The Rest Repair Recover Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

In this fascinating conversation, I'm joined by the wonderful Dr. Carolyn Forsyth — a GP and former A&E doctor from the Highlands of Scotland, whose own experience with Long Covid completely transformed her understanding of chronic illness.

Listen as we discuss (among other things) what doctors aren't taught about chronic illness and recovery.

• An honest insider view of why the traditional medical system struggles with conditions like Long Covid, CFS, ME and POTS.

• Real hope: Carolyn's experience proves that healing and huge life changes are possible — even if it doesn't feel like it at first.

• Validation: You are not imagining your symptoms. You are not making it up. And you are not alone.

• Actionable ideas for steps you can take right now to support your own recovery, whether you have medical support or not.

Want to find out more about The Rest Repair Recover Programme? Head over to https://suzybolt.com/rest-repair-recover/

In this remarkable episode, Suzy Bolt welcomes her student, Mark Taylor, as he shares his inspiring story of recovery and discovery following a challenging journey with Long Covid.

Mark opens up about how he navigated the complexities of returning to full-time work after his diagnosis left him exhausted and struggling. By joining Suzy's Rest Repair Recover programme and gaining a deeper understanding of what his mind and body needed, Mark gradually transformed his life.

He recounts how learning to prioritise self-care, embrace small wins, and shift his mindset led to significant changes. The impact on both his personal well-being and relationship with his family was profound and lasting.

Mark also dives into the importance of finding joy in everyday moments and how he now leads a more balanced, fulfilling life, which includes retraining to become a play therapist.

This episode is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of self-awareness, and the potential for recovery when we allow ourselves to truly embrace change. Whether you're on a similar journey or seeking hope and inspiration, Mark's story is sure to resonate.

In this insightful and engaging episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Kevin Leivers, the founder of the Naked Pharmacy, about the fascinating world of supplements.

Kevin shared his incredible journey of establishing the first online pharmacy dedicated to natural products, aiming to empower people with information for making informed decisions about their health. Coming from a 40-year background in healthcare, Kevin explained how he was inspired by the natural pharmacies of the early 1900s and sought to create a space for education and support in this fast-growing industry.

We dive deep into the importance of understanding the origins of supplements and the potential health impacts of synthetic ingredients. Kevin advises listeners on how to approach supplements effectively, shedding light on common misconceptions, such as the true benefits and potential dangers of taking high doses of vitamins.

Throughout our conversation, Kevin emphasises a holistic approach to health—one that balances diet, exercise, and supplementation. We discuss crucial nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C, and explore the powerful effects of botanicals like turmeric and saffron.

If you've ever found yourself lost in the supplement aisle or questioned the integrity of the products you're consuming, this episode is a must-listen. Kevin's passion for transparency and quality shines through, making it clear why Naked Pharmacy stands out in the crowded market of supplements.

Join us as we uncover the truths behind supplements and empower you to make the best choices for your well-being.

To find out more about my programme, Rest Repair Recover, click here: https://suzybolt.com/rest-repair-recover/

In this insightful and heartfelt episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Sue, who shares her compelling journey navigating the ups and downs of Long Covid. Sue discusses how discovering the Rest, Repair, Recover (RRR) community transformed her path to healing.

At her lowest point, Sue felt isolated and unsupported. She describes the frustration of seeking answers in a medical system that seemed devoid of solutions, as well as the challenge of navigating spaces that only amplified her fears. With traditional coping mechanisms like determination and pushing through no longer effective, Sue reached a turning point.

The conversation shifts as Sue reflects on finding the RRR community, initially skeptical of what she perceived as a focus on yoga. However, she soon discovered a supportive community that offered so much more. Sue shares how engaging with breathwork, meditation, and the concept of finding a 'tribe' helped her feel understood and less alone in her journey.

Together, we explore the power of gentle movement, the importance of listening to one's body, and the remarkable impact of acceptance and humor in the recovery process. Sue also shares her insights into the concept of managing health and wellbeing as an ongoing commitment, rather than a finite goal.

Tune in for an episode filled with wisdom, humor, and hope, as Sue describes how she reclaimed parts of her life and found joy, even amidst chronic illness. Whether you're personally affected by Long Covid or interested in the power of community and self-care, this episode offers valuable perspectives on living fully and authentically.

To find out more about the Rest Repair Recover programme, head to: https://suzybolt.com/rest-repair-recover/

In this honest and uplifting episode from the YouTube archive, I'm joined by three brilliant consultants — Dr Boon Lim, Dr Deepak Ravindran, and Dr Melanie Danni — for an in-depth conversation answering some of the most pressing questions from the Long Covid community.

Drawing on their unique expertise in cardiology, pain medicine, general adult medicine and autonomic dysfunction, our panel tackle the real challenges people with Long Covid face: living with uncertainty, the long wait for answers, and the frustration of not finding a single solution. We explore how clinics are responding, why symptoms can vary so much, and what you can actually do now — while waiting for appointments, referrals, or that elusive silver bullet.

The doctors share the patterns they're seeing, the practical steps you can take to regain some control, and ways to approach your recovery with kindness, patience and agency. There's open discussion around commonly raised issues: getting a diagnosis for dysautonomia or POTS, what to do about research headlines like microclotting, and how to talk to your GP or specialist when they might not have all the answers yet.

We also dive into the emotional toll of Long Covid, the powerful role of patient voices, and the importance of pacing, acceptance and holistic approaches. You'll come away with concrete tips for preparing for your clinic appointments, supporting your own healing, and building hope — wherever you are in your recovery.

If you, or someone you love, are struggling to make sense of Long Covid, this episode will help you feel seen, supported and less alone.

Welcome to another insightful interview. In this conversation, Suzy Bolt sits down with Kevin Leivers from The Naked Pharmacy to dive deep into the crucial topic of sleep. This one is a must-watch for anyone struggling with rest, especially when managing chronic illness or post-viral fatigue.

What's Inside This Episode?

Join Suzy and experienced pharmacist Kevin Leivers as they unravel the science behind sleep, explore the options typically offered by GPs, and discuss the wider impact of prescription medications and natural solutions when sleep is hard to come by. 

With expert pharmaceutical knowledge and a holistic approach to wellbeing, Kevin offers invaluable advice on how to create a supportive environment for quality sleep, particularly during times of illness and recovery.

You'll discover:

00:00 – Meet Kevin Leivers: Pharmacist & Supplement Specialist
00:57 – The Frustrations of Insomnia & First Steps at the GP
02:03 – Commonly Prescribed Sleeping Drugs: Z Drugs, Benzodiazepines & Antihistamines
04:48 – Why Prescription Sleeping Pills Are Only a Short-Term Fix
06:56 – Sleep, Anxiety & Breaking the Fear Cycle
07:12 – What Disrupted Sleep Could Be Telling You About Your Body
07:25 – Running Parallel Support Systems: The Role of Sleep Hygiene
10:05 – The Impact of Food, Drink & Supplements on Sleep
13:00 – Resetting Your Circadian Rhythm: Light, Exercise & Routine
15:06 – The Power of Mindset & Mental Hygiene for Deep Rest
16:41 – Building a Collaborative Relationship With Your GP
17:06 – Are You Taking Too Many Supplements? Why Less is More
19:39 – Magnesium: Natural vs Synthetic and the Real Difference
24:06 – The Benefits of Epsom Salt Baths and Magnesium Butters
25:50 – Earthing, Yoga, and Breathing: Calming Your Nervous System
27:18 – Melatonin: The Facts on Prescriptions and Quality
30:56 – Herbal Sleep Solutions: Lavender, Passiflora, Chamomile & Valerian
33:08 – Recap & Mindset: Don't Panic About Sleepless Nights

Whether you're recovering from chronic illness, supporting a dysregulated nervous system, or simply searching for restorative sleep, this episode is filled with empowering insights. 

Kevin explains the nuances between pharmaceuticals and natural supplements, and Suzy and Caroline keep the conversation grounded in real-life experience.

✨ If you're on a journey of recovery or looking to improve your sleep naturally, this episode is for you. 

Subscribe to our channel for more conversations on healing, rest, and empowerment—plus expert interviews and practical guidance.

👍 Like, comment, and share if you found this episode helpful!

And remember, it's really important that you talk to your medical professional first before you change your supplement regime.

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Want to get 20% off the supplements we discussed from The Naked Pharmacy? Use the code SUZYBOLT at checkout:

https://www.thenakedpharmacy.com/ 

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Find out more and join our Rest Repair Recover community here: https://suzybolt.com/rest-repair-recover/

Ready to dive deeper and get more personalised support in a smaller group setting? Click here: https://suzybolt.com/the-fern-programme/

Exploring the Complex Links Between ADHD, Chronic Illness & Mast Cells with Dr James Kustow, in conversation with Suzy Bolt.

Join me and leading adult ADHD psychiatrist Dr James Kustow, for a truly eye-opening deep dive into the fascinating overlap between ADHD, chronic illness, immune system regulation and so much more.

This is perfect for anyone living with ADHD, neurodiversity, long COVID, ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, or anyone supporting loved ones through these challenges.

What's Covered in this Episode?

We discuss the latest research uncovering why so many people with ADHD also struggle with chronic illness, hypermobility and immune dysfunction, and why body-based self-care is essential to feel better.

You'll get practical explanations and innovative new perspectives from both scientific and lived experience.

This episode is a must-watch for anyone navigating overlapping physical and mental health challenges—or clinicians wanting to understand the bigger picture.

✨ If you found this episode valuable, please leave us a review and share it with others who might benefit.

👉 Don't forget to subscribe for more in-depth interviews, practical workshops, and support for those with chronic illness, ADHD, and related conditions. 

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Here's the link to get James' brilliant book: https://amzn.to/43IPKSQ

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Ready to explore James' Solo Soma. Access it here: https://the-grove-practice.teachable.com/p/thrive-with-adult-adhd-solo-soma-moving-meditation

Use code SUZYBOLT60 at checkout to get 60% off

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You can find out more about James' practice at: https://www.thegrovepractice.com/ 

And you can see their videos on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/@TheGrovePractice 

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Find out more and join our Rest Repair Recover community here: https://suzybolt.com/rest-repair-recover/

Ready to dive deeper and get more personalised support in a smaller group setting? Click here: https://suzybolt.com/the-fern-programme/ 

In this moving and insightful episode, I sat down with Rebekah Aiston to talk about her remarkable journey through Long Covid and recovery—before and after discovering Rest Repair Recover and later on, The Fern Programme.

Rebecca shares with great honesty what it was like to be at her very lowest: bedbound, isolated, and desperate for answers that simply weren't forthcoming. She describes the physical and mental toll of her illness - including debilitating fatigue, terrifying symptoms, and repeated setbacks - but also the gradual, gentle progress that followed when she stopped searching for a magic cure and committed to a slower, more compassionate approach.

We explore the winding path from frustration and fear to acceptance, highlighting the importance of self-compassion, therapy, and connection with others - particularly through the rest repair community and the transformative power of finding a recovery buddy. Rebekah also speaks candidly about the challenges of pacing, changing her relationship with work, and the role past experiences and anxiety played in her recovery story.

If you're currently feeling stuck or overwhelmed, you'll find hope in Rebecca's story. Her slow, steady, and trauma-informed path to healing is a testament to the power of self-kindness, community, and not giving up - however daunting the setbacks may be.

Stay with us for a conversation full of warmth, wisdom and, above all, the reassurance that recovery, just like Rebekah's, is possible.

In this deeply moving episode, I sat down with Linda and Lisa, a married couple from the North of the UK, to talk candidly about the realities of navigating chronic illness together. Both fell seriously ill at the same time—one following a Covid infection, the other after a vaccine reaction—forcing them not only to face their own health battles, but to figure out how to support each other through the darkest of days.

Linda opens up about her dramatic health crash in 2021, the rollercoaster of misdiagnoses, and discovering a likely history of neurodiversity that added new layers to her journey. Lisa shares how her early experience of Long Covid spiralled into a complex mix of allergies and debilitating symptoms, culminating in a life-altering MCAS (mast cell activation syndrome) flare, just as she began to recover.

We talk openly about the family trauma that shaped them, the financial strain and isolation of back-to-back illnesses, and the gutting fear of not being present for their daughter. Both found themselves pushed to the absolute limit—and both found, through connection, research, and community, glimmers of hope they never expected.

Listen as we explore what "recovery" really means when health becomes a moving target. Linda and Lisa reflect on the tools, insights, and support that helped them start to rebuild—not just as individuals, but as partners and parents. From the practical realities of daily life (sometimes literally incapable of getting out of bed) to the small victories—like golfing, sea swimming, and rediscovering joy—they offer honesty, wisdom, and hope for anyone feeling lost in a health maze.

If you need reminding that recovery is possible, even when hope feels thin, or you're craving real talk about the impact of chronic illness on families, tune in for this powerful, inspiring conversation.

If you're ready to take the next step and find the community support and classes you need, join us here: https://suzybolt.com/rest-repair-recover/

In this thoughtful and practical episode, I chat with Kevin Leivers from The Naked Pharmacy to unpack the complex and often overwhelming topic of inflammation, especially as it relates to chronic illness.

We begin by exploring what inflammation actually means in the body, why it's such a key player in ongoing health issues, and why a one-size-fits-all approach rarely works. Together, Kevin and I break down not just the science, but also gentle, natural ways to reduce chronic inflammation—from curcuminoids in turmeric, to the power of probiotics and the unsung hero, slippery elm.

Kevin shares his deep knowledge of both pharmaceuticals and plant-based interventions, shedding light on the pros and cons of everything from over-the-counter anti-inflammatories to more experimental routes like LDN (low dose naltrexone), PEA, and even nicotine patches. We discuss the importance of knowing what's really in your supplements, starting at the lowest effective dose, and assessing whether something is genuinely right for your unique body.

We also touch on the role of social media and how desperation can sometimes drive us to try anything and everything—all at once. You'll leave this conversation feeling more empowered to slow down, assess the options, and choose what's truly best for you—without panic or overwhelm.

If you're navigating chronic inflammation or know someone who is, this episode is both a calm anchor and a toolkit for making better decisions about your health journey, one gentle step at a time.