Live Well with Arthritis

by Emily Johnson

Season 1

#35 Dismissed to Determined: Advocacy, Confidence and Community with Bailey Jane

Episode 35: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast #35 Dismissed to Determined: Advocacy, Confidence and Community with Bailey Jane Ever been told your pain is 'all in your head'? Host Emily Johnson welcomes Bailey Jane, policy advocate for the Arthritis Foundation, confidence coach, and Miss America competitor who grew up with juvenile arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. After 10 doctors and years of dismissal, Bailey finally got her diagnosis, despite having symptoms from when she was 5 years old. In this episode, she opens up about medical gaslighting, learning to advocate for herself, and turning pain into purpose. Whether you live with arthritis, an invisible illness, or you’re waiting on answers, this episode reminds you that your voice matters and your diagnosis does not define you. Topics covered: Living with an Invisible Condition Dismissal to Diagnosis Medical gaslighting by 10 doctors 'You Don’t Look Sick' Navigating an invisible autoimmune disease Health Autonomy Become your own advocate Managing Body and Mind Treatment Difficulties Why she had to turn to holistic methods Anti-Inflammatory Living Diet, triggers, CBD, and rest as productivity Rationing Your Energy Pitcher analogy and knowing your body Turning Pain into Power The Joint Impact Advocacy, policy reform, and sharing your story Community Feeling seen with the Arthritis Foundation Confidence Coaching The alter ego hack and more 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 Programme Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist FREE Workbook: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/signup-free-download Bailey Jane @baileyjstaff Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baileyjstaff/ Website: https://www.baileyjanecoaching.com/ Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodie Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

S1 · E35

Jul 12, 2026

48:55

#34 Go to the Gig: Emily's Before, During and After Plan for Concerts with Arthritis

Episode 34: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast #34 Go to the Gig: Emily's Before, During and After Plan for Concerts with Arthritis Last weekend, Emily was at the Take That concert in a crowd of thousands, mid-heatwave, singing loudly with her mum. In the photos, with her red lipstick on, she looks fine, but what you can't see is her pain. This episode is the honest version of that night, and the plan that made it possible. Living with arthritis doesn't mean giving up festivals, gigs, travel, or brilliant experiences that make life worth living. It just means going with a plan, and some self-compassion for afterwards. Arthritis does not mean you stop showing up for your life, but you do show up differently. Heat, crowds, standing for hours, and barely any sleep, is a perfect storm for a flare, so Emily walks through the whole thing: the biology of why heat and bad sleep hit our joints so hard, and what shes does about it. Topics covered: Biology of the Flare Why heat, dehydration, exertion and lost sleep aren't four small things, but one absoltely compounding thing Knowing Your Triggers Naming your own triggers (for Emily - stress, travel, lost routine, and lots of walking) so you can plan around them The Before Banking your rest, planning an air-conditioned route and seating/accessibility, and exactly what was in Emily's Take That flare-up/pain kit The During Hydrating relentlessly, forgiving an imperfect meal, micro-resting without guilt, managing the heat actively, staying ahead of the pain, and letting joy be medicine The After Handling the flare without guilt or panic, with rest as a non-negotiable, soothing swollen joints, and remembering a flare is a temporary cost for a permanent memory Travel More Widely How the same before/during/after system carries over to flights, hotels and getaways, and why protecting your sleep matters is vital 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: Applications for the Live Well with Arthritis 12-week programme are open, Apply now: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arthritisfoodie Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

S1 · E34

Jul 5, 2026

51:59

#33 Hype or Helpful? Nutritionist Eli Brecher on Matcha, Fibremaxxing, Protein Water and more

Episode 33: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast #33 Hype or Helpful? Nutritionist Eli Brecher on Matcha, Fibremaxxing, Protein Water and more Fed up of navigating all of the wellness trends in the media and online? The wellness world can be overwhelming to navigate, so what is actually helpful? Especially if you live with a chronic health condition? In this episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes back Registered Associate Nutritionist Eli Brecher to sort the hype from the helpful. Eli is the creator of The Mind, Body, Gut Method™ and host of The Gut 360 Podcast. Living with Crohn's disease since the age of eight, she specialises in gut health, women's health, and fertility nutrition, and is a contributor to the Live Well with Arthritis programme. Eli celebrates the trends genuinely worth your time, and debunks the ones that aren't. Topics covered: Trends Worth the Hype Matcha Calm Sustained energy, L-theanine, and the dairy caveat Fibremaxxing Why fibre is a hero nutrient, and how to add it to your diet Adding In, Not Restricting Positive shift towards plant diversity and 30+ plants a week Debatable Trends Protein-Washing Why seeing 'high protein' may just be marketing Gut Health Myth of the magic powder, and where to start Biohacking Red light, cold plunges and more Thoughts on Other Trends CGMs (Continuous Glucose Monitors) Whether the average person really needs one GLP-1s (like Ozempic) What they actually do, and who they're helpful for 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 Programme 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

S1 · E33

Jun 28, 2026

39:22

#32 Trust Your Gut: Dr Camilla Stokholm on Microbiomes, Inflammation and Arthritis

Episode 32: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast #32 Trust Your Gut: Dr Camilla Stokholm on Microbiomes, Inflammation and Arthritis What if half of you wasn't actually you? In this episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes Dr Camilla Stokholm, a gut microbiome specialist, lifestyle medicine doctor, and best-selling author of What Your Doctor Eats, named after her hugely popular Instagram account. A former NHS GP, Camilla now runs Mosaic Medical, using metagenomic testing to get to the root cause of her patients' symptoms. Her approach grew out of her own health journey, such as debilitating IBS. Whether you live with arthritis, fibromyalgia, or an inflammatory condition, get practical, science-backed strategies to feed your gut, calm inflammation, and take back control of your health. Topics covered: The Gut Microbiome Mini Pharmacy How gut bugs produce chemicals that act like medicine Immunity 70% of your immune system lives one cell away from your microbiome Leaky Gut How dysbiosis can trigger autoimmunity, inflammation and joint pain Signs and Testing Hidden Signs Fatigue, brain fog, bloating, and bowel changes Beyond Bloodwork Why a normal test doesn't always mean it's fine Personalisation Food first, plus targeted prescriptions Feeding a Healthier Life Microbiome Party Variety is key and 30 plants a week Probiotics? Lessons from the Hadza tribe on cheap, diverse eating Fasting & Arthritis What the research reveals 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 Programme Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist FREE Workbook: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/signup-free-download Dr Camilla Stokholm @whatyourdoctoreats Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatyourdoctoreats/ Website: https://www.whatyourdoctoreats.com Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodie Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

S1 · E32

Jun 21, 2026

55:17

#31 Gratitude Over Toxic Positivity: Emily on Holding Pain and Joy at Once

Episode 31: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast #31 Gratitude Over Toxic Positivity: Emily on Holding Pain and Joy at Once When you're mid-flare and someone tells you to 'look on the bright side', this episode is for you. Host Emily Johnson has a confession the word 'gratitude' used to grate on her too, and this episode is not about good-vibing your way out of pain. Drawing on the science and her own lived experience, Emily unpacks what real, evidence-based gratitude actually is, dual processing, and the human capacity to hold a heavy truth in one hand and something beautiful in the other. Gratitude does not wipe away your pain, your anger, or your grief. It simply sends your nervous system a second, different signal alongside the first, which is that safety, warmth, and kindness also exist, right here, right now. This is for anyone who is grieving the body or the life they expected to have, and who is tired of being made to choose between their hard feelings and their good ones. Topics covered: Biology of 'Both/And' Why your brain isn't broken, it's biased, how negativity bias and central sensitisation turn up the volume on pain, and what gratitude actually does to your nervous system Myth of Emotional Monogamy Why you don't have to be committed to one emotion, and how the phrase 'and yet' lets grief, fear, anger, and gratitude coexist without one erasing the other Grief, Joy, and Post-Traumatic Growth Why grief for your health is not a failure of gratitude, plus a tender personal reflection on loss Microgratitude Toolkit Practical, flare-friendly tools you can actually reach for when everything feels heavy, the micro-hunt, the 'and yet' journal, somatic gratitude with the physiological sigh, and finding awe in small things Suffering Olympics Why there's no threshold you have to cross before your feelings count, and your invitation to try the 'and yet' practice this week 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: Applications for the Live Well with Arthritis 12-week programme are open, Apply now: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arthritisfoodie Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

S1 · E31

Jun 14, 2026

35:38

#30 Hiking with Autoimmunity: Mija Dropulić on Travelling with Lupus and Learning to Love Yourself (Volim Sebe)

Episode 30: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast #30 Hiking with Autoimmunity: Mija Dropulić on Travelling with Lupus and Learning to Love Yourself (Volim Sebe) Wondering if you will ever hike again? Host Emily Johnson welcomes Mija Dropulić, Croatian journalist, editor, and storyteller with 20 years' experience in media/travel/lifestyle and the founder of Under Dream Skies. Mija lives with two autoimmune diseases, Sjögren's syndrome and lupus, and shares her journey of navigating chronic illness while figuring out how to hike, travel, and explore the outdoors. From a flare-up in Scotland, to rebuilding her strength, Mija opens up about diagnosis, daily reality, and the lifestyle shifts that have helped her. Whether you live with arthritis, lupus, or autoimmunity, this episode reminds you to love yourself again. Topics covered: Living with Invisible Illness Two Diagnoses Navigating Sjögren's and lupus 'Box of Chocolates' Different flare-ups You Don't Look Sick How to navigate this Rebuilding the Body and Mind Coming Back to Self From her lowest point to a multi-day hike Anti-Inflammatory Living Diet, sleep, movement, finding triggers Trusting Your Body But knowing rest is not failure Finding Connection and Joy Community Feeling less alone via social media Healing Outdoors Forests, fresh air, and feeling human Volim Sebe Putting yourself first as an act of care 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 Programme Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist FREE Workbook: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/signup-free-download Mija Dropulić @mijad Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mijad Website: https://www.underdreamskies.com Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodie Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

S1 · E30

Jun 7, 2026

38:00

#29 Your Body Isn't Your Enemy: Lily Earle on Rewiring Chronic Pain

Episode 29: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast #29 Your Body Isn't Your Enemy: Lily Earle on Rewiring Chronic Pain Ever felt like you are at war with your body? This episode is for you. Host Emily Johnson welcomes Lily Earle, a life and chronic pain coach, creator of the Regrow podcast, and Making Sense of Chronic Pain masterclass. Lily works with those who have been uprooted by chronic pain, helping them to trust their bodies again and build a life bigger than their symptoms. Drawing on the latest pain neuroscience alongside her own lived experience of navigating a chronic migraine and six diagnoses, Lily shares the brain training and nervous system tools that drove her recovery. Whether you live with arthritis, fibromyalgia, or any persistent pain condition, this episode offers practical, science-backed strategies to break the fear-pain cycle and rebuild your relationship with your body. Topics covered: Rethinking Chronic Pain Acute vs Chronic Why they need different approaches Neuroplastic Pain Brain producing pain in absence of damage Fear-Pain Cycle How this can fuel symptoms The Brain Training Toolkit The Safety Stack Lily’s signature regulation tools Inner Cheerleader Rewriting the way you talk to yourself Mindfulness in Flares Calming the nervous system Building a Bigger Life Rebuilding Trust with your body Uprooted to Regrown Lily’s own story Whole-Person Healing Why it matters 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 Programme Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist FREE Workbook: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/signup-free-download Lily Earle @lilyearleofficial Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilyearleofficial/ Website: https://www.lilyearle.com Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodie Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

S1 · E29

May 31, 2026

53:23

#28 Stress-Driven Inflammation: How Stress Can Worsen Arthritis (and What to Do About It)

Episode 28: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast #28 Stress-Driven Inflammation: How Stress Can Worsen Arthritis (and What to Do About It) Have you ever noticed that when life is most stressful, your arthritis feels worse? This week, host Emily Johnson dives into why this isn't in your head, it's in your biology. Drawing on the latest research and her own 12 years of lived experience, Emily unpacks the powerful, two-way relationship between stress and inflammation, and why managing your nervous system may be one of the most therapeutic things you can do alongside your medication. From the HPA axis to the vagus nerve, from leaky gut to cortisol resistance, this episode breaks down the science and provides a practical toolkit to start calming your system today. This is for anyone who has ever felt betrayed by their body, or wondered why stress hits them harder than it seems to hit everyone else. Topics covered: What Stress Actually Is The difference between helpful acute stress (eustress) and the chronic kind, plus the concept of 'allostatic load' Stress and the Immune System Why chronic stress makes you both more vulnerable to infection AND more inflamed The Stress–Inflammation Loop How TNF-alpha, IL-6, and other cytokines get turned up by chronic stress, and why inflammation in the brain produces brain fog, and low mood Stress and the Gut The gut-brain axis, leaky gut, and the emerging "gut-joint axis" in rheumatoid arthritis, plus why Emily thinks the vagus nerve will be the next big focus in health The Toolkit Practical, evidence-based ways to soothe your system that can be done from the comfort of your own home 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: Register for FREE Masterclass: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/mastering-inflammation-masterclass-registration Applications for the Live Well with Arthritis 12-week programme are open, Apply now: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arthritisfoodie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arthritisfoodie Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

S1 · E28

May 24, 2026

52:22

#27 Rheumatologist Recommends Reiki: Dr. Elizabeth Volkmann's Healing Blueprint

Episode 27: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast #27 Rheumatologist Recommends Reiki: Dr. Elizabeth Volkmann's Healing Blueprint Host Emily Johnson welcomes Dr. Elizabeth Volkman, also known as the Holistic Rheumatologist, UCLA rheumatologist, and Director of the UCLA Scleroderma Programme. Dr. Volkmann researches how the gut microbiome, nutrition, and trauma shape autoimmune disease. With over 20 years of experience, she shares an evidence-based approach to integrating Eastern and Western medicine. Whether you live with arthritis, scleroderma, lupus, or any chronic inflammatory condition, this episode offers empowering strategies to create your own healing blueprint, alongside medication. Topics covered: Redefining Rheumatology Whole Human Treating the person, not simply the disease Supportive Tools Medication alongside nutrition and holistic therapies Red Flags Spotting dangerous "cures" Gut–Autoimmune Connection Leaky Gut Science of intestinal permeability Truth on UPFs Findings from Dr. Volkmann's study Probiotics Fermented foods vs supplements Stool-Tests Microbiome diet myths Whole-Person Approach Trauma Research How stress impacts autoimmunity Breathwork as Medicine A free daily gut health habit Self-Care Diaries Tuning into your body CEO Mindset Be your own best advocate 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 Dr Elizabeth Volkmann @the_holistic_rheumatologist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_holistic_rheumatologist/ UCLA Scleroderma Program: https://www.uclahealth.org/ Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodie Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

S1 · E27

May 17, 2026

34:49

#26 Immunity Within: How to Optimise Immune Health with Nutritionist Jenna Hope

Episode 26: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast #26 Immunity Within: How to Optimise Immune Health with Nutritionist Jenna Hope In this episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes Jenna Hope (MSc, ANutr), registered nutritionist, founder of Jenna Hope Nutrition, and author of How to Stay Healthy: The Nutritionist's Guide to Optimising Your Immunity. Jenna has spent nearly 11 years helping individuals, leading brands, and corporate clients understand the powerful connection between food and health. In this conversation, she breaks down the science of immune optimisation, explaining why 'boosting' your immune system is not only misleading, but potentially harmful for those living with autoimmune conditions like arthritis, and offers a practical, no-pressure framework for building an anti-inflammatory lifestyle that actually lasts. Topics covered: Gut Health & Immunity Gut-Immune Connection: And why it matters Sugar Cycle: How blood sugar spikes cause inflammation Optimise, Don't Boost Why Boosting Backfires: Why it can worsen symptoms The Anti-Inflammatory Four: Vitamin C, magnesium, omega-3, and vitamin D Depleted Nutrients: How stress and inflammation impacts us Real Life Nutrition A Day in Jenna's Kitchen: Easiest first steps for an anti-inflammatory diet Motherhood Chapter: Fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum Case Study: From exhausted and wired, to sleeping well and thriving 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 Jenna Hope @jennahopenutrition Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennahopenutrition/ Website: https://www.jennahopenutrition.com/ Book: How to Stay Healthy Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritisfoodie/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@arthritisfoodie Further Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

S1 · E26

May 10, 2026

40:37

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