Podcast
Long Covid Hope Podcast
Hosted by Sarah, Long Haul Yogi · EN
Welcome to the Long Covid Hope podcast: the podcast that tells the more hopeful stories of people with Long Covid. The Long Covid Hope podcast is created by a former Long Covid sufferer, for people with Long Covid, and hears from the true experts: those with lived experience of the condition. Each episode features an interview with a Long Hauler guest, who has either fully recovered from Long Covid or is still on the recovery journey with an optimistic story to tell. Season 1 tells the stories of the First Wavers, the unfortunate pioneers and now the veterans.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Updates and News - Casting Call for Season 5!
4w ago00:26:30Tap to summarizeIn this bonus episode of the Long Covid Hope Podcast, Sarah asks listeners for feedback about a possible Season 5 - what do you most want to hear? And does anyone listening have a hopeful story they wish to share on the podcast? Contact us if you do! Additionally, Sarah Evans shares how she is, how she has been helping Long Haulers and shares her upcoming Reiki Level 1 and 2 online courses. Are you interested in nurturing your ability to heal your own self? Are you curious about Energy Healing? Then please do consider joining the class!LINKS MENTIONED:Contact us: https://www.sarahevans.co/contact-meUsui Level 1 and 2 discounted Bundle package: https://www.learnitlive.com/bundle/usui-reiki-level-1-and-2/28277Level 1 Training - on Friday 15th May 2026: https://www.learnitlive.com/class/Usui-Reiki-Level-1/28275Sarah's blog with her personal Reiki background story: https://www.sarahevans.co/blog#LongCovid Awareness #LongCovidHope #MECFS #POTS #LongHauler #ChronicIllnessSupport #SpoonieLife #YogaForLongCovid #ILCAD2026 #LongCovidHeartbeats #LongCovid #LCAD #reiki #energyhealing #reikihealing #reikitraining #attunement WORK WITH SARAH EVANS:If you’re looking for support in navigating your journey through wellness coaching, meditation, or Reiki, let’s connect:Book a private 1-1 session: https://www.sarahevans.co/1-1sessionsSarah's Yoga and Meditations on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sarahevansandcoLong Covid Hope Podcast webpage: https://www.sarahevans.co/podcastRead Sarah's blog: https://www.sarahevans.co/blog
Transcribe →Long Covid Awareness Day 2026: Solidarity and Community 'Heart' in the Sixth Year
Mar 1500:28:58Tap to summarizeSix years in. What started in 2020 with grassroots supporting one another, has become a global movement of millions. On this International Long Covid Awareness Day (15th March 2026), we consider the activism, the online social presence and hashtags to the heart of the Long Hauler community.In this special episode of the Long Covid Hope Podcast, we dive into what is going on around the globe for LCAD2026, revisiting the latest market research and clinical trials, and share how we can bridge the gap between "waiting for a cure" and finding holistic healing today through wellness coaching, gentle yoga, and nervous system regulation.LINKS:Community & Advocacy:Long Covid Awareness Official Site: https://longcovidawareness.life/Long Covid Kids 2026 Campaign: [Invisible to Policy, Visible in Children’s Lives] https://www.longcovidkids.org/The 2026 Awareness Ring: Created by @haziethompson (X/Twitter)Clinical Trials & Medical Research:RECOVER-TLC (Baricitinib/LDN Enrollment): https://recovercovid.org/news/TRPM3 Ion Channel (ME/CFS) - Griffith University: https://news.griffith.edu.au/The Rosetta Stone Study (Imperial College London): https://meassociation.org.uk/LoCITT-T Trial (GLP-1/Tirzepatide) - Scripps Research: https://longcovid.scripps.edu/locitt-t/Stellate Ganglion Block for POTS: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ (Search RECOVER-AUTONOMIC)Are you observing the Day of Mourning or celebrating a milestone this year? Tell us your "Hope Story" in the comments below. We are the majority - and are each other’s lifeline.#LongCovid AwarenessDay2026 #LongCovidHope #MECFS #POTS #LongHauler #InternationalLongCovidAwarenessDay #ChronicIllnessSupport #GLP1 #SpoonieLife #YogaForLongCovid #ILCAD2026 #LongCovidHeartbeats #LongCovidWORK WITH SARAH EVANS:If you’re looking for support in navigating your journey through wellness coaching, meditation, or reiki, let’s connect:Book a private 1-1 session: https://www.sarahevans.co/1-1sessionsSarah's Yoga and Meditations on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sarahevansandcoLong Covid Hope Podcast webpage: https://www.sarahevans.co/podcastRead Sarah's blog: https://www.sarahevans.co/blog
Transcribe →Long Covid & The History of Hysteria: A Conversation with Emily Mendenhall
Mar 600:46:40Tap to summarizeIn this special bonus episode of the Long Covid Hope Podcast, Sarah Evans sits down with Emily Mendenhall - medical anthropologist and professor at Georgetown University - to discuss her groundbreaking book, _Invisible Illness: A History from Hysteria to Long Covid_.We dive deep into how the 'Culture of Medicine' is failing those with invisible conditions throughout history, the gendered history of medical gaslighting, and why the 'hysteria' label still haunts patients today. This is a must-listen for anyone navigating Long Covid, ME/CFS, or any condition that medicine struggles to 'see.' Learn why Emily's research points to the Covid pandemic as a 'watershed moment' for post-viral syndromes and also the disability rights movement!In this episode, we explore:- Emily's own experience with post-viral fatigue and lingering symptoms following a Covid infection, and what drew her to this topic- The evolution of 'Hysteria' and its impact on modern Long Covid patients.- Why the current culture of medicine is failing people with chronic illness.- The power of naming your illness and reclaiming your narrative.- Hope for a more empathetic and systemic approach to healthcare.EMILY'S LINKS:Book: Invisible Illness: A History from Hysteria to Long Covid — https://www.emilymendenhall.com/invisible-illnessBuy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Invisible-Illness-History-Hysteria-COVID/dp/0520421523Substack: Join Emily’s community at https://substack.com/@emilymendenhallWatch on C-SPAN: Emily discusses the book on Book TV — https://www.c-span.org/video/?534567-1/invisible-illnessRead Emily's Latest Article: 'The current culture of medicine is failing people with Long Covid' — https://sciencepolitics.org/2026/01/28/the-current-culture-of-medicine-is-failing-people-with-long-covid/ABOUT THE LONG COVID HOPE PODCASTHosted by Sarah Evans, the Hope Podcast tells the more hopeful stories of Long Covid, from the true experts: those with lived experience of the condition.SARAH'S SUPPORT & MENTORSHIP LINKS:1-1 Sessions with Sarah: Book a 1-1 Wellness Session: https://www.sarahevans.co/1-1sessionsMentorship Waitlist: Join the Healing and Wellness Mentorship: https://www.sarahevans.co/wellness-mentorshipBuy Me a Coffee: Support the podcast and free yoga library: https://buymeacoffee.com/sarahevans#LongCovid #EmilyMendenhall #InvisibleIllness #MedicalGaslighting #MECFS #ChronicIllness #LongCovidHope #SarahEvans #HistoryOfHysteria #MedicalAnthropology #WomenInMedicine #Spoonie #Pacing #Dysautonomia
Transcribe →Lisa's Recovery Story: Writing, Forest Bathing and Wild Ground
Jan 1600:56:24Tap to summarizeThanks for tuning into the Long Covid Hope Podcast! In this episode, Sarah is joined by Lisa Jensen, a fellow first waver and a marvellous writer and human who has done so much for the community! Lisa shares her journey which includes MCAS and POTS, and how writing was a tool that helped her during her Long Covid experience. That's what we have always known her as - due to her wonderful writings - both email blog style posts with the 'Corona Cafe', which became 'Incurably Human' and is now 'Wild Ground'. She also has relied on a connection to nature which led her to become certified in forest bathing, which is a service she now offers, as part of her Wild Ground Coaching services. Lisa also has a brand new book out, the novel: All is Well. Would you like to share your hopeful story of Long Covid? Do you have anyone in mind who has a great recovery journey to share? Then get in touch!Become a Patreon member to support the Long Covid Hope Podcast's advocacy and support efforts. All Patreon members get early access and get lots of perks such as full video episodes: https://www.patreon.com/c/LongCovidHopeLinks:Lisa Jenson's Website Wild Ground Coaching - https://www.wildgroundcoaching.com/Lisa's new novel All is Well: https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=J3foQVKisSPm5y0rpUtQtSfg8YI7UcTJSDprubZr2plLong Covid Hope Podcast webpage: www.sarahevans.co/podcastLong Covid Hope Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/LongCovidHopeYoga OnDemand Membership - designed and suitable for people with Long Covid, POTS, ME/CFS and more: www.sarahevans.co/online-yoga-membershipDisclaimer: please note that Sarah or any of the guests speaking on this podcast are not health professionals and this does not constitute medical advice. Always speak to your doctor before starting any new treatment or exercise programme.
Transcribe →Cindy's Story: from Bedbound to Back to Work
Jan 900:59:03Tap to summarizeIn today's episode we are speaking with Cindy, a former aerospace engineer at NASA from the Houston, Texas area, USA. Cindy and her son both got sick with Covid in April 2020 and both developed Long Covid as a first waver. In the episode, we discuss Cindy's Long Covid journey including attempts to return to work full-time too soon and finding a functional doctor who helped her. Cindy goes on to explain how her health improved dramatically in Spring 2024 (going from mostly bed bound to being able to return to work from home part time) due to treatments such as Red Light Therapy, Daily HBOT and gastrointestinal supports like intermittent fasting and a peptide. Cindy is very passionate about supporting the nervous system as a route to recovery.Would you like to share your hopeful story of Long Covid? Do you have anyone in mind who has a great recovery journey to share? Then get in touch!Become a Patreon member to support the Long Covid Hope Podcast's advocacy and support efforts. All Patreon members get early access and get lots of perks such as full video episodes: https://www.patreon.com/c/LongCovidHopeLinks: Red Light Therapy article: https://occupationaltherapybrisbane.com.au/red-light-therapy-for-neurological-conditions-explained/Healing and Wellness Mentorship: www.sarahevans.co/wellness-coachingLong Covid Hope Podcast webpage: www.sarahevans.co/podcastLong Covid Hope Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/LongCovidHopeYoga OnDemand Membership - designed and suitable for people with Long Covid, POTS, ME/CFS and more: www.sarahevans.co/online-yoga-membershipDisclaimer: please note that Sarah or any of the guests speaking on this podcast are not health professionals and this does not constitute medical advice. Always speak to your doctor before starting any new treatment or exercise programme. For complete terms and conditions, visit: https://www.sarahevans.co/the-small-print
Transcribe →Vee's Story: HBOT, Wim Hof Breathwork and Nails!
Jan 200:54:53Tap to summarizeThanks for tuning into the Long Covid Hope Podcast! In this episode, Sarah speaks to Vee, known as Long Covid Warrior online, about her experience with Long Covid from contracting Covid in 2020. She discusses her important online community has been to her, as well as pursuing her passion for nail art, despite the fatigue, brain fog, difficulties with mobility which were certainly severe at times. Vee explains how her journey has been improved by very regular treatments of HBOT - Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy - and how cold showers, ice baths and then the Wim Hof Breathwork method has really helped her to improve and stabilise her symptoms. We wish her and her family well with their new adventures State-side in 2026!Would you like to share your hopeful story of Long Covid? Do you have anyone in mind who has a great recovery journey to share? Then get in touch!Become a Patreon member to support the Long Covid Hope Podcast's advocacy and support efforts. All Patreon members get early access and get lots of perks such as full video episodes: https://www.patreon.com/c/LongCovidHopeLinks:Vee on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/longcovidhealing25Vee's (amazing) Nail business: https://www.instagram.com/vaveenails/Brightwell HBOT Centre mentioned: https://www.thebrightwell.org.uk/Wim Hof Breathwork Technique video: https://youtu.be/tybOi4hjZFQLong Covid Hope Podcast webpage: www.sarahevans.co/podcastLong Covid Hope Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/LongCovidHopeYoga OnDemand Membership - designed and suitable for people with Long Covid, POTS, ME/CFS and more: www.sarahevans.co/online-yoga-membershipDisclaimer: please note that Sarah or any of the guests speaking on this podcast are not health professionals and this does not constitute medical advice. Always speak to your doctor before starting any new treatment or exercise programme.
Transcribe →Holidays Special with Special Returning Guest: Julia Claire Taylor
Dec 2401:11:43Tap to summarizeHappy Holidays! Welcome to the Long Covid Hope Podcast Christmas Special! Featuring the very special guest: Julia Claire Taylor! Julia is a professional opera singer based in New York City, who developed Long Covid in 2022 and has received care from Mount Sinai.Julia and Sarah catch up on what's happened since her first time on the podcast. We hear how she's been and the amazing progress she has made, as well as her major decluttering project and the positive effect that has had on her health. We also discuss seasonally relevant things, like pacing in the holidays, finding joy despite it all, and what uplifts us even while chronically ill.Wishing you and your family a very Happy Holidays! Love from Sarah Evans and the Long Covid Hope Podcast!Julia's Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JuliaClaireTaylorJulia's Instagram: instagram.com/juliaclairetaylorJulia's first episode from S3: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6Mf3EMZLohM7hUiIa7IwHqJulia's Decluttering Journey on the Space Maker Method Youtube Channel: https://youtu.be/ssEniOhCGQ0Sarah Evans Wellness and Healing Mentorship Programme: www.sarahevans.co/wellness-coachingLong Covid Hope Podcast webpage: www.sarahevans.co/podcastLong Covid Hope Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/LongCovidHopeYoga OnDemand Membership - designed and suitable for people with Long Covid, POTS, ME/CFS and more: www.sarahevans.co/online-yoga-membershipDisclaimer: please note that Sarah or any of the guests speaking on this podcast are not health professionals and this does not constitute medical advice. Always speak to your doctor before starting any new treatment or exercise programme.
Transcribe →Eden: Long Covid Kids, Advocacy and University with Long Covid
Dec 1900:48:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Sarah speaks to Eden Bryne about her experience as a young person with Long Covid and how that has not held her back from considerable advocacy and campaigning activities. Despite having Long Covid with Chronic Fatigue presentation, Eden has won a national award and co-authored an article in the Lancet journal! Eden describes her experience getting ill while at school and how that affected her GCSE and A Levels, and led to taking a year out of her studies for her health. She explains how much Long Covid Kids has helped her and how she has supported the charity's activities and given talks about Long Covid in children and teenagers. Eden is now beginning a new online degree with the Open University, we discuss reasonable adjustments to ensure her success with her course, as well as comparing in-person studies to online for people with disabilities. Eden is such an inspiration and we wish her the best with her course!Would you like to share your hopeful story of Long Covid? Do you have anyone in mind who has a great recovery journey to share? Then get in touch!Become a Patreon member to support the Long Covid Hope Podcast's advocacy and support efforts. All Patreon members get early access and get lots of perks such as full video episodes: https://www.patreon.com/c/LongCovidHopeLinks:Eden in the Lancet Journal: https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/article/PIIS2352-4642(23)00348-6/abstractEden's National Award for Philanthropy: https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/belfast-woman-honoured-national-award-30469149Eden's Podcast Sports for All: https://www.bethechangemedianetwork.com/our-podcasts/sports-for-all/Sarah's Healing and Wellness Mentorship Programme: www.sarahevans.co/wellness-coachingLong Covid Hope Podcast webpage: www.sarahevans.co/podcastLong Covid Hope Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/LongCovidHopeYoga Sanctuary Space Membership - designed and suitable for people with Long Covid, POTS, ME/CFS and more: www.sarahevans.co/online-yoga-membershipDisclaimer: please note that Sarah or any of the guests speaking on this podcast are not health professionals and this does not constitute medical advice. Always speak to your doctor before starting any new treatment or exercise programme.
Transcribe →Chimmy's Story: the 'OG of Black Long Covid Advocacy' and the importance of Hope and Faith
Dec 1200:56:57Tap to summarizeThanks for listening to the Long Covid Hope Podcast, the podcast that tells the more hopeful stories of those with Long Covid. In this unmissable episode, Sarah is joined by Chimére L. Sweeney, commonly known as Chimmy, a first waver who is an outspoken advocate, phenomenal writer and speaker, and is the self proclaimed 'OG of Black Long Covid advocacy'. Featured on CNN. PBS, ABC, NBC and many more news outlets, and a prolific writer who has a chapter in the Long covid Survival Guide, edited by Fiona Lowenstein, Chimmy now has her own podcast and Substack blog: The Blackest Side of Long Covid. Chimmy and Sarah have quite a freewheeling conversation on many important topics - she is brilliant to listen to and we are delighted to have her - so enjoy!Would you like to share your hopeful story of Long Covid? Do you have anyone in mind who has a great recovery journey to share? Then get in touch!Become a Patreon member to support the Long Covid Hope Podcast's advocacy and support efforts. All Patreon members get early access and get lots of perks such as full video episodes: https://www.patreon.com/c/LongCovidHopeLinks:Chimmy's website: https://www.chimereladawn.com/aboutChimmy's Substack: https://theblackestsidelc.substack.com/Chimmy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chimereladawn/Long Covid Hope Podcast webpage: www.sarahevans.co/podcastLong Covid Hope Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/LongCovidHopeYoga OnDemand Membership - designed and suitable for people with Long Covid, POTS, ME/CFS and more: www.sarahevans.co/online-yoga-membershipDisclaimer: please note that Sarah or any of the guests speaking on this podcast are not health professionals and this does not constitute medical advice. Always speak to your doctor before starting any new treatment or exercise programme.
Transcribe →Leela's Recovery Story: from NASA Scientist to finding Joy in Nature and the Everyday
Dec 501:03:54Tap to summarizeThanks for following the Long Covid Hope Podcast, the podcast that tells the more hopeful stories of those with Long Covid. In this episode, Sarah is joined by Leela O'Brien, a NASA scientist and AI engineer, who was floored by severe LC that that significantly impaired her gross motor and cognitive function. After a grueling start to her illness, Leela describes how she found that seeking her joy no matter what, and viewing being in nature as a sanctuary was essential to her healing. She describes the importance of meditation and how Joe Dispenza's guided meditations in particular were a lifeline to her. Fortunately, whilst not fully recovered as she still has a few lingering tremors etc, Leela has recovered to the capacity that she now assists others with their healing journeys. She articulates the explorer mindset she uses with her clients and her Four C's concept of Curiosity, Creativity, Courage and Connection.Would you like to share your hopeful story of Long Covid? Do you have anyone in mind who has a great recovery journey to share? Then get in touch!Become a Patreon member to support the Long Covid Hope Podcast's advocacy and support efforts. All Patreon members get early access and get lots of perks such as full video episodes: https://www.patreon.com/c/LongCovidHopeLinks:Leela's Coaching Service website: https://www.leelaobrien.com/coachingLeela's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leelaeobrienLong Covid Hope Podcast webpage: www.sarahevans.co/podcastLong Covid Hope Podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/LongCovidHopeYoga OnDemand Membership - designed and suitable for people with Long Covid, POTS, ME/CFS and more: www.sarahevans.co/online-yoga-membershipDisclaimer: please note that Sarah or any of the guests speaking on this podcast are not health professionals and this does not constitute medical advice. Always speak to your doctor before starting any new treatment or exercise programme.
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