Iconically Ill

Welcome to Iconically Ill, I'm your host Laura Lyons, where I interview other disabled and chronically ill people with humor and heart over the clinical part.

We Talk Stevens-Johnson Syndrome 02/03/2026

We Talk Stevens-Johnson Syndrome We talk Stevens-Johnson Syndrome with Shaz. Shaz is a Steven Johnson’s survivor. She is 32 from South Africa born and raised. Shaz is a beauty teacher and wellness coach as she can no longer work as a beautician after having blurred vision from SJS . Follow Shaz at @Shaz_the_beautician on Tiktok, Instagram, and Youtube Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/39975095

We Talk Right Arm Upper Amputee 01/27/2026

We Talk Right Arm Upper Amputee We talk right arm upper amputee with Melanie Waldman. As an advocate for disability rights and overall inclusion, Melanie's history & career include presenting her connection(s)—as a woman with both physical and non-apparent disabilities—to a wide range of audiences. She's a 3-time Easterseals Disability Film Challenge Winner, an adaptive yoga teacher, professional speaker, and works as on-air talent in adaptive fashion at QVC. In 2025, she launched her podcast platform "Disability Reality Media", which she’s taken to Sundance, Tribeca, and Reelabilities. Artists she's interviewed include Gerard Butler, Steve Way, Rose Byrne, Marissa Bode, Jillian Mercado, and more! While political advocacy was never on her intentional professional path, one of the highlights of the last year included working with the AAPD (American Association of People with Disabilities). Melanie participated in the “Disability Power on the Hill Day”, speaking on raising the income asset limit for people with disabilities (among many other proposed bills and topics). Nothing means more to Melanie than her work, along with her community, as she truly connects with the notion that we are stronger together. Follow Melanie @whereswaldman on Instagram Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/39891740

We Talk Rare Undiagnosed Muscle Disease 01/20/2026

We Talk Rare Undiagnosed Muscle Disease We talk rare undiagnosed muscle disease with Danielle Connolly. Danielle Connolly is a disability advocate, content creator, speaker, and business and marketing professional. Born with a rare, still-undiagnosed muscle disease, Danielle has navigated unique life experiences that have shaped her passions and purpose. She shares her perspective through “Daniellevates,” a platform dedicated to elevating conversations about disability, rare disease, and chronic illness with a mix of humor, storytelling, education, and real-life adventures featuring accessibility reviews. Follow Danielle @_daniellevates on Instagram Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/39791730

We Talk Covid and Ventilators 01/13/2026

We Talk Covid and Ventilators We talk Covid and Ventilators with Ashley Estes. Ashley Estes is a COVID-19 survivor who was hospitalized early in the pandemic, an experience that permanently reshaped her understanding of fear, recovery, and resilience. During her illness and the long recovery that followed, she also experienced domestic violence, a reality that compounded the physical and emotional toll of being sick and isolated. Ashley speaks openly about her story to highlight the overlapping vulnerabilities that crises can expose and the strength it takes to survive them. Her journey reflects both the visible and invisible aftermath of COVID, as well as the courage required to heal from trauma that occurs behind closed doors. By sharing her experience, she hopes to help others feel less alone and to encourage empathy, awareness, and compassion. Follow Ashley at @letthem3atcake on Instagram Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/39711120

We Talk Cerebral Palsy and Drag Queens 01/06/2026

We Talk Cerebral Palsy and Drag Queens We Talk Cerebral Palsy and Drag Queens with Ron Hill. Ron is an editor/producer based in Los Angeles. Born with Cerebral Palsy and raised in a small New Hampshire town, his path to working with drag queens on the West Coast has been an unexpected but appreciated experience. Due to the fact that his disability goes largely unnoticed by his peers, he has only recently become comfortable identifying as disabled and raising awareness for his condition. Follow Ron at @artofwot on Instagram Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/39622745

Season 5 Annoucement 11/21/2025

Season 5 Annoucement We're back January 6, 2026! See you there. /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/39128315

We Talk LGMD 2i and Podcasting 11/04/2025

We Talk LGMD 2i and Podcasting We talk LGMD 2i and podcasting with Cerys Davage. Cerys is a 24 year old podcaster and content creator from Cardiff, Wales. Through her podcast, ‘Unbalanced’, she has created a community of young disabled adults, showing them that they’re not alone and that life can still be great regardless of any life barriers. She has Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy 2i, and discusses the reality of life with this condition whilst also raising awareness of other conditions through a range of interviews. Follow Cerys at @cerysdavage and @unbalancedpodcast on instagram Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/38903440

We Talk Lyme Disease 10/28/2025

We Talk Lyme Disease We talk Lyme Disease with Ilana. Ilana has been healing from Lyme Disease and its co-infections since 2016. Undiagnosed for nearly two years after the onset of symptoms, she explored nearly every medical, psychiatric, holistic, and even spiritual intervention available. Along the way, she became deeply engaged in the Lyme patient and provider community, founding a Facebook support group in 2022 that has since grown to nearly 1,600 members worldwide. A professor, writer, and business owner, she is slowly reclaiming a full and meaningful life. Deeply humbled by the experience of chronic illness, she is committed not only to her own healing, but also to empowering others as they navigate their own journeys. Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/38803885

We Talk Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy with Keisha Greaves 10/21/2025

We Talk Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy with Keisha Greaves Keisha is the Founder & CEO of Girls Chronically Rock, which is adaptive and non-adaptive clothing options with inspiring phrases on them. She is a Board Member at Disability Law Center and Chairperson of Cambridge Comission for Persons with Disabilities. She's also a public speaker and disability advocate. Follow Keisha at on Instagram. Show transcript: /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/38721340

We Talk ME/CFS 10/14/2025

We Talk ME/CFS We talk ME/CFS with Dani Hanks. Dani is a disabled writer/director based in New York City. As a kid, Dani grew up elbow-deep in human organs at their mom’s pathology lab in Porterville, California. A direct result of inhaling too much formaldehyde in their formative years, they dove headfirst into the entertainment industry. After receiving their BFA in Drama at NYU Tisch, they directed the Banff-nominated comedy web series “Fake News Writer,” which was optioned after winning the Webby Award for Video Entertainment in 2019. Most recently, Dani was named one of I.S.A.’s Top 25 Screenwriters to Watch in 2025 after winning the 2024 Austin Film Festival. Drawing from their experience as the only purple-haired snowflake in a deeply conservative family, Dani promotes empathy for underrepresented identities through offbeat stories centering diverse found families. They approach the taboo with both levity and nuance, and love finding humor in the mundane. Dani has worked on projects in development at FilmRise, RKO, and Josephson Entertainment, and is a fellow of Stowe, Disability Belongs, and the WGAE SSTP. They are a full-time meme connoisseur, part-time AD, former member of Mensa, and have 10 years of experience cutting animal tissue for medical research (much to the dismay of their pet rats). Follow Dani at @dani_hanks on Instagram Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/38574795

We Talk Partial Blindess 10/07/2025

We Talk Partial Blindess We talk partial blindness with Matthew Thomas. Matt is a British TV writer and children's author, based in LA. He won Best Drama Pilot in the 2018 Fresh Voices competition and Best One Hour in the 2021 Screencraft TV Pilot. You can see his work in the upcoming TV drama ‘Joker’s Downfall’. Follow Matthew on X @mrmattthomas Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/38491620

We Talk Dating While Disabled 10/03/2025

We Talk Dating While Disabled We talk dating while disabled with Jacqueline and Alexa Child Jacqueline and Alexa are sisters and founders of Dateability, the only dating app for disabled and chronically ill people. After becoming disabled as a teenager, Jacqueline experienced a great deal of ableism, particularly in the dating space. Together, Jacqueline and Alexa collaborated on creating a safe and inclusive platform for the world’s largest minority. When they’re not working together, they still spend all their time side by side, watching TV, checking out vintage shops, and grabbing coffee. Follow Jacqueline at @jacquelinechild Alexa at @alexabchild and Dateability at @dateabilityapp on instagram Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/38459715

We Talk Fibromyalgia 09/23/2025

We Talk Fibromyalgia We talk Fibromyalgia with Anna Hamilton. Anna is a writer and comedian based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Their hobbies include watching bad movies with their partner, reading, and spending time with their very spoiled Yorkie mix, Sushi. Anna’s essays have appeared in the Disability Visibility Project, Welcome to Hell World, and many other publications. They also publish a humor newsletter called Citizen Cane. You can learn more about their work via their website () Follow Anna on Instagram at @annaham_stagram and Bluesky @annaham Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/38319250

We Talk Acromegaly 09/16/2025

We Talk Acromegaly We talk acromegaly with Ellen Ko. Ellen Ko was diagnosed at age 26 with acromegaly due to a pituitary tumor. Acromegaly is a growth hormone condition which affects every aspect of the body - it causes changes inside and out, and both physical and mental. She underwent surgery and is on a medical regimen which has stabilized and controlled her hormone levels. Over two decades after her diagnosis, Ellen continues to be an active acromegaly community member and patient advocate. For patients or caregivers dealing with acromegaly, Ellen recommends visiting acromegalycommunity.org/ and reaching out to others for support. Despite her health condition, Ellen enjoys being involved in theater as an actor, artistic director, and professor. She lives with her husband and two chihuahuas in New York City. Follow Ellen at @ellenkogram on Instagram Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/38233970

We Talk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia 09/09/2025

We Talk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia We talk Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia with Natalia Surin. In the spring of 2018, at the age of 21, Natalia was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) during her senior year at UMass Amherst studying hospitality & business management. Born and raised in Boston with only a couple months left until graduation, her life was turned upside down sending her down a grueling treatment plan. For the next 2+ years, cancer monopolized her life. Now at 28 years old, she’s still somehow chronically a patient—but never a victim. With humor as her sidekick, Natalia cracks jokes about IV poles, getting probed, and everything in between, proving that even when life isn’t funny, you can still laugh your way through it. Update: Natalia relapsed after this recording. She’s currently in the middle of CAR T-Cell Therapy and is aiming to be back in remission by November 2025. Until then, consider this podcast her laugh track through treatment. Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/38138445

We Talk Intestinal Autoimmune Disease 09/02/2025

We Talk Intestinal Autoimmune Disease We talk Intestinal Autoimmune Disease with Katerina Vrana Katerina is one of Greece‘s top stand-up comedians, performing stand-up in both Greek and English all over the world, her shows selling out in Athens and London and at the Edinburgh Fringe and Melbourne International Comedy Festivals. CNN included her in its list of “Female Comedians To Watch“ and in 2016 she came third in the Laugh Factory’s international competition “Funniest Person in the World“. In April 2017, while on tour in Malaysia, Katerina fell seriously ill and nearly died. Her survival came at the cost of multiple physical impairments and she now moves around mainly in a wheelchair. She got back on stage in 2019 with her solo show "Staying Alive (I nearly died, you know)" which became the best selling stand-up comedy show of the year in Greece, selling out the entire run before it even opened. Post Covid, Katerina was finally able to take “Staying Alive” on a European tour, in English, in 2023, selling out all 12 cities of the tour. Katerina has spent the last two years doing her new show "Derbederissa" to sold out theatres in Greece, recording two comedy specials, one in English and one in Greek, and going on another sold out European tour. Katerina spends most of her time between performing and rehabilitation, as she has difficulties with her balance, movement, eyesight, and speech. Follow Katerina at @katerinavrana on Instagram Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/38051905

We Talk Limb Differences 07/22/2025

We Talk Limb Differences We talk limb differences Madeleine Stewart Disability advocate and award-winning comedian Madeleine Stewart charms audiences everywhere with a sweet demeanour, veiling razor-sharp wit. With over a decade of experience in standup comedy, you may have seen Madeleine perform with the likes of Adam Hills, Rove McManus, & Reuben Kaye. Creator of the viral video on Marriage Equality for ABC Iview (reaching 2.4mil views in 2 days) earned her the 2024 Story Teller Scholarship. Madeleine continues to work with ABC creating viral videos on employment, period care and various other disability issues… all with a healthy dose of humour. Practicing what she preaches, Madeleine won the Stella Young Award (2024) and the AMP Tomorrowmaker award (2019) for her advocacy and production of inclusive, accessible comedy shows- specifically Crips & Creeps. Her satirical short film 'Inspire Me' which explores inspiration porn, won Best Documentary at the Australian Independent Film Festival (AIFF). Currently, Madeleine is touring her comedy show “Are You Pulling my Leg?” across Australia- celebrating disabled comedians and heavily advocating for more accessible creative spaces. Follow Maddy at @Its_madeleine_stewart on Instagram Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/37500065

We Talk Chronic Illness 07/15/2025

We Talk Chronic Illness We talk chronic illness with Bloom Davis. Bloom is an outdoor educator, facilitator, and artist with a passion for creating inclusive spaces that empower individuals and communities. As someone living with chronic health conditions, Bloom is dedicated to supporting others to get outdoors in ways that are accessible and meaningful. With experience as a backpacking guide in Yellowstone and a JMT and PCT thru-hiker, Bloom combines a love for natural spaces with a commitment to fostering connection, promoting health, and encouraging personal growth through outdoor adventures. You can follow Bloom on Patreon at @bloomsy Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/37408675

We Talk Narcolepsy 07/08/2025

We Talk Narcolepsy We talk narcolepsy with Kathryn Dunn. Kathryn Dunn has been learning and teaching improv in and around New York for decades. She's studied at renowned New York theaters The People’s Improv Theater (PIT), Upright Citizen’s Brigade (UCB), and The Magnet. She has extensive training in various techniques for long form Improv, short form improv, musical improv, puppet-prov, sketch comedy, coaching improv, and teaching improv. She has taught a wide range of classes, led workshops, and taught date coaching applying improv to real life. She has produced numerous shows including “Yes, Yes, Yes, And!,” ''Moulin Rogue,” “Satanic Bingo,” “The Grass Route,” and her podcast Dunn Sun. Follow Kathryn at @Kathryn Dunn on Facebook and her weekly youtube channel The Kathryn Dunn Show Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/37330245

We Talk Blindness 07/01/2025

We Talk Blindness We talk blindness with Dustin D'Addato. Dustin is an Emmy Award winning writer, director, producer and performer based in New York City. Despite being legally blind he's been involved in some of the largest events in television and streaming history. Follow Dustin at @ddaddato on Instagram Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/37232360

We Talk Breast Cancer 06/24/2025

We Talk Breast Cancer We talk breast cancer with Lauren Stripling. Lauren grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, where she was that girl who played the harp at your cousin's wedding. Colder climes called, and she got her B.A. in English from Yale before pursuing a Master's in Education while teaching English in the Bronx. She taught creative writing to thousands of students over a decade of work with Story Pirates and spent years singing as part of Musical Megawatt at the Magnet Theater. Now, Lauren is a script editor by day and a doting Dog Mom to Cookie Dough by always. radioactive playlist: Follow Lauren at @striplingo on Instagram After this recording, Lauren’s father passed away from cancer, we dedicate this episode to him. Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/37126870

We Talk Deafness 06/17/2025

We Talk Deafness We talk Deafness with Adam Pottle. Adam is a Deaf writer whose works span multiple genres. His books include the prairie gothic novel Apparitions, the dark fantasy musical The Black Drum, and the historical suspense novel The Bus. He was the 2021-22 writer in residence at Sheridan College and was a 2022 Warner Bros Discovery Access screenwriting fellow. He has a PhD in English literature and has taught English, creative writing, and professional communication for nearly twenty years. He lives in a small town just outside Saskatoon. Follow Adam at @adam.pottle on Instagram Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/37035985

We Talk Stroke 06/10/2025

We Talk Stroke We talk stroke with Sean Chang. Sean is a Brooklyn-based performer and writer originally from California. He is a young stroke survivor, having had a stroke when he was 22, that resulted in invisible disabilities, right sided weakness, and tremors. He started comedy as a way to find joy and make others laugh, and it’s helped him better understand himself and his relationship with his disability. He currently performs on UCB’s Lloyd Night and around the city with his improv team The Lake at Dawn in NYC. Follow Sean at @hahaitssean on Instagram Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/36930500

We Talk Stomach Cancer 06/03/2025

We Talk Stomach Cancer We talk stomach cancer with Madelein Murphy. With over a decade of experience and a dynamic stage presence, Madelein Murphy has conquered comedy stages around the globe. From headlining at prestigious colleges and comedy clubs to entertaining audiences on cruise ships, Madelein's hilarious performances have garnered international acclaim. Her debut album, "Belle of the Ball," soared to #1 on iTunes Comedy Charts! She also sold a network adult animation pilot! Her second album and debut special, produced by Comedy Dynamics, will premiere in 2025. Follow Madelein at @Madeleinmurphy on Instagram Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/36824300

We Talk Spina Bifida 05/27/2025

We Talk Spina Bifida We talk Spina Bifida with Jack Freeman. Jack was born with spina bifida, a neurological birth defect, and walks with a leg brace. This past year he’s been touring a solo show called Embrace Me about dating with a disability. He’s performed at the Edinburgh Fringe, IndyFringe, as well as theaters around the country. Jack has also played LaughFest, Plano Comedy Festival, Portland ME Comedy Festival. Follow Jack at @Unrealjackfreeman on Instagram and his Podcast Thought Outhouse on Youtube Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/36723580

We Talk CIPD 05/20/2025

We Talk CIPD We talk CIPD with Anna DiBlosi At 26, Anna DiBlosi experienced the sudden onset of an undiagnosed autoimmune disorder that completely turned her life upside down. She went from working full-time, having a social life and living her dream in Los Angeles, CA to being fully bed-bound and reliant on her family for care. For years, she was a "medical mystery," struggling to be heard by medical professionals and fighting for answers. She was eventually diagnosed with CIDP, a rare autoimmune disorder that targets the nerves. Her diagnosis allowed her to access the right medical treatment, but her life is still far from what it once was. She now spends her time focused on advocacy and community building. Through her social media channels, Anna raises awareness for invisible illnesses and shares her experience living with CIDP. She also hosts a monthly support group in Los Angeles called the , offering a space for others navigating similar challenges to connect and find support. Follow Anna at @Anna_DiBlosi on Instagram Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/36635620

We Talk EDS and MCAS 04/15/2025

We Talk EDS and MCAS We talk Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Mast cell activation syndrome with Katie Hutch. Katie Hutch is an NYC-based award-winning performer, writer and director. Hutch stars as Abe Lincoln in the Amazon Prime feature film Lincoln the Musical, a Hamilton parody mockumentary. She has been seen Off-Broadway in Frankenstein the Musical, Off Off-Broadway roles including Super Crazy Fun Times and Hungry, Hungry Games as well as winning Best Singer for NY SummerFest in the US premiere of A Word of Love. Hutch has been featured on resident house teams at major NYC comedy theaters including The PIT and The Tank and in dozens of film shorts including Mashable’s Good Day, Deathstar and U Need to Know This. Hutch’s original one-woman show, Allergic to Being Alive, journeys through the challenges and chuckles of living with chronic illness and invisible disability through stories and songs. She released an EP of the same name featuring catchy tracks from the show about everything from anxiety attacks to masturbation inspiring us all to find the laughs through the struggles of surviving. Allergic to Being Alive is streaming on all platforms. Follow Katie and get an original song written just for you at @katiethehutch and @allergictobeingalive on Instagram Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/36137605

We Talk Stage IV Breast Cancer 04/08/2025

We Talk Stage IV Breast Cancer We talk Stage IV Breast Cancer with Robin Browne. Robin Browne is a Brooklyn-based writer and artist. She's had cancer twice, and has been living with stage IV breast cancer since 2015. Robin has written a long-standing column for Amy Poehler's Smart Girls website called "What's my Stage Again." She's collaborated with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation on several awareness campaigns, and is on the education committee for The Pink Agenda. In her spare time, she enjoys illustrating, writing poetry, spending time with her cat, and watching Bravo. Follow Robin at @robinmbrowne and @robinmbrowneart on Instagram, @robinmbrowne on Bluesky, and on Substack /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/36047725

We Talk Lupus 04/01/2025

We Talk Lupus We talk Lupus with Kristina Stasi. Kristina Stasi is a multiracial actress, singer, certified sound healer, and overall funny girl living in Los Angeles. She previously performed sketch, musical improv, and hip-hop improv at Magnet Theater and Peoples Improv Theater in NYC. She loves playing trivia and has been on numerous game shows including Cash Cab and $100,000 Pyramid. One day, she hopes to be a guest judge (and then secret contestant) on RuPaul's Drag Race. Follow Kristina at @stasi.kristina on instagram Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/35949920

We Talk Jaw Surgeries and Endometriosis 03/25/2025

We Talk Jaw Surgeries and Endometriosis We talk jaw surgeries and Endometriosis with Shannon Krowicki. Shannon Krowicki is an actor, singer and comedian based in NYC. In her twenties, she had three major jaw surgeries that changed the course of her life and career. She now has titanium jaw joint prosthetics, fibromyalgia and Stage IV endometriosis that went undiagnosed for 25 years. When she's not suffering from her medical ailments, Shannon performs every Thursday night on Magnet Theater’s musical improv house team, “Secret, Secret!” Her performance credits include off-Broadway and regional theater shows, local commercials and TV/Film productions, most notably Nickelodeon, The History Channel, Starz!, Amazon and Investigation Discovery. In her free time, she loves spending time with her husband-to-be, Jon, their dog, Wiley and listening to ghost and murder podcasts. Follow Shannon at @krowchickie on Instagram Show transcript /episode/index/show/0b029ec0-e5fe-4cc9-8989-1db0c36a544c/id/35849755

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