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
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Webinar highlights – Physical activity with Dr Robert Motl | S7E20
Sep 2400:48:24Summary readyIn this episode of Living Well with MS, we’re sharing highlights from a popular webinar on physical activity. Overcoming MS Program Facilitator Heather O’Neil hosts a fascinating conversation with renowned researcher Dr Robert Motl and community members Francis Loye and Duarte Valente. Together, they explore the science and lived experience behind why moving your body matters when you live with MS. Watch this episode on YouTube. Topics and Timestamps: 02:46 Why exercise is ‘medicine’ for MS 05:50 Cells to society: how activity helps at every level 11:55 Personal experiences: community members share their stories 17:38 Overcoming challenges: motivation and mindset 23:38 Q&A: including questions on fatigue and the best types of exercise 29:25 Practical tips for starting and maintaining an exercise program 35:35 Final thoughts and encouragement to get started and keep going More info and links: Listen to S6E18 The latest research in exercise for MS with Dr Robert Motl Listen to S7E10 A quick guide to the Overcoming MS Program with Heather O’Neil Learn more about the exercise pillar of the Overcoming MS program 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.
SummaryWebinar highlights: Ask Aaron – Your opportunity to speak to a Neurologist about living well with MS | S7E17
Aug 2000:46:55Summary readyIn this special episode of Living Well with MS, we’re sharing highlights from our ‘Ask Aaron’ webinar, recorded in front of a global audience. Our guest is the dynamic and much-loved Dr Aaron Boster – a board-certified neurologist specialising in multiple sclerosis. Dr Boster answers a wide range of thoughtful, practical questions submitted by the Overcoming MS community. From medications and MRI scans to functional mushrooms, vitamin D, menopause, and lifestyle changes, he covered it all with his trademark clarity and energy. If you’ve ever wished you could sit down with a neurologist who really understands MS, this episode is for you. Topics and timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and introduction 02:53 Understanding patient support in MS care 05:43 Symptom management and treatment options 08:41 Blood tests and regular health monitoring 11:44 Drug trials, research, and what’s on the horizon 15:52 MRI insights and tracking disease activity 18:46 Remyelination and alternative therapies 21:51 Women’s health, menopause and MS 24:42 Long-term management strategies 27:49 Diet, lifestyle, and the power of habit 30:36 The value of community and support networks 33:47 Final thoughts and closing remarks. More info and links: Listen to other episodes featuring Dr Boster Check out Dr Boster’s popular YouTube channel covering all aspects of MS Learn more about Dr Bove’s work on menopause and MS 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 and want to support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, you can 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.
SummaryUnderstanding the latest evidence with neurologist Dr Agne Straukiene | S7E16
Aug 1300:38:35Summary readyIn this episode of Living Well with MS, we’re joined by Dr Agne Straukiene, a neurologist, researcher and MS specialist who advocates for proactive, lifestyle-based MS management. Dr Straukiene is also the host of the Bee Well with MS podcast, where she shares expert insights to support people living with MS. Together, we explore why understanding your symptoms, using digital self-management tools, and making sustainable lifestyle choices can make a meaningful difference to your wellbeing. Dr Straukiene also shares highlights from the latest research and offers practical tips for preparing for clinical appointments. Topics and Timestamps: 01:59 Dr Straukiene’s journey into MS care 03:57 Why self-management matters 06:41 Using digital tools to track and manage MS 11:21 Recognising and understanding symptom patterns 15:47 How to prepare for clinical consultations 22:33 Lifestyle interventions and their impact on MS 29:47 About the Bee Well with MS podcast 37:06 Latest research into lifestyle and MS outcomes 40:33 Managing progressive MS 43:29 Where MS research is heading next. More info and links: Listen to S6E6 Advanced cell therapy for progressive MS with Dr Stefano Pluchino Listen to Bee Well with MS with Dr Agne Straukiene Learn more about Blue Zones which have the most centenarians per capita 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 and want to support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, you can 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 - All things Overcoming MS Q&A with Dr Jonny White | S7E15
Jul 30, 202500:40:12Summary readyIn this episode of Living Well with MS, where we explore ways to live a full and healthy life with multiple sclerosis, we’re sharing highlights from the final session of our Refresh with Overcoming MS webinar series – a wide-ranging and engaging Q&A with Dr Jonathan White. Jonny is not only a practising doctor and medical advisor to Overcoming MS but also lives with MS himself. In this lively and informative session, he answers real questions from the Overcoming MS community, covering everything from vitamin D, diet and symptom management to hormone replacement therapy, relapse vs progression, takeaway choices, fatigue and more. Whether you’re just starting out with the Overcoming MS lifestyle or have been following it for years, this episode is full of warmth, relatable insight and practical advice you can use right away. Topics and timestamps: 01:15 Meet Dr Jonathan White and discover his journey with the Overcoming MS Program 02:51 Can HRT help women with PPMS in menopause? 04:55 What takeaway food can you enjoy on the Overcoming MS diet? 06:45 Swollen feet and legs – are they an MS symptom? 07:55 Does MS shorten life expectancy? Let’s look at the facts 09:40 Should gluten and dairy be avoided with MS? 12:20 What are paroxysmal symptoms – and should you worry if they return? 14:29 Tiny amounts of oil in foods: is it okay or a deal-breaker? 16:51 What’s new in MS research? 18:47 Does menopause speed up progression? Exploring relapse vs progression 20:22 Managing progressive MS and the idea of “smouldering MS” 21:17 Is coconut syrup Overcoming MS-friendly? 21:50 What if symptoms never fully go away? Tips for living with incomplete remission 24:44 Could propionic acid help people with MS? Gut health meets cutting-edge science 27:00 Stem cell treatment: cure, hope, or hype? 29:32 Fatigue and MS: can medication help? 31:34 What does it mean to have “inactive” MS – and can it still progress? 35:05 Worried about your children getting MS? What the evidence really says. More info and links: Evidence for HRT for women with MS Menopause and MS Blog Propionic Acid and MS Study of Propionic Acid in MS 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 and want to support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, you can 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 archive: Making the right medication choices with Dr Aaron Boster | S7 bonus
Jul 23, 202500:30:42Tap to summarizeThis is a bonus from the archives episode of Living Well with MS. Navigating the range of medication choices for people with MS can be challenging. There are so many factors to consider – from effectiveness to side-effects – so we are fortunate to have Dr. Aaron Boster, an Ohio-based neurologist specializing in MS, as this episode’s guest on Living Well with MS to help demystify the myriad Disease Modifying Drugs that are presently available to manage MS. Topics and timestamps: 01:30 Introduction to Dr Boster 03:31 Medication levels of efficacy 08:22 Some of the most prescribed disease modifying therapies and how to choose one 09:53 Making the right choice when deciding to start a new medication 17:42 Medium and high efficacy drugs 30:06 Do the most effective medications always have the most side-effects? 33:10 Considering Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT) More info and links: Dr Boster’s YouTube channel Learn more about Medication for MS Learn more about the Overcoming MS program 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 and want to support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, you can 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.
Transcribe →MS Advocacy with Kristen Karasek | S7E14
Jul 16, 202500:19:16Tap to summarizeIn this inspiring episode of Living Well with MS, we’re joined by Kristen Karasek, a passionate advocate, dance teacher, and vibrant force in the MS community. Diagnosed at 24, Kristen has turned her MS journey into a mission to give back, raise awareness, and uplift others through movement and advocacy. Kristen is also the recipient of the Dorothy Corwin ‘Spirit of Life’ Award, a prestigious honour presented by the National MS Society to individuals who exemplify exceptional courage, compassion, and positivity while living with MS. This conversation explores everything from political activism to the healing power of dance, and how to find your voice as an advocate, whether in the doctor’s office or the wider world. Topics and timestamps: 01:54 Kristen’s MS diagnosis and journey 04:33 How healthy lifestyle habits have supported Kristen 06:02 Why therapy and peer connection matter when you’re newly diagnosed 08:07 The personal power of giving back to the MS community 09:10 How to get involved in State Action Days and political advocacy 11:21 The impact of dance and movement on MS symptoms 12:54 Advocating for the right healthcare team 14:32 How to advocate for yourself during appointments 15:33 What winning the Dorothy Corwin Spirit of Life Award meant to her 17:20 Kristen’s advice for those newly diagnosed with MS. More info and links: Kristen’s dance studio Book: Multiple Sclerosis for Dummies The Pacific Neuroscience Institute where Barbara Giesser, MD practices 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 and want to support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, you can 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.
Transcribe →Webinar highlights – Eating Well and MS | S7E13
Jul 2, 202500:32:55Tap to summarizeWelcome to Living Well with MS, the podcast that empowers you to take control of your health and wellbeing. In this episode, we’re sharing highlights from a recent webinar hosted by Overcoming MS Program Facilitator and Nutritional Therapist Karen Lee. Karen is joined by plant-based chef, Jack McNulty, and Overcoming MS community members, Melody Landwehr and Jenna Cox, to explore the diet pillar of the Overcoming MS Program. From practical cooking strategies and understanding fats, to batch cooking, eating out, and overcoming early challenges, our guests share a mix of lived experience and expert insight to help you feel confident and inspired in your approach to eating for MS health. Topics and Timestamps: 01:17 Karen introduces the Overcoming MS diet pillar and describes what it involves 04:36 Jack shares his story, insights from the Overcoming MS Handbook, and practical cooking tips 19:53 Melody discusses her gradual, realistic journey into adopting the Overcoming MS diet 23:06 Jenna reflects on going dairy-free, shares a free recipe resource, and offers tips for eating out with confidence 28:58 The panel shares their go-to weeknight meals for busy days 31:15 Quick and easy snack ideas that fit the Overcoming MS way of eating More info and links: The Sensitive Foodie by Karen Lee JennaCox.co.uk Vegan Weekly by Jack McNulty Watch other webinars by Karen Lee here Listen to Jenna’s podcast episode here Listen to podcast episodes by Jack McNulty 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 and want to support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, you can 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.
Transcribe →Overcoming MS programs, courses and Living Well Live with Jake Connor | S7E12
Jun 18, 202500:25:55Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Living Well with MS – exploring topics relating to living a full and healthy life with multiple sclerosis – host Geoff Allix welcomes Jake Connor, Service Delivery Manager at Overcoming MS, for a deep dive into the charity’s evolving support services and what it means to be part of a global MS community. From his personal connection to MS through his mother’s diagnosis, Jake shares how his journey from the corporate world to the charity sector has been driven by purpose and empathy. Jake talks through the range of Overcoming MS's evidence-informed offerings, including webinars, courses, retreats and the Live Well Hub, and the impact they have on individuals living with MS. He also introduces Living Well Live, Overcoming MS’s brand-new all-day hybrid event, designed to inspire, educate and connect the MS community both in person and around the world. Topics and Timestamps: 01:20 Meet Jake: his role at Overcoming MS and what drives him 02:51 A personal journey: Jake shares his MS connection 04:35 Finding purpose: why Jake joined the Overcoming MS team 07:39 Beyond support: the wide range of services we offer 10:33 All about the Pathway to Overcoming MS course 12:11 Awards, recognition and journal articles 13:13 Transformation at Overcoming MS residential retreats 16:33 Why our Living Well with MS webinars are so popular 18:31 Exploring community in the Live Well Hub 20:36 A new event for 2025: Living Well Live More info and links: Living Well Live Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Events including Discover Overcoming MS Webinars Replay with Dr Rob Motl Replays with Dr Aaron Boster Replay with Dr Michelle O’Donoghue Overcoming MS Retreats Pathway to Overcoming MS Course New to Overcoming MS?Visit our introductory page 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 Make sure you sign up to our newsletterto 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 support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, you can 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.
Transcribe →Bonus from the archive: The Overcoming MS diet in a nutshell with Sam Josephs | S7 bonus
Jun 11, 202500:23:56Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Living Well with MS podcast we are pleased to welcome Sam Josephs as our guest. Sam is a qualified Nutritional Therapist and has worked as a retreat facilitator for Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis. In this episode, we demystify the Overcoming MS diet and provide helpful tips and tricks on how to hack the food portion of the Overcoming MS lifestyle and make it as scrumptious as possible! Topics and Timestamps: 01:24 Sam’s journey with Overcoming MS 08:54 Basic recommendations for the Overcoming MS diet 10:26 What type of fish is included in the diet? 15:46 Tips and ideal substitutes for Overcoming MS-recommended foods 26:06 Navigating meals during seasonal holidays with the Overcoming MS diet pillar 29:46 Is chicken breast really a problem? More info and links: Listen to part 2 of ‘The OMS Diet in a Nutshell’ here Learn more about Sam Josephs’ professional background Learn more about the Overcoming MS diet recommendations 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 and want to support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, you can 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.
Transcribe →Fundraising at Overcoming MS with Rob Carter | S7E11
Jun 4, 202500:31:54Tap to summarizeIn this inspiring episode of Living Well with MS, we're joined by Rob Carter, Head of Income Generation at Overcoming MS. With over two decades of experience in the not-for-profit world – including organisations like the MS Trust and Youth Music – Rob brings strategic insight, compassion, and a deeply personal connection to his work. Rob sits down with CEO Alex Holden to explore the power of community fundraising – and how every challenge, skydive, cake sale, or regular gift fuels the future of Overcoming MS. Whether you're already fundraising or simply curious, this episode is packed with practical ideas, powerful stories, and motivation to make a difference. Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways. Topics and Timestamps: 01:44 Rob’s journey into fundraising and his personal connection to MS 06:29 Why fundraising is essential to the Overcoming MS mission 09:35 What is fundraising and how does it work? 14:45 Real life stories from independent Overcoming MS fundraisers 18:26 Big adventures: Overcoming MS organised challenge events 20:07 Fundraising for all: ideas beyond physical challenges 21:41 How to get in touch with the fundraising team 22:30 The huge impact of regular giving 25:42 Non-financial ways to support Overcoming MS More info and links: Donate to Overcoming MS Sign up for Give as you Live Sign up for Easy Fundraising Join a fundraising event Start your own fundraiser Jane and Ian’s Door to Door Challege podcast episode New to Overcoming MS? Visit our introductory page Connect with others following Overcoming MS on the Live Well Hub Visit the Overcoming MS website 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 support the ongoing work of Overcoming MS, you can 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.
Transcribe →