Episode 11: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

#11 Hormones and Arthritis: Emily’s Period Pain Strategies and More

In this 20-minute episode of The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast, host Emily Johnson navigates the complex relationship between your hormones and joint pain... with a particular attention on periods. Drawing from her current nutritional therapy studies and her own lived experience, Emily shares how hormonal shifts can 'add fuel to the fire' of arthritis inflammation. Discover the science behind why your pain levels change, Emily's personal toolkit for managing period flares, and the surprising role testosterone plays in male joint health.

Topics covered:

• The Four Pillars of Pain: The four possible instigators that increase pain during your period
• The 'Joint Bodyguard': How testosterone levels can influence the risk of arthritis
• The Adipose Connection: How body fat around the middle can create more inflammation
• Emily’s Essential Remedies: From a TENS machine to CBD to fast-acting pain relief
• Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition: Supporting your system with omega-3s, magnesium, and iron
• Stress Relief: How managing cortisol and maximising rest can help

About the podcast:

With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features 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 10: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

#10 Route to Recovery: Navigating Chronic Fatigue with Lauren Windas

In this episode, host Emily Johnson is joined by registered nutritionist, naturopath, and author Lauren Windas to tackle one of the most misunderstood symptoms of living with arthritis: chronic fatigue. As the co-founder of Ardere, Lauren brings both professional expertise and personal insight into how we can reclaim our energy.

Drawing on her own journey, Lauren explains the complex science behind Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME) and its significant overlap with inflammatory conditions. She explains why fatigue is more than just 'being tired' and offers a route to recovery.

Topics covered:

• Lauren’s Story: Overcoming post-viral fatigue to supporting others
• Science of Fatigue: The 3 Ps (Predisposition, Precipitating triggers, & Perpetuating factors)
• Medical Mishaps: Why standard tests often miss nervous/immune dysregulation
• Gut-Brain Link: How the gut and neuroinflammation influence brain fog & joint pain
• Navigating Healthcare: How to avocate for yourself and your symptoms
• Strategies for Recovery: Tips on pacing, mitochondrial support, and mindset

About the podcast:

With a focus on reducing inflammation and improving daily life, this podcast features 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

Lauren Windas @laurenwindasnutritionist

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurenwindasnutritionist/?hl=en
• Website: https://www.laurenwindas.com/
• Book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B09BHFZGTY?linkCode=ssc&tag=onamzarthriti-21

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 9: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

#9 Yoga for Every Body: Dr. Steffany Moonaz on Reducing Arthritis Pain

In this transformative episode, host Emily Johnson sits down with Dr. Steffany Moonaz, the founder of Yoga for Arthritis and a leading research director and professor at the Southern California University of Health Sciences. Dr. Moonaz bridges the gap between ancient mindfulness and modern neuroscience to explain how yoga can be a powerful clinical tool for managing arthritis.

Drawing on decades of research, her own personal journey with arthritis, and her book Yoga Therapy for Arthritis: A Whole-Person Approach to Movement and Lifestyle she explains how we can 'rewire' our brain's response to pain. This episode offers a compassionate, evidence-based approach to movement that focuses on finding joy in the body again.

Topics covered:

• Neuroscience of Pain: Why 'pain is necessary, but suffering is optional.'
• Stress-Pain Cycle: Using breathwork to 'downshift' the nervous system during flares.
• Healing Directions: How meditation (top-down) and movement (bottom-up) reduce pain signals.
• Yoga 'Meals' vs. 'Snacks': Simple ways to fit 5-minute movement breaks into your day.
• Ahimsa (Non-Harming): How to safely adapt poses for your specific joint limitations.
• Yoga Therapy: Why a personalised approach is the gold standard for chronic pain.
• Personal Journey: How her dance background and own diagnosis shapes patient care.
• Finding Support: Tips for finding a safe, inclusive, and qualified yoga teacher.

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

Dr Steffany Moonaz @drmoonaz

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmoonaz/
• Website: https://www.arthritis.yoga/

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 8: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

#8 Food, Fibre & Inflammation: How Diet Shapes Arthritis with Dr Michael Greger

In this expert-led episode, host Emily Johnson is joined by world renowned physician, author, and nutrition researcher Dr Michael Greger, bestselling author of How Not to Die, How Not to Age, and How to Survive a Pandemic, and founder of science-based nonprofit charity NutritionFacts.org.

Together, they explore the role nutrition plays arthritis, unpacking common misconceptions about genetics, inflammation, and how lifestyle choices can influence joint health.

Drawing on decades of research and clinical evidence, Dr Greger explains how diet, particularly fibre-rich, whole plant foods can support the immune system, gut microbiome, and inflammatory pathways involved in arthritis, osteoarthritis, and autoimmune disease.

Topics covered:

• What inflammation means in arthritis
• Genetics vs environment and lifestyle risk factors
• Gut health, fibre, and immune health
• Plant-based diets and inflammatory conditions
• Food poisoning, gut infections, and autoimmune arthritis
• Fibre, key anti-inflammatory foods and simple changes
• The role of sleep, stress, and movement
• Taking ownership of long-term 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

Dr Michael Greger @MichaelGregerMD:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelgregermd/
• @nutrition_facts_org: https://www.instagram.com/nutrition_facts_org/
• Website: https://nutritionfacts.org/

Emily Johnson @ArthritisFoodie:

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

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

Episode 7: The Live Well with Arthritis Podcast

#7 A Rheumatologist’s Guide to Arthritis with Dr Julekha Wajed

In this informative episode, host Emily Johnson sits down with NHS consultant rheumatologist Dr Julekha Wajed (also known as Dr Julie) to unpack what arthritis really is, why early diagnosis matters, and how modern treatment approaches support people to live full, active lives with arthritis.

Drawing on 10+ years of clinical experience, Dr Julie explains how arthritis is diagnosed, and why a personalised, whole-person approach (medication, lifestyle strategies, and shared decision-making) leads to the best long-term outcomes. This episode addresses common fears around diagnosis and medication, providing reassurance and hope for anyone navigating arthritis care.

Topics covered:

• Early warning signs and symptoms of inflammatory arthritis
• Why early diagnosis can improve outcomes and reduce long-term joint damage
• How arthritis is diagnosed, including blood tests, imaging, and clinical assessment
• Modern treatment plans, including DMARDs and biologics, and how they are individualised
• Addressing medication fears, side effects, and common misconceptions
• The role of lifestyle factors such as movement, rest, stress management, and nutrition alongside medical care
• The importance of trust, communication, and partnership between patients and their rheumatology team
• What “living well with arthritis” means from a rheumatologist’s perspective
• A hopeful real-world case study showing how early diagnosis and the right treatment can transform quality of life

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

Dr Julekha Wajed @arthritis_dr

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arthritis_dr/
• Website: https://www.nuffieldhealth.com/consultants/dr-julekha-wajed

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 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