Episode 29: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

#29 Your Body Isn't Your Enemy: Lily Earle on Rewiring Chronic Pain

Ever felt like you are at war with your body? This episode is for you. Host Emily Johnson welcomes Lily Earle, a life and chronic pain coach, creator of the Regrow podcast, and Making Sense of Chronic Pain masterclass.

Lily works with those who have been uprooted by chronic pain, helping them to trust their bodies again and build a life bigger than their symptoms. Drawing on the latest pain neuroscience alongside her own lived experience of navigating a chronic migraine and six diagnoses, Lily shares the brain training and nervous system tools that drove her recovery. Whether you live with arthritis, fibromyalgia, or any persistent pain condition, this episode offers practical, science-backed strategies to break the fear-pain cycle and rebuild your relationship with your body.

Topics covered:

Rethinking Chronic Pain

• Acute vs Chronic Why they need different approaches
• Neuroplastic Pain Brain producing pain in absence of damage
• Fear-Pain Cycle How this can fuel symptoms

The Brain Training Toolkit

• The Safety Stack Lily’s signature regulation tools
• Inner Cheerleader Rewriting the way you talk to yourself
• Mindfulness in Flares Calming the nervous system

Building a Bigger Life

• Rebuilding Trust with your body
• Uprooted to Regrown Lily’s own story
• Whole-Person Healing Why it matters

About the podcast:

With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.

Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.

Emily is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis.

Episode Links:

Live Well with Arthritis Programme Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist

FREE Workbook: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/signup-free-download

Lily Earle @lilyearleofficial

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilyearleofficial/
• Website: https://www.lilyearle.com

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodie

Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

Episode 28: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

#28 Stress-Driven Inflammation: How Stress Can Worsen Arthritis (and What to Do About It)

Have you ever noticed that when life is most stressful, your arthritis feels worse? This week, host Emily Johnson dives into why this isn't in your head, it's in your biology.

Drawing on the latest research and her own 12 years of lived experience, Emily unpacks the powerful, two-way relationship between stress and inflammation, and why managing your nervous system may be one of the most therapeutic things you can do alongside your medication. From the HPA axis to the vagus nerve, from leaky gut to cortisol resistance, this episode breaks down the science and provides a practical toolkit to start calming your system today.

This is for anyone who has ever felt betrayed by their body, or wondered why stress hits them harder than it seems to hit everyone else.

Topics covered:

• What Stress Actually Is The difference between helpful acute stress (eustress) and the chronic kind, plus the concept of 'allostatic load'
• Stress and the Immune System Why chronic stress makes you both more vulnerable to infection AND more inflamed
• The Stress–Inflammation Loop How TNF-alpha, IL-6, and other cytokines get turned up by chronic stress, and why inflammation in the brain produces brain fog, and low mood
• Stress and the Gut The gut-brain axis, leaky gut, and the emerging "gut-joint axis" in rheumatoid arthritis, plus why Emily thinks the vagus nerve will be the next big focus in health
• The Toolkit Practical, evidence-based ways to soothe your system that can be done from the comfort of your own home

AUTUMN COHORT UPDATE: Applications for the Live Well with Arthritis 12-week programme are open for Sept. Apply now: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist

About the podcast:

With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.

Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.

Emily (Arthritis Foodie) is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis.

Episode Links:

Register for FREE Masterclass: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/mastering-inflammation-masterclass-registration

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arthritisfoodie

Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

Episode 27: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

#27 Rheumatologist Recommends Reiki: Dr. Elizabeth Volkmann's Healing Blueprint

Host Emily Johnson welcomes Dr. Elizabeth Volkman, also known as the Holistic Rheumatologist, UCLA rheumatologist, and Director of the UCLA Scleroderma Programme.

Dr. Volkmann researches how the gut microbiome, nutrition, and trauma shape autoimmune disease. With over 20 years of experience, she shares an evidence-based approach to integrating Eastern and Western medicine. Whether you live with arthritis, scleroderma, lupus, or any chronic inflammatory condition, this episode offers empowering strategies to create your own healing blueprint, alongside medication.

Topics covered:

Redefining Rheumatology

• Whole Human Treating the person, not simply the disease
• Supportive Tools Medication alongside nutrition and holistic therapies
• Red Flags Spotting dangerous "cures"

Gut–Autoimmune Connection

• Leaky Gut Science of intestinal permeability
• Truth on UPFs Findings from Dr. Volkmann's study
• Probiotics Fermented foods vs supplements
• Stool-Tests Microbiome diet myths

Whole-Person Approach

• Trauma Research How stress impacts autoimmunity
• Breathwork as Medicine A free daily gut health habit
• Self-Care Diaries Tuning into your body
• CEO Mindset Be your own best advocate

About the podcast:

With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.

Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.

Emily is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis.

Episode Links:

Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist

FREE Workbook: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/signup-free-download

Dr Elizabeth Volkmann @the_holistic_rheumatologist

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_holistic_rheumatologist/
• UCLA Scleroderma Program: https://www.uclahealth.org/

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodie

Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

Episode 26: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

#26 Immunity Within: How to Optimise Immune Health with Nutritionist Jenna Hope

In this episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes Jenna Hope (MSc, ANutr), registered nutritionist, founder of Jenna Hope Nutrition, and author of How to Stay Healthy: The Nutritionist's Guide to Optimising Your Immunity.

Jenna has spent nearly 11 years helping individuals, leading brands, and corporate clients understand the powerful connection between food and health. In this conversation, she breaks down the science of immune optimisation, explaining why 'boosting' your immune system is not only misleading, but potentially harmful for those living with autoimmune conditions like arthritis, and offers a practical, no-pressure framework for building an anti-inflammatory lifestyle that actually lasts.

Topics covered:

Gut Health & Immunity

• Gut-Immune Connection: And why it matters
• Sugar Cycle: How blood sugar spikes cause inflammation

Optimise, Don't Boost

• Why Boosting Backfires: Why it can worsen symptoms
• The Anti-Inflammatory Four: Vitamin C, magnesium, omega-3, and vitamin D
• Depleted Nutrients: How stress and inflammation impacts us

Real Life Nutrition

• A Day in Jenna's Kitchen: Easiest first steps for an anti-inflammatory diet
• Motherhood Chapter: Fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum
• Case Study: From exhausted and wired, to sleeping well and thriving

About the podcast:

With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.

Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.

Emily is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis.

Episode Links:

Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist

FREE Workbook: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/signup-free-download

Jenna Hope @jennahopenutrition

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennahopenutrition/
• Website: https://www.jennahopenutrition.com/
• Book: How to Stay Healthy

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodie

Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

Episode 25: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

#25 Behind Arthritis Foodie: Ali Interviews Emily on Her Journey, Her Health & Her Why

For the first time in the show's history, host Emily Johnson is the one in the hot seat! Guest host Ali DiGiacomo(@anotherdaywithra) takes over the mic to interview Emily about her life behind the scenes, her 12-year journey with arthritis, and the secrets she’s never shared on the podcast.

From the surprising truth about who Emily was before Arthritis Foodie existed, from being terrible at cooking the flare-up that birthed her platform, Emily holds nothing back. This episode is a rare window into the person behind the platform: the mini monthly meltdowns, the invisible pain, and the deep conviction that living with arthritis can be a source of power, not pity.

Topics covered:

Before Arthritis Foodie

• Who was Emily before the brand, and her family's reaction
• Matcha moment and the elbow flare that triggered @arthritisfoodie

The Realities of Chronic Illness & Pain

• The reality of annual appointments and why coaching fills the gap
• That baseline of pain that 'looks fine' from the outside
• Managing monthly hormone emotional shifts

Mindset, Boundaries & Being Online

• Why she hates multi-ingredient 'miracles'
• Emily’s controversial food opinion
• Her 'whimsical scientist' personality

Rapid Fire Round (80/20 rule)

• Emily’s ultimate comfort meal
• The one snack that never leaves her fridge
• Superfood she just can't get behind

About the podcast:

With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.

Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.

Emily is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis.

Episode Links:

Live Well with Arthritis Spring Cohort: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist

FREE Workbook: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/signup-free-download

Ali DiGiacomo @AnotherDaywithRA:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anotherdaywithra/

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodie

Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

Episode 24: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

#24 Grit & Grace: Navigating Marriage, Motherhood, and RA with Renee Anderson

Are you worried that your chronic illness might stop you from having a family? Or perhaps you're already struggling to balance the demands of parenthood with your condition?

In this episode, Emily is joined by Renee Anderson, founder of The Rheumatoid Arthritis Mama, for a deeply honest conversation about the grit required to raise a family when living with arthritis. After a decade of mystery symptoms, Renee had to learn how to parent three young children with a new RA diagnosis. She candidly and kindly shares how she handles it all.

Topics covered:

How it All Began

• 10-Year Mystery Navigating RA and the relief of a diagnosis
• Mud Puddle Philosophy Allowing yourself to feel emotions before moving forward
• Resilience Seeing strength as the ability to pivot

Motherhood & Marriage

• Mum Guilt Reframing guilt with ‘connection over perfection’
• RA Mum Hacks Innovative tools to help children understand
• Adaptive Schooling Ways to manage morning stiffness and fatigue

Support & the CEO Mindset

• Communication Why clear, actionable requests are vital
• Power of No Setting firm boundaries to prevent flares
• Choice to Make Advice for those worried about starting a family

About the podcast:

With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.

Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.

Emily is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis.

Episode Links:

Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist

FREE Workbook: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/signup-free-download

Renee Anderson @RheumatoidArthritisMama:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheumatoidarthritismama/
• Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/18fGZSdk1T/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodie

Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

Episode 23: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

#23 From Victim to CEO: How Coaching Helps You Towards Remission with Stefanie Remson

In this episode, host Emily Johnson is joined by Stefanie Remson (MSN, APRN, FNP-BC), the founder of RheumatoidArthritisCoach.com. As a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner of 20 years, as well as living with Rheumatoid Arthritis for 11 years, Stefanie has a unique perspective.

After being misdiagnosed with before navigating those first years with RA, Stefanie realised that medicine only goes so far. Whilst it is the foundation, coaching is the roadmap to remission. Today, she discusses how she helps her clients move from 'Victim' to 'CEO' of their own health.

Topics covered:

Mindset Shift

• Neutral Bridge: Using neutrality to get from victim to CEO
• Story Reframing: Changing your narrative to better handle life changes, and leading with wins rather than focusing on failures

Red Flags & the Infodemic

• Navigating Noise: Why social media prioritises engagement over truth
• Lifelong Learners: Identifying scams and why real experts never claim to know it all

Nuanced Nutrition

• 80/20 Rule: Rejecting food perfectionism and finding grace in survival mode with freezer foods
• Deal-Breakers: Identifying foods that impact your joints without losing the joy of eating

The Power of Coaching

• Specialised Support: Why coaching is key to learning how to live alongside your condition and get to remission

About the podcast:

With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.

Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.

Emily is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis.

Episode Links:

Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist

FREE Workbook: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/signup-free-download

Stefanie Remson @RheumatoidArthritisCoach

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rheumatoidarthritiscoach/
• Website: https://rheumatoidarthritiscoach.com/

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodie

Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

Episode 22: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

#22 From Pity to Power: Why Arthritis is Sexy and Needs a Rebrand

Are you tired of well-intentioned pity? This week, host Emily Johnson explores why it’s time to give arthritis a branding makeover and move from 'victim' to 'powerhouse.'

Drawing on 12 years of lived experience, Emily reflects on the reality of living with a chronic condition, from compression socks and pill organisers, to the mental weight of masking pain. She shares candid anecdotes about dating, workplace advocacy, and the early days of Arthritis Foodie when she was too embarrassed to even show her face.

This episode is a guide for anyone ready to reclaim their agency and remember their worth. Owning your truth is a physiological necessity, and honesty improves your health. Your strength and capability to live with arthritis is phenomenal, so it’s time to stop apologising for who you are.

Topics covered:

• The Pity Trap Why pity is for the defeated, and why we deserve admiration for the 'daily marathon' we do
• The Cost of Silence Exploring the biological inflammation that grows when we hide our true selves to please others
• 5 Lessons in Authenticity Emily’s journey from hiding her methotrexate on dates to setting firm boundaries with friends and employers
• Rebranding the ‘Unsexy’ Why self-advocacy, firm boundaries, and radical self-care are sexy
• The Athlete Mentality: Shifting your perspective from 'suffering from' a condition to 'living well', as the master of your own body

SPRING COHORT UPDATE: Applications for the Live Well with Arthritis 12-week programme are closing! We have just 4 spaces left. If you are ready to move from pity to power with 1-to-1 coaching and expert guidance, apply now: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist

About the podcast:

With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.

Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.

Emily (Arthritis Foodie) is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis.

Episode Links:

Register for FREE Masterclass: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/mastering-inflammation-masterclass-registration

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arthritisfoodie

Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie