Brought to you by Bionews and Multiple Sclerosis News Today, this new, physician-led podcast hosted by Susan Payrovi, MD and Mirla Avila, MD, offers a comprehensive approach to managing MS, blending the latest treatment insights with practical lifestyle strategies.
From symptom management to mental health and daily living tips, each episode delivers actionable advice and expert guidance, empowering you to confidently navigate your MS journey and take charge of your health. Tune in today and take control!
Meet the hosts:
Mirla Avila, MD
Interim Chair of Neurology / Assoc. Prof. of Neurology
Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center
Lubbock, TX
Dr. Avila is a board certified neurologist and MS specialist, and is the Director of Texas Tech Comprehensive MS Center. She is involved in several ongoing MS research projects and has authored numerous abstracts, book chapters, and peer-reviewed articles on MS treatment and management. A passionate neurologist and music enthusiast, Dr. Avila directs funds from her album sales to support patients in underserved communities and advance MS research.
Susan Payrovi, MD
Integrative and Functional Medicine Physician
Stanford Center for Integrative Medicine living with MS
Susan Payrovi, MD is a triple board-certified physician in anesthesiology, hospice and palliative medicine, and integrative medicine. She is also a patient who is diagnosed and living with MS. Dr. Payrovi is a clinical assistant professor at Stanford University, where her clinical practice focuses on non-pharmaceutical lifestyle treatments of chronic disease. She holds a bachelor's in Microbiology and Molecular Genetics from UCLA and a medical degree from UC San Diego. Dr. Payrovi is also certified in functional medicine.
In this episode of "Get Tough on Multiple Sclerosis," Mirla Avila and Susan Payrovi, MDs, break down the stages of MS, what progression really looks like, and how to tell the difference between a relapse and true disease change. They tackle myths, explain smoldering MS and PIRA, and highlight the subtle signs that deserve attention — even when your MRI is quiet.
Explore the show notes for free resources, including a downloadable "Keeping tabs on potential MS progression" guide and ways to connect with the show.
https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/video/ms-on-the-move-tracking-evolving-symptoms/
1 Oct 2025
No rest with MS? Managing sleep disruption
In this episode of Get Tough on Multiple Sclerosis, Mirla Avila and Susan Payrovi, MDs, dive into one of the most frustrating challenges for people living with MS: sleep disturbance. From the reasons behind sleepless nights to practical tips and everyday life hacks, they unpack strategies to help you rest easier and take back control of your nights
Explore the show notes for free resources, including a downloadable "Sleep tight: Boosting restorative rest with MS" guide and ways to connect with the show.
https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/video/no-rest-MS-managing-sleep-disruption-episode-5
6 Aug 2025
Gut Check: The Microbiome’s Role in MS
Feeling like your gut has a mind of its own when it comes to MS? In episode four of "Get Tough on Multiple Sclerosis," Susan Payrovi, MD, and Mirla Avila, MD, demystify the gut microbiome and its surprising impact on multiple sclerosis. They dive into fascinating facts about the trillions of microbes living inside you, explaining how they influence your immune system and overall health. Discover how food, lifestyle, and common medications can shape your gut environment, and learn practical strategies to cultivate a microbiome that supports your well-being.
Explore the show notes for free resources, including a downloadable food tracker and ways to connect with the show.
https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/video/the-ms-gut-feeding-your-microbiome-for-wellness-episode-4
12 Jun 2025
Treatment Talk: Lifting the Fog on MS Treatments
Feeling overwhelmed by the choices of MS treatments? In episode three of “Get Tough on Multiple Sclerosis,” Dr. Susan Payrovi and Dr. Mirla Avila guide you through the often-daunting world of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs). Together they answer real-world questions—like how to select the right therapy, when to switch, and how to weigh risks versus benefits—so you can make informed decisions alongside your healthcare team. You’ll learn about different treatment options, and practical considerations around selecting a treatment.
Access the show notes for bonus material and show/host contact info. https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/video/get-tough-on-multiple-sclerosis-season-1-episode-3/
7 Apr 2025
Pain in My MS: Hurdles, Help, and Hacks
Pain is challenging, but it doesn't have to define your life. Episode 2 of "Get Tough on Multiple Sclerosis" is designed to inspire and uplift, featuring insightful guidance from Dr. Susan Payrovi and Dr. Maria Avila, who break down the complexities of pain in MS. Their expert knowledge, paired with empathetic communication, offers hope and practical solutions for managing symptoms effectively.
The episode includes powerful and encouraging real-life strategies shared by community members who've found their path to relief and empowerment. You'll gain access to motivational insights, holistic approaches, and uplifting perspectives that inspire you to approach your pain management with renewed optimism. It's time to transform your experience and reclaim your life.
Access the show notes for bonus material and show/host contact info. https://multiplesclerosisnewstoday.com/video/get-tough-on-multiple-sclerosis-season-1-episode-2/
19 Feb 2025
MS and fatigue: Why do my batteries always need to be recharged?
Tired of MS fatigue controlling your life? In the premiere episode of “Get Tough on Multiple Sclerosis,” Dr. Susan Payrovi and Dr. Mirla Avila empower patients to confidently manage their MS journey by tackling the pervasive issue of fatigue. This episode offers expert advice, practical strategies, and fellow MS patients sharing their personal "life hacks” to help you manage fatigue through lifestyle changes and mindfulness techniques. Plus, you’ll be introduced to a customizable fatigue tracker, a valuable tool to help individuals monitor patterns, identify triggers, and make informed adjustments to improve daily energy levels.
Explore the show notes for free resources, including a downloadable fatigue tracker, mindfulness and meditation tools, and ways to connect with the show.
29 Jan 2025
Welcome to Get Tough on Multiple Sclerosis
Managing MS can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone. Get Tough on Multiple Sclerosis is a brand-new podcast and video series designed to empower you with expert insights, lifestyle strategies, and real patient experiences.
Hosted by Drs. Susan Payrovi and Mirla Avila, this physician-led series covers:
The latest in MS treatments & symptom management
Practical, real-life strategies for improving daily life
Inspiring stories to help you stay strong and resilient
Online and offline resources to help you in your day-to-day life
Answers to real questions from MS patients
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
8 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 8 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
3
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
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