Living Well with Multiple Sclerosis

Overcoming MS programs, courses and Living Well Live with Jake Connor | S7E12

In this episode of Living Well with MS – exploring topics relating to living a full and healthy life with multiple sclerosis – host  Geoff Allix welcomes Jake Connor, Service Delivery Manager at Overcoming MS, for a deep dive into the charity’s evolving support services and what it means to be part of a global MS community. From his personal connection to MS through his mother’s diagnosis, Jake shares how his journey from the corporate world to the charity sector has been driven by purpose and empathy.
Jake talks through the range of Overcoming MS's evidence-informed offerings, including webinars, courses, retreats and the Live Well Hub, and the impact they have on individuals living with MS. He also introduces Living Well Live, Overcoming MS’s brand-new all-day hybrid event, designed to inspire, educate and connect the MS community both in person and around the world.
Topics and Timestamps:
01:20 Meet Jake: his role at Overcoming MS and what drives him
02:51 A personal journey: Jake shares his MS connection
04:35 Finding purpose: why Jake joined the Overcoming MS team
07:39 Beyond support: the wide range of services we offer
10:33 All about the Pathway to Overcoming MS course
12:11 Awards, recognition and journal articles
13:13 Transformation at Overcoming MS residential retreats
16:33 Why our Living Well with MS webinars are so popular
18:31 Exploring community in the Live Well Hub
20:36 A new event for 2025: Living Well Live
More info and links:
Living Well Live
Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub
Events including Discover Overcoming MS
Webinars
Replay with Dr Rob Motl
Replays with Dr Aaron Boster
Replay with Dr Michelle O’Donoghue
Overcoming MS Retreats
Pathway to Overcoming MS Course
New to Overcoming MS?Visit our introductory page  
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 
Make sure you sign up to our newsletterto 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 support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, you can 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: The Overcoming MS diet in a nutshell with Sam Josephs | S7 bonus

In this episode of the Living Well with MS podcast we are pleased to welcome Sam Josephs as our guest. Sam is a qualified Nutritional Therapist and has worked as a retreat facilitator for Overcoming  Multiple Sclerosis. In this episode, we demystify the Overcoming MS diet and provide helpful tips and tricks on how to hack the food portion of the Overcoming MS lifestyle and make it as scrumptious as possible! 
Topics and Timestamps:  
01:24 Sam’s journey with Overcoming MS  
08:54 Basic recommendations for the Overcoming MS diet 
10:26 What type of fish is included in the diet?  
15:46 Tips and ideal substitutes for Overcoming MS-recommended foods 
26:06 Navigating meals during seasonal holidays with the Overcoming MS diet pillar 
29:46 Is chicken breast really a problem? 
More info and links:
Listen to part 2 of ‘The OMS Diet in a Nutshell’ here
Learn more about Sam Josephs’ professional background 
Learn more about the Overcoming MS diet recommendations 
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 and want to support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, you can 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.

Fundraising at Overcoming MS with Rob Carter | S7E11

In this inspiring episode of Living Well with MS, we're joined by Rob Carter, Head of Income Generation at Overcoming MS. With over two decades of experience in the not-for-profit world – including organisations like the MS Trust and Youth Music – Rob brings strategic insight, compassion, and a deeply personal connection to his work. 
Rob sits down with CEO Alex Holden to explore the power of community fundraising – and how every challenge, skydive, cake sale, or regular gift fuels the future of Overcoming MS.  
Whether you're already fundraising or simply curious, this episode is packed with practical ideas, powerful stories, and motivation to make a difference.
Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways.
 
Topics and Timestamps: 
01:44 Rob’s journey into fundraising and his personal connection to MS 
06:29 Why fundraising is essential to the Overcoming MS mission 
09:35 What is fundraising and how does it work? 
14:45 Real life stories from independent Overcoming MS fundraisers  
18:26 Big adventures: Overcoming MS organised challenge events 
20:07 Fundraising for all: ideas beyond physical challenges 
21:41 How to get in touch with the fundraising team 
22:30 The huge impact of regular giving 
25:42 Non-financial ways to support Overcoming MS 
 
More info and links:  
Donate to Overcoming MS 
Sign up for Give as you Live  
Sign up for Easy Fundraising  
Join a fundraising event 
Start your own fundraiser 
Jane and Ian’s Door to Door Challege podcast episode  
New to Overcoming MS? Visit our introductory page   
Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub  
Visit the Overcoming MS website     
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 support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, you can 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. 

A quick guide to the Overcoming MS Program with Heather O’Neil | S7E10

In this inspiring and info-packed episode of Living Well with MS, we welcome the brilliant Heather O’Neil – a social worker, Overcoming MS Program Facilitator, and member of the MS community – to break down the Overcoming MS Program in a clear and relatable way. 
Diagnosed with MS in 2020, Heather quickly discovered the Overcoming MS Program and never looked back. With warmth and insight, she walks us through each pillar, from diet and Vitamin D to movement and mindfulness, sharing both evidence and her personal experience. 
Whether you're new to Overcoming MS or need a refresher, this episode is your perfect starting point to explore how the Program can empower you to take charge of your health and well-being. 
Topics and Timestamps:  
01:54 Heather's MS journey 
03:56 Discovering Overcoming MS 
04:59 Becoming an Overcoming MS Program Facilitator 
06:27 The Overcoming MS Diet explained 
08:58 Sunlight, vitamin D and why they matter 
11:49 The Overcoming MS approach to Physical Activity 
14:27 Mindfulness and stress reduction 
16:48 Medication as an Overcoming MS Pillar 
17:48 Family health matters 
19:54 Change your life, for life  
21:05 How to connect with the Overcoming MS community 
More info and links: 
Join a Pathway Program 
Learn more about Overcoming MS Retreats 
Hear more from Heather on stress management 
New to Overcoming MS? Visit our introductory page   
Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub  
Visit the Overcoming MS website     
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 support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, you can 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: Running marathons with MS with Alex Tsirigotis | S7 bonus

Most people, regardless of whether or not they have MS, may think running a marathon is, simply put, crazy. While exercise is an important part of the Overcoming MS Program, many people with MS will have symptoms that preclude them from running long distances, or indeed running at all.
This Living Well with MS episode’s special guest, Alex Tsirigotis, is someone who not only runs, but has pushed his body to his limits by regularly running marathons. And the fact that he has MS is just a footnote in his story. 
Topics and timestamps
01:17 Alex’s symptoms, diagnosis, and experience with MS. 
04:20 What lifestyle changes Alex’s diagnosis led to.
06:09 Finding out about Overcoming MS and learnings. 
07:25 How long was it after you started following Overcoming MS did you start to see noticeable improvements?  
09:40 Tips on implementing the Overcoming MS program. 
12:39 Alex’s marathon running. 
17:02 Tips for people with symptoms that can affect their ability to run. 
20:10 Long-term side effects from running marathons. 
21:03 What is the most important piece of advice for anyone contemplating starting the Overcoming MS program? 
24:50 Reasons Alex runs marathons and what’s next. 
More info and links:
Learn more about exercise as a key pillar of the Overcoming MS program
Learn more about Alex’s running coach services. 
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
 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 support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, you can 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.  

Relationships and MS with Nikoma and Simone Bell | S7E09

Love, resilience and real talk – that’s what today’s episode of Living Well with MS is all about. We're thrilled to welcome husband-and-wife team Nikoma and Simone Bell, authors of Marriage & MS: Embracing Life and Love Beyond the Diagnosis. 
Together, they open up about navigating life, love and MS – sharing practical advice on relationships, caregiving, intimacy, and creating space for honest conversations, especially in underrepresented communities. Whether you're living with MS, supporting a partner, or simply curious about how real connection thrives through life's challenges, you won’t want to miss this heartfelt and inspiring discussion. 
 
Topics and Timestamps: 
01:41 Meet Nikoma and Simone. 
03:09 Top tips for keeping a marriage strong while living with MS. 
05:52 Support for Black men with MS.
08:37 Common struggles among care partners and how to handle them. 
10:27 How to talk to young children about MS. 
12:15 Keeping intimacy alive in relationships with MS. 
13:12 Managing feelings of guilt and being a burden.  
14:37 Staying together despite MS – defying the odds. 
17:30 Talking about what can’t be seen – invisible symptoms.
 
More info and links: 
Learn more about Nikoma and Simone and their work 
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
 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 support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, you can 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.   

Open Communication about MS with Program Facilitator Hayley Baker | S7E08

Welcome to Living Well with MS – the podcast where we explore real-life experiences and practical insights on living a full and healthy life with multiple sclerosis. In this episode, we are pleased to welcome trainee Program Facilitator Hayley Baker as our guest. Hayley is an artist and educator who was first diagnosed with MS in 2019. In this open and engaging conversation, Hayley talks about the importance of honest communication, tackling sensitive topics like intimacy and taboo symptoms, and the life-changing impact of connecting with the Overcoming MS community.  
 
Topics and Timestamps: 
01:32 Meet Hayley and discover her MS journey. 
08:53 Becoming an Overcoming MS Program Facilitator.
10:30 The Overcoming MS Program pillars.
14:05 Hayley’s approach to the more challenging pillars. 
15:39 Her approach to the Family Health pillar.  
17:57 Opening up about taboo symptoms like bladder and bowel problems. 
25:32 The benefits of attending an Overcoming MS Retreat.  
27:11 Balancing honesty and intimacy with a partner. 
32:20 Tips for someone newly diagnosed or new to the Program. 
 
More info and links:
Read the Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis Handbook: Roadmap to Good Health
Join an Overcoming MS Circle 
Listen to Sam Josephs’ podcast episodes   
Learn more about Overcoming MS retreats  
Read about managing bowel symptoms with MS 
Read Hayley’s blog for Overcoming MS 
Listen to Dr Aaron Boster’s podcast episodes 
New to Overcoming MS? Visit our introductory page   
Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub  
Visit the Overcoming MS website     
Don’t miss out:  
Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. 
Sign up for our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. 
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. 
Support us: 
If you enjoy this podcast an and want to support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, you can leave a donation here. 

Finding your 8th Pillar with comedian Rabiah Coon | S7E07

Welcome to Living Well with MS - your go-to podcast for making informed choices to support your health and well-being with MS! In today’s episode, we’re thrilled to welcome a very special guest: comedian and MS advocate Rabiah Coon! Rabiah joins host Geoff to share her journey with MS, how she discovered Overcoming MS through a video shoot, and why she believes that laughter should be the 8th pillar of the program.
Tune in as Rabiah blends humour with honesty, offering unique insights into life with MS while highlighting the power of positivity and community. You won’t want to miss this conversation!
Topics and Timestamps
01:29 Meet Rabiah and hear about her journey with MS.
02:31 Finding hope: how Rabiah discovered Overcoming MS through a video shoot.
05:13 Making lifestyle changes: Rabiah shares how she has approached change.
07:15 Transcendental meditation and mindfulness tips.
10:05 Retreat reflections: what it was like to attend an Overcoming MS retreat.
13:37 How Rabiah became a stand-up comedian.
17:17 Laughter as the 8th Pillar.
21:00 Rabiah’s passion for volunteering and the importance of giving back.
26:44 Rabiah’s top tips for the newly diagnosed.
 
Want to learn more about living a full and happy life with multiple sclerosis?  Sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips.
More info and links:
Watch the Hope Reborn music video
Volunteer with Overcoming MS
Learn more about Overcoming MS retreats
Learn more about Transcendental Meditation
Listen to mindfulness podcast episodes with Phil Startin
S5E14 Webinar highlights: Mindfulness and Meditation with Phil Startin
S5E19 Webinar highlights: Progressive MS with Phil Startin and Helen Rees Leahy
S6E21 Webinar Highlights: Reducing Stress through meditation and mindfulness with Dr Phil Startin
S7E04 Webinar highlights – Stress management and mental health
Join MS-UK's 8-week mindfulness based stress reduction
Check out Rabiah’s Website: https://www.rabiahsaid.com
Connect with Rabiah on social media https://linktr.ee/rabiahcomedy
New to Overcoming MS? Visit our introductory page  
Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub 
Visit the Overcoming MS website    
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.
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.
Support us:
If you enjoy this podcast and want to support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, you can leave a donation here.

Bonus from the archive: Building a daily meditation practice with Dr Craig Hassed | S7 bonus

In this episode of the Living Well with MS podcast we are pleased to welcome Dr Craig Hassed as our guest to demystify the practice of meditation and provide very sound reasons for why you should consider meditating for its wondrous stress-relieving effects. Dr Hassed, an expert on mindfulness-based stress reduction, will also provide some commonsense tips for successfully working meditation into your daily life. 
 
Topics and Timestamps 
01:59 The scientific evidence base for mindfulness.
05:57 What happens to the body under stress? 
11:13 Is there a difference between chronic stress and acute stress? 
14:38 Practicing mindfulness. 
16:51 Should you get professional help as well as mindfulness training if you experience anxiety or depression? 
19:58 Does religious faith reduce stress? 
22:28 Should we keep a journal? 
24:53 Is mindfulness the same as meditation? 
30:35 Is it necessary to follow guided meditations? 
36:15 Free online course on mindfulness.
 
Want to learn more about living a full and happy life with multiple sclerosis? Sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips.
 
More info and links:     
Learn more about meditation and stress management as a key pillar of the Overcoming MS program.
Learn more about the Overcoming MS program.
New to Overcoming MS? Visit our introductory page.  
Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub.
Visit the Overcoming MS website.    
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.
Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing  podcast@overcomingms.org.
Support us:
If you enjoy this podcast and want to support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, you can leave a donation here.
 
If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.

Research on lifestyle and MS with Dr Terry Wahls | S7E06

Welcome to Living Well with MS – your go-to podcast for making informed choices to support your health and well-being with MS! In this episode we are pleased to welcome Dr Terry Wahls, a respected clinical professor of medicine, researcher, and someone with lived experience of MS. Diagnosed with secondary progressive MS, Dr Wahls has dedicated her career to exploring the impact of lifestyle interventions on MS and other progressive health conditions.
You can learn more about her work at terrywahls.com, or follow her on Instagram @drterrywahls, and on Facebook/Twitter at @TerryWahls.
Topics and timestamps
01:30 Meet Dr Terry Wahls: her MS journey and the inspiration for her research.
07:35 Lifestyle and MS what the research really says about improving outcomes.
08:26 Various diets and their impacts on MS.
11:41 The role of dairy and its impact on MS.
13:22 The science of nutrition: what MS studies are missing and why it matters.
15:25 When will neurologists recommend a whole food diet as standard care?
20:16 Real results: practical symptom improvements through lifestyle changes.
24:42 MS in families: understanding risk and tips for reducing it.
27:46 Good stress: and how to harness it to live a longer, healthier life.
31:33 Hope in action: small powerful steps to lifestyle change.
 
Want to learn more about living a full and happy life with multiple sclerosis?  Sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips.
 
More info and links:
Learn about Loren Codain and the Paleo Diet
Learn more about Barry Marshall’s work
Get involved in a study on lifestyle and MS
Attend the Dr Talks Multiple Sclerosis and Autoimmune Summit
New to Overcoming MS? Visit our introductory page  
Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub 
Visit the Overcoming MS website    
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.
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.
Support us:
If you enjoy this podcast and want to support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, you can leave a donation here.