• A Light in the Darkness: Remembering Sammy Lincroft
    Nov 22 2024

    In this deeply heartfelt episode, we celebrate the life and legacy of Sammy Lincroft, a cherished member of the ME/CFS community whose advocacy, knowledge, and friendship impacted thousands. Sammy was a beacon of hope, sharing invaluable resources, navigating the complexities of chronic illness, and connecting with others in a way that made everyone feel seen and valued.

    I’ll begin by sharing my personal journey with Sammy—how her posts and friendship changed my life during some of my hardest days. Then, you’ll hear from others who were touched by her light, featuring contributions from our Instagram community and those who knew her best.

    Though her passing has left an unfillable void, this episode serves as a tribute to Sammy’s enduring spirit and the countless ways she inspired strength, resilience, and connection. In loving memory, Sammy, this one is for you. ❤️

    Please consider at donation to Open Medicine Foundation.
    → TRIPLE YOUR IMPACT during Triple Giving November
    → All Donations to OMF are TRIPLED through December 3.

    Some contributors have made their contact information available:
    → Judith @judyintheskynet on Instagram, Black Ferk Studio
    → Jess @delicatelittlepetal on Instagram
    → Lindsay @spoonfuloflindsay on Instagram
    → Whitney @its_whitney_witch on Instagram and BlueSky
    → Portia @portia.l.a on Instagram

    Stay in touch with me, Cathy, at @indoorcathy on Instagram. Follow the show on your fave podcast app to be notified of new episodes.


    "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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    29 mins
  • How to Be Seen and Heard After Illness: Lessons from Keeley Shantz
    Nov 20 2024

    In this moving episode, I sit down with Keeley Shantz, a vibrant actor and storyteller who survived multiple strokes and turned her pain into a powerful mission. Keeley shares her journey from dancing in Iowa to pursuing acting in New York City, and how her life changed forever when she experienced a stroke while home alone.

    We talk about the raw, emotional details of that day—what it felt like to lose control of her body, her struggle to call for help, and her unexpected transformation into "The Lady in Red," a name given to her by hospital staff for the red sweater she wore during her recovery. Keeley reveals how the red sweater became a symbol of strength, love, and visibility during one of the most challenging times in her life.

    From surviving a life-threatening condition to finding herself through creativity and storytelling, Keeley’s story is one of resilience and self-discovery. We discuss her mission to amplify the voices of women who have incredible stories to share. Keeley also opens up about her ongoing journey, including navigating anxiety, as well as how her passion for dancing and creating keeps her joyful in a world where nothing is guaranteed.

    You can reach Keeley at @keeley.shantz on Instagram.

    Stay in touch with me, Cathy, at @indoorcathy on Instagram. Follow the show on your fave podcast app to be notified of new episodes.


    "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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    34 mins
  • Crummy Days, Cozy Reads, and My Cannabis Lifeline: Chronic Illness Real Talk
    Nov 13 2024

    Hello my little ducklings! In this solo episode, I’m back after a few tough weeks, here to catch up and chat about life with ME/CFS, post-exertional malaise, and the ways I’ve been coping. From audiobooks (and my new “brain fog ratings” for each one) to podcasts that are giving me life, I’m sharing my latest finds and recommendations, including some great listens from Christina Applegate, Jamie Lynn Sigler, and Nora McInerney.

    On a more serious note, I’m navigating a big healthcare switch for 2025 and learning just how complicated finding continuity of care can be. I’m updating you on the steps I’m taking, my concerns, and why staying with my Stanford specialists is a top priority.

    Plus, a little chat about cannabis—my go-to pain relief and how it’s honestly been a lifeline that helps keep me from being completely bedbound.

    Thanks for sticking with me, for every listen, rating, and review. It truly helps keep this show going! So join me for a cozy chat about books, crummy weather, weed, and the messy reality of managing chronic illness.

    Stay in touch with me, Cathy, at @indoorcathy on Instagram. Follow the show on your fave podcast app to be notified of new episodes.


    "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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    16 mins
  • Love & Care: Strong Partnerships with Chronic Illness, ft. Whitney Fox
    Oct 23 2024

    In this episode, Whitney Fox returns to discuss relationships with chronic illness and disability. Key takeaways include:

    → Whitney’s story: How she and her husband, Andrew, create shared experiences despite the challenges of chronic illness.
    → Partnership tips: Whitney provides insights on how couples can nurture connection, even when one partner is mostly homebound.
    → Caretaking dynamics: Andrew’s approach to balancing the role of a partner and caretaker, both at home and when he’s away.
    → Actionable advice: Whitney’s recommendations for how partners can support their chronically ill loved ones in meaningful ways.

    Stay in touch with me, Cathy, at @indoorcathy on Instagram. Follow the show on your fave podcast app to be notified of new episodes.


    "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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    26 mins
  • (Fixed) Long-Covid & ME/CFS: when post-viral meets post-viral - a conversation with Whitney
    Oct 16 2024

    Audio problem? What audio problem?

    A replay of an interview with Whitney Fox from May 2023. Sadly, as relevant as-ever!

    We talk about our fear of COVID, with the context that we’re already ill.

    We chat about…
    → Whitney’s arrest story?!
    → What happens when you get COVID plus ME/CFS?
    → Going out in a COVID world when you have ME/CFS…
    → and more!

    Stay in touch with me, Cathy, at @indoorcathy on Instagram. Follow the show on your fave podcast app to be notified of new episodes.


    "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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    20 mins
  • Battery Alert: Surviving Festivals, Flare Ups, and Post Exertional Malaise
    Oct 9 2024

    Hello my chickadees! In this episode of That Chronic Thing, we dive into the internal battery metaphor, a common way to explain energy depletion in ME/CFS. I share my experience attending a festival with my faulty battery and the onset of post-exertional malaise (PEM) that followed. We’ll discuss what PEM is, strategies to avoid it, and how to manage when it hits. Plus, I’ll provide practical tips from personal experience and the Open Medicine Foundation’s PEM Avoidance Toolkit to help navigate daily life with ME/CFS.

    Mentioned:
    → Life with a Low Battery: Living with ME/CFS from Bateman Horne Center
    → ME / CFS Patient: Post Exertional Malaise Avoidance Toolkit from Open Med Foundation

    Information shared in this podcast is not medical advice. Please discuss your health with a doctor.

    Stay in touch with me, Cathy, at @indoorcathy on Instagram. Follow the show on your fave podcast app to be notified of new episodes.


    "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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    13 mins
  • Welcome to That Chronic Thing
    Oct 8 2024

    Stay in touch with me, Cathy, at @indoorcathy on Instagram. Follow the show on your fave podcast app to be notified of new episodes.


    "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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    1 min
  • Redefining Independence: Chronic Illness, Unexpected Adventures, and the Pandemic
    Oct 2 2024

    Hey honey grahams! Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s both tough and strangely beautiful—my journey of navigating independence with chronic illness. The pandemic gave me a unique cover while my world was quietly shifting: from canes to rollators to wheelchairs, and from managing everything solo to learning the art of leaning on loved ones.

    So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s explore what independence looks like when life takes a turn!

    Stay in touch with me, Cathy, at @indoorcathy on Instagram. Follow the show on your fave podcast app to be notified of new episodes.


    "Glitter Blast" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

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    14 mins