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
Tuesday Jun 01, 2021
Tuesday Jun 01, 2021
Welcome to the latest Living Well with MS Coffee Break, where we are pleased to welcome Yasmin Neves as our guest! Yasmin lives with MS and follows the Overcoming MS program.
Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways.
Topics and Timestamps:
01:35 Can you tell us a little about yourself, your family, and your life?
03:04 How about your experience with MS? When were you diagnosed and how did you initially cope with it?
11:47 At which point did you come across the Overcoming MS program?
14:03 What are some of the challenges you’ve faced at first in adopting the Overcoming MS program?
17:02 When did you first start to see any kind of positive indicators in following Oercoming MS program?
22:40 You’ve been a valuable member of the Overcoming MS community. As an example, you’re part of an Overcoming MS Circle in Wales. What’s that experience like?
25:22 On a personal note, do you have any unusual interests you can tell us about?
28:21 If there is one piece of advice you can share with people new to the Overcoming MS program, what would that be?
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:
Check out Yasmin’s HR and coaching website here.
Yasmin is on Instagram; check out her personal account and farm account
The food Instagram account from the Overcoming MS Circle in Wales
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 episodes here. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. 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, we would really appreciate it if you could leave a donation here. Every donation, however small, helps us to share the podcast with more people on how to live well with MS.
Wednesday May 19, 2021
Wednesday May 19, 2021
On this episode of Living Well with MS, we are excited welcome Dr Sandra Neate as our guest. Dr Neate is the head of the Neuroepidemiology Unit (NEU) within the Melbourne School of Population and Global Health at the University of Melbourne in Australia. Dr Neate and her team are researching the impact of lifestyle interventions on MS disease progression.
Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways.
Topics and Timestamps:
01:52 You’re presently the head of the Neuroepidemiology Unit at the University of Melbourne. Can you tell us what the NEU is?
05:33 Is the NEU carrying on the research studies begun by Professor George Jelinek, such as HOLISM and STOP-MS?
07:51 What is the overarching aim of the NEU as a research body?
11:43 Who are the researchers that work for the NEU?
13:27 What do you think the future impact of the MS Online Course will be?
14:38 What are your expectations for the relationship with UK MS Registry and how can it advance the cause of elevating lifestyle intervention or modification approaches?
17:08 What’s on the horizon for the NEU? What kind of projects and collaborations are you shaping for the future?
19:29 Where can people find out more about how to take the MS online course in the future?
20:24 How does the NEU engage with Overcoming MS?
22:42 What can the next generation realistically expect for MS treatment?
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 the NEU here and on the University of Melbourne School of Population and Global Health website
Follow the NEU’s research updates on Twitter
Read about a study connecting fatigue and diet
See Prof George Jelinek’s publication links on PubMed
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 episodes here. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. 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, we would really appreciate it if you could leave a donation here. Every donation, however small, helps us to share the podcast with more people on how to live well with MS.
Wednesday May 12, 2021
Wednesday May 12, 2021
Welcome to Living Well with MS, where we welcome Jack McNulty as our guest. Ask Jack, featuring the culinary talents of professional holistic chef Jack McNulty answering food-related questions generated by you, our community. Submit your questions for Jack to podcast@overcomingms.org.
Topics and Timestamps:
03:06 Is it a problem to have some peanut butter (from 100% raw peanuts) since we can also eat tahini, sunflower seeds and cashew nuts?
12:16 Can we use grapeseed oil? And is it okay for baking too?
14:34 Are Impossible Burgers okay for people with MS who want to follow an anti-inflammatory diet?
19:01 What's your view on canned legumes and fruits? Are there some to avoid, and if so which ones?
24:10 Any recommendations for coconut milk/oil replacements?
30:41 Any helpful tips to get crisp chips/French fries?
37:40 How can you make sour cream at home in a whole-food, plant-based way?
41:35 Any recipe suggestions for Overcoming MS-compliant Yorkshire Puddings which replicate as near as possible the original in which the batter contains eggs and fat?
45:27 How do you make cakes taste light and moist when many of the ingredients needed to do so aren’t Overcoming MS-friendly?
53:13 Do you have any recipe ideas for gluten-free crackers and snacks, or anything savory that packs a crunch?
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:
Read Jack’s thought on coconut essence and oat milk
Get Jack’s Vegan Pastry Dough Recipe
Get Jack’s Oil-Free Baked Potato Fries and Tangy Ketchup recipe
Connect with Jack: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
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 episodes here. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. 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, we would really appreciate it if you could leave a donation here. Every donation, however small, helps us to share the podcast with more people on how to live well with MS.
Tuesday May 04, 2021
Tuesday May 04, 2021
Welcome to Living Well with MS Coffee Break, where we are pleased to welcome Rick Nelson as our guest! Rick lives with MS and follows the Overcoming MS program.
Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways.
Topics and Timestamps:
01:58 Can you tell us a little about yourself, your family, and your life?
03:35 How about your experience with MS? When were you diagnosed and how did you initially cope with it?
05:39 At which point did you come across the Overcoming MS program?
08:04 What are some of the challenges you’ve faced at first in adopting the Overcoming MS program? How did you overcome them?
09:51 When did you first start to see any kind of positive indicators in following Overcoming MS guidelines? What were these?
10:42 You’ve been a valuable contributor to the Overcoming MS community. For example, you established the Overcoming MS Circle in Philadelphia and served as its ambassador. What’s that experience like?
14:52 On a personal note, do you have any unusual interests you can tell us about?
16:39 If there is one piece of advice you can share with people new to the Overcoming MS program, what would that be?
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:
Check out Rick’s LinkedIn profile
Check out the work Rick does to help entrepreneurs
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 episodes here. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. 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, we would really appreciate it if you could leave a donation here. Every donation, however small, helps us to share the podcast with more people on how to live well with MS.
Wednesday Apr 21, 2021
Wednesday Apr 21, 2021
Welcome to Living Well with MS where we are pleased to welcome Dr Amy Novonty as our guest! Dr Novotny is a physical therapist who has committed herself to helping people with varying medical conditions, including multiple sclerosis, learn how to manage and overcome the pain and discomfort their conditions cause.
Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways.
Topics and Timestamps:
01:37 Can you tell our audience a little bit about your background?
03:34 You’re the creator of the PABR (pain awareness breathing relief) method and its main practitioner. Can you give our audience an overview of this technique?
05:15 How can PABR be helpful for people with MS?
09:02 Why does a combination of body positioning and breathing calm the sympathetic nervous system?
10:01 Are there specific symptoms of MS that your technique is most suited for?
11:14 Could you explain a bit about the process of how you would train someone to learn and apply the techniques?
21:36 Has PABR helped you personally in any way to deal with pain?
22:47 What’s your vision for making the PABR method accessible to more people with MS and beyond?
24:35 Given we are still emerging from the Covid-19 pandemic, what’s the light at the end of the tunnel you see in 2021?
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 Dr. Novotny
See Amy’s photography portfolio
Check out Amy on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and Twitter
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation with Dr. Novotny
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 episodes here. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. 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, we would really appreciate it if you could leave a donation here. Every donation, however small, helps us to share the podcast with more people on how to live well with MS.
Tuesday Apr 13, 2021
Tuesday Apr 13, 2021
Welcome to Living Well with MS Coffee Break where we are pleased to welcome Rebecca Stonor as our guest! Rebecca lives with MS, follows the Overcoming MS program and is passionate about plant-based nutrition.
Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways.
Questions and Timestamps:
01:56 Can you tell us a little about yourself, your family, and your life?
02:56 How about your experience with MS? When were you diagnosed and how did you initially cope with it?
06:20 At which point did you come across the Overcoming MS program?
12:57 What are some of the challenges you’ve faced at first in adopting the Overcoming MS program? How did you overcome them?
14:24 When did you first start to see any kind of positive indicators in following Overcoming MS guidelines? What were these?
15:46 You’re into plant-based nutrition and spreading the word to others have how food can truly be like medicine. How do you do that and what’s the reception been like?
17:45 You’re also an avid meditator, with a daily 5am meditation ritual. How did you build up to that?
19:56 Any tips for our audience on how to work fitness and exercise into their daily routines?
21:07 On a personal note, do you have any unusual interests you can tell us about?
23:17 If there is one piece of advice you can share with people new to the Overcoming MS program, what would that be?
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:
Check out Rebecca’s site on plant-based nutrition
Check out Rebecca’s Instagram feed for recipes and mouth-watering food photos
Check out Rebecca’s Facebook page
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 episodes here. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. 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, we would really appreciate it if you could leave a donation here. Every donation, however small, helps us to share the podcast with more people on how to live well with MS.
Wednesday Mar 31, 2021
Wednesday Mar 31, 2021
Welcome to Living Well with MS, where we are pleased to welcome Linda Bloom as our guest! Linda is the Overcoming MS chair and charity founder. Linda shares details of her personal story, along with how her journey inspired her to launch a global charity that has impacted the lives of people with MS around the world.
Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways.
Topics and Timestamps:
01:12 What is it like to be the Chair of such a unique MS charity as Overcoming MS?
02:22 Can you tell us about your personal experience with MS? How did you deal with your initial diagnosis?
05:36 At what point did you discover Overcoming MS? What were the immediate impacts you felt?
08:37 Once you kept going with the program, what were the changes you experienced in the longer term?
10:19 Can you tell us a little bit more about self-hypnosis?
14:26 What did you find hardest about adopting Overcoming MS?
16:11 Tell us about your relationship with Professor George Jelinek, and how it inspired you to found Overcoming MS the charity?
21:34 Why did you decide to found the charity in the UK as opposed to Australia or elsewhere?
22:40 What were some of the challenges in establishing and growing the charity?
28:01 Tell us about the inspiration you get from the people you’ve met from among the Overcoming MS community.
30:55 Overcoming MS recently brought on a new CEO, Grazina Berry. How did you manage that transition in leadership after so many years working with the founding CEO?
34:08 How have the Overcoming MS team managed the transition?
36:55 What is your vision for Overcoming MS? Where would you like to see it be in 5 years?
42:38 If there are 3 key tips or pieces of advice you could share with anyone new to or considering trying the Overcoming MS program, what would they be?
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:
Read more about Linda’s story and background here
Watch Linda’s Story of Hope here
If you’re looking for an inspirational read, Linda recommends The Gift by Dr. Edith Eva Eger
Linda is a big fan of The Connection, a documentary about the mind-body connection
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 episodes here. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. 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, we would really appreciate it if you could leave a donation here. Every donation, however small, helps us to share the podcast with more people on how to live well with MS.
Tuesday Mar 23, 2021
Tuesday Mar 23, 2021
Welcome to the Living Well with MS Coffee Break, where we are pleased to welcome Katy Deacon as our guest! Katy is a mother of two, lives with MS and follows the Overcoming MS program.
Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways.
Topics and Timestamps:
01:15 Can you tell us a little about yourself, your family, and your life?
01:40 When were you diagnosed with MS and how did you initially cope with it?
07:11 You have experienced some mobility issues. Can you share some of your experiences in dealing with these and how you’ve learned to adapt?
12:36 When did you first start to see positive indicators in following Overcoming MS program?
14:32 What are some of the challenges you’ve faced at first in adopting the Overcoming MS program? How did you overcome them?
19:10 How do you manage being a mother with MS?
21:05 If there is one piece of advice you can share with people new to the Overcoming MS program, what would that be?
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:
Backup Trust’s wheelchair skills app and website are excellent resources for new wheelchair users who might need some additional training and support
Apple Watch’s activity goals can help you track physical activity
Katy wrote a blog for Overcoming MS, ‘Reimaging my mobility’
Powering a manual wheelchair can be tough, so Katy has found these strengthening techniques useful
The MyFitnessPal app can be used for tracking food intake
This checklist for healthy eating can help with meal planning
Foothold is a UK support charity
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 episodes here. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. 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, we would really appreciate it if you could leave a donation here. Every donation, however small, helps us to share the podcast with more people on how to live well with MS.
Wednesday Mar 17, 2021
Wednesday Mar 17, 2021
Welcome to Living Well with MS, where we welcome Jack McNulty as our guest. Ask Jack, featuring the culinary talents of professional holistic chef Jack McNulty answering food-related questions generated by you, our community. Submit your questions for Jack to podcast@overcomingms.org.
Topics and Timestamps:
01:31 Healthiest Cookware Options
13:18 How to limit use of oil in cooking for cookware types
16:24 Benefit of organic vs. traditional farming
17:52 Using oils to roast vegetables
22:51 Water and oil in cooking
24:52 Getting crispy textures on vegetables
27:44 Air fryer vs. oven
31:18 Applying a thin layer of oil to a pan
34:51 Cooking temperatures for fish
40:53 Making savory pastries without fat or oil
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:
Connect with Jack: Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Jack’s podcast on fats: S2 Episode 28 Oils and OMS: Separating Fats from Fiction
Medium article: Why Some Professional Chefs Hate Nonstick Pans
Expanded article on cookware: Healthiest Cookware Options
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 episodes here. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. 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, we would really appreciate it if you could leave a donation here. Every donation, however small, helps us to share the podcast with more people on how to live well with MS.
Wednesday Mar 10, 2021
Wednesday Mar 10, 2021
Welcome to Living Well with MS, where we welcome Mark Webb as our guest. Mark is a writer, wheelchair rugby athlete and head of communications for Shift.ms, a charity and social network for people who live with MS. He’s a champion of all things MS, especially related to diversity and inclusion.
Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways.
Topics and Timestamps:
01:10 Can you tell our audience a little bit about yourself?
02:15 Can you tell us a little about Shift.ms.?
08:47 What's your personal mission and motivation to help the MS community?
10:58 In terms of your MS, when were you diagnosed and how did it impact your life?
15:28 Could you tell us a bit about wheelchair rugby and your sporting endeavors?
19:26 How has wheelchair rugby helped you build strength and confidence?
22:44 What would your advice be for people with MS that have mobility issues about getting more active?
25:10 what's your view on how the variety of symptoms that people have got and how diversity in the MS community is treated?
28:50 How do you think we can all make the MS community more inclusive?
32:24 You’re a busy guy, but you still find time for public speaking, including a TED talk. What do you present on?
37:12 2020 was a tough year for all of us. What are you most hopeful about for 2021?
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 Shift.ms
Check out Mark’s Twitter feed
Check out Mark’s blog
Check out Mark’s Instagram
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 episodes here. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. 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, we would really appreciate it if you could leave a donation here. Every donation, however small, helps us to share the podcast with more people on how to live well with MS.