It Happened To Me: A Rare Disease and Medical Challenges Podcast

A sensitive content warning: this episode includes discussion of substance addiction, mental health struggles, suicide attempts, and recovery. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger or at risk of harm, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 in the U.S., call or text 988 to connect with a trained counselor, or use the online chat through the 988 Lifeline. It supports people experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, mental health crises, and substance use concerns. To honor May being Mental Health Awareness month we invited Drew Motiv to share his story of transformation through addiction, mental health struggles, and surviving suicide attempts, in this episode. Now a motivational speaker and founder of the Divine Family Movement, Drew opens up about the darkest chapters of his life and how he found his way toward healing, self-belief, and purpose. We explore what it truly means to hit rock bottom, the isolation that can come with addiction and recovery, and the difficult work of rebuilding your identity after trauma. Drew reflects on the internal battles he faced, the moments that changed his path, and how he now uses his lived experience to help others feel less alone. Beth and Cathy also talk with Drew about the emotional complexity of recovery, learning to trust yourself again, coping with lingering anxiety and darkness, and turning personal pain into public advocacy. His story is both deeply personal and broadly resonant for anyone navigating mental health challenges, addiction, or the long road back to themselves. In this episode, we discuss: Drew Motiv’s journey through addiction and mental health struggles What “rock bottom” looked like in his life Surviving suicide attempts and the emotional aftermath The role of isolation, honesty, and support in recovery Rebuilding trust in yourself after trauma How recovery is not linear Turning painful experiences into purpose-driven advocacy Founding the Divine Family Movement Redefining strength, especially for men facing stigma around vulnerability What Drew wants listeners who are struggling to hear right now If you or someone you know is struggling, please use the resources below.  Drew’s Links: Follow Drew Motiv on Instagram @Drew_Motiv divinefamilymovement.com Resources:  Need support? If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. In the U.S., you can call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24/7. For substance use or mental health treatment referrals, contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). For text-based crisis support, text HOME to 741741. Veterans and service members can reach the Veterans Crisis Line by calling 988 and pressing 1 or texting 838255. For non-crisis support and local mental health resources, contact NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text NAMI to 62640.  Connect With Us:    Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me”! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”.    “It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.   See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected]. 

Guest Ra-Jon James opens up about his medical emergency that turned his world upside down in an instant. Ra-Jon was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS), a rare neurological condition where the body’s immune system attacks the nerves, leading to rapid muscle weakness and, in Ra-Jon's case, sudden paralysis. Ra-Jon first shared his courageous journey on WTKR news in his hometown, and in this episode he joins us to go deeper into the emotional and physical grit required to relearn how to stand, walk, and reclaim his independence. In This Episode, We Discuss: The Sudden Onset: Ra-Jon describes the terrifying moment his body stopped responding and how quickly his symptoms progressed from minor sensations to total loss of movement. Understanding GBS: A look at Guillain-Barré Syndrome in plain English, what it feels like when your nervous system "short-circuits" and the emotional toll of losing autonomy overnight. The Diagnostic Journey: The moment of receiving the diagnosis and why early medical intervention is the most critical factor in recovery. The Road to Recovery: What it’s actually like to start physical therapy when even the smallest movements feel impossible. Ra-Jon shares the profound experience of his first steps after paralysis. Mindset & Resilience: How Ra-Jon stayed motivated during the "invisible" days of progress and the role mental strength plays in neurological healing. Support Systems: The importance of community and the specific ways loved ones can provide hope during a long-term recovery. Key Takeaways for Listeners: Recognize the Red Flags: Rapidly spreading weakness or tingling in your extremities should never be ignored. You Are Not Alone: GBS can be an isolating experience; Ra-Jon offers advice for those currently terrified by a new diagnosis. Defining Hope: What healing looks like today and why believing in your body’s ability to recover is half the battle. Resources Mentioned: Ra-Jon’s WTKR News Feature GBS/CIDP Foundation International Website  About the Guest: Ra-Jon James is a GBS survivor and advocate. After his story went public following a local news appearance, he has dedicated himself to raising awareness about Guillain-Barré Syndrome and providing hope to others facing sudden neurological challenges. Connect With Us:  Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me”! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”.    “It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.   See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected].

We welcome back Meredith Mangold to shift the conversation from the medical "odyssey" to the human connection. While the first part of Meredith’s story (Episode 76) focused on her grueling search for a diagnosis and treatment for ulcerative colitis, POTS, and EDS, in this episode, we explore the essential, and often overlooked, role of support systems. Living with chronic pain at an "8 out of 10" for years isn’t just a physical challenge; it’s a relational one. Meredith joins hosts Cathy and Beth to discuss what it means to be truly supported when an illness doesn't have an end date. We dive into the nuances of communication, the "guilt of being too much," and the common mistakes well-meaning loved ones make when trying to "fix" a situation that can’t be fixed. Whether you are navigating a chronic condition yourself or walking alongside someone who is, this episode offers a masterclass in empathy, validation, and the power of simply being believed.   Episode Topics: Survival vs. Support: Identifying the moments when external support became essential to Meredith’s survival during her hardest years of chronic pain. The Anatomy of a Support System: What effective support looks like practically, emotionally, and through "quiet presence." Validation vs. "Fixing": Why well-meaning advice can sometimes feel harmful and how to pivot toward validation and safety. The Burden of Guilt: Navigating the fear of being "too much" for friends and family. Communicating the Invisible: Tips for articulating needs when pain is invisible and chronic. Advocacy without Burnout: How patients can ask for what they need without feeling ashamed. About the Guest: Meredith Mangold, CPXP, is the Founder of Empower Health Strategies and a Certified Patient Experience Professional. After being thrust into the healthcare system at age 20 with severe ulcerative colitis, later followed by diagnoses of POTS and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Meredith dedicated her career to helping healthcare professionals and digital health innovators empathize with the patient journey. She serves on the board of the Chronic Pain Project, is a faculty member for the BiteLabs Fellowship, and collaborates with Johns Hopkins Hospital on patient advocacy initiatives. Resources & Links Mentioned: Meredith’s Website: Empower Health Strategies Connect on LinkedIn: Meredith Mangold The Chronic Pain Project: chronicpainproject.org Read Meredith's Story: Emerging from the Fog (Johns Hopkins Medicine) The Chronic Illness Hotline: A text-based peer support line for those navigating chronic illness, pain, and disability. Support their mission or find help at chronicillnesshotline.org. Relevant It Happened To Me Podcast Episodes: #17 Mental Health Help with Social Worker Tamara Blum #25 Pancreatic Cancer with Patient Advocate Leslie Waldman #38 Dr. Tara Zier on Stiff Person Syndrome #66 Not Just Fatigue: Global Advocating for ME/CFS from Bed  #76 When Pain Never Stops: A Survivor’s Story of Chronic Pain and Hope (Merdith’s First Interview) #77 When Chronic Illness Changes the Tune: A Musician’s Journey Through Diabetes and Stroke   Connect With Us:  Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me”! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”.    “It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.   See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected]. 

In this episode we explore the complex world of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children, featuring practical guidance from Dr. Teresa Lyons, an autism expert, scientist, and parent of a child with autism.    Dr. Theresa Lyons is an international autism educator, Ivy League-trained scientist, and autism parent. Dr. Lyons holds a Ph.D. from Yale and is the founder and CEO of Navigating AWEtism, a platform designed to turn complex autism science into clear, practical guidance for families.   Dr. Lyons’ perspective is so powerful. She brings both rigorous scientific training and lived experience as the parent of a child with autism. She’s worked with families in more than 21 countries, helping parents move from fear and confusion to confidence and clarity. Key Topics Discussed: What autism is and how it is diagnosed through observation on a spectrum The influence of changing diagnostic criteria and rising awareness Early signs and red flags for autism in infants and toddlers The importance of differentiating misinformation from evidence-based practices How families can prioritize support strategies tailored to their child's strengths The role of collaboration between parents, professionals, and educators Myths about autism, including misconceptions about listening and cognition The connection between vaccines and autism, and how to approach medical decisions Supporting parental mental health and managing emotional regulation Scientific advances in identifying biomarkers and personalized interventions Practical at-home steps for fostering communication and emotional stability   Resources:  Dr. Thersea Lyons’ LinkedIn Navigating AWEtism's Website  Navigating AWEtism's YouTube Page Psychology Today  Autism Speaks    Connect With Us: Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me”! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”.    “It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.   See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected]. 

Discover how acupuncture, traditionally rooted in Chinese medicine, is transforming fertility care today. Join us as Kirsten Karshmer, a pioneer with over 20 years of experience, shares insights into how integrative practices and AI technology are making fertility treatment more accessible, personalized, and effective.   In This Episode: The science and philosophy behind reproductive acupuncture How acupuncture can enhance ovulation and IVF outcomes The emotional toll of infertility and managing stress Innovations in fertility tech: AI-driven platforms for personalized care Common misconceptions about fertility treatments Practical tips for young girls to foster a healthy relationship with their bodies The importance of shifting narratives: treating overall health, not just infertility   Resources:  Conceivable Technologies  ABORM - a reproductive acupuncture resource  “If Men Could Menstruate" By Gloria Steinem   Connect With Us: Stay tuned for the next new episode of “It Happened To Me”! In the meantime, you can listen to our previous episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “It Happened To Me”.    “It Happened To Me” is created and hosted by Cathy Gildenhorn and Beth Glassman. DNA Today’s Kira Dineen is our executive producer and marketing lead. Amanda Andreoli is our associate producer. Ashlyn Enokian is our graphic designer.   See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, ItHappenedToMePod.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to [email protected].