I’m a big fan of podcasts. Like many others, I get my news from podcasts, my entertainment from podcasts, my ideas and my inspiration from podcasts. But there’s something else I get from podcasts, something more valuable than all the aforementioned reasons: support skills.
Podcasts are so great because they allow people from all over the world and from all different backgrounds to share their stories. Their low-budget, DIY nature means that stories that otherwise wouldn’t be accessible can be shared across the internet. And this includes stories from people suffering from chronic conditions and invisible illnesses.
Despite the relatively low public and medical acknowledgment of endometriosis, there are podcasts out there about it, recorded by experts and people with first-hand experience of the condition. You can tap into a wealth of knowledge and experience for free from the comfort of your phone! It’s so helpful hearing stories that are similar to yours or your partner’s, and it’s reassuring to hear that you’re not alone.
We can get tips from these shows that will help us understand endometriosis and our partner’s struggles, and advice for how best to support them. So to help you navigate this world of useful information and welcoming understanding, here are four podcasts to get you started.
This EndoLife Podcast: From surgery to natural therapies, This EndoLife Podcast brings you guests who are challenging chronic illnesses and mental health issues in unique ways, and are changing lives with their inspiring work. As the name suggests, the podcast discusses endometriosis a lot, but it also covers other reproductive issues and conditions. The show is hosted by Jessica Duffin of ThisEndoLife.com.
The Fertility Warriors Podcast: Infertility is a tragic side effect of endometriosis, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 12 percent of American women ages 15-44 have used infertility services. Host Robyn Birkin, who also understands what it’s like to go through a miscarriage, talks to other “fertility warriors” for tips on thriving in a painful and difficult process. Look to her podcast for tips on conception, understanding fertility treatments, and general well-being throughout your journey.
The Hilarious World Of Depression: This next show doesn’t deal with endometriosis or another chronic illness, but with a common symptom that will be all too familiar to endo patients. The Hilarious World Of Depression is a series of conversations with comedians who have experienced depression. The shows generally don’t try to offer advice or counsel, but use reflection and stories with the intention of encouraging those with clinical depression. And they are still captivating and funny even for those without it.
In Sickness + In Health: This show is about the relationships with our bodies and issues at the intersections of chronic illness, disability, healthcare, and mortality. It is a show where the “personal is political, and where bodily autonomy, healthcare, and disability rights are considered human rights without question.”
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Note: Endometriosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Endometriosis News or its parent company, BioNews Services, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to endometriosis.