Discomfort Zone

Checking in from quarantine with a special message. This one is for you, Missy Elliot!

Award-winning filmmaker and journalist Karina Sturm joins the show to talk about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a rare connective tissue disorder she lives with. She opens up about the medical gaslighting she experienced during her long path to diagnosis and how she transitioned from laboratory technician to chronically ill patient to journalist and filmmaker. Karina then talks about her feature-length film, We Are Visible, the challenges she faced while making it, and the false ‘fabricated or induced illness’ (FII) allegations many of her interview subjects experienced. 'We Are Visible' highlights the challenges people living with invisible illnesses face every day, specifically in the context of Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. The film features seven stories including people of all ages (5 - 60 years old), from six different countries with diverse backgrounds, different financial standing who are all differently affected by this invisible condition. They will share their challenges, fights, and fears, but also their achievements, hopes, and triumphs.

My parents returned from their vacation in Cuba on March 7th. A few days later, my dad developed a cough and fever. His symptoms rapidly progressed. Could it be COVID-19?

Meditating at a jungle monastery in Thailand brought me inner stillness. Then Rob showed up.

Chronic pain tore my life apart and brought me and my sister closer together.

I was getting better! I left the house to meet women. It didn’t go well.

Part 1: I was in constant, excruciating pain and spent 22 hours a day in bed. I never could’ve imagined that someone else's life would fall into my hands.  Part 2: My mom and dad talk about the struggles they have faced as parents of a chronically ill son.

Introducing Discomfort Zone: a show on what it’s like to live with an invisible illness. I explore how I became ill, the daily realities I currently face, and the uncertain road that lies ahead. This podcast stars myself, my family, and friends.