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"I kept getting the question, ‘How can we show up better for the disability community?’ And depending on who you are, the answer is different. That’s why I wrote a book about it. I hope this book can contribute to the conversation, not just about policy change but shifting hearts and minds, perspectives, and attitudes around disability." - Tiffany Yu, Founder & Author

Summary

What if the way we think about disability is holding us back from true inclusion?

It’s not just about policies or accommodations—it’s about the quiet assumptions, the words we use, and the culture we create. How do we move from seeing disability as a problem to solve to recognizing it as a valuable part of the human experience?

That’s exactly what I explore with Tiffany Yu, author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto and a disability advocate who’s redefining inclusion.

Tiffany shares why she wrote her book, how ableism shows up in our everyday lives, and what we can do right now to challenge it.

This isn’t just a conversation; it’s a call to action. Tiffany offers simple yet powerful shifts we can all make—from rethinking the words we use to advocating for accommodations and creating spaces where everyone feels valued. Whether you’re navigating your own journey or looking for ways to support others, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tools to help you take that first step.

And don’t miss Tiffany’s reflections on storytelling, self-worth, and why inclusion isn’t about lowering expectations—it’s about breaking barriers.

If you’ve ever wondered how to show up for the disability community truly, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to make a meaningful impact.

Takeaways

• Rethink the Words You Use
• Advocate Effectively with Simple Phrases
• Challenge Assumptions About Disability
• Inclusive Design and Accommodations Break Barriers, Not Expectations
• Share Your Story
• Start Small, Think Big

Tiffany Yu - Bio

Tiffany is the CEO & Founder of Diversability, a 3x TEDx speaker, and the author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Smashing Stereotypes, Forging Change, and Building a Disability-Inclusive World. She started her career at Goldman Sachs before becoming a speaker and writer on disability. At the age of 9, Tiffany became disabled as a result of a car accident that also took the life of her father.

TikTok: @imtiffanyyu
Instagram: @imtiffanyyu
LinkedIn: Tiffany Yu
Tiffany Yu Website: https://www.tiffanyyu.com/
Diversability Website: https://mydiversability.com/
Buy the Book:

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What does it take to keep going when your health impacts everything, from work to hobbies to simply getting through the day? Kait shares her journey with Miserable Malalignment Syndrome, a rare condition that’s led to years of chronic pain, countless surgeries, and tough conversations with doctors who didn’t always listen.

We talk about how she found ways to adapt her life, the mental toll of giving up the things she loves, and the determination it took to advocate for herself and finally get a diagnosis. Kait’s story is honest and relatable—she shares how she’s learned to find meaning in small daily activities, show herself compassion, and push back against stigma by telling her story.

If you’ve ever struggled with something invisible or want to better understand what it’s like, this conversation will leave you with a lot to think about and maybe even inspire you to share your own story.

Listen because:

• Self-Advocacy is Essential: Clearly communicating how your condition impacts daily life helps doctors take you seriously.
• Finding Meaning Amid Challenges: Engaging in meaningful activities, even in new ways, sustains joy and mental well-being.
• Balance is Fluid: Perfect balance doesn’t exist—adjust priorities and energy as circumstances change.
• Self-Compassion Matters: Give yourself grace when things don’t go as planned. Flexibility is key.
• Adaptation is Power: Adapting activities or exploring new passions keeps your sense of identity alive.
• Living by Your Values: Aligning daily life with your values creates true fulfillment.
• Track Your Energy and Activities: Understanding what drains or restores your energy helps you plan your day and prioritize what truly matters.

About Kait:

Kait, an occupational therapist from Monterey, California, lives with Miserable Malalignment Syndrome (MMS) and Ulnar Impaction Syndrome, likely linked to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS). These conditions have led to chronic pain and mobility challenges, requiring numerous surgeries, including femoral and tibial osteotomies, labral reconstruction, and upcoming procedures on her arms.

Despite these challenges, Kait continues to pursue her passions, including running, hiking, playing soccer and tennis, learning languages, writing poetry, and traveling. She is currently writing a memoir about her physical and emotional journey.

Kait’s career as an occupational therapist has taken on new meaning as she uses her expertise to navigate her own health challenges. Her experiences have fueled her desire to raise awareness, advocate for those living with rare conditions, and inspire others to persevere in the face of adversity.

Contact Links and Previous Podcast/Blogs:

Instagram: @alignedk8

Miles4Hips

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“Being a caregiver isn’t easy. Please give yourself grace, be patient with yourself, and reach out for support. You don’t have to do it alone.”

Summary
In this heartfelt journal entry, Tim Reitsma (me), founder of InvisibleCondition.com, shares a vulnerable reflection on the challenges of caregiving, balancing work, family, and advocacy. As a caregiver for his partner living with chronic conditions, Tim highlights the importance of community, grace, and asking for support. He calls attention to the often-overlooked struggles caregivers face, both at home and in the workplace, and encourages listeners to extend compassion and help to those in caregiving roles. This entry is a reminder that no one has to navigate these challenges alone.

Takeaways

• Caregiving is a heavy, often invisible load – It requires juggling personal, professional, and emotional responsibilities, which can lead to exhaustion and burnout.
• Support systems make a difference – Whether it's a helping hand from your community or workplace flexibility, caregivers thrive when they have the space to focus on their loved ones.
• Grace and connection are essential – Caregivers should give themselves grace, seek support, and remember that they don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. Reaching out can unlock the true power of community.

For caregivers:

• Give yourself grace and patience; it's okay to feel overwhelmed.
• Reach out for support from your community, family, or workplace.
• Don’t hesitate to ask for help—you don’t have to do it all alone.

For others supporting caregivers:

• Ask caregivers how you can help or support them.
• Offer tangible assistance, like providing meals, running errands, or giving them a break.
• Create a supportive workplace culture where caregivers feel comfortable asking for accommodations or flexibility.

For workplaces:

• Understand the unique challenges caregivers face, and create policies that support them (e.g., flexible schedules, paid leave).
• Listen to caregivers’ needs and ensure they feel heard and supported.

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• Website: invisiblecondition.com
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• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-invisible-condition-podcast/id1703432562

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What if the challenges of living with autoimmune conditions could actually lead to personal growth and strength? That’s the journey Deanna deBara shares in this conversation. Living with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and rheumatoid arthritis, Deanna has transformed her experiences with chronic pain and fatigue into sources of resilience and inspiration.

She opens up about managing her health while running a business, finding acceptance, and learning to advocate for herself. Deanna shares the powerful tools she uses to get ‘unstuck,’ such as rewriting negative stories, practicing vulnerability, and setting boundaries to honour her needs.

Her story resonates with anyone who has felt stuck or overwhelmed by life’s challenges. Through methods like releasing emotions and reframing difficult situations, Deanna shows how embracing acceptance and openness can lead to true freedom and resilience. Tune in to discover how she’s breaking barriers and learn lessons you can apply in your own journey.

Takeaways:

• Stuckness as a Shared Experience
• Impact of Invisible Conditions
• Acceptance and Reframing
• Vulnerability as Connection
• Practical Tools for Self-Care
• Creating Compassionate Spaces

“When you let the right people in, like the people that love you, they're going to be there to support you. And that vulnerability isn't going to create distance; it's going to bring people closer.” - Deanna deBara

About Deanna:
Deanna deBara is a writer whose work has appeared in Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Men's Health and more.

She is also a podcast host; her podcast, Season of Stuck, explores the all-too-human experience of feeling stuck: how and why we get stuck, what stuckness feels like, how to learn and grow from it, and ultimately, how to get unstuck and step into the next version of ourselves and our lives.

Contact Links:

• Season of Stuck website: https://www.seasonofstuck.com/
• Subscribe to newsletter: https://www.seasonofstuck.com/subscribe
• Season of Stuck Instagram: https://instagram.com/seasonofstuck
• Season of Stuck on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/season-of-stuck/id1751171964
• Season of Stuck on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6AgTNPhjXlawdmtxvN5X8v
• Season of Stuck on Buzzsprout: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2373423

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• Website: invisiblecondition.com
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• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-invisible-condition-podcast/id1703432562

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Summary

I don't write things in a journal, I record them and sometimes I publish them... They are random thoughts, often unedited and sometimes make sense (to me).

In this journal entry, I (Tim) explore the concept of 'what ifs' and how they can lead to negative thinking, particularly in the context of mental health and personal challenges. I share my experiences with self-sabotage and the importance of reframing negative thoughts into positive possibilities. I encourage listeners to embrace their feelings, seek support, and focus on the potential outcomes of their actions rather than the fears that hold them back.

Takeaways

• Reframe the "What Ifs" - Negative "what if" thoughts can be reframed into positive ones. Instead of “What if I fail?” try asking, “What if I succeed?” Embrace possibilities rather than dwelling on potential setbacks.
• Embrace Supportive Feedback - Feedback is a tool, not a verdict. Hearing others' perspectives—especially those from trusted friends—can help reinterpret situations with optimism.
• Value-Based Resilience - Grounding oneself in core values, like faith or purpose, provides strength during difficult times. Even when outcomes are uncertain, values can anchor resilience.
• Leverage Connections - When self-doubt arises, reaching out to a supportive network can offer guidance and a sense of solidarity. Tim encourages listeners to connect for mutual support.

Links

Self-Advocacy Interview Series

Subscribe - www.invisiblecondition/subscribe

Resource Hub - www.invisiblecondition.com/resource-hub

Tags: mental health, what ifs, positivity, self-sabotage, resilience, Crohn's disease, disability inclusion, personal growth, workshops, support

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• Website: invisiblecondition.com
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Imagine being diagnosed with a chronic condition that changes your entire life—and instead of letting it hold you back, you use it as fuel to build a successful company. That’s exactly what Ted Fleming did. As the founder of Partake Brewing, Ted turned his experience with Crohn’s disease into a driving force behind a non-alcoholic beer brand that’s redefining the industry.

Ted shares his journey of entrepreneurship, balancing his health with the pressures of leading a fast-growing business, and the lessons he’s learned about vulnerability, resilience, and self-awareness. He opens up about how he embraced his condition, used it to create a community around his brand, and turned his challenges into opportunities.

Ted’s story isn’t just for entrepreneurs—anyone living with a chronic illness will find inspiration in how he managed stress, found support, and built a business that empowers others facing similar battles. For workplaces, Ted offers valuable insights about creating inclusion for employees with invisible conditions, highlighting the importance of creating open, supportive environments where people can thrive.

If you’ve ever wondered how to turn adversity into success, or how to create a more inclusive workplace, this episode is for you. Ted Fleming’s story is a powerful reminder that vulnerability is a strength, and that true success comes from leading with authenticity and compassion. Tune in to learn how Ted has broken the stigma around invisible conditions, built a thriving business, and what lessons you can take into your own life or workplace.

Takeaways

• Vulnerability as Strength: Ted shows that being open about Crohn’s disease fosters empathy and connections with others facing similar challenges.
  Self-Awareness and Boundaries: Recognizing health limits is key to managing stress and avoiding burnout, even in leadership.
  Authenticity in Business: Ted’s health journey shaped Partake Brewing, with authenticity setting the brand apart in the non-alcoholic beer market.
  Community and Support: A strong community through sports and work is crucial for managing an invisible condition.
  Creating Inclusive Workspaces: Ted stresses the importance of supportive environments where employees can share health challenges.
  Impact of Sharing Your Story: Sharing personal health stories can break stigma, inspire others, and foster understanding.

Ted Fleming Bio
Ted Fleming didn’t just create Partake Brewing—he shattered expectations and carved out a new frontier in the non-alcoholic beer world. In 2017, while the naysayers were busy doubting, Ted was busy redefining the game with a revolutionary, low-calorie, great-tasting brew that quickly ascended to the top of North America’s non-alcoholic beer scene. Confronted with a Crohn’s disease diagnosis, Ted didn’t just face adversity—he transformed it into an

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Support the Show: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/timreitsma

• Website: invisiblecondition.com
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• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-invisible-condition-podcast/id1703432562

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Summary:

Imagine struggling with your health for over a decade, visiting doctor after doctor, only to be dismissed as dramatic or told that it’s all in your head. That was Kenzie Vath’s reality before she finally received a diagnosis of Lyme disease at the age of 18—after suffering for 10 years. In today’s episode, Kenzie shares her powerful story of navigating chronic illness, enduring years of misdiagnosis, and how she found her voice through the struggle.

As an advocate for those living with Lyme disease, Kenzie has turned her pain into purpose. She talks about the importance of self-advocacy in the face of medical roadblocks and why trusting yourself—even when experts don’t—is key to survival. Through her journey, she learned that finding purpose, connecting with others, and sharing her story was essential not only to her healing but to supporting others.

We also dive into her book, The Ignored Pandemic: Real Stories of Lyme Disease, where she highlights the real-life struggles of people across the globe who are fighting the same battle. Through storytelling and vulnerability, Kenzie is on a mission to raise awareness and end the stigma surrounding Lyme disease and other invisible conditions.

If you’ve ever felt dismissed, ignored, or alone in your health journey, this episode is a must-listen. Kenzie’s story is a powerful reminder that your voice matters and that resilience, compassion, and community are at the heart of healing. Tune in to hear how Kenzie turned her diagnosis into a force for change and how you can, too.

Takeaways:

• The Importance of Self-Advocacy
• Finding Purpose Through Suffering
• The Role of Community in Healing
• Resilience in the Face of Medical Challenges
• The Power of Vulnerability and Storytelling
• Holistic Health and Lifestyle Choices

Contact Links:

• Website - Holistic Umbrella
• Book - The Ignored Pandemic
• Instagram - Holistic Umbrella
• LinkedIn

Kenzie Vath is the Vice President of Strategic Innovation at Pacific Hospitality Group, where she leads growth-driven strategies for the hospitality industry. She is also the President of Impact 100 OC, supporting collective philanthropy, and serves on the board of the Global Lyme Alliance, advocating for Lyme disease awareness. As the owner of Holistic Umbrella, she promotes holistic health, and she is the author of The Ignored Pandemic, highlighting the struggles of those affected by Lyme disease.

"You are the expert in yourself, and sometimes the hardest step in self-advocacy is trusting your instincts and pushing for the answers you kno

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• Website: invisiblecondition.com
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• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-invisible-condition-podcast/id1703432562

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In this episode of the Invisible Condition podcast, I share my personal journey of balancing life with a chronic illness, managing stress, and pursuing education. Reflecting on the challenges of health and academic demands, I emphasize the importance of finding moments of joy even during difficult times. I encourage listeners to reflect on their personal growth and prioritize self-care while reminding them that it's okay to say no to commitments that don't align with their values.

Takeaways

• Finding moments of joy – Even in the midst of stress and challenges, it's important to pause and reflect on moments of joy, no matter how small they may be.
• It's okay to say no – Saying no doesn't mean no forever, it might just be no for this particular season, and that's perfectly okay.
• Reflect on growth – Take time to reflect on how you are growing in this season of life, especially when things feel overwhelming. Reframing challenges from a negative to a more neutral or positive perspective can help you grow.
• Filtering decisions through your values – It's important to align decisions with your personal vision and values, especially when you're overwhelmed and tempted to say yes to everything. This helps maintain focus and prevents burnout.
• You don't have to struggle alone – Whether you're living with a chronic condition or just feeling overwhelmed, reaching out for support is essential. There are people and resources available to help, and it's okay to lean on them when you need it.

Links

Self-Advocacy Interview Series

Briana Pastor

Resource Hub

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• Website: invisiblecondition.com
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