Episodes

  • 2024 Holiday Gift Guide
    Nov 22 2024

    The 2024 Tripping On Air Holiday Gift guide is here and it’s bigger and better than ever, because we know that the right gift can make MS, or any chronic illness, suck just a little bit less. This list is full of gifts for people with MS as well as incredible giveaways from brands like Cadense Adaptive, Aille Design, Cheekbone Beauty, byAcre, FUMS and IZ Adaptive! You do not want to miss it!

    About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air

    Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim.

    Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation.

    Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists.

    Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice.

    Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair

    About Alex Hajjar

    Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship.

    A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis.

    Get More "Tripping On Air"

    The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air.

    And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/

    Show more Show less
    44 mins
  • Getting Your Groove Back: Navigating MS & Sexual Dysfunction
    Jul 19 2024

    MS-related Sexual Dysfunction is a medical issue that should be taken seriously. If MS is impacting your sex life, you are not alone and it is not your fault. From symptoms to solutions, we're talking about how MS can mess with your mojo and what you can do to keep MS out of the bedroom.

    Highlights

    • Show Open (00:00)
    • MS, the Brain & Your Mojo (00:29)
    • Impact of MS on Sexual Function (02:42)
    • Taboo Topic (04:37)
    • Primary Symptoms & Possible Remedies (07:04)
    • Stigma, Dan Savage & Sue Johanson (11:18)
    • Figuring Out What Works for You (14:55)
    • Secondary Symptoms (15:59)
    • Managing Your Secondary Symptoms (19:20)
    • Tertiary MS Symptoms (21:51)
    • Insecurities, Sacrifice & Understanding (23:39)
    • How Partners Can Help (25:22)
    • Season 2 Closing Remarks (30:27)

    Links:

    How To Hack Your Sex Life When MS Messes With Your Mojo

    Testosterone and Remyelination: Does it work?

    About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air

    Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim.

    Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation.

    Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists.

    Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice.

    Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair

    About Alex Hajjar

    Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship.

    A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis.

    Get More "Tripping On Air"

    The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air.

    And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/

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    31 mins
  • 10 Rare Or Unusual MS Symptoms That Might Surprise You
    Jun 14 2024

    MS is a disease of the central nervous system, which means whatever can go wrong, might go wrong. We’re talking about 10 rare or unusual symptoms you may not associate with MS. From hiccups to hearing loss, it’s not all in your head (it’s in your brain and spinal cord!) Plus, stay tuned to the end of the episode for my latest MS life hack.

    Highlights

    • 10 Rare or Unusual MS Symptoms (00:00)
    • Hiccups & How to Cure Them (01:16)
    • Hearing Loss (03:56)
    • Pseudobulbar Affect, Uncontrollable Laughter or Crying (05:43)
    • Pathological Itching (09:25)
    • Hypochondria (11:50)
    • Osteoporosis (15:08)
    • Formication, the Sensation of Bugs Crawling on Skin (17:51)
    • Visual Snow & “Floaties” (20:21)
    • Insomnia & Sleep Aids (22:23)
    • Altered Sense of Taste (28:16)
    • The Worst Symptom (33:05)
    • PTSD (33:19)
    • Know Your Body & Tease Apart Symptoms (34:43)
    • Bonus Life Hack Tip – Easy, Sustainable Coffee (34:58)
    • Closing Remarks (38:48)

    References:

    • MS Hiccups
    • MS & Hearing-Loss
    • Itching
    • MS & Osteoporosis
    • MS & Sleep
    • Does this taste weird to you?
    • The Worst Symptom of MS
    • MS & PTSD
    • Nespresso & Sustainability

    About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air

    Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim.

    Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation.

    Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists.

    Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice.

    Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair

    About Alex Hajjar

    Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship.

    A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis.

    Get More "Tripping On Air"

    The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air.

    And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/

    Show more Show less
    39 mins
  • Tripping On Answers: Celebs, Sex & Self-Motivation
    May 10 2024
    We're answering your wildest MS questions: from dishing about celebrities with MS, to spilling the tea on taboo topics like sex, fatigue, and everything in between, we're diving deep, no holds barred. Be sure to stay tuned to the very end for my latest MS life-hack and product recommendation!HighlightsShow Open (00:00)Week in Review (00:30)Audience Questions & Social Media (01:41)Differences of having an MS Diagnosis in Your 20’s Versus Your 50’s? (03:46)How Do You Feel About Celebrities with MS like Christina Applegate and Selma Blair? (07:47)Do You Think MS is Caused by a Vaccine? (11:33)How Do You Motivate Yourself on Difficult MS Days? (13:29)How Do You Separate Your Self-Worth from Productivity? (17:22)How Does Your Spouse’s Chronic Illness Effect Your Mental Health? (20:32)Can MS Cause Pain? (22:12)Who Would You Love to Have on the Pod? (25:31)Where Do You See the Future of the Show Heading? (28:05)What Was an Unexpected Surprise you Discovered About Hosting a Podcast? (29:47)How Did You & Your Partner Meet? (31:35)How Has MS Effected Your Relationship with Your Partner? (33:01)Does MS Make it Hard or Impossible to Have Sex? (34:53)Do You Have a Special MS-Specific Diet That You Follow? (36:08)What’s the Best Answer When Someone Asks, “What’s Wrong With You?” or “What Happened to You?” (38:27)How Do You Handle it When Someone Calls You a “Good Man” for Being with Someone Who Has MS? (39:32)Do You Ever Get Burned Out Talking About MS? (41:49)What Are the Latest Products and Tools You’ve Recently Discovered That Can Help with MS Symptoms? (42:30)Show Close (43:43)Reference:The Hobblicious ChroniclesThe Truth About How People With MS Feel About Selma BlairMeSsy podcastEBV vaccine & MSRest is Resistance Book Top 10 Myths About MSWhat The Heck Is Smouldering MS?On Consolation: by Michael IgnatieffHow To Hack Your Sex Life When MS Messes With Your MojoProduct recommendation: Hot Water Bottle For Your Feet! About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On AirTripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim.Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation.Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists.Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice. Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair About Alex HajjarAlex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship.A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis. Get More "Tripping On Air"The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air. And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/
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    44 mins
  • The Pros and Cons of Complaining About MS
    Apr 12 2024

    Whether you hate Mondays or your mother-in-law, we all get sucked into a complaining vortex from time to time. But when it comes to chronic illnesses like MS, the pressure to be a palatable patient–plucky, upbeat, optimistic–is pervasive. If you need to vent, you’re in the right place. We’re talking about how keeping it real and occasionally complaining about MS can be normal and even healthy.

    Highlights

    • Show Open (00:00)
    • The Complaining Vortex (00:29)
    • Alex Hajjar: Thoroughbred Moaner (01:57)
    • The Pressure to be a Palatable Patient (03:42)
    • The Benefits of Venting (04:12)
    • Why Swearing is Good for You (05:32)
    • The Complainers Companion (07:36)
    • Marital Love Language (10:09)
    • “Misery Loves Company” / Sharing Our Struggles (11:06)
    • Advocacy Through Complaining (13:04)
    • “It’s Good to be Challenged” (17:46)
    • Articulating Impact of MS on Partners & Relationships (19:54)
    • Toxic Positivity & Loveable Curmudgeons (23:21)
    • Spiraling Support Groups (24:56)
    • Keeping it Constructive (28:06)
    • Au Revoir Mes Râleuses / Show Close (30:25)

    About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air

    Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim.

    Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation.

    Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists.

    Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice.

    Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair

    About Alex Hajjar

    Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship.

    A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis.

    Get More "Tripping On Air"

    The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air.

    And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/

    Show more Show less
    31 mins
  • Neuroplasticity and MS with Dr. Gretchen Hawley
    Mar 8 2024
    Exercise is a powerful DMT (disease modifying therapy). Dr. Gretchen Hawley, Certified MS Specialist & Author of "The MSing Link," joins us to talk about the magic of neuroplasticity and the targeted physiotherapy that can help improve strength and MS symptoms.Plus, if you’re like me and exercising with MS feels completely overwhelming, Dr. Gretchen’s got tips to keep us motivated even on our MSiest days.Highlights: Show Intro (00:00)Exercise as Disease Modifying Therapy - Opening Remarks (00:29)Introducing Dr. Gretchen Hawley, Certified MS Specialist & Author (01:11)What is Neuro-Therapy & Why is it Important? (02:58)Neural Pathways & How a Muscle Works (05:05)When to Seek Neuro-Physiotherapy (05:59)Differences Between Physiotherapy, Exercise & Movement (07:55)Rethinking the Meaning of “Exercise” (10:04)Guilt-Free Rest (12:43)Fatigue, Guilt & Understanding (16:11)Setting Movement Priorities (18:09)Forget the Frustrations and Look for the Little Wins (20:42)Activating Neuroplasticity Through Focused Attention (23:24)Games as Therapy? (26:46)Filling in Knowledge Gaps & Simple Tricks (28:52)Spasticity & Vocal Cords (31:49)Regulating Your Core Temperature (33:06)Measuring Success & Strengthening Neural Pathways (36:32)Where to Find Dr. Gretchen Hawley & Her Book “The MSing Link” (39:53)“Be Gentle with Yourself and Keep Moving” - Closing Remarks (41:37)Guest Bio: Dr. Gretchen Hawley PT, DPT, MSCSDr. Gretchen is a Physical Therapist & Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist since 2013. She’s the founder and creator of The MSing Link, an online program offering services to help people with MS worldwide feel more confident in their strength, walking, and daily activities. Dr. Gretchen has been featured in publications such as Forbes, National MS Society, Overcoming MS, MS-UK, and MS Views & News. Additionally, Dr. Gretchen has made numerous television appearances and is a frequent presenter at national & international MS conferences.Relevant Links:Official Website for Dr. Gretchen Hawley - https://www.drgretchenhawley.com/Find Dr. Gretchen Hawley's Empowered Living with the MSing Link on YouTube About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On AirTripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim.Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation.Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists.Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice. Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair About Alex HajjarAlex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship.A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis. Get More "Tripping On Air"The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air. And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/
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    42 mins
  • What the Heck is Smouldering MS?
    Feb 9 2024

    Ever wondered why your MS seems to be getting worse even though you’re not having any relapses? Your MRI is stable but you feel anything but?

    We’re speaking with Dr. Jiwon Oh of the BARLO MS Centre about what the heck Smouldering MS is and what we can do about it. Whether you’re hearing about Smouldering MS for the first time or you’re looking for the latest in scientific research, you’re not going to want to miss this episode.

    Highlights:

    • Show Intro (00:00)
    • “Smouldering MS” - Opening Remarks (00:30)
    • Introducing Dr. Jiwon Oh, Medical Director of BARLO MS Center (01:53)
    • What is Smouldering MS? (02:30)
    • Relapse Biology & MS Progression (05:01)
    • Recognition of “Smouldering” Concept in Medical Community (06:45)
    • Benefits of MS Medications & Treatments (08:51)
    • Patient Reported Outcomes & Tools to Measure MS (12:19)
    • Medical Advancements on the Horizon (18:12)
    • Clinical Trials of BTK Inhibitors (21:35)
    • “How Much Damage Can Smouldering MS Actually Do?” (23:28)
    • “Does Smouldering MS Ever Burn Out?” (25:39)
    • MS & Aging (27:50)
    • Strategies to Help Mitigate Smouldering MS (28:48)
    • Effect of Comorbidities on MS (31:33)
    • Future of MS Care (33:54)
    • Closing Remarks (36:20)

    Guest Bio:

    Dr. Jiwon Oh is a staff neurologist, scientist, and Medical Director of the Barlo Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Program at St. Michael’s Hospital. Do Oh is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto.

    She specializes in the care of people living with MS. Dr. Oh’s research focuses on developing advanced MRI techniques in the spinal cord and brain for use in clinical settings.

    She leads the MRI research program at St. Michael’s Hospital, and is the principal investigator on numerous local and multi-center collaborative studies, including the Canadian Prospective Cohort Study to Understand Progression in MS (CanProCo), which is a national prospective cohort study designed to better understand progression in MS.

    Dr. Oh is also the Secretary and an Executive Committee member of the North American Imaging in MS Cooperative (NAIMS) representing a multi-national collaborative MRI research endeavor in MS with over 35 sites in North America.

    She is deeply committed to caring for people with MS, educating future generations of clinicians and scientists, and contributing to scientific developments that will drive the field forward.

    Relevant Links:

    “Getting Worse” article from MS Selfie

    BARLO MS Centre

    About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air

    Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim.

    Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation.

    Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists.

    Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice.

    Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair

    About Alex Hajjar

    Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship.

    A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis.

    Get More "Tripping On Air"

    The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air.

    And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/

    Show more Show less
    38 mins
  • How to Reinvent When MS (or Anything Else) Threatens Your Sense of Purpose
    Jan 12 2024

    Losing a sense of purpose can be one of the more devastating invisible symptoms of MS. But perfect health is not a prerequisite for a life of meaning. On this episode of the Tripping On Air podcast we’re talking about how to reinvent when MS (or anything) tries to get in the way of your identity and sense of purpose.

    Highlights:

    • Show Open (00:00)
    • Introduction (00:30)
    • When Your Sense of Purpose is Threatened (1:30)
    • Putting Work Last (03:00)
    • Picking a Primary Identity (04:24)
    • Making a List of the Roles You Play (05:26)
    • Secret Identities – Party Planner & Family Archivist (06:16)
    • Listing Relationships & Deepening Connections (08:24)
    • Asking for Help (11:37)
    • List All the Things You’re Good At (13:07)
    • Advice Giving (16:06)
    • List Your Areas of Expertise (19:33)
    • Exploring Your Passions (20:43)
    • Using AI to Identify Purpose (24:33)
    • Show Close (26:04)

    About Ardra Shephard & Tripping On Air

    Tripping on Air is a monthly video podcast that brings Ardra Shephard's part-confessional, part-informational blog Tripping on Air to the podcast airwaves! Ardra and co-host Alex Hajjar discuss what it's like to live with MS, from the best products for those with chronic illness, to successfully navigating a disability benefits claim.

    Ardra Shephard is a writer, consultant, and speaker, whose award-winning blog Tripping On Air, enjoys an international reach and reputation.

    Ardra is the creator and host of AMI-tv's lifestyle series Fashion Dis. Ardra has a regular column with BezzyMS (Ask Ardra Anything), and is a reporter with LivedHealth where she leads informative and educational conversations with leading MS specialists.

    Ardra is on a mission to change minds about what it means to live with chronic illness and to have disability positively reflected as part of a diverse society. Accessible bars in Toronto would also be nice.

    Follow Ardra on Twitter: @tripping_onair and Instagram: @ms_trippingonair

    About Alex Hajjar

    Alex Hajjar is the host, producer, and creative overthinker behind Social Animals, a podcast about friendship.

    A civil engineering technologist by trade, Alex is also a punk-rock bass guitarist whose hobbies include world travel, hanging with his cat Nacho, and figuring out how to find chill about his beautiful wife Nicole's MS diagnosis.

    Get More "Tripping On Air"

    The Tripping on Air podcast airs monthly on AMI-audio. For more information, visit www.ami.ca/Tripping-On-Air.

    And be sure to visit Ardra's website & blog: https://trippingonair.com/

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    27 mins