Living Well with Multiple Sclerosis

Bonus from the Archive: Gut health and your microbiome with Kim Venter | S8 bonus

What does your gut have to do with your immune system, your brain and the way you feel day to day with MS?
In this episode of Living Well with MS, host Geoff Allix speaks with Kim Venter about gut health, the microbiome and why food may play an important role in supporting overall wellbeing with multiple sclerosis.
Kim, who lives with MS herself, is a trained teacher, professional psychological counsellor and nutritional consultant. She shares how certain foods have affected her digestion, energy and symptoms, and why gut health has become central to her approach to living well.
The conversation explores what the gut microbiome is, how diet can affect the immune system, and why people with MS may want to pay attention to digestion, food sensitivities and overall gut health. Kim also discusses practical ways to support the microbiome, from eating a wide variety of plant-based foods to trying fermented foods, prebiotics and probiotics.
Originally broadcast in 2020, this episode has been edited to remove out-of-date content and reuploaded in 2026 to ensure it remains relevant and useful.
01:53 What is the gut microbiome and why is it so important? 
03:15 How does what we eat affect our immune system?  
09:01 Is it worth keeping a food diary if you’re having GI symptoms? 
10:15 What is the low FODMAPs diet? 
11:53 What is Leaky Gut Syndrome and how does it effect people with MS? 
19:00 The gut–brain axis: does the blood-brain barrier stop foreign substances from injuring the brain?  
22:12 For people living with MS, what can be done to help the gut and keep it healthy? 
22:51 What are probiotics and prebiotics?  
27:02 What can we to increase both probiotics and prebiotics? 
30:50 How does gut health or lack thereof impact MS? 
39:01 How does intermittent fasting affect gut health? 
FODMAP Food Database App
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Running Across America with MS, Betsy Mueller’s story | S8E16

After her MS diagnosis, Betsy Mueller ran across America. In this episode of Living Well with MS, Betsy shares how she went from fear and uncertainty after her diagnosis to completing a 3,000-mile run from Santa Monica to Central Park to raise awareness of MS.
Betsy shares the early symptoms that led to her diagnosis, the emotional weight of living with invisible symptoms, and how fear and uncertainty affected her mental health. She also talks about the role of a plant-based diet, exercise, treatment decisions and community support in helping her move forward.
From training in Flagstaff to managing heat sensitivity, fatigue, DMT deliveries and long days on the road, Betsy reflects on what it took to complete her run from Santa Monica to Central Park. She also discusses Active with MS, the nonprofit she founded to help people with MS take part in races and reconnect with movement in a way that works for them.
Keep reading for the key episode takeaways and Betsy’s bio.
02:56 How plant-based eating supports Betsy’s health05:51 Invisible symptoms, fatigue and the emotional weight of MS10:46 Cognitive symptoms and the impact of poor sleep12:03 Steroids, plasma exchange and finding effective relapse support15:27 Moving from fear towards a more hopeful mindset17:30 Why Betsy decided to run across America20:49 The 3,000-mile route from California to New York24:00 RV life, logistics and support on the road26:12 How Betsy’s body adapted during the run28:48 Managing heat sensitivity and DMTs while travelling30:58 Powerful connections with people along the route33:59 Active with MS and helping others join races37:20 Betsy’s advice for people newly diagnosed with MS39:15 Why MS community support can make such a difference
Connect with Betsy on Instagram
Learn more about Betsy’s work and run
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Physiotherapy for MS: fatigue, mobility and movement – Webinar highlights | S8E15

How can movement support you to live well with MS, especially when symptoms like fatigue, pain or balance changes get in the way?
Physiotherapist Jody Barber joins Vickie Hadge and Gina Beach to answer community questions on movement, exercise and living well with multiple sclerosis. Drawing on more than 30 years’ experience supporting people with neurological conditions, Jody explores how physiotherapy can help with fatigue, pain, balance, spasticity, mobility and confidence.
The conversation covers practical ways to adapt movement as symptoms change, why all movement can count, how exercise may support cognition, and when to seek specialist advice. Jody also discusses complementary approaches such as massage, acupuncture, water-based exercise, yoga and relaxation, while emphasising the importance of finding movement that feels enjoyable, manageable and meaningful.
This episode is a webinar highlights special – originally recorded as a live Overcoming MS webinar and now edited for the podcast to bring you the key insights, questions and takeaways in one place.
Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio.
Watch the original webinar here: https://overcomingms.org/live-well/resources/past-webinars/ask-the-expert-live-with-jody-barber
02:06 Jody’s experience supporting people with MS05:00 Understanding muscle fatigue and adapting exercise08:55 Complementary therapies for stiffness, soreness and pain11:31 Rebuilding core strength with functional movement14:36 Finding MS-friendly yoga and movement classes16:14 Adapting exercise as mobility needs change19:07 Managing pain, anxiety and fear of movement23:59 Sleep difficulties, symptoms and practical routines29:04 Explaining invisible MS symptoms to others31:39 Choosing the right physiotherapist for MS care33:26 Why exercise matters for brain health34:47 Nerve pain, breathing and gentle movement37:02 Spasticity, weight bearing and relaxation strategies39:09 Vestibular symptoms, dizziness and balance support42:21 Exercise, cognition and brain fog in MS43:52 Foot drop, mirror therapy and foot mobility46:20 Simple home exercises using body weight47:07 Electrical muscle stimulation and foot drop support
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MS symptoms and diagnosis: from clinically isolated syndrome to multiple sclerosis | S8E14

What happens when you experience MS symptoms, but don’t yet have a diagnosis?
In this episode of Living Well with MS, we hear from Maureen Haith, who first experienced neurological symptoms in 2002 but wasn’t diagnosed with multiple sclerosis until 2019. Along the way, she was told she had clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) – a term many people are unfamiliar with, but which can be an early stage of MS.
Maureen shares her experience of recognising early symptoms, navigating uncertainty, and deciding when and how to tell others about her condition. She also reflects on how discovering the Overcoming MS programme influenced her lifestyle, from diet and exercise to building community through local support groups.
This is a thoughtful and reassuring conversation for anyone facing MS diagnosis uncertainty, exploring practical ways to take control and make sustainable lifestyle changes over time.
Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio.
 
02:02 First MS symptoms: fatigue, tingling and early warning signs03:49 New symptoms appear: changes in walking and sensation04:55 What is clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) and why it matters07:38 Deciding when and how to share an MS diagnosis11:37 MS risk and family: understanding genetics and environment14:23 Discovering Overcoming MS and making lifestyle changes16:35 Finding support: building connection through local MS circles20:19 Following the MS diet while travelling and eating out26:03 Managing weight on a whole food plant-based diet29:29 Coping with brain fog: practical tools that help31:33 Advice for newly diagnosed: start small and build gradually
Read all of the Overcoming MS books
Find plant-based restaurants on the Happy Cow website
Check out the Chef Cards for eating in a restaurant
New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page
Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub
Visit the Overcoming MS website
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Don’t miss out:
Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here.
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Support us:
If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here.
Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org.
If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

Bonus from the Archive: How to juice up exercise for people with MS with Trevor Wicken | S2E21

What’s the best way to approach exercise with multiple sclerosis? In this bonus from the archive episode of Living Well with MS, Trevor Wicken explores neuroplasticity, “neural edge” and how to find a movement routine that works for you.
Trevor Wicken is the founder of The MS Gym and a neuromuscular movement specialist who supports people with MS through brain-based movement, mindset, education and community. In this episode, he explores how movement can support confidence, resilience and day-to-day wellbeing, and why progress with MS is often about recognising small victories along the way.
Whether you’re just starting to explore movement with MS or looking for renewed motivation, this episode is a reminder that exercise is not about doing everything perfectly, it’s about finding what works for you.
 Originally broadcast in 2020, this episode has been edited to remove out-of-date content and reuploaded in 2026 to ensure it remains relevant and useful.
01:28 What is The MS Gym? 
04:45 Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, where you’re from, and the journey that brought you to launching The MS Gym? 
13:45 How is your fitness philosophy particularly tailored to people with MS? 
18:53 Is it worth getting an MS specialist approach rather than just a normal physical training instructor? 
21:10 What are the biggest obstacles to getting people – with or without MS – to adopt a regular exercise regimen? 
28:39 For the people you serve under The MS Gym umbrella, how do you measure their success or progress? 
44:06 If you could articulate one specific outcome you can say you really nailed in your work through The MS Gym, what would that be and why? 
54:53 What motivates or inspires you as a human being? 

Men’s mental health with MS: coping, acceptance and support | S8E13

For many men with multiple sclerosis, diagnosis brings uncertainty and fear – and it’s not always easy to talk about.
In this episode, Steve Rose, a psychotherapist living with MS shares his perspective on men’s mental health, from coming to terms with diagnosis to managing stress, anxiety and changing identity over time. He explores the importance of mindset, the role of mindfulness and rest, and why learning to understand your own patterns and limits can make a meaningful difference.
The conversation also looks at the challenges men can face in opening up, and the value of finding the right support – whether through trusted relationships, therapy or community.
This episode offers a thoughtful, honest look at what it means to live well with MS, emotionally as well as physically.
Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways and Steve’s bio.
02:20 Steve’s diagnosis story and early mindset shifts after MS04:46 Challenging limiting beliefs about exercise and MS06:39 Managing stress with mindfulness and regular mental breaks09:02 Visualising MS as a “tiger in a cage”11:12 Processing diagnosis: grief, anger and emotional adjustment12:31 Advice for newly diagnosed: why talking really helps13:15 Navigating relationships and finding people who understand14:45 Creating community: a virtual space for men with MS16:52 Final advice: understanding your body and adapting over time
Connect with Steve and learn more about his work
Stay up to date on the Might Spoons virtual pub for men with MS
New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page
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Visit the Overcoming MS website
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Don’t miss out:
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If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here.
Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org.
If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

MS disability benefits in the US: when to apply and how to prepare | S8E12

Navigating disability benefits with multiple sclerosis can feel overwhelming – especially when symptoms are invisible, fluctuating and difficult to measure. 
 In this episode, Social Security disability attorney Nancy Cavey speaks to Overcoming MS Program Facilitator Vickie Hadge to explore how MS is assessed in disability claims, when to consider applying, and what steps you can take early to strengthen your case. From documenting symptoms and functional impact to understanding how work, fatigue and cognitive changes are evaluated, this conversation offers practical guidance grounded in real-world experience. 
 You’ll also learn what to expect from the application process, common mistakes to avoid, and why planning ahead – financially and medically – can make a significant difference. 
 This episode focuses on the US disability benefits system, but many of the insights around documenting symptoms, planning ahead and advocating for support may still be helpful wherever you live. 
Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio. 
02:11 Nancy’s story – why she specializes in disability law 03:20 When MS symptoms start affecting your ability to work 04:12 How to document MS symptoms for stronger evidence 07:35 How MS disability claims are assessed step by step 10:52 What happens after a disability claim is denied 11:40 Proving fatigue and cognitive symptoms in MS claims 13:09 Can you work part-time and still claim benefits? 16:43 How mental health symptoms are considered in MS cases 19:08 Common mistakes people make when applying for disability 20:38 Workplace benefits vs government disability support explained 23:24 Financial planning for a long disability application process 24:04 Early steps to protect your future disability claim 26:18 Why your doctor’s support can make or break a claim 
Visit Nancy’s Website 
Follow Nancy on YouTube 
Listen to Nancy’s Podcast 
New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page
Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub
Visit the Overcoming MS website
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Don’t miss out:
Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here.
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Support us:
If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here.
Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org.
If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

Healthy habits for MS: realistic strategies that actually stick | S8E11

Making lifestyle changes with MS is one thing. Making them stick is another. In this episode of Living Well with MS, we speak with pharmacist-turned-health coach Dr Amy Behimer about why healthy habits can feel so difficult, especially when fatigue, stress and unpredictable symptoms get in the way. Drawing on her own experience of living with primary progressive MS, Amy shares a compassionate, evidence-informed approach to building habits that feel realistic, flexible and supportive in daily life.
Together, we explore the role of mindset in behaviour change, how to avoid all-or-nothing thinking, why perfectionism can backfire, and how to create routines that work on both good days and bad. If you feel overwhelmed by lifestyle change, this episode offers practical encouragement to help you start small and keep going.
Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio.
02:25 Amy’s MS journey and why habits became her focus05:05 The six areas that shape health with MS09:46 Why healthy habits are harder than they seem13:38 Building habits when fatigue and symptoms are unpredictable16:03 How mindset and emotions shape behaviour change18:29 The real secret to living well with MS22:25 Why perfectionism makes healthy habits harder to sustain25:25 Can self-talk affect day-to-day energy and symptoms?29:18 Creating flexible routines for good days and bad30:53 Common habit traps and how to avoid them33:10 Redefining health when you cannot control your diagnosis34:58 Where to start when lifestyle change feels overwhelming37:57 A simple daily practice to make change easier
Take Amy’s habit quiz
Listen to Amy’s podcast
Learn more about Amy’s work
New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page
Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub
Visit the Overcoming MS website
Follow us on social media:
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Don’t miss out:
Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here.
Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS.
Support us:
If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here.
Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org.
If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

Finding joy while living with MS | Ardra Shephard (Tripping On Air) | S8E10

What does it really mean to live well with multiple sclerosis over the long term? In this episode, we’re joined by writer, podcaster and MS advocate Ardra Shephard, creator of Tripping On Air and author of Fallosophy: My Trip Through Life with MS. Ardra shares her journey from diagnosis in her early twenties to becoming a powerful voice in the MS community.
Together, we explore the realities of visible symptoms, stigma and learning to adapt when life doesn’t go to plan. Ardra reflects on why she chose to share her story publicly, the role of humour in coping with chronic illness, and how her memoir brings honesty and vulnerability to the MS experience.
She also discusses identity, relationships, and the importance of representation through her work in podcasting and adaptive fashion.
This conversation is a reminder that while MS can be challenging, it’s still possible to build a meaningful, joyful life.
Keep reading for the key episode takeaways and Ardra’s bio.
00:00 Introduction to Ardra and her MS journey02:55 Why she shared her MS story publicly06:00 Using humour to cope with chronic illness realities09:08 Podcasting, relationships and the wider impact of MS11:55 Changing representation through adaptive fashion and media14:54 Key lesson: creating joy while living with MS
Connect with Ardra:
trippingonair.com
com/ms_trippingonair/
facebook.com/trippingonair/
New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page
Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub
Visit the Overcoming MS website
Follow us on social media:
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YouTube
Pinterest
Don’t miss out:
Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here.
Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS.
Support us:
If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here.
Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org.
If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

Bonus from the archives: Top hacks for getting into a meditation habit with Alison Potts | S2E15

Welcome to Living Well with MS podcast, where we are joined by Alison Potts. Alison is a meditation coach, wellbeing mentor, meditation teacher-trainer writer and teacher in self-care, meditation, and wellness. Largely due to her own healing journey with MS, she is passionate about teaching the power of cherishing our individuality and intuition, sharing practices to connection to our innate states of freedom, healing, creativity, spontaneity and joy. 
Originally broadcast in 2020, this episode has been edited to remove out-of-date content and reuploaded in 2026 to ensure it remains relevant and useful.
01:24 Tell us about yourself and your with MS and the Overcoming MS program 
07:17 What is your relationship to meditation? What’s Innate Being? 
18:36 What are the main obstacles you find people face in getting into a regular meditation practice? 
23:14 Tips for getting into good meditation practice? 
33:28 Top hacks for getting into the meditation groove and making it a healthy habit 
44:27 Alison conducts a mini guided meditation (5m) 
52:42 Any final words of wisdom or thoughts on embracing a meditation practice?