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 journey
02:55 Why she shared her MS story publicly
06:00 Using humour to cope with chronic illness realities
09:08 Podcasting, relationships and the wider impact of MS
11:55 Changing representation through adaptive fashion and media
14:54 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

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