About SpoonFull of Strength: A Podcast for People with Chronic Illness
The SpoonFull Show (formerly SpoonFull of Strength) is hosted by Rachel, who has lived with Multiple Sclerosis for 10 years and Type 1 Diabetes for more than 25. Each episode blends heartfelt Spoonie conversations with insightful expert interviews, exploring what it really means to live with chronic illness. From the struggles of diagnosis and the mental load of daily symptoms, to the victories of advocacy, resilience, and finding joy, this podcast offers community, encouragement, and the reminder that even a spoonful of strength can carry you through.
Ep. 109: Who Am I When I Can't Do It All? With Lindsay Weber
Who Am I When I Can't Do It All? | Lindsay Weber, LCSW
What happens when you've spent your entire life being the person who does it all, and suddenly your body won't let you anymore?
For so many of us living with chronic illness, it's not just about the physical symptoms. It's about losing the ability to do things that once came so easily. It's about feeling guilty when we rest, struggling to ask for help, and wondering who we are when we can no longer keep up with the life we used to live.
This week on The SpoonFull Show, I'm joined by Lindsay Weber, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who specializes in chronic illness and anxiety. Lindsay also lives with Behçet's disease, a rare autoimmune condition, and knows firsthand what it's like to tie your self-worth to productivity.
We talk about the difficult transition from high achiever to survival mode, why so many of us push ourselves beyond our limits, and how chronic illness can completely change the way we see ourselves.
In this episode, we discuss:
Why high achievers often ignore their body's warning signs
The emotional toll of losing your old identity
Why resting can make us feel guilty or lazy
The connection between chronic illness, anxiety, and our nervous system
Learning to ask for help without feeling like a burden
Grieving the life you thought you'd have
Finding new ways to pursue what matters without sacrificing your health
Lindsay also shares some practical tools for managing difficult thoughts, learning to rest, and creating a life that works with your body instead of constantly fighting against it.
Because your worth has never been determined by how much you can accomplish.
If you've ever looked at your life and wondered what happened to the person who could do it all, this conversation is for you.
Connect with Lindsay Weber:
Website: https://lindsayweberlcsw.com (https://lindsayweberlcsw.com/)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.chronic.therapist/ (https://www.instagram.com/the.chronic.therapist/)
Connect with SpoonFull of Strength:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/ (https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/)
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength (https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength)
Shop SpoonFull of Strength:
https://SpoonFullofStrength.Etsy.com (https://spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com/)
Use code PODCAST for 30% off your order!
The SpoonFull Show — Strength, one spoon at a time.
28 Oct 2026
Ep. 108: When did Chronic Illness Become Cool?
When Did Chronic Illness Become “Cool”?
Social Media, Visibility & the Rise of the Chronic Illness Influencer
Has chronic illness become trendy—or are people with chronic illness simply more visible than ever before?
In this Spoonie Chats episode, Rachel is joined by her sister-in-law and co-host Tina to discuss an article titled “How Having a Disability Became Cool” and the conversation it sparked within the chronic illness community.
Rachel and Tina talk about the rise of chronic illness influencers, the genuine connections and support people find through social media, and what happens when money enters the picture. Can someone make money from sharing their chronic illness experience and still be authentic? And what responsibility comes with having an audience that trusts you?
They also explore the complicated side of seeing chronic illness represented online—how watching someone with the same diagnosis live a full, active life can be incredibly inspiring one day and leave you questioning your own limitations the next.
Plus, Rachel shares reactions directly from the chronic illness community about whether disability has really become “cool”...or whether people who have spent far too long feeling unseen are finally finding their voices.
🎧 Join the conversation: Do you think chronic illness has become trendy, or are we simply becoming more visible?
Connect with SpoonFull of Strength
Instagram: @spoonfullofstrength
TikTok: @spoonfull.of.strength
🛍️ Shop SpoonFull of Strength: SpoonFullofStrength.Etsy.com
Use code PODCAST for 30% off your order.
21 Oct 2026
Ep. 107: The Art of Being Seen with Artist Jillian Franko
The Art of Being Seen | Jillian Franko
What happens when the world starts seeing you for who you are, rather than what makes you different?
This week on The SpoonFull Show, I'm joined by artist Jillian Franko, who was born with Larsen's Syndrome, a rare genetic condition affecting bone formation and structure.
Jillian has faced physical challenges throughout her life, but she's never lost her passion for creating. With limited range of motion, she developed her own unique painting technique, using smaller individual panels that come together to form beautiful, larger pieces of artwork.
In this episode, we talk about independence, finding creative ways to do things differently, and what it means to be recognized for something you love. Jillian also shares some incredible stories about her artwork, including paintings she created for Derek Hough and the Jonas Brothers.
But one of my favorite parts of our conversation is Jillian's reminder to slow down and notice the beauty in everyday life. Sometimes the things we overlook are the very things worth appreciating.
This is an episode you'll want to WATCH! Throughout our conversation, I'm sharing some of Jillian's incredible artwork. Catch the video version on Spotify or YouTube to see her paintings as we discuss them!
Because as Jillian reminds us, doing things differently doesn't mean they're impossible.
Connect with Jillian:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillianm_art/ (https://www.instagram.com/jillianm_art/)
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jilliart_?lang=en (https://www.tiktok.com/@jilliart_?lang=en)
Connect With Rachel @SpoonFull of Strength
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/ (https://www.instagram.com/spoonfullofstrength/)
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength (https://www.tiktok.com/@spoonfull.of.strength)
Find chronic illness awareness apparel and more at:
https://SpoonFullofStrength.Etsy.com (https://spoonfullofstrength.etsy.com/)
Use code PODCAST for 30% off your order!
Who has been a guest on SpoonFull of Strength: A Podcast for People with Chronic Illness
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Tina
Lyndsay Soprano
Claire Shoolin
Lorraine Ansell
Michele Roys
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
7,733
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
12 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 85 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
94
Social presence
91
YouTube
86
Engagement
60
Contact SpoonFull of Strength: A Podcast for People with Chronic Illness
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about SpoonFull of Strength: A Podcast for People with Chronic Illness
Who hosts SpoonFull of Strength: A Podcast for People with Chronic Illness?
Rachel host the show. Published by Rachel.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does SpoonFull of Strength: A Podcast for People with Chronic Illness take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
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