Podcasts · Health & Fitness · Religion & Spirituality

The Invisible Illness Club | Chronic Illness, Auto Immune

April Aramanda, Invisible Illness Club

79 episodes

The Invisible Illness Club is a podcast and community for people living with chronic illness and the grief, faith questions, identity shifts, and everyday realities that come with life in a difficult to manage body.

More about the show

Hosted by April, each episode offers honest conversations rooted in Christian faith and lived experience. Here, you do not have to make your pain sound prettier, rush toward a lesson, or pretend you are fine. There is room for grief, anger, uncertainty, laughter, hope, and trusting God in the middle of what has not been fixed.

If you have ever felt unseen, misunderstood, or alone in your illness, you belong here.

Honest faith for the hard, invisible days. You don’t have to carry this alone.

Episodes page 1 of 2

  1. 078 I Love My Life. I Still Miss Who I Was. | Chronic Illness Grief

    · 7:26 · S2 E78

    I love my life. I love our home, the time I get with my husband, and the little moments that make an ordinary day feel pretty wonderful. So why do I still find myself grieving the woman I used to be? Living with…

  2. 077 Chronic Illness Keeps Taking Things and I’m Still Grieving | With S.G. Willoughby

    · 1 h 02 min · S2 E77

    You thought you had made peace with what illness changed. Then your body changed the plans again. Another thing you can’t do. Another conversation about needing help. Another loss you don’t quite know how to explain.…

  3. 076 Faith Doesn’t Require Lying About What Hurts

    · 12 min · S2 E76

    You have prayed. You are still hurting. And a verse about rejoicing can feel very different when the life in front of you is the one you have been asking God to change. In this solo episode of IIC, April walks through…

  4. 075 When Your Labs Are “Normal” but You Still Feel Sick, with Joy Stephenson-Laws

    · 1 h 02 min · S2 E75

    The results say everything looks normal. You still feel exhausted, foggy, or unlike yourself. What do you do with the distance between those two things? In this IIC conversation, April talks with healthcare attorney…

  5. 074 A Valley of Worship: Faith When You’re Still Hurting

    · 7:27 · S2 E74

    You pray for healing and wake up hurting again. You pray for answers, and another test leaves you with more questions. What does worship look like in that kind of waiting? In this episode of The Invisible Illness…

  6. 073 How Do You Enjoy Life When You're Sick All the Time? with Lauren Watt

    · 1 h 09 min · S2 E73

    What does it mean to enjoy your life when illness still shapes it? For Lauren Watt, that question includes eight years spent largely in bed, the loss of expected teenage milestones, and the work of building an adult…

  7. 072 What If My Chronic Illness Gets Worse?

    · 13 min · S2 E72

    A familiar ache. A lower energy day. A call from the doctor's office. A test result in the patient portal. Sometimes one small moment is enough to send the mind racing toward the next flare, the next cancellation, or…

  8. 071 How to Talk to Children About Chronic Illness, with Sara Olsher

    · 40 min · S2 E71

    Trigger Warning: This episode includes conversations about cancer, chronic and terminal illness, death, anticipatory grief, and talking with children about a loved one’s health. Children notice the canceled plans,…

  9. 070 The Apology Habit: You Do Not Have to Be Sorry for Having Limits

    · 13 min · S2 E70

    How many times have you said “I’m sorry” this week? Sorry I canceled. Sorry I am tired. Sorry I need help. Sorry my body changed the plan again. For many of us living with chronic illness, those words become a…

  10. 069 Building a Business That Lets You Rest, with Randi Pullar

    · 1 h 00 min · S2 E69

    What if your business expected your body to have hard days? For chronically ill and neurodivergent entrepreneurs, conventional business advice can feel impossible to follow. Post constantly. Stay visible. Be…

  11. 068 Chronic Illness and the Lonliness of Being Misunderstood

    · 14 min · S2 E68

    Some of the loneliest moments happen beside people who genuinely love us. They may pray for us, bring dinner, sit in waiting rooms, and help however they know how—and still struggle to understand what living with…

  12. 067 The Things I Never Thought I’d Miss With Chronic Illness

    · 14 min · S2 E67

    Before chronic illness, I never thought I would miss walking through Target, standing in line, helping Victor drive on a long road trip, or sitting comfortably in one position for more than a few minutes. They were…

  13. 066 When Chronic Illness Makes Your World Feel Smaller

    · 11 min · S2 E66

    Chronic illness rarely changes everything at once. More often, your life becomes smaller one quiet “no” at a time. You make fewer plans. You start calculating the physical cost of every invitation. Places that once…

  14. 065 When Everyone Thinks You're Doing Fine, and You're Not

    · 15 min · S2 E65

    There is a version of you that almost no one knows—the one carrying private fears, unseen grief, unanswered questions, and struggles that never become visible enough for other people to recognize. In this episode, we…

  15. 064 When Your Body Finally Feels Safe: Trauma, Chronic Illness, and Healing with Leanna Wydick

    · 49 min · S2 E64

    What happens when the body you live in becomes a daily reminder of trauma? In this episode of the Invisible Illness Club, April Aramanda talks with Leanna Wydick about surviving domestic violence, sustaining a…

  16. 063 Is It Okay to Be Angry at God About Chronic Illness?

    · 6:06 · S2 E63

    What happens when you know all the right answers about God, yet your heart still whispers, “Are You still there?” Chronic illness has a way of making our world feel very small. Symptoms get louder. Appointments take…

  17. 062 The Laundry Can Wait: Learning to Leave Things Undone

    · 3:43 · S2 E62

    Lately, I’ve been spending more time sitting in the pool with my husband while the laundry waits inside. The dishes still need to be done. The emails are still there. The to-do list hasn’t magically disappeared. I’m…

  18. 061 Disability Is Not a Bad Word: Jenna D’Angelo Shiner on Accessibility, Faith, and Living with Chronic Illness

    · 58 min · S2 E61

    What does it look like to navigate life when the world isn’t always built with disability in mind? In this episode, I’m joined by Jenna D’Angelo Shiner, who shares her journey from being able-bodied to living with…

  19. 060 Faith in Different Seasons: Remembering That God Is Bigger Than Chronic Illness

    · 5:37 · S2 E60

    Faith can look different in different seasons. Not because God changes, but because our view of Him often changes with what we’re walking through. In this episode, April shares how chronic illness can become so loud…

  20. 059 Faith, Chronic Illness, and the Pressure to Pretend You’re Okay | with Kaylen Soriano

    · 44 min · S2 E59

    What happens when chronic illness changes your identity, your relationships, and even the way you show up at church? In this conversation, April sits down with Kaylen Soriano of Chronic Yet Undefeated to talk honestly…

  21. 058 The Invisible Full-Time Job of Chronic Illness

    · 5:18 · S2 E58

    There’s a kind of exhaustion that comes from living inside constant management mode. Not only physical exhaustion. Mental exhaustion too. In this episode, I’m talking honestly about the invisible workload that comes…

  22. 057 Why Rest Feels Unsafe with Chronic Illness | Rest Guilt, Anxiety & Faith

    · 6:02 · S2 E57

    Rest sounds peaceful in theory. In real life with chronic illness, it can feel anxious, guilty, frustrating, and emotionally unsafe. In this episode, April Aramanda talks honestly about the pressure to always be…

  23. 056 When Chronic Illness Changes Your Identity with LA Sprague

    · 49 min · S2 E56

    In this episode, April talks with podcaster and chronic illness advocate L. A. Sprague from the podcast Christians with Chronic Illness. Together, they dive into the grief that comes when chronic illness changes your…

  24. 055 When Life Feels Like Too Much | Chronic Illness Encouragement for Overwhelming Seasons

    · 2:33 · S2 E55

    Moving, pain, exhaustion, overwhelm, and trying to keep going anyway. A short honest reminder for anyone carrying more than people can see. What You’ll Learn • Why “normal life” can feel overwhelming with chronic…

  25. 054 PART 2 of Chronic Illness, Creativity, and Faith: What Life Really Looks Like Behind the Scenes

    · 33 min · S2 E54

    Living with chronic illness isn’t only about symptoms—it’s about the daily decisions, limits, and invisible effort no one sees. In this episode, author W.R. Gingell shares what life really looks like behind the scenes…

  26. 053 Chronic Illness, Creativity, and Faith: What Life Really Looks Like Behind the Scenes

    · 49 min · S2 E53

    Living with chronic illness isn’t only about symptoms—it’s about the daily decisions, limits, and invisible effort no one sees. In this episode, author W.R. Gingell shares what life really looks like behind the scenes…

  27. 052 When Chronic Illness Changes Who You Thought You’d Be

    · 5:50 · S2 E52

    Chronic illness doesn’t only affect your body—it can change how you see yourself. There’s a moment many people experience where life stops looking the way they thought it would. Plans shift. Energy changes. The future…

  28. 051 You’re Not Lazy: The Truth About Invisible Effort and Chronic Illness

    · 3:01 · S2 E51

    You look at your day and think, “I didn’t do enough.” And if that thought sits long enough, it turns into something heavier—“I’m being lazy.” This episode breaks that apart. Because what it looks like on the outside…

  29. 050 The Emotional Whiplash of Chronic Illness with Sarah Morris

    · 49 min · S2 E50

    Good days bring hope. Flare-ups take it right back. This is the emotional whiplash of living with chronic illness. What You’ll Learn Living with chronic illness often means living in cycles—good days that feel…

  30. 049 Chronic Illness Is a Full-Time Job: The Invisible Work No One Sees

    · 5:25 · S2 E49

    Your calendar fills with appointments, not plans. Chronic illness becomes more than symptoms—it becomes a role you never asked for. What You’ll Learn Living with chronic illness isn’t only about managing symptoms.…

  31. 048 Reclaiming Joy with Chronic Illness (replay)

    · 35 min · S1 E48

    This episode originally aired earlier in the podcast and remains one of the most meaningful conversations we’ve had about finding joy while living with chronic illness. Living with chronic illness can make joy feel…

  32. 047 Chronic Fatigue, Faith, and Learning to Slow Down with Belinda Mooney

    · 44 min · S1 E47

    This episode originally aired earlier in the podcast and remains one of the most meaningful conversations we’ve had about slowing down and caring for our health while living with chronic illness. In this conversation,…

  33. 046 Faith, Chronic Illness, and Honest Spirituality with Stephanie Boyle

    · 33 min · S1 E46

    This episode originally aired earlier in the podcast and remains one of the most meaningful conversations we’ve had about faith and chronic illness. What does faith look like when your body won’t cooperate with the…

  34. 045 The Episode That Started The Invisible Illness Club

    · 11 min · S1 E45

    This episode goes back to the very beginning of The Invisible Illness Club. In this replay of episode one, April shares why the podcast started and the experience that led to creating a space where chronic illness,…

  35. 044 You Look Fine: Faith, Bipolar Disorder, Lupus, and Healing That Isn’t Neat (with Natasha Minier-Robinson)

    · 45 min · S1 E44

    Natasha shares life with bipolar disorder, PTSD, lupus, grief, and faith—and what healing looks like when it’s messy. What You’ll Learn • What it felt like to be “high-functioning” while secretly struggling with…

  36. 043 The Quiet Grief of Losing Your Independence

    · 5:15 · S1 E43

    We talk a lot about surviving chronic illness. Today we’re gently challenging the way we define independence. What if losing physical capability doesn’t mean losing strength? What if dependence isn’t failure? This…

  37. 042 The Waiting Is the Hardest Part: Living in the In-Between With Chronic Illness

    · 4:32 · S1 E42

    Waiting for medical answers can feel harder than the diagnosis itself. In this solo episode, April talks about the emotional toll of living in the in-between — the fear, grief, and exhaustion that come with waiting for…

  38. 041 Living With Chronic Fatigue: Slowing Down Without Giving Up

    · 44 min · S1 E41

    Chronic fatigue forced Belinda to slow down. This conversation is about listening sooner, asking for help, and finding hope that actually holds. What You’ll Learn • What chronic fatigue can look like over decades •…

  39. 040 This Sucks. And I’m Still Here.

    · 4:35 · S1 E40

    This episode isn’t tidy or inspiring. I’m stuck in bed, waiting on answers, and my body scares me right now. I talk honestly about exhaustion, fear, faith questions, and what it’s like to stop pretending you’re fine…

  40. 039 Chronic Illness, Identity, and Faith: Bethany Bacon on Being Seen Beyond Symptoms

    · 41 min · S1 E39

    In this episode, April talks with Bethany Bacon about living with hydrocephalus after being born at 24½ weeks, holding onto genuine hope, and learning not to let chronic illness—or the world’s opinions—define you.…

  41. 038 Starting a New Year With Chronic Illness: Hope When Your Body Is on High Alert

    · 5:11 · S1 E38

    Starting the year tired, in appointments, and waiting on answers — this episode is about choosing quiet hope in a body that needs care. What You’ll Learn • Why hope doesn’t have to feel confident to be real • How to…

  42. 037 The End-of-Year Energy Check-In — Reflect, Release, and Realign

    · 4:57 · S1 E37

    This year may not have gone to plan, but you grew through it. Here’s a gentle reflection to help you rest, release, and refocus before the new year. What You’ll Learn • How to reflect on your year with honesty and…

  43. 036 Holiday Survival Mode: How to Set Boundaries and Still Feel Loved

    · 5:14 · S1 E36

    Holiday gatherings don’t have to drain you. Here’s how to protect your energy, say no with grace, and still feel connected. What You’ll Learn • Why guilt creeps in when you set limits • How to communicate your…

  44. 035 When Gratitude Feels Forced: Finding Thanks in the Mess

    · 4:55 · S1 E35

    When life feels heavy, gratitude can feel fake. Let’s talk about finding real, grounded thankfulness in the middle of the mess. What You’ll Learn • Why “toxic gratitude” makes hard days harder • The difference between…

  45. 034 The Crash After the Feast — How to Rest Without Guilt

    · 5:46 · S1 E34

    After the holidays, your body crashes and your guilt kicks in. Here’s how to rest without apology — because recovery is sacred work. What You’ll Learn • Why your post-holiday crash isn’t weakness • How to identify…

  46. 033 Thank You From My Heart to Yours

    · 3:14 · S1 E33

    Hey friend. This one’s simple — no lessons or bullet points today. I just wanted to take a breath with you and say thank you. For real. For showing up, for listening, for being part of this messy, beautiful space we’ve…

  47. 032 Why Asking for Help Feels So Dang Hard

    · 6:04 · S1 E32

    Asking for help shouldn’t feel like failure — but for so many of us living with chronic illness, it does. In this episode, April gets real about the guilt, pride, and fear that make it so hard to ask for help, even…

  48. 031 Boundaries, MS & Building a Business on Your Terms (with Stephanie Boyle)

    · 32 min · S1 E31

    Virtual assistant agency owner Stephanie Boyle shares how living with multiple sclerosis reshaped her work, motherhood, and mindset. We dig into boundaries without guilt, pacing work with alarms and self-check…

  49. 030 What I Wish Doctors Knew About People Like Me

    · 5:46 · S1 E30

    In this heartfelt open letter, April shares what she wishes every doctor, nurse, and medical professional understood about life with chronic illness. This isn’t a rant — it’s a reminder that compassion and curiosity…

  50. 029 Supporting Your Spouse Through Chronic Illness with Matt and Latricia Davis

    · 35 min · S1 E29

    This episode dives into what it really looks like to support a spouse living with chronic illness. Matt shares the long, emotional journey to his MCTD diagnosis — from years of pain and self-doubt to finally finding…

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