Living Well with Multiple Sclerosis

The Research on Lifestyle and MS with Rachel Johnson and Dr Jonny White | S8E1

In this episode of Living Well with MS, Alex Holden (Chief Executive of Overcoming MS) is joined by Rachel Johnson, Overcoming MS’s Information and Research Manager, and Dr Jonathan White, the charity’s Medical Advisor and Program Facilitator. Together they explore what the latest evidence says about lifestyle and self-management in MS – and why it’s an increasingly exciting time for MS research and treatment. They also share what Overcoming MS is working on in 2026, including improved evaluation of our programmes, new symptom-focused resources, and progress towards achieving the PIF TICK quality mark for trusted health information. 
Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio. 
01:56 Meet Rachel Johnson: background in psychology, research methods and why she joined Overcoming MS 
04:04 Jonny’s role and why sharing research clearly (and credibly) matters 
05:33 Rachel’s priorities: improving information quality and evaluating impact 
07:16 Supporting healthcare professionals to signpost trusted lifestyle resources 
09:06 What’s coming up in 2026: evaluation findings, information strategy and symptom-based resources 
11:05 Jonny’s 2026 highlights: Pathways, retreats and the BSLM lifestyle medicine module 
14:24 How the Overcoming MS programme aligns with the latest lifestyle research 
16:57 Making the programme practical: diet quality, Mediterranean-style eating and “big picture” habits 
18:54 Talking to your MS team about lifestyle: confidence, language, and keeping your agenda clear 
23:05 Why robust evaluation matters: pre-post surveys, validated measures and long-term follow-up 
27:31 Getting involved in research: MS Register, university studies and opportunities shared via the Hub 
31:41 What is PIF TICK and why it matters for trustworthy MS lifestyle information 
36:04 What’s exciting in MS research right now: treatments, progressive MS, and novel therapies 
40:13 Why credibility and clear communication are key to shifting the “no evidence” narrative 
More info and links:
Listen to the Talking with Skeptics webinar with Jonny and Yasmin Neves  
Tell your health team about Overcoming MS resources for healthcare professionals 
Sign up for the next free Pathway to Overcoming MS course  
Join the MS Register in the UK 
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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Instagram
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.

Choosing an MS Management Program with Juliet Delattre | S7E27

In this episode of Living Well with MS, we’re joined by Juliet Delattre, a language teacher and digital nomad from the Netherlands who was diagnosed with MS in 2019. 
 Juliet shares the shock of being diagnosed after relatively mild symptoms, and what it was like searching for answers, navigating uncertainty, and deciding who to tell. We also talk about the role of lifestyle alongside medical care, how Juliet experimented with different approaches over time, and why she ultimately chose to follow the Overcoming MS Program. 
 Juliet speaks honestly about stress, study, travel and bereavement – and offers a compassionate reminder that there’s no single “perfect” way to live well with MS, only the approach that’s sustainable for you. 
 Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the topics and timestamps.
Topics and timestamps
00:00 Juliette's diagnosis and initial shock 
03:33 The emotional impact of MS 
05:58 The decision to share: who to tell and why 
08:30 Choosing a path: medication and lifestyle changes 
11:09 Life after diagnosis: changes and adaptations 
13:38 Travelling with MS 
16:50 Trying different diets and why evidence mattered 
19:17 Stress support: drawing, meditation, retreats and finding what’s sustainable 
22:41 Studying with MS: a flare-up, disability support and difficult systems 
24:24 Discovering Overcoming MS and choosing a path that “clicked” 
26:50 Family support: making diet changes feel achievable 
29:12 Exercise, confidence and changing mindset 
32:05 Bereavement, stress and finding ways to cope 
35:36 Embracing creativity and possibilities 
More info and links
Learn more about Joe Dispenza’s work on placebo and healing 
Read Juliet’s blog on her drawings of her sensations in her body 
Learn more about Vipassana meditation retreats 
Read about the benefits of therapeutic journaling in time of stress 
Try one of Juliet’s favorite 30-minute meditations 
Read about hypnotherapy for MS 
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:
Facebook
Instagram
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.

Webinar highlights – Ask Aaron Your Opportunity to speak to a Neurologist about Living Well with MS | S7E26

In this episode of Living Well with MS, we’re sharing highlights from our Ask Aaron webinar – 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.
Our guest is the dynamic and much-loved Dr Aaron Boster, a board-certified neurologist specialising in multiple sclerosis.
Dr Boster answers a wide range of thoughtful, practical questions from the OvercomingMS community. From medications and MRI contrast scans to foot drop, vision changes, supplements and the latest research developments, he brings clarity, warmth and energy to every topic.
If you’ve ever wished you could sit down with a neurologist who truly understands MS, this episode is for you.
Watch this episode on YouTube.
Topics and timestamps
05:08 Exciting developments in MS research
10:54 Subcutaneous injections of Ocrevus
14:27 Remyelination drug trials
22:02 Addressing fatigue in MS patients
30:14 Managing fatigue: strategies and treatments
31:04 Navigating disease-modifying therapies
31:04 Supporting loved ones with MS
35:09 Understanding MRI and gadolinium contrast
38:21 B-Cell depletion therapies and MS progression
40:42 Exploring functional mushrooms and supplements
44:35 The importance of vitamins and nutrition
52:15 Understanding neurofilament light chain
58:28 Foot drop solutions
59:29 Finding the right doctor
01:00:29 Hope for the future of MS
More info and links
Listen to other episodes featuring Dr Boster
Check out Dr Boster’s popular YouTube channel covering all aspects of MS
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:
Facebook
Instagram
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 tips for Overcoming MS-friendly holiday meals with Ashley Madden | S7 bonus

The holidays will soon be upon us, and we all know food is a big part of the fun. This time of year presents the temptation of delicious meals whose ingredients don’t always fit the dietary guidelines Overcoming MS recommends.  
On this episode of the Living Well with MS podcast we are pleased to welcome Ashley Madden, a full-time food lover and health enthusiast. She’s also a pharmacist, plant-based chef, certified holistic nutrition consultant and food photographer.
Topics and timestamps
02:03 About Ashley and her passion for cooking 
03:26 How long have you been following Overcoming MS?  
05:20 Has it been challenging to switch to the Overcoming MS diet?  
09:14 Best tips for making the transition to the Overcoming MS diet easier 
11:53 Tips for making Overcoming MS-friendly holiday meals for large groups and smaller more intimate gatherings? 
21:28 Special tips or meal ideas for holidays 
31:37 Making Overcoming MS-friendly puddings and desserts 
35:14 Top cooking advice when following an Overcoming MS compliant diet 
More info and links:
Read Ashley Madden’s food blog 
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:
Facebook
Instagram
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.

Adaptive world champion Francis Loye talks fitness competitions with MS | S7E25

In this episode of Living Well with MS, we meet adaptive world champion athlete Francis Loye, a Northern Ireland-based father of three who lives with MS.  
Francis was diagnosed in 2021 after experiencing symptoms on a cycling holiday. Since then, he has transformed his life: following the Overcoming MS program, connecting deeply with community, and competing at the very highest level in hybrid and adaptive sport. From the Hyrox World Championships to the gruelling Mallorca 312 endurance race, Francis has shown what’s possible when determination meets lifestyle-led wellness.  
This conversation is full of honesty and inspiration – whether you’re newly diagnosed, returning to exercise, or curious about what adaptive sport looks like in practice.  
Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics and timestamps. 
Topics and timestamps
00:43 Francis’s MS journey: diagnosis, fear, acceptance and choosing empowerment 
04:17 Discovering Overcoming MS: a lifeline of hope 
06:23 Discovering the power of community 
07:59 Adapting lifestyle: challenges and triumphs 
11:04 Family health: balancing MS and parenting 
13:40 The Retreat experience: vulnerability and connection 
16:32 Understanding hybrid and adaptive athletics 
20:01 Training regimen: balancing endurance and strength 
25:29 Winning the Hyrox World Championships 
29:19 Diet and nutrition: balancing performance and health 
31:38 Advice for the newly diagnosed: finding peace and community 
More info and links
Connect with Francis on Instagram 
Francis was on the Overcoming MS Webinar Physical Activity and MS 
Learn more about Joe Dispenza’s work 
Check out the Hyrox adaptive divisions 
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:
Facebook
Instagram
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.

Webinar highlights - Diet in MS: what the evidence tells us | S7E24

In this episode of Living Well with MS, Dr Jonathan White is joined by Dr Stephen Simpson-Yap, Senior Research Fellow at the Neuroepidemiology Unit (NEU) in Melbourne, Senior Research Fellow at the Neuroepidemiology Unit (NEU) in Melbourne, focusing on multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune conditions.
Together they unpack the complex relationship between diet and MS: why diet research is so challenging, what the current evidence tells us, how different MS diet programmes compare, and where the science is heading next. Steve explains how epidemiologists study diet, what makes high-quality research so difficult, and why large, long-term studies like HOLISM and the UK MS Register are so important to people with MS.
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.
You can watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics and timestamps.
Topics and timestamps
01:53 How diet might influence MS risk, progression and disability
04:24 Why diet research is so hard
07:31 Inside a diet study – what it really takes to measure what people eat
11:27 Comparing MS diets (Overcoming MS, Whals, Best Bet, and more.)
15:06 How researchers actually study diet in MS
24:54 What we know so far Key findings from existing diet studies,
28:02 The future of diet research for MS and how large data sets could change everything
33:35 What this means for people with MS  
More info and links
Learn more about the NEU
Read NEU research papers about MS
Hear more research in S3E11 NEU: What’s on the research horizon with Associate Professor Sandra Neate
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:
Facebook
Instagram
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: The Overcoming MS diet in a nutshell with Sam Josephs (part 2) | S7 bonus

In this episode of the Living Well with MS podcast we continue the discussion on diet as a key pillar of the Overcoming MS Program, and how to integrate the Overcoming MS diet dos and don’ts into one’s daily routine with nutritional therapist and Overcoming MS Facilitator Sam Josephs as our guest.
Topics and timestamps:
01:25 Getting started with the Overcoming MS diet 
05:41 Is fasting worth trying? 
06:04 The 5:2 diet for fast-mimicking effect  
10:54 Is there a connection between gluten and multiple sclerosis? 
17:18 Tips on making cooking easier for people following the Overcoming MS diet 
More info and links:
Part 1 of ‘The OMS Diet in a Nutshell’ is also available here
Learn more about diet as a key pillar of the Overcoming MS program 
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:
Facebook
Instagram
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, please support the ongoing work and podcasts from Overcoming MS by leaving 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.

Ask Jack: plant-based recipe substitutions | S7E23

Welcome to Living Well with MS, the podcast that empowers you to take control of your health and wellbeing.  In this episode we welcome Jack McNulty, professional cook and longtime follower of the Overcoming MS Program. Jack tackles plant-based recipe substitutions, answering community questions and sharing practical advice to help you adapt your favourite recipes while following the Overcoming MS diet.
Keep reading for the topics and timestamps.
Topics and timestamps
01:00 Introduction to cooking with MS
01:44 Understanding the Overcoming MS diet pillar
03:47 Substituting dairy: a functional approach
10:33 Exploring vegan butter alternatives
15:35 The complexity of egg substitutes
25:09 Meat alternatives: flavour and texture
37:12 Replacing coconut milk in recipes
39:48 Buttermilk substitutes and cooking oils
45:15 Using cashew cream and final thoughts
More info and links
Listen to the other Ask Jack episodes
Connect with Jack at Vegan Weekly
Read the Overcoming MS books including the cookbook and handbook
Listen to Karen Lee’s episodes on the Overcoming MS diet</li
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:
Facebook
Instagram
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, please support the ongoing work and podcasts from Overcoming MS by leaving 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.

Thriving through 40 years with MS with David Peimer | S7E22

What does it take to live well with MS for more than 40 years? For professor and theatre maker David Peimer, the answer lies in resilience, curiosity, and transforming anger into creative energy.
In this powerful and deeply reflective episode of Living Well with MS, David shares how he went from being given just four years to live to building a successful global career – teaching, directing, and writing award-winning plays – while following the Overcoming MS Program.
With honesty and humour, David explores how diet, stress management, and self-understanding helped him rebuild his health and his life. His story is a testament to hope, perseverance, and the belief that, even when faced with MS, we can learn to surf the wave rather than be swept away by it.
Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the topics and timestamps and David’s bio.
Topics and timestamps
02:02  David’s early MS journey and life-changing diagnosis06:09  Facing paralysis, fear, and the turning point that sparked hope11:48  How reading Judy Graham and following the Swank diet changed everything17:43  Managing stress and anger: finding calm in chaos23:16  Inside the Copaxone trial: early experiences with MS treatment29:19  Rebuilding purpose through creativity and compassion34:51  The power of community and connection40:10  David’s advice for anyone newly diagnosed
More info and links
Learn about Judy Graham and her books
The history of Copaxone, the first DMT for MS
Learn more about David’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:
Facebook
Instagram
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, please support the ongoing work and podcasts from Overcoming MS by leaving 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: Overcoming MS is possible with Professor George Jelinek | S7 bonus

Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Living Well with MS podcast, where we are pleased to welcome Professor George Jelinek as our guest! Professor Jelinek is the founder of the Overcoming MS program and was, until recently, the head of the Neuroepidemiology Unit at the University of Melbourne. In this episode, he discusses how extensive scientific research is illuminating new ways to help people with MS live better and healthier lives through changes made to their diets and lifestyles. 
Watch this episode on YouTube here.
Topics and timestamps
00:10 Geoff’s journey with MS 
01:15 Starting The Living Well with MS podcast 
01:48 Introduction of Professor Jelinek 
03:22 Professor Jelinek’s MS diagnosis 
05:22 Roy Swank’s research paper on diet and MS 
11:45 Overview of Overcoming MS 
14:30 Mindfulness based meditation, is there any science to it? 
22:12 Prevention tips for people with MS who have children 
27:55 Will lifestyle factors enter the mainstream treatment? 
31:15 Impact of diet on multiple sclerosis 
More info and links:
New to Overcoming MS? Visit our introductory page 
Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub
Visit the Overcoming MS website
Follow us on social media:
Facebook
Instagram
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, please support the ongoing work and podcasts from Overcoming MS by leaving 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.