Explore every episode of the podcast My MS Podcast

It's 3 in the afternoon. Your energy just fell off a cliff. And suddenly you're standing in the pantry, looking for something sweet.

You know sugar isn't great for you. You've known that for years. But knowing sugar isn't great for you has never once stopped a craving.

So today, we're talking treats. Why the cravings show up, and how to enjoy something sweet without the crash.

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/blog

Have you ever noticed that some of the hardest parts of living with MS aren't the big decisions? The big decisions, you have help with. Your neurologist. Your MRIs. Your follow-up appointments. It's everything in between. The in-between is where you actually live your life with MS. And it's where most of us are left to figure it out on our own.

So today, I'm sharing three simple tricks for the in-between.

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/blog

Someone told me your home should be a 3D version of your vision board… and I immediately thought: wait, what would that look like for a woman living with MS? Let's find out.

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/blog

If you only had 15 minutes today to do something for your health with MS… what would you do? Because taking your health seriously doesn't mean doing the most things. It means knowing what deserves your energy first.

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/blog

I don't want MS to make me less ambitious. But I also don't want my ambition to keep exhausting me. So this fall, I'm figuring out what it means to have ambition that's built to last. And this is my invitation for you to join me. 

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/blog

Before we jump into today's episode, I want to ask you a question. What was your biggest win this summer?

If your first thought was... "Honestly... I don't know." You're not alone.

Last week, on one of our Healing Habits coaching calls, I asked our members that exact question. And I secretly wondered if everyone was sitting there thinking, "I didn't really accomplish anything this summer." Because I know how easy it is to overlook your own progress when you're living with MS.

Then one woman shared. Then another. Then another. And as each woman shared what she considered a win... the other women started recognizing their own. It was like one woman's story gave another woman permission to see herself differently.

I found myself wishing every woman listening to this podcast could have been sitting in that Zoom room. Because I have a feeling you're giving yourself far less credit than you deserve. So today, I want to help you recognize a win you may have completely overlooked.

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/blog

Last week I went viral on Instagram. A carousel I posted reached more than 65,000 people. And more than 1,500 people shared it. Fifteen thousand people sent this post about MS to a friend or family member. That's mindblowing to me.

And here's the interesting thing about it… they didn't share it because they learned something new about MS. They shared it because, for the first time, they had words for something they'd been trying to explain for years.... what it actually feels like to live with MS in the summer.

Not just the physical symptoms. The grief of missing out. The guilt of changing family plans. And the exhaustion of constantly wondering whether people believe you.

This is the conversation you won't get at your doctor's office. But it's exactly what your MS Sisters are here for.

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/blog

Ten years ago, I was terrified MS would take away my dreams. Not just my health. My dreams. The life I had worked so hard to build. I spent years watching other people achieve the goals I wanted.

Growing faster. Moving faster. Building faster.

Meanwhile, I felt like I was doing everything on "MS speed."

But this week, on the 10-year anniversary of my diagnosis, something happened that reminded me of a lesson every ambitious woman with MS needs to hear.

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/blog

My MRI results are in.

And I'm incredibly grateful to tell you that 10 years after my diagnosis, everything remains stable.

But after sharing the good news, I found myself wondering something I think a lot of women with MS wrestle with...

If my MRI is stable, why do I still have symptoms?

In this episode, we're talking about what "stable" actually means, why stable and symptom-free are not the same thing, and the gap that so many women with MS are trying to navigate every day.

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/blog

Ten years after my diagnosis, I still get nervous about MRIs. No matter how stable I've been, there's always that fear that they'll find something. A new or active lesion. And it'll be the best start of my decline. Will it take away my ability to walk, to see, or be ME? What will they find? And what will it mean for my future?

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/blog

Every flicker of a symptom. Every MRI. Every "what if it gets worse." We tell ourselves we're just being realistic — but there's a difference between preparing for possibilities and emotionally rehearsing tragedies. Today, I want to show you the flip side of that question, so you can stop being consumed by the "what ifs" and "worst case scenarios."

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/blog

Your ambition survived the diagnosis… but your energy didn't. In this raw and deeply honest episode, I'm talking about the emotional reality of trying to live at your pre-MS pace while managing MS fatigue. We dive into "fantasy self planning," the shame cycle it creates, and how to stop exhausting yourself trying to keep up with a version of you your body can't consistently support anymore.

If you've ever felt frustrated, guilty, or like you're constantly falling behind with MS… this episode is for you.

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/blog

I used to think holiday weekends would help me "catch up."

Instead, they usually left me more exhausted.

In this episode, I'm sharing the deeper realization I've been having about MS fatigue, overfunctioning, nervous system overwhelm, and why I'm finally creating a new rule for myself around time, energy, and presence.

Because maybe the goal isn't to maximize the weekend…

Maybe it's to actually experience it.

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/blog

I used to think pushing through exhaustion made me strong.

I didn't realize how much of my life was being driven by this constant fear of falling behind.

Behind on work.

Behind at home.

Behind in life.

And even when my body was begging me to slow down…

I kept trying to prove I could still do it all.

Turns out…

it was destroying my nervous system.

Because you can only fight your body for so long before your body starts fighting back.

And I think a lot of us living with MS are trying to cram eight hours worth of life into a two-hour energy window…

then shaming ourselves when we can't keep up.

That's what we're talking about today.

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/blog

If you were just newly diagnosed with MS and struggling to understand what just happened to your life and feeling like nobody in your world truly understands you right now, welcome.

You're in the right place. 

I get it. I walked this firsthand and I've helped thousands of women through this moment as well.

And now I'd love to help you. 

In this episode, I'm walking you through what actually matters in those early days after a diagnosis… the things I wish someone had explained to me from the very beginning.

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/new

Sleep can be incredibly frustrating when you're living with MS. Maybe your legs won't settle. Maybe your mind won't stop racing. Or maybe you sleep all night and still wake up exhausted. But sleep isn't just about feeling rested.

While you sleep, your brain activates a powerful cleanup system that helps remove toxins and inflammatory waste that build up during the day. For those of us living with MS, supporting that nightly "brain detox" process can play an important role in protecting the brain and nervous system.

In this episode, we're talking about MS and sleep: why sleep can be challenging with MS and a few simple habits that can improve the quality of your sleep.

You'll learn:

• What happens in your brain while you sleep

• Why your brain's cleanup system becomes 10x more active at night

• How supplement timing can impact sleep

• Why magnesium may support both sleep and digestion

• How morning sunlight helps regulate your circadian rhythm
  
  

Even small changes to your sleep routine can make a powerful difference over time. 

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/blog

It's mid-February and you're already convinced you blew it.

The workout routine didn't stick. 

The nutrition plan fell apart. 

And January somehow became just more proof that you can't keep up. 

Sound familiar? 

Good. 

Because that's exactly where this episode starts and where the guilt ends. 

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/blog

Thanksgiving is the biggest food holiday of the year…
And if you're living with MS, it can bring a lot more pressure than joy.

You might be stressing over what to eat…
Or maybe you've already decided to throw in the towel and "just get back on track in January."

But what if there's a better way?

In this episode, we're ditching the food rules and the guilt.
I'll walk you through a simple, grace-filled plan that helps you support your body, protect your energy, and still enjoy your favorite parts of the meal.

No shame. No restriction.
Just real-life tips that work with your MS... not against it.

Let's make this the year you feel good during and after Thanksgiving dinner.

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/blog

Are you already exhausted… and the holidays haven't even started yet?

If you're living with MS, you know this isn't just "a busy time of year," it's a minefield of energy drains, flare triggers, and invisible pressure to do it all. Between holiday prep, family expectations, and symptom management, MS fatigue can go from manageable to meltdown mode fast.

But here's the shift: you don't need to do more this season - you need to protect what matters most.

Let's do it together on today's episode. 

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/blog

Do you actually trust yourself to make the right decisions to manage your MS?

Or are you stuck in a loop - pressured by your doctor, overwhelmed by research, and inspired but also intimidated by everyone crushing it on social media?

It's enough to make you freeze… scared to move an inch in case you get it wrong.

In this episode, we're talking about what it really means to make confident health decisions—not because you have it all figured out, but because you're finally learning to trust yourself more than the noise around you.

If you've ever felt like you're standing in your own way… this one's for you.

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/blog

So, it's my birthday - 46 trips around the sun. In this episode, I'm sharing 3 questions that completely changed how I see my time, my health, and my life.

But these aren't just my reflections, they're questions you can ask yourself today to change everything too.

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/blog 

Your brain is tricking you. It's showing you failure on repeat, and you are believing it. You skipped your workout, you didn't eat the salad, you crashed on the couch instead of folding the laundry, and that voice in your head says, see, you can't do this. But here's the truth. It's not that you're failing.

It's your brain has a filter that's stuck on failure, and once you learn how to flip it. Everything changes. And before we get started, I wanna invite you to something special. Living with MS can feel overwhelming, but one habit can shift everything. That's what I'll show you inside my free webinar, how to help Slow MS progression, starting with just one habit.

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/blog 

What if I told you MS has a clock inside your body right now... and it's ticking whether you pay attention or not?

I know that sounds dramatic, but here's the truth: this clock isn't about aging gracefully or getting wrinkles. It's about your immune system quietly changing in ways that can make MS harder to manage if you wait too long.

Today we're unpacking the MS Biological Clock: what it is, why it matters, and most importantly, what you can do about it starting now.

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/blog 

What if this was the first year you actually had the energy to enjoy the holidays, not just survive them? The dinners, the parties, even Christmas morning. Today, I'm going to show you how a simple fall fresh start can change the way you feel heading into the busiest season of the year.

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/blog 

If you've ever thought, "My family needs me, I don't have time to rest," you're not alone. Most women with MS are carrying the double weight of managing their health and caring for others. But what happens when your body simply can't keep up? This episode of My MS Podcast is all about finding ways to care for your family without sacrificing your health. 

Are you the one everyone leans on—the mom, the daughter, the wife, the caregiver—and you're trying to do it all living with MS? You're still carrying all the weight, but suddenly your own body needs care too. In today's episode, we're talking about what happens when caregivers get MS, and how to keep your battery charged so you don't burn out."

In this episode of My MS Podcast, I'm not giving you clichés or generic advice that never factors in what it's truly like to live with ms… I'm talking about the real-life pressure of being a caregiver with MS, and how to protect your health in ways that actually work when life doesn't let up.

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/blog 

Traveling with MS doesn't have to mean falling off track with your diet. In this episode, I'm sharing real-life MS diet travel tips from my 10-day Hawaii vacation.

You'll hear:

• What I packed for a long travel day (including a 12 hour plane ride!)

• The grocery staples that I got on my first day in Hawaii

• How I created an easy meal routine so I wasn't making a thousand food decisions a day

• The wins that came with eating at luaus, Waikiki restaurants and a food truck on North Shore

This isn't about being perfect on vacation, it's about consistency, enjoying the moment, and feeling good in your body while still living life.

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/blog 

Ever have a day where your MS symptoms flare up and your mind immediately starts scanning for what you did wrong?

Did I eat something? Forget my supplements? Push too hard?

Been there… more times than I can count.

In this episode, I'm sharing the real, raw truth about how easy it is to fall into the guilt spiral… especially when you're doing everything "right." I'll share how this pattern started way before my MS diagnosis and how I'm learning to give myself more grace on the hard days.

Whether your symptoms make perfect sense or come out of nowhere, this conversation will help you stop beating yourself up and start supporting your body with compassion.

👉 Want the full transcript + show notes (including links and resources mentioned in this episode)? Read it here: alenebrennan.com/blog 

If you're the one who always got it done...

The one who stayed up late, woke up early, didn't need help, didn't ask for it...

The one who wore the heels and pushed through—no matter what—

Then I know how hard it is to slow down.

Not just because of MS, but because it feels like you're losing a part of who you are.

I've been there.

And in this episode, I'm not telling you to just "let the laundry pile up."

I'm talking about what it really means to stop living in burnout mode—

Not because you've given up... but because you finally know it's not sustainable.

Let's talk about what it looks like to give yourself permission to rest—without feeling like you're failing the person you used to be.

Feel like nothing's changing no matter how hard you try?

Before you give up, listen to this. In this episode, we talk about the quiet kind of healing—the kind that starts beneath the surface. You'll learn what's actually happening in your body when you start changing your habits, even if you don't see results yet. Because just because you can't feel it, doesn't mean it's not working.

Feel like nothing's changing no matter how hard you try?

Before you give up, listen to this. In this episode, we talk about the quiet kind of healing—the kind that starts beneath the surface. You'll learn what's actually happening in your body when you start changing your habits, even if you don't see results yet. Because just because you can't feel it, doesn't mean it's not working.

Feel like you have to justify your healing to everyone around you?

This episode is your permission slip to stop explaining. Inspired by Mel Robbins' "Let Them," we explore what it looks like to release the pressure to be understood and redirect that energy toward your healing. Because you don't need approval to rest, say no, or eat differently—you need peace. And this episode helps you reclaim it.

Healing from MS can feel like a full-time job—but it doesn't always have to feel heavy. Sometimes what we need most is a little joy, a little play, and a reminder that fun is still allowed in the healing process. In this episode, I'm sharing five simple ways to bring lightness back into your routine—no pressure, no perfection. Just small, doable shifts that help you feel more like yourself again.

If you've ever felt exhausted trying to "do it all right"—the nine cups, the supplements, the meal prep, the perfection—this episode is for you. Wahls Protocol burnout is real, and it doesn't mean you're failing. It means you're doing too much, too fast, and likely without enough support.

In this episode, I'm sharing 6 practical, grace-filled ways to recover from Wahls Protocol burnout and bring your healing back to a place that feels doable—and even enjoyable—again.

When you're living with MS, it's a whole different kind of strength to get through the day sometimes. And it's not the "power through it" strength we used to rely on before diagnosis—or the kind the world keeps praising with its obsession with productivity and hustle.

That kind of pressure? It just doesn't work here.

And no—it's not about lowering your expectations or settling for a less-than life. It's about creating space for your body to heal in a way that gives you more of what you want—more energy, more peace, more capacity to enjoy the people and moments that matter most.

I'm talking about what strength actually looks like with MS, and why doing less might just be the bravest thing you can do. If you've ever felt like you're not doing enough, I made this for you.

Because the goal isn't to do less. It's to live better. And that starts with healing habits that work with your body—not against it.

Do you wake up exhausted, wondering how you'll make it through the day? In this episode, I'm sharing 7 simple, game-changing tricks to boost energy and tackle MS fatigue so you can get back to feeling like you again.

"Just one more piece," you tell yourself, reaching for another candy. Sound familiar? This Halloween, I'm unwrapping the truth about sugar cravings and MS. But here's a sweet surprise – this isn't an episode that'll leave you feeling depressed and deprived with lectures about how awful sugar is. No "power through your cravings, or else..." here!

I know firsthand just how overwhelming sugar cravings can be – especially when living with MS. But managing them doesn't have to feel like a losing battle.

In this episode, I'm answering your top 10 questions about sugar cravings. We'll explore why they hit so hard, how to handle them without feeling deprived, and simple, MS-friendly tricks to keep those cravings in check. You'll walk away knowing how to enjoy Halloween treats and feel good doing it. Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth without derailing your health goals. Let's make this season a treat, not a trick!

Ever felt a new MS symptom and wondered, 'Is this the start of something bigger?' This summer, I faced my first MS scare since 2016, and it led me straight to the ER for a 2-hour MRI at 1:30 a.m. I'm taking you behind the scenes of what it's really like to navigate an MS pseudo flare. Tune in to hear how I balanced fear, frustration, and advocacy while juggling the realities of living with MS. If you've ever questioned your symptoms or felt dismissed by doctors, this episode is for you!

It's time to celebrate—My MS Podcast is officially one year old! In this anniversary episode, I'm taking you behind the scenes of what it was really like to launch this podcast during one of the toughest seasons of my life. I'll share the lessons I've learned about grace, resilience, and what this journey has taught me about living with MS. Join me for a look back on this year and a preview of what's to come in Season 6!

My family and I have been looking forward to moving into our next home for several years. This year, we're finally getting that opportunity to make that dream come true. But it's not exactly a dream come true when it comes to managing MS. We're moving in the middle of the summer - where the daily forecast is blistering heat and extreme humidity. In today's episode I'm sharing the realities of managing a summer move with MS. It's not just about packing boxes; it's about facing any daunting project and wondering how you're going to get through without wrecking your health.

Do you ever feel like the summer heat is out to get you? I used to love everything about summer - the hot sun beating down on me when I was at the pool or on the beach and filling the long sunny days with as many activities as possible - then MS came into my world… and with it the heat intolerance. It can make the summer sun feel unbearable. I'm willing to bet that you can relate all too well. Today, I'm sharing some tips that I've learned along the way that have really helped me stay cool and keep my energy up. Let's dive in and make summer enjoyable again.

We're halfway through 2024. Are you on track with the goals that you set back in January?  If you're like most people, probably not. Most of us fall off the bandwagon within days of starting. If you need a summer reset to get back on track with the walls protocol, tune into today's episode. I'm sharing insider tips and mindset strategies that are realistic and doable in everyday life.

It's the eight year anniversary of my MS diagnosis. Is that something to celebrate?

It's certainly not a happy milestone in my life. But it definitely was life-changing, so ignoring it doesn't feel right either.

Today I'm diving into why this day holds so much significance and how I view it.

It was a migraine that led me to the neurologist and ultimately to my diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. I was getting excruciating headaches when I was working out. 

Something was off. 

I went for the MRI and at 8:30 on New Years Eve 2015, my doctor called with the results. You have lesions on the brain that look like MS. 

Turns out, I wasn't alone. 

Studies suggest that up to 30-40% of people with MS also experience migraine.

It makes sense, both MS and migraines are both neurological conditions so, they share some common ground. And they both involve inflammatory pathways in the body.

But the greatest question is how… How do you live with not one but two unpredictable, chronic conditions that prevent you from living your daily life? 

That's what I'm sharing today. In honor of Migraine Awareness Month, I'm sharing the tips and strategies that I've learned from decades of debilitating migraines. What you need to know about conventional medicine and what you need to know about diet and lifestyle. 

Let's dive in!

What if I told you there was something that could reduce fatigue, improve cognitive function, and help you poop better too? Would you be interested? And what if I also told you that you had immediate access to this remedy AND it's free. Yup… WATER can do all that. But let's be real—drinking "enough" water can feel like a full-time job with the constant trips to the bathroom. In today's episode, I'm sharing tips for improving your hydration without having to pee every 30 minutes. This is especially important during the hot summer months, so let's get started.

The temperatures are rising, and with it, you might find yourself craving ice cream! Who doesn't want a bowl of ice cream on a hot summer day? But if you're living with MS and following the Wahls Protocol, the idea of indulging in ice cream might feel off-limits. That's why I'm always looking for ways to make this protocol more doable. Today, I'm sharing 7 dairy-free alternatives to ice cream that are delicious and won't derail your health. You're gonna wanna tune in for today's scoop!

Do you love the idea of shopping at a farmer's market? Maybe you have the vision of filling your kitchen with all the fresh fruits and veggies, and even a bouquet of fresh flowers. But when you actually show up at the market you have no idea what to buy, let alone what to do with it once you get home. Today, we're diving into the top picks at the farmers market that will keep your meals delicious and your health on track. Ready to become a farmers market pro? Let's get started!

Summer is here, and so are the BBQs and picnics. Which also means you may find yourself staring at a spread of food, wondering what's safe to eat. You just want to feel normal where you can fill your plate with the delicious food and enjoy the time with your family and friends. But you're worried about the price that you may pay for it. Will it trigger a flare… something irreversible? Or will it not affect you at all? It feels risky, but you're sick of all the rules. Don't worry, I got you covered. Today, we'll explore practical tips and tasty ideas to help you enjoy every picnic and BBQ without compromising your health. Ready to find out how? Let's get started!

I'm back from my trip, and today, I'm sharing how I stayed consistent on the Wahls Protocol while traveling as well as the biggest mistake I made one night out at dinner. From group dinners with pre-fixed menus, to resisting those tempting local treats - I'm sharing a behind-the-scenes look at what went right, what went completely wrong and everything in between. I'm sharing this all in hopes that it can make your travels a bit easier too.

Today I'm going off script.

I'm sharing a behind-the-scenes look at exactly how I'm preparing to stay consistent during a trip that I'm going on next week. 

So, I'm sharing everything from 

• What I plan on eating - especially during group dinners and with pre-fixed menus - to
  
  

• How I handle the social pressure and judgment from others who don't understand the Wahls Protocol - and in some cases don't know about my diagnosis either, as well as
  
  

• How to deal with feeling left out or deprived when others around you are indulging in local treats that can't partake in.

This is a do-not miss episode! 

Why are eggs restricted on the Wahls Protocol?

They're such a great and easy protein. 

They're also so versatile - you can have hard boiled eggs, scrambled eggs, an omelet, or even egg muffins. 

You don't seem to have an obvious reactions to them.

So why is such a seemingly healthy protein restricted on the Wahls Protocol? 

And does this rule really apply to you?

Let's find out.