Podcast
Iconically Ill
Hosted by Laura Lyons · EN
Welcome to Iconically Ill, I'm your host Laura Lyons, where I interview other disabled and chronically ill people with humor and heart over the clinical part.
21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
We Talk Cerebral Palsy and Journalism
Mar 1000:54:58Tap to summarizeWe talk Cerebral palsy and journalism with Erin Tatum. Erin is a Journalist, Copywriter, Project Manager and Entertainment Liaison. As a multidisciplinary journalist, she gravitates towards stories that illuminate an artist's perspective and highlight the unsung protagonists of the world around us. She is particularly invested in elevating subjects from marginalized communities and amplifying impactful social issues. She is passionate about spreading awareness for disability through laughter and sarcasm. Follow Erin at allegedly_erin on Instagram and TikTok. After this recording Erin's beloved mother passed away. We dedicate and honor her in this episode. Show transcript bit.ly/3UKUymI
Transcribe →We Talk ME/CFS and Live Performing
Mar 301:07:58Tap to summarizeWe Talk ME/CFS and live performing with Dan Fishback. Dan Fishback is a playwright and musician in NYC, with a two-decade body of work exploring the shadows of Jewish and queer life in the United States. His musical about Jewish socialists, The Material World, was called "the best downtown musical in years" by Time Out New York in 2012. From 2013 through 2020, Fishback ran The Helix Queer Performance Network--a series of programs designed to bring queer generations together and redress inequities in the world of queer arts and culture. In recent years, as Fishback has struggled with myalgic encephalomyelitis (also known as chronic fatigue syndrome or ME/CFS), he has reoriented his artistic practice towards disability justice, with the rock musical Dan Fishback is Alive, Unwell & Living in His Apartment, which was commissioned by Joe's Pub at the Public Theater in 2024. Fishback is a member of Jewish Voice for Peace, and sits on the Joe's Pub Council. Follow Dan @dangerfishback on Instagram Show transcript bit.ly/3UKUymI
Transcribe →We Talk Eczema
Feb 2400:52:30Tap to summarizeWe talk eczema with Farshad Khansari. Farshad Khansari is a fully vaccinated comedian, sketch performer and clown, based in New York by way of New Jersey. So really, he's based in New Jersey. He thought he wanted to be a doctor due to immigrant parental expectations, but was so disappointed with how our healthcare is run in America that he decided to become a clown instead. You can find Farshad performing around New York City in spaces like UCB, Caveat, Second City, and many a small venue. Sometimes you can find him on Twitch @falukun meming on himself while playing a game. You can also find him leading food tours in Chinatown on the weekends! There are so many ways to find him!! Follow Farshad @farshadkhansari on Instagram Show transcript bit.ly/3UKUymI
Transcribe →We Talk Dwarfism
Feb 1701:06:17Tap to summarizeWe talk Dwarfism with Jillian Curwin. Jillian is a writer, content creator, and advocate for dwarfism and disability awareness based in New York City. She has written for Culxtured and has collaborated with Betches Media and FEMINIST to discuss disability representation in fashion, sports, and entertainment along with highlighting current events in the disability space. In addition she has consulted with brands and organizations in the fashion and fitness spaces about accessibility and inclusion. She is the host of the podcast Always Looking Up where she talks to people about living in a world that was not necessarily designed for them and how they are changing it. Follow Jillian @jill_ilana on instagram Show transcript bit.ly/3UKUymI
Transcribe →We Talk Hyperthyroidism
Feb 1000:56:07Tap to summarizeWe talk Hyperthyroidism with Molly LaFlesh. Molly is a writer, performer, and producer based in New York. You can find her work on the Internet and on stages across New York, most recently as part of Boogiemanja Sketch Collective, where she is a board member, as well as Gold Comedy and many other projects. Follow Molly at @mollylaflesh on Instagram and @peeppeepwhatsthatcheep on eBird Show transcript bit.ly/3UKUymI
Transcribe →We Talk Stevens-Johnson Syndrome
Feb 301:02:27Tap to summarizeWe talk Stevens-Johnson Syndrome with Shaz. Shaz is a Steven Johnson's survivor. She is 32 from South Africa born and raised. Shaz is a beauty teacher and wellness coach as she can no longer work as a beautician after having blurred vision from SJS . Follow Shaz at @Shaz_the_beautician on Tiktok, Instagram, and Youtube Show transcript bit.ly/3UKUymI
Transcribe →We Talk Right Arm Upper Amputee
Jan 2700:47:46Tap to summarizeWe talk right arm upper amputee with Melanie Waldman. As an advocate for disability rights and overall inclusion, Melanie's history & career include presenting her connection(s)—as a woman with both physical and non-apparent disabilities—to a wide range of audiences. She's a 3-time Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Winner, an adaptive yoga teacher, professional speaker, and works as on-air talent in adaptive fashion at QVC. In 2025, she launched her podcast platform "Disability Reality Media", which she's taken to Sundance, Tribeca, and Reelabilities. Artists she's interviewed include Gerard Butler, Steve Way, Rose Byrne, Marissa Bode, Jillian Mercado, and more! While political advocacy was never on her intentional professional path, one of the highlights of the last year included working with the AAPD (American Association of People with Disabilities). Melanie participated in the "Disability Power on the Hill Day", speaking on raising the income asset limit for people with disabilities (among many other proposed bills and topics). Nothing means more to Melanie than her work, along with her community, as she truly connects with the notion that we are stronger together. Follow Melanie @whereswaldman on Instagram Show transcript bit.ly/3UKUymI
Transcribe →We Talk Rare Undiagnosed Muscle Disease
Jan 2000:46:00Tap to summarizeWe talk rare undiagnosed muscle disease with Danielle Connolly. Danielle Connolly is a disability advocate, content creator, speaker, and business and marketing professional. Born with a rare, still-undiagnosed muscle disease, Danielle has navigated unique life experiences that have shaped her passions and purpose. She shares her perspective through "Daniellevates," a platform dedicated to elevating conversations about disability, rare disease, and chronic illness with a mix of humor, storytelling, education, and real-life adventures featuring accessibility reviews. Follow Danielle @_daniellevates on Instagram Show transcript bit.ly/3UKUymI
Transcribe →We Talk Covid and Ventilators
Jan 1300:46:21Tap to summarizeWe talk Covid and Ventilators with Ashley Estes. Ashley Estes is a COVID-19 survivor who was hospitalized early in the pandemic, an experience that permanently reshaped her understanding of fear, recovery, and resilience. During her illness and the long recovery that followed, she also experienced domestic violence, a reality that compounded the physical and emotional toll of being sick and isolated. Ashley speaks openly about her story to highlight the overlapping vulnerabilities that crises can expose and the strength it takes to survive them. Her journey reflects both the visible and invisible aftermath of COVID, as well as the courage required to heal from trauma that occurs behind closed doors. By sharing her experience, she hopes to help others feel less alone and to encourage empathy, awareness, and compassion. Follow Ashley at @letthem3atcake on Instagram Show transcript bit.ly/3UKUymI
Transcribe →We Talk Cerebral Palsy and Drag Queens
Jan 600:45:14Tap to summarizeWe Talk Cerebral Palsy and Drag Queens with Ron Hill. Ron is an editor/producer based in Los Angeles. Born with Cerebral Palsy and raised in a small New Hampshire town, his path to working with drag queens on the West Coast has been an unexpected but appreciated experience. Due to the fact that his disability goes largely unnoticed by his peers, he has only recently become comfortable identifying as disabled and raising awareness for his condition. Follow Ron at @artofwot on Instagram Show transcript bit.ly/3UKUymI
Transcribe →