The Survival Project

Jonathan Healy

The Survival Project is a podcast about health, resilience, and the power of shared experience.

We all face battles; for our health, for our wellbeing, for survival itself. This podcast is a space to explore those battles honestly, whether you’re living with chronic illness yourself or supporting someone you love.

“Your story can be someone else’s survival guide” - The Survival Project exists to do just that: turn lived experience into a guide for others.

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Tuesday · 29 min
054 - Engineering Independence: The Science Behind Stoma Care - Jayant Joshi
What actually goes into creating the stoma products we rely on every single day? In this episode of The Survival Project, I sit down with Jayant Joshi from Hollister to go behind the bag and explore the science, engineering and innovation behind modern stoma care. With a background in polymer science and product development, Jay explains how an idea goes from identifying an unmet need to testing, clinical studies, manufacturing and eventually reaching an ostomate’s skin. They explore the story behind CeraPlus and the decision to bring ceramides, already widely used within skincare, into the ostomy world. Jay also breaks down the challenge of developing an adhesive that needs to stick securely, cope with movement and moisture, protect the skin and still remove gently. But innovation doesn’t always work the first time. Jay shares how promising ideas can fail once they meet the realities of everyday ostomy life, and why feedback from the people actually wearing these products is such an important part of development. They also look towards the future of stoma care, from reducing leakage and protecting peristomal skin to greater discretion, choice and products designed to give ostomates greater freedom. 🎙️ Engineering Independence: The Science Behind Stoma Care This episode is kindly supported by Hollister. To check out the Hollister range & learn more about stoma care, follow the link below https://link.hollister.com/4ygS1SM
S1 · E53
September 15 · 49 min
053 - Life-Changing Surgery, Life-Changing Independence: The Power of Stoma Care - Anna Bergin
What does good stoma care actually look like, and why does it still matter whether you’ve had your stoma for three weeks or thirty years? In Episode 53 of The Survival Project, I’m joined by experienced stoma care nurse Anna Bergin for a conversation about the journey from life-changing surgery to life-changing independence. Anna takes us inside the role of a stoma nurse, from those overwhelming first days after surgery to rebuilding confidence, becoming independent with your care and getting back to living your life. We discuss skin health, leaks, pouch fit, changing products, why annual stoma reviews matter and some of the simple mistakes that can cause problems even years after surgery. But this conversation also takes us far beyond everyday stoma care. Anna shares the heartbreaking story of a Ukrainian woman who lived with a stoma for more than 30 years without access to appropriate products or specialist support, and the simple moment she finally realised she could say: “I can close the window at night.” We also discuss the inequalities that still exist in stoma care around the world, Anna’s upcoming charity work in Kenya, donating unused stoma supplies and why access to the right products and support can mean far more than simply managing a stoma. It can mean dignity, confidence and independence. Whether you’re new to stoma life, have lived with one for decades, support someone with a stoma or work within stoma care, there is so much to take from this conversation. This episode is proudly supported by Hollister. A massive thank you to Hollister for supporting these conversations and helping me continue to share honest stories about the realities of life with a stoma. To check out the Cera Plus range mentioned, follow the link below https://link.hollister.com/4ygS1SM
S1 · E52
September 8 · 33 min
052 - Learning To Live With A Stoma At 17: Grief, Gratitude & Growth - Sophia Haden
At just 17 years old, Sophia Haden was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. Only a few months later, she underwent life-changing surgery and found herself learning to live with a stoma. In Episode 52 of The Survival Project, Sophia joins me for an incredibly honest conversation about illness, body image, mental health and what happens when your life changes before you've really had the chance to figure out who you are. We talk about going from diagnosis to surgery within months, missing the milestones her friends were experiencing, learning to care for a stoma and the complicated emotions that followed. Because Sophia was grateful. Her stoma saved her life. But that didn't mean she had to be happy about what happened to her. We explore the pressure ostomates can feel to constantly be positive, the grief that can exist alongside gratitude, and why accepting your stoma doesn't mean you have to love it every single day. Sophia also shares how finding other ostomates online helped change her perspective and ultimately inspired her to start sharing her own story. Today, three years after her first surgery, she has graduated from university, qualified as a physiotherapist and is learning to approach her stoma as simply another part of her life rather than something that defines her. As Sophia puts it: “Don't let it define you, but be proud of it.” SUPPORTED BY HOLLISTER This episode of The Survival Project is proudly supported by Hollister. A massive thank you to Hollister for supporting these conversations and helping me continue to share honest stories about the realities of life with a stoma. https://link.hollister.com/4ygS1SM CONNECT WITH SOPHIA Instagram: @soph_haden If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who might need to hear Sophia's story.
S1 · E51
September 1 · 40 min
051 - Who I Am Without Fear: Cancer, Two Stomas, Life After Survival - Ross Davidson
For almost 40 years, Ross Davidson lived with an overwhelming fear of cancer. When symptoms eventually appeared, that fear became so debilitating that Ross needed six months of counselling before he could bring himself to see a doctor. He was eventually diagnosed with stage three locally advanced rectal cancer and underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and an eight-hour total pelvic exenteration involving three surgical teams, waking up with two permanent stomas: a colostomy and a urostomy. But this episode isn't only about what Ross survived. It's about what he chose to do afterwards. Ross opens up about the psychological impact of cancer, the years he spent imprisoned by fear, learning to live with two stomas, medical trauma, men's mental health and gradually discovering a freedom he had never experienced before. We also hear the remarkable story of the promise Ross made to himself while recovering in hospital: if he survived, he would return to Thailand. Years later, he did exactly that, cycling approximately 1,200km through the country and completing 16,000 metres of climbing. Reaching Thailand's highest peak became an emotional moment as Ross remembered two men he had shared a hospital ward with who sadly didn't survive. Ross describes his philosophy with a phrase that perfectly captures this conversation: “Survival is thrival.” Because sometimes survival isn't the destination. It's the entry point to everything that comes next. SUPPORTED BY HOLLISTER This episode of The Survival Project is proudly supported by Hollister. A massive thank you to Hollister for supporting this conversation and helping make it possible for me to continue sharing the real experiences of people living with a stoma. Ross is also a Hollister ambassador and, during the episode, shares his own experience using Hollister products while travelling and taking on extreme physical challenges. Learn more about Hollister: https://link.hollister.com/4ygS1SM Thank you for listening to The Survival Project.
S1 · E50
August 29 · 9 min
050 - One Sentence, 8 Words: The Question That Can Change A Life - Jonathan Healy
50 episodes. One year. And eight words that could change a life. For the one-year anniversary of The Survival Project, I wanted to reflect on one of the most important lessons this podcast has taught me. Over the past 50 episodes, I’ve spoken with people who have faced chronic illness, disability, trauma, grief, mental health struggles and circumstances that completely changed the direction of their lives. Different people. Different battles. But one truth continues to emerge: we have no idea what someone else may be carrying. We often think helping means having an answer, offering advice or somehow fixing the situation. But sometimes what a person needs most is much simpler. Someone willing to ask the question, listen to the answer and sit beside them in whatever they’re going through. In this milestone episode, I reflect on the first year of The Survival Project, some of the lessons these conversations have taught me, and one eight-word question that I believe has the power to change a life. To every guest who has trusted me with their story and every person who has listened over the past year, thank you. Episode 50. One year of The Survival Project. And we’re only getting started.
S1 · E49
August 25 · 47 min
049 - Congenital Muscular Dystrophy: Living Fully, In A World Not Built for You - Kelly Berger & Avery Roberts (The Wheel Talk Podcast)
In Episode 49 of The Survival Project, Jonathan is joined by Kelly Berger and Avery Roberts, hosts of the Wheel Talk Podcast, for an honest, funny and thought-provoking conversation about living with an ultra-rare form of congenital muscular dystrophy (CMD). Kelly and Avery have lived with progressive disabilities from childhood, but their experiences have unfolded very differently. Together, we explore what happens when your physical abilities change, the complicated relationship between independence and accepting help, and what it means to navigate a world that often wasn't designed with disabled people in mind. We talk about accessibility, wheelchair use, friendships, dating, travel, mental health, grief and the assumptions strangers make about disability. Kelly and Avery also share the importance of community and representation. Seeing somebody living with the same condition can completely change what you believe is possible for your own future. Through Wheel Talk, they're now creating the conversations and representation they wished they had growing up, while showing that disability and a meaningful, ambitious and fulfilling life are not mutually exclusive. This is a conversation about claiming your space, advocating for yourself, accepting support when you need it and refusing to allow other people's expectations to dictate the life you build. Website: Wheel Talk Podcast Instagram: @thewheeltalkpodcast TikTok: @thewheeltalkpod YouTube: The Wheel Talk Podcast Facebook: The Wheel Talk Podcast Spotify: Wheel Talk on Spotify Apple Podcasts: Wheel Talk on Apple Podcasts Kelly Berger: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Avery Roberts: Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn If you enjoyed the conversation, follow The Survival Project, leave a rating and share the episode with someone who might benefit from hearing Kelly and Avery's story. And next week, The Survival Project reaches Episode 50. A milestone solo episode reflecting on the journey so far and what comes next. Find Wheel Talk
S1 · E48
August 23 · 39 min
048 - “Your Tests Are Normal” But You're Still In Pain: Understanding Chronic Pain In IBD & IBS - Rebecca Lane
What happens when your tests say everything looks fine, but you’re still in pain? In Episode 48 of The Survival Project, I’m joined by Rebecca Lane, PhD student at University of Galway (funded by Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland), to take a deep dive into something that affects so many people living with IBD and IBS: pain. Rebecca takes us inside the science of how pain actually works and explains why people with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can continue experiencing significant pain even when inflammation is under control. We talk about the gut-brain axis, chronic pain, the nervous system, pain sensitisation and why hearing words such as “psychological” in a medical setting does not mean your pain is imaginary. We also explore Rebecca’s research into pain sensitivity in IBD and IBS, the endocannabinoid system, cannabis-based treatments, overlapping pain conditions and why two people with seemingly similar conditions can experience pain completely differently. But this conversation isn’t only about understanding pain. It’s also about what we can do with that understanding. Rebecca explains how people with lived experience can become involved in research, from participating in studies and surveys to helping researchers shape the questions they ask and how their findings are communicated. 🔗 If you would like to express your interest in current or future surveys and research projects, or simply learn more about Rebecca and her work, you can find Rebecca’s Linktree below. ⁠https://linktr.ee/rebecca_lane⁠ The more lived experience that becomes part of research, the better chance we have of ensuring the questions being investigated reflect what actually matters to the people living with these conditions. If you know someone living with IBD, IBS or persistent pain who could benefit from this conversation, please share this episode with them.
S1 · E47
August 11 · 40 min
047 - Functional Neurological Disorder (FND): Learning To Live in A Body You Can't Trust - Tasha Flynn
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) affects thousands of people, yet most of us have never heard of it. In this episode of The Survival Project, Jonathan sits down with Natasha Flynn to explore what it's really like living with Functional Neurological Disorder, an invisible neurological condition that can cause seizures, paralysis, chronic pain, memory difficulties, fatigue, and a host of unpredictable symptoms. Natasha shares the moment her life changed forever, the emotional reality of losing independence, and the grief of letting go of the person she once was. Together, they discuss resilience, mental health, invisible disability, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward when every day brings uncertainty. This episode is a powerful reminder that not every illness is visible, and that behind every diagnosis is a person simply trying to rebuild their life. In this episode: • Understanding Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) • Invisible illness and disability • Living with seizures and chronic pain • Losing and rebuilding your identity • Mental health and resilience • Navigating uncertainty • The importance of awareness and compassion More information on FND: https://fnd.ie/ IG: @fndireland If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow The Survival Project, leave a rating, and share this episode with someone who could benefit from Natasha's story. Every share helps bring these important conversations to more people.
S1 · E46
August 4 · 38 min
046 - The Wren Project: Supporting The Mental Health Of People With Autoimmune Disease - Kate Middleton
Living with an autoimmune disease affects far more than the body. In this episode of The Survival Project, Jonathan sits down with Kate Middleton, founder of The Wren Project, to explore the often-overlooked mental health challenges of chronic illness. After her lupus diagnosis, Kate experienced the isolation, uncertainty and emotional burden that so many people face after diagnosis. Rather than accepting that as the norm, she created The Wren Project, a charity providing free one-to-one emotional support for people living with autoimmune diseases. Together they discuss the hidden psychological impact of autoimmune conditions, why loneliness is so common, the importance of peer support, learning to rebuild your identity after diagnosis, and why caring for mental health should be just as important as treating physical symptoms. This episode is for anyone living with chronic illness, supporting someone who is, or wanting to better understand the invisible side of autoimmune disease. Learn more about The Wren Project: https://www.thewrenproject.org If you enjoyed this episode, please follow The Survival Project, leave a rating, and share it with someone who might benefit from hearing Kate's story. Every share helps these conversations reach the people who need them most.
S1 · E45
July 30 · 40 min
045 - One Mans Ostomy, Changed The Lives Of Thousands: The Birth Of Comfizz - Lorraine Alikhanizadeh
What happens when one family's experience with Crohn's disease leads to a product that changes the lives of thousands of people around the world? In this episode of The Survival Project, I sit down with Lorraine from Comfizz to tell the remarkable story behind one of the most trusted names in ostomy support wear. This conversation is particularly special to me because I've personally worn Comfizz support bands every single day since my first ostomy surgery in 2012. At a time when I had no confidence in my body, struggled with skin irritation and worried constantly about my appliance, their support wear gave me something I desperately needed: confidence. Together we explore: • The incredible story behind Comfizz and how one man's ostomy inspired a global mission • Living with Crohn's disease and life after ostomy surgery • Body image, confidence and learning to accept your stoma • The importance of practical support for people living with an ostomy • Why small innovations can completely transform quality of life • Supporting children, families and newly diagnosed ostomates • Turning personal adversity into purpose Whether you're living with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, a permanent ileostomy, colostomy or urostomy, or you're supporting someone who is, this episode is a powerful reminder that even life's greatest challenges can become the foundation for helping others. If you enjoyed today's episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and share it with someone who could benefit from hearing this conversation. Website: https://comfizz.com
S1 · E44
July 21 · 1 hr 6 min
044 - What Dying Taught Me About Living: Surviving Two Heart Attacks - Seamus McAuley
What being dead taught me about living. Former pharmaceutical CEO Shay thought success meant working harder, achieving more and constantly chasing the next milestone. Then, at just 47 years old, he suffered a massive heart attack that stopped him in his tracks and forced him to ask one life-changing question: What actually matters? In this powerful episode of The Survival Project, Shay shares how surviving a near-death experience completely transformed his outlook on success, family, purpose, mental health and happiness. Together we explore the emotional aftermath of serious illness, the pressure of modern life, and why sometimes our greatest challenges become our greatest teachers. Whether you've experienced illness yourself or simply feel overwhelmed by the pace of life, this conversation is a reminder to slow down, reconnect with what matters most and never take another day for granted. Topics include: • Heart attack recovery • Near-death perspective • Mental health • Burnout • Purpose and meaning • Personal growth • Resilience • Family • Gratitude • Living with intention If this episode resonated with you, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and share it with someone who might need to hear it. Every share helps these stories reach someone who may be searching for hope.
S1 · E43
July 14 · 40 min
043 - Living With Lupus: “I Was 22 When They Replaced Both My Hips” - Sharan Singh
Sharan Singh's life changed forever when she was diagnosed with lupus at a young age. Years of autoimmune disease, powerful medications, chronic pain, and major complications eventually led to both of her hips being replaced in her early twenties. But her story is about far more than illness. In this episode of The Survival Project, Sharan shares how she navigated the emotional and physical challenges of living with an invisible illness, why learning to advocate for herself became essential, and how her own experiences inspired her to pursue a career helping others through healthcare. Jonathan and Sharan discuss resilience, identity, recovery, mental health, chronic pain, and the importance of finding purpose after life-changing adversity. Whether you're living with lupus, another chronic illness, supporting someone who is, or simply looking for an inspiring story of resilience, this conversation is full of honesty, hope, and practical insight. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow The Survival Project, leave a rating, and share it with someone who could benefit from hearing Sharan's story. Check out Sharans journey on her socials: @sharaninscrubs
S1 · E42
July 7 · 31 min
042 - Life With Muscular Dystrophy: Disability Didn't Stop Me It Changed My Direction - Cerys Davage
What does it mean to live with a body that never stops changing? This week on The Survival Project, I'm joined by Cerys Davage, host of the Unbalanced Podcast and a passionate disability advocate living with limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD). Diagnosed as a child, Cerys shares her experience of growing up with a progressive muscle condition, navigating invisible disability, learning to embrace mobility aids, and finding confidence through vulnerability. Together, we discuss independence, accessibility, ableism, chronic illness, and the incredible power of sharing our stories. Cerys also talks about creating the Unbalanced Podcast, a platform that has become a source of support, education and hope for thousands of people living with disabilities and chronic illnesses around the world. Whether you're living with a disability, supporting someone who is, or simply want to better understand the realities of life with a progressive condition, this episode is full of honesty, humour and hope. If you enjoy the episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating, and share it with someone who would benefit from hearing Cerys' incredible story. Follow Cerys: Instagram: @cerysdavage Unbalanced with Cerys Davage
S1 · E41
June 30 · 34 min
041 - IBD In The US: "My Insurance Company Said I Didn't Need My Medication" - Ian Goldstein
What happens when surviving Crohn's disease means fighting your own healthcare system? This week on The Survival Project, I'm joined by Ian, a Crohn's disease advocate, comedian and storyteller from New York. Diagnosed at just 16 years old, Ian shares his journey through bowel obstructions, multiple surgeries, intestinal strictures, internal bleeding, anxiety and the emotional impact of living with inflammatory bowel disease for nearly two decades. Together we explore the hidden realities of chronic illness, the importance of community, using humour as a coping mechanism, and the incredible financial and emotional burden of navigating the American healthcare system while trying to stay healthy. Whether you're living with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, an autoimmune condition, or supporting someone who is, this conversation is filled with honesty, perspective and hope. In this episode we discuss: • Crohn's disease diagnosis • Bowel obstruction recovery • Bowel resection surgery • Internal bleeding • Chronic illness and mental health • Healthcare in America • Insurance challenges • Comedy and resilience • Living with invisible illness • Building community after diagnosis If you enjoyed the episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating and share it with someone who could benefit from hearing Ian's story. To check out Ians work on IG: @iangoldsteinyes & @out_of_network_network New episodes of The Survival Project are released every week.
S1 · E40
June 22 · 38 min
040 - Hypoganglionosis: Hyrox, Ultra Marathons & Life After Stoma Surgery - Olivia Moore (@livwithastoma)
At 22 years old, Liv Moore was told she would need a permanent stoma. After years of unexplained symptoms, severe constipation, and a body that seemed to be shutting down, Liv was diagnosed with hypoganglionosis, a rare bowel disorder that left her rectum unable to function properly. In this episode of The Survival Project, Liv shares her remarkable journey from diagnosis to surgery, the fear of living with a stoma at such a young age, and how she ultimately found freedom, confidence, and a new lease on life. We discuss: What hypoganglionosis is and how it affects the body Being told you need a permanent stoma at 22 The emotional impact of major surgery Body confidence and learning to accept a changed body Fitness, Hyrox and rebuilding strength after surgery Living, travelling and thriving with a stoma The importance of advocacy, awareness and representation Finding purpose after life-changing health challenges Liv's story is a powerful reminder that the things we fear most are often not the end of our story, but the beginning of a new chapter. If you're living with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, an ostomy, chronic illness, or you're facing surgery yourself, this episode is packed with hope, perspective and practical insight. To check out Olivia's content: @livwithastoma (IG & TikTok) #Stoma #Ostomy #Hypoganglionosis #IBD #CrohnsDisease #UlcerativeColitis #Hyrox #ChronicIllness #InvisibleIllness #TheSurvivalProject
S1 · E39
June 16 · 38 min
039 - Mold Toxicity: The Hidden Illness That Nearly Ruined My Life - Arthur O'Connor
Arthur O'Connor appeared to have everything on track. A successful personal trainer, recently engaged, healthy, active, and building a future he was excited about. Then his body began to change. What started as digestive issues soon became overwhelming fatigue, chronic inflammation, hormonal dysfunction, skin problems, weight loss, heart palpitations, and a growing list of symptoms that no one could explain. As doctor visits turned into dead ends, Arthur found himself questioning not only his health but his own reality. In this deeply honest conversation, Arthur shares the physical and emotional toll of living with an unexplained illness, the impact it had on his relationships and mental health, and how his relentless search for answers eventually led him to uncover a hidden source of toxicity that had been affecting his life for years. This episode explores chronic illness, mould toxicity, resilience, gut health, mental health, and the power of trusting yourself when you know something isn't right. Follow Arthur: Instagram: @aocfitness A special thank you to Western Auto Parts, Oranmore, Galway, for supporting The Survival Project Podcast. Western Auto Parts 📞 091-790014 If you enjoyed this episode, please follow the podcast, leave a rating, and share it with someone who may benefit from hearing Arthur's story.
S1 · E38
June 9 · 52 min
038 - Growing Up With Crohn’s Disease: “I asked for the ostomy bag” - Terri Brannigan
From 60 toilet trips a day to fitness racing, Terri Brannigan's story is one of resilience, courage, and reclaiming life after Crohn's disease. In this episode of The Survival Project, Jonathan sits down with Crohn's disease advocate, ostomate, and fitness enthusiast Terri Brannigan to discuss her journey from being diagnosed with Crohn's at just 15 years old to making the life-changing decision to undergo ostomy surgery at 28. Terri opens up about growing up with chronic illness, the embarrassment and isolation of living with severe symptoms as a teenager, years of hospital visits, failed medications, major surgery, and the emotional toll Crohn's disease can take on every aspect of life. She shares the moment she realised she could no longer continue living the way she was, why she chose an ostomy, and how that decision ultimately gave her the freedom to rebuild her life. Today, Terri is completing fitness challenges, participating in Tryka events, facilitating ostomy support groups with Crohn's & Colitis Ireland, and helping others navigate life with IBD and an ostomy. In this episode: Growing up with Crohn's disease as a teenager The challenges of diagnosis and treatment Living with severe Crohn's symptoms Surgery, stomas, and life after an ostomy Mental health and chronic illness Fitness, strength training, and recovery Body confidence and self-acceptance Ostomy support groups and community Advocacy, resilience, and rebuilding life after illness Whether you're living with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, an ostomy, IBD, or supporting someone who is, this conversation is filled with honesty, hope, and practical insight. If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, rate, and share The Survival Project. IG: @thesurvivalprojectpod Terri's IG: livin_the_stoma_bag_life #CrohnsDisease #IBD #Ostomy #Stoma #UlcerativeColitis #ChronicIllness #InvisibleIllness #MentalHealth #FitnessJourney #TheSurvivalProject
S1 · E37
June 2 · 39 min
037 - The Glass Is Refillable: IBD, Cancer & Rebuilding Life With An Ostomy - Coach Jenn Moore
What happens when years of being undertreated for Ulcerative Colitis leads to a permanent ostomy, a cancer diagnosis, multiple major surgeries, and repeated setbacks? In this powerful episode of The Survival Project, Jonathan Healy sits down with Jenn Moore, an ostomy advocate, fitness coach, health coach, and specialist in helping people rebuild strength after chronic illness and surgery. Jenn shares her extraordinary journey from living with severe Ulcerative Colitis and years of inadequate medical care, to undergoing permanent ostomy surgery, discovering anal cancer, navigating multiple complex hernia repairs, and repeatedly rebuilding her life after major setbacks. But this is not a story about defeat. It is a story about resilience, purpose, adaptation, and learning to trust your body again. Jenn explains how she transformed her own experiences into a mission to help people living with ostomies, chronic illness, autoimmune disease, cancer recovery, and complex medical conditions regain confidence, rebuild strength, and return to the activities they love. In this episode: Living with severe Ulcerative Colitis Years of being undertreated and mismanaged The decision to have permanent ostomy surgery Discovering anal cancer after surgery Multiple parastomal hernias and complex repairs Recovery after major abdominal surgery Returning to exercise with an ostomy Core strength and hernia prevention Fitness advice for ostomates Chronic illness and mental resilience Supporting loved ones through illness Finding purpose through adversity Why Jenn believes "the glass is refillable" Whether you're living with Crohn's disease, Ulcerative Colitis, an ostomy, cancer recovery, chronic illness, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers practical advice, hope, and inspiration. To contact Jenn: jenn@yougotthiswithcoachjenn.com or through IG @coach_jenn_moore
S1 · E36
May 26 · 47 min
036 - Stage 4 Endometriosis: “They Told Me It Was Anxiety” - Kate Ann Smith
For 13 years, Kate Ann was told her pain was normal. In this episode of The Survival Project, Jonathan Healy sits down with Kate for a deeply emotional and eye-opening conversation about living with Stage 4 Endometriosis and bowel endometriosis. Kate shares the reality of growing up in severe pain, being dismissed by doctors, told her symptoms were “just anxiety” or IBS, and spending years trying to convince people that something was seriously wrong. Eventually, after fighting for answers and advocating for herself, Kate was diagnosed with Stage 4 Endometriosis so severe that her organs had fused together. Together, Jonathan and Kate discuss: • Chronic pain & invisible illness • Medical gaslighting • Fertility fears & egg freezing • The emotional impact of chronic illness • Body image, bloating & femininity • Mental health & self trust • Surgery & fear of the future • Women’s health inequality • Nutrition, fitness & holistic healing • Learning to advocate for yourself This episode is not just about endometriosis. It’s about what happens when people stop listening to women’s pain. And it’s about finding strength, identity, and purpose in the middle of chronic illness. A huge thank you to Kate for her honesty and vulnerability throughout this conversation. If this episode resonates with you, please follow, share, and leave a rating for the podcast. #Endometriosis #Stage4Endometriosis #ChronicIllness #InvisibleIllness #TheSurvivalProject
S1 · E35
May 21 · 43 min
035 - The Female Experience Of IBD: Identity, Illness & Rebuilding Yourself - Sarah & Terri
World IBD Day Special | The Female Experience of IBD, Chronic Illness & Identity In this episode of The Survival Project, Sarah O’Connor and Terri Brannigan join me for a powerful conversation on the female experience of living with Crohn’s disease, IBD, invisible illness, fatigue, body image, relationships, and resilience. We speak honestly about the realities women face while navigating chronic illness, from the pressure to “look well” and keep pushing through fatigue, to the emotional impact of body changes, medical dismissal, dating, intimacy, and uncertainty around the future. Sarah shares her experience living with both Crohn’s disease and Multiple Sclerosis (MS), while Terri reflects on how stoma surgery transformed her confidence, identity, and outlook on life. This conversation explores: • Crohn’s disease & ulcerative colitis • Invisible illness & chronic fatigue • Women’s health & medical gaslighting • Body image & confidence after illness • Stoma surgery & identity • Relationships & vulnerability • Motherhood fears & uncertainty • Mental health & resilience • Finding yourself again after diagnosis A deeply honest conversation about womanhood, strength, and rebuilding your life through chronic illness. Thank you to Sarah and Terri for their openness and honesty throughout this episode.

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