How Is Anyone Still Alive?

In Pt.1 of this episode of How Is Anyone Still Alive? -- Gabby and Andrea talk with actual earth angel and chronic illness warrior, Cienna. At 5:30 Cienna shares where her health journey began. She discusses what school looked like as a "sick kid" and the accommodations necessary for her disabilities (20:00). A new doctor discovers a new diagnosis as Cienna recovers from Guillain Barre (60:00) and chair yoga reveals a rare disorder (65:00). Why do none of us sweat?! (73:00) So you're not breathing, what next? (93:00).

Cienna, Piper, & Opie

Living life joyfully!

Founder of @claimingourseat

@project_sleep board member😴

@fightlikeawarrior director of communications💪

@zebedee_management ✨

In this episode of How Is Anyone Still Alive? -- Gabby and Andrea discuss the very raw episode that came out weeks earlier about COVID-19. A listener emails in about her experience with anxiety, leading to a larger conversation around mental health and physical health as the world navigates coronavirus. The conversation turns to health as a privilege, and seeing able-bodied people face the idea of their own mortality. The episode ends with coping strategies that can be used during this very stressful and difficult time.

This is a different episode of How Is Anyone Still Alive? Andrea and Gabby spontaneously record their thoughts and feelings about being chronically ill as cases of COVID-19 are reported in their communities. From politically to energetically -- this is a conversation of commiseration. Please wash your hands and take precaution as you listen. Sending all the love your way. Thanks for listening.

At times, self care can feel like work for people who are chronically ill. Gabby and Andrea break down what is self care vs. self-numbing behavior. They also delve into abundance vs. scarcity mindsets and when to stop doing things that are no longer serving you. 19 minutes in, they share their favorite deep breathing exercises. At minute 31, they talk about the role of intimacy in self care. Around 39 minutes, they expand on how outward acts of self love toward oneself can work its way in.

This is the fourth episode of How Is Anyone Still Alive?  -- inspired by recent events in the lives of Andrea and Gabby. Andrea explains how she ended up in the hospital for several days at minute 5. Around 13 minutes in, she explains how she mentally dealt with physical pain as she entered the hospital setting. About 16 minutes in, she explains what caused the pain, what that means for her overall health and the procedure she underwent because of it. She then reflects on what's to come physically and the role of therapy to cope with that mentally. 27 minutes in, Gabby talks about preparing for flare ups when they feel inevitable, which can lead to hospitalizations. Around minute 32, she explains the pattern in which her flares come in and the treatment she's going to test out next. The two end by talking about the role of spirituality and faith when feeling sick and in severe pain.

This is the third episode of How Is Anyone Still Alive? But, it's the first episode Gabby and Andrea dedicate to relationships, pregnancy and body image. These are all topics that will be explored more as they relate to chronic illness in later episodes. 2 minutes in, a listener asks about how to approach health issues when entering a romantic relationship and if there are qualities to look for in potential partners when having a lifelong ailment. Around minute 18, the question goes on to ask how kids fit in the picture when dealing with varying levels of autoimmune. At 31 minutes in, a listener asks how to navigate conversations around physical appearance when the external doesn't reflect internal. This episode is sponsored by Comrad socks. You can receive 20% off your Comrad purchase with the discount code STILLALIVE at checkout.

This is the second episode of How Is Anyone Still Alive? About 6 minutes in, Andrea details being diagnosed with ulcerative colitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis at the age of 8. She explains how her main coping mechanism became alcohol, which led to an addiction problem around minute 13 -- and how she made all of this into a very personal documentary. 35 minutes in, a listener asks a question about taking care of themselves during the holidays. This episode is sponsored by Comrad socks. You can receive 20% off your Comrad purchase with the discount code STILLALIVE at checkout. 

This is the very first episode of How Is Anyone Still Alive? Gabby and Andrea dive into how dealing with chronic illness became the inspiration for this podcast. Around minute 7, they explain why they are such strong believers in vulnerability. About 10 minutes in, Gabby introduces herself and the process of being diagnosed with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (and possibly lyme disease). She explains how her "health journey" has affected the way she has lived life. A listener question about remaining hopeful while managing health is asked at minute 55. If you have a question around the "life" part of living with chronic illness, email [email protected] or slide into their Instagram DMs: @howisanyonestillalive. This episode is sponsored by Comrad socks. You can receive 20% off your Comrad purchase with the discount code STILLALIVE at checkout.

A little bit about the hosts, a little bit about the podcast, a lot about chronic illness. We want to hear from you: [email protected]