Living Well with Multiple Sclerosis

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:
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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.

Poetry and MS with Nurse Educator Josie Crawley | S7E21

In this episode of Living Well with MS, we’re excited to welcome Josie Crawley – poet, professor of nursing, and Overcoming MS community member. Josie has been living with MS for over 20 years, and she shares how poetry, exercise, honesty and joy help her navigate life with resilience and humour.
From the challenges of walking to the meditative calm of swimming, from embracing “JOYMO” (the joy of missing out) to choosing self-kindness over comparison, Josie’s reflections are moving, practical and full of wisdom for anyone on their own MS journey.
If you’d like to read any of Josie’s poems mentioned in this episode, you can find them here: A collection of poems by Josie Crawley
You can watch this episode on YouTube here. 
Topics and timestamps
00:00 Meet Josie Crawley and discover her journey with MS
05:42 The healing role of poetry in life with MS
09:09 Family, career and adapting to life with MS
16:03 How Josie discovered the Overcoming MS Program
18:46 Ageing with MS: acceptance and challenges
21:25 Why swimming and walking are Josie’s meditations
25:24 Finding joy and (challenge) in walking
28:15 Finding balance in life with MS
31:22 Navigating medication and treatment options
35:10 Balancing privacy and disclosure in work
More info and links
Read Josie’s scientific research on Research Gate or by using her Orchid ID 0000-0003-1011-3335   
This PDF contains a selection of Josie’s poetry referred to or about content discussed in this episode. You are welcome to share these poems, but please acknowledge Josie as the author, and the source if published. 
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.

Webinar highlights – Physical activity with Dr Robert Motl | S7E20

In this episode of Living Well with MS, we’re sharing highlights from a popular webinar on physical activity. Overcoming MS Program Facilitator Heather O’Neil hosts a fascinating conversation with renowned researcher Dr Robert Motl and community members Francis Loye and Duarte Valente. Together, they explore the science and lived experience behind why moving your body matters when you live with MS.
Watch this episode on YouTube. 
Topics and Timestamps:
02:46 Why exercise is ‘medicine’ for MS
05:50 Cells to society: how activity helps at every level
11:55 Personal experiences: community members share their stories
17:38 Overcoming challenges: motivation and mindset
23:38 Q&A: including questions on fatigue and the best types of exercise
29:25 Practical tips for starting and maintaining an exercise program
35:35 Final thoughts and encouragement to get started and keep going
More info and links:
Listen to S6E18 The latest research in exercise for MS with Dr Robert Motl
Listen to S7E10 A quick guide to the Overcoming MS Program with Heather O’Neil
Learn more about the exercise pillar of 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
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: The Overcoming MS guide to getting fit with Véronique Gauthier-Simmons | S7 bonus

In this episode of the Living Well with MS podcast we are pleased to have Véronique Gauthier-Simmons as our guest! Originally from France and now residing in Portugal, Véronique was diagnosed with MS at the age of 34, but through the Overcoming MS Program and her love of exercise found a way to make staying fit a meaningful part of her life. She now helps others do the same as an Overcoming MS facilitator and qualified yoga instructor and yoga therapist. 
Watch this episode on YouTube here. 
Topics and timestamps
05:30 Véronique’s yoga business, Taming the Walrus 
07:22 How do you decide which exercise is right for you? 
12:54 Should one stay within their comfort zone, or push their boundaries? 
16:25 What kind of exercises can you do if not fully mobile? 
18:59 Between watching exercise videos or taking a fitness class, which is better? 
More info and links:
You can learn more about Véronique’s professional background here.
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.

Dance for MS with Tiffany Stott and Emily Davis of the Scottish Ballet | S7E19

In this episode of Living Well with MS – the podcast where we explore how lifestyle choices and evidence-based approaches can help people live full and healthy lives with multiple sclerosis – we look at the surprising benefits of dance with Tiffany Stott and Emily Davis from Scottish Ballet.  
Tiffany leads Scottish Ballet’s Dance Health Programmes, and Emily recently completed her PhD on Elevate – a dance programme created specifically for people with MS. What makes Elevate stand out is its inclusivity: whether you’re seated, standing, brand new to dance or have years of experience, the classes are adapted so everyone can take part. 
 Join us as we explore how the arts and science come together to support people with MS, and why dance might be one of the most uplifting ways to live well. 
Topics and Timestamps:
01:00 Introduction to Dance for MS 
01:57 Scottish Ballet’s health programmes 
05:47 How the Elevate programme was developed 
10:52 The research and evidence for Dance and MS 
15:02 What a class looks and feels like 
20:49 Emily’s PhD findings on Elevate 
24:48 Overcoming barriers to participation 
27:45 Benefits of dance for MS 
30:48 How to get involved with Elevate
More info and links:
Learn more and join an Elevate Dance for MS class 
Read Emily Davis’ research on Dance for MS 
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.

The Essential Guide to Navigating the Patient’s Journey with Brenda Snow | S7E18

In this inspiring episode of Living Well with MS, we’re joined by the incredible Brenda Snow. Brenda is a business leader, patient advocate, and the author of Diagnosed: The Essential Guide to Navigating the Patient’s Journey. Living with multiple sclerosis herself, Brenda opens up about the realities of life with a chronic condition – from the early phases of grief and anger to ultimately finding acceptance and purpose. She shares how patients can stay connected to their identity, seek support, and even turn anger into positive action. 
Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into your MS journey, Brenda’s insights will leave you feeling understood, supported, and empowered. 
Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the topics and timestamps.
Topics and timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Brenda Snow and her journey with MS. 
08:28 Writing her book, ‘Diagnosed’: How Brenda turned personal experience into a guide for others. 
15:30 Before the diagnosis: understanding the confusion and challenges of the early phase. 
22:57 How to channel anger into action. 
28:48 Supporting the supporters, why care partners need care too. 
More info and links:
BrendaSnow.com
Snow Companies 
Brenda’s LinkedIn 
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.

Webinar highlights: Ask Aaron – Your opportunity to speak to a Neurologist about living well with MS | S7E17

In this special episode of Living Well with MS, we’re sharing highlights from our ‘Ask Aaron’ webinar, recorded in front of a global audience. 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 submitted by the Overcoming MS community. From medications and MRI scans to functional mushrooms, vitamin D, menopause, and lifestyle changes, he covered it all with his trademark clarity and energy.
If you’ve ever wished you could sit down with a neurologist who really understands MS, this episode is for you.
Topics and timestamps:
00:00 Welcome and introduction
02:53 Understanding patient support in MS care
05:43 Symptom management and treatment options
08:41 Blood tests and regular health monitoring
11:44 Drug trials, research, and what’s on the horizon
15:52 MRI insights and tracking disease activity
18:46 Remyelination and alternative therapies
21:51 Women’s health, menopause and MS
24:42 Long-term management strategies
27:49 Diet, lifestyle, and the power of habit
30:36 The value of community and support networks
33:47 Final thoughts and closing remarks.
More info and links:
Listen to other episodes featuring Dr Boster
Check out Dr Boster’s popular YouTube channel covering all aspects of MS
Learn more about Dr Bove’s work on menopause and MS
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.