Episode 19: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

#19 Mind Matters: Transformative Self-Care for the Nervous System with Suzy Reading

In this deeply nurturing episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes chartered psychologist, leading self-care expert, coach and author Suzy Reading, to explore the vital connection between the mind and the body.

Suzy shares her journey with arthritis and what led her to reclaiming the word 'selfish'. She also introduces her '7 Steps to Peace and Power' framework, and somatic practices designed to move the nervous system from a state of high alert, into one of safety and strength. Ever felt overwhelmed by your diagnosis, or completely depleted? This episode is for you.

Topics covered:

• A Turning Point: Why admitting you can’t do it all isn’t a failure, but the beginning of life lived on your own terms
• Perimenopause & Arthritis: Suzy’s personal experience with arthritis, and chronic pain
• Myth of Positivity: Why you shouldn't try to manipulate your thoughts, but focus on self-talk instead
• Practical Somatic Tools: Grounding exercises including 'Shrug and Sigh' and 'Candle Breath' for stressful moments
• Numbing vs. Feeling: Why we cannot numb difficult emotions without dampening joy
• 7-Step Framework: For reclaiming your mind, body, and right to feel
• Healthy Selfishness: Why filling your cup is a prerequisite for being loving and present
• Plus tips for your appointments (more here)

About the podcast:

With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.

Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.

Emily is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis.

Episode Links:

Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist

Suzy Reading @SuzyReading

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suzyreading/
• Website: https://www.suzyreading.co.uk/

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodie
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie/

Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

Episode 18: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

#18 Life on the Road: How @anotherdaywithra Navigates Travelling with Arthritis

For this conversational episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes back the incredible Ali DiGiacomo. Ali is a personal trainer, digital writer, and the voice behind @anotherdaywithra, known for her unfiltered and humorous take on life with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Ali opens up about her most ambitious year yet, moving into a 16-foot Airstream trailer and traveling across Europe. Ali shares the 'un-sugarcoated' truth and reality of travelling with arthritis, as well as her essential travel tips.

Topics covered:

• Why Ali and her partner Travis chose a 16-foot home and the reality of living this way
• Her recent trip to the Winter Olympics, and how she coped with flu and flares
• How scheduling a mandatory day of rest after travel is the key to surviving trips
• Ali’s emotional realisation about the guilt we feel about sickness, when we shouldn't
• Healthcare on the move, navigating the logistical and administrative hurdles
• Medicine shaming and why listening to your doctor is vital to your care
• Practical tips for handling rheumatology appointments when your mind goes blank (see Rheumatology Appointment Workbook)
• A 'Day in the Life Of' Ali, and how the slower pace of a nomadic lifestyle has helped

About the podcast:

With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.

Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.

Emily (Arthritis Foodie) is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis.

Episode Links:

Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist

Ali DiGiacomo @AnotherDaywithRA:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anotherdaywithra/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@anotherdaywithra?lang=en
• Website: https://www.anotherdaywithra.com/

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodie
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie/

Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

Episode 17: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

#17 Mind-Body-Gut: Mastering Inflammation with Nutritionist Eli Brecher

In this episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes Eli Brecher (ANutr), a registered associate nutritionist specialising in gut health, immunity, and inflammatory conditions.

Eli has lived with Crohn’s Disease since the age of 8 and brings a deeply empathetic and personal perspective to autoimmunity. She explains the impact of the Mind-Body-Gut Method, with her expertise in clinical nutrition and recipe development offers a practical bridge between science-backed principles and everyday living.

Topics covered:

Lived Experience

• Eli’s Journey: Crohn’s in childhood and finding remission
• Gut Health: How it impacts immunity and systemic inflammation
• Red Flags: Silent symptoms in the skin, joints, and brain that signal gut dysbiosis

Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition

• Plate Additions: Why adding plants, Omega-3s, and herbs is better than cutting foods out
• Closed Kitchen Rule: Why finishing dinner 3 hours before bed matters
• DIY Nutrition: Easy, low-cost wins like making anti-inflammatory herbal teas

360° Healing Toolkit

• Sleep Science: Tart cherry juice, tryptophan, and morning sunlight to regulate your circadian rhythm
• Stress Management: Building a personalised toolkit that works for you
• Gut-Brain Axis: How nervous system regulation directly calms inflammation in the body

About the podcast:

With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.

Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.

Emily is a bestselling author, certified coach, and founder of Live Well with Arthritis.

Episode Links:

Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist

FREE Workbook: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/signup-free-download

Eli Brecher @elibrechernutrition

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elibrechernutrition/
• Website: https://www.elibrecher.co.uk/

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodie

Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie