Dear body, I’m listening

Dear Body, I'm Listening is the podcast for women living with chronic pain, mysterious symptoms, and invisible illness. Hosted by movement therapist, Pilates instructor, and chronic illness navigator Donna Piper, this show is a sanctuary for those who’ve tried everything, felt dismissed, and are still searching for answers. If you've ever felt like your body is speaking a language no one else understands—you’re not crazy, and you’re not alone. In this space, nothing is off the table. We talk openly about swelling, fatigue, brain fog, body shame, and more. We go beyond diagnosis to explore what may be worth investigating—and more importantly, how to reconnect with yourself in the process. Through somatic spirituality, movement, and truth-telling, Donna offers support, insight, and hope. Because healing isn’t linear, and neither are we.

Rest Without Guilt (When Your Worth Got Tied to Output) 01/29/2026

Rest Without Guilt (When Your Worth Got Tied to Output) “Rest isn't a character flaw. It's what your body needs in order to heal from these invisible illnesses. And for some of us, it's also a grief process, because we're not just resting from task; we’re resting from the version of ourselves who thought we had to earn love through output.” —Donna Piper Ep 36 Shownotes: Podcast Platforms We talk about rest like it is simple, but for many bodies it brings guilt, fear, and shame. When worth gets tied to productivity, stopping can feel dangerous even when the body is breaking down. This conversation meets the tension between exhaustion and identity without sugarcoating it. This week, Donna shares her lived experience with chronic illness, nervous system dysregulation, and post-exertional malaise, alongside research that reshaped how she approaches rest, pacing, and recovery. Press play and sit with this one, then return to it when the guilt shows up. Topics covered: Rest without guilt, and why it feels so hard Chronic illness, fatigue, and invisible symptoms Nervous system regulation and safety Post-exertional malaise and pacing strategies Why pushing through backfires Identity loss when productivity disappears Practical rest tools that actually work Boundaries, scripts, and energy budgeting Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 03:05 The Impact of Chronic Illness on Identity 07:52 The Role of the ANS 10:50 How to Rest Without Guilt 19:01 The Importance of Pacing and Boundaries 21:41 Reframing Rest as Productive 25:34 Intentional Breathing and Mindfulness Resources: 🤔Got a question for me? Every month, I do a listener coaching episode—and I’d love to hear from you! Send your questions, stories, or flare-up confessions to , and you just might hear your answer on the show. 💲Discount Click the link: **Wearable heart-rate and activity sensor, with charging cable and strap included. 5 days battery life Manufactured by Polar, the world leader in heart-rate monitoring Designed for illness, not fitness HSA/FSA Eligible X: Your worth is not measured by stamina. Period. This episode dives into fatigue, shame, pacing, and nervous system safety—plus tools to rest without guilt. Press play if your body’s tired but your mind won’t quit. #DearBodyImListeningPodcast #RestWithoutGuilt #ChronicIllness #NervousSystem #FatigueSupport #InvisibleIllness #RestIsMedicine #PEM #HealingJourney #WomensHealth #RestAndHeal #NervousSystemCare #FatigueAwareness Quotes: 02:06 “A lot of us don't just have fatigue. We have fatigue plus shame, and shame is heavy. It's like wearing a weighted vest you did not consent to.” —Donna Piper 04:06 “Rest— there's no volition to it. You need it, and the more you don't do it, the worse it gets.” —Donna Piper 09:42 “We all want to be relied on. It's a lot of women do too much… So it's not a negative that we do that a lot. It's just that if it becomes too much of our identity, it takes away from our health. So that's really where we want to learn some safety in our body and what that looks like.” —Donna Piper 14:23 “It's not forced rest. Rest is being safe. Rest is self-respect in the body that has limits. And so, we want to just first look at what our relationship is with rest; know that rest is essential in your healing.” —Donna Piper 17:55 “Rest works better when it's a choice you can name, not avoiding your brain fears.” —Donna Piper 18:34 “The safer you feel in your body, the more the environment is primed to help you see things differently, manage things differently, and also get you on your road to recovery.” —Donna Piper 20:18 “Treat rest like an appointment; you don't cancel on yourself. You're not lazy, you're energy budgeting.” —Donna Piper 24:44 “Rest is not giving up. Rest is what helps you prevent the worst of the crash cycle, especially with PEM patterns.” —Donna Piper 25:11 “Sometimes, stopping is the only reason anything stays intact.” —Donna Piper 26:54 “Your body is the doer and the be-er. So the more you support your body, the more you're actually taking care of yourself in order to do the things you want to do in the future.” —Donna Piper 27:45 “Rest isn't a character flaw. It's what your body needs in order to heal from these invisible illnesses. And for some of us, it's also a grief process, because we're not just resting from task; we’re resting from the version of ourselves who thought we had to earn love through output.” —Donna Piper Your Host: Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions. With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate unshakable self-trust. Her work focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change—helping clients refine communication, deepen self-worth, and build the foundation for healthy, loving relationships. Donna’s sessions are a safe haven for those ready to break cycles, embrace vulnerability, and design a love life that harmonizes with their thriving careers. For women committed to both personal and professional fulfillment, she offers tailored strategies to unlock their full potential and step into the relationship of their dreams. /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39906910

Is It POTS? When Standing Up Feels Like a Trap 01/22/2026

Is It POTS? When Standing Up Feels Like a Trap “You're not making it up. You're not weak, you're not failing. Your body is working hard to keep you upright, and you deserve support that matches the reality of that.” —Donna Piper Standing up should not require strategy, recovery time, or mental math. When heart rate spikes, dizziness hits, and showers wipe us out, the hardest part is not the symptom. It is being told nothing is wrong while our body says otherwise. Donna shares lived experience with POTS, dysautonomia, and multiple comorbidities, blending physiology with trauma-informed insight. Her work is shaped by years of being dismissed and the clarity that comes from finally naming what is happening in the body. Press play to ground into language that makes sense of your symptoms and offers support without pushing. Signs of POTS and dysautonomia in daily life Why standing, heat, and showers trigger symptoms Heart racing vs anxiety and why both can exist The mental exhaustion of medical gaslighting Gentle nervous system supports for upright intolerance What patterns to track for clearer self-advocacy Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 01:58 Common Triggesr and Symptoms of POTS 03:26 POTS and Daily Life 07:40 Myths About POTS 09:10 Practical Support and Tracking Symptoms 11:20 Choose Support Instead of Punishment Resources: 🤔Got a question for me? Every month, I do a listener coaching episode—and I’d love to hear from you! Send your questions, stories, or flare-up confessions to , and you just might hear your answer on the show. X: Standing up shouldn’t feel like a full-body ambush. If your heart races, showers wipe you out, or upright time feels risky, this episode breaks down POTS signs, daily triggers, and gentle supports. Pull up a chair and listen for clarity and support.. #DearBodyImListeningPodcast #POTSlife #POTSawareness #InvisibleIllness #ChronicSymptoms #Dysautonomia #WomensHealth #ChronicFatigue #BodySignals Quotes: 04:18 “This isn't you just being dramatic. This is your body sending data, not drama.” —Donna Piper 04:47 “There's absolutely nothing wrong with you. You may have been dealing with regulation issues, and they deserve support, not shame.” —Donna Piper 06:59 “POTS can shrink your world, not because you're incapable, but because your body is doing extra math to keep you upright.” —Donna Piper 08:17 “Here's the spicy truth: being dismissed can make you anxious. So you can have both anxiety and POTS.” —Donna Piper 08:33 “POTS can fluctuate. Your good hours don't erase the hard ones. You're not faking. You're cycling through capacity.” —Donna Piper 08:47 “For a lot of us, pushing through is what makes symptoms worse. Sometimes, the bravest thing is choosing smart support instead of self punishment.” —Donna Piper 11:20 “You're not making it up. You're not weak, you're not failing. Your body is working hard to keep you upright, and you deserve support that matches the reality of that.” —Donna Piper Your Host: Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions. With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate unshakable self-trust. Her work focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change—helping clients refine communication, deepen self-worth, and build the foundation for healthy, loving relationships. Donna’s sessions are a safe haven for those ready to break cycles, embrace vulnerability, and design a love life that harmonizes with their thriving careers. For women committed to both personal and professional fulfillment, she offers tailored strategies to unlock their full potential and step into the relationship of their dreams. /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39692315

Traveling with Chronic Illness: Germany Edition 01/15/2026

Traveling with Chronic Illness: Germany Edition “If you're traveling with chronic illness, I want you to hear me. There is nothing wrong with you. You just have to prepare a little bit. You deserve to travel in a way that doesn't punish you, that helps you, that makes you feel good.” —Donna Piper Travel takes more out of the body than most people admit. For those living with chronic illness, the cost shows up before the suitcase is even packed. Energy drains through lines, noise, time pressure, swelling, and the fear of crashing far from home. Donna shares her real-time approach to spending a month in Germany while managing lipedema, chronic fatigue, MCAS, hypermobility, and nervous system overload. This conversation blends lived experience with practical science to show how support, pacing, and preparation make travel survivable and humane. Press play for a grounded, no-hype conversation and explore: Traveling with chronic illness without pushing or proving Energy budgeting before, during, and after trips Nervous system overload and why travel hits harder Swelling, compression, and movement on long flights Flying with lipedema and chronic pain Planning layovers, buffers, and recovery days Using accommodations without guilt or explanation Safe food strategies for MCAS and histamine issues Why rest protects the trip instead of ruining it Micro-regulation tools for airports, flights, and hotels Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 01:59 Travelling with Chronic Illness 05:14 How Travel Can Stress Your ANS and What to Do About It 07:02 Myths and Misconceptions About Travelling with Chronic Illness 08:23 Practical Travel Tips and Mindfulness Practices Resources: 🤔Got a question for me? Every month, I do a listener coaching episode—and I’d love to hear from you! Send your questions, stories, or flare-up confessions to , and you just might hear your answer on the show. X: Traveling with chronic illness isn’t Eat, Pray, Love. It’s planning, pacing, compression, and rest. In this episode, we talk fatigue, swelling, flights, and nervous-system-safe travel—without the gloss. #DearBodyImListeningPodcast #ChronicIllnessTravel #InvisibleIllness #Lipedema #ChronicFatigue #TravelTips #NervousSystemSafety #SelfAdvocacy #BodyAwareness Quotes: 02:34 “Travel costs energy before the trip even starts. There's the physical stuff: standing in lines, hauling bags, temperature swings, weird food timing, and bathrooms require a map, and emotional courage. And then there's the invisible stuff, decision fatigue, sensory overload, nervous system activation, the pressure to ‘make it worth it’, and that sneaky fear of what if I crash and I'm not at home.” —Donna Piper 03:33 “Build a buffer like it's your job… Two, use help like it's normal… Three, Plan the flight like it's a body event…Four, bring safe food… Five, treat landing like recovery day.” —Donna Piper 06:44 “You're not aiming for no symptoms. You're aiming for support, strategy, and self-trust.” —Donna Piper 07:15 “Rest is what makes a trip survivable. Rest is what keeps you from needing a week-long recovery afterward.” —Donna Piper 09:52 “If you're traveling with chronic illness, I want you to hear me. There is nothing wrong with you. You just have to prepare a little bit. You deserve to travel in a way that doesn't punish you, that helps you, that makes you feel good.” —Donna Piper Your Host: Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions. With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate unshakable self-trust. Her work focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change—helping clients refine communication, deepen self-worth, and build the foundation for healthy, loving relationships. Donna’s sessions are a safe haven for those ready to break cycles, embrace vulnerability, and design a love life that harmonizes with their thriving careers. For women committed to both personal and professional fulfillment, she offers tailored strategies to unlock their full potential and step into the relationship of their dreams. /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39637790

Pack, Move, Fly, Heal: Why I’m Choosing Germany for Lipedema Surgery 01/08/2026

Pack, Move, Fly, Heal: Why I’m Choosing Germany for Lipedema Surgery “Movement and less pain is why I'm doing this and why I've chosen to go to Germany.” —Donna Piper Big life changes rarely wait their turn. When health decisions collide with exhaustion, logistics, and uncertainty, clarity matters more than certainty. Donna shares the personal and medical reasoning behind traveling to Germany for lipedema surgery while managing multiple chronic conditions. This episode traces how lived experience, failed conservative treatments, and the need for long-term care shaped a choice rooted in mobility, pain reduction, and nervous system safety. Press play for a grounded, unfiltered conversation, then explore the key moments: Why Germany was chosen for lipedema surgery Living with lipedema, ME/CFS, hEDS, POTS, and MCAS Limits of conservative treatments for lipedema Surgery as debulking, not a cure Managing chronic illness during major life transitions The role of aftercare and hospital-based recovery Reframing healing away from aesthetics Nervous system support during overwhelm Making slow, aligned medical decisions Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 01:40 Personal Update and Upcoming Move 04:56 Choosing Lipedema Surgery in Lipedema 11:23 The Importance of Practicality and Compassion 13:38 Surgery is Not a Miracle Cure 17:32 The Importance of Community Support Resources: 🤔Got a question for me? Every month, I do a listener coaching episode—and I’d love to hear from you! Send your questions, stories, or flare-up confessions to , and you just might hear your answer on the show. X: Big life moves don’t pause for healing—but your body still matters. Donna is packing, moving, and flying to Germany for lipedema surgery, choosing care over speed. Listen for surgery decisions, nervous system safety, and real-life prep. #DearBodyImListeningPodcast #lipedema #chronicillness #medicaldecisions #healingjourney #bodywisdom #lipedemasurgery #chronicfatigue #spoonielife #healthchoices #patientadvocate Quotes: 02:48 “It has been important for me to go slowly through this process, as much as I wanted to speed up sometimes, but to really make sure that my nervous system and everything was in alignment so I can make these huge moves on top of healing.” —Donna Piper 08:37 “Healing does take a lot of energy.” —Donna Piper 11:12 “Movement and less pain is why I'm doing this and why I've chosen to go to Germany.” —Donna Piper 11:46 “Surgery isn't your only option, and surgery isn't a miracle; you still need to continue to do conservative things.” —Donna Piper 13:34 “It takes about a year after surgery to really start to see the results.” —Donna Piper 17:10 “If you're in a moment where life is asking a lot of you and your body is already carrying a lot, remember: there's nothing wrong with you. You've just been living in a body that hasn't been understood.” —Donna Piper Your Host: Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions. With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate unshakable self-trust. Her work focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change—helping clients refine communication, deepen self-worth, and build the foundation for healthy, loving relationships. Donna’s sessions are a safe haven for those ready to break cycles, embrace vulnerability, and design a love life that harmonizes with their thriving careers. For women committed to both personal and professional fulfillment, she offers tailored strategies to unlock their full potential and step into the relationship of their dreams. /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39637105

Lipedema Surgery Vs. Non-Surgical Care… Do I Have To Choose? 01/01/2026

Lipedema Surgery Vs. Non-Surgical Care… Do I Have To Choose? “Anything you choose is not weakness. It's the best for you… Instead of thinking surgery or no surgery, try this question: ‘What would make my next step safer?’... Safety is a step, not a switch.” —Donna Piper Pressure around medical choices can turn care into panic. When the body is complex and money, time, and fear are involved, certainty starts to feel like a deadline. This conversation slows that moment down and gives it room to breathe. In this episode, Donna shares her lived experience navigating lipedema and the long road of conservative care, research, and choosing surgery without shame or urgency. Her perspective is shaped by years of dismissal, chronic symptoms, and learning to trust the body again. Press play and walk your healing journey at your own pace. We cover: Lipedema surgery vs non-surgical care and why it is not an either-or decision Decision paralysis, medical trauma, and fear-based choosing Conservative treatments like compression, lymphatic care, and supportive movement Pain, mobility, swelling, and quality of life considerations Money pressure, timelines, and realistic recovery expectations Why not ready is a valid and protective choice Nervous system safety and building trust after being dismissed Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 02:16 Lipedema Surgery: The Financial and Emotional Pressures 04:41 Lipedema Surgery vs Non-Surgical Care 08:33 Lipedema Management and Support 15:14 Navigating Medical Trauma and Decision-Making 17:11 Myths and Misconceptions About Lipedema Treatment 27:05 Creating a Decision Container 38:30 Supporting Women in Their Health Journey Resources: 🤔Got a question for me? Every month, I do a listener coaching episode—and I’d love to hear from you! Send your questions, stories, or flare-up confessions to , and you just might hear your answer on the show. X: There is no “right” choice—only the one that fits your body. This episode unpacks the surgery vs non-surgery dilemma, fear loops, and how to decide without pressure. Listen for grounded truth, not ultimatums. #DearBodyImListeningPodcast #lipedema #healthdecisions #bodywisdom #chronicillnesssupport #selftrust #bodyautonomy #lipedemaawareness #chronicpain #medicaltrauma #selfadvocacy #healingjourney Quotes: 07:02 “With Lipedema, it's always trial and error. Not everyone's body responds the same way as someone else's body does. Listen to yourself, trust your intuition, and do your research, because education is what's going to help you.” —Donna Piper 09:40 “Medical trauma and uncertainty equals decision paralysis.. When you're being asked to make a big medical decision inside a system that didn't protect you, of course, you're spinning.” —Donna Piper 11:10 “The panic you feel is not proof that you're behind it's not proof that you need to make one decision over the other. It's proof that you care and the decision is real, and you're taking some time to really weigh out your options.” —Donna Piper 19:45 “If you make any decision of panic or feeling pressured, then you're never going to feel peaceful, even if it's the right one.” —Donna Piper 20:29 “Surgery is not just this thing that is going to make everything better. In some cases, it may not be the right thing for you, so just know that opting for whatever care and how you piece it together is the best thing for you. It's not one or the other.” —Donna Piper 25:00 “Anything you choose is not weakness. It's the best for you… Instead of thinking surgery or no surgery, try this question: ‘What would make my next step safer?’... Safety is a step, not a switch.” —Donna Piper 29:59 “None of this is the perfect choice, because the lipedema is not perfect at all.” —Donna Piper 30:56 “If you're not ready to make any decisions, that's also a decision. Take some pressure off yourself to explore some things again.” —Donna Piper 32:45 “Don't let shame be your surgeon… Shame is not a pre-medical professional. Shame doesn't get a vote. Just let the goal of your quality of life guide you.” —Donna Piper 35:44 “You don't have to make a choice. You're not required to choose at all, let alone from a place of fear. This isn't a test of your toughness or your the best decision-making. It's really about your body's decision, and it deserves time, tenderness, and clarity.” —Donna Piper 37:20 “Sometimes, the most healing thing is realizing that you're not alone in the mess of it. Whatever you choose, let it be rooted in agency, not shame.” —Donna Piper Your Host: Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions. With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate unshakable self-trust. Her work focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change—helping clients refine communication, deepen self-worth, and build the foundation for healthy, loving relationships. Donna’s sessions are a safe haven for those ready to break cycles, embrace vulnerability, and design a love life that harmonizes with their thriving careers. For women committed to both personal and professional fulfillment, she offers tailored strategies to unlock their full potential and step into the relationship of their dreams. /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39573205

Hot Flashes, Heavy Legs: Lipedema Meets Perimenopause & Menopause 12/25/2025

Hot Flashes, Heavy Legs: Lipedema Meets Perimenopause & Menopause “Lipedema is not a willpower issue. Shame is not a treatment plan. Late diagnosis does not mean late reality. It means late recognition. Your best advocate is yourself. There's nothing wrong with you. You've just been navigating a body that hasn't been understood by the medical world yet. Be gentle with your capacity. Meet yourself where you are.” —Donna Piper Bodies can change in ways that do not follow the rules we were taught. Pain, swelling, and heaviness show up, and the explanations never quite fit. Many women carry this quietly for years, assuming it is just weight or age. In this episode, Donna shares lived experience and clinical insight around lipedema, a connective tissue disorder often missed until perimenopause or menopause. She connects personal symptoms, years of dismissal, and emerging research to explain why midlife is often when lipedema finally gets recognized. Press play for grounded clarity, validation without hype, and language that helps make sense of what has felt confusing for too long. In this episode, we cover: What lipedema is and how it differs from typical weight gain Why perimenopause and menopause can intensify lipedema symptoms Common signs like pain, tenderness, bruising, and symmetry The role of estrogen, inflammation, and connective tissue Why labs can look normal while symptoms worsen Gentle, supportive movement for lymphatic flow How to talk to doctors and advocate for a diagnosis Myths that keep women stuck and misunderstood Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 01:43 Understanding Lipedema and Its Symptoms 04:44 Defining Perimenopause and Menopause 07:04 Lipedema and Hormonal Connections 10:35 Gentle Supports for Lipedema 13:06 Seeking Diagnosis and Support 16:15 Breathing Techniques and Exercises Resources: 🤔Got a question for me? Every month, I do a listener coaching episode—and I’d love to hear from you! Send your questions, stories, or flare-up confessions to , and you just might hear your answer on the show. 📚Research Mentioned Perimenopause + menopause basics: • ACOG — The Menopause Years (definition + 12-month marker) • Mayo Clinic — Perimenopause: Symptoms and causes (estrogen rises/falls; perimenopause ends after 12 months without a period) Lipedema diagnosis timing + delays: • Falck et al. (2022) BMC Women’s Health — national survey (diagnosis commonly later; symptom onset often earlier) • Lipedema Foundation Registry — First Look Report (average diagnosis age + delay to seeking care; PDF) Executive summary: Registry page: Lipedema + estrogen / menopause-transition models: • Katzer et al. (2021) Int J Mol Sci — review on estrogen’s potential role in lipedema • Pinto da Costa Viana et al. (2025) Int J Mol Sci — menopause as a “critical turning point” model (ER imbalance + intracrine estrogen concepts) Lipedema symptoms + patient survey data: • Aday et al. (2024) Phlebology / PMC — national symptom survey (707 women; symptom patterns; mean age) PubMed: Full text (PMC): X: You’re not failing at weight loss—your tissue plays by different rules. Hear how lipedema shows up, why hormones turn up the volume in midlife, and how to recognize the signs. Listen in for science, lived experience, and gentle next steps. #DearBodyImListeningPodcast #lipedemaeducation #perimenopausejourney #womenswellness #chronicpain #healthadvocacy #hormonehealth #perimenopause #menopausehealth Quotes: 01:37 “If you've never heard the word lipedema, you're not alone. Most women haven't, and that's part of the problem.” —Donna Piper 06:08 “Every time they told me my labs were just fine. And that is also part of lipedema… One of the parts of lipedema is that your labs can look different than what your body is doing and the reality of what your body is going through.” —Donna Piper 08:00 “It doesn't mean that you're failing. You haven't done anything wrong. You're just your tissue is different, the connective tissue that you have and the adipose tissue, and how your lymphatic system works.” —Donna Piper 09:49 “Lipedema symptoms can become more noticeable, not because you did something wrong, but because your internal environment has changed. Then, lipedema arrives. Newer model suggests menopause can act like a turning point in lipedema progression.” —Donna Piper 13:45 “Unfortunately, you have to be your own advocate, and you have to educate your doctors. And fortunately, there's a lot more research out there. There is a lot more support out there.” —Donna Piper 15:03 “Lipedema is not a willpower issue. Shame is not a treatment plan.” —Donna Piper 15:13 “Perimenopause is the fluctuating lead-up. Menopause is the 12-month marker, different seasons, different support.” —Donna Piper 15:24 “Many women have symptoms for years and get diagnosed later, often turning during the perimenopause or menopause phase, because that's when the pattern becomes undeniable. Late diagnosis does not mean late reality. It means late recognition.” —Donna Piper 18:52 “Your best advocate is yourself. There's nothing wrong with you. You've just been navigating a body that hasn't been understood by the medical world yet. Be gentle with your capacity. Meet yourself where you are.” —Donna Piper Your Host: Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions. With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate unshakable self-trust. Her work focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change—helping clients refine communication, deepen self-worth, and build the foundation for healthy, loving relationships. Donna’s sessions are a safe haven for those ready to break cycles, embrace vulnerability, and design a love life that harmonizes with their thriving careers. For women committed to both personal and professional fulfillment, she offers tailored strategies to unlock their full potential and step into the relationship of their dreams. /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39531760

How Trauma Rewrites Pain Part 4: Flare or Trauma Response? When the Body’s Signals Get Confusing 12/18/2025

How Trauma Rewrites Pain Part 4: Flare or Trauma Response? When the Body’s Signals Get Confusing “Flares and trauma responses often look the same because fascia remembers, the nervous system protects, and the immune system overreacts to help defend itself, and the body is trying to keep you alive, not confused. So your job isn't to decode perfectly. Your job is to offer safety consistently, because when the body feels safe, the symptoms soften, and when the symptoms soften, the story changes, and when the story changes, the healing becomes possible.” —Donna Piper The body can shift from steady to overwhelmed without warning, leaving confusion about what just took over. Pain, fatigue, and emotional overwhelm can blur together until everything feels like danger at once. There is relief in knowing this reaction has a reason. In this final episode of the trauma rewrites pain series, Donna draws from lived experience with chronic illness and trauma to unpack why flares and trauma responses often feel identical and how years of illness, stress, and not being believed shape the nervous system’s reactions. Press play for clarity without pressure and a grounded way to respond when symptoms and emotions collide, plus a gentle roadmap back to safety. The difference between a chronic illness flare and a trauma response Why flares and trauma responses often activate together How fascia, the nervous system, and the immune system overlap Research linking trauma, PTSD, and autoimmune conditions Why the body is pattern-matching, not malfunctioning A simple grounding practice to support the nervous system Reframing self-trust without self-surveillance Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 02:49 Flare vs Trauma Response 04:05 Flare Symptoms vs Trauma Response Symptoms 06:30 The Overlap Between Flare and Trauma Response 08:40 The Science: PTSD, Autoimmune Disease, and Chronic Inflammation 11:55 How Trauma Rewires the Autonomic Nervous System 14:00 Gentle Nervous System Grounding Resources: 🤔Got a question for me? Every month, I do a listener coaching episode—and I’d love to hear from you! Send your questions, stories, or flare-up confessions to , and you just might hear your answer on the show. 📚Research Mentioned • ACEs & autoimmune disease risk (Dube et al., 2009) • Trauma, PTSD & lupus risk (Feldman et al., 2019) • PTSD & rheumatoid arthritis risk (Lee et al., 2016) • PTSD & autoimmune disease (VA study) (O’Donovan et al., 2015) X: Your body isn’t broken; it’s pattern-matching to survive. This episode unpacks why flares and trauma responses feel identical and offers a simple roadmap back to calm without self-blame or pressure. Listen and breathe along. #DearBodyImListeningPodcast #NervousSystemRegulation #ChronicIllnessSupport #TraumaAwareness #SomaticHealing #SelfCompassion Quotes: 04:30 “Your flare can trigger your trauma response, and your trauma response can amplify your flare, and they share some of the same components. So a flare and a trauma response can co-activate each other, not because you're dramatic, disorganized, weak, or not healed enough, but because your nervous system has been trained by the illness, by trauma, by years of not being believed to over respond when something feels familiar.” —Donna Piper 07:25 “Your body is trying to protect you loudly and perfectly and sometimes inconveniently.” —Donna Piper 09:00 “After chronic stress or emotional wounds, your autonomic nervous system becomes biased towards protection. So this is not a judgment, this is just pattern recognition.” —Donna Piper 10:25 “It's not your fault. You're not failing. It's nothing you can do. Your body is doing its best with the map it has.” —Donna Piper 10:57 “You're not supposed to perfectly diagnose your internal state that is not self-trust, that is self-surveillance.” —Donna Piper 13:22 “Flares and trauma responses often look the same because fascia remembers, the nervous system protects, and the immune system overreacts to help defend itself, and the body is trying to keep you alive, not confused. So your job isn't to decode perfectly. Your job is to offer safety consistently, because when the body feels safe, the symptoms soften, and when the symptoms soften, the story changes, and when the story changes, the healing becomes possible.” —Donna Piper Your Host: Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions. With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate unshakable self-trust. Her work focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change—helping clients refine communication, deepen self-worth, and build the foundation for healthy, loving relationships. Donna’s sessions are a safe haven for those ready to break cycles, embrace vulnerability, and design a love life that harmonizes with their thriving careers. For women committed to both personal and professional fulfillment, she offers tailored strategies to unlock their full potential and step into the relationship of their dreams. /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39434625

Transformation Boundaries: Protect Energy And Design A Purposeful Life with Didi Selwa 12/11/2025

Transformation Boundaries: Protect Energy And Design A Purposeful Life with Didi Selwa “Move forward, take action. It may happen, it may not, but it's just about putting one step in front of the other— doing that is so important. When you go forward, you realize, ‘oh, that's not for me’, but in the process, you discover what is.” —Didi Selwa Drop the guilt of being stuck and discover a movement that meets your body where it is. Press play to hear how embodiment, faith, and small practical steps shift shame, chronic illness limits, and stalled dreams into forward motion. Didi Selwa went from a 25-year banking career to a Certified Transformational Life Coach and Level Two TranscenDance Facilitator by following a mix of mindset training, embodied practice, and faith-guided risk-taking. Her work blends mind-body-spirit coaching with guided movement to help women reclaim confidence and take consistent action. Press play to hear a grounded conversation about how to make affirmations actually work, how movement becomes a tool for trauma release, and why tiny actions matter now. What transcenDance movement is and how it differs from a dance class How to use embodied movement to release shame and trauma Practical mindset tools to turn affirmations into real habits and visioning practice Adapting transcenDance for chronic illness and low-energy days The role of faith and spiritual practice in coaching and embodiment How small, repeatable actions build confidence and creative momentum Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 02:38 Meet Didi— From Banking Grind to Life Coaching 05:49 True Change— Faith + Mindset 10:52 Why Transformation Feels Uncomfortable 14:31 Breakthrough Tools 18:16 TranscenDance— Healing Through Joyful Movement 24:40 Breaking the Mold— Trusting Your Body 31:05 Breaking Old Beliefs and Celebrating Yourself 36:07 How Affirmations and Manifestations Really Work 42:36 Creativity for Healing and Growth 48:53 Confidence, Action, and Letting Go X: You're allowed to celebrate even the smallest wins—celebration rewires shame into momentum. Hear this episode for baby-step tools, repatterning, manifestation, and mind-body movement as Donna sits with Founder, Didi Selwa. #DearBodyImListening #MCAS #Lymphedema #Lipedema #ChronicIllness #mindset #selfcare #movement #transcenDance #transformation #confidence Quotes: 03:52 “Our purpose is there, we just don't uncover it. It's there speaking to us, and we're not listening.” —Didi Selwa 09:01 “You have to find what works for you, what speaks to you and your soul, in order for it to actually have a transformational impact in your life.” —Didi Selwa 12:19 “With transformation, it has to have an anchor— and it's uncomfortable.” —Donna Piper 13:05 “Just being you and being authentic makes people feel safe to do the same.” —Didi Selwa 25:26 “Transcendance is about moving to honor how your body wants to move in that moment. By doing that, you get more in touch with your body to what they need.” —Donna Piper 35:50 “Honor and love your body where you are and yourself where you're at, still giving yourself that freedom to transform it as well.” —Didi Selwa 36:17 “Affirmations and what you tell yourself 100% affect how you do your life. However, just by saying certain things doesn't always make them come true.” —Donna Piper 37:46 “There's more to manifesting than just saying these things and putting them up on your vision board. And what it really comes from is our energy, becoming a vibrational match to that affirmation. So, it’s not only saying the words, but also envisioning it.” —Didi Selwa 44:18 “I like to tap into the creative aspect, because spirit loves fun, our body loves fun, our mind loves fun. And a lot of times, we don't really give ourselves enough time to do that creative expression.” —Didi Selwa 50:38 “Move forward, take action. It may happen, it may not, but it's just about putting one step in front of the other— doing that is so important. When you go forward, you realize, ‘oh, that's not for me’, but in the process, you discover what is.” —Didi Selwa Connect with Didi: Didi Selwa is a Transformational Life Coach and Certified Level II TranscenDanceTM Facilitator in Los Angeles, California. Her life-changing workshops and programs help women break through their limiting beliefs, achieve greater results, and learn to live with passion and purpose. Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39361330

The Science of Feeling Safe: Gentle Practices to Regulate Chronic Stress with Ann Diment 12/04/2025

The Science of Feeling Safe: Gentle Practices to Regulate Chronic Stress with Ann Diment "We are the experts in our well-being and our own bodies, and it's important for us to advocate for ourselves. We're not defined by our past. Our past is gone. It's in the past, and the beliefs we formed about ourselves based on what we've been told by other people or experienced in the past aren't necessarily true." —Ann Diment Some seasons of life push us past our limits, and the body keeps score long before we understand why. Many of us try to outwork the chaos, yet the real shift begins when we finally question the version of resilience we were taught to admire. There is a quieter kind of strength that lets us breathe again and rebuild without losing ourselves. Anne Diment learned this after years in science, health and safety, caregiving, chronic burnout, and a late ADHD diagnosis that reframed her entire story. Her work now blends coaching, EFT tapping, and creative practices to help people unlearn survival mode and create space for healing that feels humane and sustainable. Press play for a grounded conversation that meets our whole humanity, not just our symptoms. In this episode, we explore: • burnout that hides in plain sight • late diagnosis and the emotional impact of reframing a lifetime • ADHD, menopause, and the biology that shapes daily capacity • creative practices that regulate the nervous system • EFT tapping for stress, hypervigilance, and chronic pain • safety, acceptance, and the beliefs that keep us stuck • the pressure of productivity and the truth about energy budgeting • purpose, identity, and the healing power of creative community Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 03:08 Meet Ann: An Unexpected Career Pivot 09:19 Ne Burnout, Inequities in Healthcare, and the ADHD Discovery 14:57 How EFT Tapping Works 23:43 Medical Gaslighting and Weight-Centric Bias in Healthcare 31:00 How Stress Quietly Destroys Health- Global Research Insights 37:35 Energy Budgeting and the Invisible Load of Neurodivergent Households 47:45 Purpose, Identity, and Chronic Illness 55:49 Turning the Tables on Burnout Resources: Get Ann’s bestselling book 'Turning the Tables on Burnout”: . Join the 'Confident You-Raw Conversations' book launch team: Redefine resilience, create calm, and beat burnout: Want to talk about how Ann can support you? Book a Call: All of Ann’s Creative links: Buy Art Card and Prints: Listen to the Creating Resilience Podcast: X: Burnout isn’t a personal failure—it’s your body asking for a softer way forward. Listen in as Donna and Turning the Tables on Burnout author, Ann Diment, unpack safety, acceptance, menopause, ADHD, and the healing power of creativity. #DearBodyImListening #MCAS #Lymphedema #Lipedema #ChronicIllness #ResilienceReDefined #EFTTapping #MentalHealthMatters #BurnoutRecovery #NervousSystemHealing #TraumaInformedLiving #NeurodivergentWomen #HealingJourney #ADHDWomen #MenopauseSupport Quotes: 05:53 "I thought, I'm done— I'm done with the hustle, done with the traveling, the stress." —Ann Diment 06:45 "I could see the benefits of expressing yourself through the creative arts—music, arts, poetry, dance—all these things that help people regulate themselves and express themselves in a safe way." —Ann Diment 11:30 "Our sense of safety can fool us, because you might feel safe, but that could be codependency, and that isn't really healthy." —Ann Diment 12:00 "The damage caused by adverse childhood experiences, trauma can reduce your life expectancy by about 20 years because of this toxic stress that manifests in your body." —Ann Diment 12:37 "I didn't realize that I was in that hyper-vigilant state from a very young age. So to keep myself safe, before I was aware all this, there'd be people pleasing, there'd be avoidance of conflict, there'd be putting your own needs last— that is a tick box for a burnout." —Ann Diment 18:39 "I do come from a prevalence that everything my body does, even though it has all these things I don't always want, is doing everything to protect me. We create safety to survive." —Donna Piper 26:08 "There is no medical research on specifically women and girls until 2017— that's eight years ago, so all the DSM diagnostic criteria are based on men and boys." —Ann Diment 32:16 "Stress kills around three-quarters of a million people globally, which means that lost years of quality living are due to chronic illness caused by stress. And it's entirely preventable." —Ann Diment 36:27 "Acceptance is the key to keeping your beautifully creative, problem-solving brain online instead of going into survival mode." —Ann Diment 42:13 “It's not our personality. It's our biology.” —Ann Diment 43:08 “Whether you're a mom or a worker or a wife or all these things, or how much you actually want to do, or did do, or have done, like all of those things kind of come down to accepting the moment that you're in with what is presenting in front of you. With your biology, you need something different that's maybe not normative.” —Donna Piper 47:08 “One of the symptoms of ADHD is you can't rest. You're constantly doing something. When I'm being creative, you can be hyper focused on something because you're just in the flow.” —Ann Diment 50:09 “Lots of adults feel they're not creative, but I say, Well, you are creative. You just don't accept that. How do you style your hair? How do you dress? How do you put the food on your plate? It's all making creative decisions. There are lots of ways that you're being creative.” —Ann Diment 57:41 "We are the experts in our well-being and our own bodies, and it's important for us to advocate for ourselves. We're not defined by our past. Our past is gone. It's in the past, and the beliefs we formed about ourselves based on what we've been told by other people or experienced in the past aren't necessarily true." —Ann Diment Connect with Ann: Ann Diment is the bestselling author of "Turning the Tables on Burnout," with over 20 years of experience in the Health, Safety, and Wellbeing sector, and is in the top 1% of IOSH members, holding Fellowship status for over 10 years. Drawing from her personal journey with cPTSD and other mental health challenges, Ann has pioneered a creative and mindful approach to stress and resilience training through her socially engaged art practice. Recently diagnosed with ADHD, Ann has added a CPD-certified ADHD support practitioner certification to her wide-ranging skill set to provide specialised support for neurodivergent clients. As an ambassador for ADHD UK and the Institute of Personalised Care, Ann advocates for personalised care and neurodiversity awareness. She also trains NHS health coaches, judges international safety awards, and mentors global safety leaders. Beyond her professional endeavours, Ann is a multifaceted artist, poet, and musician, infusing her work with creativity and passion. Her vibrant approach and dedication to wellbeing make her a dynamic force in the field. Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39259760

Loving You Through the Hard Days: A Caregiver’s Honest Conversation 11/27/2025

Loving You Through the Hard Days: A Caregiver’s Honest Conversation “The holiday is around the corner, and what do you want for Christmas? All I really care about is I just want you to get healthy. I just want your body to stop causing you so much pain, and I want you to be excited about the clothes that you're wearing and the way that your body looks and feels, and to feel like you're back in the driver's seat of your life. And if I can give that to her, that's more than anything I could ever have hoped to get for my wife in her entire life. And so that's why, that's why I keep going.” —Timothy James Piper Some days ask more of a relationship than anyone ever planned for, and the weight of it can land in quiet places. Chronic illness has a way of changing routines, stretching patience, and shifting the small details that once felt effortless. This conversation sits inside that reality and explores what love looks like when the body rewrites the rules. In this episode, Donna’s husband, James, opens up about the slow, unclear unraveling that led to her diagnoses and how those moments reshaped their marriage. His story traces confusion, fear, tenderness, and the unexpected growth that comes from caregiving in real time. Press play for a conversation that tells the truth without losing hope. Key topics: • The early signs of chronic illness that made no sense at the time • How physical changes impact identity and self-perception • The emotional load partners carry behind the scenes • The fear, grief, and loyalty woven into caregiving • Intimacy shifts and how couples adjust • Practical support during flares, crashes, and unpredictable days • What this journey taught them about love, acceptance, and long-haul commitment Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 04:03 A Husband’s Honest Perspective 08:53 Unselfish Support: It’s a “We” Thing 25:55 Shared Struggles: Navigating Relationship Challenges 32:21 The Caregiver’s Emotional Rollercoaster 44:59 When Healthcare Fails: Navigating Costs and Coverage 49:14 How Has Chronic Illness Changed the Caregiver 58:39 The Best Gift Resources: 🤔Got a question for me? Every month, I do a listener coaching episode—and I’d love to hear from you! Send your questions, stories, or flare-up confessions to , and you just might hear your answer on the show. /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39186150

How Trauma Rewrites Pain Part 3—When Trauma Turns on the Immune System 11/20/2025

How Trauma Rewrites Pain Part 3—When Trauma Turns on the Immune System “Trauma doesn't just live in your memories, your fascia, or your nervous system. It can also reshape your immune system, especially when no one helped you feel safe. That doesn't mean it's your fault, and that doesn't mean your body isn't on your side. It means that your body has been on your side this whole time, trying to protect you the only way it knew how.” —Donna Piper Some days your body throws signals you cannot ignore, but no one seems to hear them. The swelling, the exhaustion, the crashes that make no sense on paper start to feel like a secret only you and your body understand. There is nothing dramatic about it. It is simply your reality. Donna shares the long road of being dismissed, misdiagnosed, and told to push harder until her symptoms forced a different truth. Her background in dance movement therapy and her lived experience with lipedema, MCAS, POTS, hypermobility, EDS, and chronic fatigue shaped how she now teaches women to understand the deeper layers of their symptoms. Press play for a grounded blend of story and science that helps you see your immune system in a completely new way and gives you language for things you have never been able to explain. Topics discussed: • How trauma and chronic stress reshape immune function • Why medical dismissal can worsen inflammation and flares • The link between ACEs, nervous system patterns, and autoimmune risk • The biggest myths women hear when labs look “normal” • Simple somatic practices to help your system stand down • A reframing that removes blame and builds self-trust Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 02:02 Medical Dismissal and “Normal” Labs Spiral 04:36 Self-Blame and Turning Invalidation Inward 08:05 Childhood Stress and Autoimmune Disease Research Breakthrough 14:06 Immune Red Alert Mode 17:16 Grounding Techniques to Rewire Safety 21:05 Teaser for Part 4 Resources: 🤔Got a question for me? Every month, I do a listener coaching episode—and I’d love to hear from you! Send your questions, stories, or flare-up confessions to , and you just might hear your answer on the show. X: Your body has been protecting you for decades, not failing you. This episode dives into trauma-informed immunity, survival responses, and tiny practices to help you feel safer again. #DearBodyImListeningPodcast #MindBodyConnection #TraumaRecovery #ChronicIllnessSupport #NervousSystem MedicalGaslighting #ChronicFatigue #AutoimmuneHealth Quotes: 05:10 “Being invalidated for decades turned all of that invalidation inward, and I was like, ‘maybe there's just something wrong with me’.” —Donna Piper 08:01 “Research papers about childhood trauma and autoimmune disease: women with multiple adverse childhood experiences have a much higher risk of being hospitalized with autoimmune diseases later in life.” —Donna Piper 11:30 “Emotional, physical abuse, neglect, and early stress have been associated with higher autoimmune rates in women, including lupus and thyroid disease.” —Donna Piper 11:51 “Your history is not separate from your biology. Your immune system remembers what you survived, how you survived, how you lived” —Donna Pipe 14:28 “If you've lived through any childhood stress— but you told yourself it wasn't that bad, you learned to people please, over-function, ignore your needs to be safe, your nervous system got really good at scanning for danger, even when it wasn't there in any room.” —Donna Pipe 15:40 “Your body adapted to survive, and now it needs the support to feel safe again.” —Donna Pipe 16:14 “Normal labs with abnormal suffering do not equal your fine. It equals they don't have the right tool to measure your reality.” —Donna Pipe 16:36 “Does that mean you chose or manifested autoimmune disease because you weren't positive enough? NO! You're not a failed manifestation. You're a human being whose body was walked through stress, genetics, environment, and a medical system that often didn't protect you. They all interacted. You didn't cause it alone, and you do not have to fix it alone either.” —Donna Piper 20:29 “Trauma doesn't just live in your memories, your fascia, or your nervous system. It can also reshape your immune system, especially when no one helped you feel safe. That doesn't mean it's your fault, and that doesn't mean your body isn't on your side. It means that your body has been on your side this whole time, trying to protect you the only way it knew how.” —Donna Piper 21:43 “Your body isn't broken. She's been trying to keep you alive in a world that didn't understand her.” —Donna Piper Your Host: Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions. With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate unshakable self-trust. Her work focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change—helping clients refine communication, deepen self-worth, and build the foundation for healthy, loving relationships. Donna’s sessions are a safe haven for those ready to break cycles, embrace vulnerability, and design a love life that harmonizes with their thriving careers. For women committed to both personal and professional fulfillment, she offers tailored strategies to unlock their full potential and step into the relationship of their dreams. /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39092765

Thermal Imaging for Health: Early Answers, Less Guesswork with Dr. Robert Kane 11/12/2025

Thermal Imaging for Health: Early Answers, Less Guesswork with Dr. Robert Kane "It's a balance between getting information and trusting experts. It's really important that as a patient, you have to be your own advocate." —Robert Kane When it comes to our body, uncertainty can be the hardest symptom to treat. Worry sets in when answers are fuzzy, and bouncing between specialists leaves us more confused than before. The real question is: how can we know what’s happening inside before a health crisis begins? After doubting conventional answers and searching for tools that deliver real clarity, Dr. Robert Kane turned a career in health into a mission to champion thermal imaging. The pursuit for earlier answers and proof led straight to this breakthrough method that helps patients spot what matters sooner with zero guesswork. Jump in as Dr. Kane answers questions about thermal imaging, how it pairs with mammograms, why dense tissue matters, patient advocacy, beating invisible illnesses, prevention tips, and what it takes to really track your health. Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 02:15 Meet Dr. Kane— From Chiropractic to Thermography 05:32 Mammography vs Thermography 10:42 Doctors and New Technology: Getting Buy-In 16:46 Using Thermography for Complex, Chronic Symptoms 21:30 Early Detection Beats Symptoms: Preventive Possibilities 28:22 Medicine 3.0— Prevent, Not Just Manage 32:11 How to Access Thermography: Where and How Much? 39:27 Affording Care: Geographic Differences 45:28 Can Thermography Help with EDS & Connective Tissue Disorders? 50:02 Lifestyle Change and Feedback Loops X: Your body isn’t a mystery waiting to happen; thermal imaging can uncover hidden issues before they get serious. Catch insights on early detection, real patient stories, and how this tech changes care in this episode as Donna interviews Dr Robert Kane. #DearBodyImListening #MCAS #Lymphedema #Lipedema #ChronicIllness #ThermalImaging #healthtech #earlydetection #womenshealth #preventivehealth Quotes: 05:47 "I'm a fan of using technologies appropriately, not demonizing one and glorifying another." —Robert Kane 06:02 "We've seen studies now that have shown detection rates are higher. So you've got a mammogram that maybe shows 80 to 90% accuracy in detecting cancer. We've seen that number go up to 95% when we add thermography into the mix." —Robert Kane 23:40 "We're moving toward prevention. So before we can actually say we can prevent breast cancer, we need to start looking at the ways that it's possible." —Robert Kane 26:20 "When you talk to a lot of groups or women, you see what works. But again, the bigger companies that fund don't always look at the anecdotal sort of things.” —Donna Piper 28:52 “Part of getting the right diagnosis or getting your health where you like it is you always have to be your own advocate, and you can advocate more if you have more information.” —Donna Piper 30:17 “Medicine 3.0 is when we move past managing chronic disease, and we move towards the prevention of chronic disease.” —Dr. Robert Kane 50:08 “We have a lot of evidence with different conditions to say that risk factors can be lowered… So to be able to get a baseline, take an action and then see how the body changes.” —Dr. Robert Kane 52:11 “The AI is just going to be used to try to get to the source of the problem faster and more reliably.” —Dr. Robert Kane 55:49 "It's a balance between getting information and trusting experts. It's really important that as a patient, you have to be your own advocate." —Robert Kane Connect with Robert: For over three decades, Dr. Robert L. Kane has been at the forefront of clinical thermography for the integrative medical doctor and holistic practitioner— leveraging advanced infrared imaging to detect signs of inflammation, nerve injury, impaired circulation, and physiological stress, often before symptoms manifest. He is recognized as one of North America’s leading interpreters, supporting over 50 thermography centers worldwide. Dr. Kane’s mission is to empower health care providers with objective science-based tools to maximize health and wellness. Website: /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39071020

Chronic Pain & Trauma: Gently Breaking The Invisible Link with Science 11/05/2025

Chronic Pain & Trauma: Gently Breaking The Invisible Link with Science "The body's intelligent. We just have to show up. I equate it to a dance where the body leads and I follow." —Peter Stuart You can run from nagging pain, but it keeps showing up in new ways—wrecking sleep, fouling up moods, and shutting down energy. The worst part? Real answers are rare, and the world keeps telling you to just “push through” or “try harder.” Maybe it’s not about willpower at all—it’s about listening to the actual story your body’s been trying to tell for years. Peter Stuart spent decades fighting through his own injuries, dismissed symptoms, and invisible struggles before discovering gentle myofascial therapy. His hard-won insights as a chronic pain “insider” and now trauma-informed therapist reveal what really keeps people stuck and what finally helps them move forward with less pain and more hope. Get the truth about pain, trauma, and what real healing looks like, plus smart self-care tools, the science behind gentle relief, why support systems matter, how medical dismissal damages recovery, and the most overlooked reason chronic pain lingers in this episode. Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 02:41 Pain and Identity: How Chronic Pain Changes Who You Are 10:30 Why Relief Doesn’t Last: Understanding Chronic Pain Cycles 18:09 The Mind-Body Link in Pain 27:33 How Trauma Gets Stuck: The Science Behind Chronic Pain 33:22 When Emotional Release Ends Pain 42:47 Overcoming Medical Dismissal 47:17 Chronic Fatigue, Brain Fog, and Healing Brain 55:00 Support Speeds Recovery 59:19 When Pain Affects Relationships 01:06:56 Fast Action Beats Waiting 01:12:36 Connection Heals: Why Real Relationships Matter 01:17:38 Don’t Wait: Heal Before It Gets Worse Resources: 🎧Listen to Peter’s interview with Coach360 How Trauma Leaves a Mark and What It Means for Healing: X: Life keeps piling on until your body keeps the score. It’s time to listen! Catch this week’s episode as Donna and trauma-informed therapist Peter Stuart drop truth bombs on trauma, chronic illness, pain relief, holistic healing, and smart self-care. #DearBodyImListening #MCAS #Lymphedema #Lipedema #ChronicIllness #TraumaHealing #BodyWork #MyofascialRelease #InvisibleIllness Quotes: 03:31 "It's a real identity shift. Not very talked about is when you lose who you think you are to pain, the amount of depression that sets in later on." —Peter Stuart 11:56 "My body is learning to survive but creating new pathways… Chronic pain is very insidious, and it changes you." —Donna Piper 14:59 "Aggressive styles tended to flare the nervous system, and the last thing you want to do is flare the nervous system with somebody who has chronic issues." —Peter Stuart 16:40 "A low-level pressure will create a change in the nervous system over time. It's patience… Incremental change over time creates permanency in the brain to make those changes happen and establish new neural pathways." —Peter Stuart 17:08 "The body's intelligent. We just have to show up. I equate it to a dance where the body leads and I follow." —Peter Stuart 18:56 "The pelvis is the foundation of the body. If you're off in your pelvis, everything above and everything below is going to be off." —Peter Stuart 25:12 "Sometimes people just want to tell their story— they just have pushed it down." —Donna Piper 30:22 "If you ignore people's scars, then you're doing them a great disservice." —Peter Stuart 34:18 "Most people will emote without making a connection to an event. It's just stuff that we've held on to—baggage—and just feeling like they have a safe place to allow that to happen." —Peter Stuart 35:41 "As much as your brain is trying to say, your thoughts are trying to control things all the time, your emotions and your feelings need to be expressed as well for health." —Peter Stuart 37:27 “No one goes through childhood unscathed. Everyone has stuff. Life brings stuff with us.” —Donna Piper 39:05 “Most people who get into my profession are very empathetic people and are on the sensitive scale pretty high— and that makes for a really good therapist to be able to understand that some people will have these traumas.” —Peter Stuart 42:06 "Most women usually underdo their pain… People can't see pain." —Donna Piper 56:51 "Having a provider that has that listening aspect is supportive, too…Just by not being dismissed, that's support." —Donna Piper 01:00:02 "Let's grieve what was so we can embrace this new path." —Donna Piper 01:06:59 "Once you recognize that you've changed, if there's a shift in pattern or your inability to do activities that you normally did, get on it. The sooner you get on your situation, the more likely you won't have to incur more, because trauma is cumulative." —Peter Stuart 01:10:36 “Being in relationship with what other actually is a healing aspect.” —Donna Piper 01:10:54 “It's the relationship between the therapist and the patient and the transference and countertransference—that is the magic. It's not really the technique always.” —Donna Piper 01:17:20 “If you want to get good at therapy, get therapy.” —Peter Stuart Connect with Peter: For more than 30 years, Peter has helped people overcome chronic pain and trauma through trauma-informed myofascial release — a gentle, body-led approach that integrates science, empathy, and nervous-system awareness. He teaches practitioners worldwide, emphasizing that true healing addresses the whole person, not just symptoms. Peter’s grounded, compassionate style would complement Kristen’s audience beautifully, particularly around themes of emotional release, embodied healing, and reconnecting with self after trauma. Website: LinkedIn: Facebook: /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39071025

How Real Connection Supports Healing (Even When You’re Exhausted) with Heather Nelson 10/29/2025

How Real Connection Supports Healing (Even When You’re Exhausted) with Heather Nelson “Push your life to be the life that you want and not accept that it's just the way it is. Every choice that you make should be toward loving the life that you have.” —Heather Nelson Connection isn’t just a feel-good extra. It’s a lifeline when the world feels heavy and invisible battles make us want to shut down. Isolation, overwhelm, and invisible struggles don’t need to be our whole story; even small acts of reaching out can reshape everything. The truth is, connecting with the right people and sharing our messy middle is stronger than any secret solution. Heather Nelson, founder of and Host of Life Conversations with a Twist Podcast, turned a knack for listening into a movement, making careers, health challenges, and even surrogacy a shared experience, not a solitary climb. Her unfiltered take on relationships and resilience inspires a fresh perspective on both strangers and friends. Press play to explore the profound impact of human connection as Donna and Heather delve into invisible illness, friendship, self-care rituals, flexible work arrangements, honest communication, and the raw beauty of surrogacy, all with candor and no sugarcoating. Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 03:55 Living for Connection 12:33 Simple Ways to Connect 26:28 Setting Business Model Based on Flexibility and Accommodation 33:11 Connection When You Don’t Feel Like It 37:01 Navigating Surrogacy Journey 48:42 Challenges and Support in Surrogacy 01:01:44 Balancing Personal and Professional Life 01:04:59 Advocating for Surrogacy X: Some days, a real connection is stronger than any quick fix or advice. Listen in for raw stories about chronic illness, supportive friendships, and building a life that fits you as Donna sits with Founder, Heather Nelson. #DearBodyImListening #MCAS #Lymphedema #Lipedema #ChronicIllness #connection #community #authenticity #support #surrogacyjourney #selfcare Quotes: 04:53 “We all have a story, and I really want women to embrace theirs and be okay with talking about it, because at the end of the day, the goal is to inspire and empower other women to do the same.” —Heather Nelson 08:23 “The more we talk about things that we think are shameful or embarrassing, the more we put our self-esteem.” —Donna Piper 24:46 “We're here to learn how to connect with people and how to improve and go on through our relationships.” —Donna Piper 28:38 “Something that goes missed with employers is showing appreciation, telling people you're doing a great job; I see you; I'm thankful for you.” —Heather Nelson 30:44 “The more trust you build, the more that they're going to want to do for you.” —Heather Nelson 35:08 “Give yourself grace when it's really not a moment that you can show up; it's okay to take a break.” —Heather Nelson 50:44 “I really never push it upon people. If people want to have the conversation about [surrogacy], I will have it. If they don't, I leave it alone.” —Heather Nelson 01:02:10 “Connect with an open-ended presence. Be flexible— that makes your connection with people and yourself and the world around you an easier flow.” —Donna Piper 01:03:27 “The more you talk about things, even if it's scary or you feel weird about it, or you don't want to be judged, it opens up more true conversations, so you can have relationships that are more rooted in trust.” —Donna Piper 01:04:21 “Push your life to be the life that you want and not accept that it's just the way it is. Every choice that you make should be toward loving the life that you have.” —Heather Nelson Connect with Heather: A seasoned expert in the hospitality industry with over 20 years of experience in events. Heather is a significant influencer in Sonoma County. As the founder of The Connection Hive, she is committed to empowering small businesses by curating innovative business development plans. Her extensive network allows her to link individuals with the precise resources needed for growth—spanning marketing strategies, event curation, and business relations management. Website: LinkedIn: Facebook: Instagram: YouTube: /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39071030

The Science of Rest— What the Lipkin Study Taught Us About ME/CFS 10/22/2025

The Science of Rest— What the Lipkin Study Taught Us About ME/CFS “Pace first, safety builds capacity.” —Donna Piper There’s a kind of tired that sleep can’t fix, a crash that feels invisible to everyone but you. You push, you pace, you try to “do all the right things,” yet your body still calls a timeout. Maybe it’s not weakness or lack of willpower. Maybe your body’s simply working harder than anyone realizes. In this episode, Donna unpacks a revolutionary study on chronic fatigue, the real science behind “the crash,” and why pacing, rest, and nervous system care are the new power moves for healing. Expect myth-busting, practical science, and the kind of honesty your exhausted body has been waiting for. Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 01:48 Not Lazy, You’re Overloaded 04:17 What Science Says 07:09 Crash Under the Microscope 09:48 Myths vs Truths 14:31 Trade Crashes with Capacity Resources: 🤔Got a question for me? Every month, I do a listener coaching episode—and I’d love to hear from you! Send your questions, stories, or flare-up confessions to , and you just might hear your answer on the show. 🔎Research and Studies X: Rest is not optional when your body’s in survival mode. Learn how science is finally mapping the truth about chronic fatigue and the power of real rest. #DearBodyImListeningPodcast #BodyConfidence #ChronicIllness #ChronicFatigueSyndrome #RestIsMedicine #MindBodyHealing #NervousSystemHealing Quotes: 01:48 “There's actual science proving that for people with ME/chronic fatigue syndrome, your body isn't lazy, it's overloaded.” —Donna Piper 03:14 “A lot of the prescription to help you heal is rest.” —Donna Piper 07:59 “Your body isn't weak, it's working overtime in every direction just to maintain balance.” —Donna Piper 09:56 “Pace first, safety builds capacity.” —Donna Piper 09:59 “Myth: It’s just anxiety. Truth: immune activation and metabolic strain show up in labs. This is biology, not mindset.” —Donna Piper 10:26 “Subgroups differ in age, sex, and root drivers matter. Personalize everything.” —Donna Piper 11:00 “Rest isn't laziness; it is a biological necessity.” —Donna Piper 13:49 “Taking my perspective and intentionally resting is a game-changer.” —Donna Piper 14:33 “Your crashes are not character flaws, they are a multi-system response that science is finally mapping out.” —Donna Piper Your Host: Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions. With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate unshakable self-trust. Her work focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change—helping clients refine communication, deepen self-worth, and build the foundation for healthy, loving relationships. Donna’s sessions are a safe haven for those ready to break cycles, embrace vulnerability, and design a love life that harmonizes with their thriving careers. For women committed to both personal and professional fulfillment, she offers tailored strategies to unlock their full potential and step into the relationship of their dreams. /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39071040

Beyond the Diagnosis: Reclaiming Life and Purpose With Lipedema with Hiba Hamati 10/15/2025

Beyond the Diagnosis: Reclaiming Life and Purpose With Lipedema with Hiba Hamati "Trust your instinct… Our bodies sound an alarm bell that something isn’t right, and we ignore it for years. Don’t ignore it. Don't accept the bare minimum answer. Just because your labs are normal does not mean that your body is functioning optimally." —Hiba Hamati Going to doctor after doctor, trying every tip, and still wondering why your pain and swelling never make sense. You know there’s something happening that nobody else seems to see, and not getting answers just wears you down. This chat right here puts a name to all that frustration. Hiba Hamati has been through the misdiagnoses, the surgery rollercoaster, the self-doubt, and all the “shoulds” that never quite fit to finally figuring out what actually helps. Now, she’s sharing what it’s really like to deal with lipedema: the messy, honest stuff plus a few wins along the way. Listen in as Donna sits with Hiba to talk about the suffering of getting misdiagnosed, getting correctly diagnosed (at last), the good and bad of surgery, how body image messes with your head, daily survival tricks, what support really looks like, and why it pays to speak up. Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 02:58 Anger to Advocacy: Discovering Lipedema 08:06 Facing Unmet Expectations 13:37 Wrestling with Body Image and Grief 24:27 The Unseen Emotional Toll and Daily Life Calculations 31:24 Life After Surgery: Trauma, Identity, and Breaking Free 38:51 Life Before and After Diagnosis 43:45 Finding What Works and Letting Go 48:33 Support and Advocacy 58:28 Naming the Invisible Battles: Finding Body Neutrality and Appreciation 01:04:11 Giving Back: Turning Pain Into Meaning X: Some pain steals life in quiet ways no doctor's report shows. Hear the truth about living with lipedema: hard lessons, true support, and tiny wins that matter with “Lipediva” Hiba Hamati. #DearBodyImListening #MCAS #Lymphedema #Lipedema #ChronicIllness #selfadvocacy #mentalhealth #invisibleillness #painmanagement #bodyacceptance #supportcommunity #healthjourney Quotes: 04:21 "Anger destroyed me for a while, because that's all I could focus on. It's just how much of my life had been wasted, how much different my life could have been had I had a proper diagnosis. I realized I could let anger consume and destroy me, or I could funnel it into passion for helping others, for advocating for patients." —Hiba Hamati 07:01 "Just because someone doesn’t have the time or resources doesn’t mean they have to live with this horrible condition without knowing treatment options or ways to manage it." —Hiba Hamati 08:11 "We’re very fortunate to have more and more surgeons well versed in lipedema, but an area that is severely lacking is post-op mental health care." —Hiba Hamati 08:40 "It is a huge undertaking to have surgery. When you focus on the physical but not give proper attention to the mental and emotional toll, it can be very dangerous." —Hiba Hamati 13:16 ""When you’re not feeling well, recovering, and you’ve never had it before, you don’t really know what to expect. It’s brand new. There’s a lot of anxiety and fear—what if it’s worse than before?" —Donna Piper 17:06 "Sitting in that grief of never having a typical, standard body… I'm shaming myself because I can't make it look like how I want it to look. [It’s important to] pause on that for your mental health and deal with those feelings. " —Donna Piper 18:42 "Your feelings really do influence your thoughts. It’s not always the thoughts going down. You can't trick yourself into believing something that you know is not true." —Donna Piper 20:03 "I have to address the disconnect with my body... For so many years, everything hurt, nothing felt good, and I just wasn’t aware of what my body was doing." —Hiba Hamati 25:22 "Pain makes you a completely different person. It chips away a little bit every day, and one day you look and there’s a big gaping hole." —Hiba Hamati 45:44 "You have to constantly reassess and figure out where you put your time, because if you keep trying to do everything all the time, you’ll end up doing nothing." —Hiba Hamati 47:50 "Trauma does change how we perceive things—it's also trying to realistically see how we were before, and how far we've come." —Hiba Hamati 53:33 "Trust your instinct… Our bodies sound an alarm bell that something isn’t right, and we ignore it for years. Don’t ignore it. Don't accept the bare minimum answer. Just because your labs are normal does not mean that your body is functioning optimally." —Hiba Hamati 57:03 “Chronic Illness of any kind is very, very difficult to manage… Try to anchor and ground your body and your emotions are so critical.” —Hiba Hamati 58:35 “Maybe you don't love it, but having a different appreciation is the first step to that road.” —Donna Piper 01:00:01 “When you think about your body carrying all of that excess weight and still functioning normally— that's phenomenal!” —Hiba Hamati 01:01:29 “It's the things you can't see that are way more painful and debilitating.” —Donna Piper 01:04:05 “Putting meaning towards our life too, is when you heal your trauma.” —Donna Piper 01:05:10 "Being able to turn that pain into something helpful really makes it feel less cruel. It feels cruel to have gone through this for so long because it feels like so much of my life was stolen by this disease in so many different ways." —Hiba Hamati 01:05:58 "It’s not about enduring something— it’s about acceptance, forgiveness. It could be messy and raw and that makes life more exciting and living the pain ‘worth’ it." —Donna Piper Connect with Hiba: Hiba Hamati is a prominent advocate and educator in the lipedema community, widely known as “Lipediva.” As a board member of the American Lipedema Association, she leverages both her personal experience with lipedema and her professional commitment to raise awareness, improve care, and advance research for this chronic condition. Hiba is an international speaker and thought leader, frequently presenting on the challenges of diagnosis, the importance of mental health in chronic illness, and empowering patients to advocate for their needs. Through her online presence and community work, she offers support and guidance for those navigating lipedema and related health challenges. Website: Instagram: /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39071045

If Only I Were Skinny… 10/08/2025

If Only I Were Skinny… "Your body is not the enemy—the world's impossible standards are. And every time you name that truth out loud, you don't just free yourself, you also free someone else.” —Donna Piper Some lies are so loud they start to sound like truth—like the idea that confidence waits on the other side of weight loss. And the hardest part? The shame of not being skinny can at times feel heavier than our own weight, turning every step forward into a fight against an invisible anchor. Donna spent years believing her size erased her gifts. It wasn’t until she uncovered her diagnosis of lipedema and connected her lived experience with research on weight stigma that she began reframing her story—not as a failure to fix her body, but as proof that shame, not size, was her real burden. In this conversation, Donna unpacks the shame-weight connection, how stigma literally rewires the nervous system, myths about size and illness, hidden biases in the wellness culture, why unlearning shame is as vital as any treatment, and simple daily practices to reclaim confidence without waiting on the scale. Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 01:36 The Shame of Not Being Skinny 04:04 Weighed Down by Weight 08:19 Studies on Weight Stigma 14:27 Myths About Being Skinny 15:47 Clummping the Anchor 19:37 Start from “Me” First 21:31 The Real Enemy Resources: 🤔Got a question for me? Every month, I do a listener coaching episode—and I’d love to hear from you! Send your questions, stories, or flare-up confessions to , and you just might hear your answer on the show. Weight stigma and cortisol (stress response) When people experience weight stigma, their cortisol levels spike—the same hormone that rises when your body senses danger. This study shows how shame literally stresses the body on a biochemical level. The stress of stigma — cortisol reactivity In a lab setting, women exposed to weight-related stigma had higher stress-hormone responses than those who weren’t. It’s proof that judgment—even subtle—activates the body’s fight-or-flight system. Chronic stress model of weight stigma This review describes the “cyclic obesity/weight-based stigma” model: stigma triggers stress, stress alters metabolism, and the cycle keeps repeating. Lipedema, stigma, and depression A study of 1,000+ women with lipedema found that internalized shame—not body size—was one of the strongest predictors of depression. It’s not the fat; it’s the stigma about the fat. Internalized weight bias and mental health Researchers created the Weight Bias Internalization Scale and found that self-directed stigma predicts worse emotional health, disordered eating, and avoidance of care. Review of internalized weight stigma A systematic review showing that internalized stigma often acts as the missing link between outside judgment and the physical and emotional fallout that follows. X: Confidence isn’t about losing pounds—it’s about losing shame. This week, Donna gets real about chronic illness, fat bias + showing up as you are. #DearBodyImListeningPodcast #BodyConfidence #ChronicIllness #SelfCompassion #BodyPositivity #SelfLove #WeightStigma Quotes: 01:59 “Shame is sneaky. It doesn't just whisper in the dressing room. It leaks into your career, into your relationships, and sense of purpose.” —Donna Piper 04:41 “It's incongruent— what you want to believe and what you truly believe. You can't trick yourself, so you really have to do a lot of different work around this.” —Donna Piper 06:55 “It's a medical condition. It is not a lack of willpower. It's not laziness, it's not discipline failure. It's lipedema.” —Donna Piper 10:06 “It just wasn't the fat, it was the shame about the fat.” —Donna Piper 14:40 “Confidence doesn't come from subtracting pounds. It comes from subtracting shame.” —Donna Piper 14:53 “Illness is not a size issue. It's a systemic issue.” —Donna Piper 14:57 “Respect doesn't come from a body type. It comes from the humanity inside the body.” —Donna Piper 16:03 “Living with and changing this internal system is tough, especially when you believe it, because here's the thing: affirmations only work if you really believe them.” —Donna Piper 17:29 “Shame does interfere with your healing. It does affect your cortisol, it does affect your inflammation.” —Donna Piper 20:37 “Looking at yourself in the mirror without judging yourself and saying positive things is a very powerful. Your system will slowly begin to shift because you're not just saying the words, you're teaching your body that it's safe to believe them.” —Donna Piper 21:27 “Your body is not the enemy—the world's impossible standards are. And every time you name that truth out loud, you don't just free yourself, you also free someone else.” —Donna Piper 21:41 “You're calling, your leadership, your gifts— they don't shrink because of your size. They expand the moment you show up as you are.” —Donna Piper 21:55 “If you're breathing, you are worthy.” —Donna Piper Meet Your Host: Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions. With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate unshakable self-trust. Her work focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change—helping clients refine communication, deepen self-worth, and build the foundation for healthy, loving relationships. Donna’s sessions are a safe haven for those ready to break cycles, embrace vulnerability, and design a love life that harmonizes with their thriving careers. For women committed to both personal and professional fulfillment, she offers tailored strategies to unlock their full potential and step into the relationship of their dreams. /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39071050

How Trauma Rewrites Pain, Part 2: When Fight or Flight Gets Stuck 10/01/2025

How Trauma Rewrites Pain, Part 2: When Fight or Flight Gets Stuck "If trauma rewrote the wiring one way, that means safety relationship and somatic practices can rewrite it the other way— it is the long game; there is no quick fix.” —Donna Piper Sometimes you do everything right, but your body keeps sending SOS signals no one else can see. Doubt creeps in—is this real, or is something deeper going on? You’re not alone; your body’s story matters, and what you feel makes perfect sense. For years, Donna felt invisible, questioned, and let down by quick fixes and dismissive answers. Her experience battling chronic pain, trauma, and misunderstood conditions led her to uncover how trauma tangles with our nervous system—and how small, real changes can finally bring comfort. Step in for a raw look at how trauma rewires the fight or flight system, how connective tissue and fascia feed into it, why this connection explains so many chronic illness symptoms, the role of the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS), myths about pain, and the importance of safety relationships and somatic practices in rewriting the body’s wiring. Next up in part 3: explore the bridge between trauma and autoimmune conditions— and chronic illness, and what steps could make a real difference. Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 02:03 A Need for Rewiring 06:04 What It Feels to be in a Trauma Loop 09:04 The Autonomic Nervous System 14:00 The Chronic Fatigue Syndrome 17:55 Pain Myths Busted 22:24 Recap Resources: 🤔Got a question for me? Every month, I do a listener coaching episode—and I’d love to hear from you! Send your questions, stories, or flare-up confessions to , and you just might hear your answer on the show. X: When your body won’t quit sounding the alarm, it’s time to listen. Dive into how trauma shapes nerves, movement, and daily life in this real-talk episode—no sugarcoating, just support and practical tips. #DearBodyImListeningPodcast #TraumaStories #HealingJourney #FasciaHealth #SomaticPractice #PainAwareness #NervousSystem Quotes: 07:08 “It wasn't weakness, it wasn't something going off of what I was doing. It was that I need to rewire how I view my exercise… Having these connective tissues issues in this state that I'm in now is just constantly adding fuel to the fire.” —Donna Piper 08:21 “There's studies now showing that chronic fatigue isn't something that's just lumped together. It is a neurological issue. There is some things going on with your brain.” —Donna Piper 11:38 “The body is always trying to survive and do what it needs to do with what it's given.” —Donna Piper 16:24 “Trauma doesn't just quietly sit in the background. It weaves itself through fascia, nerves, immune cells, amplifying the symptoms of every connective tissue also heightens the other ones. That's why many of us that have these invisible illnesses carry both trauma and pain. And it's not coincidence, it's biology.” —Donna Piper 17:55 “Here's the myth: if your tests are normal, the pain must be in your head. But, there's no test for pain.” —Donna Piper 19:34 “Your pain is real. Your nervous system is real. It's having a real response.” —Donna Piper 23:18 “There's a dysregulation in your system. It's actually amazing that it's working for you. So be grateful.” —Donna Piper 24:31 “If trauma rewrote the wiring one way, that means safety relationship and somatic practices can rewrite it the other way— it is the long game; there is no quick fix.” —Donna Piper 25:47 “Your body isn't broken. It's been working overtime to protect you, and now, tell your body it's safe now, that will help a lot.” —Donna Piper Meet Your Host: Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions. With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate unshakable self-trust. Her work focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change—helping clients refine communication, deepen self-worth, and build the foundation for healthy, loving relationships. Donna’s sessions are a safe haven for those ready to break cycles, embrace vulnerability, and design a love life that harmonizes with their thriving careers. For women committed to both personal and professional fulfillment, she offers tailored strategies to unlock their full potential and step into the relationship of their dreams. /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39071060

Dollars and Cents: The Real Financial Stress of Being Sick 09/24/2025

Dollars and Cents: The Real Financial Stress of Being Sick "I'm not my bills. I'm not my debt. I am worthy of care." —Donna Piper Being sick isn’t just exhausting—it’s expensive in ways nobody warns you about. The stress of medical bills, insurance denials, and endless receipts can weigh just as heavily as the symptoms themselves. If you’re tired of feeling like your wallet is as worn out as your body, you’re not alone. In this episode, Donna opens up about the real price tag of chronic illness, sharing her journey through misdiagnoses, out-of-pocket treatments, and the emotional toll of fighting for care. She breaks down the true costs while offering hard-won tips for tracking expenses, finding support, and making every dollar count. Tune in and get the unfiltered truth about insurance battles, budgeting for treatments, organizing medical expenses, funding hacks, and the mindset shifts that make it all survivable—plus a few laughs and a lot of solidarity. Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 01:30 Why Money Stress Hits Harder with Chronic Illness 06:12 The True Price of Treatments, Surgery, and All the Little Extras 17:04 Mindset Shift: Spending for Quality of Life, not Guilt 25:22 Smart Spending: Where to Splurge, Where to Save 31:16 Why Documentation and Planning Every Expense Matters 39:00 Shake Off the Stress: Letting Go of Financial Tension 46:05 Practical Reset: Clear Your Mind Before Spending 54:11 Make a Money Map 01:02:48 Money Stress is Felt by the Body Resources: 🤔Got a question for me? Every month, I do a listener coaching episode—and I’d love to hear from you! Send your questions, stories, or flare-up confessions to , and you just might hear your answer on the show. X: Money stress hits harder when you’re already fighting for your health. Get real talk on medical bills, insurance battles, and smart spending in this episode as Donna shares practical tips to track costs, budget smarter, and shake off the financial tension. #DearBodyImListeningPodcast #Lymphedema #lipedema #MCAS #ChronicIllness #HealthCosts #SelfCare #Insurance #FinancialHealth #PatientAdvocacy Quotes: 01:49 "Financial stress has its own smell, its own energy, and you feel it everywhere when you live in a body like ours." —Donna Piper 03:23 "Being sick is expensive, and I don't just mean co-pays and deductibles. I mean the whole invisible price tag." —Donna Piper 15:27 "When I spend this money, I'm buying for something that is going to drastically shift my quality of life." —Donna Piper 16:26 "Stress fuels the inflammation, which then fuels all the other stuff that we have. Having chronic inflammation and having chronic stress feed off of each other." —Donna Piper 31:31 “Figure out what other comorbidities you may or may not have, and then start to make purchases based on what you need.” —Donna Piper 38:35 “Figure out where you need to splurge and save.” —Donna Piper 43:46 “Invest in something that you want to do and what you like to do.” –Donna Piper 51:52 "Think of a budget as what you want to spend, not what you are constricted by." —Donna Piper 54:17 "You can create a money map that supports your body without drowning your finances." —Donna Piper 01:04:33 "Say: I'm not my bills. I'm not my debt. I am worthy of care." —Donna Piper 01:05:21 "Just let your body feel free. Your body is already carrying enough. You don't have to carry the stress of money on top of it." —Donna Piper 01:07:11 "Say the numbers out loud, name the stress, and break the silence. It's a small rebellion, and it does help you come to grips with what is important." —Donna Piper 01:07:54 "Make the invisible visible with not only what the illnesses are, but all the other things that come with it." —Donna Piper 01:09:03 "Be gentle with your capacity. Meet yourself where you are." —Donna Piper Meet Your Host: Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions. With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate unshakable self-trust. Her work focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change—helping clients refine communication, deepen self-worth, and build the foundation for healthy, loving relationships. Donna’s sessions are a safe haven for those ready to break cycles, embrace vulnerability, and design a love life that harmonizes with their thriving careers. For women committed to both personal and professional fulfillment, she offers tailored strategies to unlock their full potential and step into the relationship of their dreams. /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39071065

How Trauma Rewrites Pain, Part 1: My Body Kept Score 09/17/2025

How Trauma Rewrites Pain, Part 1: My Body Kept Score “Moving is medicine. There's something with moving that you don't need to know why or how, or how it relates to your emotions or trauma. And just like how trauma rewrites pain, it is also the opposite when you feel safe, embodied, and in a compassionate relationship with yourself, you can rewrite your story for safety.” —Donna Piper Sometimes pain isn’t just in your head—it’s woven deep into your body, shaping how you move, feel, and even how you see yourself. When life keeps telling you to “push through” but your body keeps shutting down, it’s easy to wonder if you’re missing something bigger. What if the real story behind your pain is hiding in places you haven’t looked yet? From childhood migraines to years of being dismissed by doctors, Donna lived through the confusion and frustration of chronic symptoms. This week, Donna breaks down how trauma gets trapped in your tissues and why real healing starts with listening to your body’s truth. Hit play and discover the real link between trauma and pain, the science of fascia, connective tissue, and why your body might be stuck in survival mode, myth-busting truths, practical advice on finding safety and community, and a simple fascial release exercise you can try today—so you can finally start rewriting your own story. Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 01:47 From Childhood Migraines to Movement Specialist 09:28 The Connection Between Trauma and Chronic Illness 12:02 The Role of Movement and Trauma Therapy 15:32 The Impact of Trauma on the Body 29:43 Practical Tips for Healing and Safety 33:19 Addressing Trauma for Overall Health Resources: 🤔Got a question for me? Every month, I do a listener coaching episode—and I’d love to hear from you! Send your questions, stories, or flare-up confessions to , and you just might hear your answer on the show. X: Your body remembers what your mind tries to forget. This week, Donna gets real about pain, trauma, and healing by letting your body feel safe first. #DearBodyImListeningPodcast #Lymphedema #lipedema #MCAS #ChronicIllness #TraumaSupport #TraumaRecovery #SelfCare #ConnectiveTissue Quotes: 03:24 "The body carried the secrets the mind couldn't always speak." —Donna Piper 05:20 "I learned to tough it out, to keep going, and to push through. I thought that was strength, and that was my only option if I wanted to be present in my life." —Donna Piper 10:04 "Until my body really, really broke, I had to face the truth that there was something I was missing." —Donna Piper 11:23 "Trauma doesn't have to be a big thing that came down. A significant distressing event is something your body holds on to and creates trauma." —Donna Piper 13:21 “Moving is medicine. There's something with moving that you don't need to know why or how, or how it relates to your emotions or trauma. And just like how trauma rewrites pain, it is also the opposite when you feel safe, embodied, and in a compassionate relationship with yourself, you can rewrite your story for safety.” —Donna Piper 19:35 "The connective tissue is the scaffolding of the body… When trauma happens and doesn't get discharged, fascia reacts, it tightens, hardens, and knots up, and that restriction can last for years and even decades." —Donna Piper 22:16 "The body really needs to feel safe for any sort of trauma work to happen. We think we can force our way through, but all that really does is create more defenses." —Donna Piper 33:44 "You're not broken, you're not lazy. There's nothing wrong with you. Your body has just been carrying stories, and these stories can be rewritten." —Donna Piper Meet Your Host: Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions. With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate unshakable self-trust. Her work focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change—helping clients refine communication, deepen self-worth, and build the foundation for healthy, loving relationships. Donna’s sessions are a safe haven for those ready to break cycles, embrace vulnerability, and design a love life that harmonizes with their thriving careers. For women committed to both personal and professional fulfillment, she offers tailored strategies to unlock their full potential and step into the relationship of their dreams. /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39071070

Pacing 101— Stop the Boom-Bust Cycle Before It Stops You 09/10/2025

Pacing 101— Stop the Boom-Bust Cycle Before It Stops You "No one's handing out a gold star for the most depleted woman in the room… Rest now, rest every day, build that in. The rest is the healing aspect." —Donna Piper Tired of feeling great one day, then totally wiped out the next? Maybe it’s not about trying harder but about finding a pace that actually works for you. Donna’s been there—pushing through, crashing hard, and wondering what she was doing wrong. Now she’s all about helping folks with chronic stuff find a better way, using real-life tips and a lot of honesty. Her big message: pacing isn’t giving up, it’s how you start feeling like yourself again. Want to break out of the boom-bust cycle for good? Hit play for straight talk on energy budgets, the Visible app, post-exertion crashes, and why rest is actually part of the workout plan. You’ll get real stories, smart tips, and a little nudge to be kinder to yourself. Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 02:49 The Importance of Pacing 07:11 Learning to Pace 16:43 The Science Behind Pacing 18:37 Myths and Realities of Pacing 23:47 Practical Tips for Pacing 27:04 Support and Resources Resources: 🤔Got a question for me? Every month, I do a listener coaching episode—and I’d love to hear from you! Send your questions, stories, or flare-up confessions to , and you just might hear your answer on the show. 💰Discount Visible Get $20 off: 🎙️Podcast Ground Control for Bendy Bodies: How to Move Without Pain (Finally!) with Dr. Melissa Koehl: X: Feel like your body’s running on empty? You’re not alone. Check out this week’s episode for real-life pacing tips, energy tracking, and honest talk about chronic illness. #DearBodyImListeningPodcast #Lymphedema #lipedema #MCAS #ChronicIllness #Pacing #EnergyManagement #RestIsHealing Quotes: 27:06 "You're not lazy, you're not weak, you're not broken, you're simply learning a new rhythm, one that will actually sustain you." —Donna Piper 04:37 "Energy isn't a gift card you have to use up in one go— it's a budget. When you are dealing with an invisible illness, you have a budget. Some days you've got a hundred bucks, and some days you've got twenty, and some days you're in overdraft. I realized I had a choice: spend smarter or keep going broke." —Donna Piper 10:16 "Pushing through was costing me way more than just sore muscles. It was costing me days of my life." —Donna Piper 10:32 "Learning to listen instead of push is what gave me back a sense of control and confidence." —Donna Piper 12:08 "Women need more spaces where modifying isn't shameful, pacing isn't optional— rest is built into the program, not treated like a weakness." —Donna Piper 13:49 "No system gets sick alone and no system heals alone." —Donna Piper 15:02 "Pacing is essentially a nervous system rehab. It tells your cells you're safe." —Donna Piper 23:08 "Rest is part of the training, saying ‘no’ is a part of the workout, and stopping early before the crash is the bravest thing you can do." —Donna Piper 23:30 "No one's handing out a gold star for the most depleted woman in the room… Rest now, rest every day, build that in. The rest is the healing aspect." —Donna Piper 28:58 "Rest isn't quitting. It's healing. Sometimes the bravest thing you could do is stop before you crash." —Donna Piper Meet Your Host: Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions. With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate unshakable self-trust. Her work focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change—helping clients refine communication, deepen self-worth, and build the foundation for healthy, loving relationships. Donna’s sessions are a safe haven for those ready to break cycles, embrace vulnerability, and design a love life that harmonizes with their thriving careers. For women committed to both personal and professional fulfillment, she offers tailored strategies to unlock their full potential and step into the relationship of their dreams. /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39071075

Medical Trauma is Real Trauma— Healing from Healthcare 09/03/2025

Medical Trauma is Real Trauma— Healing from Healthcare “You're not overreacting, you're healing in a system that was never built for your complexity— that makes you a damn warrior… Let's normalize naming the pain without being entangled in labels of being traumatized.” —Donna Piper When your body says something’s wrong but the doctor’s office says you’re fine, it cuts deeper than you think. The pain of being dismissed, misdiagnosed, or told “it’s all in your head” isn’t just frustrating—it can shake your trust in yourself and leave scars you can’t see. If you’ve ever left a medical appointment feeling smaller, unheard, or doubting your own reality, you’re not alone. Hit play to hear real talk on the emotional toll of medical dismissal, why your trauma is valid even if it’s invisible, how to rebuild trust in your body, and simple steps to reclaim your voice and safety in healthcare spaces. Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 01:41 Understanding Medical Trauma 03:36 The Impact of Medical Trauma 05:43 Rebuilding Trust and Safety 09:30 Advocating for Yourself 10:12 You Don’t Need to Explain Your Pain to Earn Compassion Resources: 🤔Got a question for me? Every month, I do a listener coaching episode—and I’d love to hear from you! Send your questions, stories, or flare-up confessions to , and you just might hear your answer on the show. X: Being dismissed by doctors isn’t just frustrating—it’s trauma. Your pain is real, your story matters. Tune in as Donna exposes medical gaslighting and arms you with tools to heal and be heard. #DearBodyImListeningPodcast #Lymphedema #lipedema #MCAS #ChronicIllness #MedicalTrauma #Validation #HealingJourney #Empowerment Quotes: 01:44 “If your heart races at the thought of a doctor's office, if you've ever sobbed in the car after a five-minute appointment, if you've ever left a medical space feeling smaller than you walked in, you're not overreacting— you're reacting to harm.” —Donna Piper 02:25 “Medical trauma isn't an isolated horror story— it's systematic, it's repetitive, and it's invisible to everyone but us.” —Donna Piper 03:35 If you flinch at white coats, dread follow-ups, or have panic attacks in waiting rooms, your nervous system is remembering what your mind is suppressing— that deserves healing, not shame.” —Donna Piper 05:45 “The body is smart and wants to protect you and keep you alive… We don't have to carry it forever. In addition to everything else, we want to look for a way to start to regulate our body so we're not carrying that.” —Donna Piper 09:15 “You're not overreacting, you're healing in a system that was never built for your complexity— that makes you a damn warrior.” —Donna Piper 09:37 “Let's normalize naming the pain without being entangled in labels of being traumatized.” —Donna Piper 10:50 “You can be heard. It may take some time, but you can get your medical team on your side. Trust your body and remember that you don't have to explain your pain to earn compassion.” —Donna Piper Meet Your Host: Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions. With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate unshakable self-trust. Her work focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change—helping clients refine communication, deepen self-worth, and build the foundation for healthy, loving relationships. Donna’s sessions are a safe haven for those ready to break cycles, embrace vulnerability, and design a love life that harmonizes with their thriving careers. For women committed to both personal and professional fulfillment, she offers tailored strategies to unlock their full potential and step into the relationship of their dreams. /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39071080

Clearing the Fog— How the Lymphatic System Supports Lipedema & Healing with Tina Shin, OTD 08/27/2025

Clearing the Fog— How the Lymphatic System Supports Lipedema & Healing with Tina Shin, OTD "If you are going through a struggle with lymphedema, lipedema, or anything related to your lymphatic system, don't be afraid to do your own research and be your own advocate." —Tina Shin What if the most important system in your body is also the least understood—even by your own doctor? This episode of Dear Body, I’m Listening dives into the hidden world of the lymphatic system and why it matters for anyone living with lipedema, lymphedema, or chronic illness. Tina Shin is a certified lymphedema therapist and occupational therapist with years of hands-on experience helping patients navigate the confusing world of lymphatic health. From leading clinical teams at major medical centers to running her own practice, Tina has seen firsthand how misunderstood the lymphatic system is, and she’s passionate about empowering people to understand their bodies, advocate for their needs, and find the right support—whether it’s for chronic illness, post-surgical recovery, or everyday wellness. Tune in to learn how to spot lymphatic dysfunction, find the right therapist, understand lymphedema vs. lipedema, and get clear guidance on the lymphatic system, MLD, post-surgical care, emotional healing, and self-advocacy. Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 02:38 The Lymphatic Wake Up Call 06:07 Why Doctors Don’t Talk About Lymph 13:41 Lymphedema vs Lipedema 19:42 MLD Explained— What’s Real and What’s Hype 28:35 Is Your Lymphatic System Healthy? 39:50 Post Surgery Recovery— Best Practices 50:22 How Does Lymph Move? 57:44 When Lymph Gets Stuck— Fibrosis and Realistic Expectations 01:02:57 Biggest Lesson: Be Your Own Advocate X: Tired of the medical runaround? Get the facts on swelling, healing, and finding the right help this week with LANA-certified lymphedema therapist, . #DearBodyImListening #MCAS #Lymphedema #Lipedema #ChronicIllness #LymphaticHealth #MLD #SelfAdvocacy #Healing Quotes: 01:00 "Swelling, brain fog, nervous system crashes, and the kind of symptoms that don't always show up on lab results—these are the things we need to talk about with honesty and compassion." —Donna Piper 32:00 "If you feel like you have something with your lymph or swelling, seek out a therapist. At least you could get some good information on what to do." —Donna Piper 45:12 "There's a transitional time with lots of emotions [post-surgery]. There's a period of reacquainting with your new body." —Donna Piper 01:01:49 "Your MLD, your OT, your PT, whoever does this, is really your partner in all this, and it really is a big support." —Donna Piper 04:00 "The lymphatic system is an incredibly important system, but it is greatly underappreciated. If our lymphatic system were to fail, we would die within about 24 to 48 hours." —Tina Shin 08:02 "The lymphatic system is so intertwined with other systems that it's difficult to parse out whether an issue is lymphatic, liver, kidney, or cardiac. That's why we don't have any lymph-specializing doctors." —Tina Shin 09:03 "With more awareness, advocacy, and more people getting educated, it's definitely getting better." —Tina Shin 16:33 "People with lipedema can eventually develop lymphedema because of the stress on the lymphatic system, evolving into lipo-lymphedema. But someone with lymphedema isn't going to get lipedema unless they were born with it." —Tina Shin 25:42 "Whoever you're working with should have a license to touch… Beyond that, look for a certified lymphedema therapist (CLT) or someone with MLD certification." —Tina Shin 30:22 "Most people have pretty well-functioning lymphatic systems, but they can get abused." —Tina Shin 40:55 "MLD and proper compression are huge for post-surgical care. Working with a qualified therapist gives you another set of eyes, reassurance, and support through the emotional ups and downs of recovery." —Tina Shin 45:32 “Letting people know that these emotions are common and they're not alone can be reassuring." —Tina Shin 01:03:54 "If you are going through a struggle with lymphedema, lipedema, or anything related to your lymphatic system, don't be afraid to do your own research and be your own advocate." —Tina Shin 01:04:16 "Don't be afraid to buck what some of them might be saying, because there's still a lot of education and growth needed in this area." —Tina Shin 01:05:02 "Educate yourself and then educate others. Just keep moving this forward." —Tina Shin Connect with Tina: Tina Shin is a LANA-certified lymphedema therapist with a clinical doctorate in occupational therapy. She completed her residency at the Keck Medical Center of USC in Los Angeles, where she eventually served as the lead lymphedema therapist for several years. In 2021, she also opened her private practice, OC Lymphatics, where she provides mobile lymphatic services throughout Orange County. She specializes in lymphedema, lipedema, oncology, peri-surgical care, and helping patients who suffer from chronic conditions. Website: Facebook: Instagram: /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39071090

Let SEO Work While You Rest with Brittany Herzberg 08/20/2025

Let SEO Work While You Rest with Brittany Herzberg "It starts with you. What do you want to get found for? What do you want to open your schedule and see, and what projects do you want to be working on?" —Brittany Herzberg Feeling invisible online or too tired to keep up with the hustle? You’re not alone—building a business shouldn’t mean burning out or hiding your real self. There’s a smarter way to get seen, make an impact, and still have energy left for life. Brittany Herzberg started with zero clients and a lot of doubt, but a few smart SEO moves changed everything. Now known as the “SEO Queen,” she’s on a mission to help you use simple, human-centered SEO to get found, attract the right people, and grow your business—no matter your energy level or experience. Her approach flips the script: it’s about your story, your voice, and making SEO work for you. Tune in for real talk on SEO basics, practical website tips, content that connects, and how to show up online without losing yourself. You’ll get honest advice, a few laughs, and the confidence to let your words do the heavy lifting—so hit play and start getting found, your way. Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 03:49 Meet Brittany: From Struggling to Getting Found 06:15 Breaking Down the Basics: 3 Questions That Matter 14:00 Chronic Illness & Business: Making It Work Even When You’re Tired 19:46 DIY SEO: Simple Strategies Anyone Can Use 23:04 How to Spot Bad SEO Help 27:05 Blending Personality with SEO 32:48 How Long Does SEO Take? The Three-Phase Approach 36:21 No Social Media? How SEO Still Works 42:48 AI & SEO: Why Optimization Still Matters 53:48 SEO is the Magnet: Attracting the Right People 57:51 Business Building Despite Chronic Illness 01:05:09 No Apologies Needed 01:09:17 Make SEO Fun, Simple, and Yours X: Tired of hustling for every client? Let SEO work for you—even on your worst days in this week’s episode with Donna and “SEO Queen”, #DearBodyImListening #MCAS #Lymphedema #Lipedema #ChronicIllness #SEOTips #OnlineVisibility #BusinessGrowth #WomenInBusiness Quotes: 08:23 "The three questions are: Who do you help? How do you help them? And what do you want to be known for?" —Brittany Herzberg 09:57 "You want your client to come buy stuff, but you have to really put yourself first. How do you want to be searched?" —Donna Piper 10:29 "You do not have to know anything about your ideal client. You are starting with you." —Brittany Herzberg 11:23 "It starts with you. What do you want to get found for? What do you want to open your schedule and see, and what projects do you want to be working on?" —Brittany Herzberg 15:20 "Chronic illness is super expensive. When you're sick, you still need to eat, you still need to make rent, and you have to pay all this extra money to get healthy." —Donna Piper 18:40 "There are lots of chronic illnesses where that's the case, and you do feel really bad. I know I felt really bad when I would have to cancel massage appointments or push deadlines for clients." —Brittany Herzberg 19:17 "You don't have to worry about that with SEO, because it's just plugging words into these different places. You can optimize stuff that you already have." —Brittany Herzberg 21:46 "Even just by having image titles change, the impact and the quickness of the impact, the fast turnaround, the fast ROI, is so huge for people." —Brittany Herzberg 24:49 "You want to know that you're spending money on something that is going to actually happen." —Brittany Herzberg 26:57 "I blend really well, making sure the personality is there and the keyword. So it's like the art and the science are both present." —Brittany Herzberg 38:29 "It's not about the numbers necessarily. It's like, are you attracting the right people, and are they then converting in whatever that converting means?" —Donna Piper 44:05 "SEO can grow with you. Maybe you have this anchor word, but that can change as you go into the next season." —Brittany Herzberg 44:23 “Once SEO is in place, it does all the heavy lifting for you. You just have to make sure that you're still consistent with what you're doing,” —Donna Piper 46:43 "SEO is front-loaded. You're doing a lot of work and putting a lot of time and effort in at the beginning, but then it gets easier, because you've already learned what this stuff even means." —Brittany Herzberg 54:19 "At the end of the day, if people can't find you, it doesn't matter how awesome you are." —Donna Piper 01:03:05 "If it's time to leave and you're getting the hint that it's time to leave, it's okay to end it. It was good for the time that it was in your life; you can go on to do something else." —Brittany Herzberg 01:07:53 "Honoring your intuition of knowing when to stop something is a huge thing, and then having the courage to keep doing that over and over, especially when you're shut down with it." —Donna Piper Connect with Britany: Brittany Herzberg is a copywriter, SEO expert, and host of The Basic B Podcast. Known as the "SEO Queen" by hundreds of happy clients, Brittany specializes in helping service providers—especially heart-led, energy-sensitive entrepreneurs—use storytelling and search engine optimization to get found online, attract clients, and create more space for rest. Brittany brings a unique, human-centered approach to SEO, making it accessible and empowering for business owners at any stage. She offers a range of services, from DIY courses and group mentorship to done-for-you SEO solutions, and is passionate about teaching others how to leverage their voice and expertise to grow their impact. Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: YouTube: Threads; /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39071095

The Pain You Can’t See: Lipedema Hurts Like Hell 08/13/2025

The Pain You Can’t See: Lipedema Hurts Like Hell “The pain I carry is real, and I no longer have to carry it in silence." —Donna Piper How do you explain pain that no one can see? Lipedema isn’t “just extra weight”—it’s burning thighs, unexplained bruises, stabbing aches, and heaviness so dense it changes how you move through the world. This is the reality behind the polite smiles and quiet endurance. With unflinching honesty, Donna gives language to a pain that millions silently carry. She reveals how her lipedema symptoms were mistaken for lifestyle issues, while the truth was a chronic, progressive illness impacting every part of her life—from digestion to mobility. If you’ve ever been told you “look fine” while your body feels like a war zone, this conversation is for you. Hit play now to learn the signs, challenge the myths, and find solidarity in a community that sees you. Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 01:20 Lipedema: The Physical and Emotional Toll 03:43 Acknowledging and Validating Pain 05:14 Creating a Supportive Community Resources: 🤔Got a question for me? Every month, I do a listener coaching episode—and I’d love to hear from you! Send your questions, stories, or flare-up confessions to , and you just might hear your answer on the show. X: Pain doesn’t have to look loud to be true. Lipedema is real— and it hurts like hell! In this episode, Donna exposes lipedema’s hidden pain & daily fight. Listen now. #DearBodyImListeningPodcast #Lymphedema #lipedema #MCAS #ChronicIllness #BodyAdvocacy #PainIsReal #PainValidation #HealthEquity #ChronicPain Quotes: 01:46 “Lipedema pain just isn't uncomfortable. It hurts like hell— and not just sometimes." —Donna Piper 02:16 "The worst part is being told you're fine." —Donna Piper 03:09 "Lipedema is an excruciating, underdiagnosed, soul-bruising condition that deserves better awareness. End of story; full stop." —Donna Piper 03:35 "Chronic pain doesn't always look loud." —Donna Piper 03:46 "We're masters of masking. We smile with pain levels at 7, 8, 9, 10." —Donna Piper 03:59 "Just because someone isn't writhing on the floor doesn't mean their pain isn't real." —Donna Piper 04:04 "Pain doesn't have to be performative to be valid." —Donna Piper 05:01 "The pain I carry is real, and I no longer have to carry it in silence." —Donna Piper 05:22 "You're not crazy, you're not lazy, and you're definitely not alone." —Donna Piper Meet Your Host: Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions. With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate unshakable self-trust. Her work focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change—helping clients refine communication, deepen self-worth, and build the foundation for healthy, loving relationships. Donna’s sessions are a safe haven for those ready to break cycles, embrace vulnerability, and design a love life that harmonizes with their thriving careers. For women committed to both personal and professional fulfillment, she offers tailored strategies to unlock their full potential and step into the relationship of their dreams. /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39071100

Ground Control for Bendy Bodies: How to Move Without Pain (Finally!) with Dr. Melissa Koehl 08/06/2025

Ground Control for Bendy Bodies: How to Move Without Pain (Finally!) with Dr. Melissa Koehl "You have to give your body the time to repair between sessions and respect from a cellular perspective how much energy they can effectively produce on any given day." —Dr. Melissa Koehl Why does exercise leave you in more pain—even when you're doing 'everything right’? If you’re hypermobile, traditional fitness advice might be sabotaging your body instead of healing it. The truth? Bendy bodies need a whole new rulebook for movement—one that prioritizes stability over stretching and rest over reps. Dr. Melissa Koehl is a Doctor of Physical Therapy, Pilates instructor, and founder of . With 24 years of experience—and her own late-stage EDS diagnosis—Melissa bridges clinical expertise with hard-won personal insight to redefine what "healthy movement" really means for connective tissue disorders. Ready to finally move without pain? Tune in to uncover why less is more, how to spot the hidden signs of overexertion, and the game-changing strategies Dr. Melissa uses to help her clients reclaim strength (and sanity). Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 04:09 Melissa’s Journey Living with Hypermobility 07:15 The Ground Control Program 10:26 Common Symptoms and Misconceptions of Hypermobility 21:13 The Role of Rest and Recovery in Hypermobility 32:08 The Importance of Diagnosis and Self-Advocacy 36:31 Resources and Support for Patients 39:43 You Are an Orchid, Not a Dandelion Resources: Ground Control is starting again in October: Two courses that are always available: Navigating Healthcare as a Hypermobile Human: ChimeraFit Video library: X: If your joints are 'too flexible' but your pain is relentless, you’ve been lied to about exercise. Hypermobility isn’t just about bendy limbs—it’s fatigue, brain fog, and a body that rebels against normal workouts. Doctor of Physical Therapy and Pilates Instructor, Dr. Melissa Koehl, drops truth bombs on the shocking links between EDS, mast cells, and why your PT might be missing the big picture. Listen now to learn how to move smarter, not harder. #DearBodyImListening #MCAS #Lymphedema #Lipedema #ChronicIllness #dysautonomia #hypermobility #painmanagement #EDS Quotes: 02:54 "Even though I had been hypermobile my whole life, I had no idea it affected my daily living as much as it did." —Donna Piper 04:52 "I definitely didn't know anything about EDS or connective tissue disorders or anything like that. It just really like it made sense to me that, because I was bendy, I might have more injuries." —Dr. Melissa Koehl 11:40 "I think a big thing is understanding that your body shouldn't be in pain all the time." —Dr. Melissa Koehl 12:17 "Fatigue is a huge common symptom of hypermobility. I have yet to meet a patient or client of mine that doesn't struggle with it in a very serious way." —Dr. Melissa Koehl 17:02 "If more of your blood is hanging out in your feet and at the bottom of your pelvis, not as much as getting back up to your heart and up to your head, and that's a big driver of brain fog and fatigue as well." —Dr. Melissa Koehl 21:40 "It's not just your muscles that you're working out when we move, it's all of the tendons and the ligaments and the fascia, all of it needs to repair." —Dr. Melissa Koehl 22:24 "You have to give your body the time to repair between sessions and respect from a cellular perspective how much energy they can effectively produce on any given day." —Dr. Melissa Koehl 30:00 "There's a misconception that hypermobility spectrum disorder is a lesser than diagnosis than hypermobile EDS, when in fact, they are two completely overlapping things. " —Dr. Melissa Koehl 40:33 "I think the one important thing that everyone benefits from hearing is that it's not your fault." —Dr. Melissa Koehl 41:31 "There are extra things that need to be considered with a connective tissue issue. It is more challenging; give yourself the time to find the providers that truly understand it. “Give yourself the time to rest without apology, give your body the rest that it needs." —Dr. Melissa Koehl 43:40 "You don't need joint dislocations to have connective tissue disorder." —Dr. Melissa Koehl 46:10 “These symptoms are just not normal, so symptom management is huge. You don't have to be a pain all the time.” —Donna Piper Connect with Melissa: Melissa Koehl is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Pilates instructor based in Chicago, IL, with over 24 years of experience. She's a board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and spent more than a decade co-specializing in vestibular rehab. Today, Melissa runs a virtual and mobile PT practice focused on helping people with symptomatic hypermobility, including Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Before launching her own practice, she worked at the University of Illinois Hospital, where she treated patients with complex chronic illness and trauma, and taught in their Doctor of Physical Therapy program. After years of struggling with her own mysterious health issues—and nearly leaving the profession—Melissa was finally diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. That turning point gave her the clarity and treatment she needed to not only stay in the field, but to build a practice dedicated to helping others like her. Website: Instagram: YouTube: TikTok: /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39071105

Wellness Culture, You Can Sit Down Now 07/30/2025

Wellness Culture, You Can Sit Down Now “If you have felt left out of wellness culture, it's not because you've failed; it's because it was never built for you in the first place. No matter what we look like, what our experiences are, what we're dealing with, we are all worthy of care. Healing is not a branding opportunity, and it is a birthright.” —Donna Piper Ever felt like wellness advice wasn’t written for your body—or your life? When smoothies, sunrise meditations, and superfoods feel more like pressure than peace, maybe the problem isn’t you… maybe it's the culture. If you’ve ever silently wondered, “Why does nothing work for me?”—this episode will hit home in the best way. Donna has done all the things wellness culture says should work—only to discover they often do more harm than good. And when she finally realized how her invisible, complex conditions intersect with fatphobia, performative health, and outdated medical systems, she stopped chasing quick fixes and started building a sustainable path rooted in self-trust, rest, and radical honesty. Join Donna as she reclaims healing as a birthright, unpacks the myths that dominate mainstream wellness, and gives practical, lymphatic-friendly tools that actually honor your body. You don’t need to be fixed—you need to be heard. Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 01:21 Unlearning the Wellness Culture 04:43 The Complexity of Chronic Conditions 16:14 Supporting the Lymphatic System 24:36 Myths and Misconceptions in Wellness 28:21 Embracing a New Wellness Paradigm Resources: 🤔Got a question for me? Every month, I do a listener coaching episode—and I’d love to hear from you! Send your questions, stories, or flare-up confessions to , and you just might hear your answer on the show. X: Tired of being told to “just detox” when your body is fighting for its life? Your host, Donna Piper, unpacks the gaslighting in wellness culture + what real healing looks like. Tune in for truths, tools & lymphatic love. #DearBodyImListeningPodcast #Lymphedema #lipedema #MCAS #ChronicIllness #WellnessMyths #WellnessCulture #Fatphobia #HealingJourney #RestIsMedicine Quotes: 28:44 “If you have felt left out of wellness culture, it's not because you've failed, it's because it was never built for you in the first place. No matter what we look like, what our experiences are, or what we're dealing with, we are all worthy of care. Healing is not a branding opportunity, and it is a birthright.” —Donna Piper 02:11 “When you're navigating a complex diagnosis like lipedema, MCAS, hypermobility, the full spectrum of EDS to HSD, POTS and chronic fatigue... this wellness culture is not made for our bodies.” —Donna Piper 04:30 “There is no one map, one thing: Do this, and you'll get better.’ Actually doing those wellness culture things made me feel bad; it didn’t work.” —Donna Piper 04:55 “Even when I did get answers from my doctors, which—that was a relief—but they didn’t give me a straightforward plan.” —Donna Piper 07:34 “Our version of wellness isn’t what the mainstream version of wellness is.” —Donna Piper 10:07 “The only thing that's going to help realign your system is not about doing more, it’s about doing less.” —Donna Piper 10:57 “I had to stop viewing myself with harsh eyes and through other people’s expectations.” —Donna Piper 11:57 “You are doing healing right for you. We are not doing healing wrong.” —Donna Piper 12:26 “So much of wellness culture and just how people view things now… is rooted in ableism, fat phobia, and a polished aesthetic.” —Donna Piper 13:24 “It’s not about performative wellness. It’s not about trying to do things to force our bodies into a way.” —Donna Piper 23:11 “Resting—it's not laziness, it's not willpower—it's really more about biology. You need rest.” —Donna Piper 28:10 “I release all the shoulds. I let go of wellness shame and just feel good about that. I know that my wellness looks different, and I stand with pride in that.” —Donna Piper Meet Your Host: Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions. With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate unshakable self-trust. Her work focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change—helping clients refine communication, deepen self-worth, and build the foundation for healthy, loving relationships. Donna’s sessions are a safe haven for those ready to break cycles, embrace vulnerability, and design a love life that harmonizes with their thriving careers. For women committed to both personal and professional fulfillment, she offers tailored strategies to unlock their full potential and step into the relationship of their dreams. /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39071115

The Weight I Carry Isn’t Just Physical 07/23/2025

The Weight I Carry Isn’t Just Physical "Shame lives in the body, but so does compassion." —Donna Piper If shame could be seen, would you finally believe it’s not your fault? So many of us carry invisible burdens—chronic symptoms, exhaustion, and the silent weight of feeling misunderstood or blamed for what we can’t control. The real struggle isn’t just in our bodies, but in the stories we tell ourselves when healing doesn’t look the way the world expects. Donna Piper knows this journey firsthand. After years of being dismissed and doing everything “right” but still getting sicker, she’s learned how shame embeds itself in our bodies—and how compassion and psychological flexibility can set us free. Tune in as Donna unpacks the truth about shame, busts the myth of willpower, and guides you through a powerful practice to help you move from self-blame to self-love. Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 01:27 Understanding and Addressing Shame in Chronic Illness 03:15 The Role of Self-Compassion and Psychological Flexibility 09:34 The Impact of Shame on Healing and Relationships 17:04 Practical Techniques for Shame Release 23:10 Myth-Busting: Willpower vs Shame Resources: 🤔Got a question for me? Every month, I do a listener coaching episode—and I’d love to hear from you! Send your questions, stories, or flare-up confessions to , and you just might hear your answer on the show. X: Ever feel like your body’s pain is only half the battle? Discover how shame shapes healing & learn to break the cycle in this week’s episode as Donna shares tips, tools, & truth! #DearBodyImListeningPodcast #Lymphedema #lipedema #MCAS #BodyShame #SelfCompassion #InvisibleIllness #HealingJourney #PsychologicalFlexibility #ShameRelease #SelfCare #ChronicFatigue Quotes: 02:08 Shame lives in the body, but so does compassion." —Donna Piper 02:13 "Shame just isn't a feeling, it's a somatic experience. It gets stored in your body— in your thighs, and in your belly, and in your nervous system— and over time, it becomes a lens you see yourself through." —Donna Piper 03:35 "Shame is very prevalent. It's very silent. It hides in the shadows, and it's lurking over everything that we want to do, and how we see who we are." —Donna Piper 04:17 "Self-compassion means speaking to yourself in a way that you would to a dear friend, and it sounds like this: This part of me is hurting. This part of me deserves care." —Donna Piper 05:00 "We want to feel part of a group, that's just how we're made. We want to have community and connection and be understood." —Donna Piper 06:39 "Psychological flexibility... just really means allowing uncomfortable emotions to exist without letting them control your choices. It's noticing the shame without becoming ashamed, choosing your values over your fear, and letting your truth lead the way." —Donna Piper 09:21 "Shame is like any other emotion. Once it's seen, once it's acknowledged, then it can move through you. So it's not a life sentence, it's just another level of awareness." —Donna Piper 09:46 "Resting is self-care… Resting is critical. It's part of the healing." —Donna Piper 12:57 "[Lipedema] isn't about laziness. This isn't about willpower. It is a medical condition rooted in inflammation and hormones, and it deals with connective tissue issues." —Donna Piper 14:47 "Be compassionate with yourself and be loving with yourself. This is something that you didn't cause." —Donna Piper 15:47 "Willpower isn't the problem, it's the shame." —Donna Piper 16:43 "You could be doing everything right and still see no change. That doesn't mean that you or I have failed. It's just a mismatch about the care that's available and what our bodies are experiencing." —Donna Piper 17:51 "What I do need is a little more love and compassion and education for how my body responds." —Donna Piper 19:30 "You don't have to explain your shame to anyone— that's not really liberating… because the people around you may not be equipped to hear. If it doesn't land in the right place, then it creates more trauma, and it doesn't have the healing effect that you think it is." —Donna Piper 22:46 "I hold myself with love, even when the world doesn't." —Donna Piper Meet Your Host: Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions. With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate unshakable self-trust. Her work focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change—helping clients refine communication, deepen self-worth, and build the foundation for healthy, loving relationships. Donna’s sessions are a safe haven for those ready to break cycles, embrace vulnerability, and design a love life that harmonizes with their thriving careers. For women committed to both personal and professional fulfillment, she offers tailored strategies to unlock their full potential and step into the relationship of their dreams. /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39071120

The Inflammation Fix: How Keto Diet Supports Your Lymphatic System 07/16/2025

The Inflammation Fix: How Keto Diet Supports Your Lymphatic System "It's not all about obesity, it's not all about weight. It is about giving your body the nutrients it needs to be healthy." —Leslyn Keith Forget calories-in-calories-out. If you’re eating "clean" but still battling swelling, fatigue, or pain, the problem isn’t your willpower—it’s how your food fuels (or strangles) your lymphatics. Carbs don’t just go to our hips—they clog our body’s drainage system. And when our lymphatics are drowning in carbs, every symptom—from brain fog to stubborn weight—becomes a distress signal. Leslyn Keith, a lymphatic therapist and researcher with 25 years of clinical experience, reveals how the ketogenic diet isn’t just about weight loss—it’s a lifeline for stagnant lymphatics, inflammation, and conditions like lipedema. With brutal honesty and science-backed insights, she dismantles the myth that fat is the enemy and shares why protein and healthy fats are the unsung heroes of lymphatic drainage. Tune in as Donna and Leslyn unpack why carbs sabotage your lymph flow, how keto can reduce pain and swelling before the scale moves, and the one dietary shift that could finally make your body feel like yours again. Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 04:52 Why We Get Fat 09:43 The Impact of Keto Diet on the Lymphatic System 19:53 Understanding Your Body’s Needs 27:29 Body Fat vs Dietary Fat 34:03 Challenges, Benefits, and Practical Tips for Adopting to Keto Diet 47:13 The Lymphatic Code Correct 49:33 Proper Nutrients Matter Resources: Book The Lymphatic Code: Using a Ketogenic Lifestyle to Enjoy a Robust Lymphatic System That Promotes Overall Health and Wellness by Leslyn Keith Buy the print soft cover on Amazon: X: Your ‘healthy’ diet could be starving your lymphatic system. Game-changing convo with lymphatic therapist and researcher Leslyn Keith on why keto = lymphatic rescue. and the #1 thing to eat instead. Don’t miss this week’s episode! #DearBodyImListening #KetogenicDiet #LymphaticHealth #ChronicInflammation #MetabolicHealing #FatDisorder Quotes: 03:38 “I was on a diet or a cleanse for 40 years because I was trying to figure out why my body didn't respond." —Donna Piper 04:25 "I wanted to make sure my food, what I could eat was servicing the body that I had with all these conditions." —Donna Piper 10:31 “There's something that is inflammatory about a high carbohydrate diet, and it's particularly inflammatory to the lymphatics, so they don't work as well." —Leslyn Keith 13:37 "We try to impress upon people is that you got to heal first, then the pounds come off." —Leslyn Keith 14:26 "It's all those other non-scale victories that are telling you that you are healing and you're doing better. For a lot of people, that pain reduction or resolution is the ultimate motivator, because they go into it thinking, ‘I just want the scale to go down, but if, in two weeks, they have a lot less pain, well, I'm going to stick with this way of eating just because of that’, because that that's huge." —Leslyn Keith 18:20 "Using a Keto or carnivore diet is the easiest to modify to accommodate each of those individual needs— your comorbidities, your preferences, what you like to eat— all those things. We can do this in a way that is going to promote your health." —Leslyn Keith 26:59 “There was a point where my body was craving more fat. Because I was a teenager in the 80s and up, so fat was bad, like fat would make you fat. And that is really not true." —Donna Piper 27:30 “It's quite a disservice that that we have the same word for body fat as what we eat in dietary fat. Because that's it's very easy to come to that conclusion that if I eat fat, it will make me become more fat. And it's simply not true. It is the carbohydrates that get turned into fat in your body." —Leslyn Keith 40:11 “It's daunting because of how people treat too, and how they perceive you because most people see obesity as a lifestyle poor willpower, and it is your fault that you're there." —Leslyn Keith 44:41 "It's not all about obesity, it's not all about weight. It is about giving your body the nutrients it needs to be healthy." —Leslyn Keith 43:57 “If I would have known that lipedema was a thing when I was 15, how I viewed my body and how I viewed dieting or not dieting would have been different." —Donna Piper Connect with Leslyn: Leslyn Keith is a certified lymphedema therapist and has a Clinical Doctorate in Occupational Therapy with an emphasis on lymphedema and obesity. Dr. Keith has started four lymphedema therapy programs in California including two in private practice. She has treated lymphatic and fat disorders for over 20 years and currently researches, consults, and lectures on lymphedema, lipedema, and obesity nationally and internationally. She is the author of and published several articles about the efficacy of a ketogenic diet for lymphatic and fat disorders. Currently, Dr. Keith is a consultant with , LLC and , an instructor in lymphedema therapy for , and directs , an online course and community for managing weight and lymphedema. Website: YouTube: /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39071125

My Body Changed Overnight… and Finally, I Got Answers 07/09/2025

My Body Changed Overnight… and Finally, I Got Answers "Remember, your symptoms aren't just physical, and your healing won't be either. Listen to your body, it's been whispering the truth all along." —Donna Piper Your body changes overnight—sudden weight gain, relentless pain, and doctors who dismiss it as "just aging." What if it’s not? Donna shares her shocking journey from unexplained swelling and crushing fatigue to life-changing diagnoses: lipedema, mast cell activation syndrome, and hypermobility. For years, her symptoms were brushed off as "normal," but rapid physical changes forced her to dig deeper. As a movement therapist and chronic illness navigator, Donna reveals how these invisible conditions masquerade as everyday health struggles—and why trusting your body’s signals is the first step to answers. If you’ve ever felt betrayed by your body or gaslit by the system, this episode is your roadmap to validation and actionable next steps. Listen now—your healing starts here. Connect with Donna: Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: Facebook: YouTube: Episode Highlights: 02:18 A Sudden Weight Shift 07:56 Exploring the Body’s Signals 11:07 The Importance of Tracking and Seeking Medical Advice 19:06 Weekly Feel Good Flow 22:36 Listen to Your Body! Resources: 🤔Got a question for me? Every month, I do a listener coaching episode—and I’d love to hear from you! Send your questions, stories, or flare-up confessions to , and you just might hear your answer on the show. 🔗Links Dr. Emily Iker: Dr. Perrin Technique: X: Just exercise more’ didn’t fix my pain. Why? Donna found out the REAL culprit. If your body’s screaming, don’t silence it—investigate. Tune in to find out more! #DearBodyImListeningPodcast #Lymphedema #lipedema #MCAS #Hypermobility #bonespurs #HealthAwareness #ChronicPain Quotes: 00:25 "Always know that your instincts are valid, and it could be a multitude of things." —Donna Piper 06:28 "When my body started screaming through the swelling, the weight gain, the pain, and the mobility loss, I had no choice but to listen." —Donna Piper 08:42 “It's not just fat. It was a disordered fat, a condition, a real one— one that I have never heard of before." —Donna Piper 11:55 "This sudden shift was my wake-up call. And as painful and scary as it was, I'm grateful for it now, because it cracked me open up to the truth, to the science, and to healing." —Donna Piper 22:38 "Just listen to your body, support, and allow the healing to begin." —Donna Piper 23:02 "If your body is changing fast, don't panic. Get curious. You pretty much know your body." —Donna Piper 23:19 "Remember, your symptoms aren't just physical, and your healing won't be either. Listen to your body, it's been whispering the truth all along." —Donna Piper Meet Your Host: Donna Piper is a Relationship Coach, Trauma Expert, and Akashic Records Healer dedicated to empowering successful single women to transform their love lives and attract fulfilling partnerships without sacrificing their professional ambitions. With a holistic approach blending therapeutic coaching, trauma-informed techniques, and Akashic Records wisdom, she guides clients to release limiting beliefs, heal emotional blocks, and cultivate unshakable self-trust. Her work focuses on aligning mind, body, and spirit to create lasting change—helping clients refine communication, deepen self-worth, and build the foundation for healthy, loving relationships. Donna’s sessions are a safe haven for those ready to break cycles, embrace vulnerability, and design a love life that harmonizes with their thriving careers. For women committed to both personal and professional fulfillment, she offers tailored strategies to unlock their full potential and step into the relationship of their dreams. /episode/index/show/52b53414-3af0-44fc-9914-53606b4ad269/id/39071130

Dear body, I’m listening

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