#37 Why Reiki Helps: Emily's Honest Account in a Time of Grief

This is a personal one, host Emily Johnson opens up about losing her dear friend and mentor, Heather Rosa, and the Reiki session that held her through one of the hardest weeks she's had. If you're in a raw place yourself, please look after yourself as you listen, pause it, come back to it, or skip it entirely.

Reiki is a divisive subject, so Emily handles it the way she always does: honestly. She provides the evidence, the way it's approached in her programme with the rheumatologists, then shares her own experience and lets you make up your own mind. Reiki sits alongside your medical care, never instead of it.

At the heart of the episode is the truth that grief doesn't just live in your mind, it lives in your body. Tight chest, broken sleep, and if living with arthritis it can result in a flare. Emily shares how Reiki let her nervous system finally exhale, and let her grief move through her instead of staying locked in her body, to avoid a flare-up.

Topics covered:

• What Reiki Actually Is and why 'you don't have to do anything' is the whole point for those of us used to pushing through
• What the Evidence Really Says how Reiki helps by shifting the nervous system from fight-or-flight into rest-and-repair
• Calm, Not Cure why Reiki is a soothing complement, not a treatment for the disease
• Grief, the Body and the Flare and why tending your nervous system in a hard season is protection, not distraction
• Emily's Week the honest, tender account of Tuesday's session
• Learning to Receive and why letting yourself be nourished is not weakness

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:

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

FREE Heatwave Tips Guide: https://arthritisfoodie.mykajabi.com/sign-up-for-free-download-from-arthritis-foodie-1

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#36 Heatwaves and Joint Pain: Myth or Reality? Emily Shares the Science and Can Help

This summer, in the thick of the UK's back-to-back record-breaking heatwaves, Emily flared for three solid days and it's why she wanted to get to the bottom of one of the most common things people say about their joints. 'It's the weather'.

But is there actually something measurable going on in there, or is it just an old wives' tale? This episode mythbusts it honestly: what the research says, why extreme heat can as brutal as cold, what happened to Emily's ankle, and exactly what she did about it, before, during and after... As well as the mechanism running the real show: sleep.

Topics covered:

• Myth or Reality What the systematic reviews actually say for OA and RA.
• Are Warmer Climes Better? Why "it's warm, so it should be better" doesn't hold up in this case, and Emily's view on this.
• This Summer's Heat Norfolk's 37.7°C in June (a new record, beating 1957) and London's 35°C in July, plus why dehydration, fluid-shift swelling and, above all, wrecked sleep are the real inflammatory triggers
• Sleep-Pain-Inflammation Loop Why a hot bedroom blocks the core-temperature drop you need for deep sleep, and how poor sleep impacts things at once.
• Emily's Ankle The honest, specific version of the three-day flare, and a firm reminder that sometimes you do everything right and still flare, and that's not your fault.
• Flare Toolkit: Before, During and After Planning around the hot nights not just hot days, with no guilt and no suffering Olympics.

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:

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

FREE Heatwave Tips Guide: https://arthritisfoodie.mykajabi.com/sign-up-for-free-download-from-arthritis-foodie-1

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#35 Dismissed to Determined: Advocacy, Confidence and Community with Bailey Jane

Ever been told your pain is 'all in your head'? Host Emily Johnson welcomes Bailey Jane, policy advocate for the Arthritis Foundation, confidence coach, and Miss America competitor who grew up with juvenile arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.

After 10 doctors and years of dismissal, Bailey finally got her diagnosis, despite having symptoms from when she was 5 years old. In this episode, she opens up about medical gaslighting, learning to advocate for herself, and turning pain into purpose. Whether you live with arthritis, an invisible illness, or you’re waiting on answers, this episode reminds you that your voice matters and your diagnosis does not define you.

Topics covered:

Living with an Invisible Condition

• Dismissal to Diagnosis Medical gaslighting by 10 doctors
• 'You Don’t Look Sick' Navigating an invisible autoimmune disease
• Health Autonomy Become your own advocate

Managing Body and Mind

• Treatment Difficulties Why she had to turn to holistic methods
• Anti-Inflammatory Living Diet, triggers, CBD, and rest as productivity
• Rationing Your Energy Pitcher analogy and knowing your body

Turning Pain into Power

• The Joint Impact Advocacy, policy reform, and sharing your story
• Community Feeling seen with the Arthritis Foundation
• Confidence Coaching The alter ego hack and more

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

Bailey Jane @baileyjstaff

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baileyjstaff/
• Website: https://www.baileyjanecoaching.com/

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#34 Go to the Gig: Emily's Before, During and After Plan for Concerts with Arthritis

Last weekend, Emily was at the Take That concert in a crowd of thousands, mid-heatwave, singing loudly with her mum. In the photos, with her red lipstick on, she looks fine, but what you can't see is her pain. This episode is the honest version of that night, and the plan that made it possible.

Living with arthritis doesn't mean giving up festivals, gigs, travel, or brilliant experiences that make life worth living. It just means going with a plan, and some self-compassion for afterwards. Arthritis does not mean you stop showing up for your life, but you do show up differently.

Heat, crowds, standing for hours, and barely any sleep, is a perfect storm for a flare, so Emily walks through the whole thing: the biology of why heat and bad sleep hit our joints so hard, and what shes does about it.

Topics covered:

• Biology of the Flare Why heat, dehydration, exertion and lost sleep aren't four small things, but one absoltely compounding thing
• Knowing Your Triggers Naming your own triggers (for Emily - stress, travel, lost routine, and lots of walking) so you can plan around them
• The Before Banking your rest, planning an air-conditioned route and seating/accessibility, and exactly what was in Emily's Take That flare-up/pain kit
• The During Hydrating relentlessly, forgiving an imperfect meal, micro-resting without guilt, managing the heat actively, staying ahead of the pain, and letting joy be medicine
• The After Handling the flare without guilt or panic, with rest as a non-negotiable, soothing swollen joints, and remembering a flare is a temporary cost for a permanent memory
• Travel More Widely How the same before/during/after system carries over to flights, hotels and getaways, and why protecting your sleep matters is vital

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:

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#33 Hype or Helpful? Nutritionist Eli Brecher on Matcha, Fibremaxxing, Protein Water and more

Fed up of navigating all of the wellness trends in the media and online? The wellness world can be overwhelming to navigate, so what is actually helpful? Especially if you live with a chronic health condition? In this episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes back Registered Associate Nutritionist Eli Brecher to sort the hype from the helpful.

Eli is the creator of The Mind, Body, Gut Method™ and host of The Gut 360 Podcast. Living with Crohn's disease since the age of eight, she specialises in gut health, women's health, and fertility nutrition, and is a contributor to the Live Well with Arthritis programme. Eli celebrates the trends genuinely worth your time, and debunks the ones that aren't.

Topics covered:

Trends Worth the Hype

• Matcha Calm Sustained energy, L-theanine, and the dairy caveat
• Fibremaxxing Why fibre is a hero nutrient, and how to add it to your diet
• Adding In, Not Restricting Positive shift towards plant diversity and 30+ plants a week

Debatable Trends

• Protein-Washing Why seeing 'high protein' may just be marketing
• Gut Health Myth of the magic powder, and where to start
• Biohacking Red light, cold plunges and more

Thoughts on Other Trends

• CGMs (Continuous Glucose Monitors) Whether the average person really needs one
• GLP-1s (like Ozempic) What they actually do, and who they're helpful for

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

Eli Brecher @elibrechernutrition

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elibrechernutrition/
• Website: https://www.elibrecher.co.uk

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#32 Trust Your Gut: Dr Camilla Stokholm on Microbiomes, Inflammation and Arthritis

What if half of you wasn't actually you? In this episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes Dr Camilla Stokholm, a gut microbiome specialist, lifestyle medicine doctor, and best-selling author of What Your Doctor Eats, named after her hugely popular Instagram account.

A former NHS GP, Camilla now runs Mosaic Medical, using metagenomic testing to get to the root cause of her patients' symptoms. Her approach grew out of her own health journey, such as debilitating IBS. Whether you live with arthritis, fibromyalgia, or an inflammatory condition, get practical, science-backed strategies to feed your gut, calm inflammation, and take back control of your health.

Topics covered:

The Gut Microbiome

• Mini Pharmacy How gut bugs produce chemicals that act like medicine
• Immunity 70% of your immune system lives one cell away from your microbiome
• Leaky Gut How dysbiosis can trigger autoimmunity, inflammation and joint pain

Signs and Testing

• Hidden Signs Fatigue, brain fog, bloating, and bowel changes
• Beyond Bloodwork Why a normal test doesn't always mean it's fine
• Personalisation Food first, plus targeted prescriptions

Feeding a Healthier Life

• Microbiome Party Variety is key and 30 plants a week
• Probiotics? Lessons from the Hadza tribe on cheap, diverse eating
• Fasting & Arthritis What the research reveals

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

Dr Camilla Stokholm @whatyourdoctoreats

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

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#31 Gratitude Over Toxic Positivity: Emily on Holding Pain and Joy at Once

When you're mid-flare and someone tells you to 'look on the bright side', this episode is for you. Host Emily Johnson has a confession the word 'gratitude' used to grate on her too, and this episode is not about good-vibing your way out of pain.

Drawing on the science and her own lived experience, Emily unpacks what real, evidence-based gratitude actually is, dual processing, and the human capacity to hold a heavy truth in one hand and something beautiful in the other. Gratitude does not wipe away your pain, your anger, or your grief. It simply sends your nervous system a second, different signal alongside the first, which is that safety, warmth, and kindness also exist, right here, right now.

This is for anyone who is grieving the body or the life they expected to have, and who is tired of being made to choose between their hard feelings and their good ones.

Topics covered:

• Biology of 'Both/And' Why your brain isn't broken, it's biased, how negativity bias and central sensitisation turn up the volume on pain, and what gratitude actually does to your nervous system
• Myth of Emotional Monogamy Why you don't have to be committed to one emotion, and how the phrase 'and yet' lets grief, fear, anger, and gratitude coexist without one erasing the other
• Grief, Joy, and Post-Traumatic Growth Why grief for your health is not a failure of gratitude, plus a tender personal reflection on loss
• Microgratitude Toolkit Practical, flare-friendly tools you can actually reach for when everything feels heavy, the micro-hunt, the 'and yet' journal, somatic gratitude with the physiological sigh, and finding awe in small things
• Suffering Olympics Why there's no threshold you have to cross before your feelings count, and your invitation to try the 'and yet' practice this week

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:

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#30 Hiking with Autoimmunity: Mija Dropulić on Travelling with Lupus and Learning to Love Yourself (Volim Sebe)

Wondering if you will ever hike again? Host Emily Johnson welcomes Mija Dropulić, Croatian journalist, editor, and storyteller with 20 years' experience in media/travel/lifestyle and the founder of Under Dream Skies.

Mija lives with two autoimmune diseases, Sjögren's syndrome and lupus, and shares her journey of navigating chronic illness while figuring out how to hike, travel, and explore the outdoors. From a flare-up in Scotland, to rebuilding her strength, Mija opens up about diagnosis, daily reality, and the lifestyle shifts that have helped her. Whether you live with arthritis, lupus, or autoimmunity, this episode reminds you to love yourself again.

Topics covered:

Living with Invisible Illness

• Two Diagnoses Navigating Sjögren's and lupus
• 'Box of Chocolates' Different flare-ups
• You Don't Look Sick How to navigate this

Rebuilding the Body and Mind

• Coming Back to Self From her lowest point to a multi-day hike
• Anti-Inflammatory Living Diet, sleep, movement, finding triggers
• Trusting Your Body But knowing rest is not failure

Finding Connection and Joy

• Community Feeling less alone via social media
• Healing Outdoors Forests, fresh air, and feeling human
• Volim Sebe Putting yourself first as an act of care

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

Mija Dropulić @mijad

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mijad
• Website: https://www.underdreamskies.com

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#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

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

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#21 Emily's Arthritis Bookshelf: Top 10 Must-Reads for Remissions & Relief

Are you feeling overwhelmed by conflicting health advice? One of the questions Emily gets asked most is: "Where do I start?" In this essential solo episode, Emily shares her 10 must-read books that have transformed her journey with arthritis.

From the clinical science of the microbiome, to cutting-edge research on chronic pain, and the spiritual power of movement. This episode will help you to take control of your health, and feel empowered in your own body.

Topics covered:

• Foundations of Food & Science: Dr. Rupy Aujla and Professor Tim Spector are the leaders in culinary medicine.
• Gut Health & Immunity: Exploring these with Giulia Enders and Dr. Jenna Macciochi. Plus, the fascinating physiological link between inflammation and mental health.
• Pain & Modern Science: How Dr. Deepak Ravindran and Dr. Dani Gordon help us reduce pain.
• Movement & Lived Experience: Modifying yoga for joint health with Dr. Steffany Moonaz and exercising without flares with Zoe McKenzie.
• The Emily Johnson Library: A look inside Emily Johnson’s bestselling books, Beat Arthritis Naturally and Eat Well with Arthritis.

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:

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

Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

Authors:

• @doctors_kitchen
• @tim.spector
• @giulia_enders
• @dr_jenna_macciochi
• @drdeepakravindran
• @drdanigordon
• @yogaforarthritis
• @activelyautoimmune
• @arthritisfoodie

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#20 Remission Roadmap: Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition with The Lupus Dietitian, Tanya Freirich

In this episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes Tanya Freirich (MS, RD, CDN, CDCES), a registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of The Lupus Dietitian.

Tanya is both a clinical dietician and a patient who has lived with autoimmune disease for over 20 years. Maintaining her own remission for over a decade, she shares a science-backed roadmap to reducing inflammation Whether you are dealing with lupus, arthritis, or chronic inflammation, this episode offers practical strategies for recovery.

Topics covered:

Reality of Lupus

• The Great Imitator Why lupus symptoms are difficult to diagnose
• Biological 'Freak Out' How the immune system loses the ability to recognise itself
• Fatigue of Autoimmunity Why healing chronic inflammation requires massive cellular energy

Anti-Inflammatory Foundations

• Building Blocks for Recovery How anti-inflammatory foods provide materials for new cells
• Accessible Nutrition Debunking superfoods in exchange for staples like blueberries and broccoli
• Flare-Friendly Kitchen Tools for joint pain relief and low energy days

Beyond the Plate

• Medicinal Joy and Whimsy How laughter reduces cortisol levels by 37% and why we shouldn't 'save' our joy
• Case Study From being bed-bound to achieving remission and a healthy pregnancy

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

Tanya Freirich @thelupusdietitian

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

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#19 Mind Matters: Transformative Self-Care for the Nervous System with Suzy Reading

In this deeply nurturing episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes chartered psychologist, leading self-care expert, coach and author Suzy Reading, to explore the vital connection between the mind and the body.

Suzy shares her journey with arthritis and what led her to reclaiming the word 'selfish'. She also introduces her '7 Steps to Peace and Power' framework, and somatic practices designed to move the nervous system from a state of high alert, into one of safety and strength. Ever felt overwhelmed by your diagnosis, or completely depleted? This episode is for you.

Topics covered:

• A Turning Point: Why admitting you can’t do it all isn’t a failure, but the beginning of life lived on your own terms
• Perimenopause & Arthritis: Suzy’s personal experience with arthritis, and chronic pain
• Myth of Positivity: Why you shouldn't try to manipulate your thoughts, but focus on self-talk instead
• Practical Somatic Tools: Grounding exercises including 'Shrug and Sigh' and 'Candle Breath' for stressful moments
• Numbing vs. Feeling: Why we cannot numb difficult emotions without dampening joy
• 7-Step Framework: For reclaiming your mind, body, and right to feel
• Healthy Selfishness: Why filling your cup is a prerequisite for being loving and present
• Plus tips for your appointments (more here)

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

Suzy Reading @SuzyReading

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzyreading/
• Website: https://www.suzyreading.co.uk/

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#18 Life on the Road: How @anotherdaywithra Navigates Travelling with Arthritis

For this conversational episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes back the incredible Ali DiGiacomo. Ali is a personal trainer, digital writer, and the voice behind @anotherdaywithra, known for her unfiltered and humorous take on life with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Ali opens up about her most ambitious year yet, moving into a 16-foot Airstream trailer and traveling across Europe. Ali shares the 'un-sugarcoated' truth and reality of travelling with arthritis, as well as her essential travel tips.

Topics covered:

• Why Ali and her partner Travis chose a 16-foot home and the reality of living this way
• Her recent trip to the Winter Olympics, and how she coped with flu and flares
• How scheduling a mandatory day of rest after travel is the key to surviving trips
• Ali’s emotional realisation about the guilt we feel about sickness, when we shouldn't
• Healthcare on the move, navigating the logistical and administrative hurdles
• Medicine shaming and why listening to your doctor is vital to your care
• Practical tips for handling rheumatology appointments when your mind goes blank (see Rheumatology Appointment Workbook)
• A 'Day in the Life Of' Ali, and how the slower pace of a nomadic lifestyle has helped

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:

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

Ali DiGiacomo @AnotherDaywithRA

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anotherdaywithra/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anotherdaywithra?lang=en
• Website: https://www.anotherdaywithra.com/

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#17 Mind-Body-Gut: Mastering Inflammation with Nutritionist Eli Brecher

In this episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes Eli Brecher (ANutr), a registered associate nutritionist specialising in gut health, immunity, and inflammatory conditions.

Eli has lived with Crohn’s Disease since the age of 8 and brings a deeply empathetic and personal perspective to autoimmunity. She explains the impact of the Mind-Body-Gut Method, and her expertise in clinical nutrition offers a practical bridge between science-backed principles and everyday living.

Topics covered:

Lived Experience

• Eli’s Journey: Crohn’s in childhood and finding remission
• Gut Health: How it impacts immunity and systemic inflammation
• Red Flags: Silent symptoms in the skin, joints, and brain that signal gut dysbiosis

Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition

• Plate Additions: Why adding plants, Omega-3s, and herbs is better than cutting foods out
• Closed Kitchen Rule: Why finishing dinner 3 hours before bed matters
• DIY Nutrition: Easy, low-cost wins like making anti-inflammatory herbal teas

360° Healing Toolkit

• Sleep Science: Tart cherry juice, tryptophan, and morning sunlight to regulate your circadian rhythm
• Stress Management: Building a personalised toolkit that works for you
• Gut-Brain Axis: How nervous system regulation directly calms inflammation in the body

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

Eli Brecher @elibrechernutrition

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elibrechernutrition/
• Website: https://www.elibrecher.co.uk/

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#16 Breathwork for Pain: Mastering Inflammation with Tim van der Vliet

In this high-energy episode, host Emily Johnson sits down with Tim van der Vliet, a former Amsterdam stock trader turned world-leading breathwork and cold exposure expert. After years in the high-adrenaline world of the trading floor, Tim discovered how to master his body’s stress response using ancient wisdom and modern science.

Tim shares his journey from burnout to becoming a breathwork nerd explaining how his TT Method (Tim’s Techniques) serves as a '£500 pill' for anyone living with chronic pain, inflammation, and arthritis.

Topics Covered:

Inflammation & the Science of Breathwork

• 3 Pillars of movement, cold exposure, and the TT5 technique
• How rhythmic breathing lowers pro-inflammatory markers and reduces pain
• Targeted breathing to optimise the gut-brain axis, where serotonin & dopamine are produced

Stress & Nervous System Regulation

• Using controlled stressors like ice baths and breath holds to reset the nervous system
• How 5 mins of targeted breathwork efficiently activates the parasympathetic nervous system more than 1hr of seated meditation

Practical Tools & Arthritis Case Studies

• Tim's arthritis clients regaining mobility, reducing medication, and even achieving full remission
• Demo of the 4-2-8 'Panic Reset' to instantly calm the heart rate, plus TT5 Signature

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

Tim van der Vliet @tim_vandervliet

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim_vandervliet/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/timvandervliet
• Website: https://www.timvandervliet.com/

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#15 Social Inflammation: How Relationships Impact Arthritis and Why

Are your relationships inflaming your joints? This week, host Emily Johnson explores the powerful, often invisible connection between your social environment and chronic pain.

Drawing on the latest research in psychoneuroimmunology, Emily explains why 'Social Inflammation' is more than just a feeling, it is a biological reality. From the way chronic conflict triggers pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6, to the physical 'heat' of shame and the metabolic cost of self-censoring, this episode reveals how your immune system responds to emotional safety.

Emily shares her personal insights on the importance of authenticity, explaining why 'owning your truth' is a physiological necessity for anyone living with an inflammatory condition. Whether you’re dealing with 'biological incongruence' or looking for the anti-inflammatory power of a safe hug, this episode offers a roadmap to regulating your nervous system through connection and boundaries. And, how powerfully nourishing the right relationships can be.

Topics covered:

• The Nervous System & Biological Threat: Understanding the HPA axis and why your body can’t tell the difference between a predator and a difficult conversation.
• The High Cost of Self-Censoring: Why 'keeping the peace' might be fuelling your flares through biological incongruence.
• What is Social Inflammation? The science of how rejection and conflict 'turn on' pro-inflammatory genes.
• Support as Medicine: The role of Oxytocin in counteracting cortisol and relaxing 'muscle guarding.'
• The Power of Boundaries: Practical tools like the 'Exhale Hack', box breathing, and choosing proximity to peace.

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:

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

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

References: PMC5442367 (Social Inflammation), PMC2820143 (HPA Axis and Inflammation), PMID: 24769019 (Oxytocin and Inflammation), PMC4391341 (Stress and IL-6), PMC5314421 (The Cost of Emotional Suppression)

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#14 Root Causes & Remission: A Rheumatologist's Guide to Healing with Dr. Micah Yu

In this enlightening episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes Dr. Micah Yu (MD), a quadruple board-certified integrative rheumatologist specialising in rheumatology, integrative, and functional medicine.

As both a doctor and a patient living with arthritis, Dr. Micah brings a rare, personal perspective to autoimmunity. He explains how to bridge the gap between traditional symptom suppression and a root-cause approach to achieve true, whole-person healing. Dr Micah also wrote the foreword for Emily's first book Beat Arthritis Naturally, and signed off the content.

Topics covered:

Integrative Rheumatology

• Lived Experience: Dr. Micah’s journey with arthritis and finding remission.
• Combining Care: Conventional rheumatology and lifestyle medicine.
• Integrative vs. Functional: Differences in these medical approaches.

Science of Inflammation

• Triggers: Avoiding non-negotiables like ultra-processed foods and high salt.
• Social Impact: Why isolation and toxic relationships are pro-inflammatory.
• Epigenetics: How environment and genetics impact arthritis development.

Functional Medicine Healing Toolkit

• Root Causes: Screening for hidden triggers like gut dysbiosis.
• Vagus Nerve Hacks: Resetting the nervous system with breathwork and more.
• Movement: The science of myokines and why weightlifting helps.

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. Micah Yu @myautoimmunemd

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

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#13 Movement as Medicine: How Kerrie-Anne’s Methods Relieve Chronic Pain

In this transformational episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes movement expert, author and creator of Move At Your Desk method, Kerrie-Anne Bradley.

Drawing on her personal journey with pain, as well as helping clients with arthritis and spinal injuries, she explains how movement can reduce the inflammatory load and chronic pain. This episode provides a compassionate, evidence-based toolkit for anyone who finds traditional exercise intimidating or painful during an arthritis flare.

Topics covered:

• Chronic Pain 'Shame Cycle': Why pushing through pain often backfires and how to signal safety to your nervous system
• Active Couch Potato Risk: Why 30 mins of exercise cannot offset the inflammatory effects of sitting for 10+ hours
• Body Literacy: Skills to read your body’s signals and manage joint-related aches before they escalate
• Bone-Focused Movement: Why focusing on the space between the ball-and-socket joints is more soothing for the brain than traditional muscle-focused workouts
• 4-Step Framework: A practical protocol for chronic pain: Check-in, Move a little, Re-check, and Schedule
• Guided Arthritis-Friendly Moves: Thoracic Infinity Signs, Seated Hinging, and Side-Bends (see YouTube!)
• Unilateral Breathing: Targeting stuck areas to release tension
• Client Success: Real-life stories of people with osteoarthritis regaining mobility after surgery or flares

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

Kerrie-Ann Bradley @kerrieannebradleymoves

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kerrieannebradleymoves/
• Website: https://www.kerrie-annebradley.com/

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#12 Winter Arthritis Pain Relief: How to Stay Flare-Free in Cold Weather

Struggling with joint stiffness in cold weather? This is your ultimate survival guide for managing arthritis in winter. Host Emily Johnson dives deep into why cold weather impacts joint pain, explaining the biological reasons why dropping temperatures lead to stiff joints and increased inflammation.

Emily shares her personal success story of staying flare-up free and healthy all season (so far!). With the science behind that 'treacle' feeling in your joints to the vital role of Vitamin D for immune health, this episode is packed with steps to help you to reduce arthritis pain during the winter season.

Topics covered:

• The Science of 'Winter Joints': Understanding synovial fluid viscosity and more.
• Morning Mastery: Tips for reducing morning stiffness before you get out of bed.
• The Vitamin D & K2 Connection: Why Vitamin D3 supports immune health and how to properly absorb it.
• Immune-Boosting Nutrition: Power of Sulforaphane, and five foods to help support immunity.
• Emily’s Winter Toolkit: 5-Tip takeaway to help you prevent arthritis flares and sickness.

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:

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

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

References: PMC9354962, PMID: 39773699, PMC1001254, PMC10842779, PMC6213178

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#11 Hormones and Arthritis: Emily’s Period Pain Strategies and More

In this 20-minute episode of The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast, host Emily Johnson navigates the complex relationship between your hormones and joint pain... with a particular attention on periods. Drawing from her current nutritional therapy studies and her own lived experience, Emily shares how hormonal shifts can 'add fuel to the fire' of arthritis inflammation. Discover the science behind why your pain levels change, Emily's personal toolkit for managing period flares, and the surprising role testosterone plays in male joint health.

Topics covered:

• The Four Pillars of Pain: The four possible instigators that increase pain during your period
• The 'Joint Bodyguard': How testosterone levels can influence the risk of arthritis
• The Adipose Connection: How body fat around the middle can create more inflammation
• Emily’s Essential Remedies: From a TENS machine to CBD to fast-acting pain relief
• Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition: Supporting your system with omega-3s, magnesium, and iron
• Stress Relief: How managing cortisol and maximising rest can help

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:

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

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

References

PMC9354962

PMID: 39773699

PMID: 6859063

PMID: 23585131

PMC1001254

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#10 Route to Recovery: Navigating Chronic Fatigue with Lauren Windas

In this episode, host Emily Johnson is joined by registered nutritionist, naturopath, and author Lauren Windas to tackle one of the most misunderstood symptoms of living with arthritis: chronic fatigue. As the co-founder of Ardere, Lauren brings both professional expertise and personal insight into how we can reclaim our energy.

Drawing on her own journey, Lauren explains the complex science behind Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) and its significant overlap with inflammatory conditions. She explains why fatigue is more than just 'being tired' and offers a route to recovery.

Topics covered:

• Lauren’s Story: Overcoming post-viral fatigue to supporting others
• Science of Fatigue: The 3 Ps (Predisposition, Precipitating triggers, & Perpetuating factors)
• Medical Mishaps: Why standard tests often miss nervous/immune dysregulation
• Gut-Brain Link: How the gut and neuroinflammation influence brain fog & joint pain
• Navigating Healthcare: How to advocate for yourself and your symptoms
• Strategies for Recovery: Tips on pacing, mitochondrial support, and mindset

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:

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

Lauren Windas @laurenwindasnutritionist

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenwindasnutritionist/?hl=en
• Website: https://www.laurenwindas.com/
• Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09BHFZGTY?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzarthriti-21

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#9 Yoga for Every Body: Dr. Steffany Moonaz on Reducing Arthritis Pain

In this transformative episode, host Emily Johnson sits down with Dr. Steffany Moonaz, the founder of Yoga for Arthritis and a leading research director and professor at the Southern California University of Health Sciences. Dr. Moonaz bridges the gap between ancient mindfulness and modern neuroscience to explain how yoga can be a powerful clinical tool for managing arthritis.

Drawing on decades of research, her own personal journey with arthritis, and her book Yoga Therapy for Arthritis: A Whole-Person Approach to Movement and Lifestyle she explains how we can 'rewire' our brain's response to pain. This episode offers a compassionate, evidence-based approach to movement that focuses on finding joy in the body again.

Topics covered:

• Neuroscience of Pain: Why 'pain is necessary, but suffering is optional.'
• Stress-Pain Cycle: Using breathwork to 'downshift' the nervous system during flares.
• Healing Directions: How meditation (top-down) and movement (bottom-up) reduce pain signals.
• Yoga 'Meals' vs. 'Snacks': Simple ways to fit 5-minute movement breaks into your day.
• Ahimsa (Non-Harming): How to safely adapt poses for your specific joint limitations.
• Yoga Therapy: Why a personalised approach is the gold standard for chronic pain.
• Personal Journey: How her dance background and own diagnosis shapes patient care.
• Finding Support: Tips for finding a safe, inclusive, and qualified yoga teacher.

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

Dr Steffany Moonaz @drmoonaz

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmoonaz/
• Website: https://www.arthritis.yoga/

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#8 Food, Fibre & Inflammation: How Diet Shapes Arthritis with Dr Michael Greger

In this expert-led episode, host Emily Johnson is joined by world renowned physician, author, and nutrition researcher Dr Michael Greger, bestselling author of How Not to Die, How Not to Age, and How to Survive a Pandemic, and founder of science-based nonprofit charity NutritionFacts.org.

Together, they explore the role nutrition plays arthritis, unpacking common misconceptions about genetics, inflammation, and how lifestyle choices can influence joint health.

Drawing on decades of research and clinical evidence, Dr Greger explains how diet, particularly fibre-rich, whole plant foods can support the immune system, gut microbiome, and inflammatory pathways involved in arthritis, osteoarthritis, and autoimmune disease.

Topics covered:

• What inflammation means in arthritis
• Genetics vs environment and lifestyle risk factors
• Gut health, fibre, and immune health
• Plant-based diets and inflammatory conditions
• Food poisoning, gut infections, and autoimmune arthritis
• Fibre, key anti-inflammatory foods and simple changes
• The role of sleep, stress, and movement
• Taking ownership of long-term health

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:

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

Dr Michael Greger @MichaelGregerMD:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelgregermd/
• @nutrition_facts_org: https://www.instagram.com/nutrition_facts_org/
• Website: https://nutritionfacts.org/

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#7 A Rheumatologist’s Guide to Arthritis with Dr Julekha Wajed

In this informative episode, host Emily Johnson sits down with NHS consultant rheumatologist Dr Julekha Wajed (also known as Dr Julie) to unpack what arthritis really is, why early diagnosis matters, and how modern treatment approaches support people to live full, active lives with arthritis.

Drawing on 10+ years of clinical experience, Dr Julie explains how arthritis is diagnosed, and why a personalised, whole-person approach (medication, lifestyle strategies, and shared decision-making) leads to the best long-term outcomes. This episode addresses common fears around diagnosis and medication, providing reassurance and hope for anyone navigating arthritis care.

Topics covered:

• Early warning signs and symptoms of inflammatory arthritis
• Why early diagnosis can improve outcomes and reduce long-term joint damage
• How arthritis is diagnosed, including blood tests, imaging, and clinical assessment
• Modern treatment plans, including DMARDs and biologics, and how they are individualised
• Addressing medication fears, side effects, and common misconceptions
• The role of lifestyle factors such as movement, rest, stress management, and nutrition alongside medical care
• The importance of trust, communication, and partnership between patients and their rheumatology team
• What “living well with arthritis” means from a rheumatologist’s perspective
• A hopeful real-world case study showing how early diagnosis and the right treatment can transform quality of life

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:

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

Dr Julekha Wajed @arthritis_dr

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritis_dr/
• Website: https://www.nuffieldhealth.com/consultants/dr-julekha-wajed

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#6 Cheryl Crow on Thriving with Arthritis: Mental Wellbeing, Life Hacks & Tools

In this episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes Cheryl Crow, Occupational Therapist (OT), the founder of Arthritis Life, and host of the Arthritis Life Podcast. Cheryl shares her journey living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for over two decades, from her confusing diagnosis at 21 to becoming an OT.

Cheryl brings a unique perspective as both a patient and an expert, combining lived experience with professional knowledge. She highlights the importance of mental wellbeing, self-management, and practical adaptations to help people navigate daily life with arthritis, and thrive.

Topics covered:

• Understanding the role of an Occupational Therapist for arthritis
• Cheryl’s personal journey with RA and how it shaped her career as an OT
• Two core OT approaches:
  • Remedial: Strengthening and managing what’s possible
  • Adaptive/Compensatory: Life hacks and tools to overcome fixed challenges
• Mental health, grief, and acceptance: Applying Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to chronic illness
• Turning off the struggle switch and committing to values-driven action despite arthritis
• The 80/20 Rule for sustainable lifestyle changes (as discussed in Beat Arthritis Naturally)
• How OTs provide tools that complement your own problem-solving skills

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:

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

Cheryl Crow @ArthritisLife:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritis_life_cheryl/
• Website: https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/
• Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4b5LTuE3GKuEbcCUn3yYN0

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#5 Inside Emily’s Worst Arthritis Flare-Ups: The Triggers and Lessons Learned

In this episode of The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast, host Emily Johnson walks you through her 5 most challenging arthritis flare-ups and the lessons each one taught her. From seasonal colds and stress to alcohol and trigger foods, Emily shares the real-life experiences that tested her resilience. Discover how she navigated intense pain, learned to recover effectively, and developed strategies to prevent future flare-ups.

Topics covered:

• A Christmas flu that sparked the flare-up that inspired Arthritis Foodie
• How stress and grief triggered one of Emily’s most intense flare-ups
• A seemingly innocent Halloween party that wreaked havoc on her joints
• The New York trip that ended in unexpected pain, and what caused it
• Overindulgence during the holidays and the hard lesson it taught
• Emily’s top strategies for surviving, managing, and recovering from flare-ups
• How to uncover your own triggers and take control of your health

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:

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

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#4 Anti-Inflammatory Eating: How Gut Health Impacts Arthritis with VJ Hamilton

In this episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes registered nutritionist and autoimmune expert VJ Hamilton to explore the critical role of nutrition and gut health in managing arthritis. With a background in biochemistry, immunology, and nutritional therapy, VJ shares practical, evidence-based strategies to help reduce inflammation for happier joints.

Exploring her own journey with autoimmune disease and those of her clients, VJ details how dietary choices, nutrient density, and gut microbiome balance influence inflammation, fatigue, and joint pain. She also shares inspiring case studies of clients who have transformed their health through anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle changes.

Topics covered:

• VJ’s personal autoimmune journey and how it's shaped her career
• The link between gut health, leaky gut, and arthritis symptoms
• How bacteria imbalances and oxalate buildup can contribute to joint inflammation
• Anti-inflammatory nutrition essentials: omega-3s, polyphenols, and more
• Foods and lifestyle habits to limit: sugar, ultra-processed foods, and alcohol
• The power of small, sustainable changes for long-term symptom relief
• Case study: a client with rheumatoid arthritis who became symptom-free
• Practical tips for observing gut-related issues and supporting your immune system through nutrition

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

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

VJ Hamilton @theautoimmunitynutritionist:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theautoimmunitynutritionist/?hl=en
• Website: https://theautoimmunitynutritionist.com/
• Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Bl4s4oGo8j6OlhzPHNISF

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#3 Understanding Modern Pain Science: From Nociception to Self-Management

In this insightful episode, host Emily Johnson sits down with NHS chronic pain consultant and lifestyle medicine practitioner Dr Deepak Ravindran to explore the evolving science of chronic pain, and what it means for people living with arthritis today.

Drawing from the latest pain research and real-life case studies, Deepak explains how our understanding of pain has evolved — it’s not just a physical signal, but a complex, brain-generated protective experience that can be influenced through a whole-person, lifestyle-integrated approach combining medical care with nutrition, sleep, movement, stress management, and more.

Topics covered:

• The modern distinction between nociception and pain, and why this matters in arthritis
• How immune and nervous system interactions can amplify pain sensitivity
• The “wear and repair” mindset: why joints can still heal and adapt at any age
• A five-pillar framework for calming inflammation and improving function
• Rethinking medications: their benefits, limits, and role within integrative care
• The importance of self-management, realistic timelines (12 weeks–6 months), and sustained behaviour change
• Case study: a woman with rheumatoid and osteoarthritis who regained control through small, structured changes in lifestyle

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:

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

Dr Deepak Ravindran @DrDeepakRavindran:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdeepakravindran/?hl=en
• Website: https://deepakravindran.co.uk/
• Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Pain-Free-Mindset-Control-Overcoming-Chronic/dp/1785043390/

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#2 From Flares to Fitness: How @anotherdaywithra Moves with RA

For the second episode of The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast, host Emily Johnson sits down with Ali DiGiacomo, certified personal trainer, advocate, and influencer known as @anotherdaywithra, who lives with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Ali shares how she went from limited mobility to coaching others with chronic illness. From living, training, and traveling with RA, to breaking medication stigma and finding strength through movement. Her inspiring story proves that arthritis doesn’t mean the end of activity, but the start of moving differently to support our health.

Topics covered:

• Early experiences with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and years of misdiagnosis
• Transitioning from limited mobility to becoming a personal trainer
• Building community and using social media to reduce isolation and share honest, balanced perspectives (and that viral video!)
• The role of movement in improving stiffness, energy, and mood, with an emphasis on accessibility and modification
• Addressing medication realities, stigma, and why it's not 'one-size-fits-all'
• Her strategies for traveling while managing medications
• Tips for partners, friends, and family to better support someone with arthritis
• How online advocacy and connection has made an impact
• Key takeaways on integrating practical routines, positive mindset, and community

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:

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

Ali DiGiacomo @AnotherDaywithRA:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anotherdaywithra/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anotherdaywithra?lang=en
• Website: https://www.anotherdaywithra.com/

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#1 Emily's Arthritis Journey & Favourite Pain Relief Tips

For the first official episode of The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast, host Emily Johnson shares her diagnosis journey with arthritis. Plus, how Arthritis Foodie came about, her books and some of her favourite types of pain relief.

Topics covered:

• Suspected Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis that was missed at 4 years old
• Symptoms leading up to the diagnosis
• Gut Dysbiosis contributing to autoimmunity
• The various misdiagnoses leading up to her confirmed condition
• What it was like to have arthritis as a young person
• How medications matter, but it was diet and lifestyle that made a huge difference
• The creation of Arthritis Foodie and writing bestselling books
• Plus, 3 Pain Relief Tips that Emily swears by

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:

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

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this introductory episode of The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast, host Emily Johnson shares a summary of what's to come in the series.

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 an internationally bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis.

Episode Links:

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

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

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

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.