Living Well with Multiple Sclerosis

Welcome to Living Well with MS, the podcast from the Overcoming MS charity. In each episode, your host Geoff Allix explores a different aspect of the Overcoming MS Program in greater depth by talking with experts and people with MS about health lifestyle changes. New episodes are published on Wednesdays and feature interviews with scientists, neurologists, fitness specialists, diet experts, stress reduction professionals. The podcast also features inspirational, real-life stories from people with multiple sclerosis following the Overcoming MS program, about the challenges and victories of managing symptoms through lifestyle modification.

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Episodes

5 hours ago

Originally broadcast in 2020, this episode has been edited to remove out-of-date content and reuploaded in 2026 to ensure it remains relevant and useful. 
In this episode of the Living Well with MS podcast, and we are pleased to welcome Dr Aaron Boster, an Ohio-based board-certified clinical neuroimmunologist specializing in MS. Given we are surrounded by temptations – from that delicious pint of ice cream to the lure of sleeping in instead of hitting the gym – we are happy to tap his expertise to help us understand how lifestyle choices impact MS and our overall health. 

Wednesday Jan 28, 2026

How does gut health affect MS – and what role can diet really play in supporting the immune system? In this episode of Living Well with MS, Geoff is joined by Overcoming MS Program Facilitator Karen Lee – retired intensive care nurse, nutritionist, author and recipe developer. Karen shares her MS journey and explains, in clear and accessible terms, how gut health, inflammation and diet are connected in autoimmune conditions such as MS.
They explore dysbiosis and “leaky gut”, why fibre and the microbiome matter, and how whole-food plant-based eating fits within the Overcoming MS dietary recommendations. Karen also talks about her new book Healing from the Inside Out and shares practical, fatigue-friendly tips for eating more plants – without overwhelm.
Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio.
00:56 Welcome and introduction to Karen
01:49 Karen’s MS journey: diagnosis, optic neuritis and early changes
04:46 From intensive care nursing to nutrition, writing and teaching
09:32 Understanding the Overcoming MS diet recommendations
10:36 Why diet matters for immune health: nutrients, fats, fibre and the microbiome
17:57 Dysbiosis explained – and how it relates to autoimmunity and MS
22:02 “Leaky gut”: what it means and why inflammation matters
23:16 Inside Karen’s new book Healing from the Inside Out
26:46 How whole plant foods support overall health
29:50 Protein and plant-based diets: common concerns addressed
31:39 Practical tips for eating more plants and increasing variety
37:58 Favourite recipes, sauces and simple ways to add flavour
39:41 Batch cooking and freezing for low-energy days
41:26 Running the Taunton Half Marathon and fundraising for Overcoming MS
 
Order Karen’s latest book Healing from the Inside Out: Managing Autoimmunity with a Whole-Food Plant-Based Diet
Support Karen’s fundraiser for Overcoming MS
Learn more about Karen’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 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

Wednesday Jan 21, 2026

Host Geoff Allix speaks with Caroline Clarke, Chief Executive of the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust and former trustee of Overcoming MS, about her MS journey, why she chose to follow the Overcoming MS Program, and the practical habits that help her manage stress while working in a high-pressure role. 

Wednesday Jan 14, 2026

This episode of Living Well with MS was recorded at Living Well Live, Overcoming MS’s one-day event held at the University of Warwick in November 2025, with people joining both in person and online. Host Geoff Allix shares conversations with community members, speakers and guests from across the MS sector, exploring what’s new in MS lifestyle research and the practical tools people are using to live well with MS.
You’ll hear about the evolving evidence behind the Overcoming MS Program, why personalised approaches matter (including vitamin D), and the role of community connection in building confidence after diagnosis. Together, these conversations capture what makes Overcoming MS so powerful: the combination of evidence-based guidance and genuine community support. You’ll also hear how donations help fund trusted information, courses and spaces where people with MS – and those around them – can feel informed, connected and empowered.
Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio.
00:00 Geoff Allix introduces the event and Overcoming MS
03:07 Linda Bloom & Alex Holden on the origins of Overcoming MS, community and purpose
11:21 Dr Jonathan White on MS research, treatment and the role of lifestyle medicine
12:44 Lina Nielsen on elite sport, MS and training at Olympic level
14:51 Lina Nielsen on exercise, mindfulness and neuroplasticity
17:00 Tessa Miles on resilience, preparation and the power of community
22:09 Dr Rachel Hunter on the nervous system, stress and self-management
24:12 Dr Rachel Hunter on how MS self-management has evolved
28:19 Community member Maureen Haith on her top takeaways from the day
33:25 Miriam Jordan Keane on how Overcoming MS is evolving
37:56 Neil Stanley on sleep, MS and practical tips for better rest
43:22 Rabiah Coon on laughter, mental health and coping with MS
49:19 Amy Thompson from MS Together on supporting young adults living with MS
50:54 Holistic MS care – combining medication, lifestyle and community
55:13 Advice for newly diagnosed people with MS – reassurance and practical guidance
57:48 Dominic Shadbolt,The MS Guide, on AI, innovation and the future of MS care
59:43 Eleanor Bate, Shift.MS, on peer-led community support and connection
01:06:31 Sarah-Jane Elliot, MS-UK on accessing support, resources and online activities
 
Learn more about MS
Learn more about MS-UK
Learn more about MS Together
Learn more about the MS Guide
New to Overcoming MS? Visit our introductory page
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.

Wednesday Jan 07, 2026

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:
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.

Wednesday Dec 24, 2025

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.

Wednesday Dec 17, 2025


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.

Wednesday Dec 10, 2025


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.

Tuesday Dec 02, 2025


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.

Wednesday Nov 19, 2025


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.

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