Calling In Sick – Details, episodes & analysis

Hiiiiii my sweet fam! 💕 This episode is a revisit to Episode 1 as I’m CALLING IN SICK this week with a flare-up from the pits of hell. 😩 Come hang out with me on my socials as I crush some Bravo 🍿, spill my duvet day tricks 🛋️, and share all the food Saint Cooper is making me to get me back on my feet. 🍲 Don’t worry, I’m on some heavy prednisone, so I’ll be back next week! Love you guys and happy hearts week! ❤️‍🩹 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Welcome to the REVISITED first episode of Calling in Sick! This podcast is all about navigating life with chronic illness and autoimmune disease. Join me, your host, Alex, as I make a long story long and dive deep into my health journey 🧬, which started at age 6. I’ll share how my diagnoses—Polyarteritis Nodosa (Vasculitis), Lupus / Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD), Small Fiber Neuropathy // Dysautonomia, Endometriosis, and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)—have shaped who I am today. 🩺💪 This episode covers: * 🌱 What to expect on the Calling in Sick Podcast * 🏥 My personal health journey and living with chronic illness * 🎯 My goals and takeaways It's time to submit your doctor's note because we are calling in sick together! 💌 Let's talk chronic illness support, self-care during flare-ups, and how to cope when life feels like it's too much. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome to the FIRST episode of Calling in Sick! 00:02:30 What to expect on the Calling in Sick Podcast 00:07:30 My health journey 00:29:50 Goals & takeaways 00:36:35 THANK YOU for listening!! ---------------------------------------------------------------- Stay connected and follow social: • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ ---------------------------------------------------------------- #ChronicIllnessPodcast #AutoimmuneDiseases #Lupus #Vasculitis #ComplexRegionalPainSyndrome #Dysautonomia #Endometriosis #HealthJourney #LivingWithChronicIllness #ChronicIllnessFlareUps #PrednisoneTreatment #LivingWithAutoimmuneDisease #HealthSupportPodcast #SelfCareForChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDiseaseAwareness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Calling in Sick, it’s just me, Alex, taking you inside my brain—literally. Inspired by Inside Out, I’m breaking down the real voices that fill the mind of a chronically ill person—the ones that tell us we’re a burden, that every symptom is an emergency, or that we’re not doing “enough” to get better. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing: 🧠 How chronic illness fuels negative self-talk (and how to fight back) 😨 Why anxiety makes every symptom feel like a crisis 😞 The truth about guilt & why you are NOT a burden 🔥 How anger can be both destructive and empowering 😂 The unexpected superpowers chronic illness gives us (dark humor, anyone?) If you’ve ever felt trapped in your own mind—stuck in a cycle of fear, frustration, and self-doubt—this episode is for you. Chronic illness already makes life hard. Let’s make sure our own thoughts aren’t making it harder. Which voice takes over your brain the most? Comment below or DM me on IG (@callinginsickpod)! As always, sending love! xx, Alex Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick! 00:02:35 Alex’s Catch-Up 00:07:30 Alex’s Picks of the Week (Sleep Crown, Anomia) 00:09:37 Chronic Illness & The Voices in Your Head 00:11:50 How chronic illness fuels negative self-talk (anger, guilt, anxiety, shame) and how to fight back 00:28:30 The unexpected superpowers chronic illness gives us (comedian, empathy, medical encyclopedia, pivoting) 00:37:30 Alex’s final takeaways  00:38:40 Thank you for listening!  ---------------------------------------------------------------- Stay connected and follow social: • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ Alex’s Picks of the Week: UPDATE • Sleep Crown Pillow: https://flagship.shop/alexandrawildeson/products-v2/231581 • Anomia: https://go.shopmy.us/p-12706973 #chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #chronicillnessidentity #negativeselftalk #gaslighting #emotionalburnout  ---------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Calling in Sick, I sit down with Alex Gray (@alexogray), UK-based TV presenter, actress, and founder, to reflect on her journey with chronic illness. We unpack the toll of hustle culture on health, the disorienting feeling of being a stranger in your own body, and the challenges of navigating life without a clear diagnosis. We explore how chronic illness reshapes relationships - the weight of masking our reality, facing disbelief and misunderstanding, and learning to pick our battles while still finding compassion for ourselves and others. Our conversation also touches on how chronic illness transforms identity and mental health, from the exhaustion of constant perseverance to discovering strength in slowing down and living authentically. One Monday, double the Alex, triple the laughter — join for an honest conversation about life and relationships while being chronically ill. Sending everyone love and hugs - and thanks for Calling in Sick with me! xx, Alex Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick!  00:02:55 Alex’s Health/Life Update 00:13:05 Alex’s Wellness Picks of the Week 00:16:50 Introduction to Alex Gray (@alexogray), UK-based TV presenter, actress, and founder 00:25:30 Alex’s first symptoms 00:32:15 Alex’s journey to diagnosis 00:51:00 Alex’s feelings around her chronic illness diagnosis 01:02:45 Friendship & chronic illness 01:06:15 Family & chronic illness 01:15:00 Masking your chronic illness 01:24:04 Roses & Thorns of chronic illness 01:38:40 Thank you for listening!  ---------------------------------------------------------------- Stay connected and follow social: • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ #chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #chronicillnessidentity #celiacdisease #alexogray #alexgray Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of Calling in Sick, I go into depth on how to navigate the holiday season with a chronic illness. It is *so* easy to over do it, when everyone around you is baking Pinterest worthy desserts and listing all the things they’re thankful for… like their health. We have to think through the logistics of traveling (if you haven’t, go watch episode 11 for more tips), socializing, and saving our spoons. We have to figure out how to effectively communicate boundaries with everything from our emotions to food sensitivities or allergies (keep that pecan pie AWAY!). Beyond that, this time of year is full of emotions, good and bad. We reflect on the year as a whole, how this season would be different if our health was better and comparing ourselves to peers and family that just don’t struggle the same way. From my thoughts on why this joyful season can be challenging as a sick chick to my how-to’s on navigating gatherings and spoon usage, I talk about it ALL in this holiday survival guide. Sending everyone my love, hugs and a spare spoon this holiday season - thanks for Calling in Sick with me this Thanksgiving!  xx, Alex Timestamps:  00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick!  00:02:25 Alex’s Health Update 00:13:45 Alex’s 21 Days to Less Anxiety Challenge  00:15:15 Alex’s Wellness Picks of the Week 00:18:22 Navigating the holiday season with a Chronic Illness 00:20:50 Combatting the energy toll of the holidays 00:25:30 Holiday-specific travel tips 00:27:55 Reflection during the holiday season 00:36:20 Internalized perception during the holiday season 00:46:30 Proactive communication with others 00:53:50 My #1 tip for thriving this holiday season 00:56:00 Recouping after the holidays 01:00:05 Thank you for listening!  ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:  For a limited time, use the code “CallingInSick” for 25% off your first session on Malla.co. Malla is here to help you thrive! ---------------------------------------------------------------- Stay connected and follow social: • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ #chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #traveltips #holidayseason Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of Calling in Sick, I share my how-to guide on navigating travel with a chronic illness. Travel is supposed to be a relaxing and enjoyable break from “real life,” but when you’re dealing with a chronic illness, it can be incredibly overwhelming. From anxiety about how “able” you are, to internalized pressure on having the “perfect” get away, and realizing the impact of brain fog on planning… you are not alone in these worries! Not to forget the mental gymnastics of battling guilt for being stressed! If you want your next trip to go a bit smoother, look no further! Tune in to this week’s episode to hear what you need to pack in your suitcase versus your carry on and my top 5 most important things to travel with. You’ll leave this episode feeling more prepared and less anxious for your next trip. And as always, thanks for joining me for another Monday of Calling in Sick! xx, Alex Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! 00:01:02 Alex’s Health Update 00:04:45 Alex’s Wellness Picks of the Week 00:09:00 Traveling with a Chronic Illness is stressful 00:15:15 How to pack for your trip 00:34:30 How to enjoy your trip 00:40:15 How to manage anxiety while traveling 00:45:45 How to manage if you over do it 00:47:10 Thank you for listening! Stay connected and follow social: • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ #chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #callinginsick #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #flareup #traveling #chronicillness Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s episode of Calling in Sick, I’m joined by comedian and content creator, Joe Glasgow (@joeglasgowshow). We talk about his plunge into the chronic illness life and how leaning into creativity and comedy has shaped how he has processed and navigated the sick life. Tune in to hear about our symptom “upgrades,” how we navigate being “two faced” and an enlightening discussion on what brings all these different disease profiles together into one community. Joe said it best during the episode, the world may not be curated for the chronically ill… but the chronic ill social media space is, and so is this episode. So get ready for your face to hurt from smiling and laughing so hard during this episode… and as always, thanks for joining me for another Monday of Calling in Sick! xx, Alex Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to another episode of Calling In Sick!  00:05:57 Alex’s Wellness Picks of the Week 00:08:08 This episode of Calling In Sick is sponsored by Malla 00:10:15 Introduction to Joe Glasgow (@joeglasgowshow) 00:12:00 Joe’s BC/AC (before Covid/after Covid) 00:17:45 Alex & Joe’s current headspace 00:25:40 Disease upgrades/downgrades 00:31:25 Living in the gray space 00:36:15 Social anxiety 00:39:07 Chronic illness content creation 00:48:45 Creating children’s books 00:53:00 How creativity builds a full life for those with chronic illness 00:57:18 Thank you for listening!  ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to the sponsors for this episode:  For a limited time, use the code “CallingInSick” for 25% off your first session on Malla.co. Malla is here to help you thrive!  ---------------------------------------------------------------- Stay connected and follow social: • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ #chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #callinginsick #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #flareup #darkhumor  ---------------------------------------------------------------- Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this week’s solo episode of Calling in Sick, I dive into the reality of processing and shifting our identity due to a Chronic Illness, whether you have an official diagnosis or not. I talk about the struggles that come from comparing ourselves to others and how we define self-worth, especially relative to our life before getting sick. The discussion also sheds light on how often we feel misunderstood and feel like we have to “look sick” in a particular ways to get care. Most importantly though, I touch on how processing a chronic illness looks and feels a lot like the grief curve. As always, I offer anecdotes of my own journey with processing my new identity and share some tips and tricks that have helped me navigate these topics. My hopes are this episode has you nodding “me too!” and that you can walk away feeling comfort that you are not alone in this journey. Thanks for Calling in Sick with me again - xx, Alex Timestamps: Introduction 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling in Sick 00:03:40 Alex’s health update 00:07:40 Alex’s mental health update 00:11:20 Alex’s recent wins 00:14:00 Alex’s Wellness Picks The Chronic Illness Identity Shift 00:17:50 Post-diagnosis prioritization 00:25:25 The challenges of the chronic illness identity shift 00:34:10 My tips for handling the identity shift 00:51:20 My NUMBER ONE TIP for handling the identity shift Outro 00:53:30 Thank you for listening! Stay connected and follow social: • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ #chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #callinginsick #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #flareup #chronicillnessidentity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Calling in Sick, I sat down with the incredibly funny and sweet Alexandra Kopko. You may know her from her TikTok @alexandrawideeyes, where she uses her incredibly relatable sense of humor to create educational and absolutely hysterical content about living and thriving with a chronic illness. We talk about navigating your way to a diagnosis in your 20s and the funny-not-funny snafus that arose along the way - like doctors that don’t believe you and grieving your precious healthy self. I hope you this Monday’s episode makes you laugh as much as I did — my face actually hurt from smiling and laughing so much.  Timestamps:  00:00:00 Welcome back to another episode of Calling In Sick! 00:01:30 Alex’s Catch Up and Health Status 00:08:00 Alex’s Wellness Picks 00:11:45 Introducing Alexandra Kopka (@alexandrawideeyes) 00:16:30 Alex’s Diagnosis Story 00:36:30 Getting doctors to take you seriously  00:45:20 Using comedy to cope with chronic illness 00:49:30 Health anxiety 00:55:40 Chronic illness on social media 01:09:50 The “Spoon-ion” 01:13:00 Are their negative repercussions to joking about chronic illness? 01:18:30 Thank you for listening!  ---------------------------------------------------------------- Thank you to our sponsors this week: Malla - Go to Malla.co and use code “CallingInSick” for 25% off your first session. Malla is here to help you thrive!  ---------------------------------------------------------------- Stay connected and follow social: • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ #chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #callinginsick #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #chronicillnesscomedy #flareup #darkhumor #comedypodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Calling in Sick, I’m sharing my tips and tricks for navigating a hospital stay or ER visit, which we all know can be an overwhelming experience. I wanted to make a practical guide for anyone with chronic illness faced with a trip to the ER or hospital after I spent 72 hours in the hospital last week getting IVIG for an autoimmune flare up. I share my top 5 tips, which cover everything from what to wear and bring, to how to advocate for yourself and what to say to friends and family who want to help during and after your hospital stay. Get ready for a real conversation on how to navigate the system like a pro. Plus, I’ll teach you how to give your medical history like an elevator pitch so you’re taken seriously and get the care you need. Whether you’re packing your go bag, preparing for a surprise stay, or helping someone in your life through the experience, this episode will help you feel more prepared, supported, and less alone. I’m hoping you have a high spoon and low symptom week - thanks for calling in sick with me again this week! Timestamps:  00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! 00:02:00 My recent ER trip/hospitalization 00:15:00 Intro to my top 5 tips for ER & hospital trips 00:15:42 1 - How to present yourself  00:17:00 2 - What to bring (ER) 00:25:50 2.5 -What to bring (hospital) 00:28:30 3 -What to say (medical history elevator pitch) 00:35:15 4 - How to pull in your care circle 00:39:40 5- How to care for yourself after 00:41:45 Thank you for listening! Stay connected and follow social: • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/ #chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #callinginsick #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips #emergencyroomtips #hospitalstaytips #hospitalization #chronicillnessflareup #navigatingyourhospitalstay  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week I got to sit down with my friend, and personal Functional Practitioner, Aubree Steen! We got to chat about the foundational elements of Functional medicine - everything from how providers get their credentials to the hand map analogy that describes the key pillars of functional medicine. We also discussed today’s supplement culture… who actually needs supplements, why functional medicine uses them, how to safely navigate buying and taking supplements, and of course, we myth bust some misconceptions along the way. I hope y’all enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed making it. Happy Monday - hope you’re having a good sick day ;)  Timestamps: 00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick!  00:06:20 Introduction to Functional Nurse Practitioner, Aubree Steen & Functional Medicine 00:18:30 The Hand Metaphor 00:29:30 Myth Busting Supplement Culture  01:09:00 Where to buy your supplements 01:13:00 Lifestyle: you cannot out-supplement a bad lifestyle 01:22:00 Thank you for listening!  Stay connected and follow social: • Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/ • TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod • Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/ #chronicillnesssupport #livingwithautoimmunedisease #callinginsick #functionalmedicine #supplementculture #biohacking #healthandwellness #podcast #podcastclips  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices