Hey my messy warriors 💖

This episode is such a special one for me. I had the absolute honor of sitting down with fellow Type 1 Diabetic badass, Kelsey Lynn Stokes—and let me tell you… her story? It’s powerful, it’s messy, and it’s REAL.

I actually found Kelsey on TikTok (which yes… can be a little scary sliding into those DMs 😅), but I knew instantly I wanted her on the show. Her energy, her honesty, and her willingness to share her journey is exactly what this space is about—representation, resilience, and reminding you that you are NOT alone in this.

We dive into what it’s really like living with Type 1 Diabetes—not just the numbers, not just the tech—but the mental battles, the burnout, the grit it takes to show up every single day.

Kelsey shares her diagnosis story at just 13 years old, navigating life overseas without proper support, and how misinformation and lack of understanding shaped her early years. And you guys… this is why I’m so passionate about talking about this—because the narrative used to be SO different. Fear-based. Limiting. Honestly? Damaging.

But here’s what I love—this episode flips that script.

We talk about how far technology has come, how people are living LONG, full lives with T1D (shoutout to Carol with 50+ years 🙌), and why it’s so important for newly diagnosed individuals to see what’s possible.

Now… this is where it gets intense.

Kelsey shares the moment her life took a turn—running the New York City Marathon (yes, like an absolute warrior 💪), experiencing severe chest pain mid-race… and STILL finishing. Only to later find out she was dealing with a serious underlying infection and complications that landed her in the hospital.

And this is the part that hit me hard…

How many of us are pushing through symptoms?
How many of us are told we’re “fine” when we’re not?
How many of us don’t realize how bad we felt until we finally feel better?

That conversation right there… whew.

We also talk about burnout—because let’s be real… we don’t get a break. Ever. And sometimes the strongest thing you can do is NOT push through, but actually pause, take care of yourself, and refill your cup.

And one of my favorite parts of this episode? Kelsey taking her own struggles and turning them into something powerful—creating a product that supports women with diabetes so they can feel confident, feminine, and FUNCTIONAL without sacrificing their care.

Because representation matters.
Because innovation matters.
Because feeling GOOD in your own skin matters.

This episode is about resilience.
It’s about advocacy.
It’s about choosing—over and over again—not to be a victim of your circumstances.

Messy warriors… this one is going to stick with you 💥

Connect with Kelsey Lynn Stokes:

https://www.instagram.com/thewanderingdiabetic/

https://www.tiktok.com/@thewanderingdiabetic

CALYCANTHUS:

https://calycanthuslingerie.com

https://www.tiktok.com/@calycanthuslingerie

https://www.instagram.com/calycanthuslingerie/