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It’s official, My MS Podcast is celebrating its one-year anniversary. This milestone marks not just 60 episodes, 8,000 downloads, and listeners in over 30 countries, but also a deeply personal journey through one of the hardest and most rewarding seasons of my life.

In today’s post, I’m reflecting on the lessons I’ve learned over the past year, how this podcast came to life, and the real story behind the mic. If you’ve been here since the beginning, thank you. If you’re new, welcome to a community where we keep it real, support each other, and talk about the lived experience of managing MS day by day.

The Birth of the Podcast

When I launched My MS Podcast in September 2023, I thought it would be a fun and helpful way to share what I’ve learned as a woman living with MS, as well as a nutrition coach certified in the Wahls Protocol. What I didn’t expect was that I’d be launching it during one of the hardest summers of my life.

While juggling personal challenges, I pushed myself to get the podcast off the ground. I told myself to push through. Just “get it done.” But behind the scenes, I was carrying more than I let on.

It was a classic case of trying to keep up when life was asking me to slow down.

Now, a year later, I’m choosing to share the not-so-pretty parts of that story too. Because grace matters. Real life matters. And pretending to have it all together doesn’t help anyone, not me, and not you.

One Year Later: What This Podcast Taught Me

Over the past year, this podcast has become a space where we can talk about everything from food and fatigue to mindset and motivation. It’s not just about tips and tools, it’s about community and connection.

Here are a few things I’ve learned along the way:

1. Grace is Powerful

When we’re managing a chronic illness, grace is not optional. It’s necessary. I’ve learned that pushing through doesn’t always lead to progress, but pausing often does.

2. Your Voice Matters

This podcast has helped me find and use my voice, and I hope it’s helped you use yours too. Whether it’s speaking up at the doctor’s office, setting boundaries, or asking for what you need, advocating for yourself is part of healing.

3. Start Before You’re Ready

The first episode wasn’t perfect. I didn’t have it all figured out. But I started. And that’s what made the difference. You don’t need a perfect plan to make progress, you just need to take the first step.

4. We Are Stronger Together

Hearing from listeners across the world has been the most rewarding part of this journey. You’ve reminded me that I’m not alone, and I hope this podcast does the same for you.

Looking Back on the First 5 Seasons

If you’re new here or want a quick refresher, here’s a look at what we’ve covered so far:

• Season 1: Life after diagnosis, navigating medication, telling family, and managing mindset
• Season 2: How to handle the holidays with MS fatigue and brain fog
• Season 3: Starting fresh with habits, consistency, and mindset shifts
• Season 4: MS and nutrition, including what I eat in a day and how to boost energy
• Season 5: Surviving summer with MS, dairy-free treats, heat hacks, and hydration tips

And now, we’re entering Season 6, where we’ll be talking about MS scares, mindset resets, and staying consistent during the tough seasons.

Why This Anniversary Matters

I almost didn’t celebrate this anniversary. It felt like too much was happening. We moved houses, I had my first MS scare in years, and life got loud and complicated. But that’s exactly why I am celebrating it.

Because I didn’t give up.
Because you showed up.
Because this community is worth celebrating.

And because sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is pause, reflect, and recognize how far we’ve come.

Final Thoughts

I want to leave you with the same reminder I needed to hear:

You don’t have to have it all together to make progress.
You’re allowed to rest.
You’re allowed to change course.
You’re still the same strong, capable, incredible person you were before your diagnosis, and maybe even stronger now.

So whether you’re thriving, struggling, or somewhere in between, I’m so glad you’re here.

Want More Encouragement Like This? Tune into this week’s special episode of My MS Podcast: 🎧 S6E1: Life Update + Celebrating 1 Year of Podcasting and Listen now to My MS Podcast