A Friend for the Long Haul: A Long Covid Podcast

If you'd like to support this one-disabled-woman-produced podcast, check out my ⁠Bonfire site for silly long covid apparel⁠ [https://www.bonfire.com/store/a-friend-for-the-long-haul/]. Items bought in the shop support the renewal of my Zoom license for recording. Many items co-support other chronically ill friends. I also have an ⁠Amazon wishlist ⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2I91BIU6TVZGY]and ⁠Storefront⁠.  [https://www.amazon.com/shop/afriendforthelonghaul?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_DKRRD7Y3TBKREBJS33NF]I'll get a few pennies if you purchase your everyday items through the links in my storefront. You can also Venmo me @afriend4thelonghaul. Welcome to another episode of A Friend for the Long Haul: A Long Covid Podcast! This is part 2 of my conversation with Nina Storey. In this episode, we talk about: * Nina's plans for the future * Getting dogs while dealing with long Covid * Cute aggression * Functioning in public around people when you're used to being at home * How it feels like long Covid has made pre-existing sensitivities more intense * Where all the lip balms and hair ties go * Medical gaslighting * Nina's attempts to soothe her nervous system and how singing helps * Her experience getting the Novavax booster * The fact that we don't know how to feel anger * My travel tips for Las Vegas * Nina's dog's autoimmune issues Nina has shared a link to her song, Shadows Fall, which can be listened to on Even [https://www.even.biz/r/shadows-fall-demo]. Even is a new streaming platform she's using for her music. The model is pay what you can, and the funds go to artists. She says this about the release: "I wrote this song (which is still in demo form) about living with a chronic illness and how sometimes we have to be our own biggest champions. I got Long Covid after initially being infected in early 2020, and I have to say the silver lining has been meeting some extraordinary warriors in the disability community. So this song is dedicated to them and to any person facing health challenges. I see you. ✊🏼💕🙏🏼🙌🏼🎉" You can find Nina and tour information on her ⁠website⁠ [https://www.ninastorey.com/], and on ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/ninastorey/]. She is published in ⁠The Long Covid Reader⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Long-COVID-Reader-Writing-Haulers/dp/1735655384], and her comedy writing is at ⁠https://strangelyoptimistic.com/⁠ [https://strangelyoptimistic.com/].  If you're interested in Nina's Singing To Improve Health or Vocal Classes for Beginners to Professionals workshops, email theninastorey@gmail.com. Mention the podcast for 20% off the regular price!  Please share A Friend for the Long Haul. If you're feeling generous, leave a review. Your support helps get this in front of more earballs and helps me bring more episodes. You can listen to the A Friend for the Long Haul Long Covid Theme Songs playlist on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K]. Disclaimers etc: The information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical advice. The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast producers, sponsors, or affiliated organizations. Or like, friends? Family? Anyone. This podcast does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or professional healthcare services. If you have any concerns regarding your health or medical condition, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking treatment based on information heard in this podcast. Please don't compare yourself to someone else you hear, either. Our illnesses are highly individualized and what works for one person may not work for you. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, medical knowledge is constantly evolving, and we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, reliability, or applicability of the content discussed. The podcast and its creator assumes no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information presented. Additionally, this podcast may feature discussions on sensitive topics related to chronic illness. Listener discretion is advised. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

If you'd like to support this one-woman-produced podcast, check out my ⁠Bonfire site for silly long covid apparel⁠ [https://www.bonfire.com/store/a-friend-for-the-long-haul/]. Items bought in the shop support the renewal of my Zoom license for recording. Many items co-support other chronically ill friends. I also have an ⁠Amazon wishlist ⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2I91BIU6TVZGY]and ⁠Storefront⁠. [https://www.amazon.com/shop/afriendforthelonghaul?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_DKRRD7Y3TBKREBJS33NF]I'll get a few pennies if you purchase your everyday items through the links in my storefront. You can also Venmo me @afriend4thelonghaul. ---Welcome to Season 3, Episode 3 of A Friend for the Long Haul - A Long COVID Podcast! I got to sit down and talk with my dear friend, Grammy-nominated artist, and incredibly talented human, Nina Storey. Nina’s website highlights her amazing career:“Nina Storey has been making waves, having opened for other powerhouse female performers like Sara Bareilles, Rachel Platten, Milck, and Hailey Reinhart, as well as performing in numerous international festivals, such as the Montreal Jazz Festival and the New Orleans JazzFest. People Magazine wrote, “With a voice like hers, pyrotechnics are redundant.”.  This conversation was just shy of two hours, so I split it up into 2 episodes. Part 2 will be released on 6/30. In part 1, we discuss Long COVID's impact on Nina’s creativity, songwriting process, and career, including lost work and venue discrimination, emotional processing, grief, and the nervous system.You can find Nina and tour information on her ⁠website⁠ [https://www.ninastorey.com/], and on ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/ninastorey/]. She is published in ⁠The Long Covid Reader⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Long-COVID-Reader-Writing-Haulers/dp/1735655384], and her comedy writing is at ⁠https://strangelyoptimistic.com/⁠ [https://strangelyoptimistic.com/].  If you're interested in Nina's Singing To Improve Health or Vocal Classes for Beginners to Professionals workshops, email theninastorey@gmail.com. Mention the podcast for 20% off the regular price! She will soon be using a new platform, EVEN [https://www.even.biz/artists/nina-storey⁠], that pays artists. Despite millions of streams of her music, Nina says that Spotify has never paid her a dime. The EVEN model is pay what you can. "It's like Bandcamp and Patreon had a baby." You can also send her a tip via Venmo: @Nina-Storey.Nina shared that the clinic in Sedona she has been working with for her Long Covid symptoms is remote and their website is: mybiohack.com [http://mybiohack.com/]. I have not used the clinic. All information is Nina's anecdotal experience. The clinic is not endorsed by the pod, nor is the pod sponsored by the clinic. Neither is Nina. Please share A Friend for the Long Haul. If you're feeling generous, leave a review. Your support helps get this in front of more earballs and helps me bring more episodes. You can listen to the A Friend for the Long Haul Long Covid Theme Songs playlist on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=CAJ_Cr1STeiyJuB6HiKT5w]. Disclaimers etc: The information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not medical advice. The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast producers, sponsors, or affiliated organizations. Or like, friends? Family? Anyone. This podcast does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or professional healthcare services. If you have any concerns regarding your health or medical condition, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking treatment based on information heard in this podcast. Please don't compare yourself to someone else you hear, either. Our illnesses are highly individualized and what works for one person may not work for you. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, medical knowledge is constantly evolving, and we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, reliability, or applicability of the content discussed. The podcast and its creator assumes no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information presented. Additionally, this podcast may feature discussions on sensitive topics related to chronic illness. Listener discretion is advised. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

A Friend for the Long Haul - A Long Covid Podcast 100% produced by a disabled Covid long hauler. If you'd like to support my work, please check out the following ways you can do so: * My ⁠Amazon wish list⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2I91BIU6TVZGY?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_ggr-subnav-share_PE0VKN6B7FZM7AS1NBKS], which currently focuses on low-spoon activities for my family this summer. We have four kiddos, with three kids who are also navigating disabilities. * You can also visit my ⁠⁠new Amazon storefront⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/shop/afriendforthelonghaul?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_5D2YQN88MZR78FQ9QTNW_1]⁠, where I share only the items I use, love, or highly recommend. If you use my links to buy products you already purchase from Amazon, they'll throw me a few pennies. * Check out my my ⁠Bonfire shop⁠ [https://www.bonfire.com/store/a-friend-for-the-long-haul/], where I create and sell long Covid items (shirts, totes, hats, etc) that reflect my dark sense of humor coping mechanism. --- In this episode of A Friend for the Long Haul – A Long COVID Podcast, we dive into love, relationships, and resilience in the face of chronic illness. I sit down with Chimére Sweeney, a Long COVID activist, writer, and retired educator, alongside her husband, Tory Sweeney, to discuss their relationship and journey together. Chimére founded The Black Long COVID Experience, an initiative dedicated to amplifying Black Long COVID stories, advocating for equitable healthcare, and supporting disability access in Black communities. She and Tory met in college and reconnected after Chimére became ill, and their story sheds light on the emotional, social, and practical realities of navigating love and disability. We explore:💜 How childhood relationship models shape adult connection💜 Reconnecting and finding love despite chronic illness challenges💜 Navigating intimacy, disability, and Long COVID’s impact on relationships💜 Advocacy, resilience, and pushing for equity in medical care 🚨 Content note: We discuss sex and intimacy with chronic illness, interabled relationships, and mental health topics including suicidal ideation. This episode was recorded in October, and I want to send a huge thank you to Chimére and Tory for their patience, wisdom, and honesty. Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow, and share A Friend for the Long Haul if you can. And if you're feeling extra generous, leave a review. Your support helps get this in front of more earballs and helps me bring more episodes. You can listen to the A Friend for the Long Haul Long Covid Theme Songs playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=7948dbf2222c4392 [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K] The information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast producers, sponsors, or affiliated organizations. Or like, friends? Family? Anyone. This podcast does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or professional healthcare services. If you have any concerns regarding your health or medical condition, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking treatment based on information heard in this podcast. Please don't compare yourself to someone else you hear, either. Our illnesses are highly individualized and what works for one person may not work for you. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, medical knowledge is constantly evolving, and we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, reliability, or applicability of the content discussed. The podcast and its creators assume no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information presented. Additionally, this podcast may feature discussions on sensitive topics related to chronic illness. Listener discretion is advised. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

A Friend for the Long Haul - A Long Covid Podcast 100% produced by a disabled Covid long hauler. If you'd like to support my work, please check out the following ways you can do so: * My ⁠Amazon wish list⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2I91BIU6TVZGY?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_ggr-subnav-share_PE0VKN6B7FZM7AS1NBKS], which currently focuses on low-spoon activities for my family this summer. We have four kiddos, with three kids who are also navigating disabilities. * You can also visit my ⁠⁠new Amazon storefront⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/shop/afriendforthelonghaul?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_5D2YQN88MZR78FQ9QTNW_1]⁠, where I share only the items I use, love, or highly recommend. If you use my links to buy products you already purchase from Amazon, they'll throw me a few pennies. * Check out my ⁠Bonfire shop⁠ [https://www.bonfire.com/store/a-friend-for-the-long-haul/], where I create and sell long Covid items (shirts, totes, hats, etc) that reflect my dark sense of humor coping mechanism.-- Welcome to Season 3 of A Friend for the Long Haul! In this episode, I twith Caryn Zaner, PsyD, a Clinical Psychologist based in Oregon specializing in anxiety, identity development, values work, and interpersonal group therapy. Caryn (they/none) provides tele-therapy for adults 18+ and shares their personal experience navigating Long Covid. Topics covered include:✅ Caryn’s journey with Long Covid and the support group they founded ✅ People-pleasing, grief, coping mechanisms, and emotions ✅ Perfectionism, social media pressures, and self-trust ✅ Listening to your body and intuition when it feels unfamiliar ✅ Comorbidities, chronic illness, and shared experiences 🔔 Content Warning: From 59:45 - 1:14:05, we discuss: * GLP-1 medications for Long Covid, including Caryn’s experience with tirzepatide * Strength training, weight lifting, body image, and off-label medication access If you prefer to skip this section, jump to 1:14:05, where we wrap up with our signature three questions. Other things mentioned in this episode My Too Flared to Funk fake band tee shirt for The Social Distanced [https://www.bonfire.com/survive-2025-world-tour/?utm_source=copy_link&utm_medium=campaign_page&utm_campaign=survive-2025-world-tour&utm_content=default]'s "Survive 2025" World Tour. You can find Caryn on Instagram Felt Not Fixed: https://www.instagram.com/felt.not.fixed/ [https://www.instagram.com/felt.not.fixed/] Therapy for the Apocalypse: https://www.instagram.com/therapy.for.the.apocalypse/ [https://www.instagram.com/therapy.for.the.apocalypse/] Caryn's website https://www.carynzanerpsyd.com/ [https://www.carynzanerpsyd.com/] The post that led me to Caryn: Attachment Theory and Still Coviding [https://www.instagram.com/felt.not.fixed/p/C-PMNHzOLQr/] Book: Lifting Heavy Things by Laura Khoudari [https://www.laurakhoudari.com/lht] Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow, and share A Friend for the Long Haul if you can. And if you're feeling extra generous, leave a review. Your support helps get this in front of more earballs and helps me bring more episodes. You can listen to the A Friend for the Long Haul Long Covid Theme Songs playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=7948dbf2222c4392 [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K] The information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast producers, sponsors, or affiliated organizations. Or like, friends? Family? Anyone. This podcast does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or professional healthcare services. If you have any concerns regarding your health or medical condition, please consult a qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking treatment based on information heard in this podcast. Please don't compare yourself to someone else you hear, either. Our illnesses are highly individualized and what works for one person may not work for you. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, medical knowledge is constantly evolving, and we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, reliability, or applicability of the content discussed. The podcast and its creators assume no responsibility for any actions taken based on the information presented. Additionally, this podcast may feature discussions on sensitive topics related to chronic illness. Listener discretion is advised. By listening to this podcast, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

A Friend for the Long Haul - A Long Covid Podcast 100% produced by a disabled Covid long hauler. If you'd like to support my work, please check out the following ways you can do so: * My ⁠Amazon wish list⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2I91BIU6TVZGY?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_ggr-subnav-share_PE0VKN6B7FZM7AS1NBKS], which currently focuses on low-spoon activities for my family this summer. We have four kiddos, with three kids who are also navigating disabilities. * You can also visit my ⁠⁠new Amazon storefront⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/shop/afriendforthelonghaul?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsfshop_5D2YQN88MZR78FQ9QTNW_1]⁠, where I share only the items I use, love, or highly recommend. If you use my links to buy products you already purchase from Amazon, they'll throw me a few pennies. * Check out my ⁠Bonfire shop⁠ [https://www.bonfire.com/store/a-friend-for-the-long-haul/], where I create and sell long Covid items (shirts, totes, hats, etc) that reflect my dark sense of humor coping mechanism. --- Welcome to the 1st Annual Long Covid Sickstravaganza Holiday Episode! This episode features contributions from a few different lovely folks: * Segment 1 features my 7 year old. We discuss what he really wants for the holidays - which is apparently for me to stop being so hard on myself. Oof. * For Segment 2, The Long Covid Choir [https://www.longcovid.org/support/long-covid-choir] kindly shared a recording of a holiday song with us, called Alles Schweiget! Included is an introduction from choir director Merel van der Knoop. You can watch a video the choir [https://www.instagram.com/longcovidchoir/]put together on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqwGFEri_bY]. * In Segment 3, I have a chat with Lior Ocean [https://www.liorocean.com/] about what a crock new year's resolutions are, and we discuss self compassion and showing ourselves loving kindness [https://www.instagram.com/liorocean/]in 2025 * Segment 4 features Joe Glasgow, who [https://www.instagram.com/joeglasgowshow/] contributed a story called If These Pillows Could Talk * Nina Storey [https://www.ninastorey.com/] kicked my ass with shares a demo of a new song called Shadows Fall (Love Myself). Nina said: "Let your audience know you inspired me after we spoke after your iron infusion, and every person dealing with a chronic illness and chronic pain or disability inspires this song too.  We are all warriors." Lyrics: Shadows Fall (Love Myself) Written by Nina Storey  Verse I so long alone  surrounded by the noise  still on my own scattered through an empty void but get up and I show up cause I've grown up in the dark and I'm bleeding but I'm breathing and I know I'm come so far Chorus shadows fall from yesterday what I've lost is far away where to go when all the love is gone when everyone has walked away  and I alone have got to stay  I learn to love myself and carry on Verse II take my life in minutes count them each a win when I reach the end of one, then I start to count again so I'll fake it, 'till I make it cause most don't seem to care but I'm ready and I'm clawing my way back for every breath of air Bridge I survived a stormy ride across my soul you can't break me iron veins have made me whole Chorus shadows fall from yesterday what I've lost is far away where to go when all the love is gone when everyone has walked away  I alone have got to stay learn to love myself and carry on  Thank you all for contributing, and thank you listeners for supporting this endeavor this year! I hope you have a lovely holiday season! Don't forget to like, subscribe, follow, and share A Friend for the Long Haul if you can. And if you're feeling extra generous, leave a review. Your support helps get this in front of more earballs and helps me bring more episodes. You can listen to the A Friend for the Long Haul Long Covid Theme Songs playlist on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3n0GXLFRWqDJyifglNNM4K?si=7948dbf2222c4392].