Explore every episode of the podcast The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 060 Faith in Different Seasons: Remembering That God Is Bigger Than Chronic Illness | 23 juin 2026 | 00:05:37 | |
Faith can look different in different seasons. Not because God changes, but because our view of Him often changes with what we’re walking through. In this episode, April shares how chronic illness can become so loud that it fills the entire frame. Appointments, symptoms, pain, exhaustion, and uncertainty demand attention, and before we realize it, we’ve forgotten to look up. After watching Disclosure Day and reading a thought-provoking quote that pointed to the vastness of God’s creation, April was reminded of something simple and profound: God is still God. The God who created galaxies is not overwhelmed by our diagnoses. He isn’t surprised by our stories. He isn’t intimidated by the things that overwhelm us. This episode is a gentle invitation to lift your eyes, remember God’s greatness, and find hope in the truth that no matter what season you’re in, He remains the same. What You’ll Learn
“When you live with chronic illness, the illness can become so loud that it fills the entire frame.” “Suffering has a way of demanding attention.” “The God who hung every star in place sees me lying in bed on the days my body refuses to cooperate.” “He is not overwhelmed by the things that overwhelm me.” “Before my diagnosis, He was God. In the middle of my diagnosis, He is God.” “Not that my circumstances are small. But that God is infinitely bigger.” One Tiny StepThe next time your symptoms, fears, or questions feel overwhelming, pause for a moment and simply remind yourself: God is still God. You don’t have to have all the answers today. You only need to remember who holds them. Resources
Host: April Aramanda Podcast: The Invisible Illness Club Podcast Music: AudioJungle | |||
| 059 Faith, Chronic Illness, and the Pressure to Pretend You’re Okay | with Kaylen Soriano | 16 juin 2026 | 00:43:30 | |
What happens when chronic illness changes your identity, your relationships, and even the way you show up at church? In this conversation, April sits down with Kaylen Soriano of Chronic Yet Undefeated to talk honestly about epilepsy, masking, loneliness, faith, emotional exhaustion, and learning how to trust God in seasons that feel unpredictable. Together, they explore church culture, gratitude without toxic positivity, and the difference between real hope and pretending everything is fine. What You’ll Learn
The next time someone asks how you’re doing, try giving one honest sentence instead of the automatic “I’m fine.” Not a full explanation. Not your whole story. Just one honest sentence. Guest InfoKaylen S., Chronic Yet Undefeated Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587608874826 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ChronicYetUndefeated Resources
Hosted by April Aramanda Podcast: The Invisible Illness Club Music from AudioJungle | |||
| 058 The Invisible Full-Time Job of Chronic Illness | 09 juin 2026 | 00:05:18 | |
There’s a kind of exhaustion that comes from living inside constant management mode. Not only physical exhaustion. Mental exhaustion too. In this episode, I’m talking honestly about the invisible workload that comes with chronic illness — the symptom tracking, energy calculations, recovery planning, medication management, decision fatigue, and emotional weight people rarely see. Because chronic illness is more than symptoms. It’s the nonstop mental tabs running in the background all day long. If you’ve ever felt tired of constantly managing your body, wondering whether something is “worth the crash,” or grieving how much effort everyday life takes now, this episode is for you. You are not weak for feeling overwhelmed by something that never fully shuts off. Let’s talk honestly about life, faith, and chronic illness. What You’ll Learn
Pay attention to one invisible thing you’re carrying today without criticizing yourself for it. Maybe it’s symptom monitoring. Maybe it’s recovery planning. Maybe it’s simply getting through the day. Instead of calling yourself lazy or dramatic, acknowledge the effort your body requires from you right now. Resources
Hosted by: April Aramanda Podcast: | |||
| 057 Why Rest Feels Unsafe with Chronic Illness | Rest Guilt, Anxiety & Faith | 02 juin 2026 | 00:06:02 | |
Rest sounds peaceful in theory. In real life with chronic illness, it can feel anxious, guilty, frustrating, and emotionally unsafe. In this episode, April Aramanda talks honestly about the pressure to always be productive, the guilt that comes with slowing down, and why rest can feel so hard even when your body desperately needs it. This conversation explores chronic illness, emotional exhaustion, faith, and the struggle to believe your worth still matters when your output changes. What You’ll Learn
The next time your body asks for rest, try not to apologize for it. ResourcesJoin the Unseen Sisterhood! A weekly newsletter and community for women navigating chronic illness, faith, boundaries, and real life. https://theinvisibleillnessclub.kit.com/unseen-sisterhood The Invisible Illness Club Website https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com The Invisible Illness Club Podcast https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com/podcast Music Credit Audio Jungle
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| 056 When Chronic Illness Changes Your Identity with LA Sprague | 26 mai 2026 | 00:49:28 | |
In this episode, April talks with podcaster and chronic illness advocate L. A. Sprague from the podcast Christians with Chronic Illness. Together, they dive into the grief that comes when chronic illness changes your identity, your energy, your plans, and even the way you see yourself. L. A. shares her experience living with POTS and major depressive disorder, the tension between ambition and rest, and the pressure many chronically ill people feel to constantly prove their worth through productivity. They also have an honest conversation about faith, healing, doubt, disappointment, and what it looks like to trust God when life does not unfold the way you thought it would. One of the most powerful parts of this conversation is L. A.’s practical approach to self-care through what she calls “little Leah” — learning to treat herself with the same compassion she would offer a child. This episode is for anyone grieving who they used to be while trying to figure out who they are now. What You’ll Learn
“Maybe what true faith looks like is uncertainty.” — L. A. Sprague “You are more than a product.” — L. A. Sprague “God already has you on a mission field.” — April Aramanda “You’re human. You’re a person worth caring for.” — L. A. Sprague One Tiny StepThe next time your body needs something — water, food, rest, medication, a break — pause and ask yourself: “If this were a child asking for care, how would I respond?” Then offer that same care to yourself. Guest Information L. A. SpragueHost of Christians with Chronic Illness, a podcast focused on honest conversations around faith, suffering, chronic illness, and hope. ResourcesJoin the Unseen Sisterhood! A free weekly newsletter and community for women living with chronic illness. You’ll get encouragement, honest conversations, practical support, and reminders that you are not alone. https://theinvisibleillnessclub.kit.com/unseen-sisterhood The Invisible Illness Club Website https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com The Invisible Illness Club Podcast https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com/podcast Music Credit Audio Jungle https://audiojungle.net | |||
| 055 When Life Feels Like Too Much | Chronic Illness Encouragement for Overwhelming Seasons | 19 mai 2026 | 00:02:33 | |
Moving, pain, exhaustion, overwhelm, and trying to keep going anyway. A short honest reminder for anyone carrying more than people can see. What You’ll Learn
Memorable Quotes
Reflection / Journal Prompt What would change if you stopped measuring your worth by how much you got done today? One Tiny Step Focus on the next thing in front of you. Not the next fifty. Resources Join the Unseen Sisterhood! A weekly newsletter and community for women living with chronic illness. https://theinvisibleillnessclub.kit.com/unseen-sisterhood The Invisible Illness Club Website https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com The Invisible Illness Club Podcast https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com/podcast Music Credit Audio Jungle Credits Hosted by April Aramanda | |||
| 054 PART 2 of Chronic Illness, Creativity, and Faith: What Life Really Looks Like Behind the Scenes | 12 mai 2026 | 00:32:34 | |
Living with chronic illness isn’t only about symptoms—it’s about the daily decisions, limits, and invisible effort no one sees. In this episode, author W.R. Gingell shares what life really looks like behind the scenes while living with endometriosis, POTS, and long COVID. We talk about fatigue, brain fog, shifting identity, and the ongoing process of learning your limits again and again. This conversation also explores creativity in the middle of chronic illness, the pressure to push through, and how faith changes when your life no longer looks the way you expected. If you’ve ever felt like your body doesn’t match your life—or you’re constantly starting over—this episode will meet you there. What You’ll Learn
Pay attention to how you talk to yourself today. When you catch yourself being harsh, pause and ask: Would I say this to someone I love? ResourcesFind W. R. Gingell! wrgingell.com instagram.com/wrgingell/ facebook.com/wrgingell/ Books by W. R. Gingell Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/W.-R.-Gingell/author/B00HMM6VX4?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_3&qid=1777578369&sr=8-3&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=1a200c2a-b503-47e9-8023-f4e086bcd870 Books a Million https://www.booksamillion.com/search?query=W.+R.+Gingell&filters%5Bauthors%5D=W.+R.+Gingell Barnes & Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22W.R.%20Gingell%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall Join the Unseen Sisterhood! A weekly newsletter for women with chronic illness who want more hope, more life, and more joy—plus access to our private Facebook group and resource bundle. https://theinvisibleillnessclub.kit.com/unseen-sisterhood The Invisible Illness Club Website https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com The Invisible Illness Club Podcast https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com/podcast Music Credit Audio Jungle https://audiojungle.net | |||
| 053 Chronic Illness, Creativity, and Faith: What Life Really Looks Like Behind the Scenes | 05 mai 2026 | 00:49:12 | |
Living with chronic illness isn’t only about symptoms—it’s about the daily decisions, limits, and invisible effort no one sees. In this episode, author W.R. Gingell shares what life really looks like behind the scenes while living with endometriosis, POTS, and long COVID. We talk about fatigue, brain fog, shifting identity, and the ongoing process of learning your limits again and again. This conversation also explores creativity in the middle of chronic illness, the pressure to push through, and how faith changes when your life no longer looks the way you expected. If you’ve ever felt like your body doesn’t match your life—or you’re constantly starting over—this episode will meet you there. What You’ll Learn
Pay attention to how you talk to yourself today. When you catch yourself being harsh, pause and ask: Would I say this to someone I love? ResourcesFind W. R. Gingell! wrgingell.com instagram.com/wrgingell/ facebook.com/wrgingell/ Books by W. R. Gingell Amazon https://www.amazon.com/stores/W.-R.-Gingell/author/B00HMM6VX4?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_3&qid=1777578369&sr=8-3&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=1a200c2a-b503-47e9-8023-f4e086bcd870 Books a Million https://www.booksamillion.com/search?query=W.+R.+Gingell&filters%5Bauthors%5D=W.+R.+Gingell Barnes & Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/%22W.R.%20Gingell%22?Ntk=P_key_Contributor_List&Ns=P_Sales_Rank&Ntx=mode+matchall Join the Unseen Sisterhood! A weekly newsletter for women with chronic illness who want more hope, more life, and more joy—plus access to our private Facebook group and resource bundle. https://theinvisibleillnessclub.kit.com/unseen-sisterhood The Invisible Illness Club Website https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com The Invisible Illness Club Podcast https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com/podcast Music Credit Audio Jungle https://audiojungle.net | |||
| 052 When Chronic Illness Changes Who You Thought You’d Be | 28 avr. 2026 | 00:05:50 | |
Chronic illness doesn’t only affect your body—it can change how you see yourself. There’s a moment many people experience where life stops looking the way they thought it would. Plans shift. Energy changes. The future feels less clear. And somewhere in that process, your identity starts to feel different too. If you’ve ever felt like you don’t fully recognize your life anymore, this conversation is for you. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
What version of your life or yourself have you been quietly grieving? ONE TINY STEPName one part of you that still exists today—even if it looks different than before. RESOURCESJoin the Unseen Sisterhood! A weekly newsletter + space for women living with chronic illness to feel seen, understood, and encouraged. https://theinvisibleillnessclub.kit.com/unseen-sisterhood The Invisible Illness Club Website https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com The Invisible Illness Club Podcast https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com/podcast Music Credit: Audio Jungle https://audiojungle.net | |||
| 051 You’re Not Lazy: The Truth About Invisible Effort and Chronic Illness | 21 avr. 2026 | 00:03:01 | |
You look at your day and think, “I didn’t do enough.” And if that thought sits long enough, it turns into something heavier—“I’m being lazy.” This episode breaks that apart. Because what it looks like on the outside isn’t the full story. Managing symptoms, pacing energy, thinking through every decision so you don’t crash—that’s work. Real work. You’re not lazy. You’re carrying more than people see. What You’ll Learn
What’s something you do regularly that takes more energy than it looks like from the outside? One Tiny StepAt the end of today, write down three things your body had to manage—not what you accomplished, what it handled. ResourcesJoin the Unseen Sisterhood! A weekly newsletter + community for women living with chronic illness. Real life, honest conversations, and support that actually gets it. https://theinvisibleillnessclub.kit.com/unseen-sisterhood The Invisible Illness Club Website https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com The Invisible Illness Club Podcast https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com/podcast Music Credit Audio Jungle | |||
| 050 The Emotional Whiplash of Chronic Illness with Sarah Morris | 14 avr. 2026 | 00:49:02 | |
Good days bring hope. Flare-ups take it right back. This is the emotional whiplash of living with chronic illness. What You’ll LearnLiving with chronic illness often means living in cycles—good days that feel hopeful, followed by flare-ups that change everything again. That unpredictability doesn’t only affect your body. It affects your thoughts, your expectations, and the way you see yourself. In this episode, April and Sarah talk through the emotional whiplash of chronic illness, especially the tension between remission and flare-ups. They get honest about the mental toll of invisible illness, the pressure to appear okay, and the negative self-talk that can creep in when your body isn’t cooperating. This conversation also explores how faith, mindset, and small coping tools can help you navigate difficult seasons—even when symptoms feel overwhelming. You’ll hear about:
Join the Unseen Sisterhood! A space for women living with chronic illness to feel seen, supported, and understood. Join the newsletter, Facebook group, and resources designed to help you navigate invisible illness with more support. https://theinvisibleillnessclub.kit.com/unseen-sisterhood The Invisible Illness Club Website https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com The Invisible Illness Club Podcast https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com/podcast Credits Hosted by April Aramanda Guest: Sarah Morris Music: Audio Jungle
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| 049 Chronic Illness Is a Full-Time Job: The Invisible Work No One Sees | 07 avr. 2026 | 00:05:25 | |
Your calendar fills with appointments, not plans. Chronic illness becomes more than symptoms—it becomes a role you never asked for. What You’ll Learn Living with chronic illness isn’t only about managing symptoms. It’s about managing everything that comes with them—appointments, decisions, paperwork, and the mental load that never fully turns off. In this episode, we’re naming something that often goes unseen: the invisible job of being a patient. The scheduling, the tracking, the advocating, the constant adjusting. The way your life can start to revolve around your body—and how exhausting that can be. This isn’t about fixing it or pushing through it. It’s about recognizing the weight you’re already carrying. You’ll hear about:
Memorable Quotes
One Tiny Step Look at your past week and name three things you managed that no one else saw. Not what you “got done.” What you carried. Let that count. Key Scriptures (optional)
Resources Join the Unseen Sisterhood!A space for women living with chronic illness to feel seen, supported, and understood. You’ll get weekly encouragement, real talk, and connection with others who get it. https://theinvisibleillnessclub.kit.com/unseen-sisterhood The Invisible Illness Club Website https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com The Invisible Illness Club Podcast https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com/podcast Credits Music from Audio Jungle | |||
| 048 Reclaiming Joy with Chronic Illness (replay) | 31 mars 2026 | 00:35:26 | |
This episode originally aired earlier in the podcast and remains one of the most meaningful conversations we’ve had about finding joy while living with chronic illness.
Living with chronic illness can make joy feel distant or even impossible some days. When your body is struggling, the idea of happiness can feel out of reach. In this episode, we talk about what it actually looks like to reclaim joy when life doesn’t look the way you expected. Not the loud, picture-perfect version of joy people often talk about—but the quieter kind that shows up in small moments. From learning to notice small wins to shifting the way we think about gratitude and peace, this conversation explores how joy can still exist alongside pain and limitations. What You’ll Learn
The Invisible Illness Club Website https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com The Invisible Illness Club Podcast https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com/podcast Credits Hosted by April Aramanda The Invisible Illness Club Podcast https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com/podcast Music: Audio Jungle https://audiojungle.net | |||
| 047 Chronic Fatigue, Faith, and Learning to Slow Down with Belinda Mooney | 24 mars 2026 | 00:44:18 | |
This episode originally aired earlier in the podcast and remains one of the most meaningful conversations we’ve had about slowing down and caring for our health while living with chronic illness.
In this conversation, I sit down with Belinda Terro Mooney to talk about living with chronic fatigue and the long road of learning to care for a body that simply can’t keep the pace of a busy life. Belinda shares how decades of fatigue shaped the way she approaches health, faith, and daily life. We talk about the pressure many women feel to keep going even when their bodies are exhausted, the importance of creating margin, and how small lifestyle changes can make a real difference over time. It’s an honest look at invisible illness, support systems, and learning to live with hope even on the hard days. What You’ll Learn
Join the Unseen Sisterhood https://theinvisibleillnessclub.kit.com/unseen-sisterhood Joining gets you access to the weekly newsletter and our Facebook group! You will also have access to a special bundle of products just for those who join. The Invisible Illness Club Website https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com The Invisible Illness Club Podcast https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com/podcast Credits Hosted by April Aramanda The Invisible Illness Club Podcast https://theinvisibleillnessclub.com/podcas Music: Audio Jungle https://audiojungle.net | |||
| 046 Faith, Chronic Illness, and Honest Spirituality with Stephanie Boyle | 17 mars 2026 | 00:33:19 | |
This episode originally aired earlier in the podcast and remains one of the most meaningful conversations we’ve had about faith and chronic illness.
What does faith look like when your body won’t cooperate with the life you planned? In this conversation, I’m joined by writer and speaker Stephanie Boyle, who also lives with chronic illness. We talk about the tension many people feel between faith and suffering, why easy spiritual answers often fall flat, and what it means to practice an honest kind of spirituality when your life has changed in ways you never expected. If you’ve ever wrestled with big questions about God, pain, and hope, this conversation will feel like sitting down with someone who understands. What You’ll Learn
Join the Unseen Sisterhood! Joining gets you access to the weekly newsletter and our Facebook group! You will also have access to a special bundle of products just for those who join. Credits Hosted by April Aramanda The Invisible Illness Club Podcast Music: Audio Jungle | |||
| 045 The Episode That Started The Invisible Illness Club | 10 mars 2026 | 00:10:40 | |
This episode goes back to the very beginning of The Invisible Illness Club. In this replay of episode one, April shares why the podcast started and the experience that led to creating a space where chronic illness, faith, and real life can be talked about honestly. If you’re new here, this episode explains the heart behind the show. If you’ve been listening for a while, it’s a look back at where the conversation first started.
What You’ll Learn
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| 044 You Look Fine: Faith, Bipolar Disorder, Lupus, and Healing That Isn’t Neat (with Natasha Minier-Robinson) | 24 févr. 2026 | 00:45:11 | |
Natasha shares life with bipolar disorder, PTSD, lupus, grief, and faith—and what healing looks like when it’s messy. What You’ll Learn
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| 043 The Quiet Grief of Losing Your Independence | 17 févr. 2026 | 00:05:15 | |
We talk a lot about surviving chronic illness. Today we’re gently challenging the way we define independence. What if losing physical capability doesn’t mean losing strength? What if dependence isn’t failure?
This episode explores grief, identity, and how faith reshapes what it means to live fully in a body that doesn’t cooperate. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
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| 042 The Waiting Is the Hardest Part: Living in the In-Between With Chronic Illness | 10 févr. 2026 | 00:04:32 | |
Waiting for medical answers can feel harder than the diagnosis itself. In this solo episode, April talks about the emotional toll of living in the in-between — the fear, grief, and exhaustion that come with waiting for test results, scans, and clarity while managing chronic illness. This episode offers validation, gentle grounding, and honest faith for anyone stuck in the middle.
What You’ll Learn
• Why waiting is so hard on the body and nervous system
• The common lies that get louder when answers are delayed
• How to care for yourself without pretending everything is fine
• What faith can look like without certainty or resolution
Memorable Quotes
• “Waiting isn’t passive. It costs energy.”
• “The middle matters, even when nothing is settled.”
• “You’re not failing because this feels heavy.”
Reflection / Journal Prompt
What part of the waiting is hardest for me right now — the uncertainty, the loss of control, or the fear of what comes next?
One Tiny Step
Choose one thing you won’t do during this waiting season — over-explaining, over-Googling, or over-bracing — and give yourself permission to stop.
Resources
Listen to the full episode
The Invisible Illness Club
Credits
Hosted by April Aramanda
Music via Audio Jungle | |||
| 041 Living With Chronic Fatigue: Slowing Down Without Giving Up | 03 févr. 2026 | 00:43:52 | |
Chronic fatigue forced Belinda to slow down. This conversation is about listening sooner, asking for help, and finding hope that actually holds. What You’ll Learn
Email: belinda@belindaterromooney.com Website: https://belindaterromooney.com/ https://instagram.com/belindaterromooney/ https://facebook.com/belindaterromooney/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/belindaterromooney/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdXvux59JZU_QsQhW-2BZZw https://www.pinterest.com/belindaterromooney/ https://www.amazon.com/therapeutic-lifestyle-changes-workbook-comprehensive/dp/1955225028 https://www.enroutebooksandmedia.com/alookatlife Credits Hosted by April Aramanda The Invisible Illness Club Podcast Music: Audio Jungle | |||
| 040 This Sucks. And I’m Still Here. | 27 janv. 2026 | 00:04:35 | |
This episode isn’t tidy or inspiring. I’m stuck in bed, waiting on answers, and my body scares me right now. I talk honestly about exhaustion, fear, faith questions, and what it’s like to stop pretending you’re fine when you’re not. If you’re surviving the day instead of living it, you’re not alone. What You’ll Learn
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| 039 Chronic Illness, Identity, and Faith: Bethany Bacon on Being Seen Beyond Symptoms | 20 janv. 2026 | 00:40:57 | |
In this episode, April talks with Bethany Bacon about living with hydrocephalus after being born at 24½ weeks, holding onto genuine hope, and learning not to let chronic illness—or the world’s opinions—define you. Bethany also shares the heart behind her Anchored in Hope coaching program and how listeners can connect with her. What You’ll Learn
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| 038 Starting a New Year With Chronic Illness: Hope When Your Body Is on High Alert | 13 janv. 2026 | 00:05:11 | |
Starting the year tired, in appointments, and waiting on answers — this episode is about choosing quiet hope in a body that needs care. What You’ll Learn
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| 037 The End-of-Year Energy Check-In — Reflect, Release, and Realign | 23 déc. 2025 | 00:04:57 | |
This year may not have gone to plan, but you grew through it. Here’s a gentle reflection to help you rest, release, and refocus before the new year.
What You’ll Learn
Let’s talk honestly about life, faith, and chronic illness. | |||
| 036 Holiday Survival Mode: How to Set Boundaries and Still Feel Loved | 16 déc. 2025 | 00:05:14 | |
Holiday gatherings don’t have to drain you. Here’s how to protect your energy, say no with grace, and still feel connected. What You’ll Learn
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| 035 When Gratitude Feels Forced: Finding Thanks in the Mess | 09 déc. 2025 | 00:04:55 | |
When life feels heavy, gratitude can feel fake. Let’s talk about finding real, grounded thankfulness in the middle of the mess.
What You’ll Learn
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| 034 The Crash After the Feast — How to Rest Without Guilt | 02 déc. 2025 | 00:05:46 | |
After the holidays, your body crashes and your guilt kicks in. Here’s how to rest without apology — because recovery is sacred work. What You’ll Learn
Resources
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| 033 Thank You From My Heart to Yours | 25 nov. 2025 | 00:03:14 | |
Hey friend. This one’s simple — no lessons or bullet points today. I just wanted to take a breath with you and say thank you. For real. For showing up, for listening, for being part of this messy, beautiful space we’ve built together. When I started The Invisible Illness Club, I hoped it would help women feel seen. What’s happened has been so much more. Every message you’ve sent, every episode you’ve shared, every quiet moment you’ve listened while folding laundry or driving home — it all matters. You’ve turned this podcast into more than a project. It feels like sitting across from a friend who gets it, even when words fall short. So today’s episode is my way of saying I see you, I’m grateful for you, and I’m so glad we get to walk this road together. Memorable Moments
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| 032 Why Asking for Help Feels So Dang Hard | 18 nov. 2025 | 00:06:04 | |
Asking for help shouldn’t feel like failure — but for so many of us living with chronic illness, it does. In this episode, April gets real about the guilt, pride, and fear that make it so hard to ask for help, even when we desperately need it. From a moment of vulnerability in the shower to redefining what strength really means, this honest conversation invites you to see help not as weakness, but as connection. 🪞 What You’ll Hear
✨ Connect with April 🌐 theinvisibleillnessclub.com 💌 Join the Unseen Sisterhood newsletter 🎧 Listen + subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts 🎧 Credits Host: April Aramanda Produced by: The Invisible Illness Club Editing: The Invisible Illness Club Music: Licensed via Soundstripe Show Notes + Strategy: Created with Cherry (ChatGPT-5) | |||
| 031 Boundaries, MS & Building a Business on Your Terms (with Stephanie Boyle) | 11 nov. 2025 | 00:31:44 | |
Virtual assistant agency owner Stephanie Boyle shares how living with multiple sclerosis reshaped her work, motherhood, and mindset. We dig into boundaries without guilt, pacing work with alarms and self-check questions, co-parenting through flares, and starting a business small (on your body’s timeline). This one’s a masterclass in honoring limits without losing your ambition. Key Topics
Highlights & Takeaways
Connect with April / The Invisible Illness Club
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| 030 What I Wish Doctors Knew About People Like Me | 04 nov. 2025 | 00:05:46 | |
In this heartfelt open letter, April shares what she wishes every doctor, nurse, and medical professional understood about life with chronic illness.
This isn’t a rant — it’s a reminder that compassion and curiosity are just as vital as prescriptions.
From the frustration of being dismissed to the healing power of the words “I believe you,” this episode invites providers — and patients — to reimagine what true care looks like. 🩵 In This Episode, You’ll Hear:
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| 029 Supporting Your Spouse Through Chronic Illness with Matt and Latricia Davis | 28 oct. 2025 | 00:35:09 | |
This episode dives into what it really looks like to support a spouse living with chronic illness. Matt shares the long, emotional journey to his MCTD diagnosis — from years of pain and self-doubt to finally finding answers. Latricia offers honest insight into the emotional weight of watching someone you love struggle and how she’s learned to listen, show up, and advocate without losing herself in the process. Together, they talk about the hard days, the moments of laughter that keep them grounded, and what love looks like when life doesn’t go as planned. Whether you’re the one who’s sick or the one standing beside them, this conversation will remind you that you’re not alone in the struggle or the strength it takes to keep going. 🛠️ Tools, Resources & Mentions:
🙋♀️ Guest Info:
👉 If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or partner who needs encouragement today. Join The Unseen Sisterhood for weekly stories, hope, and support for women navigating life with chronic illness. Join Here → | |||
| 028 Building a Business That Works With Your Body (Not Against It) | 21 oct. 2025 | 00:11:57 | |
Entrepreneurship is often painted as hustle, consistency, and 5 a.m. mornings. But when you live with chronic illness, that version of productivity just doesn’t fit. In this episode, I pull back the curtain on what it really looks like to run a business when your body has other plans. From working in bed with a laptop tray to building flexible schedules that honor your energy, I’ll share the practices and mindset shifts that keep me moving forward—slowly, but steadily. You’ll learn how to theme your days, use brain dumps to clear mental clutter, set flexible priorities, and reframe rest as part of the work. If you’ve ever doubted your worth or felt “behind” because of chronic illness, this conversation will remind you: you’re not lazy, you’re not failing—you’re building something beautiful, at your pace. 💬 Memorable Quotes:
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| 027 Victory in the Valley: Tina Medlin on Crohn’s, Faith, and Building Community | 10 oct. 2025 | 00:43:16 | |
In this conversation, Tina Marie Medlin opens up about 30+ years with Crohn’s disease, drug reactions, major surgeries (including an ostomy), and the spiritual warfare of not giving up—like enduring six days with an NG tube and a terrifying arterial bleed she faced fully awake. Through it all, Tina discovered a calling: Warrior Braids Ministry, personalized “Warrior Boxes,” and a monthly faith-based support group that makes sure no one walks the chronic-illness road alone. We talk about pacing life with limited energy, the sting of “you look good,” why transparency matters, and how community becomes a vessel for hope. If you’re in a valley, Tina’s story offers practical compassion and a steady reminder: God still has work for you here. ⏱️ Highlights:
🗣️ Memorable Quotes:
🧭 Reflection / Journal Prompt: Where have you felt that quiet “mustard seed” nudge in your own valley? What one small step could you take this week to follow it? 🪴 One Tiny Step for the Week: List three people who help you feel less alone (or three you’d like to know better). Send one text today—ask for prayer, a check-in, or a coffee on Zoom. 🙋♀️ Guest Info:
🎬 Credits: Host: April Aramanda Guest: Tina Marie Medlin Editing & Production: April Aramanda Music: “The Invisible Illness Club” theme Show Notes & Assets: Cherry (ChatGPT) © The Invisible Illness Club | |||
| 026 When Healing Doesn’t Come: Acute vs. Chronic Illness and What It Really Means | 07 oct. 2025 | 00:11:22 | |
In this solo episode of The Invisible Illness Club Podcast, April breaks down the difference between acute and chronic illness with everyday examples and relatable metaphors. She explains why society easily rallies around a broken bone but struggles to grasp the lifelong challenges of chronic conditions. April also reflects on how chronic illness shapes relationships and stretches faith in ways acute illness rarely does. This conversation is for anyone living with a chronic condition—or anyone who loves and supports someone who is—offering clarity, validation, and hope. 💬 Memorable Quotes:
🛠️ Tools, Resources & Mentions:
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| 025 Normal Labs, Real Symptoms: Patient Advocacy & Hope with Rheumatologist Dr. Reeti Joshi | 30 sept. 2025 | 00:35:04 | |
When your labs say “normal” but your body says otherwise—Dr. Reeti Joshi shares advocacy tools, faith, and hope for chronic illness. What You’ll Learn
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| 024 How Do We Respond as Christians When the World Feels Heavy? | 23 sept. 2025 | 00:09:36 | |
This week’s episode is different. April shares from a place of grief, prayer, and reflection after the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, the murder of a young woman on a train, ongoing school shootings, and other tragedies shaking our nation. Rather than diving into politics, this is a conversation about how Christians can process these events through the lens of faith. April talks about the weight of constant news, why our spirits were never meant to carry it all, and the importance of stepping back to listen for what God is calling us to do in these times. Whether that calling is prayer, teaching, showing mercy, or simply loving people we disagree with—this episode reminds us that the heart of our faith is love. If the world feels dark and heavy, may you walk away comforted, encouraged, and reminded that your hope is secure in Christ. 📖 Key Scriptures:
🎬 Episode Credits (end of show notes & YouTube description):
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| 023 When Mold, Motherhood, and Faith Collide: Aubree Felderhoff on CIRS, Starting Over, and Finding Intentional Motherhood | 16 sept. 2025 | 00:40:48 | |
This conversation follows Aubree’s seven-year search for a diagnosis, the emotional toll of not being believed, and the day-after prayer moment that led—miraculously—to answers. She explains CIRS in plain language, why her family had to walk away from their home and most possessions, and what rebuilding practically and spiritually looked like in the middle of a pandemic. We explore DNRS brain rewiring, reframing guilt, and holding both hope and reality with chronic illness. Aubree also shares how Mom Intentional was born: from the gap between “getting better” and having the skills and systems to actually live well. If you’re in the thick of waiting, grieving, or starting over, this one offers honesty, tools, and a steady thread of faith. 🙋♀️ Guest Info:
🎧 Credits The Invisible Illness Club Podcast is hosted by April Aramanda. Editing and production by April Aramanda. Podcast music: licensed track. | |||
| 022 You’re Not Lazy: The Truth About Chronic Illness and Invisible Effort | 09 sept. 2025 | 00:04:08 | |
This episode dives into the shame so many of us carry when we’re living with chronic illness and can’t do what others expect—or what we expect of ourselves. From the outside, it might look like we’re resting too much, avoiding responsibilities, or being inconsistent. But the truth? We’re fighting invisible battles every single day. April shares a personal story of internalized guilt, how she learned to reframe the idea of “laziness,” and what it means to offer ourselves grace on the hardest days. If you’ve ever felt like you had to explain or justify your rest, this one’s for you | |||
| 021 Faith, Chronic Illness, and Motherhood with Keyundra Thompson | 02 sept. 2025 | 00:34:28 | |
What does it look like to navigate lupus, POTS, and motherhood—all while raising a medically complex child and building a platform to support others? In this conversation, I’m joined by Keyundra Thompson, author, advocate, and founder of Secrets to Serenity. Keyundra shares her powerful story of growing up with undiagnosed symptoms, walking through a difficult pregnancy, and eventually receiving her chronic illness diagnoses. Through her journey, she’s learned how to balance caring for her children, managing her own health, and leaning on her faith to carry her through. She’s also created a space for authors and storytellers to share their voices and bring encouragement to others who may be walking a similar road. This is an honest, hope-filled conversation about resilience, community, and why it’s okay to rest when your body says “enough.” 💬 Memorable Quote: “Even when it’s hard, keep going and be you.” – Keyundra Thompson
📌 What You’ll Learn:
📖 Key Scriptures (if applicable):
📝 Reflection / Journal Prompts:
✨ One Tiny Step for This Week: Practice saying no without explanation. Protect your energy by honoring your body’s needs before it shuts down for you.
📚 Resources:
👩🎤 Credits: Host: April Aramanda Guest: Keyundra Thompson, author, advocate, and founder of Secrets to Serenity Podcast: The Invisible Illness Club | |||
| 020 When God Doesn’t Heal: Holding on to Faith with Chronic Illness | 26 août 2025 | 00:03:57 | |
This episode is for the ones holding faith in one hand and pain in the other. I share my honest journey of praying, believing, and still living with chronic illness—and the quiet shame, grief, and questions that come with it. Together, we’ll unpack the wrestle of faith when healing doesn’t come, the ways God still shows up in the waiting, and how to redefine miracles beyond physical healing. Whether you’re in a flare, walking through a diagnosis, or simply feeling forgotten, this conversation is an open door to breathe, to grieve, and to believe again—right here in the in-between. 📎 Resources & Mentions
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| 019 Faith, Planning, and Living Fully with Lupus: A Conversation with Shedrica Holmes of Chronically Planned | 19 août 2025 | 00:32:18 | |
In this candid conversation, Shedrica opens up about her lupus diagnosis journey, the mental and emotional battles of living with an invisible illness, and how faith has been her foundation. She shares how using a physical planner transformed her daily life—helping her track symptoms, manage her household, and create space for both rest and joy. We talk about the importance of planning around your body instead of against it, using creativity as a source of healing, and finding hope when life looks different than you expected. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into your chronic illness journey, this episode offers encouragement, practical tips, and a reminder that you get to decide what your “brighter day” looks like. ⏱️ Timestamped Highlights + Quotes
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| 018 RV Life, Illness, and Getting Rid of the Crap That Weighs You Down | 12 août 2025 | 00:05:22 | |
This episode dives into the hidden emotional weight of starting over with chronic illness. What happens when you’ve finally made the leap—downsizing your home, embracing a new lifestyle—only to find that your body and heart haven’t caught up? I’m opening up about the day I broke down in our RV, what no one saw beneath the surface, and how guilt and grief can sneak into even the most “exciting” seasons. Whether you’re in a season of transition, feeling stuck between who you were and who you’re becoming, or simply tired of pushing through—it’s okay to not have it all figured out. Let this episode remind you: you’re allowed to release what no longer fits. And you don’t have to do it alone.
⏱️ Timestamps + Highlights
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| 017 Helping Someone End Well: Faith, Caregiving, and Letting Go with Rachel K. Schneider | 05 août 2025 | 00:31:33 | |
This episode dives into Rachel’s story of loving and losing her husband to ALS and how she helped him “end well” with dignity, faith, and joy. We talk about invisible illness, caregiving, grief, honoring someone’s choices in their final days, and what it really means to live abundantly even when life hurts. Rachel also opens up about her ministry, Spirited Prosperity, and her mission to help women over 45 reclaim their stories and connect with the Holy Spirit. Whether you’re a caregiver, someone who’s grieving, or a woman wrestling with what’s next—this one will speak to you right where you are. ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of terminal illness, grief, caregiving, and the death of a spouse. ⏱️ Timestamped Highlights + Quotes:
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| 016 I'm too young for mobility aids | 29 juil. 2025 | 00:06:08 | |
If you’ve ever felt embarrassed to use a cane, walker, or scooter because of your age or how “healthy” you look—you are not alone. This week, we’re breaking down the shame, judgment, and internalized ableism around mobility aids. I share my own experience using a rollator for the first time, plus tips and encouragement for anyone on the edge of making that decision. Because choosing support isn’t giving up—it’s choosing more life. Memorable Quotes:
Links:
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| 015 Finding Purpose Through Pain: Melissa Smith on Chronic Illness, Faith, and Supporting Women | 22 juil. 2025 | 00:45:00 | |
⚠️ Trigger Warning:
This episode contains discussion of medical trauma, near-death experiences, and infertility
Summary Melissa Smith was born with cerebral palsy, lives with multiple chronic conditions, and has survived a life-threatening surgery. But her story isn’t about staying stuck in the pain—it’s about how she turned that pain into purpose. In this episode, Melissa shares the heart behind her business, Grace and Glory Virtual Services, and how God used her hardest moments to equip her to serve other women. We talk about grief, burnout, spiritual dry spells, and the importance of community. She also opens up about the power of prayer, her Renew & Uplift Sessions, and what keeps her going on the toughest days. This is a conversation for anyone who’s ever felt like they were barely holding on. ⏱️ Timestamped Highlights:
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| 014 What Chronic Illness Is Teaching Me About God | 15 juil. 2025 | 00:07:53 | |
Faith isn’t always easy when your body won’t cooperate and your plans constantly fall apart. In this raw and personal episode, I’m sharing how chronic illness is teaching me to stop performing and start trusting. From years of self-reliance to finally learning how to rest in God’s strength, this is for anyone who’s ever whispered, “God, I can’t do this.” Spoiler: You don’t have to do it alone. Memorable Quotes:
Links:
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| 013 High-Functioning Depression, Motherhood, and Mental Health with Kristen Van Horn | 08 juil. 2025 | 00:41:53 | |
What does depression really look like? For Kristen Van Horn, it didn’t mean crying in bed or skipping daily routines—it meant anger, irritability, and feeling disconnected from a life that “should” have made her happy. In this honest conversation, Kristen shares how she finally got the support she needed, what it looks like to maintain her mental health 10 years later, and why rest is actually productive. Whether you’re in the thick of it or figuring out what healing looks like, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone—and it can get better. Memorable Quotes:
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| 012 Is Traveling Off the Table Now? (Traveling with Chronic Illness Doesn’t Have to Mean Giving Up) | 01 juil. 2025 | 00:05:54 | |
Thinking of canceling travel plans because of chronic illness? In this episode, we talk about how travel can still be possible—just differently. From pacing tools to packing smart, this one’s full of real talk, tips, and encouragement to help you see the world again—on your terms. Memorable Quotes:
Links:
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| 011 Grieving the Life You Thought You’d Have (with JoBeth Polley) | 24 juin 2025 | 00:55:59 | |
I’m joined by JoBeth Polley, a certified grief recovery specialist who shares her own heartbreaking story and offers hope and healing for those grieving lives they didn’t choose. ⚠️ Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussion of terminal illness, infertility, and grief. In this raw and deeply moving episode, JoBeth Polley and I talk about the kind of grief no one prepares you for—the grief that comes with chronic illness, infertility, and lost futures. JoBeth shares her personal story of losing her husband to brain cancer and how it led her to help others through grief. We discuss how chronic illness brings its own brand of silent suffering, how to deal with guilt and spiritual doubt, and what it looks like to reconnect with hope. Whether you’re in a dark season, feeling misunderstood, or searching for God in your suffering, this episode reminds you that you’re not alone—and there’s still more to your story. Links:
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