’s work as a physiotherapist specializing in the experience of pain 06:44 - The Hexagon Model for managing your life’s needs14:00 - Putting aside the idea of a “quick fix”19:45 - Kevin’s personal experience with pain and how he uses it with patients28:44 - Kevin’s book, “Pain: The Ultimate Mentor”The full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com
  • Author of “Through the Pain: The Silent Suffering & Triumph of a Personal Trainer”: John K. Frazier

    28:35
    Monica Michelle is joined by author & personal trainer John K. Frazier.John lives with ankylosing spondylitis.In this episode, Monica and John discuss: John’s work as a physical trainer and authorChronic pain comparisonsPersonal triumphTIMESTAMPS00:50 - John’s business & diagnosis07:19 - Chronic pain olympics09:31 - Talking about & hiding a diagnosis15:09 - Personal triumph18:24 - Staying in the present23:29 - The superman complexThe full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com
  • The Creative Process, Self Worth, and Dating with Disability: Laura Mustard

    31:08
    Monica Michelle is joined by musician Laura Mustard.Laura lives with VATER syndrome.In this episode, Monica and Laura discuss: Laura’s inspiration for her upcoming musical EP.How Laura’s illness impacted her recent relationship & self-image.Laura’s creative process, new music, and social media pressure.TIMESTAMPS00:30 - Laura’s new EP / Monica’s recent COVID experience05:32 - Relationships with chronic illness11:20 - Image and self acceptance with disability15:32 - Laura’s creative process and current projects20:05 - Pursuing creativity despite social media attentionThe full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com
  • Author of “The Girlfriend’s Guide to Lupus”: Amanda Chay

    30:43
    Monica Michelle is joined by author Amanda Chay.Amanda lives with Sjögren’s and Lupus.In this episode, Monica and Amanda discuss: Amanda’s book & diagnosisOutlooking on work & writingNavigating chronic illness with kids & familyTIMESTAMPS00:26 - Intro + The Girlfriend’s Guide to Lupus02:17 - Amanda’s diagnosis10:09 - Amanda’s outlook on writing17:11 - Navigating chronic illness with kids & family23:29 - Labels and roles26:24 - Flare reads & closing remarksThe full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com
  • Author of “Compass Points the Way”: Alexis Kline

    23:14
    Monica Michelle is joined by author Alexis Kline.Alexis lives with Dysautonomia.In this episode, Monica and Alexis discuss: Being a sick teenagerHaving an isolated diagnosisProductivity workflowsTIMESTAMPS00:28 - Alexis’s diagnosis & dog07:18 - Sick teenager road map10:00 - Alexis’s book & workflow16:25 - Having an isolated diagnosis20:50 - Wildlife photography, purchases The full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com
  • Author of “From the Sidelines to the Finish Line”: Emily Falcon

    36:47
    Monica Michelle is joined by author Emily Falcon.Emily lives with ALCAPA.In this episode, Monica and Emily discuss: Growing up sickPost-surgery supportHaving a public bodySelf-motivation and adventuringTIMESTAMPS00:28 - Being a sick kid & Emily’s book title07:28 - Mortality10:16 - Portrayal of disability in media12:21 - Post-surgery support19:23 - Having a public body23:43 - Self-motivation29:46 - Emily’s tips for adventuresThe full transcript and all links mentioned can be found on the episode page on invisiblenotbroken.com