#6 Cheryl Crow on Thriving with Arthritis: Mental Wellbeing, Life Hacks & Tools

Episode 6: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

#6 Cheryl Crow on Thriving with Arthritis: Mental Wellbeing, Life Hacks & Tools

In this episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes Cheryl Crow, Occupational Therapist (OT), the founder of Arthritis Life, and host of the Arthritis Life Podcast. Cheryl shares her journey living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) for over two decades, from her confusing diagnosis at 21 to becoming an OT.

Cheryl brings a unique perspective as both a patient and an expert, combining lived experience with professional knowledge. She highlights the importance of mental wellbeing, self-management, and practical adaptations to help people navigate daily life with arthritis, and thrive.

Topics covered:

• Understanding the role of an Occupational Therapist for arthritis
• Cheryl’s personal journey with RA and how it shaped her career as an OT
• Two core OT approaches:
  • Remedial: Strengthening and managing what’s possible
  • Adaptive/Compensatory: Life hacks and tools to overcome fixed challenges
• Mental health, grief, and acceptance: Applying Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to chronic illness
• Turning off the struggle switch and committing to values-driven action despite arthritis
• The 80/20 Rule for sustainable lifestyle changes (as discussed in Beat Arthritis Naturally)
• How OTs provide tools that complement your own problem-solving skills

About the podcast:

With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, the podcast will feature expert interviews, science-backed strategies, and real stories from people living with all types of arthritis.

Emily combines her 12+ years of lived experience and insights from healthcare professionals to offer practical, encouraging steps that help you feel healthier, happier, and less alone when living with arthritis.

Emily is a bestselling author, founder of Live Well with Arthritis, and creator of Arthritis Foodie.

Episode Links:

Live Well with Arthritis Waitlist: https://www.livewellwitharthritis.com/waitlist

Cheryl Crow @ArthritisLife:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritis_life_cheryl/
• Website: https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/
• Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4b5LTuE3GKuEbcCUn3yYN0

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

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

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