Podcast Summary: Fiona Cauley Refuses to Serve Soup Ever Again | The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler, host Ryan Sickler welcomes Fiona Cauley, a courageous individual navigating life with a rare genetic disorder. The episode delves deep into Fiona's personal journey, highlighting her struggles, resilience, and triumphs, all delivered with Ryan's signature humor and empathy.

Guest Introduction and Initial Conversation

Ryan Sickler opens the episode by introducing Fiona Cauley, apologizing for the studio's lack of ADA compliance, which Fiona humorously acknowledges by mentioning her ability to climb two flights of stairs despite the challenges. This lighthearted exchange sets the tone for an honest and engaging conversation.

Fiona's Early Life and Athletic Background

Fiona shares her background from Franklin, a wealthy town in Nashville, emphasizing that "money can't buy everything." She recounts her athletic prowess, having played soccer, volleyball, and cross country, and discusses her mother's influence as a Division I athlete. Fiona's early promise in sports makes the onset of her symptoms even more poignant.

Onset of Symptoms and Misunderstandings

At around age 15, Fiona begins experiencing coordination loss during volleyball, which her coach mistakenly attributes to a lack of effort or possible substance use. Fiona expresses frustration, saying, “I fucking wish, dude. You know?” This misunderstanding leads her to quit sports and adopt a more rebellious persona, further complicating her high school years.

The Diagnosis Journey

Despite exhibiting clear symptoms, Fiona’s diagnosis journey is fraught with disbelief and dismissal from her family and educators. She reflects, “Everyone thinks I'm drunk. Everyone's talking about my speech being kind of slurred,” highlighting the lack of awareness and support. It wasn’t until she decisively sought medical help at 18 that she was diagnosed with Friedrich ataxia, a rare genetic disease affecting only about 5,000 people in the U.S. Fiona reveals at [17:57] “And I was right. And that's all I heard was I was.”

Family Dynamics and Emotional Impact

The diagnosis uncovers deeper family issues, particularly involving Fiona's mother, who initially dismissed Fiona's symptoms as attention-seeking. Fiona shares her strained relationship, stating, “I was very angsty and mad at her in high school for obvious reasons.” Over time, they engage in honest conversations, leading to mutual understanding and apologies, though Fiona remains guarded: “She feels. I mean, I get it now.”

Mental Health and Coping Mechanisms

Fiona candidly discusses her battle with depression following her diagnosis. She recounts engaging in reckless behavior, including excessive drinking and promiscuity, as a coping mechanism. “I got grounded for walking weird,” Fiona admits, illustrating the psychological toll of her condition and the societal misunderstandings she faced.

Experiences with Employment and Disability Discrimination

Fiona's struggle extends into her professional life, where her disabilities lead to repeated job terminations. She mentions, “I refused to carry soup ever again,” referencing her role at Frothy Monkey, where frequent spills due to her condition resulted in her being deemed a liability and ultimately fired. Fiona’s experiences shed light on the pervasive discrimination faced by individuals with disabilities in the workplace.

Transition into Comedy and Inspiration

Despite the challenges, Fiona finds solace and empowerment in comedy. Encouraged by her uncle, she participates in Kill Tony, a comedy show, overcoming her fears and showcasing her humor despite her physical limitations. Fiona shares the transformative moment when she took the stage, leading to a significant boost in her confidence and public presence: “That changed my life, you know?”

Current Life and Future Outlook

Now actively touring as a comedian, Fiona balances her career with managing her condition. She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, especially while traveling for performances. Fiona remains hopeful about future medical advancements, including gene therapy, which she believes could offer a cure: “That's the hope, you know.”

Conclusion

In conclusion, Fiona Cauley's story is one of resilience and determination. From facing debilitating symptoms and familial disbelief to finding her voice in comedy, Fiona exemplifies the strength of the human spirit. Her candid discussions on mental health, disability discrimination, and personal growth provide invaluable insights and inspiration for listeners navigating their own challenges.

Notable Quotes

• Fiona Cauley on her initial symptoms: “I was like, what the fuck is happening?” [07:13]
• Discussing her diagnosis: “I have a very rare genetic disease called Friedrich ataxia. And there are only 5,000 people in the US with it.” [17:57]
• On coping with depression: “I started ramping up my drinking real bad, and I was sleeping with everyone.” [35:20]
• Reflecting on family relationships: “I didn't forgive her for gaslighting me, essentially, for years.” [38:16]
• On self-advocacy: “You just have to learn the laws for airlines, how to protect yourself.” [56:31]
• Offering advice to her younger self: “Stop doubting yourself so much. You know, you know your body, you know what's going on.” [59:00]

Final Thoughts

Fiona Cauley's episode on The HoneyDew with Ryan Sickler is a profound exploration of living with a rare genetic disorder, the importance of self-advocacy, and the healing power of humor. Her story not only educates but also inspires, offering hope and understanding to those facing similar struggles.