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Stronger than Autoimmune

Stronger than Autoimmune

Written by: Desiree Werland
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About this listen

As an autoimmune warrior myself, I understand living with autoimmunity isn't easy. You are not alone, this podcast is to give hope to living with a chronic illness. I will interview individuals living with autoimmune disease along with experts, and businesses to help provide knowledge, and hope. As a health coach, I understand there is no cure for autoimmune disease but creating small changes like diet, stress management, movement and more can influence on how we feel. Join me to being Stronger than Autoimmune!Desiree Werland Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • Scaling Without Burnout: The Operator’s Edge™ with Ritchie Nkana
    Feb 2 2026

    Most leaders believe the bottleneck is their business.
    According to ex–banker turned performance strategist Ritchie Nkana, it’s not.

    It’s the Operator running it.

    In this powerful episode of Stronger Than Autoimmune, Ritchie shares how he went from a burned-out corporate banker moving millions for global banks to building Operator’s Edge™, a system that helps founders and executives scale energy, impact, and legacy — without sacrificing their health.

    We talk about:

    • Why burnout isn’t a personal failure — it’s a systems failure

    • The hidden cost high performers pay to “keep up”

    • How identity, energy, and decision-making impact business growth

    • Why health is a leadership strategy, not a side project

    • How speaking can become a predictable growth engine, not just exposure

    Ritchie also breaks down his Brand→Stage™ Speaking Engine, showing how leaders can turn one powerful talk into real opportunities, clients, and influence — even in an AI-heavy world.

    If you’re scaling, leading, or carrying more than your body can sustain… this conversation may change how you operate forever.

    🎧 Listen now and learn how to upgrade your operating system — without burning out.

    For the high-achieving woman who’s tired ofchoosing between her career her health and home: I open a small handful ofprivate 1:1 spots a few times a year. If you’re done with car naps, brain fog,and “pushing through,” click here to apply. I’ll personally review your caseand we’ll see if working together is the perfect fit. Applyfor 1:1 coaching

    For HR, People Ops, and leaders building smarterworkplaces: I run a limited number of corporate pilots each year focused onautoimmune and chronic-illness wellbeing (no extra headcount required). Want tocut presenteeism, boost retention of your top female talent, and lead the wayin energy-efficient teams? Click hereto book a short strategy call.

    Subscribeto the Stronger Than Autoimmune podcast for weekly strategies, realtalk, and actionable advice. Because health is real wealth, and every part ofyour life, including your career which relies on the status. New episodes everyweek: real strategies, zero fluff.

    Listen on [Spotify] | [Apple Podcasts] | [YouTube]

    About the Podcaster: CorporateAutoimmune Consultant | SHRM-SA Board Member | Functional Health Coach(Corporate Wellness + AIP certified) I help high-achieving women withautoimmune conditions reclaim their energy and ambition, and I help companieskeep that talent thriving instead of burning out.

    Health is real wealth, and your career depends on it.Let’s make thriving the rule, not the exception.

    Medical Disclaimer:
    This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does notconstitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare providerregarding your health needs and treatment options.

    Subscribe & Connect

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      30 mins
    • : 4 Science-Backed Ways Working Women With Autoimmune Can Regulate Energy
      Jan 19 2026

      Mid-January isn’t a motivation problem, it’s a regulation problem.


      In this episode of Stronger Than Autoimmune, Desiree Werland breaks down four science-backed tools designed specifically for working women with autoimmune disease who are managing careers, households, and invisible symptoms—without burning out or triggering flares.

      We’re talking about:
      ✔ Why caffeine and willpower backfire for autoimmune bodies
      ✔ How cold exposure, nutrient timing, gentle movement, and wind-down rituals support immune regulation
      ✔ Practical strategies you can use at work without drawing attention
      ✔ Research-backed approaches—not wellness trends or toxic productivity

      If you’ve ever had “normal labs” but crushing fatigue, brain fog, or mid-afternoon crashes—this episode is for you.


      🎧 Listen now and learn how to support your body without sacrificing your career.

      🔗 Private coaching: Individuals — Desiree Werland
      🏢 Corporate wellness & retention strategies: Employers — Desiree WerlandBecause you’re not lazy.You’re not broken.You’re regulating.

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      10 mins
    • Your Mouth Might Be Fueling Your Autoimmune Symptoms (What Most Patients Are Never Told)
      Jan 11 2026

      What if part of your autoimmune or chronic illness picture has been hiding in plain sight—your mouth?
      For many people living with invisible illness, answers feel scattered, incomplete, or dismissed. This conversation brings clarity without fear.

      In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Toni Engram, a biological dentist, integrative health coach, and founder of Flourish Dental Boutique in Richardson, Texas. After navigating her own autoimmune health challenges, Dr. Engram shifted her philosophy from symptom-focused dentistry to a whole-body, prevention-centered approach that honors the deep connection between oral health and systemic wellness.

      This episode is for:

      • Individuals living with autoimmune disease, Lyme, chronic illness, or invisible illness who feel like something is being overlooked

      • Professionals and employers interested in whole-person health, prevention, and sustainable performance

      • Anyone curious about how oral health fits into a more integrative, supportive care model

      In this conversation, you’ll learn:

      • How oral inflammation can interact with immune and nervous system health

      • What “biological dentistry” means—and how it differs from conventional approaches

      • Why patients with chronic illness often feel unheard in traditional care models

      • What SMART certification and safer dental practices aim to support

      • How airway health, breathing, and oral structure can influence overall wellbeing

      • Questions to consider when assembling a truly collaborative healthcare team

      This episode is educational, empowering, and grounded—designed to help listeners ask better questions and feel more confident advocating for their health, without medical claims or fear-based messaging.

      Whether you’re managing an autoimmune condition personally or supporting people who are, this episode offers a broader lens on prevention, resilience, and informed choice.

      Dr. Toni EngramBiological Dentist | Integrative Health CoachFounder, Flourish Dental Boutique
      www.flourish.dental

      For Individuals with Autoimmune or Chronic Illness:
      If this episode resonated and you’re looking for support navigating energy, symptoms, or sustainable routines, explore 1:1 autoimmune health coaching designed to help you feel more supported—not overwhelmed.

      For Corporate & Organizational Leaders:
      If your organization cares about employee wellbeing, retention, and long-term performance, learn how autoimmune-aware health education and consulting can support teams managing invisible illness in high-pressure environments.

      Podcast Support CTA:
      Follow the show on Spotify, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs a more whole-body perspective on health.

      #AutoimmuneHealth
      #ChronicIllness
      #InvisibleIllness
      #LymeDisease
      #BiologicalDentistry
      #IntegrativeHealth
      #WholeBodyHealth
      #OralSystemicHealth
      #WomenInMedicine
      #HealthAdvocacy
      #PreventiveCare
      #WorkplaceWellbeing

      ⏱️ Episode Timestamps (Listener-Friendly)📣 Calls-to-Action (CTAs)🔎 Hashtags / Keywords (Spotify Search Optimized)

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      45 mins
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