Podcast Summary: Living Well with Multiple Sclerosis
Episode: Finding joy while living with MS | Ardra Shephard (Tripping On Air) | S8E10
Air Date: April 8, 2026
Host: Geoff Allix (Overcoming MS)
Guest: Ardra Shephard (author, blogger, and host of Tripping On Air)
Episode Overview
This episode delves into the theme of finding joy and living authentically with multiple sclerosis (MS), through the perspective of Ardra Shephard, the vibrant voice behind the blog and podcast Tripping on Air. Ardra discusses her diagnosis, the evolution of her public presence, her new memoir "Philosophy," her advocacy for adaptive fashion, and the importance of humor and intentional joy in living with MS.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Introduction to Ardra Shephard and Her MS Journey
[01:32-02:26]
- Ardra introduces herself as a Toronto-based author and blogger, diagnosed with MS in 2001.
- She started Tripping on Air to reclaim her narrative as her symptoms became more visible:
"Writing the blog was a way for me to… control the narrative or at least put my own version of things out there." [03:55–04:12] - Initial public disclosure of her diagnosis brought both connection and stigma; her blog helps challenge pity and stereotypes.
Writing "Philosophy": Purpose and Process
[04:37-06:43]
- Ardra describes her memoir, Philosophy: My Trip Through Life with MS, as a candid, funny, and raw account spanning over 20 years.
- Targeted especially at people with MS, she hopes readers find relatability and humor:
"A difficult life doesn't have to be a joyless life. I don't sugarcoat how hard MS is. It's really effing hard." [05:20–05:42] - The memoir is grounded in old diaries, offering authentic snapshots of her changing mindset over decades.
Humor in the Face of MS: Reading from "Philosophy"
[06:43-10:18]
- Ardra reads from her memoir’s first chapter—a blend of wit and vulnerability as she recounts the night she jokingly "consulted" with Satan before her diagnosis.
- Memorable excerpt:
"Random shit doesn't just happen. Bad things happen to bitchy people. And it couldn't have just been terrible luck that I'd gotten MS. There had to have been a reason. And for a few years, I will believe the reason is me." [09:31–10:18] - The reading highlights guilt and superstition many face after diagnosis, with Ardra’s signature humor.
Navigating Blame and Self-Reflection
[10:18-11:17]
- Ardra elaborates on the tendency to self-blame or seek causation after diagnosis: "I do think a lot of people go through that process of like, what did I do to make this happen?" [10:27–10:32]
- She addresses external societal beliefs around illness as punishment or manifestation.
Podcasting and Community Building
[11:17-13:12]
- Co-hosts the Tripping on Air podcast with Alex Hajar, focusing on both the person with MS and their loved ones.
- Highlights two favorite episodes:
- Smoldering MS with Dr. Ji Won:
"We interviewed my Dr. Ji Won… explaining that confounding phenomenon… why am I getting worse even though I'm not having relapses?" [12:22–12:48] - Dating with MS: Interview with Darcy, a wheelchair user, about meeting her partner.
- Smoldering MS with Dr. Ji Won:
- Value: Unfiltered, communal support and exploring the lived experience of MS beyond medical facts.
Fashion, Representation, and Authenticity
[13:12-14:35]
- Ardra champions adaptive and inclusive fashion, inspired by her search for stylish mobility aid users.
- Creator and host of the Canadian makeover series Fashion Dis:
"It's all just about how we use fashion to celebrate our identities, our personalities… and how that should be available to everyone." [14:11–14:35] - The show avoids typical “tragic” disability narratives, focusing on empowerment and visibility.
Ardra’s Biggest Lessons From MS
[14:55-16:11]
- Core message:
"A difficult life doesn't have to be a joyless life… adapting to MS doesn't mean giving in. It doesn't mean you have failed." [15:17–15:40] - Advocates being intentional about creating joy, investing in relationships, and focusing on adapting to what can't be controlled.
- Encourages reframing adaptation as strength, not defeat.
Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments
-
On choosing public advocacy:
"It was really startling to have been experienced by the rest of the world one way, and then to suddenly feel like strangers were interpreting me as something to pity and feel sorry for and something that was like, broken and wrong."
— Ardra, [03:37–03:50] -
On writing with humor:
"It's weird when you're like, 'I'm funny,' and you tell people that. Right? Prove it is what I feel like is happening right now."
— Ardra, [06:56] -
On adaptive fashion:
"There's no like B roll footage and sad soundtrack, hospital trauma kind of stuff. It's all just about how we use fashion to celebrate our identities, our personalities, our creativity, and how that should be available to everyone."
— Ardra, [14:11–14:35]
Important Timestamps
| Segment | Timestamp | |------------------------------------|-------------------| | Ardra’s MS story, blog origins | 01:32–04:12 | | About her memoir "Philosophy" | 04:12–06:43 | | Humor reading: book excerpt | 06:56–10:18 | | Self-blame and coping after dx | 10:18–11:17 | | Podcasting insights & top episodes | 11:26–13:12 | | Fashion, TV & representation | 13:12–14:35 | | Biggest life lessons from MS | 14:55–16:11 |
Takeaways
- Ardra Shephard’s journey exemplifies honesty, humor, and resilience in chronic illness.
- Her work—memoir, podcast, and TV—pushes back against stigma and tragedy-focused narratives, instead celebrating community, joy, and style.
- The episode stresses that while MS (and life) are undeniably hard, intentionality and creativity can fuel authentic joy, self-expression, and meaning.