Podcast
The Head Start: Embracing the Journey
Hosted by iHeartPodcasts · EN
We’ve all had a moment where we arrived at the grocery store and can’t remember passing any of the stoplights along the way. We’re halfway down an aisle and scrambling to remember what we even needed. Our mind is in overdrive trying to sort through our ever-growing to-do list. We’ve been there when just making it through the next task is hard. But the normal stresses of life aren’t the only thing YOU have to deal with.
Nora McInerny hosts The Head Start: Embracing the Journey, a new podcast from iHeartRadio and AbbVie, a space to share open and honest conversations acknowledging the struggles we all face, while leaning into the hope and optimism we all share. We’ll hear from doctors, experts, and everyday people who will be sharing their experiences, migraine coping strategies, and major wins, all while building a community of support around an invisible disease that makes every day uncertain: Chronic Migraine.
Click here for Product Information, including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide, or visit https://bit.ly/3BlbaHG
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Chronic Migraine Through My Sister’s Eyes: A Conversation with Meghan McInerny
Jul 100:32:46Summary readyWe all carry more than we show—juggling roles, responsibilities, and realities that often go unseen, even by those closest to us. In this episode, Nora sits down with her big sister, Meghan, for an honest and vulnerable conversation about the reality of living with Chronic Migraine—a reality woven into their family history. Together, they reflect on how this shared thread has shaped their relationships with each other and with their father. Meghan shares how her symptoms have shifted over time, and the quiet resilience it takes to adapt, especially when those around her may not fully see or understand what she’s navigating. Click here for Product Information, including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide, or visit https://abbv.ie/prescribing_infoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
SummaryStrength Behind the Scenes: A Conversation with Lilly Singh
Jun 1700:35:27Summary readyLiving in the public eye brings constant pressure, making it even more important for actress and host Lilly Singh to approach life with intentionality while managing her Chronic Migraine. In this episode, Nora sits down with Lilly to explore the daily routines, open communication, and wellbeing-first mindset that have helped her manage both personally and professionally. She shares strategies for setting boundaries, prioritizing wellness, and staying grounded - all tools that help her stay authentic while navigating a very public life. Click here for Product Information, including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide, or visit https://abbv.ie/prescribing_infoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
SummaryIntimacy and Chronic Migraine: A Conversation with Tom Picerno
Jun 3, 202500:37:36Summary readyTalking about intimacy can be difficult, even with your partner. It’s nuanced. It’s often avoided. But it’s still very important. In this episode, Nora and guest Tom Picerno explore how he’s navigated these delicate conversations while living with Chronic Migraine. They’re joined by Tom’s wife, Cheryl, who adds an extra layer of perspective to how they’ve relied heavily on open communication, reframing what intimacy means to them while respecting each other’s boundaries. Click here for Product Information, including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide, or visit https://abbv.ie/prescribing_infoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
SummarySweat and Resilience: Balancing Chronic Migraine with Fitness Goals
May 20, 202500:35:00Summary readyThe healing power of fitness goes far beyond physical benefits—for today’s guest, it’s a form of self-expression and a celebration of what the body can do. In this episode, host Nora McInerny sits down with fitness personality Ivylis Rivera, who shares her deeply personal journey of navigating life with Chronic Migraine while holding onto her passion for movement. Ivylis opens up about the struggle of staying active while facing the fear of triggering a headache or migraine attack and the resilience it takes to keep pushing forward—a resilience that carried her through the challenging journey of finding a Chronic Migraine treatment plan that worked for her. Join Nora and Ivylis as they explore the concept of “soft living,” a philosophy Ivylis embraces—staying active, listening to your body, and building trust in oneself. Click here for Product Information, including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide, or visit https://abbv.ie/prescribing_infoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
SummaryThe Head Start: Embracing the Journey Season 3 is Here
May 6, 202500:03:05Summary readySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
SummaryTwo Generations, One Shared Disease: A Conversation with Mother and Son
Jul 23, 202400:35:13Summary readyIt’s one thing, as a parent, to deal with your own struggles, but to watch your kid go through it - to see them face obstacles and struggles can be excruciating. It often feels like the parent’s job is to shield their child from hardships. In this episode, Nora shares the story of Angel and Xavier, a mother and son who are no strangers to Chronic Migraine, supporting each other through their respective journeys. They shine a light on their shared burden and how it may impact different generations. They push back on the pressure for parents to hide their struggles from their children, instead choosing to create a dynamic where it is ok to ask for help and need rest. Click here for Product Information, including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide, or visit https://bit.ly/3BlbaHG.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
SummaryActing The Part Amidst Adversity: A Conversation with Aaron Matthew Atkisson
Jul 9, 202400:30:45Summary readyOftentimes the standard “I’m good!” response isn’t rooted in the truth. We often act our way through our struggles, so we don’t burden someone else with our problems. In this episode, Nora delves into how Aaron Matthew Atkisson balances the art of acting both on set and as the primary caregiver for his family. When a migraine attack hits, he can’t simply ask his family to wait, or call cut on set. Reflecting on his approach to boundaries and fatherhood, Aaron sheds light on the stigmas surrounding men with Chronic Migraine and shares how he adapts his many roles and responsibilities. Click here for Product Information, including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide, or visit https://bit.ly/3BlbaHG.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
SummaryTeaching Through the Struggle: A Conversation with Danielle Mandoza
Jun 25, 202400:33:07Summary readyNavigating parenthood can be overwhelming all on its own, but Danielle Mandoza takes it a step further teaching young children at work, too. In this episode, Nora explores Danielle’s struggle to balance her roles as a parent and teacher with the ever-lingering threat of a migraine attack. Thanks to the experiences of her mother and grandmother who both lived with migraine, Danielle continues to face her own Chronic Migraine diagnosis head-on and confidently explores treatment options with her neurologist that might work for her. With the help of Dr. Rhyne, Nora debunks some common migraine treatment myths and takes a closer look at Danielle’s unrelenting juggling act. Click here for Product Information, including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide, or visit https://bit.ly/3BlbaHG.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
SummaryHealthcare Access & Affordability: A Conversation with Jaime Sanders
Jun 11, 202400:33:09Summary ready“Knowledge is Power” may be an old cliche, but it is never more true than when talking about living with a chronic illness, like Chronic Migraine. In this episode, Nora explores how writer and advocate Jaime Sanders found the right words to describe her migraine symptoms earlier than most, thanks to her access to healthcare education. Her community and support provided a springboard for her empowerment while navigating her Chronic Migraine journey. Otherwise known as The Migraine Diva, Jaime uses her story and experience to drive fierce advocacy and education for the Chronic Migraine community. Click here for Product Information, including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide, or visit https://bit.ly/3BlbaHG. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
SummaryThe Silent Struggle Behind the Veteran Mindset: A Conversation with Ivan Perry
May 28, 202400:33:04Summary readyMost of us have probably heard “Suck it up!” or “Get over it!” at some point. But when you’re living with Chronic Migraine, these phrases are far from helpful. In this episode, Nora talks to Air Force veteran Ivan Perry who is pushing back on a culture that measures strength by silence and a lack of struggle. He channels the resilience he developed while living with Chronic Migraine by founding Operation Aspire Group, guiding companies to build and create more inclusive environments. Ivan emphasizes the importance of recognizing diverse experiences and meeting people where they are in their journey. Click here for Product Information, including Boxed Warning and Medication Guide, or visit https://bit.ly/3BlbaHG.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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