The Chronically Positive Podcast

S2 Ep7: Dateability: The Dating App for People with Disabilities & Chronic Illness

You can watch this episode on YouTube [https://youtu.be/gKnq48RABzM] In this episode of The Chronically Positive Podcast, I talk with sisters Jacqueline and Alexa, co-founders of Dateability— the first dating app created for people with disabilities and chronic illness. Jacqueline shares her personal journey navigating dating with chronic illness, from rejection and internalized ableism to finding empowerment through building an inclusive space. Alexa opens up about teaming up as sisters to launch the app, balancing accessibility, community, and entrepreneurship. 👉 Download Dateability: App Store: [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/dateability/id6443474660] Google Play: [https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.dateabilityapp] Web App: [https://info.dateabilityapp.com] 👉 Follow Dateability on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dateabilityapp]

S2 Ep6: Crohn’s, Comedy, and Creating Your Own Spotlight with Anna Snapp S2 EP6

You can watch this episode on youtube [https://youtu.be/XNVDIKCkhJI] In this episode, Anna Snapp joins me to share how she transformed years of medical trauma, mental health struggles, and invisible illness into powerful creative expression. From hospital stays and misdiagnoses to performing her story on stage for med students and Fringe Festival audiences alike, Anna’s journey is a reminder of the strength it takes to reclaim your narrative — and the healing that can come from being seen.🔗 Show Notes:Follow Anna on Instagram/TikTok: @theannasnappFollow the Chronically Positive Podcast: IG/TT @chronicallypositivepodJoin the Chronic4U Circle [https://chronic4u.com/pages/c4u-circle]– Ila’s creative support group for people with chronic illness: https://chronic4u.com/pages/c4u-circle [https://chronic4u.com/pages/c4u-circle]

S2 Ep5: My First Trip Abroad with a Chronic Illness: How I Survived Italy S2 EP5

You can watch the episode on YouTube here [https://youtu.be/b1auUSo6_FY]   In this episode of The Chronically Positive Podcast, I’m sharing my first experience traveling abroad with a chronic illness. I recently went to Italy, and while it was an incredible adventure, it came with its own set of challenges. From managing my health on the flight to navigating food, accessibility, and flare-ups, I’m talking all about how I made it through and the tips that helped me survive the trip. If you’ve ever wondered how to travel with a chronic illness, this episode is for you!

S2 Ep4: Building Resilience Together: The Impact of Chronic Illness on Relationships | Ft. Olivia Haning

You can watch this episode on youtube [https://youtu.be/kgUxHghvcsQ] In this episode, I sit down with Olivia aka @chronicallyillandhot to discuss our experiences with chronic illness, focusing on the importance of community support, humor, and the emotional toll of living with conditions like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and mast cell activation syndrome. We share personal stories about navigating chemical sensitivities, the impact chronic illness has on relationships, and the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare. We dive into the challenges and triumphs of living with these conditions, highlighting the need for understanding and support from loved ones.Olivia and I also discuss the complexities of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), including managing allergic reactions, dealing with dietary restrictions, and the emotional challenges that come with it. Throughout the conversation, we touch on how stress affects our health and the importance of finding positivity and support within the chronic illness community.00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Liv00:31 Liv's Journey with Chronic Illness02:44 Connecting Over Shared Experiences04:49 Challenges with Chemical Sensitivities09:29 High School Health Struggles12:08 Supportive Relationships25:48 Struggles with Misdiagnosis and Early Symptoms26:41 Weight Gain and Medication28:12 Living with POTS and Fainting Episodes29:54 Impact of MCAS on Daily Life31:45 Navigating Food-Related Challenges36:29 Coping Strategies and Stress Management44:56 Finding Positivity and Community Support49:49 Concluding Thoughts and Future HopesOlivia's socials:Instagram: @chronicallyillandhotTikTok: @chronicallyillandhot

S2 Ep3: What Happens When We Stop Funding Science: How Chronic Illness and Rare Disease Communities Could Be Left Behind

This week on The Chronically Positive Podcast, I’m joined by a very special guest, my brother Elias. Elias is a rare disease researcher and we’re talking about something that impacts all of us: science funding. Recent cuts to research funding may feel distant, but they directly affect people living with chronic illness and rare disease. In this conversation, Elias explains how science funding actually works, what’s currently at risk, and why it matters for patients, clinicians, and the future of healthcare. We talk about how genetic research moves from the lab to treatment, and what could happen if we lose the next generation of scientists. Whether you live with chronic illness, care about innovation, or just want to understand what’s going on, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Disclaimer: Elias's views are his own and do not represent any institution or employer. Nothing in this episode is intended as medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare professional for medical guidance.