

Calling In Sick
Just Media
Welcome to the Calling in Sick, hosted by Alex Wildeson and produced by Just Media. On this podcast, Alex shares her unfiltered personal journey battling several autoimmune and chronic conditions including Polyarteritis Nodosa (PAN) Vasculitis, Mixed Connective Tissue Disease (MCTD) / Lupus, Endometriosis, and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). She also provides practical “how-to” guides, explores hot topics, and welcomes other warriors, medical professionals, advocates and creators on the show to shed light on the latest healing modalities, promising treatments, and myth bust popular misconceptions and trendy health hacks. Tune in for some laughs, tears, and growth… but stay for the camaraderie and community. You can engage with Alex and the community through social media @callinginsickpod. We promise, you don’t need a doctor’s note for this one!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 14, 2025 • 1h 23min
Dr. Karan Rajan on Medical Dismissal, Chronic Illness, and the Rise of Health Misinformation
This week on Calling in Sick, I’m joined by the one and only Dr. Karan Rajan (@dr-karan-explores) — NHS surgeon, educator, and one of the most trusted voices cutting through health misinformation on TikTok. This episode is all about the emotional and medical consequences of constant dismissal and gaslighting — especially for women and people with chronic illness. When you’re told “it’s just anxiety” over and over again, it’s no wonder so many patients turn to the internet in search of answers. And unfortunately? The internet doesn’t always get it right.
We’re digging into:
💭 Why “you’re just anxious” has become medicine’s favorite (and a dangerous) catch-all
🧠 How being dismissed by doctors leads patients toward TikTok, Instagram, and wellness rabbit holes
🔍 Why some unlicensed “experts” thrive online — and how to navigate health content without shame or pseudoscience
🗣️ Real advice for self-advocacy at medical appointments
💚 The one thing Dr. Karan wishes medicine had more of
Whether you’ve walked out of a doctor’s office questioning your reality, or found yourself spiraling through symptoms, supplements, and side effects — this episode is your reminder: You’re not alone. You’re not dramatic. You’re not just anxious.
xx,
Alex
This week, let us know... What’s a moment you knew something was wrong — but no one believed you?
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick!
00:02:40 Alex’s Picks of the Week
00:05:50 Introduction to Dr. Karan Rajan
00:21:15 How being dismissed by doctors leads patients toward TikTok, Instagram, and wellness rabbit holes
00:34:15 Why “you’re just anxious” has become medicine’s favorite (and a dangerous) catch-all
00:44:50 Why some unlicensed “experts” thrive online — and how to navigate health content without shame or pseudoscience
00:54:30 Viral medical misconceptions
01:12:30 One Brain Cell Shows: The Sandman
01:16:00 Thank you for listening!
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Stay connected and follow social:
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568
• Substack - https://substack.com/@callinginsickpod?
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Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/
Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/
Alex’s Picks of the Week:
✨Lotus Wei — https://www.lotuswei.com/alexandrawildeson
✨Clevr Strawberry Matcha — https://clevrblends.com/AWILDESON
— AWILDESON for 15% off all orders!!!
✨YumeRest Duvet — https://go.shopmy.us/p-21120056
#podcast #medicalgaslighting #chronicillness #callinginsick #anxietymisdiagnosis #selfadvocacy #healthjourney #doctorstories #alexwildeson #spoonielife #autoimmunedisease #dismissedagain #womenshealth #patientadvocacy #selfadvocacymatters #justanxious #tiktokmedicine #medicalbias #healthmisinformation #callinginsickpodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jul 7, 2025 • 46min
Marital Debates: Backseat Driving, Pet Insurance, and Beige Flags
Welcome back to Calling in Sick — and buckle up because this week? Saint Cooper is back!!! We're calling these the Chaos Episodes™, because that's exactly what it is: one part love story, one part medical update, and several parts unhinged.
This week we’re diving into:
💖 How we have fun as a couple even when chronic illness is center stage
🐊 Animal therapy and my current backyard lizard obsession
☕️ My caffeine addiction & our beige flags for each other
📺 Headed to the big screen!!!
🐶 Our thoughts on pet insurance and if it’s scam or savior?
🧠 Trauma therapy, pain management updates, and prednisone
It’s chaotic, it’s cozy, it’s just what you expect from Calling in Sick. So thanks for hanging with us again — don’t forget to DM us your couch recs and tell us where you stand on the pet insurance debate.
xx,
Alex & Coops
💬 Comment: What’s your take on pet insurance?!
** GIVEAWAY ON SOCIALS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE HIDDEN DISABILITY SUNFLOWER PROJECT **
Giveaway includes HDS gear + airline gift card!
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Stay connected and follow social:
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568
• Substack - https://substack.com/@callinginsickpod?
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Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/
Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/
Alex’s Picks of the Week:
✨Grove Co. — https://go.shopmy.us/p-20737557
— ALEXANDRA25 for 25% off all orders +$75!!!
#podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness #SurvivalMode #IdentityShift #medicalgaslighting #womenshealth #selfadvocacy #medicalbias #vasculitis #mixedconnectivetissuedisease #ibd #irritableboweldisease #trauma #ptsd #mentalhealthmatters #findjoy #glimmers #guiltforjoy #endometriosis #lupus #MS #chronicfatiguesyndrome #eds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 30, 2025 • 33min
Chronic Illness & the Groundhog Day Effect
Living with chronic illness can feel like a never-ending cycle, described as the Groundhog Day effect. Time gets distorted, making every day blend into the next, but there are ways to break this monotony. Discover the concept of 'micro novelties'—small changes that can infuse joy and variety into daily life. The host shares personal stories, self-care tips, and a brain hack to regain momentum, proving that you can reclaim time and happiness, even from bed!

8 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 27min
Too Sick for School, Too Sick for Fun? Chronic Illness Guilt and the Rebellion of Joy
Explore the concept of joy guilt and why it often feels wrong to have fun while living with chronic illness. Discover how societal expectations shape our views on happiness and health. Delve into the idea that joy doesn't mean you're betraying your struggles; it's integral to healing. Learn to shed the pressure of 'performing misery' and embrace the notion that rest doesn't have to be earned. It’s time to reclaim joy, celebrate your sparkle, and allow yourself to enjoy life without guilt!

Jun 9, 2025 • 1h 20min
Sasha Pieterse-Sheaffer on Chronic Illness, Identity & Healing in the Public Eye
This week on Calling in Sick, I’m joined by the one and only, Sasha Pieterse-Sheaffer — who you might know from her starting role in Pretty Little Liars or Inherent Vice. Today, Sasha spends her time as an actor, podcaster, founder, advocate, and fellow chronic illness warrior. We sat down and talked about her real life plot twist: getting diagnosed with PCOS and epilepsy, navigating autoimmune symptoms, and redefining herself while the world was watching.
We also chat:🎥 What it was like getting sick in the public eye, without a formal diagnosis🗞 The internet’s reaction to body changes — and reclaiming the narrative👶 Motherhood, identity shifts, and the “new you” that chronic illness brings💬 The mantras, mindsets & moments that get her through the hard stuff
Sasha shares her raw truth about rebuilding trust with her body, the hardest lessons she’s learned, and the surprising silver linings she’s found along the way. Whether you're in the thick of chasing a diagnosis or learning to live life on new terms, this episode is a gentle reminder: you are not alone, and healing doesn’t mean going back — it means going forward as someone new.
Thanks for Calling in Sick with us 💛xx,Alex
💬 Comment prompt for socials:What’s one thing chronic illness has taught you about who you are?
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick!
00:01:44 Alex’s Picks of the Week (Merit, SuperGoop)
00:03:01 Introduction to Sasha Pieterse-Sheaffer (PCOS & epilepsy)
00:10:20 What it was like getting sick in the public eye, without a formal diagnosis
00:34:43 Motherhood, identity shifts, and the “new you” that chronic illness brings
00:49:10 The mantras, mindsets & moments that get her through the hard stuff
01:12:12 Thank you for listening!
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Stay connected and follow social:
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568
• Substack - https://substack.com/@callinginsickpod?
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/
Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/
Alex’s Picks of the Week:
✨Merit, The Uniform Tinted SPF 45 — https://go.shopmy.us/p-19230899
✨SuperGoop Glow Oil SPF 50 — https://go.shopmy.us/p-14387605
Guest Information:
• Find her on IG - https://www.instagram.com/sashapieterse/?hl=en
• Listen to her Podcast, Women in the Nude - https://www.youtube.com/sashapieterse
• Shop her Beverage, Hippie Water - https://www.hippiewater.com/
• Checkout HotStart VC - https://www.hotstart.vc/
#podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness #SurvivalMode #IdentityShift #medicalgaslighting #womenshealth #SashaPieterse #CallingInSickPodcast #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneAwareness #PCOSAwareness #MotherhoodAndIllness #SpoonieSupport #IdentityShift #InvisibleIllness #ChronicIllnessWarrior #SpoonieLife #MentalHealthMatters #HealingJourney #ChronicFatigue #BodyChanges #MedicalGaslighting #WomensHealth #ReclaimYourBody
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jun 2, 2025 • 1h 24min
Why Eastern Medicine Works for Chronic Illness, with Dr. Jennifer Ashby
This week on Calling in Sick, we’re getting grounded, energized, and totally fascinated by the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). I’m joined by Dr. Jennifer Ashby — a TCM doctor at UCSF — to explore the intersection of Eastern and Western care for whole-person healing.
We get into the foundational teachings of TCM, the biggest surprises patients experience when they first try it, and how it’s being used right now in hospital settings like UCSF (yes, really!!).
We also talk:
📣 Why TCM is so much more than acupuncture & herbs
🧠 The reason why TCM doesn’t separate mind, body & spirit
🌊 Micro-changes that have macro impacts to our health
📦 Why what you think impacts how you feel
Whether you’re new to holistic wellness or just tired of treating symptoms without addressing the why — this one’s full of grounding insight, accessible tools, and (as always) a little cozy chaos. Extra benefit... Dr. Ashby is one of the most relaxing humans I've had the pleasure of being around... she is Xanax in human form.
Thanks for Calling In Sick with us 💛
xx,Alex
💬 Comment: Have you ever tried acupuncture, herbs, or any form of Eastern medicine? What was your experience?
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick!
00:02:44 Alex’s Picks of The Week (Four Sigmatic Golden Latte, Coracle Water Bottle)
00:04:04 Welcome Dr. Jennifer Ashby
00:07:10 Dr. Ashby’s approach: Eastern and Western care for whole-person healing
00:32:30 Accessible tools for learning about TCM
00:42:50 Understanding cause and effect in health
00:46:10 Dr. Ashby asks my top 2-3 things for a healthy day
00:49:30 The Epic 8: 8 habits for longevity and well-being
01:07:15 Mastering habit changes for better health
01:13:30 One Brain Cell TV: Joe Coy, White Lotus
01:16:10 LOVE YOU GUYS!
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Stay connected and follow social:
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568
• Substack - https://substack.com/@callinginsickpod?
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Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/
Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson -- https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/
Alex’s Picks of the Week:
✨Four Sigmatic Golden Latte — https://amzn.to/4dM5LMg
✨Coracle Water Bottle — https://go.shopmy.us/p-18936532
Links from the Episode:
• Lymphatic Class - https://www.dailyom.com/courses/science-based-lymphatic-drainage-rescue/
• Detox Class - https://www.dailyom.com/courses/drain-unhealthy-toxins-from-your-body/
• Dr. Ashby’s Epic 8 Class - https://www.drjenniferashby.com/epic-8-course-interest
• Daily Om’s 3-Day Virtual Global Summit - https://live.dailyom.com/global-summit/
✨Use code “3017” for 50% off all 3 days!!
Guest Information:
• Work with Dr. Ashby - https://www.drjenniferashby.com/
• Follow Dr. Ashby - https://www.instagram.com/drjenashby/?hl=en
#podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness #SurvivalMode #IdentityShift #medicalgaslighting #womenshealth #zachspiritos #neurology #gastroenterology #immunology #selfadvocacy #medicalbias #clinicalstudy #clinicaltrial #vasculitis #mixedconnectivetissuedisease #ibd #irritableboweldisease #trauma #ptsd #mentalhealthmatters #traditionalchinesemedicine #easternmedicine #wholepersonhealth #accupuncture Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 26, 2025 • 1h
What It’s Really Like to Be in a Clinical Study (ft. Cooper)
Welcome back to Calling in Sick — this week you’re in for a little peak into my life. Saint Cooper, my husband and sporadic co-host, is back for round two of two brain cells and one microphone. He try to keep me emotionally grounded while I spiral through a whirlwind of updates. This episode is cozy chaos. We cover grief, gratitude, gut health, identity shifts, and TV trash — with a few laughs and “did we overshare?” moments sprinkled in.
We talk about:
💉 What it’s actually like to participate in a clinical study
✈️ My first solo trip in years (and why it lowkey changed me)
🧠 A raw mental health check-in post-trial
If you’ve ever been in a season of transition, medical mayhem, or re-entry into life after a hard thing... this one’s for you.
Thanks for Calling In Sick with us 💛
xx,
Alex (& Coop)
💬 Comment: Should we keep making chaos episodes like this? What should we name this subseries?!
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! (featuring St. Cooper)
00:05:43 Reflecting on my time in Philly during the clinical study
00:11:40 My first solo trip in years – the experience and what it taught me (and why I decided to bring my service dog)
00:17:20 Diving into my clinical study experience
00:30:20 What comes next after completing the clinical study
00:34:45 A mental health check-in
00:42:27 Alex’s (and Coop’s) Picks of the Week
00:47:28 One Brain Cell TV: Talking Succession & SLOMW
00:54:25 LOVE YOU GUYS!
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Stay connected and follow social:
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568
• Substack - https://substack.com/@callinginsickpod?
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Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/
Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/
Alex’s Picks of the Week:
✨Orgain — https://go.shopmy.us/p-18572123
✨Feel Good Foods — https://go.shopmy.us/p-18572074
#podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness #SurvivalMode #IdentityShift #medicalgaslighting #womenshealth #zachspiritos #neurology #gastroenterology #immunology #selfadvocacy #medicalbias #clinicalstudy #clinicaltrial #vasculitis #mixedconnectivetissuedisease #ibd #irritableboweldisease #trauma #ptsd #mentalhealthmatters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

May 12, 2025 • 1h 4min
Dr. Zachary Spiritos on Medical Gaslighting & Women’s Health
This week on Calling in Sick, I’m joined by neuro-gastro-immunologist, Dr. Zachary Spiritos, an incredible voice in the fight to make invisible illnesses seen, heard, and helped..
Together, we unpack some of the most maddening, misunderstood, and under-discussed challenges in healthcare today—especially for women and people living with chronic conditions. From gut issues to gender bias, from misdiagnosis to self-advocacy, this conversation is packed with clarity, and compassion.
In this episode, we talk:
🧠 What makes an illness “invisible”—and why they get dismissed
📉 Where the disparity in women’s health comes from
⚠️ The reality of medical gaslighting and how to respond
🥼 How to advocate for yourself in appointments, and have success!
💩 Why gut issues show up in so many chronic conditions—and what to do about it
Whether you’ve been dismissed by a doctor, told your symptoms are “in your head,” or just want to understand your body better—this one’s for you. You are not making it up. You are not alone. And you deserve care that actually cares. This episode left me full of hope - for my own health, and the future of women’s health.
Thanks for Calling in Sick with us 💛
xx,
Alex
💬 Comment: Have you ever left a doctor’s appointment feeling dismissed or doubted?
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick!
00:02:15 Alex’s Picks Of the Week (IB Guard, Magnesium)
00:03:45 Meet Dr. Zachary Spiritos & understanding neuro-gastro-immunology
00:24:48 Where the disparity in women’s health comes from
00:29:00 The reality of medical gaslighting and how to respond
00:44:33 How to advocate for yourself in appointments, and have success!
00:47:34 What’s next for Dr. Zachary Spiritos
00:55:00 Dr. Zachary’s final recommendations
00:57:25 Thank you for listening!!!
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Stay connected and follow social:
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568
• Substack - https://substack.com/@callinginsickpod?
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Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/
Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/
Episode Sponsor: LifeBoost Coffee!
• First Time Customer (58% off): https://lifeboostcoffee.com/pages/healthy-coffee-ot2e-19-cp?ref=ALEXANDRAWILDESON
• Subscribe and Save (Up to 48% off): https://lifeboostcoffee.com/pages/subscribe-save?ref=ALEXANDRAWILDESON
• Use Code ALEXANDRA10 for 10% off!!!
https://lifeboostcoffee.com/?ref=ALEXANDRAWILDESON
Alex’s Picks of the Week:
✨IB Guard — https://go.shopmy.us/p-17801495
✨Pure Encapsulation (Magnesium Supplementation) — https://bit.ly/PureSummerSale25
** May 15th - May 26th, 15% off + always free shipping
***This offer is good for one order of any product combination and valid 5/15/25 through 5/26/25 at 11:59 p.m. PT. One-time use per customer. While supplies last.
#podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness #SurvivalMode #IdentityShift #medicalgaslighting #womenshealth #zachspiritos #neurology #gastroenterology #immunology #selfadvocacy #medicalbias Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 28, 2025 • 39min
Surviving Life Chaos & Chronic Illness Flares - One ER trip and Home Invasion At a Time
This week on Calling in Sick, things are a little different — and a little chaotic. I was too discombobulated to record a solo episode, so Cooper (my husband) hopped on the mic with me. We laughed, we spiraled, and then we got real about why life has felt so hard lately:
In this week’s episode, we talk:
💥 A nasty IVIG reaction
🚑 A surprise ER trip
🛑 A home invasion
💉 Starting a new oral chemo
🏡 Family visiting
🫠 And feeling... not like myself at all
We talk about what it’s like when everything hits at once, and how chronic illness can make navigating life with a chronic illness that much harder. Even though it’s been overwhelming (to put it lightly), there’s something comforting about saying it all out loud — and laughing through the absurdity when we can. This episode is for anyone who feels like they’re in survival mode and missing the person they used to be. You’re not broken. You’re carrying more than most people can even imagine.
Thanks for Calling in Sick with us this week!
xx,
Alex & Saint Coop
💬 Comment: what’s your number one tool for getting back to feeling like yourself?
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick! (Featuring Cooper as Alex)
00:01:40 Alex’s Picks of The Week (you just have to watch this one if you want a laugh)
00:07:29 Thank you to our sponsor this week: Lifeboost!
00:09:05 Alex’s recent reaction to IVIG
00:13:57 Alex’s trip to the emergency room
00:19:55 Alex & Coop’s home invasion experience
00:25:20 Survival mode activated as a result of IVIG, ER trip & the home invasion
00:29:15 One Brain Cell Pick of The Week: Last One Laughing and One Other
00:31:00 Wrap UP, Giving yourself grace & what’s helping right now
00:33:42 LOVE YOU GUYS!
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Stay connected and follow social:
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/
• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568
• Substack - https://substack.com/@callinginsickpod?
----------------------------------------------------------------
Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/
Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/
Episode Sponsor: LifeBoost Coffee!
• First Time Customer (58% off): https://lifeboostcoffee.com/pages/healthy-coffee-ot2e-19-cp?ref=ALEXANDRAWILDESON
• Subscribe and Save (Up to 48% off): https://lifeboostcoffee.com/pages/subscribe-save?ref=ALEXANDRAWILDESON
Alex’s Picks of the Week:
✨ Duvet Robe — https://rebrand.ly/6tq0q7k✨ Ring Security Camera – https://amzn.to/3ErNp6b
✨ Lifeboats Coffee - https://lifeboostcoffee.com/?ref=ALEXANDRAWILDESON
#podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness #SurvivalMode #IdentityShift #ChronicIllnessCommunity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Apr 14, 2025 • 29min
How Chronic Illness Changes Our Definition of Ambition and Drive
This week on Calling in Sick, I’m getting real about something I never thought I’d question: Am I still ambitious?There was a time when I crushed my to-do list before lunch, never let an email sit unanswered, and found purpose in being productive. But now? I procrastinate. I forget things. I carry a running to-do list that I never finish. And between the brain fog, pain, meds, and fatigue… I started to wonder if I’d lost my drive entirely. But then it hit me… maybe ambition just looks different now.In this solo episode, I’m opening up about:💭 What it’s like to lose your “high-functioning” self💊 The quiet shame of feeling dulled by meds🔥 How chronic illness reroutes your ambition from speed to survival🌱 Why softness, slowness, and intention might be the new success📺 Plus: My current comfort-watch in the One Brain Cell segment (spoiler: it’s called warm hug in TV form)This one is for anyone navigating big identity shifts—especially if you’ve had to ask yourself: “Who am I without the hustle?” My answer? Darling... you’re not behind. You’re becoming.xx,Alex 💛💬 Comment: Do you feel like your ambition or drive has changed since getting sick? How have you redefined success?TIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Welcome back to Calling In Sick00:00:35 Life Update: Becoming a Procrastinator!!00:02:58 Alex’s Picks of the Week: Hilma Supplements + DoBites00:06:11 The Old Version of Me: Urgency, Output, Identity00:08:25 Grief & the Unbecoming of the Old Alex00:11:00 Discovering the New Me -- Freedom After Grief00:17:30 Chronic Illness Management vs. Urgency00:20:20 One Brain Cell Segment: Love on the Spectrum00:23:59 THANK YOU!!!!----------------------------------------------------------------Stay connected and follow social:• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/callinginsickpod/• TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@callinginsickpod• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61558234607568• Substack - https://substack.com/@callinginsickpod?----------------------------------------------------------------Powered by: Just Media House -- https://www.justmediahouse.com/Produced by: Alexandra Wildeson — https://www.instagram.com/alexandrawildeson/Alex’s Picks of the Week:✨ Hilma Supplements – gentle, clean symptom supporthttps://rebrand.ly/6tq0q7kUse code ALEXANDRA20 for 20% off!!✨ DoBites – functional, top-8 allergen-free snack bites for energy & focushttps://amzn.to/3G6bQGt#podcast #podcastclips #podcast #podcastclips #ChronicIllness #AutoimmuneDisease #SelfWorth #SuccessMindset #ChronicPain #ChronicFatigue #SpoonieLife #HealthJourney #SickGirlLife #CallingInSick #SpoonieSupport #ChronicIllnessAwareness #ChronicWarrior #FlareUpTips #MedicalJourney #DisabilityAwareness #selfworth #selflove #success #hustleculture #ambition #drive #success #urgency Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


