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

Episode 5: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

#5 Inside Emily’s Worst Arthritis Flare-Ups: The Triggers and Lessons Learned

In this episode of The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast, host Emily Johnson walks you through her 5 most challenging arthritis flare-ups and the lessons each one taught her. From seasonal colds and stress to alcohol and trigger foods, Emily shares the real-life experiences that tested her resilience. Discover how she navigated intense pain, learned to recover effectively, and developed strategies to prevent future flare-ups.

Topics covered:

• A Christmas flu that sparked the flare-up that inspired Arthritis Foodie
• How stress and grief triggered one of Emily’s most intense flare-ups
• A seemingly innocent Halloween party that wreaked havoc on her joints
• The New York trip that ended in unexpected pain, and what caused it
• Overindulgence during the holidays and the hard lesson it taught
• Emily’s top strategies for surviving, managing, and recovering from flare-ups
• How to uncover your own triggers and take control of your health

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

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

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

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

Episode 4: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

#4 Anti-Inflammatory Eating: How Gut Health Impacts Arthritis with VJ Hamilton

In this episode, host Emily Johnson welcomes registered nutritionist and autoimmune expert VJ Hamilton to explore the critical role of nutrition and gut health in managing arthritis. With a background in biochemistry, immunology, and nutritional therapy, VJ shares practical, evidence-based strategies to help reduce inflammation for happier joints.

Exploring her own journey with autoimmune disease and those of her clients, VJ details how dietary choices, nutrient density, and gut microbiome balance influence inflammation, fatigue, and joint pain. She also shares inspiring case studies of clients who have transformed their health through anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle changes.

Topics covered:

• VJ’s personal autoimmune journey and how it's shaped her career
• The link between gut health, leaky gut, and arthritis symptoms
• How bacteria imbalances and oxalate buildup can contribute to joint inflammation
• Anti-inflammatory nutrition essentials: omega-3s, polyphenols, and more
• Foods and lifestyle habits to limit: sugar, ultra-processed foods, and alcohol
• The power of small, sustainable changes for long-term symptom relief
• Case study: a client with rheumatoid arthritis who became symptom-free
• Practical tips for observing gut-related issues and supporting your immune system through nutrition

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

VJ Hamilton @theautoimmunitynutritionist:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theautoimmunitynutritionist/?hl=en
• Website: https://theautoimmunitynutritionist.com/
• Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Bl4s4oGo8j6OlhzPHNISF

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