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Stronger than Autoimmune

Stronger than Autoimmune

By: Desiree Werland
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As an autoimmune warrior myself, I understand living with autoimmunity isn't easy. You are not alone, this podcast is to give hope to living with a chronic illness. I will interview individuals living with autoimmune disease along with experts, and businesses to help provide knowledge, and hope. As a health coach, I understand there is no cure for autoimmune disease but creating small changes like diet, stress management, movement and more can influence on how we feel. Join me to being Stronger than Autoimmune!Desiree Werland Hygiene & Healthy Living
Episodes
  • Training Smarter, Not Harder – Working Out with Autoimmune Disease with Pj Glassey
    Jun 3 2026

    In this powerful episode, we sit down with Pj Glassey, Owner and CEO of X Gym in Kirkland, Washington. With over 20 years leading X Gym and a degree in Exercise Science from Seattle Pacific University, Pj has pioneered a revolutionary approach to fitness that delivers serious results in minimal time.

    We dive deep into how people with autoimmune conditions can build strength, improve energy, and reclaim their bodies without triggering flares or burning out. Pj shares insights on X Gym’s signature training philosophy: high-intensity, 21-minute workouts done just twice a week using light weights, low reps, and constantly varied protocols designed for maximum effectiveness and safety.

    Whether you’re newly diagnosed, struggling with fatigue and joint pain, or looking for a sustainable way to stay active, this conversation is packed with practical strategies, science-backed wisdom, and inspiring takeaways for training smarter with autoimmune disease.

    Pj explains why traditional workout methods often fail those with autoimmune conditions and how X Gym’s innovative multi-protocol system helps clients see faster results while protecting long-term health.

    Learn more about XGym

    I started the Stronger Than Autoimmune podcast because I’m living with autoimmune disease and Mast Cell Activation Disorder myself. After struggling with chronic symptoms, fatigue, and the daily challenges that come with invisible illnesses, I realized how isolating and overwhelming this journey can feel — especially for women. I created this podcast to give others hope, share real stories of resilience, and spread awareness about autoimmune diseases that so often go misunderstood or misdiagnosed. My mission is to remind every listener that you are stronger than your diagnosis and that it’s possible to thrive, not just survive.

    If you have a product, service, or business that helps people with autoimmune conditions or chronic illness and you’d like to be a guest on the show, please email me at strongerthanautoimmune@gmail.com.

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    49 mins
  • You Are Right Even When Experts Say You’re Not | Theresa Lyons, MS, MS, PhD
    May 6 2026

    Hey friend, welcome to Stronger Than Autoimmune.

    This week I’m joined by Theresa Lyons — Yale University trained scientist, medical strategist, autism mom, and fierce advocate for parents who refuse to be dismissed.

    Theresa shares the raw moment every parent dreads: knowing deep in your gut that something isn’t right with your child, only to be told “everything is fine.” She ignored her intuition once — and she’s still mad about it. That fire turned into fuel. She dove into the research, built a top-tier care team with functional medicine at the center, and now her daughter is thriving and their family is finally living the joyful life they dreamed of.

    In this powerful conversation, Theresa reveals:

    • Why “normal” test results don’t always mean nothing is wrong
    • How to move beyond the limitations of ABA and find natural, joyful ways to connect and teach your child
    • The cutting-edge science every autism parent needs to know
    • How to trust yourself as the expert on your own child — even when doctors, teachers, and therapists say otherwise

    Whether you’re navigating an autism diagnosis or fighting for answers no one seems to hear, this episode is your reminder: You know your child best. You are not failing. You are the advocate your child needs.

    If you’re a parent who’s tired of being told to “just accept it,” press play. Theresa’s message is hope with a backbone — and exactly what so many families need to hear.

    🎙️ Theresa Lyons, MS, MS, PhD is the founder of Lyons Behavioral Services and helps parents in over 18 countries combine real science with intuition to help their autistic children thrive.

    To learn more about Dr Lyons and her program: Science-Based Autism Guidance for Parents — by Dr. Theresa Lyons

    #StrongerThanAutoimmune #AutismParent #AutismAdvocate #ListenToYourIntuition #FunctionalMedicine #AutismScience #AutismMom #TrustYourGut #BeyondABA #ParentAdvocate #ChronicIllnessWarrior #SpecialNeedsParent #YaleScientist #AutismAwareness #YouAreRight

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    49 mins
  • Scaling Without Burnout: The Operator’s Edge™ with Ritchie Nkana
    Feb 2 2026

    Most leaders believe the bottleneck is their business.
    According to ex–banker turned performance strategist Ritchie Nkana, it’s not.

    It’s the Operator running it.

    In this powerful episode of Stronger Than Autoimmune, Ritchie shares how he went from a burned-out corporate banker moving millions for global banks to building Operator’s Edge™, a system that helps founders and executives scale energy, impact, and legacy — without sacrificing their health.

    We talk about:

    • Why burnout isn’t a personal failure — it’s a systems failure

    • The hidden cost high performers pay to “keep up”

    • How identity, energy, and decision-making impact business growth

    • Why health is a leadership strategy, not a side project

    • How speaking can become a predictable growth engine, not just exposure

    Ritchie also breaks down his Brand→Stage™ Speaking Engine, showing how leaders can turn one powerful talk into real opportunities, clients, and influence — even in an AI-heavy world.

    If you’re scaling, leading, or carrying more than your body can sustain… this conversation may change how you operate forever.

    🎧 Listen now and learn how to upgrade your operating system — without burning out.

    For the high-achieving woman who’s tired ofchoosing between her career her health and home: I open a small handful ofprivate 1:1 spots a few times a year. If you’re done with car naps, brain fog,and “pushing through,” click here to apply. I’ll personally review your caseand we’ll see if working together is the perfect fit. Applyfor 1:1 coaching

    For HR, People Ops, and leaders building smarterworkplaces: I run a limited number of corporate pilots each year focused onautoimmune and chronic-illness wellbeing (no extra headcount required). Want tocut presenteeism, boost retention of your top female talent, and lead the wayin energy-efficient teams? Click hereto book a short strategy call.

    Subscribeto the Stronger Than Autoimmune podcast for weekly strategies, realtalk, and actionable advice. Because health is real wealth, and every part ofyour life, including your career which relies on the status. New episodes everyweek: real strategies, zero fluff.

    Listen on [Spotify] | [Apple Podcasts] | [YouTube]

    About the Podcaster: CorporateAutoimmune Consultant | SHRM-SA Board Member | Functional Health Coach(Corporate Wellness + AIP certified) I help high-achieving women withautoimmune conditions reclaim their energy and ambition, and I help companieskeep that talent thriving instead of burning out.

    Health is real wealth, and your career depends on it.Let’s make thriving the rule, not the exception.

    Medical Disclaimer:
    This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does notconstitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare providerregarding your health needs and treatment options.

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      30 mins
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