Autoimmune Adventures

55: Advocating for Rare Diseases and Chronic Illness: A Conversation with Amy Schefer (S2 EP 22)

In this week’s episode, Amy Schefers shares how her personal journey sparked the creation of AdvocateAngel.com, a platform empowering parents and caregivers to find their voice and confidently navigate complex systems. As a recent co-author of Turning Pain into Her Power, Amy opens up about transforming challenges into purpose and using advocacy as a catalyst for healing and hope. Her story reminds us that one voice—rooted in compassion and courage—can change lives and ignite powerful movements.

54: Cooking & Conscious Connection: Annie Toro Lopez's Recipe for Healing (S2 EP 21)

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Annie Toro Lopez — cookbook author, chronic illness advocate, and autoimmune warrior — as she shares her remarkable journey of healing through food, therapy, and deep self-discovery.
After facing lupus, celiac disease, and profound personal loss, Annie transformed her pain into purpose, using the power of nourishment, mindset, and emotional healing to rebuild her health and her life. In this heartfelt episode, Annie opens up about:🍲 How cooking became her therapy and her medicine🧠 The role of the mind-body connection in healing chronic illness💜 Turning grief into growth through self-compassion and resilience🌿 Practical tips for nourishing your body and soul on your own autoimmune journey
You won’t want to miss this uplifting and powerful episode filled with hope, heart, and healing wisdom.
🎧 Watch or listen now on Autoimmune Adventures — where real people share real stories of courage and chronic illness.
🔗 Listen on all major podcast platforms📺 Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/@AutoimmuneAdventures🌐 Visit us at: www.autoimmuneadventures.com
💬 Let’s stay connected!#AutoimmuneAdventures #AnnieToroLopez #HealingThroughFood #MindBodyConnection #ChronicIllnessWarrior #AutoimmuneHealing #LupusAwareness #CeliacDisease #FoodIsMedicine #TherapyAndHealing #CookingForHealth #ChronicIllnessCommunity

53: Celiac Awareness Roundtable: Living Gloriously Gluten-Free (S2 EP 20)

Join the hosts of Autoimmune Adventures—Becky, Alysia, and Stacy—for an honest, insightful, and laughter-filled roundtable all about celiac disease. In this special episode, the sisters pull back the curtain on what it really means to live with celiac—from the everyday challenges and hidden pitfalls to the empowering strategies that make thriving possible.
Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting someone with celiac, or just curious about what life looks like gluten-free, this candid conversation will give you the skinny on celiac—the traps to avoid, the lessons learned, and the joy that comes from finding your flow (and your favorite safe snacks!).
Tune in and learn how to make it all work so you can live your most glorious gluten-free life.

52: Alopecia Awareness Month: The Power of a Limitless Mindset with Kellie Rhymes (S2 EP 19)

In this special Alopecia Awareness Month episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we sit down with Kellie Rhymes — advocate, coach, and host of the Bougie Baldie Podcast.
Kellie shares her journey with alopecia and how it inspired her to help others navigate hair loss with strength and clarity. From finding the right dermatologist, to building a support system, to embracing confidence with a wig, head wrap, or nothing at all — her advocacy coaching offers practical tools and powerful encouragement.
She also brings her signature Limitless Mindset, teaching us how to:
✨ Believe in ourselves fully
✨ Conquer fear
✨ Open our hearts and minds to receive more out of life
Whether you’re living with alopecia, another autoimmune condition, or simply searching for confidence on your journey, Kellie’s story is a reminder that we don’t have to hide who we are — we can live boldly and authentically.
📅 Released September 30th during Alopecia Awareness Month.
🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe to Autoimmune Adventures for more inspiring conversations!

51: Helen Sheppard on Finding Your Authentic Voice (S2 EP 18)

In Part Two of our series with Helen Sheppard, she shares how different parts of the brain are reflected in world religions—insights that inspired her book It’s Time to Wake Up the Trees.
Helen also speaks on the importance of finding and claiming your authentic voice as a pathway to healing and well-being.
Join us on Autoimmune Adventures for the conclusion of this inspiring two-part conversation.
#AutoimmuneAdventures #HealingJourney #AuthenticVoice #SoundTherapy #MindBodyConnection #SelfHealing #ChronicIllnessCommunity #SoundMedicineHub #HelenSheppard #SchoolofSingers

50: Voice as Medicine with Helen Sheppard: Building Our World Through Sound (S2 EP 17)

Healing starts deep within—down to the resonance of our own DNA. In Part One of our two-part series with Helen Sheppard, we explore how using resonance and our own voice can shape the world around us and guide us on the path to healing. 🎙️
Don’t miss this powerful conversation on Autoimmune Adventures!
#AutoimmuneAdventures #HealingJourney #SoundTherapy #FrequencyHealing #AuthenticVoice #MindBodyConnection #SelfHealing #ChronicIllnessCommunity #SoundMedicineHub #HelenSheppard

49: Navigating Chronic Illness Together: Deborah Sharp on Couples, Community, and Care (S2 EP 16)

Living with chronic illness can feel isolating—but it doesn’t have to. On Autoimmune Adventures, psychotherapist Deborah Sharp shares why bringing your partner in as a teammate—not just a spectator—can make all the difference.
Deborah specializes in a cultural relational model of psychotherapy, honoring the impact of culture, identity, and lived experience. With deep expertise in supporting couples navigating chronic and catastrophic illness, she offers powerful insight into how relationships and community can become sources of strength, connection, and resilience.
🎙️ Don’t miss this meaningful conversation!
#AutoimmuneAdventures #DeborahSharp #ChronicIllnessSupport #RelationshipHealth #HealingJourney #PodcastRelease

48: Garra Lloyd-Lester on Suicide Prevention and Chronic Illness (S2 EP 15)

This week on Autoimmune Adventures, we pause for a deeper, more serious conversation during Suicide Prevention Week. For many living with chronic illness, the weight of depression, isolation, and even suicidal thoughts is a hidden struggle—one that deserves to be spoken about with honesty and compassion.
We’re joined by Garra Lloyd-Lester, Coordinator of Community and Coalition Initiatives at the Suicide Prevention Center of New York State. With more than 30 years of experience in the human services field, Garra has dedicated his career to building safer, more connected communities.
Together, we explore:
The link between chronic illness and suicide risk
Warning signs that loved ones might miss
How to reach in and support someone in emotional pain
The role of community, peer support, and healthcare providers in prevention
Words of hope for anyone who feels overwhelmed by the weight of illness and despair
This episode is both a reminder and a lifeline: you are not alone, you are not a burden, and your story matters.
📞 If you or someone you love is struggling, please call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

47: Anthony Heard ITP and Fibromyalgia Chronic Disease Advocate (S2 EP 14)

Join us for a powerful conversation with Anthony Heard, author of My Purple Patch, poet, and rare disease advocate. Anthony shares his journey with Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) and fibromyalgia, opening up about the challenges of invisible illness, the path to remission, and the healing power of creative expression. We dive into his book, his poetry, and his advocacy work to shine a light on what it means to live authentically while raising awareness for rare conditions.

46: Touched By Type 1 Diabetes with Elizabeth Forrest: Empowering the Chronic Illness Community (S2 EP 13)

In this episode of Autoimmune Adventures, we sit down with Elizabeth Forrest, founder of Touched By Type 1, an organization dedicated to raising awareness, empowering individuals, and building community for those living with Type 1 Diabetes.
Elizabeth shares her journey of turning a diagnosis into a movement that inspires strength, hope, and advocacy. From education to empowerment, Touched By Type 1 is helping change the way people view and live with chronic illness.
✨ Whether you’re living with Type 1, supporting a loved one, or simply want to learn more about advocacy and resilience, this conversation will leave you inspired.
🔗 Learn more about Touched By Type 1: www.touchedbytype1.org
#AutoimmuneAdventures #TouchedByType1 #Type1Diabetes #ElizabethForrest #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneSupport #Advocacy