Autoimmune Adventures

65: Nervous System Restoration for the New Year with Christine Ruch (S2 EP 32)

As we wrap up the year, Autoimmune Adventures welcomes Christine Ruch for a reflective and compassionate conversation about living with chronic illness, honoring your needs, and moving into the new year with grace instead of pressure.
This episode is especially for those navigating autoimmunity, chronic conditions, or burnout—and anyone looking for a gentler way to reflect and reset.
 
🎧 Listen, reflect, and step into the new year supported.
 
#AutoimmuneAdventures #ChronicIllnessPodcast #AutoimmuneCommunity #EndOfYearReflection #LivingWithChronicIllness #HealthJourney #PodcastEpisode

64: The Joy of Holiday Music: How Seasonal Songs Create Connection and Comfort ( S2 EP 31)

Holiday music has a unique way of bringing people together, sparking joy, and creating meaningful connections—especially during a season that can be both beautiful and emotionally complex. In this final holiday episode of the season, the hosts of Autoimmune Adventures explore the powerful role holiday music plays in helping us feel connected, comforted, and more present during the holidays.
We talk about why music matters, how seasonal songs can lift our mood, calm our nervous system, and help us feel less alone—particularly for those living with chronic illness, autoimmune disease, or holiday stress. Music can become a form of support, a grounding tool, and even a bridge between people when words fall short.
✨ What you’ll hear in this episode:
How holiday music helps create joy and emotional connection
Why music can be a powerful tool during the holidays—especially during hard seasons
A curated list of many of our favorite holiday songs that bring comfort, joy, and meaning
A special return from Annie Toro Lopez, who joins us again to share how music has shaped her holiday season and helped her find moments of joy and connection
Reflections on using music intentionally to support mental health and emotional well-being during the holidays
Whether you love classic holiday songs, modern seasonal favorites, or instrumental music that soothes the soul, this episode invites you to think about how holiday music can become part of your own support system.
🎧 Listen, reflect, and maybe even build your own holiday playlist along the way.
📅 Episode Release Date: December 23🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who could use a little extra joy this season.
 
#HolidayMusic #JoyOfMusic #HolidaySeason #FindingJoy #MusicAndConnection#ChronicIllnessSupport #AutoimmuneCommunity #MentalHealthDuringHolidays#HolidayWellness #SeasonalJoy #AutoimmuneAdventures #MusicHeals

63: Mental Health, Boundaries, and Chronic Illness During the Holidays (S2 E30)

Not everyone experiences the holidays as happy — and that deserves to be said out loud.
The holidays can be joyful — and they can also be overwhelming, emotional, and physically draining, especially for those living with chronic illness or autoimmune disease. In this episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we’re having an honest, compassionate conversation about navigating the holiday season in a way that protects your mental health, honors your body, and supports your emotional well-being.
We talk about recognizing small moments of joy, acknowledging grief and loss that often surface during the holidays, setting boundaries without guilt, and choosing peace over pressure. We also discuss the importance of creating a mental health toolkit before the holiday season begins — so you’re not scrambling for support when stress, fatigue, or emotional overload hits.
This episode is for anyone who feels like the traditional holiday narrative doesn’t fit their reality. Whether you’re managing chronic illness, autoimmune disease, burnout, or grief, this conversation offers validation, practical tools, and gentle reminders that your needs matter — especially during the holidays.
🎄 Holiday Episode #4📅 Released December 16🎧 Hosted by Stacy, Becky, and Alysia
If this episode resonates, consider liking, subscribing, and sharing it with someone who could use a little extra compassion this season.
 #AutoimmuneAdventures #HolidayMentalHealth #ChronicIllnessSupport #AutoimmuneDisease #MentalHealthAwareness #HolidayBoundaries #ChronicIllnessLife #GentleHolidays #MentalHealthToolkit #LivingWithChronicIllness #NervousSystemCare #SelfCompassion #InvisibleIllness

62: Holiday Traditions That Ground Us: Finding Joy, Meaning & Connection (S2 EP 29)

Releasing December 9 — Holiday Episode 3 of Autoimmune Adventures
The holidays can be magical… and overwhelming. In this week’s episode of Autoimmune Adventures, Stacy, Becky, and Alysia dive into the traditions that shape our season — the ones we keep, the ones we change, and the ones that help us feel connected when living with chronic illness or autoimmunity.
We explore:🎄 The power of simple rituals during high-stress seasons🕯️ How traditions evolve as our health changes💛 Why honoring your energy is an act of self-love🎁 Ways to create meaningful moments without burnout✨ Listener stories + our own family traditions
Whether you’re navigating chronic illness, supporting someone who is, or simply seeking a more intentional holiday season, this episode will bring warmth, validation, and a few laughs along the way.
💬 Drop a comment: What traditions bring YOU the most joy — or peace — this time of year?
#AutoimmuneAdventures #HolidayEpisode3 #HolidayTraditions #ChronicIllnessCommunity #SpoonieLife #AutoimmuneWellness #MindfulHolidays #HolidayRituals #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessWarrior #AutoimmuneJourney #HolidaySeason2025 #PacingDuringHolidays #SisterhoodAndSupport

61: Bright Holiday Plates, No Artificial Dyes: Natural Eating Tips & Recipes: (S2 EP28)

Welcome back to Autoimmune Adventures! Our second holiday episode, releasing December 2nd, is all about creating vibrant, flavorful holiday plates without relying on artificial dyes—because those colors shouldn’t come at the cost of your health.
Join Stacy, Becky, and Alysia as we explore:✨ How artificial dyes can impact people with autoimmune and chronic illness✨ Easy natural swaps to keep your favorite holiday dishes festive✨ “Eat the rainbow” inspiration—from produce to pantry staples✨ Family-friendly tips, recipe ideas, and real-life kitchen tricks
Whether you’re baking cookies, hosting a holiday meal, or planning dye-free treats for the kids, this episode is packed with empowering tools to help you enjoy the season naturally and deliciously.
🎧 Subscribe for more holiday episodes all December long!
#AutoimmuneAdventures #HolidayEating #DyeFreeHolidays #NaturalRecipes #ChronicIllnessSupport #CleanEating #AutoimmuneFriendly #HealthyHolidays #FoodTriggers #NaturalFoodColoring #HolidayCooking #AutoimmuneWellness

60: Holiday Travel With Autoimmune & Chronic Illness: Tips & Stress-Free Travel Strategies (S2 E27)

Welcome to the FIRST episode of our 2025 Holiday Series!
Releasing just in time for Thanksgiving and the start of the holiday rush, this episode of Autoimmune Adventures dives deep into how to travel during the holidays with chronic illness or autoimmune disease—without losing your sanity, your health, or your joy.
In this conversation, Stacy and Becky sit down with guests Anthony Heard and Chelsea Streit to explore realistic, compassionate strategies for navigating the busiest travel season of the year.
Whether you're traveling across the country or just across town, this episode will help you feel more prepared, more confident, and more supported.
In This Episode, We Cover:
✈️ Why traveling still matters, even when it requires extra preparation
🌻 How the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard can make airports and transit smoother
🍽️ Avoiding holiday diet pitfalls and staying true to your personal “rulebook of life”
🧭 Creating a travel routine that works for YOU (not someone else!)
😰 Navigating travel stress, crowds, expectations, and boundaries
🎒 What to put in your holiday travel kit for safer, smoother trips
This episode is packed with real talk, practical tools, and the encouragement you need to travel with confidence this season. If you live with an autoimmune condition, chronic illness, or invisible disability—this holiday travel guide is for you.
👉 Episode Release Date: November 23, 2025 — perfectly timed for Thanksgiving and the start of holiday travel chaos.
🔔 Subscribe for more episodes on:
Autoimmune health • Chronic illness support • Mental wellness • Diet + lifestyle tools • Boundaries • Stress management • Invisible disability advocacy • Joy-filled living
#AutoimmuneAdventures #HolidayTravel #ChronicIllnessTravel #InvisibleDisability #SunflowerLanyard #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicIllnessTips #HolidayWellness #TravelWithChronicIllness #ThanksgivingTravel #StressFreeTravel #HolidaySeason2025 #ChronicIllnessSupport

59: Rebuilding Strength with Chronic Illness: Sharon Jones on Resilience, Mindset & Healing (S2 EP26)

In this empowering episode of Autoimmune Adventures, Stacy and Alysia sit down with Sharon Jones — speaker, advocate, and chronic illness warrior — to talk about what it really means to rebuild your strength while living with autoimmune disease.
Sharon opens up about her personal journey, the mindset shifts that changed everything, and the practical strategies she uses to navigate daily life with purpose and resilience. If you're looking for inspiration, validation, or tools to help you keep going on your autoimmune or chronic illness journey, this conversation is for you.
🌟 In this episode, we talk about:
What resilience really looks like during chronic illness
Sharon’s powerful story of rebuilding strength
How mindset, community, and self-compassion shape healing
Practical tips for navigating autoimmune challenges
Why owning your story can transform your life
🎙️ Autoimmune Adventures is a podcast created for anyone living with autoimmunity, chronic illness, or invisible disabilities. We bring honest conversations, expert voices, and real-life strategies to help you live boldly, advocate for yourself, and find joy in the middle of it all.
🔔 New episodes every Tuesday!Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share to support our mission of helping autoimmune warriors thrive.
 
To contact Sharon:  https://linktr.ee/SharonJonesCoaching
#AutoimmuneAdventures #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #Resilience #SharonJones #InvisibleIllness #ChronicIllnessCommunity #HealingJourney #MindsetMatters #SpoonieLife

58: Advocating For Rare Disease with Chelsea Streit (S2 E25)

In this inspiring episode of Autoimmune Adventures, hosts Stacy, Becky, and Alysia sit down with Chelsea Streit, a passionate rare disease advocate living with Cowden Syndrome and Sjögren’s Syndrome. Chelsea shares her powerful story of navigating chronic illness, emotional healing, and the small victories that make each day meaningful.
From the heartbreak of diagnosis to finding love, purpose, and advocacy, Chelsea’s journey shines a light on the resilience and courage of the chronic illness community. She opens up about how she manages flare days, balances rest with productivity, and uses creative hobbies and practical tools to find hope and healing.
💬 In this episode, we discuss:
How small victories can transform your chronic illness mindset
Emotional healing and stress management for autoimmune and rare diseases
Tools, hobbies, and routines that make hard days easier
The power of self-advocacy and community support
How Chelsea turned pain into purpose and found connection through advocacy
If you’re living with autoimmune disease, chronic illness, or a rare condition, this conversation will remind you that healing is not about perfection — it’s about persistence, purpose, and grace.
Subscribe to Autoimmune Adventures for more real stories of resilience, advocacy, and living well with chronic illness.
#AutoimmuneAdventures #ChelseaStreit #CowdenSyndrome #SjogrensSyndrome #RareDiseaseAdvocacy #ChronicIllnessWarrior #AutoimmuneAwareness #PatientAdvocacy #ChronicIllnessSupport #HealingJourney #SelfCare #RestAndRecovery #InvisibleIllness #MentalHealthAndChronicIllness #ResilienceAndHope

57: NeuroGrowth Teen and Parent Coaching and Advocacy with Stacy Griffin (S2 E24)

Meet Stacy Griffin, co-host of Autoimmune Adventures — a NeuroGrowth Coach, speaker, and autoimmune adventurer who turned her journey of loss, resilience, and renewal into a mission to help others thrive.
After autoimmune disease forced her to completely rebuild her life, Stacy discovered the power of mindset, self-compassion, and intentional living. In this inspiring episode, she opens up about what it really means to start over — not just surviving chronic illness, but growing through it.
💬 “Happiness doesn’t disappear when life changes. It just asks to be found in new ways.”
Join us as Stacy shares how NeuroGrowth principles helped her navigate identity shifts, embrace change, and create space for joy, purpose, and healing — even when the road looked nothing like she planned.
Connect with Stacy at stacyannegriffin.com or drop her an email at stacy@stacyannegriffin.com
 
#AutoimmuneAdventures #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneWarrior #StacyAnneGriffin #TheLuminarium #NeurogrowthTeen Coach #ParentingCoach #TraumaInformedCoach #ChronicIllnessJourney #AutoimmuneDisease #HealingThroughMindset #Resilience #AutoimmuneSupport #SelfGrowth #ChronicIllnessCommunity #Empowerment #MindsetMatters #AutoimmuneAwareness #WellnessPodcast

56: Finding Hope Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis a Conversation with Hana Birch (S2 E 23)

In this heartfelt episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we sit down with Hana Birch, an author, advocate, and lifelong rheumatoid arthritis warrior who has lived with the condition for more than 50 years.
Hana shares how she’s learned to find hope, humor, and strength through the hardest seasons of chronic illness—and why she believes we must never give up, because doing so means we’ll miss the light of all the good things still to come. She also opens up about her book, Hana’s Hope, a beautiful collection of poetry offering encouragement to anyone walking the path of autoimmunity, pain, or healing.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
Finding purpose and laughter in the face of illness
The power of gentle movement and mindset shifts
Turning life’s struggles into meaningful adventures
The inspiration behind Hana’s Hope
 
🎧 Tune in to discover how Hana’s story reminds us all that even in our hardest moments, there is still light, love, and hope ahead.
 
Link to buy Hana's Hope: Sharing Hope and Faith by H.J. Birch - https://amzn.to/4oev5Px
*The Amazon link above is an affiliate link. Using this link will not cost you anything extra, but as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
 
Hana Birch, Hana’s Hope, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic illness journey, autoimmune disease, hope and healing, chronic illness inspiration, resilience, Autoimmune Adventures podcast
#AutoimmuneAdventures #HanaBirch #HanasHope #RheumatoidArthritis #ChronicIllnessJourney #HopeAndHealing #Resilience #AutoimmuneWarrior #ChronicIllnessCommunity #NeverGiveUp