Podcast
Living Well with Multiple Sclerosis
Hosted by Overcoming MS · EN
Welcome to Living Well with MS, the podcast from the Overcoming MS charity. In each episode, your host Geoff Allix explores a different aspect of the Overcoming MS Program in greater depth by talking with experts and people with MS about health lifestyle changes. New episodes are published on Wednesdays and feature interviews with scientists, neurologists, fitness specialists, diet experts, stress reduction professionals. The podcast also features inspirational, real-life stories from people with multiple sclerosis following the Overcoming MS program, about the challenges and victories of managing symptoms through lifestyle modification.
62episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Research on Lifestyle and MS with Rachel Johnson and Dr Jonny White | S8E1
Jan 700:45:02Summary readyIn this episode of Living Well with MS, Alex Holden (Chief Executive of Overcoming MS) is joined by Rachel Johnson, Overcoming MS’s Information and Research Manager, and Dr Jonathan White, the charity’s Medical Advisor and Program Facilitator. Together they explore what the latest evidence says about lifestyle and self-management in MS – and why it’s an increasingly exciting time for MS research and treatment. They also share what Overcoming MS is working on in 2026, including improved evaluation of our programmes, new symptom-focused resources, and progress towards achieving the PIF TICK quality mark for trusted health information. Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics, timestamps, and our guest’s bio. 01:56 Meet Rachel Johnson: background in psychology, research methods and why she joined Overcoming MS 04:04 Jonny’s role and why sharing research clearly (and credibly) matters 05:33 Rachel’s priorities: improving information quality and evaluating impact 07:16 Supporting healthcare professionals to signpost trusted lifestyle resources 09:06 What’s coming up in 2026: evaluation findings, information strategy and symptom-based resources 11:05 Jonny’s 2026 highlights: Pathways, retreats and the BSLM lifestyle medicine module 14:24 How the Overcoming MS programme aligns with the latest lifestyle research 16:57 Making the programme practical: diet quality, Mediterranean-style eating and “big picture” habits 18:54 Talking to your MS team about lifestyle: confidence, language, and keeping your agenda clear 23:05 Why robust evaluation matters: pre-post surveys, validated measures and long-term follow-up 27:31 Getting involved in research: MS Register, university studies and opportunities shared via the Hub 31:41 What is PIF TICK and why it matters for trustworthy MS lifestyle information 36:04 What’s exciting in MS research right now: treatments, progressive MS, and novel therapies 40:13 Why credibility and clear communication are key to shifting the “no evidence” narrative More info and links: Listen to the Talking with Skeptics webinar with Jonny and Yasmin Neves Tell your health team about Overcoming MS resources for healthcare professionals Sign up for the next free Pathway to Overcoming MS course Join the MS Register in the UK New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.
SummaryChoosing an MS Management Program with Juliet Delattre | S7E27
Dec 2400:37:52Summary readyIn this episode of Living Well with MS, we’re joined by Juliet Delattre, a language teacher and digital nomad from the Netherlands who was diagnosed with MS in 2019. Juliet shares the shock of being diagnosed after relatively mild symptoms, and what it was like searching for answers, navigating uncertainty, and deciding who to tell. We also talk about the role of lifestyle alongside medical care, how Juliet experimented with different approaches over time, and why she ultimately chose to follow the Overcoming MS Program. Juliet speaks honestly about stress, study, travel and bereavement – and offers a compassionate reminder that there’s no single “perfect” way to live well with MS, only the approach that’s sustainable for you. Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the topics and timestamps. Topics and timestamps 00:00 Juliette's diagnosis and initial shock 03:33 The emotional impact of MS 05:58 The decision to share: who to tell and why 08:30 Choosing a path: medication and lifestyle changes 11:09 Life after diagnosis: changes and adaptations 13:38 Travelling with MS 16:50 Trying different diets and why evidence mattered 19:17 Stress support: drawing, meditation, retreats and finding what’s sustainable 22:41 Studying with MS: a flare-up, disability support and difficult systems 24:24 Discovering Overcoming MS and choosing a path that “clicked” 26:50 Family support: making diet changes feel achievable 29:12 Exercise, confidence and changing mindset 32:05 Bereavement, stress and finding ways to cope 35:36 Embracing creativity and possibilities More info and links Learn more about Joe Dispenza’s work on placebo and healing Read Juliet’s blog on her drawings of her sensations in her body Learn more about Vipassana meditation retreats Read about the benefits of therapeutic journaling in time of stress Try one of Juliet’s favorite 30-minute meditations Read about hypnotherapy for MS New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS - begin your journey at our 'Get started' page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.
SummaryBonus from the archives: Top tips for Overcoming MS-friendly holiday meals with Ashley Madden | S7 bonus
Dec 1000:32:28Summary readyThe holidays will soon be upon us, and we all know food is a big part of the fun. This time of year presents the temptation of delicious meals whose ingredients don’t always fit the dietary guidelines Overcoming MS recommends. On this episode of the Living Well with MS podcast we are pleased to welcome Ashley Madden, a full-time food lover and health enthusiast. She’s also a pharmacist, plant-based chef, certified holistic nutrition consultant and food photographer. Topics and timestamps 02:03 About Ashley and her passion for cooking 03:26 How long have you been following Overcoming MS? 05:20 Has it been challenging to switch to the Overcoming MS diet? 09:14 Best tips for making the transition to the Overcoming MS diet easier 11:53 Tips for making Overcoming MS-friendly holiday meals for large groups and smaller more intimate gatherings? 21:28 Special tips or meal ideas for holidays 31:37 Making Overcoming MS-friendly puddings and desserts 35:14 Top cooking advice when following an Overcoming MS compliant diet More info and links: Read Ashley Madden’s food blog New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS – begin your journey at our ‘Get started’ page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.
SummaryAdaptive world champion Francis Loye talks fitness competitions with MS | S7E25
Dec 200:30:29Summary readyIn this episode of Living Well with MS, we meet adaptive world champion athlete Francis Loye, a Northern Ireland-based father of three who lives with MS. Francis was diagnosed in 2021 after experiencing symptoms on a cycling holiday. Since then, he has transformed his life: following the Overcoming MS program, connecting deeply with community, and competing at the very highest level in hybrid and adaptive sport. From the Hyrox World Championships to the gruelling Mallorca 312 endurance race, Francis has shown what’s possible when determination meets lifestyle-led wellness. This conversation is full of honesty and inspiration – whether you’re newly diagnosed, returning to exercise, or curious about what adaptive sport looks like in practice. Watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics and timestamps. Topics and timestamps 00:43 Francis’s MS journey: diagnosis, fear, acceptance and choosing empowerment 04:17 Discovering Overcoming MS: a lifeline of hope 06:23 Discovering the power of community 07:59 Adapting lifestyle: challenges and triumphs 11:04 Family health: balancing MS and parenting 13:40 The Retreat experience: vulnerability and connection 16:32 Understanding hybrid and adaptive athletics 20:01 Training regimen: balancing endurance and strength 25:29 Winning the Hyrox World Championships 29:19 Diet and nutrition: balancing performance and health 31:38 Advice for the newly diagnosed: finding peace and community More info and links Connect with Francis on Instagram Francis was on the Overcoming MS Webinar Physical Activity and MS Learn more about Joe Dispenza’s work Check out the Hyrox adaptive divisions New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS – begin your journey at our ‘Get started’ page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.
SummaryWebinar highlights - Diet in MS: what the evidence tells us | S7E24
Nov 1900:43:21Summary readyIn this episode of Living Well with MS, Dr Jonathan White is joined by Dr Stephen Simpson-Yap, Senior Research Fellow at the Neuroepidemiology Unit (NEU) in Melbourne, Senior Research Fellow at the Neuroepidemiology Unit (NEU) in Melbourne, focusing on multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune conditions. Together they unpack the complex relationship between diet and MS: why diet research is so challenging, what the current evidence tells us, how different MS diet programmes compare, and where the science is heading next. Steve explains how epidemiologists study diet, what makes high-quality research so difficult, and why large, long-term studies like HOLISM and the UK MS Register are so important to people with MS. This episode is a webinar highlights special – originally recorded as a live Overcoming MS webinar and now edited for the podcast to bring you the key insights, questions and takeaways in one place. You can watch this episode on YouTube. Keep reading for the topics and timestamps. Topics and timestamps 01:53 How diet might influence MS risk, progression and disability 04:24 Why diet research is so hard 07:31 Inside a diet study – what it really takes to measure what people eat 11:27 Comparing MS diets (Overcoming MS, Whals, Best Bet, and more.) 15:06 How researchers actually study diet in MS 24:54 What we know so far Key findings from existing diet studies, 28:02 The future of diet research for MS and how large data sets could change everything 33:35 What this means for people with MS More info and links Learn more about the NEU Read NEU research papers about MS Hear more research in S3E11 NEU: What’s on the research horizon with Associate Professor Sandra Neate New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS – begin your journey at our ‘Get started’ page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast and want to help us continue creating future podcasts, please leave a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.
SummaryBonus from the archives: The Overcoming MS diet in a nutshell with Sam Josephs (part 2) | S7 bonus
Nov 1200:20:03Summary readyIn this episode of the Living Well with MS podcast we continue the discussion on diet as a key pillar of the Overcoming MS Program, and how to integrate the Overcoming MS diet dos and don’ts into one’s daily routine with nutritional therapist and Overcoming MS Facilitator Sam Josephs as our guest. Topics and timestamps: 01:25 Getting started with the Overcoming MS diet 05:41 Is fasting worth trying? 06:04 The 5:2 diet for fast-mimicking effect 10:54 Is there a connection between gluten and multiple sclerosis? 17:18 Tips on making cooking easier for people following the Overcoming MS diet More info and links: Part 1 of ‘The OMS Diet in a Nutshell’ is also available here Learn more about diet as a key pillar of the Overcoming MS program New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS – begin your journey at our ‘Get started’ page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast, please support the ongoing work and podcasts from Overcoming MS by leaving a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.
SummaryAsk Jack: plant-based recipe substitutions | S7E23
Nov 500:46:44Summary readyWelcome to Living Well with MS, the podcast that empowers you to take control of your health and wellbeing. In this episode we welcome Jack McNulty, professional cook and longtime follower of the Overcoming MS Program. Jack tackles plant-based recipe substitutions, answering community questions and sharing practical advice to help you adapt your favourite recipes while following the Overcoming MS diet. Keep reading for the topics and timestamps. Topics and timestamps 01:00 Introduction to cooking with MS 01:44 Understanding the Overcoming MS diet pillar 03:47 Substituting dairy: a functional approach 10:33 Exploring vegan butter alternatives 15:35 The complexity of egg substitutes 25:09 Meat alternatives: flavour and texture 37:12 Replacing coconut milk in recipes 39:48 Buttermilk substitutes and cooking oils 45:15 Using cashew cream and final thoughts More info and links Listen to the other Ask Jack episodes Connect with Jack at Vegan Weekly Read the Overcoming MS books including the cookbook and handbook Listen to Karen Lee’s episodes on the Overcoming MS diet</li New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS – begin your journey at our ‘Get started’ page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast, please support the ongoing work and podcasts from Overcoming MS by leaving a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.
SummaryThriving through 40 years with MS with David Peimer | S7E22
Oct 2200:33:15Summary readyWhat does it take to live well with MS for more than 40 years? For professor and theatre maker David Peimer, the answer lies in resilience, curiosity, and transforming anger into creative energy. In this powerful and deeply reflective episode of Living Well with MS, David shares how he went from being given just four years to live to building a successful global career – teaching, directing, and writing award-winning plays – while following the Overcoming MS Program. With honesty and humour, David explores how diet, stress management, and self-understanding helped him rebuild his health and his life. His story is a testament to hope, perseverance, and the belief that, even when faced with MS, we can learn to surf the wave rather than be swept away by it. Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the topics and timestamps and David’s bio. Topics and timestamps 02:02 David’s early MS journey and life-changing diagnosis 06:09 Facing paralysis, fear, and the turning point that sparked hope 11:48 How reading Judy Graham and following the Swank diet changed everything 17:43 Managing stress and anger: finding calm in chaos 23:16 Inside the Copaxone trial: early experiences with MS treatment 29:19 Rebuilding purpose through creativity and compassion 34:51 The power of community and connection 40:10 David’s advice for anyone newly diagnosed More info and links Learn about Judy Graham and her books The history of Copaxone, the first DMT for MS Learn more about David’s work New to Overcoming MS? Learn why lifestyle matters in MS – begin your journey at our ‘Get started’ page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast, please support the ongoing work and podcasts from Overcoming MS by leaving a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.
SummaryBonus from the archives: Overcoming MS is possible with Professor George Jelinek | S7 bonus
Oct 1500:32:13Summary readyWelcome to the inaugural episode of the Living Well with MS podcast, where we are pleased to welcome Professor George Jelinek as our guest! Professor Jelinek is the founder of the Overcoming MS program and was, until recently, the head of the Neuroepidemiology Unit at the University of Melbourne. In this episode, he discusses how extensive scientific research is illuminating new ways to help people with MS live better and healthier lives through changes made to their diets and lifestyles. Watch this episode on YouTube here. Topics and timestamps 00:10 Geoff’s journey with MS 01:15 Starting The Living Well with MS podcast 01:48 Introduction of Professor Jelinek 03:22 Professor Jelinek’s MS diagnosis 05:22 Roy Swank’s research paper on diet and MS 11:45 Overview of Overcoming MS 14:30 Mindfulness based meditation, is there any science to it? 22:12 Prevention tips for people with MS who have children 27:55 Will lifestyle factors enter the mainstream treatment? 31:15 Impact of diet on multiple sclerosis More info and links: New to Overcoming MS? Visit our introductory page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast, please support the ongoing work and podcasts from Overcoming MS by leaving a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.
SummaryPoetry and MS with Nurse Educator Josie Crawley | S7E21
Oct 800:40:16Summary readyIn this episode of Living Well with MS, we’re excited to welcome Josie Crawley – poet, professor of nursing, and Overcoming MS community member. Josie has been living with MS for over 20 years, and she shares how poetry, exercise, honesty and joy help her navigate life with resilience and humour. From the challenges of walking to the meditative calm of swimming, from embracing “JOYMO” (the joy of missing out) to choosing self-kindness over comparison, Josie’s reflections are moving, practical and full of wisdom for anyone on their own MS journey. If you’d like to read any of Josie’s poems mentioned in this episode, you can find them here: A collection of poems by Josie Crawley You can watch this episode on YouTube here. Topics and timestamps 00:00 Meet Josie Crawley and discover her journey with MS 05:42 The healing role of poetry in life with MS 09:09 Family, career and adapting to life with MS 16:03 How Josie discovered the Overcoming MS Program 18:46 Ageing with MS: acceptance and challenges 21:25 Why swimming and walking are Josie’s meditations 25:24 Finding joy and (challenge) in walking 28:15 Finding balance in life with MS 31:22 Navigating medication and treatment options 35:10 Balancing privacy and disclosure in work More info and links Read Josie’s scientific research on Research Gate or by using her Orchid ID 0000-0003-1011-3335 This PDF contains a selection of Josie’s poetry referred to or about content discussed in this episode. You are welcome to share these poems, but please acknowledge Josie as the author, and the source if published. New to Overcoming MS? Visit our introductory page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website Follow us on social media: Facebook Instagram YouTube Pinterest Don’t miss out: Subscribe to this podcast and never miss an episode. Listen to our archive of Living Well with MS here. Make sure you sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips and news about living a full and happy life with MS. Support us: If you enjoy this podcast, please support the ongoing work and podcasts from Overcoming MS by leaving a donation here. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review.
Summary