Episode 22: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

#22 From Pity to Power: Why Arthritis is Sexy and Needs a Rebrand

Are you tired of well-intentioned pity? This week, host Emily Johnson explores why it’s time to give arthritis a branding makeover and move from 'victim' to 'powerhouse.'

Drawing on 12 years of lived experience, Emily reflects on the reality of living with a chronic condition, from compression socks and pill organisers, to the mental weight of masking pain. She shares candid anecdotes about dating, workplace advocacy, and the early days of Arthritis Foodie when she was too embarrassed to even show her face.

This episode is a guide for anyone ready to reclaim their agency and remember their worth. Owning your truth is a physiological necessity, and honesty improves your health. Your strength and capability to live with arthritis is phenomenal, so it’s time to stop apologising for who you are.

Topics covered:

• The Pity Trap: Why pity is for the defeated, and why we deserve admiration for the 'daily marathon' we do
• The Cost of Silence: Exploring the biological inflammation that grows when we hide our true selves to please others
• 5 Lessons in Authenticity: Emily’s journey from hiding her methotrexate on dates to setting firm boundaries with friends and employers
• Rebranding the ‘Unsexy’: Why self-advocacy, firm boundaries, and radical self-care are sexy
• The Athlete Mentality: Shifting your perspective from 'suffering from' a condition to 'living well', as the master of your own body

SPRING COHORT UPDATE: Applications for the Live Well with Arthritis 12-week programme are closing! We have just 4 spaces left. If you are ready to move from pity to power with 1-to-1 coaching and expert guidance, apply now: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist

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

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

Episode 21: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

#21 Emily's Arthritis Bookshelf: Top 10 Must-Reads for Remissions & Relief

Are you feeling overwhelmed by conflicting health advice? One of the questions Emily gets asked most is: "Where do I start?" In this essential solo episode, Emily shares her 10 must-read books that have transformed her journey with arthritis.

From the clinical science of the microbiome, to cutting-edge research on chronic pain, and the spiritual power of movement. This episode will help you to take control of your health, and feel empowered in your own body.

Topics covered:

• Foundations of Food & Science: Dr. Rupy Aujla and Professor Tim Spector are the leaders in culinary medicine.
• Gut Health & Immunity: Exploring these with Giulia Enders and Dr. Jenna Macciochi. Plus, the fascinating physiological link between inflammation and mental health.
• Pain & Modern Science: How Dr. Deepak Ravindran and Dr. Dani Gordon help us reduce pain.
• Movement & Lived Experience: Modifying yoga for joint health with Dr. Steffany Moonaz and exercising without flares with Zoe McKenzie.
• The Emily Johnson Library: A look inside Emily Johnson’s bestselling books, Beat Arthritis Naturally and Eat Well with Arthritis.

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: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist

Resources: https://linktr.ee/arthritisfoodie

Authors:

• @doctors_kitchen
• @tim.spector
• @giulia_enders
• @dr_jenna_macciochi
• @drdeepakravindran
• @drdanigordon
• @yogaforarthritis
• @activelyautoimmune
• @arthritisfoodie

Episode 20: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

#20 Remission Roadmap: Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition with The Lupus Dietitian, Tanya Freirich

In this episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes Tanya Freirich (MS, RD, CDN, CDCES), a registered dietitian nutritionist and founder of The Lupus Dietitian.

Tanya is both a clinical dietician and a patient who has lived with autoimmune disease for over 20 years. Maintaining her own remission for over a decade, she shares a science-backed roadmap to reducing inflammation Whether you are dealing with lupus, arthritis, or chronic inflammation, this episode offers practical strategies for recovery.

Topics covered:

Reality of Lupus

• The Great Imitator: Why lupus symptoms are difficult to diagnose
• Biological 'Freak Out': How the immune system loses the ability to recognise itself
• Fatigue of Autoimmunity: Why healing chronic inflammation requires massive cellular energy

Anti-Inflammatory Foundations

• Building Blocks for Recovery: How anti-inflammatory foods provide materials for new cells
• Accessible Nutrition: Debunking superfoods in exchange for staples like blueberries and broccoli
• Flare-Friendly Kitchen: Tools for joint pain relief and low energy days

Beyond the Plate

• Medicinal Joy and Whimsy: How laughter reduces cortisol levels by 37% and why we shouldn't 'save' our joy
• Case Study: From being bed-bound to achieving remission and a healthy pregnancy

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

Tanya Freirich @thelupusdietitian

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelupusdietitian/
• Website: https://www.thelupusdietitian.com/

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

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

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