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.
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Episodes
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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 →A quick guide to the Overcoming MS Program with Heather O’Neil | S7E10
May 21, 202500:23:19Tap to summarizeIn this inspiring and info-packed episode of Living Well with MS, we welcome the brilliant Heather O’Neil – a social worker, Overcoming MS Program Facilitator, and member of the MS community – to break down the Overcoming MS Program in a clear and relatable way. Diagnosed with MS in 2020, Heather quickly discovered the Overcoming MS Program and never looked back. With warmth and insight, she walks us through each pillar, from diet and Vitamin D to movement and mindfulness, sharing both evidence and her personal experience. Whether you're new to Overcoming MS or need a refresher, this episode is your perfect starting point to explore how the Program can empower you to take charge of your health and well-being. Topics and Timestamps: 01:54 Heather's MS journey 03:56 Discovering Overcoming MS 04:59 Becoming an Overcoming MS Program Facilitator 06:27 The Overcoming MS Diet explained 08:58 Sunlight, vitamin D and why they matter 11:49 The Overcoming MS approach to Physical Activity 14:27 Mindfulness and stress reduction 16:48 Medication as an Overcoming MS Pillar 17:48 Family health matters 19:54 Change your life, for life 21:05 How to connect with the Overcoming MS community More info and links: Join a Pathway Program Learn more about Overcoming MS Retreats Hear more from Heather on stress management 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 →The power of lifestyle change with George Mckinty | S6E26
Dec 18, 202400:26:17Summary readyWelcome to Living Well with MS, the podcast that empowers you to take control of your health and wellbeing. Today we are pleased to welcome community member George Mckinty as our guest! George is a bodybuilder from Wales who follows the Overcoming MS Program. He speaks with Geoff about adopting the Overcoming MS lifestyle, the unique aspects of being a man diagnosed with MS and exercise tips if you live with daily MS symptoms. Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways. Topics and Timestamps: 01:15 George’s MS diagnosis and how he discovered Overcoming MS 04:00 Optic neuritis 05:20 Family history and genetic predisposition to MS 05:56 Adopting the Overcoming MS Program 08:27 Being a man diagnosed with MS 10:33 Accepting the diagnosis 12:02 Symptom management 13:34 Working out with MS symptoms 16:40 The 300 Challenge to support the Overcoming MS Charity 19:10 Positive outcomes from being diagnosed with MS 23:16 Tips for those just starting to adopt lifestyle changes Want to learn more about living a full and happy life with multiple sclerosis? Sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips. More info and links: Follow George on Instagram @GeorgeMckinty Learn more about the 300 Challenge and how you can get involved 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 episodes here. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. 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, we would really appreciate it if you could leave a donation here. Every donation, however small, helps us to share the podcast with more people on how to live well with MS.
SummaryTop sleep tips for people with MS with sleep therapist Denise lordache | S6E25
Dec 11, 202400:37:47Summary readyWelcome to Living Well with MS, the podcast that empowers you to take control of your health and wellbeing. Today we’re talking to Denise Iordache, a Cognitive Behavioral Hypnotherapist, who specialises in sleep and stress reduction. Because addressing sleep disturbances is important for overall health and managing MS symptoms, Denise and Geoff discuss ways to fall asleep, stay asleep and quickly fall back to sleep should you wake up in the night. Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways. Topics and Timestamps: 01:05 Denise’s career and expertise 02:57 The mechanics of sleep and why it’s important 06:13 How much sleep do we really need? 10:00 The circadian rhythm, light exposure and the internal body clock 15:02 Sleep hygiene and the optimal bedroom setup 18:00 How to set up a bedtime routine 20:55 How to prevent waking in the night and how to fall back asleep if you do 25:15 Mindfulness and sleep 29:30 Keeping a sleep journal 32:26 Assign worry time during the day Want to learn more about living a full and happy life with multiple sclerosis? Sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips. More info and links: Denise’s recommended relaxation techniques: Box breathing Hypnotherapy Guided editation Schedule your worry time earlier in the day Denise’s ‘Top 5 Tips’ for a stress-free bedtime: Optimise your sleep environment: Invest in quality bedding, blackout curtains, and ensure your bedroom is a comfortable haven for rest. Incorporate daily practices: Practice daily exercises such as mindfulness, meditation, self-hypnosis, or deep breathing, to manage stress effectively. Establish a consistent sleep routine: Stick to a regular sleep schedule, creating a calming pre-sleep routine to signal your body that it's time to wind down. Embrace natural light: Spend at least 30 minutes outdoors each day to benefit from natural light, positively impacting your sleep and overall well-being. Reflect regularly: Journal your thoughts and feelings, asking reflective questions to gauge your progress and make necessary adjustments. Journalling for wellbeing blog post Research discussing Ghrelin and Leptin’s connection to sleep 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 episodes here. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. 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, we would really appreciate it if you could leave a donation here. Every donation, however small, helps us to share the podcast with more people on how to live well with MS.
SummaryWebinar Highlights: The Overcoming MS diet: healthy eating at home with Sam Josephs | S6E24
Nov 27, 202400:21:24Summary readyWelcome to Living Well with MS, the podcast that empowers you to take control of your health and wellbeing. Today we’re sharing highlights from our webinar with Sam Josephs, a registered Nutritional Therapist and Overcoming MS facilitator. Sam’s husband was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2002 which has shaped the direction of Sam’s career and gives her the compassion and unique hands-on knowledge to support so many others with the condition. Sam gave us a brilliant breakdown of the diet pillar of the Overcoming MS Program and some great meal and snack ideas. This past webinar was recorded as part of our Refresh with OMS webinar series. Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways. Topics and Timestamps: 01:26 Find out about Sam’s background and qualifications 02:40 What is the Overcoming MS Program? 03:59 Diving into the Overcoming MS diet pillar 09:59 How can you feed your microbiome for optimal health? 08:43 The importance of fibre 10:54 What is a wholefood? 12:23 Cooking techniques compatible with the Overcoming MS Program 14:38 Easy and healthy snack ideas 16:34 Batch cooking Overcoming MS friendly meals 19:06 The immune benefits of drinking tea Want to learn more about living a full and happy life with multiple sclerosis? Sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips. More info and links: If you enjoyed this, why not check out one of our other podcast episodes featuring Sam: S5E8 Family friendly Foods with Sam Josephs Webinar highlights S1E4 The OMS Diet in a Nutshell (Part 2) S1E3 The OMS Diet in a Nutshell (Part 1) Overcoming MS Meal planning tool 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 episodes here. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. 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, we would really appreciate it if you could leave a donation here. Every donation, however small, helps us to share the podcast with more people on how to live well with MS.
SummaryAsk Jack- Fermented foods | S6E23
Nov 13, 202400:44:06Summary readyWelcome to Living Well with MS, the podcast that empowers you to take control of your health and wellbeing. We are pleased to welcome Jack McNulty as our guest! Jack is a professional cook and a longtime follower of the Overcoming MS Program. In this episode, he answers questions from the community about fermented foods. Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways. Topics and Timestamps: 01:35 What is fermentation and how does it fit with the Overcoming MS diet? 04:17 What do you need to begin fermenting at home? 08:07 Common pitfalls and how to avoid them 11:33 Dairy-free yogurt and kefir 18:07 Making kombucha 20:33 Homemade sourdough bread from a starter 28:23 Pickling vegetables 33:28 Koji, a cultured mold to make miso and soy sauce 37:45 Making apple cider vinegar Want to learn more about living a full and happy life with multiple sclerosis? Sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips. More info and links: Try Jack’s recipes for fermented foods here: Read Jack’s newsletter at substack.com/ 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 episodes here. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. 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, we would really appreciate it if you could leave a donation here. Every donation, however small, helps us to share the podcast with more people on how to live well with MS.
SummaryDisease Modifying Therapies with Neurologist Dr. Aaron Boster | S6E22
Oct 30, 202400:58:21Summary readyWelcome to Living Well with MS, the podcast that empowers you to take control of your health and wellbeing. Today we’re thrilled to welcome back Dr Aaron Boster as our guest! Dr Boster is a board-certified Neurologist specialising in Multiple Sclerosis. He is a frequent guest on Living Well with MS and in this episode he’s here to talk about Medication, one of the pillars of the Overcoming MS Program. Specifically, Aaron goes into detail on a wide range of disease modifying therapies (DMTs) for MS, as well as discussing when people should start taking DMT’s, and what they should consider before they do so. There’s lots of useful information in this episode about many different DMT options – we hope you find it useful in making the right decisions for you. Let us know what you think! Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways. Topics and Timestamps: 01:21 What are the medication choices for people with MS and how have they improved? 02:39 When should I start a DMT? 04:30 What should I consider when choosing a drug? 07:08 Alemtuzumab (Lemtrada) 11:14 Cladribine (Mavenclad) 15:05 Fingolimod (Gilenya) 17:13 Mitoxantrone (Novantrone) 18:39 Natalizumab (Tysabri) 21:42 Ofatumumab (Kesimpta) 25:01 Ocrelizumab (Ocrevus) 28:58 Ozanimod (Zeposia) 30:35 Rituximab (Rituxan, MabThera, and Truxima) 32:34 Siponimod (Mayzent) 34:59 Avonex/ Betaferon/ Refib/ Extavia 37:49 Glatiramer Acetate (Copaxone) 40:07 Dimethyl Fumarate (Tecfidera) 42:38 Diroximel Fumarate (Vumerity) 43:46 Plegridy 44:45 Ponesimod (ponvory) 45:41 Teriflunomide (Aubagio) 50:14 Low-dose Naltrexone 52:07 BTK inhibitors Want to learn more about living a full and happy life with multiple sclerosis? Sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips. More info and links: Dr Boster was on six previous Living Well with MS episodes: S1E11: Making the Right Medication Choices S2E17: Lifestyle Choices and Their Impact on MS S3E43: Let’s Talk About Sex (and MS) S5E5 Webinar highlights from Ask Aaron with Dr. Aaron Boster S5E36 Webinar Highlights: Ask a Neurologist with Dr Aaron Boster S6E19 Webinar Highlights: Ask a Neurologist with Dr Aaron Boster Check out Dr Boster’s popular YouTube channel covering all aspects of 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 episodes here. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. 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, we would really appreciate it if you could leave a donation here. Every donation, however small, helps us to share the podcast with more people on how to live well with MS.
SummaryWebinar Highlights: Reducing stress through meditation and mindfulness with Dr Phil Startin | S6E21
Oct 16, 202400:32:23Summary readyWelcome to Living Well with MS, the podcast that empowers you to take control of your health and wellbeing. Today we’re sharing the highlights from our webinar with the incredible Dr Phil Startin! Phil is an Overcoming MS facilitator who lives with progressive MS. He’s an expert in meditation and mindfulness and teaches Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction courses for people with MS. Phil gave us some brilliant information and really useful tips on how to meditate – it’s a fascinating listen whether you are a regular meditator or are just getting started with your practice. Let us know what you think! Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways. Topics and Timestamps: 01:22 Phil’s background in meditation and mindfulness 03:33 The fight or flight response 04:49 How stress dysregulates our immune system 08:47 Meditation is clinically proven to help people cope with stress 10:41 Mini meditations to try throughout the day 13:49 Guided meditation 20:06 A definition of mindfulness 23:50 The benefits of awareness, including increased resilience 28:02 Mental health tips for your daily routine Want to learn more about living a full and happy life with multiple sclerosis? Sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips. More info and links: Phil Startin has been on two other Living Well with MS episodes: S5E19 Webinar highlights: Progressive MS with Phil Startin and Helen Rees Leahy S5E14 Webinar highlights: Mindfulness and Meditation with Phil Startin Jon Kabat-Zinn's Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Dr Walter Cannon’s fight or flight response Meditation expert Ian Gawler Listen to meditation expert Craig Hassed S5E13 Meditation tips with Professor Craig Hassed S1E7 Building a daily meditation practice with Dr Craig Hassed Shannon Harvey’s film My Year of Living Mindfully or listen to her podcast episode Hardwiring Happiness by Rick Hanson 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 episodes here. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. 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, we would really appreciate it if you could leave a donation here. Every donation, however small, helps us to share the podcast with more people on how to live well with MS.
SummaryMeditation with Overcoming MS facilitator Yvette Sargood | S6E20
Oct 2, 202400:40:08Summary readyWelcome to Living Well with MS, the podcast that empowers you to take control of your health and wellbeing. Today we’re thrilled to welcome Yvette Sargood as our guest! Yvette is an Overcoming MS facilitator and a meditation teacher who lives with MS and follows the Overcoming MS program. In this fascinating episode, Yvette talks to Geoff about meditation and mindfulness, as well as her personal journey with the MS Program, including disclosing her diagnosis to her employer and how she overcame her chocolate cravings! There’s lots of useful information and tips in this episode (including a discussion on chocolate replacements!) We hope you enjoy it – let us know what you think! Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways. Topics and Timestamps: 01:18 Yvette’s MS and Overcoming MS journey 07:05 The progress made on DMTs and discrimination since the 1990s 09:01 The benefits to starting the Overcoming MS program even long after diagnosis 11:26 The decision to start a disease modifying therapy 14:59 Her difficulties in adopting the Overcoming MS program 16:27 Overcoming her chocolate cravings and chocolate replacements 18:51 Maintaining a healthy weight on the Overcoming MS program 20:23 The benefits of following the Overcoming MS program 22:54 Disclosing a multiple sclerosis diagnosis to your employer 26:01 Becoming an Overcoming MS facilitator 27:46 What is mindfulness and why is it important for people with MS? 32:53 Misconceptions about meditation and stress reduction 35:42 Tips for people new to the Overcoming MS program Want to learn more about living a full and happy life with multiple sclerosis? Sign up to our newsletter to hear our latest tips. More info and links: Download the Headspace app for meditation Learn more about Disease Modifying Therapies for MS Listen to a podcast featuring OMSer chef Read Yvette’s article on executives and disability Learn more about mindfulness expert Jon Kabat-Zinn Join a mindfulness course with Yvette through MS-UK Become an Overcoming MS volunteer To take part in the next Pathway to Overcoming MS course email events@overcomingms.org 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 episodes here. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. 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, we would really appreciate it if you could leave a donation here. Every donation, however small, helps us to share the podcast with more people on how to live well with MS.
SummaryWebinar Highlights: Your opportunity to speak to a Neurologist about Living Well with MS with Dr Aaron Boster | S6E19
Sep 18, 202400:48:10Summary readyWelcome to Living Well with MS, the podcast that empowers you to take control of your health and wellbeing. Today we’re sharing the highlights from our ‘Ask Aaron’ webinar, recorded in front of a global audience, with the incredible Dr Aaron Boster. Dr Boster is a board-certified neurologist who specialises in MS, and we’re delighted to have him answering a huge range of questions from our community! From medications to MRI’s and pregnancy to cold showers, Dr Boster gave us so many brilliantly informative answers - we hope you find this episode really useful. Let us know what you think! Watch this episode on YouTube here. Keep reading for the key episode takeaways. Topics and Timestamps: 01:49 Defining benign MS 05:05 How to get the most out of your time with your neurologist 09:32 The DMTs that help with brain atrophy 09:46 MRI’s as a way to show the rate of brain atrophy 18:20 Aubagio for secondary progressive MS 22:11 The future of Ocrevus dosing guidelines and becoming pregnant on ocrelizumab 26:31 Treating MS-relating dystonia 28:37 Treatments for MS-related bladder dysfunction 35:15 Low-dose Naltrexone for MS 39:00 The benefits of cold showers 39:38 Immune reconstitution therapies 43:22 Managing MS with diet and exercise To join us live for the next webinar or watch the original presentation head to our website overcomingms.org More info and links: Dr Boster was on five previous Living Well with MS episodes: S1E11: Making the Right Medication Choices S2E17: Lifestyle Choices and Their Impact on MS S3E43: Let’s Talk About Sex (and MS) S5E5 Webinar highlights from Ask Aaron with Dr. Aaron Boster S5E36 Webinar Highlights: Ask a Neurologist with Dr Aaron Boster Check out Dr Boster’s popular YouTube channel covering all aspects of 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 episodes here. If you like Living Well with MS, please leave a 5-star review. Feel free to share your comments and suggestions for future guests and episode topics by emailing podcast@overcomingms.org. 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, we would really appreciate it if you could leave a donation here. Every donation, however small, helps us to share the podcast with more people on how to live well with MS.
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