Arthritis Life
Health, Fitness & Longevity
About
Arthritis life features real patient stories, expert advice, life hacks and more to help you feel more empowered and less alone. Host Cheryl Crow shares her insights from both as a rheumatoid arthritis patient for over twenty years and as an occupational therapist, a health profession that focuses on empowering people with health challenges to function in their daily lives. This podcast also includes reflections on how you can have the best quality of life possible despite chronic pain, anxiety and other challenging parts of chronic illness. My goal is to help you manage REAL life with arthritis, beyond joint pain. Let's get started!
Episodes
- Pregnancy, Postpartum & Parenting with Rheumatoid Arthritis, with Mariah Leach
Mariah Leach shares her experiences with Rheumatoid Arthritis during pregnancy, postpartum, and parenting on the Arthritis Life podcast. The discussion covers medication choices, adapting family life, and finding joy while managing chronic…
- Body Weather: Making Sense of Chronic Illness in an Unpredictable Body
Cheryl shares her experience with multiple autoimmune conditions, focusing on managing chronic illness, the value of community support, and using writing as a coping mechanism. The episode discusses the concept of "body weather" and offers…
- Introducing New Rheum to THRIVE Facilitators Gittel Aguilar & Eileen!
New facilitators Eileen and Gittel share their passion for leading Rheum to THRIVE support groups, emphasizing their welcoming atmosphere and the significant impact of connection. They offer practical advice for early stages of chronic ill…
- Making Movement Accessible with Inflammatory Arthritis, with Jamie Boder
This episode features Jamie Boder discussing accessible movement strategies for inflammatory arthritis, the emotional aspects of chronic illness like fear of movement and body awareness, and adopting an acceptance-based approach to self-ca…
- Rheumer Has It: Myths and Misconceptions About Arthritis Research: What Patients Should Know
This episode of Arthritis Life discusses common misconceptions about arthritis research, explaining how to find reputable studies, understand concepts like peer review and plain language summaries, and avoid misleading information. It aims…
- What’s it Like to be on Methotrexate for Autoimmune Arthritis? (Encore Episode)
This encore episode of Arthritis Life discusses life on methotrexate for autoimmune arthritis, covering treatment changes, pregnancy considerations, and the importance of community support. Panelists share coping strategies, discuss balanc…
- Building a Healthier Relationship with Food while Living with Rheumatoid Arthritis (with Dietitian Cristina Montoya)
Dietitian Cristina Montoya explains her GLOW framework for rheumatoid arthritis, focusing on gut health, inflammation, energy, and compassionate eating. The episode explores the downsides of restrictive diets and promotes mindful eating an…
- RA, Cancer, and Starting Over: Yasmin’s Story of Resilience
This episode features Yasmin discussing her journey through multiple health crises, including RA, GI symptoms, and breast cancer. She shares coping mechanisms learned through therapy, journaling, and self-advocacy, emphasizing a hopeful ou…
- Introducing Chrissy, the newest Rheum to THRIVE Certified Facilitator!
Arthritis Life introduces Chrissy, a new Rheum to Thrive Certified Facilitator, who will lead an upcoming support group cohort. The episode details the Rheum to Thrive program, Chrissy's flexible facilitation style, and the benefits for pa…
- Rheumer Has It: Weight, GLP-1 and Arthritis
This episode discusses the link between weight and arthritis, exploring inflammation, joint load, and adipose tissue. It covers exercise, strength training, and the emerging evidence on GLP-1 medications for obesity and arthritis, emphasiz…
- Understanding Rheumatoid Arthritis: Diagnosis, Medications, and Hope from Dr. Julius Birnbaum
Dr. Julius Birnbaum explains Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosis, autoimmune disease, and treatments, emphasizing patient empowerment and a hopeful outlook on RA care.
- Rheumer Has It: How to Build Sustainable Exercise Habits With Arthritis
This episode of Arthritis Life discusses building sustainable exercise habits for individuals with arthritis. It emphasizes reframing movement as personal and adaptable, focusing on starting small rather than adhering to rigid guidelines.…
- The Power of Poetry, Storytelling and Art in Life with RA
This episode of Arthritis Life features Tori discussing the role of creative expression, including painting and poetry, in coping with rheumatoid arthritis. Tori shares her experiences, poems, and advice for living a meaningful life with c…
- Busting Fibromyalgia Myths with Dr Christine Stamatos
Dr. Christine Stamatos clarifies that fibromyalgia is a real, biologically based condition, often overlapping with rheumatic diseases. The episode details the underlying science, practical differentiation between RA and fibromyalgia flares…
- You’re Not Alone: What I’ve Learned from 200 Stories of Hope, Uncertainty, and Finding Your New Normal
This episode of Arthritis Life reflects on the podcast's journey, highlighting key themes from 200 stories that focus on finding hope, community, and a new normal while living with chronic illness.
- Running with Bionic Hips: Carrie Bradshaw's Marathon Milestone
Carrie shares her journey with hip dysplasia, osteoarthritis, and double hip replacement surgery. She details her experience running the Boston Marathon and highlights the importance of self-advocacy and a strong support system for overcom…
- Rheumer Has It: The Science of Exercise & RA
This episode discusses the science behind exercise for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), explaining how tailored programs support immune health, slow aging, and improve disease activity. It debunks myths about fragility and emphasizes personalize…
- Developing Resilience With Axial Spondyloarthritis: Cayla’s Story
Cayla shares her personal experience living with axial spondyloarthritis, detailing the importance of nurse practitioners in rheumatology and the lifestyle choices, such as movement and nutrition, that have improved her health. She also pr…
- Rheumer Has It: Our Most Exciting Takeaways from the ACR 2025 Rheumatology Conference
This episode of Rheumer Has It summarizes key takeaways from the ACR 2025 conference, covering patient health literacy, microbiome research, mental health impacts, fatigue, innovative treatments like CAR T-cell therapy and vagus nerve stim…
- Helen’s “Gloriously Imperfect” Journey with Arthritis
This episode features Helen’s “gloriously imperfect” journey with rheumatoid arthritis, highlighting the importance of self-compassion and the PERMA model for managing chronic illness. Helen shares insights from the Rheum to THRIVE program…
- Patient Voices: Reflections from Rheum Champions
This episode features 'Rheum Champions' discussing their personal journeys with rheumatic conditions, their transition to advocacy, and the value of community support. It highlights key takeaways from a research meeting, emphasizing the in…
- Finding my Purpose while Living with Osteonecrosis and Osteoarthritis: Deb Andio’s Story
Deb Andio discusses her experiences with osteonecrosis and osteoarthritis, emphasizing the crucial role of community support and her involvement in global support groups and the Arthritis Foundation.
- Rheumer Has It: Vaccines and Rheumatic Disease, with Dr Cuoghi Edens
Dr. Cuoghi Edens clarifies vaccine benefits for rheumatic disease patients, explaining they prevent infections and certain cancers. She debunks myths about vaccines causing autoimmune diseases or flares, emphasizing the positive risk-benef…
- Autoimmune Nutrition Made Easier: Practical Tips from Dr. Saimun Singla
Dr. Saimun Singla joins Arthritis Life to discuss nutrition for autoimmune conditions, debunk common myths, and share practical kitchen strategies for easier self-management, including adaptive tools and preparation techniques.
- Rheumer Has It: How to Spot Misinformation Online
This episode of Rheumer Has It on Arthritis Life explains how misinformation spreads, identifies common myths about arthritis, and details the risks of financial loss and physical harm. It introduces critical thinking tools like the CRAAP…
- “Make It Count:" Dani’s Journey With Severe RA, Acceptance, and Strength
This episode features Dani discussing her journey with severe rheumatoid arthritis, including her diagnosis, the evolution of treatments, and the critical role of acceptance. Dani emphasizes that 'movement' encompasses physical, emotional,…
- Remission Myths and Misconceptions, with Dr. Loreto Carmona
Dr. Loreto Carmona joins Eileen and Cheryl to discuss rheumatoid arthritis remission, clarifying medical vs. patient perspectives, and exploring influencing factors, communication, and common myths.
- “It’s a Moving Target:” From Athlete to ER Nurse to Life with RA, Emily’s Story
Emily discusses her rheumatoid arthritis journey, covering her transition from athlete to ER nurse and mother. She shares insights on managing RA's fluctuating nature, using cannabis, mental health, and the importance of community support…
- Finding Strength after JIA and Macrophage Activation Syndrome: Zac’s Story of Tenacity
Zac Spinosa, diagnosed with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) at 15, discusses his transition from an active athlete to living with arthritis and its complications. He recounts how strength training became pivotal, aiding in mobility rec…
- Finding Joy and Purpose: Cheryl’s Rheumatoid Arthritis Story
Cheryl recounts her experience with rheumatoid arthritis, diagnosed at 21, and how it led her to create the Rheum to THRIVE program. The episode discusses coping strategies and finding purpose despite chronic illness.
- Mindful Social Media and Chronic Illness: Gittel and Cheryl's Journeys
Cheryl and Gittel discuss the mindful use of social media for individuals with chronic illness. They explore the risks of isolation versus the benefits of connection and support found in online communities, sharing personal experiences and…
- Rheumer Has It: Axial Spondyloarthritis Myths v. Facts with Dr. Jean Liew
Dr. Jean Liew shares her journey into rheumatology and discusses Axial Spondyloarthritis (AxSpA), addressing misconceptions about who it affects and diagnostic challenges. The episode covers imaging, the HLAB27 gene, and provides resources…
- From Frustration to Inspiration: Melissa’s Journey of Self-Advocacy, Diagnostic Purgatory and Life with Scleroderma
This episode features Melissa discussing her experiences with scleroderma, her journey through the healthcare system, and her book "Invisible: a Nurse Turned Patient
- Rheumer Has It: Separating Myth from Reality for Nutrition and Rheumatic Disease
The Rheumer Has It episode debunks common myths about nutrition and rheumatic diseases, emphasizing that diet is not a cure-all for RA but can be a supportive lifestyle approach alongside medication. It highlights the Mediterranean diet as…
- Coping with Rheumatoid Arthritis, PCOS and Scleritis: Chelsea’s Story
In this episode, Chelsea shares her experience of navigating a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, scleritis, and PCOS in her early 20s. She and host Cheryl discuss the role of support systems, advocacy, therapy, and faith in coping with th…
- Rheumer Has it: Tips for Sleep, with Dr. Deb Da Costa
This episode of Arthritis Life features sleep expert Dr. Deborah Da Costa discussing the link between sleep, rheumatic conditions, and overall wellbeing. The conversation covers the importance of sleep in arthritis care, challenges like pa…
- Never Give In, Never Give up, Never Let Go, and Just Keep Fighting: Estela Mata’s Story
Estela Mata discusses her experience with rheumatoid arthritis, from diagnosis and treatment challenges to her co-founding of Looms for Lupus. The episode covers self-advocacy, coping strategies, and the importance of community support for…
- Rheumer Has It: 6 Types of Unsolicited Advice and How We Respond
Eileen and Cheryl explore six categories of unsolicited advice, including lifestyle changes, toxic positivity, and unqualified medical opinions. The episode provides listeners with practical approaches to handle such suggestions and highli…
- Navigating Psoriatic Arthritis in Alaska: Dawn’s Story
Dawn discusses her experiences living with psoriatic arthritis in Alaska, highlighting the challenges of remote healthcare, symptom management, exercise, and mental resilience.
- Rheumer Has It: Busting Medication Myths with Dr. Hazelwood
Dr. Hazelwood discusses common myths and concerns about arthritis medications, emphasizing the importance of early treatment and balancing risks versus benefits. The episode clarifies that advanced treatments do not necessarily indicate pe…
- Advocacy, Humor and Purpose: Seth’s Spondyloarthritis Story
Seth recounts his spondyloarthritis diagnosis at 13, emphasizing self-advocacy and humor. He reflects on Creaky Joints' 25-year evolution into an advocacy organization, stressing the importance of patient voices in research and healthcare.
- Turning Pain into Purpose, with RA Warrior Cristina Schaefer
Cristina Schaefer discusses her experience with Rheumatoid Arthritis, highlighting how she found purpose by advocating for herself and supporting others. The episode emphasizes the importance of community and resilience in living with RA.
- Redefining Thriving: Celebrating 5 Years of Rheum to THRIVE
Members of the Rheum to THRIVE program reflect on its 5-year anniversary, highlighting the profound impact of community, education, and peer support. They discuss how the program provides a safe space for emotional validation, practical ad…
- Rheumer Has it: Arthritis Myths, Stigmas, and Misconceptions
Eileen and Cheryl discuss and define arthritis myths, stigmas, and misconceptions, sharing personal experiences and highlighting resources to combat misunderstandings and their impact on mental health. The episode aims to raise awareness a…
- Finding Joy Amidst the Flare-Ups: Riley’s Journey with Multiple Conditions
Riley details her delayed diagnosis journey with multiple autoimmune conditions, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren’s syndrome. She discusses navigating healthcare challenges, finding effective treatments, and adapting dail…
- Introducing Rheumer Has It: Busting Myths and Highlighting Evidence for Rheumatic Diseases
Rheumer Has It is a new podcast from Arthritis Life introducing hosts Cheryl and Eileen, who bonded over living with RA. They aim to debunk myths and share evidence-based information about rheumatic diseases in an accessible format.
- From Marriage to Friendships: Reflections on Support Systems with Alice Getchell
Alice Getchell shares her experiences navigating multiple chronic conditions and the importance of diverse support systems, including family, friends, church, and online communities like Rheum to Thrive.
- Becoming Immune Confident with Sjogren’s & MCAS, with Dr. Kara Wada
Dr. Kara Wada discusses managing Sjögren’s and MCAS, focusing on building "Immune Confidence" by trusting your body again. The episode covers patient advocacy, healthcare system challenges, and upcoming events like the Virtual Sjögren’s Su…
- Rheum Champions Tell All, with My Spoonie Sisters
Jenni and Cheryl from My Spoonie Sisters join Arthritis Life to share research highlights on POTS, Covid, sleep, and lupus treatments. They also discuss personal experiences with sleep hygiene, defining 'normal,' and the importance of supp…
- Navigating the Shift: From Pediatric to Adult Rheumatology with Dr. Jenna Thomason
Dr. Jenna Thomason explains the differences between pediatric and adult rheumatology care, providing practical advice on self-advocacy, symptom tracking, and building a support system to navigate this transition confidently.